Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1872-06-29


short time since, ON the subject of
crops and dry weather, he said he had
observed that where the land had bees
thoroughly prepared previous TO plant.
ing, the corn though small, had
healthy appearance, whilst under the
opposite circumstances, il presented
very unpromising aspect When far
mcrs begin to take notice Of such i'm.
pOrtant facts, it is an evidence that
they are beginning to reason, to trace
the connection between cause and
effect and TO apply the results TO the
advancement Of their agricultural OPP
cratiOns.
There il no vocation that presents
wider field for observation than
that Of the farmer, nor one that can
derive more material aid from science
The farmer who can analyze his soil
and its productions, knows what the
former lacks for the successful growth
Of his corn, wheat, tobacco, or any
ether crop, and chemistry will tell
him, with equal certainty, what par.
ticular fertilizer will supply the plant
food most needed in each individual
ease, az well az teach him how to pre-
pare, save and apply the manures de
Inanded By the soil he cultivates.
This, and kindred acquisitions, whilst
they tend to the perfection of agricul-
ture, tend no less TO the elevation of
the farmer by adding to his dignity
influence and usefulness. These re-
acting upon his vocation give to ag-
riculture the responsibility which its
Importance demands, and instead Of
being looked upon as q pursuit to be
Stunned by all who aspire to distinc-
ton, ease and gentility, it can thus be
elevated above all other pursuits in
point of dignity, utility, independence,
Influence, morality and happiness
That it is not 50 esteemed now. is the
fault of the farmers themselves who
are prone 10 look upon education as
ot little worth in their vocation and
the time and money Necessary for its
acquisition as 40 much clear loss
Thus comparative ignorance has been
transmitted from generation TO gene
ration, and the Flooding industry and
unreasOnlng routine of the father be
comes the intellectual inheritance of
the son, SO far at least, as mind is
brought to bear upon the operation,
ofthe farm Under this state ofthing.
it ia not surprising that young men
prefer the slow starvation of the prC
trs'lon', the excitement and hazard,
of mercantile Spcculations to the dull
monotony, hopeless urliocr,ty and
coasclc's toll incident II a system OF
agriculture which hrings little honor
or profit merely because those VIII,
pursue il do not appreciate its dignit,
and Importance ana therefore, feel II,
ambition 10 elevate it 10 the foremos
rank Of human pursuits and them
selves to the cnyiahle rank of enlight
cncd bcnctactors of the human race.
if the public mind could be impress
Scl with the conviction that the ac
QUESTION Of scientific and experiment
tl knowledge is more needed in tn
successful cultivation of the soil thai
in any other pursuit, farmers an,
farming would, at once, experience
the rlcyating influence, the former be
coming cultivated and intellectual
cuuntry!gcntlcmcn, their farms model
of thrift and their vocations the mos
honorable and honurcd OF all Tia
pursuits of men Under such popu
lar conviction, colleges will be rcquir
ed to teach not only such things a
tend TO elevate the character of man
but such ~ will equally tend to tn
scientific development of agriculture
the basis Of all wealth, prospcrit
and comfort and as such be cstecmcr
the noblest of all callings.