The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1898-01-01

icSuitSp. L 40 NISIilldllS COTTCClcu thiS
evil In their monetary system by com
polling every planter to burn a certain
portion of his stock" Before the close
Of the provincial period two hundred
large vessels We're required to carry the
annual product Of Virginia alone to the
old world.
A bag of Madagascar rice given by
the captain Of q brlgantine that had an
chored in distress off Sullivan's Island,
furnished the seed for the future har-'
vests of this staple that was to prove so
great source of wealth to South Caro-
lima. The culture of rice soon made 1t
the home of wealthy planters and in
creased the number of slaves.
In the north the great staples were
Indian corn, wheat, rye, etc. The
methods of agriculture In New England
were exceedingly primitive and rude.
In the change that was gradually made
for the better the name and services of
Rev. Jared Elliot stand foremost This
remarkable man, the grandson of Elliot
the apostle to the Indians, was pastor of
the Congregational church in Killing
worth, now Clinton, from 1709-63. Not
withstanding he had so many irons In
the fire his work as a minister was per-
formed with zeal and faithfulness.
During a period Of forty years he did
not fail to preach every Sunday.
Blessed, however, with q rugged and
iron constitution, he was enabled by
prodigious industry to give free play to
the activities of a very versatile mind.
AS physician, farmer, botanist and
mineralogist he gained a reputation
that was recognized not only in the
colonies but abroad. In colonial days
portion of land was set apart for the
use of the minister, so that farming, on
larger or smaller scale, became rec
ognized part of clerical life. Eliot not
only by his well directed efforts made
this part Of his duties a source of recre-
alton and increasing wealth, SO that in
time he became large land owner, but
he also made 1t a means Of grace and
helpfulness to them. His fields, with
their abundant harvests, were the OBJ
ject lessons that enforced the truth Of
the better methods OF tillage which he
employed. He published little book
on Field Husbandry" that had a wide
circulation. (Franklin.) From it we
get glimpses Of the strange astrological
notions that prevailed even among the
wisest in those days. Trees must be
girdled," he tells us, "in the old Of the
MOON" that day the sun moves out Of
the foot into the head. Brush Is to be
cut when the sun Is in the heart AL
MANAGES even UP to the time Of the rev.
olution gave directions as to the farm
work that should be done according to
the position Of the sun in the zodiac and
the phases of the moon. 1t is interest
ing to note how some OF these supersti-
lions still linger, but they no longer, as
was the case in colonial times, have the
encouragement Of scientists.
Among the early settlers of Connect
cut, a large proportion Of those known
as planters were descended from the
landed gentry of England. In many
cases they traced their ancestry in a
noble line from the time of William the
Conqueror, and 1t Is not strange that
pride Of birth continued to exert a Pc
culiar influence In the social life and
customs OF the colony.
Titles were used sparingly, and with
careful discrimination. Only those who
had possessed landed estates in Eng
land the younger sons of the nobility
and the sons of baronets and knights,
We're addressed In writing with the title
OF Esquire" The more common title
of honor was master" or Mr."
Among those who received this mark Of
distinction were clergymen and plant
ers of good families, and those suffi-
GENTLY well-born who had enjoyed the
advantages Of liberal education. This
appelIation was seldom bestowed upon
young men of whatever rank. "Sir"
- Ia. Js..,s% 11 ,e,1
to designate young gentlemen who were
students In college The sons Of men
like Governor winthrop or Governor
Treat, when at home during their vaca-
lions, would be greeted by old compan-
ions as Sir Winthrop or Sir Treat.
Those who, by force of thrift and
character, won a worthy position in the
community, were called Goodman and
"Goodwife" Military titles were in
high favor, and recognized with becom-
ing Difference. Prior to 1854 the highest
military office in the colony was cap
tain, and John Mason of Pequot fame
was the only one who bore his title.
When in after years he visited the mi
litia of the different towns, bearing the
insignia of his rank as major, he was
"gazed at by the boys and girls of the
settlement with eyes Of wide wonder, as
man to be reverenced, but not ap-
preached" Ecclesiastical titles were
highly esteemed, but the clerical prefix
OF Reverend was not employed in early
colonial times. Ministers We're recog-
nized as Mr.. Pastor, Teacher or Elder.
The legal and medical professions had
but scant recognition in these early
days The doctor picked up what little
knowledge he had from personal asso-
citation and study with an older practi-
toner. His success depended upon his
natural skill and tact in dealing with
people, and wise sympathy in the sug-
gestions and notions of the good house,
wives, who felt that the art Of healing
was part of their domestic duties.
The lawyers Jared hard. No mention
| Is made Of them in the public records of
the times, except in the statute which,
having mentioned rioters, scolds, drunk
ards and other evil-doers. provides that
common barritors, which frequently
| move, stir up and maintain suits of law
| in court or quarrels and parts in the
| country" shall give security for their
| good behavior. or be sent to the COM
mon gaol. 1t was not until late in the
eighteenth century that Connecticut
| lawyers depended upon their profession
alone for a living. During Governor
| Talcott's administration the attention
of the Assembly was called to the fact
| 'sthat MANY persons had taken llno1