64 ANNUAL REPORT OF NEW-YORK 



constituent parts of the agricultural plant, that we might know 

 its wants, and what elements to select from the great mineral 

 storehouse, to supply those w^ants and give it growth. This in- 

 struction the agricultural chemist and analyst have given us. Zo- 

 ology gives us the form, classification, history and habits of our 

 animals. Here the chemical analyst comes again to our aid and 

 shows us the component parts of the animal, and points to the 

 vegetables to supply them. Chemistry is here the connecting 

 link between these sciences and that humble yet gigantic agricul- 

 ture, wiiich shares so largely in the public burthens, and at the 

 same time gives sustenance to the whole family of man, including 

 the men of all the sciences. Botany, too, teaches us the history 

 of our plants, from the forest tree to the blade of w^heat — their 

 classes and orders, their habits and their wants, as well as their 

 adaptation to soil, climate, temperature and moisture. 



The foregoing sciences make the farmer acquainted with his 

 friends. Entomology introduces to him the insect tribe, and 

 makes him acquainted with his enemies : it teaches him their 

 history, their habits, the time and manner of their annoyance, 

 and, as far as known, the best means of defence against their 

 ravages, and the means for their destruction. 



Valuable, indeed, to science and to the world, are the labors 

 of the Geologist, the Mineralogist, the Botanist, the Zoologist and 

 Entomologist; but not less valuable are the labors of the Chemist, 

 the Analyst and intelligent Agriculturist, who take their work 

 where they leave it, and elaborate and appropriate it to the wants 

 and practical purposes of life. It is humbly but confidently 

 claimed that the intelligent Agriculturist, who successfully 

 applies the principles of these sciences, to enlarge and to improve 

 the means of human life, is entitled to a share in the general 

 commendation as a benefactor of his race. 



Franklin, through his genius and acute investigating powers, 

 succeeded in leading the electric fluid from the cloud to the 

 earth at will, using a wire for his highway, and a large kite to 

 give it elevation and direction. The monster power of this invis- 

 ible agent had long been testified to by the shattered edifice and 

 riven oak; we had also long known that the electric spark, in 

 passing from a positive to a negative medium, would perforate a' 

 paper card. Still this giant force has been permitted to slumber 



