xliv Premiums proposed by the 



sultory and misapplied operations. Weeds and other worth- 

 less products, are its offspring. These, in many cases, 

 might be prevented, destroyed or converted into benefits, 

 with well directed systems. To instance only the sorrel 

 apparently the most mischievous and forbidding. It has 

 been found that with lime^ it may be made a powerful and 

 efficient auxiliary to profitable crops, and when judiciously ap- 

 plied is known in Europe to be so valuable, that the sorrel is 

 propagated for its uses in husbandry. Limestone is found a- 

 bundantly in most of our new lands, or at least, in very ex- 

 tensive districts. Careful experiments may point out the 

 mode of liming lands overrun by this apparent pest, so as to 

 destroy its bad qualities, and convert it to salutary and pro- 

 fitahle purposes. If this be not now deemed eligible in parts 

 where land is less valuable than labour, it will nevertheless 

 be an object e'er long, when the products of land are un- 

 attainable, without combinations of labour with ingenuit}', 

 good management and appropriate systems of husbandry. 



9. Veterinary Essay and Plan. 



For the best essay and plan for promoting veterinary 

 knowledge and instruction, both scientifically and practically, 

 under the circumstances of our country. Aid to schools and 

 establishments for this, among other agricultural purposes, 

 ought to be given by the national and state legislatures. But 

 agriculture^ and the subjects connected with it, have not 

 heretofore been cherished by their patronage. Her young 

 sister, commerce, has fortunately fascinated with contribu- 

 tions to revenue, and thereby secured protection and en- 

 couragement. But private and individual exertions, for the 

 accomplishment of agricultural objects, must, from necessi- 

 ty, be resorted to, for public benefits derived from this pri- 

 mary source of all the wealth and prosperity we enjoy. — 

 Some of the most worthy and truly respectable governments, 

 and many of the most eminent men, in Europe, have deemed 



