"TERRA CULTURE A HUMBUG." 



So say some of our savans. Yet the facts are wanting in proof; and 

 until these are forthcoming, we shall not waste ammunition, consid- 

 ering the game not worth the taking. One declares, after hearing 

 the principles of Terra Culture explained, and those things claimed 

 as secrets, disclosed, that ' he has heard nothing new.' Another 

 says : ' he would not take five hundred dollars for the benefit re- 

 ceived.' One dogmatically asserts before examination or experiment, 

 ' that the course recommended is contrary to universal practice and 

 common sense.' Another, '■ that he has always pursued such a course 

 with uniform success, and if that is Terra Culture, I have always 

 followed it.' 



This contrariety and diversity of view and expression, is by no 

 means remarkable, in relation to any new doctrine or theory, espe- 

 cially if it come in conflict with long cherished doctrines and preju- 

 dices, and perhaps pec?miar?/ interests. It shall be ours to examine 

 this subject in relation to the facts presented, and give or withhold 

 our sanction, in accordance therewith. ' Practice, with science,' shall 

 be our motto. To search into the causes of things, as we walk 

 abroad among the works of God, and with enlightened curiosity en- 

 deavor to find out nature's laws and operations, shall be our daily 

 work. 



We have ever been led to conclude that nature proceeds on fixed 

 laws ; that she is not one thing to-day, and another thing to-morrow. 

 All the relations of the difi"erent parts of nature are mutual and ex- 

 act, and every thing moves on in beautiful agreement and harmony. 

 The ancients were accustomed to speak of the ' music of the spheres,' 

 referring to the harmony which prevails throughout the universe — 

 no discordant note being ever heard. There is a reason for every 

 thing — a rule by which everything is directed and controlled. 

 True, many things may be beyond our comprehension ; yet, there is 

 nothing which should be beyond our inquiry. All will admit that 

 there is a wonder-working power in the vegetable kingdom. The 

 development and progress of vegetable life, the relations of the soil 

 to the plant produced, the effects of light and heat, of air and dew, 

 of frost and electricity, of the nature of manures, their uses and 

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