Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1880-01-03
a Agricultural.

There is no industrial pursuit 30 free
from vicious contamination, in all its
relations and tendencies, As agriculture.
None which, if properly conducted, re-
quireS closer observation of natural facts,
more rigid analysis of causes and effects,
or the exercises of higher powers of gene
ralization; none better calculated to i'm
press on man the duties Of this life, and
lift him to the habitual contemplation of
another.
Farmers do not sufficiently value their
calling, or properly appreciate it. 1t is
intimately connected with the business
and pleasures of life, as well as with
mans intellectual and moral improve
ment. From the earth, man derives his
supplies; without its products he could
not live. These products are the
fruits of cultivation. The commerce of
the country, for more than three-fOurths
of the objects about which it is con-
cerned, is dependent upon agricultural.
1t is the source of our wealth; and it in
wolves the comforts, the happiness, and
the welfare Of our people.
And what happy life, where one is
satisfied with the reasonable gains of
wholesome industry united with sys-
tematic frngality. The former does not
experience dazzling expectations or sud-
den accumulatiOns. He does not with
other spectators crowd around the
mountain, struggling up its ascent, heed
lcssly thrusting down, if necessary to
his success, all who stand in his way, as
if its glittering SUBMITS and its brilliant
glaciers were of solid gold. No, he is
withdrawn from such hazardous things.
He is engaged in a pursuit which is sure
to bring with it, reasonable competence
and the satisfactiOns of conscience and
one which ut the same time presents the
widest room for the cultivation of the
domestic affections, and the quiet of
delicious pleasures of this true phIoso-
ply of life. Off in the country, spec
ulation may look pretty, very, to tire
farmer. Did he ever ask himself, does it
have substantial being; does it not
represent that which does not exist
The sensible farmer can sec that il
resembles the autumn fog which gathers
on the river bank, rejecting, as the
streaks of light dart up in the eastern
horiSon, numberlcss beautiful colors and
waving forms, and transferring the
spreading valley into an inland sea.
But alas, i'm few hours it is scattered
where?- In farming he is helping to
build up Georgia, is making shelter, food
and clothing for her people, or that by
which these may be prevented or pro
duced, such as lands, houses, seeds
manures, and tools, and labor, by which
these are made productive Of the neces
saries and comforts of life.
True, that every farmer cannot bt
rich. The castles of many may be log
cabin, and the pine torch does not gilt
ter over FURNISHED mirrors in his room
yet sleep will fall sweetly OH his wear,
eyelids in his hOmely habitation, MOI
will chances of bargains disturb his con
science, or bctray his integrity nor vii
his dreams Ike broken by changes of for
cign markets, the rise and fall of fancy
stocks, bank cOntractiOns and expan
sions, or notes payable and discount.
curtailed.
| GcOrgia's agriculture should be pro
tected and stimulated by her state gov
crnment. 1t should see that horticul
ture finds favor with the farmers; tina
fruit trees and flowers surround ever,
rural home; that the rearings of fine do
nestle animals Occupy more general ut
tention that the intellectual part of ag
4 riculture be increased, Just as toll il
proportion is being diminished. The far
mer should he stimulated to be gcolO
gist, a chemist and bOtanist, 40 tina
his business may be more prosperous
his manner improved, his taste refined
his intellect elevated and his social char
acter benefited.