in its Relations to Chemistry and Gcolo(jy. 
209 
In addition to the objects thus suggested, and more or less 
strongly recommended, scientific men have applied themselves, 
by ])ersonal observations on the farm, to the study of hitherto un- 
intelligible or unexplained facts — in the belief that a knowledge 
of the conditions or circumstances under which they present 
themselves is the surest ]>rcparalion for a satisfactory discussion 
of their causes. Other branches of science, also, have been 
applied to the art of culture ; and by the aid of geology, entomo- 
logy, physiology — animal and vegetable — and of various branches 
of physics, attempts have been made to throw light upon points 
hitherto less clearly understood. 
II. And what, you will ask, has followed from these sugges- 
tions? What actual advancement has been made in consequence 
of them? On what higher vantage ground does scientific agricul- 
ture now stand ? 
Were I to answer this question in detail — to enter, as some few 
of 3 0U might wish, into a statement of the numerous ways in which 
practical agriculture has, during these ten years, been helped 
forward — I should detain you far longer, upon this point alone, 
than the most zealous of you could lend me a willing or patient 
attention. Indeed one of the greatest points we have gained, 
perhaps, is this, that the value of science— of chemical science 
especially — to practical agriculture, is no longer a matter of dis- 
pute. Its importance is now everywhere, and in every civilized 
country, readily conceded ; and large bodies of men, who five 
years ago either openly opposed or lukewarmly supported its 
application to rural affairs, are now most forward to obtain a share 
in the honours of its advance, and to be identified with the benefits 
it is likely to confer upon practical agriculture.* 
But though time does not permit me to answer in detail this 
question, in regard to our actual progress, yet there are a few 
important points to which it is needful that I should refer. 
First. As to experiments in the field, I need hardly tell you 
that much has been done. Numerous trials, especially with 
different manuring substances, have been made, — by some from 
their own wish to aid in the advancement of knowledge, or with 
a view to their own profit, and by others through the encourage- 
ment chiefly of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scot- 
land. In the Transactions of that Society are recorded by far the 
most numerous and apparently accurate and carefully conducted 
* Such as wish to study this matter in detail may consult with advan- 
tage the speeches of Mr. Huxtable at Drayton Manor, and at the late 
meeting of the English Agricultuial Chemistry Association, the papers of 
Mr. Way and Mr. Lawes ni this Journal, and the published Proceedings 
of the Agricultural Chemistry Association of Scotland. 
VOL. IX. p 
