T! 
heat : and yet these simple indications may be of 
great importance in a system of cultivation. The 
expence connected with chemical enquiries is ex- 
tremely trifling ; a small closet is sufficient for 
containing all the materials required. The most 
important experiments may be made by means of 
a small portable apparatus ; a few phials, contain- 
ing acids, alkalies, and chemical reagents ; some foil 
and wire of platinum ; a lamp, a crucible, some 
filtrating paper, some funnels and glasses, for 
receiving products, are all that can be considered 
as absolutely essential for pursuing useful re- 
searches. 
It undoubtedly happens in agricultural chemical 
experiments conducted after the most refined 
theoretical views, that there are many instances 
of failure, for one of success ; and this is inevit- 
able from the capricious and uncertain nature of 
the causes that operate, and from the impossibility 
of calculating on all the circumstances that may 
interfere ; but this is far from proving the inuti- 
lity of such trials ; one happy result, which can 
generally improve the methods of cultivation, is 
worth the labour of a whole life ; and an unsuc- 
cessful experiment, well observed, must establish 
some truth, or tend to remove some prejudice. 
Even considered merely as a philosophical sci- 
ence, this department of knowledge is highly 
worthy of cultivation. For what can be more 
delightful than to trace the forms of living beings 
and their adaptations and peculiar purposes ; to 
examine the progress of inorganic matter in its 
different processes of change, till it attain its ulti- 
