1857.] The Poppy. 443 



In every Sunbeam there has been found three distinct properties. 

 The chemical, the luminiferous and calorific. Early in the season 

 the chemical preponderates in germinating the plant, later the 

 luminiferous preponderates, as more light is needed ; still later, the 

 calorific gains the ascendant to mature the fruit and form the repro- 

 ductive elements. Beautiful arrangement ! There is a chemestryof 

 the mind which sets men to thinking. There is a light which shows 

 through progress, and there is manifest a steady, strong heat as 

 results are neared. Has seen in a German chemistry a diagram 

 showing the relative influence of different agencies. Among them 

 was electricity ; but its office remains unexplained. It doubtless 

 has a powerful influence in the nurture and perfection of plants. 

 To get the benefit of this subtile, but ubiquitous agent, we must 

 plunge deep, pulverize the soil, and cover lightly the seed. 



Proposed Mr. Watkins to ascertain what kind of plows and 

 harrows the Egyptians used in the great valley of the Nile, " when 

 they east their bread upon the waters." He commended the 

 Lyceum; farmers need just such an organization — the head needs 

 it — the heart needs it — the body needs it — they ought to be the hap- 

 piest people in the world. Their sources of enjoyment are ample — 

 fruit, and flowers, and songs of birds and new problems of thought are 

 ever about their path. Better, far better are such gatherings, thau 

 to play the fop or fool at Saratoga or any other resort of fashion. 



The Lyceum closed after passing the following resolutions : 

 '' Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Lyceum for the successful 

 culture of wheat it should be sown during September, on good, 

 deeply plowed, well pulverized soil, and covered near the surface. 



Resolved, That the Lyceum considers the Pirk or Purkey wheat 

 by far the best variety known to them for this locality. 



The Poppy. — A letter received at the Patent Ofiice from Germany, 

 says, the poppy is cultivated in southern Germany to a large extent, 

 as a substitute for sweet oil. It has supplanted the use of the im- 

 ported olive oil wholly in that country. It is further stated that the 

 soil and climate of the New England States is highly suited for the 

 culture of this article, and they might provide the whole Union 

 with sweet oil, and thus save a large sum of money, which goes to 

 France and Italy. 



