The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-12-03

1 excerpt under extraordinary COuuuScHCtcS, Aceu ~
protection by imposts on the breadstuffs OF forelg
| nations.
But still much may done by government, at {
small cost TO promote the interests of agriculture
The science is yet in its infancy, and great mind
now directed to the study and .developement oil
its true principles Experiments are in progress Ia
ascertain the qualities Of different soils; the com.
parative nuTilive properties of different animal and
vegetable productions and the utility and efficiency
Of various manures in fertii2ng and vatng the
exhausted lands OF the old Stairs
Encouragement may be afforded 20 enterprises
like these, and facilities furnished for the cOllec-
ton OF js, plants, and vegetables from all parts
of the earth. and their distribution throughout the
country
Premiums may be offered for the hest practical
treatises on the different branches OF husbandry,
which can be Published and sent abroad among the
people BY means like these, a spirit of phloso-
phc inquiry may be stimulated, and great imp1lse
given 10 the interests OF agriculture Mach has
already been done ia this respect, through the
agency of the Patent Office; but The subject is too
important 10 be left in this dependant condition.
The last annual report from the department re-
commended The establishment of an Agricultural
Bureau, TO afford 10 this great brancd of Ame-
Tican Industry the encouragement which II 50 well
deserves. This is no novel suggestion. IL had the
sanction of Washington, who, Ia his last annual
agricultural board, said "Ths species of estab-
lishment contributes doVby 10 the increase of inn
provement by stimulating TO enterprise and expert
meni, and by drawing TO common centre the
walton, and spreading them thence over the whole
nation. Experience accordingly has shown that
they are very cheap instruments of immense ma
tional benefit"
therefore renew the recommendation of my
predecessor for the establishment Of a separate
bureau, 10 be entrusted with the duty of promoting
the agricultural interests OF the country. The vast
extent and rapid developement of the mineral re-
sources OF the country seem 10 require that ade-
quate provision should also be made by law for the
collection and analysis of the various mineral sub
stances which have been, or may oe discovered,
30 that their properties may be understood, and
their value correctly appreciated.
The purchase of farm in the vicinity of the ma
tionel metropolis, TO be titled and managed under
the direction of the bureau, has been suggested
an important auxiliary in illustrating the best modes
of culture. IL this idea should be favorably re-
ceived, would respectfully add that Mount Yer
non, whose soil was once uled by the hands, and
is now consecrated by the dust of the Father OF his
Country, should properly belong TO the natiou and
might, with great prepriety, become, under its
pieces, model farm to illustrate the progress OF
that pursuit 10 which he was so much devoted.
CENSUS.
Shortly after the passage OF the act OF 'd OF May,
1850, for taking the seventh census, aud for other
purposes, superintendent was appointed, and the
other measures deemed necessary TO secure the
prompt and faithful performance Of that duty
adopted The returns which are now comiag in
daily from all parts OF the Union, give gratifying as
surances that the census will be completed within
the time limited by law, and in manner highly
creditabe 10 all who have been engaged in il. la
some few instances delays may occur in conse-
quence of casualties which could not have been
avoided, and in one or two of the most remote ter
riories, in the receipt of the schedules.
The amount OF valuable statistical inform alton
collected and embodied In these returns will far ex-
coed anything of the kind known in our past his
tory and il is therefore important that provision
should be made at an early day for printing such
abstracts may be deemed of practical utility, in
style and form worthy of the subject and of the
country.
The report of the superintendent will show that
additional legislation may be necessary to do full
justice to the marshals of some Of the more re-
mote and sparsely populated sections OF the country
MEXICAN BOUNDARY SURVEY.
My predecessor reported 10 the President, on the
18th OF May last, IN answer 10 call from the
Senate, for information relative to the progress of
this survey, that the initial point on the Pacific,
and the point of junction of the ella with the Colo
RADIO river, had been determined and fixed; that
the intervening line OF boundary had been run and
marked, and temporary monuments erected there.
on, for distance of about thirty miles; and that
the operations of the joint commission had been
nc jounment 10 the first Monday in November
ultmo. The temporary monuments alluded to are
now being replaced by permanent ones, aud the
Joint commission chat on the part of the United
States having been re- organized prior to my taking
charge Of The department) have doubtless assem-
bled at FL Peso, according TO the terms Of their
adjournment, for the purpose of running and mark.
ing the line thence westward TO the river ella.
IL is the determination OF the department that
this work shall be pressed forw ard to completion
with the utmost despatch, so that, II possible the
expectations Of Congress- as indicated IN the appro
pIiaton act of 10Th Nav last, may be realized.
PUBLIc BUILDINGS,
My predecessor, In his report which accompanied
the annual message Of the late President 10 Con-
eress took occasion TO invite attention 10 the
dItion Of the public buildings, and 10 show the
tendency OF the Capitol, Patent Offie, and the
Treasury Building TO dilapidaiion from the PERISH
able nature OF the material OF which they are con-
suueted. Personal observation has satisfied me
that his fears on that subject are well founded.
Experience has demonstrated that the sandstone OF
which they are built, when left unprotected from
the action OF the atmosphere, rapidly disnegrates.
The only temporary preventive which has yet
been discovered and applied Is strong coating of
paint, which, by closing the pores OF the stone,
prevents the absorption OF water. This expedient
has been found 10 be attended with partial success
in the preservation Of the Capitol and Presidents
house ! would respectfully recommend. therefore,
that an appropriation be made of amount suiil-
Gent 10 deiray the cost OF coating the Treasury
Building thoroughly with paint. But at the same
time II should be left discretionary To adopt any
improved method Of eiieoiing TIE same end
In rel to the Patent Office, as the wings are
10 he OF white marble aud the ends now pfotec.
ted by being joined to the wings, leaving ony the
front and rear exposed 10 decay, and merely
disiniegrston but actual dlspidation has already
commenced would recommend that the entire
exterior facing OF the front be removed, and its
place supplied hy yeneering Of white marble Of
the same quality as that used IN the construction Of
the wings. The whole bui,dng would then pre-
sent Uniform appearance, aud be rendered com
psraiIVely understandable by atmospheric agency.
PRACTICAL workmen have expressed the opinion
that u can be done alta small cost when compared
with its beneficial results and without IN any de.
gree endangenng the security and stability OF the
walls Bat should any doubt be entertained GA
the subject, scientific engineers might be consult.
ed ard means taken 10 ascertain The actual cost in
time for legislative action before the close of the
approaching season Of Congress. II the result
should be favorable, IL would then be time TO IN :.
q lire how far the same system should be pursued
In reference to the Treasury Building The exten
Of the colonnade Ia front Of that building, how
ever, gives reayon 10 doubt whether the same sys
tenn can be readily adopted in regard TO il. The
only txItdi,nt that is left, therefore, for the pre-
seivaon OF that massive structure, is by coating
Of PAINT.
In this counexion, beg leave TO urge the propri-
ETY. Of completing, with as little delay az practica
Bile, both wings Of the Patent Office. Until this
be done, the large sums already expended will be
OF no practical Ife, and the edihce will present
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