8 



efited every branch of agriculture, but more especially the 

 great operations of the prairies, as compared with the cul- 

 ture of the gardens and small fields of the East. These ad- 

 vantages are likely to continue, and they may even increase. 

 On the other hand, I anticipate that the application of science 

 and scientific discoveries to agriculture will inure more 

 largely to the advantages of the East, — to the small farmers 

 and market gardeners of the country. 



Perhaps I ought, without an if, to say that Prof. Stock- 

 bridge's discovery of a special fertilizer for corn will yield a 

 return to the state in excess of the cost of the Agricultural 

 College ; but as a phrase of caution, I say, if, after a reasonable 

 trial, which shall decide, among other things, the effect of 

 successive crops upon the productive powers of the soil, the 

 claim now made for it shall be sustained, its value to the 

 State will far exceed the cost of establishing and maintaining 

 the college at Amherst. 



I believe that the average farmers of Massachusetts, and 

 especially dairy farmers, who use corn as feed for cows, have 

 erred in abandoning the crop. Next to hay, the corn crop is 

 of the most value to the farmer whose chief product is milk. 

 It is adapted to many varieties of soil ; it is subject to but 

 few casualties ; almost uniformly it is proof against disease 

 and insects; the straw, if properly treated, is almost as valua- 

 ble as hay, and the grain, after making all proper charges and 

 deductions, can be raised at a cost not exceeding the average 

 cost of western corn. 



Moreover, the annual product of hay will be greatly in- 

 creased if the cultivation of corn is pursued, for it may safely 

 be said that no other crop which does not require higher 

 treatment and better tillage so well ^prepares land for grass. 

 This statement I base upon the common system of culture ; 

 but should the claim for the Stockbridge fertilizer be sus- 

 tained by experience we may defy the competition of the 

 West as far, at least, as our own wants are concerned. 



