AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION. 429 



The study of simple bodies. Of oxygen: its properties; its 

 notion upon vegetation, and upon animal life. Nitrogen, sulphur, 

 chlorine, carbon, hydrogen ; their action upon vegetable and 

 animal substances ; their uses in veterinary medicine, and their 

 influence upon vegetation. 



The study of compound substances. Chemistry as applied to 

 air and water j their importance in agriculture ; their influence 

 upon the action and life of plants and animals; the acids, the 

 sulphuric, the nitric, the carbonic, the chloric ; the alkalies, 

 lime, soda, potassium, ammonia ; their application in various 

 forms. The salts in chemistry, and their various applications 

 and uses j their importance as constituent parts of the soil, or as 

 improvements. 



The subject of marls and of earths, and of various substances 

 deemed favorable to vegetation. Under the direction of the 

 Professor of Chemistry, the students are taught to make analyses 

 of different soils and marls. 



To this is added a course of Mineralogy and Geology. This 

 embraces the general properties of minerals ; the physical, chem 

 ical, and mechanical character of mineral substances the most 

 common. 



The study of the distinctive properties and situation of those 

 mineral substances which are most extended over the globe, and 

 which are the most in use ; such, especially, as the carbonate of 

 lime ; comprehending stones for building, for the making of 

 roads and walls, limestones, marbles, sulphate of lime, or plaster 

 of Paris ; and all the variety of mineral substances ordinarily 

 found, and of use in agriculture or the arts. 



A course of Geology follows this, embracing all the leading 

 features of the science, with a special reference to all substances 

 or conditions of the soil connected with agricultural improvement. 



In this case, the professor makes frequent excursions with the 

 pupils, that they may become familiarly acquainted with the sub 

 jects treated of in the lectures, and see them in their proper local 

 ities ; so that the great truths of geological science may be 

 illustrated by direct and personal observation. 



Next follows a course of instruction in horticulture, or gar 

 dening. 



Of the soil ; the surface and the subsoil, and practical consid 

 erations relative to their culture and products. 



