88 EXACT AND EXPERIMENTAL AGRICULTUKE. 



This, where hay is a cash article, is a very important difference ; 

 and though there will be differences in the size and appetites of 

 different animals, yet most certainly we might more nearly than 

 that approach the determination of the quantity. So too with 

 respect to feeding of oxen and horses, not only as to quantity 

 but the kinds of feed which may be most profitably applied, 

 corn fodder, English hay, salt hay, corn, meal, oats,'^food cook- 

 ed or uncooked, many queries arise, which can only be settled 

 by experiments, careful experiments ; and may be settled by 

 experiments, which would cost nothing. 



In regard likewise to the keeping of swine, every farmer who 

 keeps one may soon settle for himself by actual experiment, the 

 often discussed question of their profit or loss ; and other points 

 of equal importance relating to the kinds of food, which may be 

 most profitably, if profitably at all, be given them. 



These and such experiments as these I recommend most ear- 

 nestly and most respectfully to the Essex farmers to make and 

 to repeat and to report. The results of them and the faithful 

 and exact communication of those results to the public through 

 the Society will be of the greatest benefit both to individuals 

 and to the community. In my opinion the Society could not 

 better appropriate some portion of their funds than in the en- 

 couragement of such experiments by giving, where they are well 

 conducted and fully detailed, whether successful or not, such 

 pecuniary gratuities to those, who conduct them, as in their judg- 

 ment they may merit ; and as shall stimulate them to further in- 

 quiries, though such objects of premium are not, from the neces- 

 sity of the case, previously promised in their publications. 



Facts in agriculture are the instructors, which are most need- 

 ed. The advances of the science have been necessarily slow ; 

 but who can doubt that there are yet many more truths to be 

 discovered, other mysteries in nature to be solved ; and much 

 more light to break forth on a subject so essentially connected 

 with human subsistence and comfort and the general welfare. 

 He who assists to settle the most simple truth, and to solve 

 the least of these and other controverted points, is to be deem- 

 ed a public benefactor. He who brings but a single pebble 



