INFLUENCES BEYOND CONTROL. 241 



would round out with that plumpness that causcth the husband- 

 man to rejoice. 



It follows then, that phosphoric acid is needful for the proper 

 development of wheat seeds, — and moreover, as the gluten 

 which holds the salts is rich in nitrogen, that element is essen- 

 tial to its growth. These truths are a part of those which 

 chemistry reveals to us, respecting the constitution of the wheat 

 herrv. New England soils are deficient in these elements. 

 Lime and the phosphates were never stored up in them in 

 abundance, and through the successive croppings carried on by 

 our fathers, men and animals have absorbed into their bony 

 frameworks, the little which had accumulated during the ages. 

 The inference which seems to follow from these considerations 

 is, that we have only to supply soil deficiencies, sow our wheat, 

 and casting aside all doubt and anxiety, patiently await the 

 abundant harvest. 



And why should we not do this ? Have we not solved all 

 necessary problems ? Have we not learned by analysis what 

 food is wanted and have we not furnished it ? Have we not 

 learned precisely the constitution of the vegetable structure, 

 and its seeds ? Do we not understand the nature of its appe- 

 tite, and how it must be fed ? Certainly we do. Why then 

 should we meet with failures ? Because, we cannot bring under 

 control all the conditions of vegetable growth. We could better 

 command success, were there no uncontrollable influences to be 

 taken into account. The chemist cannot order meteorological 

 agencies. He' finds in his examination of plants, that they 

 contain an abundance of water, and he also learns, that vast 

 quantities are constantly being exhaled during growth, and still 

 another most important fact stands out for recognition : the 

 food he supplies, must be soluble in water, and by its agency, 

 voyaged through the microscopic canals to its appropriate rest- 

 ing place. Water, then, is needful for perfect development of 

 plants and seeds. Heat also must be supplied. The clouds 

 must let drop the rain, and solar rays supply the diffusive 

 warmth, else the husbandman returns from his harvests in 

 sorrow, and science fails to aid him. Let us not unjustly con- 

 demn its teachings, because it is unable to control the caprices 

 of the seasons. 



31 



