41 



general, using the language of the Journal of Science, in 

 which the memoir was republished, that "commencing 

 with the young plant, he followed it through its success- 

 ive stages of growth and development to its maturity. 

 The results are presented in thirty-nine tables, containing 

 hundreds of accurate and minute analyses, giving the 

 composition of the oat from the different parts of the 

 plant, separately, viz : the leaf above and below, the 

 stalk, the knots, the grain, &c, besides the organic con- 

 stitution of the grain " This is by far the most thorough 

 examination of the oat which has ever been made — and 

 his labors possess the advantage that subsequent inquirers 

 may implicitly rely upon them, and begin where Mr. 

 Norton left off. 



But beside the scientific labors of the laboratory, Mr. 

 Norton made many agricultural excursions in company 

 with Prof. Johnston, into different parts of Scotland and 

 England, in which they examined the best cultivated 

 farms in the kingdom. Mr. Norton's personal experience 

 in farming, enabled him to turn these visits to the great- 

 est advantage. He also attended agricultural festivals, 

 and was called up for speeches at the festive boards. 

 Full accounts of these expeditions were published in the 

 Albany Cultivator, of which he was a regular correspond- 

 ent during his residence abroad. His opportunities in 

 this respect were unsurpassed, and the practical know- 



