Page:The education of the farmer.djvu/13

 of which implies an accurate knowledge of Chemistry and of the general principles of Natural Philosophy. The constitution of the soil, the varieties of strata, are taught by Mineralogy and Geology. Draining, in its present advanced state, depends on the laws of Hydrostatics. The economy of farm-labour requires the skilful application of the laws of Mechanics. These are all matters of fact, plain, broad, and palpable, entering into the simplest arrangements of a well-conducted farm. But if we go on to more delicate subjects, how much is the produce of the farm affected by the principles of Heat and Light, perhaps of Electricity, by the complicated agencies of climate included in the province of Meteorology! To the subjects already named must be added the diseases of vegetables and animals, and the intricate questions involved in the art of high breeding. In addition to what belongs to agriculture as a food-producing art, the farmer requires knowledge of the principles which affect the rates of wages, profits, rents, principles taught by Political Economy, but having a most important bearing on the question, "Will it pay?"

Here then is a prospect for the poor lad at the commencement of his school life; that successful agriculture depends on natural philosophy, chemistry, physiology, meteorology, pathology, political economy, and a few other sciences.

The bare enumeration of these subjects is conclusive. The boy's studies must have some limit. It is, therefore, plain that he cannot master all the sciences on which his art depends. We must, then, find some other mode of education.

First let us dissipate this alarm about the sciences, as affecting the mere question of profit in business. The farmer will be able to deal with science as he deals with his tradesman, or his lawyer, or his doctor. Either he will be able to buy ready made the articles he wants (manures for instance), when he wants them, and as he wants them, and judge by the result how they agree with his land; or he must call in his professional chemist or mechanic, give him a fee and trust to his advice; taking good care in his dealings to apply to respectable and upright men, and to keep clear of quacks of all kinds.

One advantage of a dense population is the manifold division of labour; scientific discoveries are quickly turned to account by ingenious inventors; capital is forthcoming to supply any demand; and new inventions, by means of advertising and agencies, are soon spread over the whole surface of the country. What the farmer wants in his business, is a sound, healthy, and,