The patron of husbandry. (Columbus, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-10-25
FROM THE MASTER OF THE
TENNESSEE STATE GRANGE.

ter OF w Ortny MdSteI I1dIWSH 10 TIC
Dirieo Rural, Bangor, Maine:
The Rural presents no feature with
which we are better pleased, than its adj
vocacy of higher standard of intelligence
for the farm And this recognition of one
of the great wants of our class-a more
general and practical acquaintance with
the principles of agriculture as science
gives it especial value to the southern
farmer, for an exhaustive and reckless
system has too long characterized our Sec
ton, impoverishing our lands, our farm
ers, and bringing our time-honored and
| important occupation into discredit.
Since the organization of the Patrons
| of Husbandry, more thought has been
given to the condition and interest of ag
riculture than heretofore, and careful in
quiry according to Grange methods, is
rapidly discovering the causes which have
produced the general depression in our
great industry, and one of the most obvi-
Gus is that to which we have just referred
the want of a more general and practi-
cal knowledge of the principles of agri-
culture.
The practical operation of the excellent
plans of the Order for promoting the
growth in useful knowledge Of those en-
gagged in the active duties of life, has de
veloped the importance oflaying the foun-
daton for an agricultural education in the
common schools of the country-a neces-
sity, indeed, that is as urgent as it is true
that our success as farmers is in proper
ton to the intelligence that directs our
| labors. 1t was this conviction which led
the National Grange, at its last session, to
adopt a resolution recommending the Pa
irons in the several States, to secure by
legislation the introduction of the study
of the elementary principles of agriculture
into the common schools, and make it a
part of the education of those who attend
them. The Grange hope of success, in its
comprehensive sense, is founded upon the
pract;cability of its plans,-plans for pro-
noting the growth of the farmer in prac
teal knowledge-and his indifference to
anything like literary effort has proved a
serious obstacle, and the entire absence
of thought and investigation, illustrates
the importance of planting in the young
mind, at least, an elementary knowledge
of the principles which underlie the pur-
suit of life time, and thus furnishing
food for thought in connection with the
practical duties of life. Indeed, the demand
of the age is for skill, science and wise
economy, in conducting the operations of
the farm, and method of instruction that
will reach the masses of the people The
college, for obvious reasons, is beyond
their reach; to the public schools we must
look for solution of the difficulty. They
do not present collegiate advantages, it is
true, but they may go far towards meeting
the demand for better and more practi-
cal education for the farm, aid the knowl-
| nHr 1,,+ No., 1-s1
juster comprehension of the value of i'm
proved methods and will tend to inspire
a more general interest in the agricultural
literature of the country, which will give
an impetus to the growth of our agricul-
tural colleges, which are languishing, be-
cause agricultural education is at so low
ah ebb among farmers,
L feel deep interest in this subject, be-
cause | think the National Grange rec
ommends the only method by which the
masses may be instructed in the princ
pies of agricultural science, and by which
the foundation may be laid for that i'm
proved and intelligent agriculture, which
not only is within the possibilities of our
people, but which the best interest of
1 every class, and the ends of good govern
ment so imperatively demand.
The question of the practical education
of the young, has received from the
Grange new impetus in this practical
education, as applied to the farm, land it is
astonishing how rapidly this idea has ex-
tended itself in our country in the last few
years, though ''the study of the elemental
ry principles of agriculture has already
been introduced into the public schools OF
those nations at Europe which are most
advanced in their methods of teaching.
The general assembly of the State OF
tennessee at its last session pissed an act
equlpplng the public schools for this work
and authorized the Superintendent of pub
lie instruction, and the Commissioner OF
Agriculture to procure the necessary text
books and the practacabilty oflay;ng the
foundation for an agricultural education
IN the public schools will be tested
Now, If the Dirigo Rural and other
Leading agricultural and Grange journals
will give this subject the attention it mer.
! Its, IN connection with other means of pro-
noting better education for the farm.
It's success will be no longer problemati.
cal. The idea is new to us. and expert.
ence may be needed to perfect the system
but the Importance of an industry. that is
the basis of all wealth and of all substan-
tial prosperity. demands the active use OF
our hands and our minds to secure its
prosperity.
cannot close without bidding the Ru.
raj "god-speed'' in promoting that in
tell1gence among farmers, that will give q
wise direction to their farm labors. and
a more enlightened discharge of their du
ties as citizens. in advancing the interests
OF society and the ends of government
[. B. HARwELL. q
The objects of the Grange are thus
tersely expressed:
First-The ennoblement of labor. and
| &c ~,