FARM BUILDINGS. 245 



ter of which is left to the experimenter, is a new feature in 

 the proceedings of this society ; but we are inclined to hope 

 and believe that, though the first, it may not be the last time 

 at -which it will occupy a position among the bounties annually 

 distributed. 



That individual who thoroughly and understandingly insti- 

 tutes or conducts an experiment, and gives to the public a care- 

 ful and reliable report of it, adds something to the general 

 stock of information, and more especially if such experiment 

 be an original one. The whole of our knowledge, not only 

 agricultural, but that pertaining to every department of life, has 

 been slowly and laboriously derived from the results of a con- 

 tinued succession of experiments ; or, in one word, from expe- 

 rience. It is immaterial whether Nature, unaided, places the 

 experiment before us, or whether she merely suggests. If we 

 are but able to grasp the whole in such a manner as to learn 

 the lesson which she is capable of teaching, we can then com- 

 municate it to the world as so much experience or knowledge. 



While very few persons are able to originate an experiment 

 of any importance, almost any one can carry it through when 

 full directions are given for the purpose. Many, however, per- 

 form any thing of the kind in such a careless manner that their 

 results are worth little or nothing when obtained. This arises 

 from the fact that such persons are not in the habit of making 

 observations upon any subject with the care that is requisite 

 for success in cases of this kind. Every agricultural operation, 

 the results of which are to be recorded for the benefit of others, 

 should be carried on with all the precision and exactness which 

 characterize the chemist in his operations in the laboratory. 



Every complete experiment in the cultivation of crops should 

 be performed comparatively, in order to make it of any use. 

 Because one farmer raises a superior field of grain, or other 

 product, under the use of some special manure, it does not 

 necessarily follow that the manure is to account for that supe- 

 riority. It may have been that differences in soil, locality, 

 season, cultivation, or some other influence, has contributed to 

 bring about this result. 



Not only should the experimenter use every precaution in 

 conducting his labors, but he should confine himself to the strict 



