244 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



furnish in sufficient abundance the one, Or, perhaps, two sub- 

 stances which are imperatively demanded. Contemplate for a 

 moment the very large amount of potash stored up in the vines 

 and fruit, greater even in the latter than the former, and is 

 there not palpable significance in this fact which chemistry 

 unfolds ? 



Unleached ashes, applied in generous quantity to old grape- 

 borders, will usually restore them to full fruitfulness, and ren- 

 der removal unnecessary. If they falter after the application, 

 add finely ground bones, and the work is done. The other 

 agents needed are usually present in the border in sufficient 

 quantity to meet all requirements, and it is only necessary to 

 add those which have been removed by absorbtion to effect 

 complete restoration. 



If we can be as safely guided by the teachings of chemistry 

 in the cultivation of the three great families of plants upon 

 which agricultural industry is most exercised, the cereals, legu- 

 minous plants and roots, we shall be directed by a light which 

 will lead us out of all errors and all difficulties. 



A recent English writer, in speaking of the results of the 

 labors of Professor Ville, of the imperial farm at Vincennes, in 

 the exuberance of his enthusiasm, exclaims, " There is nothing 

 extravagent in stating that light has replaced darkness, that 

 order has succeeded to chaos, and that the phantom of sterility 

 is laid." Without sharing in such positive convictions in regard 

 to the labors of the French experimenter, it is impossible to 

 doubt or question the importance of his investigations. Indeed, 

 in their general character, they can hardly be regarded as very 

 new or novel, but they strike a death-blow at one delusion, 

 which, like a spectre, has haunted chemists in their teachings 

 upon agricultural questions for many years. 



This relates to the empyrical, indiscriminate application of 

 single fertilizing substances to soils without any definite object 

 in view. Perhaps the term " running for luck " will express the 

 idea. The teachings of Sir Humphrey Davy, Liebig, Johnstone, 

 Way, and many others, it must be confessed, have led in this 

 direction, and thus established the uncertainty which invests 

 such experimenting. The literature of agriculture is almost 

 corrupted by disquisitions upon, and recommendations of, 

 various salts or substances, as being the long sought-for elixir 



