FAEMEKS' INSTITUTES. 163 



sideration that it serves a liJce imi'Tpose for at least Jive years, we should not 

 hesitate in its recommendation and use. 



Finally, we come to notice gypsum, or as generally known, plaster. Singu- 

 lar is the manner in which it became introduced as a fertilizer upon American 

 soil. Dr. Franklin, who had seen its influence in jiromoting growth of crops 

 in Europe, strove to induce American farmers to use it, but was unsuccessful. 

 His arguments and rehearsals of facts failing, he sowed plaster upon the side 

 of a hill sloping toward the highway in such a manner as to form with pro- 

 digious letters, larger than Barnum employs, the words "Effects of Gypsum." 

 Passing farmers observed the words as produced by a distinguishing growth 

 where it was applied and immediately adopted it as a fertilizer. It grew in 

 popular favor, and each recurring year its use has increased, until it is now 

 more extensively used than any other commercial fertilizer. Its chief object 

 is to form non-volatile substances by uniting with gases that would otherwise 

 be lost. 



And thus did the venerable Dr. Franklin, not only by his influence in the 

 British Parliament for the struggling colonists ; not only in his successful en- 

 deavors to secure a treaty of alliance with the French king; but also, in the 

 introduction of the use of plaster, confer a national favor. 



The agricultural history of Berrien county, in fact our whole State, is most 

 satisfactory and highly flattering. Our struggles while in infancy, unlike many 

 of our sister States, were unencouraged, our lands unlauded. But for forty 

 years our progress has been steady and sure. By better farming and liberal 

 fertilizing there has been an increasing yield. Our crops have never failed, 

 and as a rich reward for our labors our barns have been filled with plenty. 

 Who can calculate the worth of a State composed of such counties, or com- 

 pute the resources of a republic comprising similar States? They are verily 

 beyond computation. Attention and care will insure in the future, as now, an 

 annual abundant harvest; then will improvement continue; then will our 

 homes, as now, be homes of plenty and comfort; then will our fruits, as now, 

 multiply the sails of commerce, and feed starving millions; then will we, hav- 

 ing fostered education and guarded morality, he a prosperous, intelligent, and 

 liappxj people, 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. . — What is the value of salt as a fertilizer? 



Mr. Gillette. — Salt does not enter into chemical composition ; it is good in 

 dry seasons for drawing moisture. 



Mr. Fox. — When shall plaster be sowed? 



Mr. Gillette. — Would sow early in spring when the ground is moist. 



Mr. Clark. — Is there any loss from evaporation of manures applied to the 

 surface? It gives the best effect. 



Mr. I. H. Gillette said he thought much of the value of the manure to be 

 lost. 



Mr. Glydden said he knew the reverse of this to be true. 



Mr. Butler gave an experience of winter spreading of manure where he ob- 

 tained extraordinary good results. 



The Institute passed resolutions of thanks to those who furnished the music 

 and to the Professors from the Agricultural College. 



Prof. Carpenter responded on behalf of the College. 



