14 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



of fertility and vegetation. It explained the physiology of 

 plants ; it analyzed the manures best adapted to their growth ; 

 and contained careful experiments upon specific fertilizers. It 

 was indeed the introduction of scientific agriculture, opening the 

 path which has since been trod so zealously, and erecting a 

 monument to the wisdom which guided the board of agriculture 

 in its selection of the great philosopher as its guide in agricul- 

 tural education. 



After reviewing the various attempts made by Marshall, 

 Young, Bakewell, Anderson, the Duke of Bedford, and other 

 noblemen, in advancing the art, Dr. Dickson says : " But neither 

 the distinguished example of the sovereign, the endeavors of 

 provincial societies, nor the exertions of private individuals, 

 with whatever zeal and attention they may be directed, are 

 probably sufficient to extend the knowledge of husbandry to that 

 degree which is necessary for its complete and radical improve- 

 ment. This could only be fully accomplished by the powerful 

 influence and expensive exertions of a national establishment 

 instituted for the purpose. Such an institution has at last been 

 brought forward and established by the intelligent and perse- 

 vering efforts of Sir John Sinclair, to the honor of the country, 

 the age, and the individual who suggested it. The institution 

 of a board of agriculture and internal improvements has already 

 contributed materially to the extension and advancement of the 

 knowledge of rural affairs. The state of the art in the greatest 

 part of the kingdom has been ascertained, a great variety of 

 new and interesting facts and practices have been brought to 

 view, and improvements in the instrumental and other parts 

 suggested. Among these the elucidation of the principles and 

 practice of draining or removing the injurious wetness of land, 

 arising from springs and other causes, as laid down and 

 explained by Mr. Elkington, is of great importance and deserv- 

 ing of notice, not only as the basis or foundation of many 

 improvements in the art, but as leading to the convenient and 

 easy application of water for irrigation and other purposes." 



This board of agriculture, so well described by Dr. Dickson, 

 and whose service has been so useful and important, is the foun- 

 dation of that system which has been introduced into our own 

 State, and whose business, as an organ of education, we have 

 met to transact. 



