480 



easily infer from a thousand facts, which chemistry has already dis- 

 closed, how much depends upon the form of combination of the most 

 simple elements ; and when we consider of what an almost infinite 

 number of permutations and combinations a few simple substances ad- 

 mit, we perceive difficulties in the nature of the case which must cer- 

 tainly very much qualify our confidence of success. They should at 

 least check all haste in our conclusions, and disarm all severity of judg- 

 ment in respect to the conclusions of others, how much soever these 

 may difier from our own. Truth should be our great and only object. 

 Philosophy stimulates to the pursuit of it as the most precious of all 

 gems. Nothing should abate our zeal ; nothing should discourage our 

 efforts in the search. Fifty years ago chemistry was hardly known as 

 a science. Now, what triumphs has it accomplished, and what a world 

 of wonders has it opened to our view ! In its application to agriculture 

 it presents itself as the natui'al solvent of its now difficult mysteries. 

 Its whole tendency and aim, in this matter, unlike many other of its ap- 

 plications, are to confer unmixed good upon mankind. It discloses to 

 our adoration more and more of those mighty operations of a benefi- 

 cent Providence, by which, in an unbroken circle of dependence and 

 subserviency, the most offensive substances are converted into all that 

 is nutritive, delicious, and beautiful. It shows us how, by the exact 

 and wonderful combination of a thousand subtile influences in the earth, 

 the air, the rain, the light, the dew, daily and hourly the table of the 

 Divine bounty is spread for all that live ; and not one of his great fam- 

 ily is, by the m.aster of the feast, ever sent empty away. 



D.— (p. 162.) 



EXPERIMENTS IN THE CULTURE OF SILK. 



I have the greatest pleasure in laying before my readers the annexed 

 communications on the culture of silk, from my respected friend 

 James Deane, M. D., of Greenfield, Mass. 



They are exact, perspicuous, direct, and conclusive. It would be 

 difficult to ask more in order to determine the question of the profit 

 and success of this branch of domestic economy or household hus- 



