104 REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE a4 
patience in awaiting results, and upon the other, by every legiti- 
mate means to dissuade the publishing of immature conclusions. 
A hasty glance even will suffice to convince anyone that upon — 
many of the leading questions relating to agricultural matters the _ 
solutions were regarded as more clearly established a quarter of 
a century ago than they are to-day, and indeed it is perhaps true _ 
that most of the rules of practice which appear so clearly defined, — 
will, by further investigation, be found to require more or less 
modification. ‘i 
While it is unquestionably true that the aggregate of agricul- — 
tural science has within a quarter of a century been vastly 
increased, that in consequence our agricultural practice is to-day 
far more rational and intelligent, there has resulted also an 
increased demand upon science for more and more light, and often 
these demands are so pressing, persistent and unreasonable that 
hasty conclusions from limited data are given out only to be dis- 
proved in practice, while, as a consequence, science is thereby 
discredited and dishonored. 
There are perhaps few of our experiment stations to which are 
not frequently addressed questions, and very practical questions 
too, to which an answer is expected by return mail; and yet it is 
safe to say that even if agricultural science continues to advance 
with its recent enormous strides, another twenty-five years will 
pass before these questions can be satisfactorily answered. At _ 
present the only reply must be, “I don’t know,” in short or at _ 
greater length to the same purport. 
THe Future oF AMERICAN AGRICULTURE. 
An address upon the above subject delivered at one of the fairs 
appeared to attract considerable attention and very favorable — 
comment upon the whole, and since there is no subject of more 
general interest to the farmer, it seems best to present in less 
ephemeral form the facts upon which was based a favorable con- 
clusion as to the future of our agricultural industry, in the wish | 
that their consideration may give renewed hope, and help to. 
strengthen the growing conviction among many of our people that 
the agricultural depression which has existed during recent years, — 
and relief from which to many others has appeared distant or 
