Officers of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture, elected January 18, 1820.

President. Richard Peters.

Vice Presidents. William Tilghman, George Logan, James Mease, Robert Coleman.

Treasurer. Edward Burd.

Secretary. Roberts Vaux.

Assistant Secretary. Richard Wistar, Jun.

Committee of Correspondence. Richard Peters, James Mease, Zaccheus Collins, William Tilghman, John Vaughan.

Curators. Isaac C. Jones, James M. Broome, Stephen Duncan, Joseph R. Paxson, Reuben Haines.

At the annual meeting of the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture, held first month 18th, 1820, it was Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of the Society be presented, and they are hereby presented to William Tilghman, for his able and highly valuable Address delivered this day by the appointment of the Society; and that he be requested to furnish a copy for publication.

By order,

Roberts Vaux, Secretary.

An Address delivered before the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture; at its Anniversary Meeting, January 18th, 1820. By William Tilghman, L. L. D.; chief justice of the State of Pennsylvania, and one of the Vice Presidents of the Society.

ADDRESS.

Gentlemen of the Agricultural Society.

When you did me the honour of requesting me to deliver this Address, you did not expect that I should enter into minute details of the process of Agriculture. Such an attempt might expose my own ignorance, but could not add to your information. The object of our Society is the promotion of Agriculture. Whatever conduces to this end, either immediately or even remotely, is worthy of our attention, and within the scope of our Association. In this view of the subject, I perceive so wide a range, that there is less difficulty in finding objects, than in making a proper selection. To call forth the exertions of the Society its zeal must be excited. But zeal is not to be excited, without a conviction of the importance of the cause in which we are engaged. May I be permitted then, to declare my conviction, that amidst the profusion of Societies with which the present age abounds, there is none more useful, or more dignified, than that for the promotion of Agriculture. Indeed, in point of utility, I might justly say that it precedes all others. Because, even if mankind could exist without Agriculture, yet they could exist only in a savage state, and in small numbers. The great command "increase and multiply," could not be obeyed. There could be nothing worthy the name of art, or science, or literature. When I cast my eye on the map of Pennsylvania, and view the vast quantity of excellent land, in the rude state in which nature formed it, I am struck with astonishment at the multitudes which throng our cities, struggling with hunger, cold, and disease. Nor is my wonder confined to the lower orders of society. For I see many of liberal education, and with the means of acquiring a competency in the country, wasting their lives in disgraceful idleness, or fruitless efforts to force their way through the crowds which block up every avenue to profit or preferment. The flood of commerce which set upon our shores during five and twenty years of war and disorder in Europe, has given to our cities a premature growth. In every branch of trade and commerce there are too many competitors. Labourers are too numerous. Every mechanic art, every liberal profession is overdone. Happy would it be for the city, and happy for the country, if any efforts of this Society could inspire a respect, and a taste, for an art in which no man need be ashamed to employ his faculties; for a condition, which after all, seems most congenial to the nature of man. It is a life, to which, at one time or other, we all aspire. For who is there, that amidst the eager pursuit of wealth or ambition, does not sometimes pause, and console himself with the fond, though often fallacious hope, of passing his latter days in the independence, the ease, the plenty, the safety, and the innocence of the country! In Pennsylvania, young men of education would have peculiar advantages in spreading themselves through the country, for it is a fact (and we are every day feeling the effects of it) that in no state in the union, is education so much confined to towns. There are many inhabitants of this city, who hold extensive tracts of land, which neither they nor their children have ever seen. This is a bad state of things. For, through ignorance of the quality, the situation, and value of their lands, these persons are sometimes a prey to speculators, and sometimes, erring on the contrary extreme, they conceive extravagant notions, and refuse to sell at a fair price. Hence Agriculture suffers—either the land remains a desert, or they are occupied by poor intruders, who knowing the instability of their title, are afraid to attempt any valuable improvement. These people, with few exceptions, lead a wretched life, and are apt to imbibe sentiments hostile to the proprietors of the soil, whom they consider as natural enemies. Could the parties but see each other, very different feelings might prevail. A little kindness and condescension on the part of the proprietor, might convert a discontented trespasser, into a useful tenant or purchaser. That this has happened in many instances, I know; which induces me to think, that were the trial made, it would happen in many more. Where large property of this kind, is in the hands of heads of families with several children, one or two of the sons might manage the estate to great advantage, by living on the spot. Agents are expensive, and often unfaithful. But one may confide in his own blood. Besides, the very circumstance of a well educated young man residing in any place, will naturally attract others of similar qualifications, to the same spot; and thus an agreeable society might be formed, and great encouragement afforded to the labouring poor of the neighbourhood. In this kind of policy, the state of New York has set us a good example. And the consequences of her conduct are obvious; a greater proportion of her lands is settled, and her unsettled lands, of equal quality, sell for a higher price than ours. Although the views of our society are not confined to the limits of the state, and our earnest wishes are for the prosperity of the whole, and every part of the union, yet it may be considered as our duty to direct our attention more particularly to Pennsylvania. We cannot be accused then of acting with ungenerous policy, if we endeavour to promote the settlement of our own lands in preference to those of our neighbours. We may, without impropriety, suggest all fair and honourable arguments, to convince the emigrants from the eastern states, and from Europe, that it is their interest to establish themselves here, rather than seek a residence in a distant country, to the west or the south. It is not my intention to enter deeply into this subject. It might be enough, to suggest to the Society, the utility of circulating good pamphlets, which have already been written, or may be written hereafter. But, one or two leading facts it may not be amiss to mention. The rich productions of the south, are not to be attained, but by men of considerable capital. The object is tempting, but when offered to the consideration of emigrants from Europe, or our sister states to the eastward, they will remember that the climate where rice, cotton, tobacco, indigo, and sugar flourish, is generally unfavourable to health; and that these articles are not to be cultivated to advantage, without slaves. They have therefore to engage in a new kind of life, opposed to the habits and principles in which they have been educated, and which, however flattering the outset, will probably terminate in an enfeebled body and discontented mind.

