Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-04-29
agricultural.
This Department Is conducted by
Hon. J. W. Colhurn and Hon. John Gregory.
Agricultural Education.


to the practical farmer is awakening yer
deep interest throughout this country. Tn
crops we raise fall far below those raised il
England and Scotland and the inquiry is offer
made why this difference The answer is,
more correct method of farming is pursue,
there than here analysis Of soils, which show
the farmer what he needs in the way of ma
nure for the crops to be grown, as well as tn,
crops best suited to his land a careful atten
ton to rotation Of crops best calculated t
conduce to the interests of the farmer thor
ough and systematic draining where needed
all receive there, as they deserve, considera.
ton; and the results are greatly in their ia.
yor-although it is true, that even there
much remains to be accomplished. Still il
cannot be doubted that the experiments and
investigations made, have largely contributed
10 their present superiority.
In every pursuit and profession in this
country, except agriculture, schools are in sue
eessful operation. designed to prepare, so far
as education can do it, those who are to en-
gage in them. The farmer, however, has too
long been passed by, as if science had nothing
to offer him in his noble calling. We rejoice
that the time is at hand, when even here, he
shall no longer be without assistance in his
work. A number of Agricultural Colleges
are going into operation in the different States,
aud we cannot doubt that they will result in
great good to the farmer aud mechanic
These institutions should, and probably will,
have farm of liberal extent, embracing as
far as practicable, a great variety of soils,
where various crops could be raised, and ex-
pcriments tested, to ascertain the qualities of
the soil and their adaptation to particular
crops. The farm should be stocked with ev-
cry species of domestic animals from the
highest to the lowest, as well with the inferi- |
or classes or breeds as with the superior, that
the pupil may be practically taught how to
distinguish them, as well as the advantages of
one breed over another, upon the same feed
and under the same treatment The institu-
ton should embrace several departments, as
it undoubtedly will, of which we might no.
tice the following-not, however, going into
full account of what should constitute the
studies and instruction of the institution -
There should be one for scientific instruc-
ton, in which mechanics, mathematics and
other sciences ola physical and practical char
acter should be taught Another for agricul-
ture proper, in which should be taught the
character Of the different soils, their adapta-
ton to certain crops, the most profitable ro-
tation of crops, the best and cheapest method
of fertilizing, of draining, and irrigation; the
best and cheapest methods of preparing the
ground; of putting in cultivating harvesting
and securing crops in all Of which the pu-
pill should take more or less ,corking part.
In connection with this, should be given in
struction in agricultural chemistry and vege-
table physiology, where the pupil is to learn
the component parts of the different varieties
Of soil, and the manures which are likely tc
be used in the best course OF husbandry, tn,
best time and manner of their application
and the component parts of every crop. From
these Investigations, it may be known wha
crop is best adapted to particular soils, anC
what manure will be most beneficial.
The coming generation of farmers, through
the influences resulting from such an institu
tion would be an intelligent, a reading anC
thrifty class of men. Agriculture would ,her
cease to be a mere calling, but would mos
appropriately be denominated a profession
Men educated at such an institution woult
not only be initiated in the arts, mysteries
and beauties of their profession, but would b,
well fitted to take position in all the active
useful and public stations of life by the sid
of those coming from our higher seminarie
of learning, and from the learned professions
We ask our farmers to prepare themselve
to aid and encourage our Agricultural Col
leges' and by placing their sons within thei
influence, lay the foundation for their futur
usefulness and prosperity. JIG.