54 [Senate 



improvement are to be counted by annual millions,- and I call it up 

 to your attention, not only to pay the debt of gratitude due to its 

 distinguished author, but as an incentive to those who, with the bet- 

 ter instruments of a more advanced science, have the same field of 

 practical improvement before them. It is happily the nature of hu- 

 man knowledge that the more it achieves, the larger is the field of 

 achievement. As the outer circle of invention and discovery is push- 

 ed farther and farther from the center, the more numerous and of a 

 higher order are the objects which present themselves to the investi- 

 gation of those whose lofty ambition it is to add something to the 

 mass of human attainment. 



The Society has endeavored to contribute something to this onward 

 movement by offering prizes for essays upon the application of sci- 

 ence to agriculture. I trust that the result will vindicate the wisdom 

 of this policy, and lead to its continuance. 



In this country, with just laws, justly administered, where the 

 popular voice can promptly correct every oppressive enactment* 

 where, with common schools and an untrammeled press, knowledge 

 circulates as freely almost, as the air we breathe, it would be surpris- 

 ing, and not less discreditable than surprising, if agricultural im- 

 provement did not keep pace with the progress of the country in 

 every other respect. For one, I have no fears on this point; I be- 

 lieve that our progress, with or without agricultural societies — though 

 always greatly accelerated by them — is to be decided and rapid. I 

 am not however, unaware, nor should we ever lose sight of the fact, 

 that agriculture, like learning, has had its dark ages. It has risen to 

 great perfection, receded, and rested for centuries without any appa- 

 rent improvement. The history of the world abounds wath evidence 

 that the cultivation of the earth was at an early day carried to a high 

 point. 



In China, it is well known that for uncpunted centuries a degree 

 of skill has been exhibited in the preparation and application of che- 

 mical and vegetable manures, that is not, even now, equaled in any 

 part of Christendom. A recent popular writer counts it as not the 

 least valuable result which may flow from the opium war, as it is pro- 

 perly designated, and which it is to be hoped for the honor of human- 

 ity, is now terminated, that by opening a more general communica- 

 cation with that extraordinary people, we may learn something of 

 their agricultural skill. The Chinese are not the only people beyond 