But the great class of emigrants, is that of people who have small capitals, and must seek their bread, by the labour of their own hands. To such persons, health is every thing. The languid eye of sickness dwells without pleasure, on the fairest prospects of nature. In vain is the fertile bottom, or the rich prairie, offered to the arm unnerved by disease. It is a notorious fact, that rich, low, level countries, are subject to fevers. They should therefore be shunned by those who are to live by their own labour. Another great inconvenience in those countries is, that they are badly supplied with water, either for drinking or machinery. If, indeed, the lands in the western region, were extremely cheap, and those in Pennsylvania at a price beyond the reach of a poor man, he must go to the west from necessity. But that is not the case,—our lands are believed to be as low priced, as those beyond the Ohio; and much more so, when there is taken into the calculation (as there ought to be) the expense of the journey. Another important circumstance in our favour, is a much better market for the sale of our productions, and the purchase of necessary articles. This is important at all times, but peculiarly in war, when the Mississippi, the only inlet or outlet of the whole western country, may be blockaded by a hostile fleet.

Let it not be supposed, that the interests of Agriculture and of Commerce are at variance. On the contrary, they are inseparable. Of this the Agriculturists of the United States have had good proof. No persons on earth have profited more by commerce. During the long wars of Europe, the staple productions of the middle states sold at double price, and those of the southern states were very high, both during the war and after. Those prices were produced, in part, by the influx of wealth, which occasioned an increased consumption at home, and in part by exportation to foreign countries, but principally by the latter. Both causes, however, sprang from commerce; and both, as long as commerce exists, will continue to operate in a greater or less degree. Indeed, if we could suppose a nation cut off from all intercourse with other nations, (that is, from all foreign commerce) that nation, though abounding in all the necessaries of life, would be barbarous, selfish, illiteral, and ignorant. Neither let us give way to the idea, that either agriculture, or commerce, are incompatible with domestic manufactures. Unwise laws, may injure either one or the other, by unjust preferences; but under proper regulations, they will aid, and invigorate each other. This is not the place for entering into a disquisition of the degree of encouragement which should be afforded by law, to manufactures. That important subject is before the national legislature, where it will no doubt, receive an impartial and mature consideration. But thus much may be said, with certainty; that it is the duty, as well as the interest, of all of us, to use our own, in preference to foreign manufactures, where they can be furnished on reasonable terms. It cannot be denied, that manufactures afford a sure market, for the productions of the neighbouring country; and as they are multiplied, in the same ratio, are the markets increased. And there is a peculiar advantage in markets of this kind, at a distance from navigable waters; that, the consumption being at home, the expense of carriage is saved. But, there is a kind of manufacture, domestic in the strictest sense, the benefit of which is inestimable, because while it adds to the stock of the family, it protects their morals.