Richmond Enquirer

RICHMOND, APRIL 6, 1821.

AGRICULTURE.

The liberal and enlightened policy of the state of New York embraces the great subject of Agriculture as well as Internal improvement.—Allied to each other, they both claim a share of the munificence of her Legislature—Whilst the former has been gradually improving from the cupidity and enterprize of individuals, the latter, if not entirely neglected, has been left to private associations, whose means have not been commensurate with the wants of the country.—At length, however, the public attention appears to be roused; and we may, justly, anticipate important and lasting benefits from the direction which it has taken.—Most of the states, and especially those in which there existed the greatest necessity for it, have set seriously to work in opening new channels of communication among themselves and with their neighbours.—In our last No, we adverted to the recent appropriation by the legislature of Pennsylvania, of $227,180 to this great object.—The same zealous spirit is manifesting itself in other directions.—But New York seems to be the only state, in which the legislature have taken much interest in the improvement of Agriculture. They have established by law, a "BOARD OF AGRICULTURE," and besides appropriating twenty thousand dollars towards its general objects, directs that 1500 copies of the annual volume of their proceedings or memoirs, shall be published at the public expense, and distributed by the country societies, among the farmers of the state.—The first volume of this work, containing miscellaneous essays and papers, has made its appearance, and is said to be an interesting compilation.

As one society would be too large and unwieldy in a great state, the multiplication of smaller ones must ensure greater punctuality in the attendance of members at general meetings, and excite more of the public attention, as well as draw forth more essays, &c. Without some general board to concentrate all the information which the country societies may procure, and to excite and sustain their zeal, their efforts would probably be short-lived: and, consequently, less beneficial to the community.

Perhaps, the experiment of New York will recommend itself to the adoption of other states.—In Virginia we should wish to see something more effected by private associations singly or combined with facilities offered by the public. Agriculture is the great and primary interest of the American States. All other interests grow out of it, and feed upon it.—Should not something then be awarded to its importance? We protest against bounties, premiums, and monopolies, and, especially, when they "tax the many, for the benefit of the few"—We cannot consent that any thing in the way of premium, whether you call it duty or bounty, should be taken from the Ploughman, and given to the Weaver, merely because the latter is American, Yet we think that facilities may, with propriety, be afforded,—But Agriculture and Internal Improvement do not fall within the constitutional scope of congressional power.—They are local subjects belonging exclusively to the States,

Our agriculture has been long neglected, and is now labouring under embarrassments almost unexampled in the history of the country, its products command prices which are comparatively inconsiderable. But the planters and farmers should not be disheartened—They should avail themselves of this period to improve their estates, and be prepared, when times shall grow better, to reap those advantages which must be enjoyed by the prudent and discreet, Those who are out of debt, will see the propriety of adopting that system of Husbandry, which, although it be attended with small profits for the present, promises an ample remuneration, in future.