Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - History of the University (Powell) [PAGE 461]

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420

History University of Illinois

Says Dr. Lee, the able and talented editor of the Southern Cultivator, the leading monthly periodical of the Southern planting interest, published at Augusta, Georgia, in reply to a letter enquiring for some practical agricultural school for the sons of the planters, which letter he says, he publishes as a "fair sample of scores of similar letters received every month:" "There is not a good agricultural school in the United States. The truth is, the American people have yet to commence the study of agriculture as the combination of many sciences. Agriculture is the most profound and extensive profession that the progress of society and the accumulation of knowledge have developed. This is why the popular mind is so long in grasping it. Whether we consider the solid earth under our feet, the invisible atmosphere which we breathe, the wonderful growth and decay of all plants and animals, or the light, the heat, the cold, or the electricity of heaven, we contemplate but the elements of rural science. The careful investigation of the laws that govern all ponderable and imponderable agents, is the first step in the young farmer's education. To facilitate his studies, he needs, as he pre-eminently deserves, a more comprehensive school than this country now affords. We notice a plan for an industrial university &c, by Prof. J. B. Turner, of Jacksonville, Ills. This subject is beginning to take a strong hold upon the minds of the people, and we are glad to see gentlemen of the talents and influence of Prof. Turner, lending a helping hand to put a ball in motion, which, ultimately, will sweep down all opposition. This plan of Prof. Turner, is full of valuable practical suggestions, and the memorial which accompanies it, or a similar one, should be forced upon the attention of the General Government, and of every State in the Union." But these extracts must suffice to show both the interest taken in the general subject abroad, and also, in that particular aspect it has assumed in this State, as presented in the report of the first convention held at Granville. Does anyone now doubt that we are encouraged to go for* ward? With what unexpected and almost fearful velocity, the darkness has sped away before the light in one short year J The interest of mechanics and mechanical institutes and associations