—I allude to spinning, weaving, and such things as are done by the hands of the husband, the wife, or the children, without leaving their home. It guards them against idleness, that child of folly, and parent of vice, and is often clear gain, as it occupies those hours which would have been passed in inaction. I am afraid, that in this kind of industry, we have rather degenerated. A very respectable gentleman, a member of the Society of Friends, informed me, that about the year 1764, he attended a meeting, in Chester county, near the borders of Maryland, and that most of his society in that neighbourhood, were clothed completely and handsomely in dress of their own manufacture. Were he to visit that meeting now, I doubt whether he would see his friends in the same kind of apparel. Yet meritorious examples are not wanting, even now, and I hope I shall be excused for mentioning one lately communicated to me. In the western part of Pennsylvania, on this side of the Alleghany river, lives a man, who, ten or twelve years ago, seated himself on a tract of land, to which he had no title, in the humble character of a squatter.[11] This man has converted a wilderness into a fine farm; and, with the assistance of an industrious wife, brought up a large family of children. He raises on his farm all the materials for clothing the family; and whatever they wear, of linen or woollen texture, excellent in their kinds, is spun, woven, and manufactured in the house. They also make their own sugar, from the maple; and their own leather; and purchase (or rather barter for) nothing but iron, and salt. Their farming utensils are chiefly homemade.—But what is more commendable than all (and perhaps the cause of all) very little whiskey or ardent spirits is drunk by any of them. To finish the picture, I have to add, that the proprietor of the land, with views, no less politic than liberal, has confirmed these good people in their title, on moderate terms—so that this little story contains a moral, from which, both settlers, and proprietors, may profit.

It has been apprehended by some, that the late fall in the price of land, and its productions, would damp the ardour of cultivators, and deter men of capital from employing their funds in the purchase of real property. This apprehension appears to be ill founded. If the profits of farming have been diminished, so likewise have the profits of all other business; so that there is no particular reason for withholding funds from an investment in land. We are in a state of distress, which I trust, will be but temporary; for the country has great resources, and sufficient knowledge to bring them into action. A stagnation of commerce was to be expected, on the cessation of the wars in Europe.[12] But this stagnation is not peculiar to America—she shares it in common with all the world—we have indeed, particular distress, arising from our own errors, on the subject of banks. An immoderate issue of bank paper, afforded an unhappy facility of borrowing. The money when borrowed, must be made use of in some way—many of the borrowers, having no good use for it, either trifled it away, in unnecessary expenses, or in the purchase of land, which soon rose, nominally, to twice its value. Such a state of things could not last long—the delusion is past. It is to be lamented, that many good people have been the victims of this infatuation; but we must comfort ourselves with the hope, that some good will result from it, if a cure is not attempted by rash and violent means. As a people, we had become too extravagant and too luxurious. The slow but sure progress of industry was despised. Every man was in haste to be rich, by some visionary project, dignified with the name of speculation. But we are now suffering for these follies, and by suffering, we shall be purified, and brought back to better habits. This will be a lasting good. Instead of desponding then, let us prosecute our business with increased vigour and economy, and we shall soon find, that although we have fewer paper dollars, we have more real wealth, and what is of much greater importance, better morals, and of course more happiness. A large capital is at present locked up, because the owners are in doubt how to employ it. When business shall flow in decided channels, this capital will be brought into activity. It is almost certain, that neither commerce, nor bank stock will be as profitable as they have been; so that there is a strong probability of an investment of a large capital, in real estate, which, after all, possesses a stability unknown to any other kind of property.

