344 [Assembly 



subject. He was familiar at Washington, and knew what would be 

 some of the obstacles likely to retard such an establishment, but 

 whatever hindrances might arise, the object was of no less importance, 

 and should by all means be carried into effect. Mr. Johnson also 

 adverted to Agricultural education; it will add to the prosperity of 

 the nation, and the advancement of the national interests. 



Mr. Wakeman moved that a committee be deputed to draft said 

 memorial. And Mr. Van Wyck wished to amend the motion in so 

 far as to have the committee composed of persons from different sec- 

 tions of the country, that the proposition might not appear to have a 

 local bearing. Mr. Wakeman, again, thought different locations not 

 so great an object as to have good men, and thought the committee 

 should consist of three, who were, finally, appointed as follows; 

 Messrs. D. Lee, J. S. Skinner, and B. P. Johnson. 



Col. Travers corroborated what had been said, and made some sug- 

 gestions in regard to the best course to be pursued in making such 

 an application. When, 



Mr. Wakeman proposed, and it was adopted, that a committee be 

 appomted to confer with Government, at W^ashington, and that an- 

 other committee be appointed to nominate as many persons for this- 

 purpose as shall be deemed requisite. [The memorializing commit- 

 tee were subsequently charged with this additional duty of nomina- 

 ting ] 



Prof. Meigs said that a question bad been suggested by Dr. Un- 

 derbill, sometime since, to the Farmers' Club,- which had been re- 

 ferred to this Convention. The question was in regard to manures 

 when placed in the soil, do they ascend or descend? As Dr. Under- 

 bill was present, he hoped he would present this subject at this time. 



Dr. Underbill replied that he was happy to oblige the gentleman 

 preceding him, but should prefer deferring his remarks until a future 

 period, when he would proceed to state definitely his arguments in 

 favor of the position he had taken on this subject, which was con- 

 trary to the generally received opinions of the last two hundred years. 

 He considered it a question of immense magnitude and importance 

 to the Agricultural interest of our country, and wished to be accurate 

 and fully understood in his remarks. 



By solicitation, however, the Doctor proceeded to give an outline 

 of his theory. He enumerated numerous facts showing the reasona- 



