Polynesian., 1852-07-03


tain plants take up, and then plant on the soil
that contains them. There are certain ele-
ments> common to all, and the success de-
pends in adapting the seed to the properties
of the soil. This saves the necessity of let
ting the land lie fallow. The land will re-
cover to a great degree from the exhaustion
of one plant, while it sustains another. The
mechanic works by certain laws, as accu-
rately defined as mathematics can make
them. The farmer can calculate by equal
ly definite laws modified occasionally by ex
traordinary phenomena /; and the culture,
which by these laws you will give the soil,
will not be equalled by that which the mind
receives by their study But see no means
by which the great purpose can be accom-
plished except by an agricultural survey
by some one like Johnson of England, or
Jackson of the United States. This is an ap-
propratc place TO try the experiment OF de-
voting your whole energies to peaceful pur-
suits. You have no army, or navy to pro-.
vide for-no Notifications to build or repair.
Let your motto be, &c Let us adorn our beau
tiful islands by the richest culture"
In the past year you have gained much in
the manufacture of sugar by the application
Of the centrifugal separator. 1T is this inn
proved process which alone sustains remu-
nerative price in general market. Let
others introduce it, and you omit TO do it
and you would be under-sold in your own
market This is an illustration of the ne
cessity of keeping up with the world in i'm
provements, if you expect TO compete in its
markets. The effect of machinery is to per-
form the work better, and to lessen the sever
ity of labor-although it frequently produces
occasion for it in new and untried fields.
The steam engine: so potent for usefulness
and with all its power of labor, has still been
the cause of introducing as much perhaps
as it has saved-buI the comforts of life have
been greatly promoted, and indeed, the great
principles OF civilization have been very much
extended.
1t is comforting reflection that machinery
performs the severest labor-not that il les
sens its demand. Other wants arise when
the present are supplied. The coal-mines
would probably have rested in their beds till
consumed by the great fire, if the steam en-
CINE had not been made.
The railroad, if not unknown. would have
been limited without 1t, there would have
been no competing power with wind and tide.
The wants ofcivilizaiion increase in the ratio
Of the ability to supply them. century
ago an American clock would have been
an article of extravagant luxury now the
richest manufacture graces every mantle
so on, still on, is the motto of the world, -
every Improvement creates more comforts,
and more wants. What has changed the
condition of the world from what it was fifty
short years agoi 1t is mind invention, intel
lectual power Labor on ordinary principles
could not have done it, even if all the sinews
of man had been sacrificed.
| The time will soon come when you will
need to devote attention to the making of
manures, and in their application. 1t is a
proverb with the Flemish farmer. that man.
ure is the god of agriculture, and with the
| Scottish farmer, tha. " muck (manure) is the
mother of the meal chest"
| In many countries attention TO this most
important subject is usually too long neglect
ed. The virgin soil will produce good crops
| for series of years--but the earlier the debt
due the soil is paid the less will be com
pound interest. | am told that in the Island
| of Barbados which produces the largest
amount of sugar to the acre, perhaps, of any
on the Globe, that the most judicious, and
careful attention has been paid to the man
ufacture, and application of manures, and
that the system Of agriculture as practlsed
there is the result Of science, and a careful
experience-and that the business of sugar
growing has been very profitable, and of
course the plantations are in demand at high
prices, and show no doubt, that correspond
ence with some of the intelligent men would
be of great practical benefit. The Consul
| of the United States at that island gave me a
brief description of their preeminent success;
and as most of the books and papers on ag-
riculture are especially applicable to the pro-
ducts of more northern climates, respect
fully suggest whether committee OF cores
pondence with gentlemen residing IN the
tropics would not procure most valuable IN
/ formation as applicable TO the cultivation oil
sugar, coffee. and the tropical fruits as oi
the animals most profitable TO the mountain
ranges knowledge acquired by the studies
and experience of others may save you great
loss, and disappointment.
Your agriculture is more interesting than
| in older countries where the precepts and
practice have been so fully tested. Here
you can learn the science, but the application
is not written and your own judgment must
direct it. 1t requires more examination,
more vigilance, and hence will quicken the
powers, and excite {. deep interest-and al
though we have the perpetual warmth OF
summer, vet the seasons here are to be es-
peciaIly regarded 'Phe principle of the ad-
/ age, 'shoe cabbages while the dew is on,
and make hay while the sun shines" is as
/ applicable here as where those products are
extensively raised. 1t is said the sugar-cane
! is an exception, but ;is general rule have
| no doubt that attention to the time of planting
as in setting out trees, is as important mere
/ as in countries marked by decisive change
of seasons. This can only be ascertained by
/ careful observation, and hence IL every farm
er will record his own experience, and have
:, .,,i,l.shad thiS branch Of Information would