Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1868-07-31

SOmoGlQ6S QeQOm1QaCeO large farmers,
sometimes planters. To this class we are
chiefly indebted for whatever knowl-
edge we have of experiments, with COM
mercial fertilizers, for ascertaining the best
mechanical preparation of the soil for diff
ferent crops, and also the best means with
which to arrive at that preparation. They
have been the pioneers in all our agricul-
tural Improvement, whether viewed in re-
gard to tho Introduction of better modes
of tillage, machinery and tools, or in refer
ence to the results of varied preparation
and applications of the different fertilizers
hitherto in use.
But of all these classes, none but the
farmer proper bad acquired the art manual
and the physical endurance necessary in
raising crop. And to this cause we may
attribute, in a very large measure, our
large retrogreSSlOn instead OF progression
in the annual products in the States where,
until recently, slavery existed. All these
indirect farmers understood the simple
theory, and many of them had limited
governmental acquaintance with the man
ual labor necessary to raise the different
crops peculiar to the Southern States
But their experience was of that transient
and intermittent character which, accord
ing to circumstances, made them more OF
less efficient directors in the management
of farm, but when the Importance of
which is no SO largely felt, that steady toll,
that unremitting care and attention indis-
pensable in the entire process Of rearing and
harvesting crops, rushed upon the minds of
our people, as an unavoidable necessity, or
that in this failure they must turn their
talents and means to some other useful ac-
count, in order to secure subsistence.
What was the result In this crisis of our
IN
this audience what, to greater or less ex-
tent, each one Of you must have noted.
Almost every one, who did not b-lnng to
the Class of farmers proper, that uld find
any possible aveule OF retreat, recOlleu
from this new prospect unfOlded 10 lis
view. Sumo launched forth in CONNER
cial, some III mercantile, some In manufac
turing, and others IN other enterprises,
and still a vast host of others sought al d
many entered into subordinate positions III
the varied pursuits of life, rather than
boldly and manfully graphing with the
difficulties here presented, by Selling and
guiding the pillow, the harrow, hoe, spade,
shovel, or any implement adapted to the
end required stirring the bosom of old
mother earth, and causing her to yield
sutficiency if not a profusion of her pre-
ciOus fruits, without which mankind must
relapse into starvation, wandering herds
man, and such barbarians as are willing to
exc out their subsistence upon the spon-
taneous offerings Of unaided nature.
In my judgment the foregoing are promi-
nent among the causes defantly confront
ing and harrassing every rebel farmer. He
has surrendered to his political adversaries,
but he need not, therefore, give up the
ghost entirely. Are there not other need
full and useful channels into which may be
directed his energies and labors ? And
none more manly, honorable, dignifed Or
important than that of tilling the soil, that
it may afford at each return OF harvest time
its generous offerings to make glad the
heart of man and beast
Already the enemies, referred to above,
strengthened by the ftful apparitions OF
have made rapid and fearful
advances within his lines and his strongest
post-the WILL bravely to do--at every
hazard, is often made to tremble in the
scales which must determine the issue
the issue of being or not being Now, to
change the style Of metaphor, the patient
lies extremely i'll before lis, some Of the
more prominent and indicative symptoms
would point the merest tyro to remedies.
not restore, the patient. In this will to
vering, never-fagging, and with frmness
Of purpose that slackens not a single
energy, nor relaxes a single muscle, until
We have arrived at such eminence as shall
bring back to US that mingled sense Of
proud satisfaction and independence of
the source of which the fanaticism of New
England has Wantonly and with malice and
theft aforethought robbed us-in this will,
We must triumph. To justify the crime,
these disciples of old John Brown termed 1t
;he will of Providence.
But, gentlemen, that eminence can be
and even a higher one in many |
respects, holding in reserve for us the same
.ewards, refined and ennobled in the esti-
nation of those occupying the land of
8 great moral IDEAS if not in our own.
Dur people are not so much ID want OF ag-
icultural intelligence, much indeed as this
8 needed, as they are In want OF energy,
@ avail themselves fully OF the knowledge
hey do have. A spasmodlc t1utter OF VI
ality is now and then exhibited IN the
,usy stir of our farmers, aroused by some
fictitious and allurins price, raised by
REGULATORS to a point which the unWary
,annot resist. But the hour of dlsappolnt-
nent comes, whether expected or not, and
s more or less fatal to the hopes, according
o the forethought and Judgment exercised.
These trials with the difficulties before
named. or their ghosts rise up III the farm
RS pathway; he falters if he does not ab-
olutely pause in his career, and who can
the losses of year, consequent
Upon these hesitations and lndecls1ons
We should never fail to provide Tor our
and then we may, with least
azard, raise all that we can of any other
product or products, In which Judgment
dictates to us the highest reward.
Our farmers must be aroused to higher
appreciation of their calling. AS they
value the rewards. so they must honor the
ne4us securing them. In the estimation
0f every high minded, honorable and truly
sensible man, labor must stand In vlrtuous
exaltation. It was the first occupation OF
man. It is the most Indispensable aud
therefore the most impor ant. 1t lies at
he very foundation of an intelligent eN-
stence of all civilization. Without 1t we
must fail to carry out one Of the earliest
mandates of high Heaven, to "replenlsh
5he earth" Morality, patriotism and every
audable ambition to attain to all human
,xcellency, requires of mankind to award
% it the mede of praise, of distinction and
really of praiseworthy eminence. We
want leaders to direct, control and concen-
rate the will of our farmers.
All honor to the New Hanover Agrlcul-