PLYMOUTH SOCIETY. 519 



in some form, in the culture of this plant ; and also the im- 

 portant purpose in supplying it to which the tops may be made 

 subservient. Says Leibig, " Give to one plant — so says the 

 rational theory — such substances as are necessary for its de- 

 velopment, but spare those which are not requisite for the pro- 

 duction of other plants that require them." 



Allow me, then, in conclusion, to express the hope that a 

 new and increasing interest may speedily be awakened in the 

 minds of farmers, on the subject of thus properly feeding the 

 plants they cultivate ; and that in the benefits which a gratify- 

 ing success therein shall bring, through the instrumentality of 

 improved systems of education, and increasing facilities for the 

 acquisition and diffusion of appropriate knowledge, — advan- 

 tages which shall be, at least, in part of their own procuring, — 

 they may reap for their labors a rich and lasting reward. 



