47 



acknowledgment of the coiTectncss of this doctrine. When the 

 truth is seen and felt, it will not be long in finding a practical ap- 

 plication. Such facilities exist for the diffusion of information, 

 that experiments successfully tried soon reach every portion of the 

 comnuuiity interested in them. We are reminded by this remark, 

 of the extended use of guano. But a fcAv years ago it was looked 

 upon with distrust by many of our best farmers, who could not 

 imagine how so small a quantity of manure could contain fertiliz- 

 ing elements sufficient to supply the demands of the growing crops. 

 Such scepticism was natural, and wise in man, whose means would 

 not allow of expensive experiments upon doubtful conditions. By 

 gradual advances, guano has made its way into every town in the 

 county, and during the past season large quantities have been 

 used. How large we cannot tell ; but we know of towns in which 

 scores of persons have employed it, with various results, as might 

 have been expected. So powerful an agent, used by persons un- 

 acquainted with its nature, must necessarily, in some instances, 

 have been unwisely managed, and of course disappointed the ex- 

 pectations formed of it. This is the price paid for wisdom. But 

 from nmnerous in(|uiries we learn that in most cases it has been 

 attended with satisfactory results ; especially upon dry and loose 

 soil. We anticipate a rapidly growing demand for this article, 

 not only because it is more condensed and therefore more easily 

 and uniformly applied than other manures, but also because it will 

 be found cheaper than any other, taking into account the duration 

 of its influence. It is earnestly to be desired that farmers will 

 keep minute records of their experiments with guano, phosphates, 

 and other concentrated manures, and publish both successes and 

 failures for the public instruction. More questions have been 

 asked of this Committee for information in regard to the character 

 and method of using guano, than in regard to any other, perhaps 

 all other agricultural topics, indicating a wide-spread interest. 



The increased attention paid to farming implements and build- 

 ings, is very noticeable in almost every direction. The saving of 

 labor and manure, the comfort and growth of cattle, the amount 

 and quality of hay, the preservation of roots, are all facilitated by 

 good farm buildings, to say nothing of what might justify extended 

 notice, the gratification of a pure taste. 



In farmers' families also is seen the influence of good and bad. 



