548 Dedication of Polytechnic Hall — Address. [November, 



best. Test also tbe productive capacity of our soil — learn the pH- 

 losopby of manures. In the fruit department, gather together all 

 the best fruits ; test their merits, and if possible, settle the no- 

 menclature of many fruits now in cultivation. The same will be the 

 object in regard to vegetables and grasses. In the Botanic garden, 

 we propose to gather together the forest growth — as far as possible — ■ 

 of this climate, around the world. Also shrubs and plants, domestic 

 and wild, and arrange in families, genera and species. And as soon 

 as practicable, it is our purpose to erect a conservatory, and have at 

 least the exotics, numerously represented. 



Now as to the Union. Here in this Hall, in its various depart- 

 ments, under the respective professors — which at present will be ; 

 The Prof, of Chemistry, The Prof, of Botany and vegetable Physiol- 

 ogy, The Prof, of Theoretical and Practical Agriculture — the instruc- 

 tions will be given, the doctrines taught; and on these grounds we 

 propose to carry out into practice, and fully illustrate them. Thus 

 you see, we propose harmoniously to unite theory and practice. The 

 Botanist, for instance, gives His lecture — classifies his plant — and, 

 instead of resorting to his dry herbarium, or his culled flower — takes 

 his class to the living plant — gives instructions in relation to its 

 history, habits, qualities, soil best adapted to its culture, etc. Thus 

 giving increased and ever increasing interest and zest to his lectures. 



You have by this time obtained a glimpse of the scope and design 

 of our objects and aims, and no doubt many are ready to say, "You 

 are in advance of the age, we are not yet prepared for such a work ; 

 it will take too much money." To such reformers, we have simply 

 to say, we mean to keep ahead of the times, if possible; and as to 

 not being prepared to accomplish such a work, we think it is at least 

 time to begin it. We were told two years ago we could not raise the 

 sum proposed — it was entirely chimerical — it simply could not be 

 done. It has been done, and you now appear here to day to witness 

 the novel ceremony of dedicating this Hall of Science. The same 

 endeavor faithfully applied, will carry forward this well begun efi"ort 

 successfully, triumphantly. Farmers, 'you have the money if you 

 are disposed so to apply it; and there will be a willing hand if you 

 are assured at every step that there is a faithful, and proper, and 

 profitable appropriation of it. And these assurances — in these days 

 of humbugs raid swindlers — you have a right to demand. And it 

 seems motives will not be wanting to stimulate you onward — motives 

 of a pecuniary natiire — motives involving your highest dignity and 



