The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-04-19
ole farmer.
AGRICULTURAL GEOLOGY.
BY JOSIAH HoLBRooK.

logical surveys. The impetus thus Civ
en- has led to legislative action for such
surveys in almost every State in the I'm
ion. By such action the treasures Of
wealth and of science have been increa-
sed to an unbounded extent. Thou
sands upon thousands of scientific col
lections have been made; hosts of scien-
tifc men have been raised up, now scat
tered over our whole country, and hid
den treasures of wealth brought to view
for the special benefit of farmers, and,
directly or indirectly, of every Ameri
can citizen.
The unparalleled progress made from
such humble beginning, in the advance
ment of these two great national objects,
science and wealth, renders the compile
ton or future progress Of the work easy
and certain. The schools of the country
indeed Of all countries, are certain to be
furnished with CABINETS OF NATURE
AND ART, as instruments of primary in
struction; thus giving to young minds at
their start after knowledge real substan.
tial ideas, instead of the mere signs of
ideas As many thousand such collec-
tions have already been made by the pu-
pills needing them, both at school and at
home, by the aid ofthese, tens and hum
dreds of thousands will soon be added to
the number. At least, a CABINET OF
AGRICULTURAL GEOLOGY must inevitably
soon be placed in each of the hundred
thousand of American schools virtually,
if not literally.
From such provision, four advanta-
ges are evident; each making large re-
turns for the outlay. Farsi, increased
qualification of teachers-all teachers.
Such cabinet, properly explained by
manual, must increase knowledge and
awaken mind in any teacher using it,
giving increased value to his instruc-
tions far beyond its cost. TO a certain
extent, it might give to every teacher
the advantage Of anormal school, brought
to his own door, and into his own field
of labor. Second, it would secure a
more effective use of school funds.
Probably no complaint touching schools
is more universal on either continent
than the partial or defective application
of public funds provided for their use.
A step SO certain to awaken general in
terest, and to enlighten the public mind,
could not fail to suggest some better
modes, or to correct some defects in ap-
plying funds provided for all. Third,
the development Of mineral and other
natural resources. Collections likely to
be made within week after receiving a
cabinet, properly labelled, arranged and
described, must amount to many times
its cost. Discoveries would also be
made, not unfrequently, of rich ores,
useful minerals, and beautiful gems, fur
nishing valuable resources to farmers,
mechanics, and artists. Fourth, the adj
vancement of farming interests. No
one step could probably meet SO direct
ly or so eGectually the desire now COM
mon among farmers for agricultural sci
ence. Every farmer, still better, farm
ers' sons, might be put in way to anal
we their own soils, and directed to the
most available resources, and the best
modes of improving them. To these
four advantages, certain to arise from
cabinets of agricultural geology for
schools, many others might be added;
but, as each Of these must exceed many
times the cost of the outlay, more cannot
be needed
ExpERtIENTs.-Som four years since
the pupils Of the New Y ork schools were
requested by their Superintendent and
Trustees to make collections for their
schools and their homes. Within three
weeks from the time of that request, not
less than fifteen thousand Family Muse
ans were commenced, each containing
specimens showing the elements of noun
tains, rocks, and soils, with other natu-
raj and artificial curiosities. A similar
request by Superintendent and Trustees
OF schools generally through the country
must soon render collections ofnatnre
and art among the most common, as they
evidently would be among the most in
teresting, of household utensils.
CORN PLANTING.
Preparatio" Of the ground.-The
ground should be ploughed deep-say 8
or 10 inchcs--if the soil will admit of
that depth. 1t Should also be sub-soied,
if force of teams be sufficient for this
purpose. 1t stands to reason, that
plant SO stout, so luXuriunt, as is the corn
plant, when well fed, requires deep
and thoroughly pulverised pasture to
Craze in. Its tap-root will descend from
4 to s feet, while its lateral roots, if not
cruelty lacerated, cut, and torn up, as
they usually are by the plough, will fill
up the entire space between the rows,
whether they are three feet, or six feet
apart, itthere be any food in the soil; for
if there be food to be obtained by being
searched after, the compliant will find
it. absorb, and drink it in by the mouths