386 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the first experiment. The dry weight of four plants was 10.22 grammes, or 

 1597 times the weight of the original seed. 



The comparative development of the plants in this experiment is exhibited 

 in the photograph bearing the label, 



SOURCE OF NITROGEN — HUMUS DEPRIVED OF AMMONIA. 



In these experiments I have made no attempt to determine changes which 

 may have taken place in my experimental soil. Nitrification, production, 

 absorption, or loss of ammonia I have passed by in order to fix my attention 

 exclusively upon the relative powers of plants to derive a supply of nitrogen 

 from the humus of the soil. I want to settle one question at a time. 



As no analysis has yet been made of the products of growth, I offer no con- 

 clusions at this time ; indeed, these experiments are merely preliminary and 

 tentative. I propose next year to repeat, modify, and extend these experi- 

 ments in order to eliminate any sources of error which I may discover, or 

 which others may point out, and criticisms and suggestions will be thankfully 

 received from the members of this society. If by these experiments some 

 contribution shall be made towards placing agriculture upon a scientific basis, 

 my highest ambition will be rewarded. 



FARMING AS AN OCCUPATION. 



BY R. G. I5AIRD, SECRETARY STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 

 [Read at Hastings and Armada Institutes.] 



A great deal of good advice has been given on the subject of "Choosing an 

 Occupation." How much of it has been heeded is another matter, for advice, you 

 know, is something like medicine — it is easier given than taken. The subject, 

 however, is certainly an important one, as it must necessarily bear an intimate 

 relation to our well-being and usefulness. I caa only think of one other 

 choice that almost anywhere outside of Indiana is likely to affect us more 

 seriously and intimately, and that is the choice of a wife. 



With reference to a partner for life, I suppose that in this country it is 

 almost always a voluntary choice. Although when we look upon some couples 

 that appear to be so much more married than mated, it seems difficult to 

 imagine this to be true. With regard to our occupation, however, I doubt 

 whether in some instances it is altogether a matter of choice. With some of 

 us we are, as it were, caught up in a current of circumstances, and either pas- 

 sively drift into our occupation, or are violently driven upon it by a force, or 

 combination of forces, which we are almost powerless to resist. Still, in most 

 instances, there is to some extent an element of voluntary choice, and to those 

 who may be asking for themselves or for their children in what pursuit they 

 would be most likely to find profitable and agreeable employment, allow me to 

 present a few thoughts showing some of the advantages of agriculture as an 

 occupation. 



There are some things about farming, concerning which, we would all have 

 the same opinion. We sliould all agree, for example, that it is a very neces- 

 sary vocation. There are some occupations whose influence is evil, and society 

 could better get along without them, — occupations in which men are em])loyed 

 to the injury of their fellowmen. There are others again that although bene- 



