6 Introduction. [Jan. 
scanty grain gives place to the full rich ear, and succulent grasses and 
clovers supplant the poorer kinds; in fact, the “ conditions of exist- 
ence” are altered, and the weed no longer finds a genial bed. The 
soil prepared, we next come to the seed; and here, too, the agricul- 
turist has enlisted science in his cause. Two attempts are being 
made to increase the produce of cereals: one by the use of what is 
termed “ pedigree seed ;” that is, a seed derived from repeated selec- 
tions of the finest ears—the original parent being an ear of great size 
—by artificial selection, in fact; the other by artificial fructification. 
Our limited space will not permit us to dwell upon either of these 
systems, which will probably be treated in detail hereafter by abler 
pens than ours; and we must refer to the farmer’s last trouble— 
save and except the conversion of his harvest into gold, in which 
process he stands in need of other speculations than those of scien- 
tific men—we mean the saving of his produce, or, we might almost 
say, the conquest of the elements. 
The improvements which are daily taking place, to enable him to 
expedite and cheapen his harvest operations, deserve, and will receive 
a special place with us. The reaping and mowing machines which 
have been some time in use in America are now approaching per- 
fection in England, and the haymaking machine has already rescued 
many a crop that would otherwise have been sacrificed. A little 
more speed ; a few more applications of scientific principles ; and the 
farmer may defy or wield the weather as he already manipulates and 
utilizes the soil. 
But whilst the agriculturist turns with disfavour from the time- 
honoured running stream, and, pronouncing water-wheels a nuisance, 
calls in the aid of the steam-engine to every portion of his rapidly- 
progressing work, a leading mechanician steps forward, and warns us 
of the necessity of economizing coal and of utilizing water-power, lest 
the supply of the former should become exhausted. In his opening 
address, the President of the British Association startled the world, 
and more especially the geological world, with the announcement, 
that should the consumption of coal increase at its present rate, two 
centuries only will be the duration of the supply from the North 
Country coal-field ; and that, if no greater economy be exercised than 
at present, a hundred years will sufiice to bring about this result. 
Whatever may be the value of this speculation, its propounder has 
been led by the consideration of the subject to practical conclusions, 
perhaps not novel ones, but of great importance to the community, in 
regard to the present mode of employing this precious fuel. He has 
shown that improved machinery, a better arrangement of the fire- 