But, it is in our own power, to increase the value of our lands by an improved state of Agriculture. Much has been done, but much more remains to be done. Though not at the bottom of the hill, we have not yet ascended half its height. It may be encouraging however to stop for a moment, and take a glance at the progress we have made. Before the war of the revolution, little of science was blended with the art of agriculture—things had gone on in their natural course. The counties first settled, now known by the names of Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, and Bucks, though not rich (except the meadows) were sufficient to yield good crops at first, and tolerable ones for a number of years. But the soil near the surface, composed of vegetable substances accumulated during the lapse of ages, became at length exhausted by repeated tillage without refreshment. Red clover was introduced before the war, but it was produced in small quantities, and almost solely for the purpose of hay. The system of melioration by a rotation of crops, in which grass took its turn, was not understood. Natural meadow was in great demand, and not much hay being produced on the uplands, it was impossible to support during winter, a stock sufficiently large to amass a great quantity of manure. Consequently the crops of grain, and particularly of wheat were much diminished. Indeed, the wheat crops were trifling. Gypsum had been imported, in small quantities before the revolution; but it was very little used, and very little talked of; and that little not to its credit, for an old proverb, said to come from Germany, was brought up against it, "that gypsum made rich fathers, but poor sons." Notwithstanding this prejudice, it was brought into general use, some years after the war, by the persevering efforts of a few, and principally of the President of this Society, to whom future generations will render thanks for this important service. Through the efficacy of this fossil, the face of the country experienced a magic change. The uplands were clothed with rich herbage, to which succeeded plenteous crops of grain. I have not been able to trace with certainty, the progress of the cultivation of clover aided by gypsum, but I believe, that Philadelphia was the centre, from which it spread in all directions. In Chester county, so great were its effects, that (as I heard it proved in the trial of a cause at West Chester,) the price of lands was doubled in a few years. Nor is there any reason to suppose that it was less beneficial in other places.

But as the excess of even a good thing may be pernicious, so may it be with gypsum. That it promotes the growth of many vegetables, and of clover in particular, is certain; though its mode of operation does not seem to be clearly understood. An increased quantity of grass, will support an increased quantity of stock, from which will proceed an increased quantity of manure, and that should be considered as the great end of gypsum. Not that great advantages may not be derived from ploughing in the green clover. But if that is relied on, as the only mode of meliorating the soil, (and in some publications which I have seen, it is asserted to be quite sufficient) we shall probably be disappointed. In Sir John Sinclair's Code of Agriculture, it is said that the practice of ploughing in green vegetables, as a manure, has been tried, in England, and found not to answer; and that more benefit is derived from those crops, when they are consumed by stock, and converted into dung; and Col. John Taylor, (of Caroline county, Virginia) to whose valuable labours the world is so much indebted, is also of opinion, that we ought not to rely on green vegetables only. In the first edition of his Arator, he seemed to think, that nothing more was necessary than clover, but in the second edition, he acknowledged his error, which had been demonstrated by the result of two crops of Indian corn. In 80 acres of land, improved by turning in the grass, without other manure, the crop averaged 25 bushels an acre. But in 200 acres, where the clover was turned in and the ground also manured, the average was 50 bushels. It is probable, indeed, that the ploughing in of clover, may have a greater effect in many parts of the United States, than in England. For, that large crops of grain have been produced by it, is so strongly attested, that it must not be denied. This may be owing to the Superior efficacy of the gypsum, which, no doubt, acts more powerfully here, than generally in England, and therefore produces a greater quantity of clover. But, as it is certain, that the manure of dung, incorporated with putrefied vegetable matter, is more efficacious than simple green vegetables; what I intend, is to exhort our farmers not to trust to the latter alone, nor relax their efforts to collect the former in as great quantities as possible.

