64 TRANSACTIONS OP THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



Thus inventive genius is making sure steps of progress throughout the 

 world. These and similar discussions, exhibitions and publications are 

 rapidly opening new sources of wealth and comfort, arousing the most 

 stupid to see and confess these progressive economies, 



3d. In the triple classification of means for attaining to the true economy 

 in cultivating the ground, the American Institute endeavors to encourage 

 the right use of these inventions with due regard to the soil and its pro- 

 ducts, climate and surroundings. 



This is in part attained by encouraging a spirit of emulation in exhibit- 

 ing the best products in competition. But the Institute has not yet been 

 able to furnish that best of means, a model and experimental farm, for the 

 solution of high questions of agriculture and horticulture, in a locality 

 easily accessible to great masses of people, citizens and strangers — a school 

 for the most economical training of good farmers. 



American farming will continue to be the ruling interest at home, and 

 the spring of our greatest power abroad. 



In this view it becomes very important that inventions continue to be 

 encouraged, and that near the great centers of population and travel a 

 grand experimental farm should be established by Government for the 

 solution of great questions of agriculture, the acclimation of plants and 

 animals from foreign parts, for the practical test of instruments invented 

 for surface culture, where multitudes of citizens and strangers may see the 

 practical workings of science. 



In connection with this experimental farm there should be a school of 

 agriculture and horticulture, where the lectures may be open for the free 

 entrance of the masses, though specially appropriate to the regular instruc- 

 tion of the youth, thus preparing to go forth as practical farmers, well 

 instructed in the organic laws of plants and animals, in the physical 

 sciences, and thoroughly trained in the use of the various instruments for 

 the culture of the earth. 



Let this experimental farm be the special home of the orphans of our 

 patriot soldiers, and our General and State Governments will find it both 

 constitutional and expedient to liberally endow it, and secure to the school 

 a perpetuity of efficient action and usefulness. 



Subject for the next meeting, " Profits of Keeping Poultry." 



Adjourned. JOHN W. CHAMBERS, Secretary. 



Mr. Nathaniel Hawxhurst in the chair. 



May 19, 1862. 



What is Sold for Gypsum. 



Rev. Mr. Weaver, of Fordham. — Here is a sample of something that is 

 sold in this city for ground plaster, at $1.00 a barrel, which the seller sent 

 me upon an order for plaster, and now says it is better tli^n that for agri- 

 cultural purposes, but don't say what it is. That I should like to know. 



Dr. Church, of New York. — I judge, from appearances, that this is the 

 residuum of a manufactory of muriatic acid, which is made by putting com- 



