The capital he employed in expanding these operations to their culminating magnitude, he acquired by farming.

The mental culture, the generous dispositions, the refined manners, the graceful and manly bearing which made him one of the first gentlemen of the age, he acquired as a farmer.

The mansion which welcomed to its easy and large-hearted hospitalities guests of such distinction from his own and other countries, was a farmer's home, and few ever opened their doors to more urbanity and cordial cheer.

This is an aspect of his character which all those who follow the profession he honored should admire with a laudable esprit de corps.
As a back-ground is an important element in the portraiture of human forms or natural scenery, so the ground on which the life and labors of Jonas Webb should be sketched, merits a few preliminary lines.
Of all the occupations that employ and sustain the toiling myriads of our race, agriculture leans closest to the bosom of Divine Providence.

It is an industry bound to the great and beautiful economics of the creation by more visible and sensible ties than any other worked by human hands.