276 BOARD OP AGRICULTURE. 



tribute to a better understanding of the subject, in its practical 

 aspect, than has hitherto generally prevailed. 



Dr. Miles, of the Michican Agricultural College, opened the 

 discussion as follows : 



The subject is a difficult one to present. The number of ex- 

 periments that might be tried by the agricultural colleges, and by 

 those interested in agricultural improvement, is almost without 

 end. 



The programme provides for the discussion of the experiments 

 that it would be desirable to conduct in common by the different 

 institutions, and also the method of conducting them. 



Very often we speak of experiments for the promotion of agri- 

 culture in a loose and indefinite manner. It seems to me desira- 

 ble, on the start, to draw a line of distinction between those 

 experiments which tend to improve the science of agriculture, 

 and those which have for their object the improving of the art. 

 Art is one thing and science is another. Art has to do with 

 practice ; it has to do with the ways and means of accomplishing 

 objects. Science has to do with the explanation of those pro- 

 cesses which are made use of in the art. We may have a rule of 

 practice in the art, derived from observation and experience. 

 Science may step in and explain that rule. The rule, as such, 

 has been developed experimentally ; it has been developed em- 

 pirically — that is, by a series of trials. The explanation of this 

 rule constitutes the science. Science has nothing to do with the 

 practical application, in its strict signification. Science has to 

 do with causes and effects. It matters not to the scientific 

 man what pecuniary results are ; he is concerned simply in the 

 changes taking place in the matter which he is investigating. 

 Now, if we attempt to combine, or rather if we confuse, these 

 two terms in our experiments, we shall not meet with the 

 success that we ought to expect from a systematic effort at im- 

 provement Field experiments — experiments in the cultivation of 

 different crops, the application of manures, analysis of soils, 

 feeding of animals — all have to do with the art. We are simply 

 making methodical hints for the sake of getting at rules to guide 

 us practically. The scientific man may step in and make his in- 

 vestigation for the sole purpose of explaining these principles, or 

 rules, which guide us in practice. Now, I apprehend at the 

 present time no one can claim that we have rules of practice that 

 are derived from the teaching of science. I know of none in the 



