280 QUARTERLY JOURNAL. 



same process. This we conceive to be the true action of this sub- 

 stance ; but as to its being a very active manure, under any circum- 

 stances, we have no conclusive evidence. The result of experiments, 

 as far as we have noticed, is not decisive. 



We pass over a number of other points which we had designed 

 to notice, as well as the portion of the address which treats of wool- 

 growing. On the latter subject we only hazard one recommendation. 

 Mr. L. advises, as one means of increasing the growth of wool, to 

 keep " the animal warm in winter," etc., and " stimulate, with the 

 elements of wool, the organs which secrete this valuable covering 

 of the sheep" (page 432), 



These, we have long been aware, are favorite ideas of our author. 

 But is it according to the analogy of nature, to keep any animal 

 warm, in order to produce an increased length or fineness of cover- 

 ing ? Those which occupy the colder regions of the earth have 

 uniformly the finest covering, and the most abundant, and it also 

 strikes us that these degenerate when they are brought into warmer 

 latitudes. We merely give this as our individual opinion, drawn 

 from the fact above stated. And as Providence ever provides for 

 the circumstances in which his creatures live, to give them a cover- 

 ing according to their need, we infer that sheep would have a longer 

 and a finer fleece exposed to constant cold, than if kept warm 

 throvigh the winter. We know of no facts in the way of experi 

 ments tried to determine this point ; nor, we presume, does Mr. L. ^ 



But we forbear. We think enough has been said to confirm our 

 formerly expressed opinion, " that much had better been left out, 

 because it has no connection with agriculture ; and some which 

 had better never been written, for it is full of errors." • 



We must repeat here our former remark, that, as a whole, the 

 volumes are highly creditable to our State Society. A little more 

 care should be used to keep out error and false science, and to 

 make the work strictly agricultural. 



Let us repeat, and so as to be distinctly and correctly understood, 

 that we have not alluded to any individual in our remarks, in regard 

 to the orators at the annual fairs. If farmers need pufiing to con- 

 vince them that theirs is the highest and proudest of human pur- 

 suits, then let them have it. At the same time, we do know that 

 they need information, and they love to hear that which expands 

 their minds and ennobles their hearts, and teaches them how to 

 make knowledge profitable. 