Another important circumstance is to be attended to. We are not to expect, that land will continue to produce luxuriant crops of clover, for ever, even when aided by gypsum.—It would be contrary to the order of nature; which delights in change. Our second crop of clover, has, for many years, been of little value, though the cause remains unexplained. A gentleman of veracity, who lives on the Delaware, between eight or ten miles above the city, assured me, that gypsum, which had done wonders for a long time, had at length ceased to have any effect on his land; and that the same was the case of some of his neighbours. I am informed also, that the same remark has been made by farmers in Montgomery county. Now it is not to be supposed, that the gypsum has changed its nature, or lost its virtue.—But the earth, being exhausted of those particles which are favourable to the growth of clover, no longer offers to the gypsum the same matter to act upon. That the matter, necessary for the formation of a particular plant, may be exhausted, while the same earth suffices for the vigorous production of other plants, is proved by daily experience; and is an accordance with the best theory.

In a late English publication, there is an offer of a considerable premium to the person who shall discover a grass which shall be a good substitute for clover, it being understood that clover no longer grew as formerly; and of another premium to the person who shall discover the means of restoring lands, which once bore clover, to a capacity of producing it again. It would, therefore, be wise in us, to look out in time, for some grass, to take the place of clover, when it shall be found no longer to succeed. In the mean time, we may avail ourselves (and it may perhaps be a very long time) of the united efficacy of gypsum and clover.

I said that we had much to do before we attained that degree of perfection which was practicable in agriculture. I presume, that our lands, in their natural state, were full as good as those of England. In England, the average crops of grain of all kinds, on 8,000,000 of acres, are estimated at twenty-four bushels the acre. I take this estimate from Sir John Sinclair, who says, moreover, that in "fertile districts and propitious seasons, from thirty-two to forty bushels of wheat an acre, may be confidently expected; from forty-two to fifty of barley, from fifty-two to sixty-four of oats, and from twenty-eight to thirty-two of beans." The best county in Pennsylvania, is supposed to be Lancaster. The matter cannot be spoken of with any kind of certainty; but, from the best information I have been able to collect, I should doubt whether the wheat crops of the whole county of Lancaster, averaged more than fifteen bushels an acre, though many individual farmers get from twenty to thirty; and some from thirty to forty. But, when we compare the agriculture of two countries, we must take it in large masses. Penn's Valley, in Pennsylvania, is supposed to yield crops of wheat, averaging at least twenty bushels an acre; but that is owing to something peculiar in the climate; for the crops do not ripen in less than two weeks later than in most other parts of the state. The soil in Penn's valley, is limestone, and the water lies very deep.

There is no doubt, however, that the agriculture of Pennsylvania is steadily improving, and is at present actually improved as highly as that of any state in the union. In buildings for agricultural purposes (perhaps too expensive) she is unrivalled; so that without being over sanguine, we may promise ourselves an annual increase of the value of our lands. How this progress may be quickened, is a question which this Society should keep constantly in view.—To devise the means of acceleration, should be their study.—To the first great step towards general improvement, the organization of societies in every part of the state, we have one what was in our power, by petitioning the legislature to take the subject into consideration, and aid the undertaking with necessary funds. Nor is there any reason to doubt of success; for the legislature is always liberal when the general interest demands it. The institution of county societies, with the distribution of premiums, will be a powerful stimulus to the dormant faculties of thousands. The Eastern States, including New York, have already made the experiment with success; and I honour them for the example. Our Society, being situated in the capital, has the best means of correspondence; so that we can reciprocate information on agricultural subjects, with the different societies throughout this, and other states, and with countries beyond the sea. Hence will be collected a stock of knowledge, which being condensed, and methodized, may be offered to the public with great advantage.

A pattern farm is an object we have long had at heart, and it is not to be relinquished. But the time is not come, for carrying our wishes into effect. At present, we have not sufficient funds; and to incur a debt, in our corporate capacity, without the means of payment, would justly dishonour us. But the want of a pattern farm may be in some measure supplied, by the exertions of members of the society, who possess farms within a few miles of the city. Some of them are blessed with ample means, as well as inclination, to give a fair trial to every improvement which can be rationally suggested, either in instruments of husbandry, the application of manures, or the cultivation of new plants, grains, or grasses.

