1847.] Jgriculfuml Chemistnj. 153 



and that by the greater number, the purification of the air by them 

 is wholly denied ?" The reply is, that at the time he wrote, and 

 long before, the purification of the atmosphere through the absorp- 

 tion of the carbonic acid by vegetables, was a common doctrine 

 in our country. The same is now true, while his doctrine, in its 

 extreme application, is doubted. Adequate reasons for the doubt 

 in this case, it is hoped, have been advanced. The language of 

 the doctrine must be changed, and its universality be given up. 



36. From the adaptation of the kingdoms of nature to each 

 other, result all the valuable directions for the improvement of 

 soils, and the increase of agricultural products. 



37. The soil must possess all the inorganic substances, which 

 are essential to the perfect growth of all the parts of vegetables. 

 If any one is wanting, it must be supplied, whether it is gypsum, 

 potash or soda, lime or magnesia, bone ashes for phosphate of 

 lime, and the like. 



38. The soil must be put into a state to make these substances 

 easily accessible by the roots of plants. This will require due 

 attention to the mechanical operations of husbandry, and such a 

 mixture of different soils and earths as are suited to the objects of 

 cultivation. 



39. The employment of manures for the double purpose of add- 

 ing to the soil the essential inorganic substances, and of increas- 

 ing the accessible amount of carbonic acid and ammonia. The 

 preparation of manures, and the application of them to the roots 

 of plants, need only to be mentioned. The agriculturist here 

 finds additional reasons for the application of the various manures 

 to soils. 



40. Hence it is obvious, that scientijic husbandry is the inves- 

 tigation of the mutual adaptations of the three kingdoms of na- 

 ture to each other, and the appliance to agriculture of the fixed 

 principles thus obtained. Practical farming, as it is sometimes 

 called, derives all its importance from following the deductions 

 already obtained in this precise way. No other farming but that 

 founded on the adaptations fixed in nature by its great author, can 

 be successful, and repay the laborer for his efforts. Some of these 

 are easily discovered, and have ever been used. Others are not 

 so accessible, and require other sources of knowledge for their dis- 

 covery. Chemistry has in this way become the handmaid of ag- 

 riculture; and has already unfolded new and most important prin- 

 ciples in the employment of this first and chief of arts. In this 

 acceptation of the term, Bookfarming is the only true and ra- 

 tional farming — the only successful and profitable farming — the 

 only safe guide to the agriculturist. All its principles harmo- 

 nize with the adaptations of the kingdoms of nature to each 

 other. 



