The answers received are very gratifying. But few complained that the seeds 

 failed to sprout, and so general has been the answer that they all germinated 

 that where they failed to do so it is evidently to be attributed to unfavorable 

 Aveather, or unskillful planting. Assurances are abundantly given that the 

 varieties sent out are equally as good, and it is hoped that farmers will care- 

 fully preserve the seeds from the varieties received from this Department. 



Several of our regular correspondents stated that they had not received any. 

 The failure to do so must not be attributed to the Department. They, above 

 all others, shall receive from it whatever it has to distribute, because by their 

 voluntary and khid aid to advance the objects of the Department, they justly 

 merit every favor the Commissioner has to bestow. Nor can there be doubt 

 that Congress also will show its regard for this aid in providing them with 

 every facility essential to the intelligent performance of their voluntary duties 

 as correspondents. 



The Marsdcn Spring Wheat has entirely failed to sustain its character in this 

 country as a "spring'^ wheat. It is an English variety, of great excellence 

 there, and hence it was desirable to test it here. But there is a great difference 

 between the English and American climates. Although England lies much 

 north of the United States, yet the Gulf Stream passes by it, and mitigates the 

 rigors of winter by its immense heat. The English farmer can plough at all 

 times of the winter, and spring wheat is sown in February and March. Their 

 harvest is much later than ours — at least six weeks — and hence their spring 

 Avheats have a season of growth double the length of our own. This is the 

 reason of the failure of the Marsden variety, and has much to do with the full 

 and perfect development of its beautiful grains. 



The following correspondence shows the circumstances under which this 

 variety was purchased, and the hopes that induced its trial : 



"Department of AoRicuLTtiRE, 



" Washington, D. C , Augud 7, 1863. 



"Dear Sir: The very handsome looking ' Marsdea White Spring Wheat,' purchased 

 by you last fall of Charlwood & Cummins, in England, has not proved successful as a spring 

 wheat in any part of our country. From ynur large experience in the grains and climate 

 of boih England and your own country, you can explain this to the satisfaction of the 

 farmers of the country. 



" Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



"ISAAC NEWTON, 



" Commissioner. 

 "Colonel B. P. Johnson, 



" Secritary oj the New York Slate Agricultural Society." 



"State of New York, Agricultural Rooms, 



^* Albany, August 10, 1863. 



" Dear Sir : In answer to your letter of the 7th instant, in relation to the ' Miirsden 

 White Spring Wheat' — that it has not proved successful here as a spring wheat — I pre- 

 sume the reason of this is owing to the difference of climate and time of sowing. In Eng- 

 land spring wheat is sown usually in February or early in March, and the wheat plants 

 in England are slow to start into a healthy growth The season there being longer than 

 ours enables them to secure the crop in good condition. 



" I took the best advice I could obtain, and, from the advice received, purchased the 

 variety sent you, which, if it had proved as I hoped it would, must have been of gieat 

 advantage to our country. I regret its failure, as the wheat was of extraordinary fine 

 quality. 



' ' Very respectfully yours, 



"B. P. JOHNSON. 

 "Hon. Isaac Nbwton, 



' ' Commissioner of Agriculture ' ' 



