367 



jocts, we must attribute it to the peculiar difticulfy of the inves- 

 tigation. In other subjects, exposed to the joint operation of 

 many causes, the effect of each, singly and exclusively taken, 

 may be particularly examined, and the experimenter mav work 

 in Ills laboratory, with the object always in his view; but the 

 secret processes of vegetation take place in the dark, ex|)osed 

 to the various and undeterminable influences of the Atmosphere, 

 and require, at least, half a year for their completion." Such 

 difficulties are only so many powerful reasons for increasing the 

 number of labourers in this field of Science ; and when these have 

 gone on collecting observations and facts, some master mind will 

 arise, in an age perhaps not very distant, and render the whole 

 more luminous,by arranging them in the magic order of System, 

 Science can never supersede the necessity of a practical educa- 

 tion for the cultivator ; can never supersede the use of the 

 Dunghill, the Plough, the Spade, and the Hoe; but it can be 

 one of their best guides; can be a pilot even to the most ex- 

 perienced. 



As proof of what can be eflected by a combination of scien- 

 tific and practical knowledge in the cultivation of the Soil, the 

 example of Lavoisier may be quoted. He was one of the most 

 illustrious Chemists of his day. He cultivated two hundred 

 and forty Acres in La Vendee, for the purpose of demon?trating 

 to his countrymen the importance of sustaining the art of cul- 

 tivation on scientific principles. In nine years his produce 

 was doubled. His crops afforded one third mure than those of 

 ordinary cultivators. 



These observations will bo rendered daily more and more 

 needless; for the rising generation of (iardeners are really 

 men of Science. The necessity for this was seen during the 

 closing of the last century, and sucli conviction has ellected the 

 reformation. Some persons are still bigots enough to oppose 

 such an improved education for Gardeners, but the intollcrant 



