No. 216.] 605 



way, be compared with the laws of propagation. If there are appa- 

 rent discrepancies let them be published, and if they cannot be 

 explained, by the principle of this theory, let it be abandoned. 



An important step has already been taken by Mr. Smith of Buffalo, 

 and his success has been as great as could reasonably be expected. 

 It has, in fact, been in exact accordance with the fixed laws of 

 nature. 



This subject should be met by careful investigation, founded upon 

 sound principles, and guided by common sense; not by that guessing 

 method which knows no principle, unless it be to adopt the most 

 popular opinion. 



In conclusion let me ask — is there not much reason to believe, that 

 if these experiments be continued, not only planting seeds, but the 

 seed of balls, selected from the most vigorous plants; in a few years 

 the potato rot will have wholly ceased, and this distressing calamity 

 will have passed away. 



Judge Van Wyck. Mr. Hyde has given to the Club some new and 

 valuable suggestions. Experiments ought to be tried in conformity 

 with them. Numberless seeds planted, give but rarely as good results 

 as the parent plants. Like comes by the process of inoculation and 

 by grafting, but perhaps the rule does not apply so perfectly to the 

 potato.^ 



Mr. Hyde. I am an earnest advocate for the new system of edu- 

 cation proposed by the American Institute, and for one strong reason 

 especially, that it is calculated to reach all classes of citizens, instead 

 of the more wealthy only. 



Thomas R. Lush presented a cutting of a native American grape 

 fine, which he supposes to be the* white muscadine; the parent vine 

 was originally taken from the woods of Staten Island, in New York 

 harbor. He hopes it will prove a good grape. 



H. Meiffs. I desire to elicit from the members their views on the 

 interresting question of the proposed new plan of education, that of 

 making real farmers and educated ones at the same time. I remind 

 the members of one of the vast advantages of the agricultural school 

 and experimental farm, which is, that there, all manher of choice 

 and perfect seeds and plants can be produced, and their sale will be 

 immense, for their true character will be guaranteed, so that the de^ 



