275 
turing arts advance with a rapidity truly astonishing, simply 
by the application of that intelligence which the inhabitants 
of these towns possess. Why, compared with these, does 
the art of agriculture seem almost to stand still ? Because 
in this line of life men have not exercised that intellect which 
God has given them to the degree or in the way in which 
they ought. As we gradually advance, however, we shall 
be constantly obtaining further glimpses into nature, and be 
induced, I hope, to adopt the suggestions which she is ever 
willing to give us — is ever offering to us — is most assidu- 
ously pressing upon our attention every day of our lives, 
every spring, summer, and autumn, — but which, from the 
frequency of seeing them, we neglect to examine, and there- 
fore do not understand. 
Sir J. Johnstone. — I wish to ask one question : if it 
should be answered, it is possible that the two theories which 
have been advanced with reference to the quantity of clay in 
land, and the quantity of phosphates, may be reconciled. 
Can any person tell me whether the grasses which have been 
mentioned were changed before the application of bone ma- 
nure, or whether they were the same grasses which had lost 
their virtue from the constant abstraction from the soil of those 
earthy matters which were necessary for fattening, and for 
the production of corn and milk ? If it could be shown that 
the grasses had not been changed, but were the same grasses, 
still it may be true that a quantity of alumina is necessary 
for the best grass. 
Professor Johnston. — The grasses were changed. 
Sir J. Johnstone. — It does not much matter what kind 
of grass grows, or the quantity of alumina contained in the 
soil, for the application of bones will surely improve the 
pasture, as manure will ameliorate the worst of herbage on 
the worst of soils; but this is not the question; for Mr. 
Thorp, in the report, pre-supposes the existence of such 
