ABSTRACT
Agriculture is not only inseparable from but it may be aptly termed the mother of commerce. Under the Mosaic economy, 'agriculture was made the basis of the Hebrew state, in imitation of the Egyptians. The agriculturist or farmer may be also the commercial man or trader, but the commercial man or trader may not also be the agriculturist or farmer. Agriculture may be looked upon as the handmaid of civilization. In all countries settled by emigrants and liberated slaves, agriculture has always been stimulated by their respective governments, with the exception of Sierra Leone, where this important branch of industry has never occupied preceding administrations – a neglect much to be regretted. Agriculture and commerce are inseparable. The proverb 'Charity begins at home,' is as true as trite. Agriculture in other parts of Africa is carried on by slave labour. The free men of the British Colonies prefer any kind of trade or barter to agricultural labour.
