1881.] TRANSACTIONS. 7 



The great danger in the use of chemical fertilizers lies in our 

 forgetting that these are stimulants more than fertilizers, and 

 the exclusive use of tiiera will soon make an inevitable and 

 natural limit. Used loith natural fertilizers^ which maintain 

 the supply of humus and help keep the soil porous as well as 

 contribute to its fertility, chemical fertilizers are very helpful. 



But whatever may be said for or against tlie practical appli- 

 cation of chemistry to agriculture, two great points can be made 

 in its favor as a disciplinary study in the training of men who are 

 to be farmers : 1st. It cultivates the faculties which the farmer 

 needs more directly and efficiently than any otber science ; viz. 

 close and accurate observation, sound classiiication, correct 

 reasoning from observation and a devout recognition of the 

 binding force of natural laws. 



2d. Chemistry is the only science that has at the present 

 moment any chance at all of solving the perplexing but fascinat- 

 ing problem of the connection between life and matter. How, 

 where and when the atoms of dead matter slip from the control 

 of the ordinary molecular forces and group themselves under the 

 higher generalship of the vital forces, are questions which 

 chemistry will one day solve. Tliey are questions of the higliest 

 dignity and importance, and an observant gardener or farmer is 

 likely to study them to the best advantage. He has this 

 encouragement, that, so far as we now know, plants hold the 

 secret that we should all be so glad to get. 



