40 



recorded for the benefit of others, should be carried on with 

 all the precision and exactness which characterizes the chem- 

 ist in his operations in the laboratory. 



Every complete experiment in the cultivation of crops 

 should be performed comparatively, in order to make ii 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 superiority. It may have been that differences in soil, 

 locality, season, cultivation, or some other influence, has con- 

 tributed 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 letter of truth in making up his record, and he should 

 be as willing to give the public the statement of an unsuc- 

 cessful experiment as where the result is of the opposite char- 

 acter. Says Von Thaer, "Science would have made much 

 greater progress if the false shame with which agriculturists 

 conceal every unsuccessful experiment, and the exaggerated 

 manner in v/hich they often relate all those in which they 

 have succeeded, had not retarded its progress." 



Your Committee regret that there have been but three 

 entries made for their consideration; but they are disposed 

 to think that another season will witness an increase in the 

 number of experimenters, and, as a consequence, an increase 

 in the interest and value of a report. 



The first entry was that of the chairman of this Committee, 

 relating to his farm buildings, a statement concerning which 

 accompanies this report. The subject of this experiment 's 

 of a character that should interest every one who contf^m- 

 plates building, either now or in the future. If the v;ork is 

 permanent and durable, — and we see no reason to question 

 it if due care is exercised according to the suggestions of that 

 statement, — ii is certainly a very important matter. There 

 are very few farms in this region of our country which would 

 not afford the principal materials required, merely for the 



