MR. gage's address. 21 



farmer best consults his own interest by devoting his 

 whole attention to such portions as he can manure 

 and cultivate thoroughly. His own labors will then 

 be most ably seconded by the powers of nature. 



The introduction of a rotation of crops is consider- 

 ed as one of the greatest steps ever taken in the ad- 

 vancement of agriculture. To follow this system 

 with advantage, a few general principles have been 

 laid down by Chaptal, which I take the liberty of of- 

 fering to your attention, as far more valuable than any 

 thing in my power to suggest, 



"I. All plants exhaust the soil. They are partial- 

 ly supported by the earth, the juices from which con- 

 stitute an important part of their nourishment. 



II. All plants do not exhaust the soil equally. Air 

 and water help nourish them ; different kinds of plants 

 require the same nourishment in different degrees. 



III. Plants of different kinds do not exhaust the 

 soil in the same manner. Plants with spindled or 

 tap roots draw nourishment from layers of soil in con- 

 tact with the lower part of the root ; while those 

 whose roots are spread near the surface, exhaust only 

 that part of the soil. 



IV. All plants do not restore to the soil either the 

 same quantity or the same quality of manure. The 

 grains exliaust a soil the most, and repair the injury 

 the least. While some leguminous plants restore to 

 the soil a great portion of the juices they receive 

 from it. 



V. All plants do not foul the soil equally. Plants 

 are said to foul the soil when they promote or permit 

 the growth of weeds. Plants which have not large 

 leaves fitted to cover the ground, foul the soil." 



