MODERN METHODS OF SCIENCE. 583 
for the rich soil which covers such a vast proportion of our coun- 
try, some of the states of which, like Illinois, with 55,000 square 
miles .of surface, have hardly a barren acre, yet we can pluck 
nothing from it; it is not like the tropical forest, from which the 
indolent natives may gather their food, and live a life of inertia 
almost akin to that of the beasts that wander through its rich 
foliage. In this country the arm must be stretched forth, the 
forest felled, the ground ploughed, provision made against the 
inclemency of varying seasons, but when this is done what a 
glorious return !— rich and luxurious crops, abundant harvests. 
Then, by the numerous navigable streams and favorable surface 
for roads, a ready market is afforded for the farmer’s surplus. And 
when we go beneath the soil.and mine the ‘rock it is not only 
the uncertain gold and silver, but the sure coal and iron that 
reward toil, and from the very nature of the labor improve those 
engaged in it. : 
As followers and patrons of science we must keep in view the 
wants and wishes of the people. Sometimes the people them- 
if Selves, as well as their representatives, are slow to appreciate 
our labors ; but experience has proved that they give way at last 
to the patient and judicious perseverance of men of science, who 
in some way or other show that they are not mere abstractionists, 
but that what they do has practical bearings, and therefore renders 
the people more powerful both at home and abroad. Science fur- 
nishes, so to speak, the raw material out of which all the progress 
of modern nations is constructed. To use the words of one of our 
Nestors of science: ‘It is only in recent times that the value of 
Scientific research hegan to be felt; and I hope to live, old as I 
am, long enough to see the community, the enlightened commu- 
nity which has become my second fatherland, appreciate what 
Science is doing for the general prosperity, and then contribute to 
the necessities of science with that generous liberality which char- 
ee SS, 
Thus much has been said in t » to science in America, 
acknowledging our shortcomings 4 tempting to correet cer- 
tain erroneous impressions, both in America and abroad, in regard 
to the labor ‘of scientists in this country. It may appear an at- 
tempt on, my part to urge undue excuses; such certainly is far 
om my intention; which is to do simple justice to those prose- 
cuting science under more or less disadvantageous circumstances. 
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