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.