No. 129."! . 287 



Dr. observed that, with regard to lime being termed alka- 

 line earth, there are quite a number of them, such as magnesia^ 

 strontia, &c. 



The Chairman thought that the Brazilian idea of a first and 

 second rank of schools would never answer here, where perfect 

 equality is demanded among men. Our form of Government 

 forbids all inequality. We must therefore provide our instruct- 

 ing process with this fact before our eyes. 



Mr. George Dickey observed that we ought to collect from all 

 quarters every information on this subject, and then diffuse it as 

 much as possible among our fellow-citizens. 



The Chairman adverted to the commission on the subject of 

 agricultural colleges some time ago by our State Legislature, and 

 to the circumstance of the decision of the American Institute, 

 then to await the action of the State thereon. Now, he said, we 

 should resume the subject. It was one of too much importance 

 to be allowed much longer to lie on the table He wished the 

 recent movement in reference to it by President Tallmadge to go 

 on as soon as the President can be heard ; and he hoped for con- 

 tribution from all those good and intelligent citizens, all of whom 

 concur in the wisdom and propriety of giving the utmost energy 

 to the instruction in agriculture universally. The Farmers' 

 Clubs of England are commonly attended by some able agricul- 

 tural chemist or professor, who, together with enlightened farmers, 

 make up the very instructive conveisations of the Clubs'. We all 

 know that Germany has done well with her school, and her rear- 

 ing of herds of the best sheep, especially . By close and perse- 

 vering attention, she has obtained some of the most precious 

 fleeces in the world. 



Mr. Meigs. — As Professor Mapes proposed the subject of phos- 

 phate of lime and draining, and President Tallmadge that of the 

 best mode of teaching agriculture, and as both of them are absent, 

 I move that those be the subjects for the next meeting. Adoj^ted. 



Seeds of the Alfalfa, {medicago saiiva,) Lucerne, from Valpa- 

 raiso, were now distributed. 



