EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTURE. 



CHAPTER I. 



Knowledge necessary in a suggester and maker of experiments. Purposes for 

 which experiments in science are made. Object of the suggestions contained 

 in the present work. Substances of which plants consist. Functions of the 

 organic and mineral constituents, and of the several parts of plants. Habits 

 and analogies of different species of plants, and of their varieties. Of what 

 the soil consists. Influence of its geological origin. Value of an acquaintance 

 with the local geology, and with the local drift, prevailing winds, and physical 

 geography. Composition of local streams and rocks. 



1. Purposes for which experiments are made. Object of the 

 suggestions contained in the present work. 



THE ultimate aims of applied science, in its relations to agri- 

 culture, will be the more fully and speedily attained in propor- 

 tion as it succeeds in converting the practical farmer into a 

 skilful, reasoning, and cautious experimenter, and every agri- 

 cultural holding into a progressing and profit-giving experi- 

 mental farm. 



Experiments in chemical science are made with the view 

 either of illustrating what is known, of testing what is asserted, 

 or of discovering what is unknown. 



In the^rs^ case they are intended either 



1. To exhibit the known properties and mutual relations of 

 bodies, and their influence upon animal and vegetable life ; or, 



2. To demonstrate received theoretical views in reference to 

 these known properties and relations. 



