22 



the case. If so, it is for the reason that I have said, that we hav 

 science. We have no data to go upon. We have only our own 

 perience. 





 SPEECH OF PROFESSOR WILLIAM C. FOWLER, OF AMHERST. 



MR. PRESIDENT 



It has already been distinctly stated, and, as I believe, generally dist 

 ly understood, that whether there should be any schools established or 

 whether there should be any college established or not, a Central Board, : 

 as is contemplated in this resolution, may be of great service to the pe 

 in this State and to the agricultural interests of this State. I beli 

 therefore, that the gentleman who has just spoken can consistently voti 

 this resolution irrespective of any future decision as to the establishmei 

 a college or of schools for the promotion of agriculture. 



We have no American science, it is said ; we have no Massachu 

 science, it is said, on the subject of agriculture. Mr. Chairman, I 

 leave to say that science is the same the world over. 



Mr. Brooks. I say we have no science, because the science of agr 

 ture in Europe is not applicable to our condition. 



Mr. Fowler. Science is, in itself, the same the world over. In its app 

 tions it may be varied according to circumstances. The application of sci 

 to agriculture in this country may vary from its application in Englam 

 consequence of the peculiar circumstances connected with our climate or 

 We must, therefore, first determine what these peculiar circumstances 

 and then we shall know how to employ science in aid of agriculture ir 

 own country. If it be true, as the gentleman says, that we have no A 

 ican science and no Massachusetts science, then upon this assumptic 

 his, the very first thing which we ought to do is to have an Americar 

 ence, and a Massachusetts science. (Applause.) 



But leaving the ground assumed by the gentleman, I come back t< 

 true ground, namely, that science is the same all over the world. It ii 

 business to see to it that its applications to the art of agriculture in Mi 

 chusetts are such as they ought to be. In the first stages of civiliza 

 art precedes, science follows. In the advanced stages of civilization, 

 ence precedes, art follows. All the higher processes of the useful 

 are dependent on science. t 



There have been, Mr. President, as you well know, immense addi 

 made during the last fifty years to science in general, and to those par 

 larscienc.es which relate to agriculture. This is true of chemistry, ofgeo] 

 of mineralogy, of botany, and vegetable physiology, of zoology and ar 

 physiology. Accordingly, the Governments of Europe, as we learn b; 

 excellent report of the agricultural commission, lately published, are e: 

 sively taking measures, by means of agricultural colleges and schools. 