We may render ourselves useful, by collecting and diffusing the information contained in books recently published in Europe or America. In Europe the principal nobility and gentry are paying due honours to Agriculture. Chemistry has been called to her aid, from which important discoveries must result. Earths, minerals, and manures of all kinds are analysed. Philosophy is in the right path. Facts are first ascertained, and then accounted for. The increased power of magnifying glasses, lays open the hidden parts of plants, and minute animals. Hence may be discovered the causes, and consequently the cure, of many disorders by which plants are infested. Already it is asserted, (I vouch not for the truth of it) that the disease in wheat called the smut, is no other than a parasite plant, which adhering to the seed-wheat, grows with it, and may be destroyed by proper applications, before the seed is sown. Perhaps some fortunate observer may let us into the nature of that scourge of Agriculture, known by the name of the Hessian fly, so that we may get rid of it, as we did of the weevil fly, some forty years ago. Such a man would deserve a statue of gold, and I think the farmers would gladly erect it.

Another point of duty, to which we have not been wanting, is the importation of such foreign grains, grasses, and plants, as are suitable to our climate. Of all the grains which now grow in the middle states, I recollect none, but maize, (Indian corn) which is native. Perhaps we have not yet collected all which might be profitably cultivated; and even if we have, a change of seed is of great importance. What wealth has flowed into the southern states, from cotton, which, thirty years ago, was scarce known there! Something new is always turning up, and we should be on the alert, to avail ourselves of it.

The Society has heretofore given admonition of the necessity of change in seed-grain. I do not mean merely the change of one grain for another of a different kind, (as wheat for rye, &c.) but a change of seed, where there is no change of kind. Farmers do not seem aware of this necessity, nor of the great advantage of procuring seed of the very best kind, and cleaning it in the most perfect manner. Or if they are aware, they are deterred from paying attention to it, by a little trouble and a little expense. It would be well to keep the subject before their eyes, until a conviction of its importance shall produce an alteration of practice.

The importation of foreign animals is not to be neglected. It is not the business of this Society, nor have they the means of importing them;—but they may point them out. We have, in Pennsylvania, good horses; but in the best breeds of cattle, hogs and sheep, we are defective. I know that some enterprising gentlemen in the city have gone to great expense in importing cattle, and others are in possession of excellent breeds of hogs, but they are not yet diffused through the state. It is understood, that in the Eastern States, no pains or expense have been spared, in procuring animals of the finest shape and quality. But it may be some time, before they have a surplus for exportation.

We are well situated for obtaining models of all newly invented implements of husbandry. Our workmen are ingenious, and able to execute any thing which is planned for them; and the genius of our countrymen in the application of the mechanic powers, is conspicuous. The high price of labour, rendered its abridgement of primary importance. What wonderful effects have been produced by Whitney's cotton gin? We are well supplied with implements for breaking the earth, and for cutting all kinds of straw, and cheap machines for shelling Indian corn. But a machine effectual for the threshing of wheat, and not too high-priced, is a desideratum. The machine for dressing flax, of British invention, is said to be a very great improvement, but is not yet much in use among us.

Roads, bridges, canals, and all internal public improvements, are subjects, which though not within our control, have such an immediate bearing on Agriculture, by expediting and cheapening carriage, that it will be always proper to do what little is in our power, for their success. Works of such magnitude are not to be executed, without the combined exertions of many persons, sanctioned by the authority of the legislature, and assisted by the public purse. Our legislature has done nobly for roads and bridges, and we trust it will do the same for canals. The first great object of that kind, is the junction of the waters of the Susquehanna and the Schuylkill, which empties into the Delaware. That being accomplished, we may look westward to the waters of the Alleghany, and northward to the Seneca lake, which being once entered, and entered it may be with no great difficulty, we have the Delaware connected with the great northern lakes, by means of the magnificent work now in rapid progress, in the state of New York. The project is grand;—I may not live to see it executed, yet it is by no means so improbable as many things once appeared, which in my time have been accomplished.

