JM n . STONES A P P R E S S . 7 



lioly functions, — nor can we form any tolerable idea of the 

 ploughs used in Ireland, when it became necessary, by act of 

 parliament to prohibit "ploughing by the tayle," — but the 

 heavy, uncouth instru\jients, shod with broken cart tire and 

 cast-off ox shoes, seen on every farm thirty years ago, are fa- 

 miliar to our juvenile recollections, and point a contrast most 

 favorable to the beautiful and scientifically constructed ploughs 

 now manufactured, which execute better work with fifty per 

 cent less team. The sub-soil plough, invented in Scotland 

 about twenty years ago, and now considered an essential im- 

 plement of good husbandry in Great Britain, has been, by Yan- 

 kee skill, brought within the means of every farmer.* 



This Society was the first in the Commonwealth, to publish 

 in detail its transactions, and thus led the way to an excellent 

 system of diffusing useful knowledge, now generally adopted. 

 In recently examining these publications, I was struck with 

 the sterling value of their contents. The addresses, delivered 

 in every instance by members of the society, are characterized 

 by profoundness of thought and depth of research ; and the nu- 

 merous communications, detailing experiments and their re- 

 sults, hi the various departments of Husbandry, evince uncom- 

 mon practical skill, and a laudable ambition to advance agri- 

 cultural science. Indeed, I hazard nothing in pronouncing 

 them among the most important agricultural documents that 

 have ever been presented to the American Public. 



A wide diffusion of the valuable information annually accu- 



*There is a beautiful connection betv/een the progress of the mechanic arts and the devel- 

 opment of the natural productions of the soil. The genius which puts into the hands of 

 the agriculturists the machine by which he may plough, mow, reap, thrash or shell out ten 

 times the usual amount performed by the same number of individuals, — of course gives him 

 increased power of turning his labor to advantage, provided the market keeps pace with 

 such advance of product. The farmer should recollect, that for his plough, his harrow, 

 rake, spade, and scythe. Ids reaping, thrashing and winnowing machines, &c., he is in- 

 debted to the mechanic;— and just in the degree in which these instruments of his toil are 

 improved, may he find additional ease and comfort in his method of conducting his busi- 

 ness. By the use of these various tools, which are such interesting exhibitions of inven- 

 tive talent, too, his own mind may be expanded as he learns to observe tlieir operation, 

 and so obtains knowledge of the practical laws of the forces in action, and tlius quickened 

 to invent for himself, may he able, by suggestions of his own, to derive increased advan- 

 tage from what he reads or hears." — Ellsworth's Report, 1845, />. 14. 



