82 THE FLORIST AND 



quires the useful habit of examining minutely, instead of the vicious one, 

 of getting crude, partial ideas by a mere glance. Swainson remarks that, 

 "as no science requires more observation, or greater nicety of discrimina- 

 tion than natural history, so upon this account only, it is the very best pur- 

 suit that can engage the youthful mind, since it will be qualified to apply 

 that acuteness and judgment upon greater things in after life, which may 

 call for the exercise of sound reason and just discrimination." 



It is necessary that young men who wish to be educated should be made 

 acquainted with these things, that they may be on their guard against the 

 multitude of speculations which rise, run their course, and make way for 

 others equally worthless or pernicious. 



In conclusion, I have only to say that although the student may be some- 

 times inclined to allow himself to be dazzled by the plausible sophistry of 

 the class which makes such formidable displays of the fragments of science ; 

 unless he has been previously contaminated, he can have no real difficulty 

 in determining the class which, under Providence, has constructed the stu- 

 pendous temple of science, which is open for the benefit of ail who enter 

 with the determination of profiting by it. 



WILL FARMING PAY? 



(From an Address at Northampton, Mass., by Wm. S. King, Esq., of Boston.) 



Farming may be made profitable, Mr. President and Gentlemen: but, -if 

 my view of the subject is correct, only by those who farm well. Let me ask 

 your continued attention, then, while I state how, in the absence of Agri- 

 cultural schools, good farmers may be multiplied. 



Prominent among the means of instruction are the Show and Reports of 

 the County or State Society. Here are to be found, for comparison and 

 competition, what the best farmers of the district consider their best stock ; 

 here contend for precedence the most thorough plowmen, giving specimens 

 of their work, by which all may judge of their claims, and many may learn 

 for the first time, what is pronounced to be good ploughing; here congregate 

 the inquiring minds, and the men of experience, — at this farmers' exchange; 

 some one, supposed to possess ideas worth the hearing, has been selected to 

 address the j assembled multitude; the Transactions of the Society, when 

 published, give forth the doings and the opinions of the most successful far- 

 mers, whereby others may profit. All these things go to form a school, 

 whereat those who crave knowledge of their craft may obtain it. 



But it too often happens that preparation for the Annual Exhibition is 



