SCIEiXGE AND AGRICULTURE. 



Prof. John P. Norton's latroductorv lecture before the Scientific 

 Department af the Albany University^ on Wednesday evenings 

 January 14, 1853. 



The Professor commenced by saying, that in delivering the intro- 

 ductory lecture to the proposed course before the Scientific De- 

 partment of the University, he was assuming an important posi- 

 tion, a position which might with more 'propriety perhaps, have 

 been awarded to some one more experienced than himself. But 

 there was this assurance to comfort him, that the subject to be 

 treated, was one of the highest interest and importance, commend- 

 ing itself to the attention and consideration of all who felt 

 any anxiety in the advancement of the cause of science connected 

 with agriculture. 



Before proceeding to the consideration of the subject to which 

 this series of lectures is to be devoted, a few words upon the 

 general nature and ends to be attained by this Institution, are 

 proper and called for. And first, what is the object to be 

 attained? 



Our system of common schools is one upheld, admired and 

 eulogised by every civilized nation. We liave advanced to a point 

 never before known. Our motto is "universal e<lucation." But with 

 all our boasted advantages, there is sonietliirig yet lacking. The 

 studentmay commence witli the common school, and avail himself 

 of academical instruction, linishing his course within ci)llege walls, 

 and still an element is wanting. These lielps are good as far as 

 they go, but they do not go far enougli f<»r the practical student. 

 They but oj[)cn the door for farther research. The merchant, 



