SECRETAKY'S REPORT. 2^5 



the expression of tlieir cordial good wishes for the successful discharge 

 of our duties, and desires thej may be richly rewarded by the 

 approval of a just and generous discriminating people, of all such 

 of their timely views and suggestions as have been incorporated in 

 these pages. 



Calvin Chamberlain, Chairman. 

 FoxcROFT, Nov., 1857. 



REPORT ON BEST METHODS OF PRESERVING MA- 

 NURES. 



S. L. GooDALE — Dear Sir — Having had no interview with, 

 nor any communication from, any of my associates, except a short 

 conversation with Mr. Parlin, after long delay, by your repeated 

 promptings, I am induced to communicate the following, not as the 

 report of a committee, but as my own views on the subject : 



It is to be regretted that a subject of so much importance to the 

 agricultural interests of the State, as that of reporting "facts and 

 conclusions regarding the best and most economical method of pre- 

 serving solid and liquid manures," should not have had a seasonable 

 and thorough investigation by an able committee, who would have 

 presented a lucid report, in such form, and so well sustained by 

 science and by practical tests, as to secure for it an attentive reading, 

 and prompt to the desired action on the part of the farmers of 

 the country. On no subject connected with the agriculture of this 

 country, is reform in opinions and practices so much needed, as on 

 that of preserving the manure made upon the farms. The loss from 

 want of care, and from erroneous practice, is immense. 



Had I confidence in my ability to do it in an acceptable manner, 

 I would not attempt a dissertation on the preservation of liquid 

 manures to be applied in a liquid state, for in the present condition of 

 our agriculture it would be labor lost. Though there can be no doubt 

 of the fact that plants receive all their food in a liquid state, and 

 that nutriment is not thoroughly prepared for their reception until 

 it is liquified, the farmers of this country have not generally the 

 capital to invest in tanks, pipes, and other conveniences to convey 



