Year: 1870

for its developementn Yet, not


withstanding all that science and
improved mechanism has done to
make agriculture pleasant and
remunerative employment, it is
not to be denied that there is
growing ;ndisposition to engage
in the business of cultivating the
soil, on the part OF our native-born
population. Every succeeding
generation OF our people seems
more inclined, than its predeces-
sors, to ignore the quiet and stur-
dy independence OF rural life, and
to concentrate itself and its busi-
ness energies in our great COM
mercial and manufacturing centres.
In fact, all classes seem TO be pos
sessed Of tho singular idea that
the acknowledged genius of the
American people, their superior
education and intelligence, h
fitted them for higher miss 3n
than the primitive one Of till ag
the coil. They persist in look :
down upon this most import as
of all branches of productivslino SIS
try, which is the basis of all ia.
terial wealth, as mere phys al
drudgery, in which muscle aae
Drawn only ere required. T


forget that the present 0ay,
brains are also an essential element
of success ir agriculture, and that
the progress of scientific discovery
and mechanical inventions have
elevated husbandry to the rank Of
liberal art But the consequen


ces of pernicious prejudice, adj
ded to the natural desire to amass
wealth suddenly, by some lucky
stroke Of fortune, are seen in the
rapid relative increase of the con-
suming over the producing classes,
and the general overcrowding of
the mercantile and learned profess
sions. in all our large cities, while
millions of acres of our public do
main, advantageously situated in
regard to markets, and open to
gratnitous settlement, remain
wholly undeveloped. Many of
the fruits of the earth are scarce
and high. as compared with other
products, when, in fact, they
ought to be plenty and cheap in
this country, considering the cheap
ness and fertility of it's farming
land, if anywhere upon the face of
the globe.


The hesitancy about entering
upon farming as business, is Q,
in great measure, to the preya
lent idea that it is unprotiab!e


This is delusion. The gains ci
the prudent, practical farmer
generally certain, il slow, TaeR
the occupation of the farmer IS
not half so exhausting as MAY
others with which young men are
enamored. The vocations Of trade
require a continuous toll, and at
the same time are more wearing
upon the mind. They are, more
over, uncertain and harassing.
There is a constant friction of
miaa which exhausts vitality ten
times as fast as do agriculture pur-
suits So OF the professions. The
farmer has open to him the means
of hest fulfilling life's ends, in a
matter entirely natural, and 1T
seems strange that country-bred
young men have so strong an aver
sion to agricultural pursuits. No
people can attain the highest civ
iIization where labor is regarded
as dishonorable, and we hope to
see the prevalent aversion to 1t,
overcome. Mr.. Greeley's advice
to young men in cities, who are
striving to live without work, or
without performing any part In
the theatre Of life which they are
fitted to fill, to 60 West where
sure competence awaits industry,
is often deriied-yet it contains a
vast deal of sound philosophy and
might be needed with profit.