ARGUMENT.
The Genius of Culture invoked—prodigious effect of toil in
changing the face of nature—state of our country when it
was first settled by our ancestors—their manly efforts crowned
with success—contrast between North and South-America—the
latter remarkable for mines, as the former is for agriculture
—in what manner labour embellishes the land—different
branches of cultivation recommended—the fabrication of maple-sugar
dwelt upon, as having a gradual tendency to the
abolition of slavery—commerce to succeed—strong propensities
of the people of the United States for extensive navigation
—effeminate nations are always in danger of losing their
independence—several specified which have experienced the
debilitating consequences of sloth—its destructive influence on
states—Congress called upon to encourage industry in the
United States; and Washington, as President, to protect manufactures
—machinery for diminishing the operations of manual
labour—the loom—wool—sheep—flax and hemp—remonstrance
against suffering our manufacturing establishments to be frustrated
by an unreasonable predilection for foreign fabrics—
the fair sex invited to give the example of encouraging home
manufactures—their province in the United States—their influence
on civilized society—deplorable condition of savage
life—moral effect of industry on constitution and character—
bold and adventurous spirit of our citizens—prepared by hardiness
to distinguish themselves on the ocean and in war—
allusion to our contest with Britain—happiness of our present
peaceful situation—the Poem is concluded with the praises of
Connecticut as an agricultural State.
