100 LETTER-FILES OF S. W. JOHNSON 



dautly shows. In this country there have been established 

 several experimental farms. Upon these farms trials have 

 been instituted to ascertain the relative values of various 

 manures, but the results have not and cannot have any gen- 

 eral or permanent worth. They have not been made with 

 more insight, nor have they been calculated to clear up more 

 doubts, than the single experiments carried out here and there 

 by private individuals. It is true they have been executed 

 with more care than is usual, but this has been so much more 

 labor lost. The spirit which has established these experi- 

 mental farms is worthy of the highest praise, but after they 

 have existed here for years we shall only reap the same fruits 

 that were gathered long ago in Europe, viz., a greater abun- 

 dance of conflicting fragmentary facts. I do not say that no 

 good can come of them. I only express my belief that the 

 results will be comparatively small, not at all commensurate 

 with the outlay. 



The other recognized means of making advance in agricul- 

 ture is the chemical laboratory. It was in the laboratory that 

 the foundations of agricultural science were laid, and it has 

 therefore served a most useful purpose. There are still many 

 subjects of considerable importance which the laboratory is 

 competent to elucidate alone ; but the larger share of the 

 problems that are now needing solution require the laboratory 

 and farm to unite their resources. 



There have been lately established in Germany, especially 

 in Saxony, a number of so-called Experiment Stations, or 

 experimental farms wath laboratories in connection, for the 

 exclusive object of promoting scientific agriculture. It is but 

 a few years since the first of these was founded, now there 

 exist already four in that little kingdom; and three others 

 are in operation, or are being established, in other parts of 

 Germany. These are intended to make science practical, and 

 practice scientific ; and no agency can be desired better 

 adapted for these important purposes. As mere practice is 

 deficient in all that belongs to the province of science to sug- 



