74 CHEMICAL MANURES. 



interior roads offered certain and easy openings to our agricultural 

 products ; but since we have obtained liberty of commerce and facility 

 of means of transport, agriculturists are called upon to contend in 

 our own markets with the entire world. That the contest may be 

 possible and fruitful, it is absolutely necessary that the returns from 

 all cultures be raised to their limit. By the old methods this is im- 

 possible, and besides, would exact so formidable a capital that it is 

 not to be thought of. 



With the chemical fertilizers the question is different. It is re- 

 duced to this simple proposition : To add to $10.13 worth of fertilizers 

 the acre all the manure at disposal, or to pay out $15 to $20 if one 

 has no manure ; and the result will be changed by an immediate 

 excess of harvest, representing twice the value of the excess of cost 

 it occasioned. There is neither a doubt nor objection to be raised 

 against this proposition. It is a fact. 



May the new methods that the farm of Vincennes is destined to 

 make known receive a more and more general application. I invite 

 the severest criticisms upon them ; and if the progress which I expect 

 from this criticism throws my efforts in the shade, I will console 

 myself without too much sadness, persuaded that from the applica- 

 tion of these new methods my country must draw an incalculable 

 increase of wealth and prosperity. 



