No. 1121 245 



It is a project so vast and revolutionary that one might be con- 

 sidered as rash and bold in upholding it, but for two reasons, 

 firstly, the people wdl sanction it; and secondly we are not alone 

 in our support. The mention, as approvers, of such names as Peirce, 

 Agassis, Mitchell, Bache, Hall, Dana and others, 1 o them men 

 at least equal if not superior to any in the country in their re- 

 spective departments, is a sufficient guarantee of approbation 

 from men of science. Others are only waiting to see the way 

 clear, to ensfao^e in the undertaking Su h an Institution imist 

 and will be established somewiiere. That is becoming more cer- 

 tain day by day. The State of New- York has the first offer. If 

 she does not accept, some other will. During the present winter 

 it is proposed to c^jnfine the scientific courses more particularly to 

 science as connected w^ith agriculture. By another season other 

 departments wall be added. 



Let us now proceed to the direct consideration of he sub ect 

 to which we are to devote our time and attention in this course 

 of lectures. It may not seem necessary to' say anything concern- 

 ing tlie importance of agriculture. But it is certainly the fact, 

 that it is apt to be underrated in a comparison with other branches 

 of industry. 



The products of our manufactories strike us as large, l)ecause 

 we see the whole at a glance ; and we are prone to overlook the 

 humble products of the soil. But when we take these '• humble 

 p ;<:ir-' in the aggregate; when those of towns, of counties, of 

 States and of whole countries are presented to us ; we begin to 

 realize and aj»pieciate their importance. 



In an article by Dr. Lee, it is shown that some two hundred and 

 fiftjj I'dllions of bushels of bread-stufts are iw-eded annually, for the 

 bare support of our j»opulation, saying nothing of the other de- 

 mands and uses. The truth is, that in agriculture lies tlie relia- 

 ble wealth of every country. It is said that nine-ten Ihs of the 

 capital of the worli is embarked in it; no matter how we may 

 regard it, all really depend upon the humble farmer; if lie with- 

 hold his labor, and cease to toil, or Heaven blasts his crops, all 

 cla-ses feel the shock. Upon him rest the hopes of the whole. 



