Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1875-05-29
AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS.

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As far as we have been informed
Agricultural Colleges have disappoint-
ed public expectation, because the cd
acation they impart better fits the pu-
nil for some other profession thanthat
.f a farmer. We ascribe the DISPOSE
ZION TO become lawyers and physicians,
not so much to the branches of study
pursued, as to neglect, on the part OF
professors, to inculcate the dignity OF
labor, the vital importance of agrlcul-
ture aud prediction for country
fife. They are not sufficiently i'm
pressed with the fact that farming Is
the most independent of all vacations,
besides affording more comfort, at less
cost, and giving, by its very nature
ampler security for happiness, by re-
moving those who pursue IT farther
from temptations to vicious pleasures
and inclining ihem to the most de
lightful and purifying of all studies
the book Of nature. The upturnec
soil upon which he trcads, who follows
the pillow. presents material for pro-
found investigation and ennobline
thought; the resurrection and growth
of the seeds he burie, open anothe,
chapter of the volume, and the fibrou>
roots of those seeds make their silent
appeal to the farmer for the food best
adapted to the sustenance ofthe plant,
which IT is their business to feed.
The best education in the Interest
Of agriculture, whether impaired b.
college, free school or home training
is that which instils into the mind anu
heart of the pupil an interest 10 tn,
study of nature and desire to inves
tIgate the causes of the effects which
are everywhere present to his eye,
But instead Of infusihg this spirit into
the rising generation of farmers, al.
the circumstances surrounding them.
at home. aud opinion abroad, teach
them that labor is drudgery and the
cultivation of the soil the province o!
ignorance and muscle. 1t is not 4"
be wondered at, then, that tho sons OF
farmers, educated 10 High Schools side
by side, with the sons Of wealth prone
to look upon labor as u degradation,
should look upon farmers as an inferi-
or class. and become ambitious to en-
ter professional life, as a means
elevating themselves above the voca-
ton of their fathers. Hence the com.
plant that those educated in Agrieul-
tural Colleges, pass therefrom into
other pursuits than the one for which
they are nominally trained.
There is no branch of knowledge
literary or scientific. that will not adorn
the farmer and add dignity and in
creased utility TO his efforts to dcvelope
agriculture; but the one thing needed in
the training of farmers, sons, whether
In high or free schools, is teachers who
are competent to indoctrinate them
with proper appreciation Of the dig
nifty of labor, the incalculable' import.
ance Of agriculture, as the life blood
of every branch of commerce and
trade and the sole support Of human
existence. If this point be attained
pride of profession will take the place
of repugnance to the misCalled drudg-
cry and humility of the farmers voca-
ton. Then will follow that needed
revolution which is destined to exalt
agriculture above all other pursuits
and, by the same agencies, elevate the
moral, social and intellectual charac-
ter Of man, impart integrity to the ad-
ministration of the government and
build up the financial prosperity OF
the country on a firm and reliable
basis. To accomplish these grand re-
suits should be the mission of the Pa
irons of Hushandry. tits of the first
importance, therefore, that every step
taken by the Order, should be in the
interest of education, embracing in Its
scope all knowledge essential to the
development of agriculture to its high
est condition of yield and profit aud
honorable status among the noblest
pursuits Of business life. Nor is it
necessary to the accomplishment of
this great purpose, that every farmer
shall be cOllege-bred. A scientific ag-
riculturist. here and there. will en-
tighten all around him; still sound,
practical education is a necessity for
all, and with it the field of knowledge
is free to all who seek teach one
possessing key to the gate.