780 [Assembly 



which some roots of plants descend in porous soils, in search of 

 water, is astonishing. The roots of wheat have been traced thirty 

 feet, under such circumstances. 



Dr. Field communicated the result of his observation and experi- 

 ence on the plough. 



The following subjects were then adopted for the next meeting of 

 the Club. 



Draining, as connected with subsoil ploughing, and also irrigation. 



The Club then adjourned. 



H. MEIGS, Secretary 



February 15, 1S48. 



R. L. Pell of Pellham in the Chair. Henry Meigs, Secretary. 



IMr. Meigs read the following translation made by him from the 

 Auxiliador da Industria Nacional — Rio de Janeiro, 1846, re- 

 marking first that the original was in his opinion a just and elegant 

 eulogium upon agriculture, and that his translation was as literal as 

 it was in his power to make. That such testimony as this from a 

 distant land, of the high importance of agriculture, always came 

 most acceptably to us, as evidence of the universal sentiment of the 

 most eminent and excellent men in favor of the great cause of ag- 

 riculture. 



Auxiliador da Industria Nacional, 



Rio de Janeiro, 1S46. 



What is agriculture ? 



The sublime art of cultivating the earth, and making it produce 

 plants, grains and fruits suitable to and necessary for man. And at 

 this day it also embraces the multiplication and preservation of cat- 

 tle. It is the first and most useful of the arts. He who dedicates 

 himself to agriculture is most in conformity with reason and nature. 



In truth, what is there more natural and rational, than that by our 

 industry, we should draw from the bosom of the earth our food and 

 raiment ? What can more enable a susceptible soul than gentle and 



