The Thibodaux sentinel. (Thibodaux, La.) 1905-1912, 1910-01-08
The
Importance
Agriculture
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Few people realize the fact that
agriculture is the most important oc-
cupation, as regards the welfare OF
mankind and the prosperity of ma
tons. All must be fed before they
are in a condition to prosecute their
various callings, and are dependent
upon the agriculturist in the first
place for their food supply and for
the abundance Of it's production. 1t
has been we'll said that che, is a
benefactor to his race who causes
two blades of grass to grow where
one has grown before" If we make
agriculture a generic term, we shall
include in it all the branches of cul-
ture, namely: Horticulture, the care,
knowledge and cultivation of plants,
pomology, Of fruits; forestry, Of
trees; and Horticulture Of flowers. In
one sense, they are all separate SCI
ences, but in another they are only
branches Of the same, because they
are governed by the same basic rules
which must be obeyed to secure sue
cess. and as we might say the farm
er is an extensive gardener, and the
gardener, an intensive farmer. They
are all equally important to the well
fare and comfort, nay, the very ex-
istence of the community. Let US
imagine, for the sake Of illustration,
that the raising of crops, cattle, milk,
fruit and vegetables, all on the world
should cease entirely for one year.
The cessation of any other industry
that could be named, or indeed of all
the industries, would not have so
disastrous an effect on the human
race.
History teaches us that ancient ma,
lions attached due Importance to agri-
culture. The riches of the Israel
ties were their numerous f1ocks and
herds. The Egyptians were good
wheat raisers, for there always SEEM
ed to be corn in Egypt We read
Of the famous hanging gardens of
the Babylonians. The Greeks had
gods and goddesses whom they sup
posed had influence over their crops
and cattle. The Romans practiced
all the branches OF agriculture on
most extensive scale, to minister both
to the necessities and luxuries of
their people, and made grants of
land and farm materials to their
victorious warriors.
Modern nations which are the most
civilized and progressive encourage
agriculture, as of the utmost import
ance to their prosperity and happi-
ness, and it has now been In many
instances elevated to the rank of a
scientific calling. We have schools.
colleges, bureaus and experiment
farms, with their stats Of learned
professors, who not only impart in
struction to students Who attend the
classes, but publish bulletins explain
atory Of their work and its results,
which are distributed either gratis
or for nominal price to all appli-
cants. Then the agricultural press
has become powerful medium for
the dissemination of agricultural and
horticultural information.
There was time when the name
farmer was by-word among dwell
lers in cities, but this has all passed
away. The appliance Of machinery
to agriculture has helped to raise it
in Importance. It has done away
in great measure with the slavery
of farming and gardening, and given
opportunity to do the work more
promptly and rapidly
Competitive exhibitors, when con-
Quoted as they should be, without
the introduction Of degrading and
demoralizing side shows to draw
crowds, have been great factors in
the progress of agriculture and have
also tended to make 1t popular with
the public. Farmers Institutes,
Oranges and Clubs have also been
productive of much good, because
they are not only the means of ex-
change of experience, but also min
lister to the social needs by bringing
the members together.
In view of these conditions, there
seems to be good encouragement for
young men to make agriculture in
some of it's branches their life work.
There is none which is so conductive
to health and longevity. According
to recent statistics, the farmers life
average is far longer than that of
ordinary jewellers in towns. Again
he has the best chance to enjoy do.
nestle pleasures. His work Is at
home, his wife is his advisory as
sistant, and, If they have a family.
the children will be Immediately I'm.
der their care. and will receive and
enjoy object lessons on the farm
which city children cannot enjoy -ex-
cept occasionally. Children we
brought up will prove the best crop
on the farm. We cannot all be farm
ers, but many may; and If they will
pay attention to their work: study |
the best methods and make prac-
teal use of their knowledge, they |
will succeed. Putting his trust in
and helping himself, al
though he may not become a mil i
lionaire farmer can become a pa.
triot and philanthropist which is bet |
ter, because it will have achieved his |
success out of his brain and muscle, |
and not out of the necessities Of |
his fellow men.-W. R. G., in the
Indiana Farmer.