48 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



decreased one-half in less than fifty year§, while in Great Britain 

 during the same period, it has increased one hundred per cent, in 

 consequence of a more intelligent cultivation. 



From these facts, the inference is unavoidable that the older 

 farms have degenerated ; that some of the elements in the soil, 

 essential to the constitution, health and growth of the great staples 

 of the country, have been diminished by continued cropping and 

 need to be restored. 



An Agricultural College would teach our farmers how to ascer- 

 tain what is requisite to render an impoverished soil again rich and 

 productive, and how to increase their crops without impairing the 

 fertility of their fields. 



Such institutions are especially needed in all the States to give 

 a new impetus and prosperity to all the productive interests of the 

 country in this great emergency. We are in the midst of a great 

 revolution, not only social and political, but industrial and econom- 

 ical. There has been no rebellion in the history of the world equal 

 in magnitude to the present. Nearly two millions of men are ar- 

 rayed against each other in deadly strife for conquest and power. 

 Every single individual has daily wants to be supplied. Each 

 soldier must be fed and clothed. His wages too, must be regu- 

 larly paid. If sick, he must be nursed and healed. If disabled, he 

 must be pensioned. The expenses of this war affect both the 

 present and extend far into the future. 



Money goes, and must continue to go in a perfect flood. We 

 are piling up a debt of scores of millions every month, and it will 

 continually increase until the wicked rebellion is crushed. This 

 national debt, like a great incubus, will rest heavily upon the pro- 

 ductive resources of the country. We must sustain it, and be 

 taxed to provide means for its payment. Hence these interests 

 should be appreciated and fostered, that thej' may be able to bear 

 the burden and finally extinguish the debt. 



Impressed by these considerations, the present Congress, (the 

 37th,) notwithstanding the heavy responsibilities and arduous du- 

 ties occasioned by the war, has recognized the importance of agri- 

 culture and kindred pursuits, and with far reacliing sagacity has 

 established a National Department of Agriculture at Washington. 

 It has also found time to mature and pass "An act donating lands 

 to the fcvcral States and Territories which may provide Colleges 

 for the benefit of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts," and which 



