That young men are needed, rather than the old or middle aged, is
because many of the investigations to be undertaken require a lifetime
to perfect, and can only be brought to a profitable issue in a long
series of years. Such, for instance, as the production of new varieties
of fruits; the relative hardiness and longevity of trees; the effects of
soil and climate, heat, cold, etc., upon plant life; the degeneracy of
species, etc.;--all of which require a long series of experiments to
determine. Older men, here and there, are engaged in these
investigations; but they are passing away in the midst of their work
only partially accomplished, and their labors are thus in a degree lost.
Our farmers' sons--stout, healthy, energetic young men--are the ones
upon whom this labor and high duty more properly devolves. To them
belongs, or should belong, the honor and glory of pushing forward this
noble work. Many of these, however, are mistakenly leaving the farms to
engage in trade and speculation; while others who remain at home mostly
incline to other branches. The agricultural colleges are doubtless
developing a few faithful workers for these too neglected fields; but
these munificently endowed institutions are believed to fall far short
of their duty in this respect.
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