The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1865-03-25

0oO0 :
Several friends Of agricultural and horti-
cultural education have recently been con-
verstng on the subject which heads this ar
ticle. Twill present myown reflections on
the subject, and although they may be
crude, may be connected or put into prop
or shape by wise heads. must say that I
am 10 favor Of attempting such depart
mont, and for the present will give you
some probable outlines. 1s5 at3
Aud In the FIRST place, already the princi-
pal elementary principles towards . good
education for farmers are taught in the coll
lege, as comprised in the following list of
studies. IS Cheu!stry, Botany, Zoology.
Mineralogy and Geology.
Chemistry treats on the elementary pFin.
ctples comprising the component parts Of
all material substances. luI
Botany refers to what ID called the veget-
able kingdom, comprising all plants Of ev-
cry sort, and it therefore concerns agricul-
ture and horticulture in an eminent de.
gree. yea ges
Zoology respects the animal kingdom,
comprising what pertains to birds, beasts,
fishes, fowl, reptiles, &c. ias
Mineralo9y treats ON the different miner
ais, which, OF course, concerns the culture
Of the earth. ns
Geology comprises the wonders Of the
earth. and therefore il concerned with the
various substances comprising our globe.
Thus these sciences form the basis Of a
good education to those who cultivate the
soil. "a 81 5a,s ae-sa ae
With these fundamental principle we
would associate lectures on the various
branches Of agriculture, such AZ sheep,
horses, cattle, hogs, &C.; also on the grass
es. the grains, the soil, culture, &c.
Then in our view we would cOn6ne the
agricultural term to the winter season, say
from November to April, so as to include
q mi fNa + - }
This would leave the farmer boys at
home on their farms about eight months in
the year, and by this means they would
connect theory with practice. This course
would not wean them from the love of the
farm, az IL often the case with those who
take college course, while at the same
time they would have much leisure in APP
plying the science Of principles to their la
Dor application while performing the du-
ties Of the field. }
Besides, they have access to such classes
in the college and preparatory courses as
would improve their minds and qualify
them for performing their duties to their
fellow citizens as members Of Congress,
Legislatures and other positions in society
Of great value to the public and to them
selves. a. $50
In conversation with others, it has been
talked Of, In connection with endowing the
University, to make up $4,000 toward en-
downing the agricultural chair. 90 as to
make provision for more thorough edu
cation to the farming community.
There have been agricultural colleges or.
gained, but as far ~ we can learn they
have given no effective impulse to the farm.
ing community. Those generally who are
several years at any college lose their rel.
ish for farming, and attempt the learned
professions, 40 they are called. BY spend.
ing the winter at the agricultural college,
and the remainder Of the year on the farm
they would thus be practical as we'll as the
.oretical farmers.
Farmers should be as we'll educated as
any other class of men, and from them
could be drawn our best for
public lite. Many of them might take q
regular course of elementary law without
ever becoming practitioners at the bar,
while every part OF social life could be bett
ter filled by q better education of the bone
mechanics have been called.
I confess that while I have, I trust, due
regard for the learned professions. my
tastes lead me to give the preference to hof-
ticulture and agriculture. Will therefore
write some articles for the columns of the
Hank Eye, and thus stir up apnore compe-
tent hands to discussthe subjects in this de-
partment with due consideration. Throw
out these thoughts now, hoping that we
shall hear from such able pens AZ the
Messrs. Avery and other such, in view Of
stirring up the farmers to strive after
more enlightened and profitable mode of
culture. CHARLES ELLIoTT.
Iowa WESLEYAN UNIvEsITY, March II,
1865. sa3