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Science With Farming

Science With Farming image
Parent Issue
Day
24
Month
February
Year
1881
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

The principies of agricultura are founded on observation and experiment. Year af ter year of patiënt trial, resulting in repeated failures, have established the rules which govern farm operations to-day. Thus were taught the proper distance for planting corn, the number of grains to the hill, and the best method of cultivation. Thus was it shown where fruit would succeed best, etc., Thus was the potato, a wild weed of the prairie, made one of our staple crops. The val ue of an experiment dependa upon its accuracy. All the circumstances which can effect thf res uit should be carefully noted. An experiment must be a close observer and a logical thinker. A man ho attributes certain magnetical powers to the moon's phases will notdraw correct conclusions. The value of scientiflc research by farming cannot be estimated in dollars and cents. It directs thought and action into new and useful channels. It promotes home adomment, encourages the planting of trees and shrubs, and makes the farmer's life in every way more enjoyable. The inlluence of one's home moulds the mind and character of his cliildren. Raised under the ohastening iutíuence of flowers, they are well prepared to battle with the evils of life, The grovvth of scientifie knowledge shoukl le encouraged in every possible way. The graduating system is now intfoduced into 'our common schools. Here is the point to begin our good work. Let classes be formad, in which the eleiaents of the scicnces may be taught. Our high schools and ooileges are not adequate to supply the demand for scientific farmers. Our district schools are turning out farmers by the thousand who know as little of tlit'ir natural surroundings as a cat knows of the chatechism. But few of our farmers' boys have time or means to attend scientific schools and colleges. We can only reach thein through the medium of common schools. They require to be taught the simple principies of the science not common in rural life. Not so niuch wheu and how to cultívate,- but the why. The life and habitsof insects, their wonderful transformation, aud their relat ion to the vegetable word, will give them food for healthy, elevating thought, The Study of nature will make them better childi-en, better men, and better farmers. It will teach them the valuable lesson of close observation, - that habit of seeing with the mind as well as the eye. It will teachjthem a lesson in everyleaf and flower. It will teach them to appreciate the works of the great Creator, and thereby to love and reveré Him. The study of nature is a duty we o we to ourselves, our f ellow-rnen, our country, and our God. Give us science with farming, thought with action, why with how.-

Article

Subjects
Old News
Ann Arbor Democrat