much in New South Wales, at least, of the poverty of the farmer; of the disabilities and drawbacks under which tillage labours; of the disinclination which undoubtedly exists among young Australians to take to the plough and become cultivators of the soil?
Is it that farmers are more divided, less intelligent, more indifferent and less energetic than the artisan and the miner? Surely, for the very honour's sake of the sower and reaper, we cannot say that.
Is it that the climate is too rigorous, our soil too poor, and our returns too scanty, our expenses too excessive, our fiscal policy too unaccommodating, our markets too limited, or our rulers too antagonistic and unsympathetic, that agricultural pursuits seem to languish? Some of all of these causes are assigned by various authorities; but whatever be the reason, it seems to be the common opinion that farming in Australia, as it is understood in the old country, does not pay. It is an undoubted fact that among the masses in general, much apathy and ignorance does exist on this most vital subject, the progress of our agricultural industry.
Now surely it will not be denied that farming is of equal importance to mining. It is certainly capable of more widespread application. It gives employment to more inhabitants in the State. It is, in fact, the industry par excellence which forms the basis and foundation of all others. All other implements, where usefulness is concerned, must
