36 [Senate, 



us into those hitherto imperfectly explored regions, where a mine of 

 wealth is still in store for the 'American Agriculturist.' " 



A distinguished writer on the science of agriculture remarks, 

 " That the foundation of agriculture is thorough draining of the land ; 

 that accomplished, the next point was to find out what was the best 

 fertilizer of the soil at the easiest expense. The knowledge of this 

 depended upon chemistry, which was a science most comprehensive 

 in its nature, and he was sure that if any thing could bring up the 

 agriculture of the country to that high standard to which it was de- 

 sirable it should be brought, it was by the study of this science. In 

 the first place, they required a knowledge of the different soils ; in 

 the next place they required to know the action of the atmosphere 

 upon those soils ; they then required to ascertain the plants suited 

 to the various soils w^th which they had to do ; and last of all, they 

 required a knowledge, if he might use the term, of the nurses of the 

 various plants." 



The distinguished German chemist, Liebig, remarks, " The bene- 

 fits which science is capable of conferring on agriculture cannot, I 

 believe, be too highly estimated. It is true, that in an art which 

 engages so many acute minds, great discoveries will often result from 

 accidental observation and experiment, without the suggestion of 

 theory: applications so important, for example, as that of bones for 

 manure, or even lime itself. But how much more likely is experience 

 to be successful, when directed on right principles. Practical expe- 

 rience possesses unquestionable value, but it is like a vessel to which 

 in the form of science, the compass or the pilot is wanting; it is a 

 treasure which cannot be inherited. Science enables us to bequeath 

 this treasure to our children, and it enables our children to increase 

 the store. Science gives us the consciousness of our strength, and 

 thus inspires us with courage and energy. It teaches us to recognize 

 the food of plants and the sources from which it is derived. This 

 knowledge alone makes us the true masters of the soilj the lords of 

 our capital." 



Why, then, permit me to inquire, may we not introduce into our 

 primary schools a class of studies which are designed to teach the 

 scholars the properties of the earth on which we dwell, the variety 

 and composition of plants and grains which are grown, the laws by 

 which they are regulated and governed. As the scholar advances, 

 the science of chemistry should be brought to his attention ; and here 