Yet, it must be confessed, that in canals, we linger behind other states, who have boldly led the way. Except the works now carrying on, for the improvement of the navigation on the Schuylkill and the Lehigh, we have nothing to show but the Conewago canal of a single mile, which will be of little use, unless the Susquehanna and Delaware are united. Our tardiness may be accounted for. Five and twenty years ago, when the Conewago canal was begun, public spirit mounted perhaps too high. Great efforts were made, which, from causes not necessary now to mention, proved abortive.—Hence, a despondence on the subject of canals, from which we have scarce yet recovered. But it is high time to rouse ourselves. On the one side we have New York making great and successful exertions; on the other, Maryland, endeavouring to avail herself of the road, made at the expense of the United States, from Cumberland, on the Potowmac, to Wheeling, on the Ohio; on which wagons travel free from toll. But, if we can have water carriage from Philadelphia to Susquehanna, we shall be on a better footing than Baltimore; and preserve our wagon carriage to Pittsburg until the Susquehanna shall be joined to the Alleghany. This wagon carriage is of immense importance. It has been supposed, that between Philadelphia and Pittsburg, the yearly sum paid for carriage, amounted to 730,000 dollars. Nor is this the only consideration. A very great sum is expended all along the line of the turnpike road, which is diffused through the country to a considerable distance. A six horse wagon consumes five bushels of oats a day, besides hay. Now, it appears from an official return, made by the keeper of the turnpike gate, at the Chesnut Ridge, between Stoys Town, and Greensburg, that there passed through that gate, during the year ending May, 1818; among other things, 281 four-horse, 2412 five-horse, and 2698 six-horse teams; and it is said, that a gentleman, living on the road near Pittsburg, in the year 1813, counted the number of wagons, laden with merchandize, which passed his house that year, and that they amounted to 4055. Through the counties of Bedford and Somerset, the road, being generally on ridges, runs through a poor country, to which the market afforded by the wagons, is essential. Somerset abounds in grass; and for oats is superior to any county in the state.—But the soil is not favourable to wheat; and, except in the southern part, Indian corn will scarce arrive at maturity. It appears, clearly, therefore, that the Agriculture of Pennsylvania is very much interested, even in parts far west of the Susquehanna, in a water communication between that river and the Delaware, as the most effectual means of preserving the land carriage to Pittsburg. Another weighty consideration is, the protection which ought to be afforded to Pittsburg, against the effect of the United States' turnpike from Cumberland to Wheeling. Pittsburg ought to be to the western part of the state, what Philadelphia is to the eastern: the reservoir of wealth sufficient to afford a market to the surrounding country. There is no rivalship between these cities. The prosperity of one promotes the prosperity of the other. Why then should we hesitate? New York has completed 120 miles of canal in less than two years and five months. By a line of less than half that length, the Delaware and Susquehanna are united.

Pennsylvania has been accused of want of attention to gardening, and I am afraid she must plead guilty to the charge. A good kitchen garden contributes much to the health, and even the elegance of life; the saving of meat makes it a source of economy, and the neatness which is necessary to keep it in order, may have an effect on the manners of the family. The females might execute a good deal of the work, and for their sake it should be interspersed with flowers. I believe my feelings are not at all singular, and I declare that I am struck with a sensation of pleasure, at the sight of a flourishing, well enclosed garden. May I be allowed to add, that I have the same feelings, at sight of a neat inclosure in front of the dwelling house, separating it from the highway. With surprise and regret, I perceive this often neglected, by wealthy and liberal farmers, merely because they have been in the habit of living without it. Such things might be remedied at a very trifling expense, but they are of no trifling consequence. They have an influence on manners.

I say nothing on the subject of hedges, their importance, and the best mode of raising them have been fully shown by one of our Vice Presidents, on a former occasion.

The limits of this discourse confine me to hints, on subjects which merit treatises. May not means be taken to tincture the youthful mind, with the spirit of Agriculture? In colleges, natural philosophy and chemistry might sometimes be directed to that special purpose. But something may be done at an earlier age; particularly where opportunities are offered, in teaching the learned languages, which being acquired slowly and with difficulty, leave lasting impressions; for instance, besides the Georgics of Virgil, which are in general use, select passages might be read from Columella, one of the most ancient writers on rural affairs, which have reached us, in the Latin tongue. I am afraid mischief is done, by putting into the hands of boys, those finished models of Grecian and Roman eloquence, in which are painted, in too vivid colours, the pleasures of wine, and love, and the glory of war.

