EXPERIMENTAL FARM. ^IM 



in the ratio of production. Science steps in and unfolds the secrets 

 of nature, whose uniform and eternal law teaches that the mineral ac- 

 celerates the solubility ol the ordinarily slow decaying vegetable mat- 

 ter, and impoverishes the land in a few years. But if left to itself 

 without the stimulating manure, it will raise larger crops for many 

 years. Science teaches that the wheat plant is composed of certain 

 organic and inorganic constituents, which must have existence in the 

 soil in proper relative quantities, but in case any one of these fail, 

 the plant will not grow to perfection. Practice does not learn this, 

 though it is conscious of the mere fact that it will grow well or ill 

 or not at all. 



Your committee, after having made a careful investigation of this 

 momentous subject, have come to a conclusion that an agricultural 

 scientific school would be an invaluable source of instruction to 

 the growing youth of the present age, and subsidiary to the proper 

 development of the wealth and intelligence of the farming interest. 



The noble and successful efforts which the American Institute has 

 put forth in the cause of agriculture and the mechanic arts, have 

 reflected the highest commendation on this infant institution and have 

 spread the skill and enterprise of our industry throughout the civil- 

 ized globe. 



Your committee would recommend' the erection of the establish- 

 ment under the auspices of the American Institute, which would seem 

 favorable for its foundation and fostering protection. Among the 

 innumerable advantages that would flow from its proximity and con- 

 nection with that body, may be enumerated, an extensive library, 

 repository of machines and implements of agriculture, and a collec- 

 tion of seeds and plants. 



The dense and opulent population in the neighborhood of our com- 

 mercial emporium, its easy access, favorable climate, varied soil, vast 

 and extended intercommunication by inland trade and foreign com- 

 merce, may rouse the public spirit and munificence of our fellow citi- 

 zens in that quarter, indicate that region as favorable to the location 

 of the agricultural school and model farm. 



These considerations, in the judgment of your committee, present 

 strong reasons in favor of the application, and such as they are im- 



