HINDRANCES AND HELPS 



fidence and far-sighted moderation of real sci- 

 ence. Even so we find a General in command 

 — looking from end to end of the field — mod- 

 est in his promises, doubtful by reason of his 

 knowledge; while some blatant Colonel, puffy 

 with regimental valor, and knowing the posi- 

 tions only by the confused roar of artillery, 

 will pompously threaten to bag every man of 

 the enemy ! 



But aside from the exaggeration alluded to, 

 — and of which I should reckon so minute a 

 soil-analysis as to determine what ground would 

 most favor the development of pectose in a 

 baking pear, and of pectic acid in a Bartlett, 

 a fair sample, — there are other hindrances to 

 the effective and profitable co-laboration of 

 scientific men with the practical farmer. The 

 latter has a wall about him of self-confidence, 

 ignorance of technicals, great common-sense, 

 and awkward prejudices, which the scientific 

 man, with his precision, his fineness of ob- 

 servation, his remote analogies, and his impa- 

 tience of guess-work, is not accustomed or 

 fitted to undermine. He may breach indeed 

 successfully all the old methods ; but if the old 

 methodist does not detect, or recognize the 

 breach, what boots it? Science must stoop to 

 the work, and show him a corn crop that is 



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