REPORT ON ESSAYS. 145 



REPORT ON ESSAYS. 



The Committee* have received but two. Notice of two others was 

 given to the Secretary, but thej did not come to hand in season to 

 be examined. Those received relate to ynaize or Indian cor?ij — 

 one to its origin and history, the other to its culture. Unlike entirely 

 in character, — both have been perused with interest. In our opin- 

 ion, both will be found worthy of publication ; and the payment of 

 the premium of ten dollars to each of the authors, is recommended. 



The Essay on the origin and history of maize is prepared with 

 much care and ability, and presents a well digested argument in fa- 

 vor of the American origin of this plant. We read this paper with 

 astonishment and delight. The authorities named are not all at our 

 command, but if they are correctly cited (and there is no reason to 

 suppose they are not) it is not easy to see, how the conclusion to 

 which the author has arrived, can be controverted. It must be grat- 

 ifying to every true American to know that our own land is justly 

 entitled to the honor of originating this plant ; whose excellencies 

 have been so well sung by our own poet, in his immortal verse on 

 hasty pudding, and in the no less poetical strains of that eminently 

 practical philosopher, Wm. Cobbett, whose treatise on "7«s oum corn'" 

 is worthy of being read by all. While other lauds may boast of 

 their products of tea and coffee, of universal use — our own can claim 

 corn and potatoes, of name more humble, but of character, not less 

 valuable. 



The Essay on the culture of this plant appears to be the produc- 

 tion of the hard hands themselves, that conducted the cultivation; put- 

 ting forth the suggestions as they sprung from the soil, when follow- 

 ing the plow, or wielding the hoe, uucontaminated by any influences 

 of the press. We cordially greet such suggestions. The diversity 

 in the character and style of the papers has increased the interest 

 m their examination. Original thoughts, come Avhence they may, 

 are always acceptable. Crude ideas, pertinent to the subject, are 

 none the less valuable for want of polish. Even though not entirely 

 correct, if calculated to awaken inquiry and elicit truth, their publi- 

 cation may be useful. 



E. Mack 01 Salem, D. P. King and J. W. Proctor of Daiivers. Judge Mack was understood lo 

 •xeuse himself from joining: m this Report, for wajat of sufficient opportunity to form an opinion. 



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