Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1850-12-13

But stl mnch may be done by Government, |
at small cost, TO promote the interests OF agr'-
culture. The science is yet in its infancy, aud
great minds are now directed to the study anr
development of its true principles. cxper'-
ments are in progress 10 ascertain the qualities
of different soils the comparative nutriive pro-
perlies OF different animal aud vegetable pro-
auctions and the utility aud efficiency ol vt'l-
'u' tnanurrs in fertihZing and rcnUvating the
exhausted lands of the old States.
Encouragement may be afforded to euterpris-
es like these, and facilities furnished for The
collection OF seeds, plants, and vegetables from
all parts Of the earth, and their Distribution
throughout the country.
Premiums may be offrel for the best practi-
cal treatiscs on the diff mt branches of hus-
bAndry, which can be published and sent abroad
among the people.
BY means like these split of philosophic
inquiry may be stimulate d, and great impulse
given To the interests of agriculture. Much
has already been done in this respect through
the agency OF the Patent Office but the sub.
ject is too important to be lett in this dependent
condition. The last annual report from the de-
partment recommended the establishment Of an
Agricultural Bureau, to afford TO this great
branch of American Industry the incourage-
ment ii So well deserves. This is no novel T.
geston. Ii had the sanction OF Washington, who,
III his last annual message, referring to the pro
pri'ty of creating an agricultural board, said
This species Of establishment contributes
doubly to the increase of improvement by slim
ulating to enterprise and experiment, and by
drawing to common centre the results, every
wi e G. of individual skill and observation, and
g. reading them thence over the whole nation.
Experience accordingly has shown that they
are We cheap instruments OF immense na ton
al benefit"
therefore renew the recommendation of my
predeccs sor for the establishment of a bureau,
to be inlru-ted with the duty of promoting the
agricultural interests Of the country. The vast
extent and rapid deveopemenl of the mineral
resources Of the country seem To require that
adequate provision should also be made by law
for the collection and analysis of the various
mineral substances which have been or may be
discovered, so that their properties may be I'M
der-ood and their value correctly appreciated.
The purchase OF farm in the vicinity of the
national metropolis, 20 be titled and managed
under the direction Of the bureau, has been sug
gc-ted a. AN important ux;liary in illustrating
the best modes OF culture. IL this idea should
be favourablv received, would respectfully add
that Mount Vernon, whose soil vas once titled
by the hands aud is now consecrated by the du
of the Father OF his Country, should properly
belong 10 the nation, and m'gh with great pro-
preiy become, under its auspices, model
farm to illustrate the progress OF that pursuit
which lie has so much devoted.
The suggestion of a purchase, by the GEL
era Cove rnmcut, of Mourn VERNON, "once
titled by the Lands, now consecraled by the
dust, of the Father of his Country" will, we
are confident, meet with universe favor and
appreciation. By carrying out riie re comment
daton, in this respect, VI the Secretary, the
Nation would erect Monument ore durable,
aud more honorable to tie great name and
character Of WASHINGTON, than the Hottest
monumental pile that ever pierced the skies!
- We ice an allowa ble pride in adding
that our own Legislature gave the latest i'm
pulse to the movement that now appears likely
to result in the establishment Of AN Asricultu
raj Bureau. Our readers will remember the
admirable Report of the Hon. FREDERICK IIoL-
BROOK, made al the October Session, lS49 in
which the project was urged and argued with
great clcarness and ability. This document
ives transmitted, by direction of the General
Assembly, to the President, Heads Of Depart
ment, aud the Governors of the several States.
Its recommendations and reasoning were re.
ceved with special favor by President TAYLOR,
as his Message to Congress in December fol
lowing proves, and were promptly responded 10
by many Of the State Legislatures. Mr..
STUART has pursued mainly the same train OF
argument employed by Mr.. iloLBnooS, and
quoted rreciselv the same extract from the
Message Of WAsnINGroN which appears among
others, in his (Mr lloLBRooKs) Report.