172 



takes a crop of corn or wheat; this Avill remove most of the phosphates-- 

 that Avere added in the manure ; a second or third crop would probably 

 remove the whole and perhaps would require the application of some 

 phosphates to make them profitable. There yet remains, however, from 

 the manure, considerable quantities of potash and soda Avhich the grain 

 crop did not so particularly require ; Avith these in the soil a good root 

 crop, such as potatoes, turnips, or beets, may noAv be raised upon the- 

 field, after Avhich there Avill doubtless still remain a sufficient quantity of 

 lime for a good grass crop. Thus is it that a knowledge of the inorganic 

 elements of plants opens plainly to our vicAV the philosophy of many of 

 the otherwise secret operations of nature Avhich are constantly passing 

 under the observation of every agriculturist. 



In closing this article Ave can but urge upon the farmer the importance 

 of familiarising himself Avith the great principles of vegetable physiology, 

 which includes not only the operations carried on in the plant itself, but 

 also the effect of these processes upon the soil on Avhich they grow, and 

 from which they derive their nourishment. Nothing Avould contribute 

 more to the interest of agricultural pursuits and to the elevation of the 

 business of cultivating the soil to its proper and just rank in the scale of 

 human pursuits. Let it be the motto of every farmer : " Know well thy 

 calling." 



ADAPTATION OF CROPS TO SOIL AND CLIMATE. 



BY JOHX Y. SMITH, MADISOX. 



Division of labor in procuring the multiplied objects of human want, 

 is one of the most prominent characteristics of civilized society; and;^ 

 Avhether it be the cause or the consequence of a high state of civilization, 

 its importance to that state, is none the less obvious. Its necessity is 

 founded in the capacity of human beings to enjoy, and to become refined 

 and ennobled by the enjoyment of a multiplicity of objects; and the- 

 limitation of the capacity of any one individual of the species, to pro- 

 duce any considerable number of those objects, in any tolerable degree- 

 of perfection. 



No one, it is presumed, will doubt that the art of printing, the intro- 

 duction of steam navigation, and railroads, and electric telegraphs, are 

 exerting, in every point of vieAv, an elevating influence upon mankind. 



