Richmond Enquirer

TO THE EDITORS OF THE ENQUIRER.

In inviting your attention, and that of the public to the agriculture of Virginia, I offer no apology other than the assurances of the very deep interest, which I (in common with others,) feel in the subject. Among the great diversity of topics presented to the human mind, none merits more attention, or is more worthy of a thorough investigation, than Agriculture. No country is better adapted to its study or practice than ours, and surely there is no occupation, which is more in accordance with our free institutions, or more conducive to our permanent happiness.—When we cast our eyes around, and behold the devastation and ruin of large tracts of country, which in "by-gone times" were studded with the majestic oak, or carpeted with luxuriant verdure, we pause and involuntarily enquire of ourselves what has wrought the change. Is it to be attributed to the superficial fertility of our lands, the impolicy of legislation, or to an injudicious system of husbandry? A discriminating and observing mind will very readily answer, and properly ascribe the bulk of our misfortunes to a too long continuance in a reckless, slovenly, unwise system of farming. As a general proposition it will scarcely be doubted, that the flourishing condition of any country, depends either upon its manufactures, commerce, or agriculture.—Let either of these great departments of industry prosper in any country, and you will see the beneficial effects diffused in a greater or less degree, through all the ramifications of society; but point to a country where neither of these is progressively improving, and you will there behold a corresponding languor pervading all the avocations of life. If it is true, that our State is not prosperous at this time, and that the above premises are correct, it would seem to follow as a consequence, that, if we desire to better its condition, we must direct our attention more assiduously, either to agriculture, commerce, or manufactures. Having arrived at this conclusion, when we look to our mixed population, as well as at the character of our staple productions, we would naturally conclude, that the improvement of the State could be more certainly effected by ameliorating its agricultural condition, than by the adoption of either of the other modes just suggested. Judging from recent indications given in your city and elsewhere, we have good reasons for believing, that a new era is approaching, and it is to be hoped, that many a resource will be developed, "which heretofore we thought this State neither had, and probably never was destined to possess. In our career as a community, we have doubtless omitted much, and "left undone those things which we ought to have done," thereby carelessly consigning much to neglect and to ruin, which as good stewards, we should have nurtured, if for no other consideration than purely that of benefitting the Commonwealth. It is evident, that we are hourly becoming more sensible of our situation and of the great importance of making more vigorous efforts in the walks of internal improvement and of agriculture. The time has arrived when our middle-aged citizens should delight more in pointing to other monuments of their fame, than this or that speech or political disquisition, and for every young Virginian to say to himself, I will aid the land of my fathers in surmounting her embarrassments, or we will sink together with her noble pendant nailed to the mast. It may with propriety be said, that the toast given by a distinguished individual, that "Farmers are the liberal supporters of every interest but their own," has remained with us too long uncontradicted. However, I can venture to say, that the laudable efforts of a few individuals in improving the agricultural condition of the State, would enable them conscientiously to repudiate the sentiment. Having hinted this much, I will take the liberty of adverting to one fact—that is, the existence of one agricultural paper in Scottsville, Albemarle county, and the assurance of another being shortly edited in Richmond.—This indicates a disposition, which I am in hopes will soon become general, as I am sure it must be the harbinger of a more flourishing period, and if cherished and sustained by our citizens, must greatly enhance their condition, and make the "wilderness blossom as the rose." To urge reasons why the intelligent should patronize our agricultural papers, or to exhort the other portions of society to imitate the example set by their countrymen to the North, as well as by the inhabitants of Europe, may be esteemed presumption by the one and dictation by the other. But whatever opinions may be entertained on those points, I am sure that nothing would be more gratifying to a few (and perhaps many) individuals, than to see our intelligent citizens light the torch and lead the way. No one need doubt, but that the substantial yeomanry of our land would follow their example, and profit by their sagacity. The press, since its dawn in this hemisphere, has illuminated our horizon, and enabled us to make colossal strides, whether in science, in government, or in the arts. It is in fact nearly omnipotent—and there is no good reason to doubt, why it should not be as serviceable when made to stoop to the retired cottage, to amuse and enlighten its humble inmates, as when it ascends to more exalted regions. In concluding this suggestion relative to agricultural papers, I will only add, that "Knowledge is power," and that it matters not whether we acquire it by following the husbandman through his fields, or from the columns of a paper. "What but mind, enlightened and expanded, gives to civilized society the comforts and means of happiness, which is no where found in a savage life? And if the mind is beneficial to labour by its skill and contrivance, the more it is instructed in those laws, which nature has established for the government of matter, and in the experience and improvements of others, the more likely it is to prove beneficial to our physical powers." A BUCKINGHAM FARMER. June 8th, 1833.