66 EEPORT OF COMMITTEE. 



concentration ; furthermore, it is not enough, that we simply col- 

 lect facts and lay down rules, that we arrive at just conclusions, 

 unless our observations are of the right kind and made in the right 

 way. If they are not exact and accurate, and conducted and re- 

 ported so as to admit of proper arrangement and comparison, they 

 are of litde value, and may lead to false and mistaken views. 



As an illustration. Farmer Jones, who has gained a knowledge 

 by careful study and observation, of the composition of soils iti his 

 fields, and by knowing what elements are wanting for particular 

 crops, — having also acquired a knowledge to some extent of ferti- 

 lizers, and those best adapted to the soil and the intended crop, re- 

 ports to the Farmers' Club, or to the Agricultural Society of which 

 he is a member, a complete success. Upon the receipt of this 

 report, Farmer Smith, or somebody else, with a view of carrying off 

 the palm by obtaining a higher premium, "starts off" with having 

 a very limited knowledge of the elements in the soil, and still less 

 of special manures, perhaps uses two or three times the quantity 

 used by his neighbor, and applies it in a different way, contrary to 

 all theory or common sense, and instead of the experiment being 

 like that of his neighbor, a success, the operation is a complete 

 failure. 



Hence, the difference in the two farmers, the one having some 

 knowledge of the composition of soils, and knowing just how to 

 apply manures and fertilizers, has made at least one movement 

 towards " successful farming," while the other, havmg only a 

 vague knowledge, or no knowledge at all of either, has made a 

 similar step in the opposite direction ; and thus it is that farmers 

 have yet much to learn as to the nature of soils, the value of ma- 

 nures and fertilizers, and the way in which they should be applied 

 to different soils and to the intended crops. 



In closing, we have simply to say, that we consider our com- 

 mon and High schools defective, inasmuch that they teach com- 

 paratively nothing of the natural sciences, which are the basis of 

 sound practical knowledge of things ; and this is what every farmer, 

 be it as it may, with others, can't afford to be without. Teach our 

 children as much mathematics as we will, and in as many languages 

 as we please, but not until we have given them a we'l grounded 

 view of those sciences which they are to practice in after life. 



Ephraim Graham, Chairman. 