Having touched the subject of education, I will add, that when the benevolent intention of the constitution of Pennsylvania, shall be carried into effect, by "the establishment of schools throughout the state, in such manner, that the poor may be taught gratis," Agriculture will reap her full share of the benefit. Reading, writing, and common arithmetic, if not essential, are very serviceable to the farmer. And even the labourer will derive incalculable advantage from the improvement of his intellectual faculties. Work cannot be continued without intermission, and time hangs heavy on the mind which is torpid during the hours of repose. Exercise is as necessary to the mind as the body. How desirable then, that men should be qualified for that kind of reading, which gratifies and strengthens the mind, without the fatigue of severe study, while the body is at rest during the intervals of labour? Our legislature is not unmindful of the duty imposed by the constitution—the act "to provide for the education of children at the public expense within the city and county of Philadelphia," is working great good. By the first annual report of the controllers of these schools, made in February last, it appears that 2845 children were then in a course of education; and I am informed that the number is now much increased. Moreover, a most important fact is established—that by adopting the Lancasterian mode of teaching, which will do in all thickly settled districts, the annual expense will not exceed four dollars for each child. Upon efforts like these the blessing of God may be confidently hoped for.

Nothing can be more effectual for the diffusion of the spirit of Christianity, than a moderate cultivation of the understanding. Men will thus become more mild, better content with the condition in which Providence has placed them, more attentive to their duties both moral and religious, more charitable towards each other, less jealous and vindictive in their feelings towards foreign nations, less prone to rapine, under whatever name disguised, and less easily dazzled by the false splendour of war.

But I must indulge myself on this topic no longer, lest it seduce me from my main design.

Closely connected with Agriculture is the subject of leases. Though not so important in the United States, as in other countries, because the body of tenantry is smaller here, yet it is not undeserving of attention. The leases generally in use, are for a short term, with a reservation, by way of rent, of a certain share of the produce of the land. This system is liable to two great objections. The shortness of the tenure, precludes all hope of improvement of the soil, and the mode of payment, (the rendering a share of the crop,) holds out inducements to fraud, which few tenants are able to resist. When the landlord lives upon the estate, he has some chance of checking the tenant, by obtaining an accurate knowledge of the amount of the crop; and if he is liberal, he may have something done in the way of improvement. But where he lives at a distance, the probability is, that the estate will go to ruin, while he receives but a small part of his due. The objections to long leases, for rents in money, are, that if the landlord parts with the possession for a long time, he may be injured by a bad tenant; that he precludes himself from the chance of a sale, if a good price should be offered, and that the great fluctuations in the price of grain, make it impossible to fix a rent in money, without danger to both parties. Where a man has it in view to sell his estate, he may be right, in making a short lease; that case forms an exception to the general rule. But where he means to keep it, the objection is removed; then, as to fluctuation of price, the matter might be easily managed, by reserving a rent of a certain quantity of grain, giving the tenant an election to pay the market price, in money, which might be more convenient than delivering the grain. That point being settled, a lease for a longer term, fixing the rotation in which the fields should be cultivated, with other proper covenants, would leave the landlord sufficiently protected, while it gave the tenant encouragement to meliorate the soil for his own interest. At the end of such a lease, the value of the estate would be increased, and the rent might be raised. With great deference I submit these remarks to gentlemen of the city, who have farms at some distance, or even in the neighbourhood, which are intended as a provision for their families.

One thing more remains, which I cannot in conscience pass by, and in which, perhaps the Society may find means to do some good. Can no method be devised, to check the inordinate use of spirituous liquors? This shocking habit, strikes at the root of agriculture, by robbing it of the labour necessary for its support. It would be a waste of time, to enumerate the ills which flow from this disgraceful vice, because they are obvious to everyone. Perhaps a small addition to the wages, would induce labourers to forego the use of this poisonous liquid; or they might consent to take as a substitute, beer, or cider, or some other harmless drink. The subject deserves the deepest consideration, and I cannot help hoping, that when societies shall be organized in the several counties, a plan may be formed, which being acted upon at once, throughout the state, may greatly lessen, if not eradicate the evil.

I have endeavoured, gentlemen, to obey your commands, in hopes that my example may call forth the efforts of others, better qualified to do justice to the subject.