State Agricultural Society. 477 



for the free attraction of all their earthy constituents from the depths of 

 the soil below. We can safely say that no soil can be made too tine for 

 any crop within a given depth. The finer the better. In general culti- 

 vation it is left too coarse for all crops. Finally, and by no means the 

 least important, a systematic cropping of such vegetables as are known 

 to readily absorb and retain in their composition an excess of the alka- 

 loids. 



And now, gentlemen, it is immaterial to me whether I or any one else 

 can scientifically demonstrate what I have said to you; yet I believe 

 these principles to be substantially true, and I am satisfied that all who 

 go to work and faithfully carry out these principles cannot be led astray 

 in the practical result. 



60 



