84 TEANSACTIOXS. 



the consumption of the farmers themselves. Since the bounty was 

 withdrawn, very little wheat has been raised. The business has 

 fallen into disrepute with farmers, and the opinion is entertained, that 

 it cannot be raised as ti remunerating crop, except on new land. This 

 opinion is believed to be erroneous. It is, indeed, a mooted ques- 

 tion, but the time has come, when it may be settled, as its impor- 

 tance demands. Wheat, in its various forms, constitutes the largest 

 portion of our diet. The increasing price of the article, and conse- 

 quent drain upon the pockets of the farmers, should awaken their 

 attention. There is e'hcouragement for renewed efforts to cultivate 

 wheat, in the fact, that some of the enemies with which farmers have 

 had to contend in its cultivation, have disappeared. Insects, for ex- 

 ample, to some extent, and prejudice, we trust, to a much greater 

 extent. Science has begun to shed her light, and we have learned, 

 or begun to learn, the constituents of the plant or grain. The ele- 

 ments of the plant are derived from the soil and it will not flourish 

 where these elements are wanting. Chemistry here steps in to aid 

 the farmer, by analysis of the plant, tells him what these elements 

 are, and, by an analysis of the soil, which of these elements are 

 wanting in the soil. All that is necessary to solve the problem, 

 whethor wheat can be raised here as a remunerating crop, is a well 

 conducted experiment on seienti.^c principles. Let the farmer get 

 the soil of a certain field analyzed, and ascertain what particular in- 

 gredients are wanting to furnish food for the plant, supply that defi- 

 ciency, and tell us the result. Till this is done, we shall still hold 

 to the opinion, that wheat can be raised here with profit. 



We suggest to the officers of the Hampshihe Agkicultural 

 Society, the propriety of ofiering a liberal premium for the best ex- 

 periment in raising wheat, conducted in the manner suggested in the 

 preceding remarks. 



We are happy to state, that increasing attention is now given to 

 this subject, as the increasing number of competitors for premiums 

 on wheat crops, will testify. Four entries were made, accompanied 

 by satisfactory statements in relation to the manner of cultivation, 

 and expense of the crop. To these statements the attention of the 

 members of this society is invited, and, also, to the statements of 

 successful competitors for premiums on other crops. These experi- 

 ments are very interesting and instructive. 



