The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-09-25
MECHANISM.-NO. XVI.
BY JOSIAH HoLBRooK.

BY JOSIAH HoLBRooK.
Legislative enaetments indicate the present
attitude and secure the future progress of APP
piled science, especially Of agricultural and
mechanical science Within the past year Il
large part of the State Legislatures have made
enactments for the promotion of scientific agri-
culture and mechanism, or had those subjec
under consideration, probably for future enact
ments. In Florida, bureau ofagriculture was
ordained by the last Legislature. In North
Carolina the Governor was authorized by the
Legislature to procure general scientific explo"
ration Of the State. In Virginia an appropriation
was ordered of six thousand dollars annually
for series Of years, for the promotion Of prac-
teal science in special connection with agricul-
ture and the mechanic arts. Ia South Carolina,
effective measures are in progress for developing
and applying the natural resources Of the soil I;
also in Mississippi. In Arkansas n scientific ex-
ploration of the State was before the last Legis-
iature and operations for that object are in pro-
gress. if not by Legislative enactment, at least
by individual enterprise and patriotism. Sena-
tor Borland has been and is actively engaged
in forwarding this important object Of State
policy. 80
A board of agriculture and an agricultural
school were commended to the last Legislature
of Pennsylvania by the Governor and Secretary
of State. A Professor Of agriculture is pro-
vided for Washington College, Of that State
More than half million of dollars have already
been expended for geological survey Of the
State Of New York, and large sum for that of
Pennsylvania, rs also for all the New England
States The development of natural resour-
ces, and the promotion OF science through
schools and otherwise, were prominent subjects
before tbs last Legislsture Of Missouri. Wis
consip and lows, by private scientific enterprise,
by Legislative and congressional patronage, have
opened vast resources both Of wealth and of
science from their mines and other natural
riches. Individuals of influence In Illinois and
Indiana, with aid bestowed or in prospect from
their Legislatures, are aiming to have reading
lessons in agricultural geology and mechanism
introduced into all the schools. Efforts are
making for the same object in various States.
!, Agricultural schools have been warmly COM
mended before the Legislatures ofseyeral States
with confidence final success. IL State schools
specifically for agriculture and mechanism
cannot be established, every school now exist
ing in every State can teach both agriculture
and mechanism by q SIMPLE, direct and effect
i've proce~. BY introducing some simple read
ing lesson On those SUBJECTS, Mt the same time
encouraging the pupils 10 make collections Of
minerals connected with agriculture also pre-
pare drawings both on agriculture and mech
sniru,, any school may, on amy day or hour,
without Legislative enactment be changed into
a school Of science, both for farmers and
mechanics rtr Sos. r--i.i-4l
In aid Of such sxsrriss, the Maryland Agi-
eultarl Society have oGered premiums for
iuyenile eollectsOns whether in nature 90 art
Of mineral or vegetable productions, Of draw
iogy Of implements Of vegetables or animals,