Agriculture. 379 



of Germany 5 and by Bonnet and Sennebier, of 

 Geneva. 



The eighteenth century is remarkable for the 

 numerous improvements which, in the course of 

 it, have been introduced into agriculture, through 

 the medium of Chemistry. Indeed, the modern ap- 

 plication of chemical doctrines to the cultivation of 

 the earth, may be considered as forming a grand 

 era in the history of science. In this application 

 of chemical philosophy many persons have distin- 

 guished themselves, and rendered important ser- 

 vice to agriculture. Among these the Earl of 

 DuNDONALD is entitled to particular notice.™ He 

 had the honour of publishing one of the first formal 

 treatises on this subject. He has been followed by 

 many others, who have pursued the inquiry much 

 further, and w^ith great success. 



The nature and advantages of particular Soils 

 have been, more or less, the objects of inquiry in 

 all ages. But inquiries of this kind, in the couse of 

 the eighteenth century, have been more numerous, 

 enlightened and useful than ever before. A num- 

 ber of philosophers, during this period, have made 

 careful analyses of different soils, and by this means 

 threw much new light on the principles of agri- 

 culture. Those who most distinguished themselves 

 by investigations of this nature are Giobert, Berg- 

 man, KiRWAN, and Parmentier, to say nothing 

 of several others, no less worthy of being respect- 

 fullv mentioned in the same list. 



The last century is also distinguished by the in- 

 troduction of several new and important Manures 

 into general use. Of these it will be proper to 

 take some notice in our rapid course. 



The great advantages of Gypsum as a manure, 

 were discovered in the year 1768, by M. IVIayer, 



zu See his work en the Connection of J^nciiliure ivii/j Chmist':y, 



