The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-02-05
Prom the National intelissnesr. Feb. 2, le5,
United states Agricultural society.

The hrst annual meeting OF the United States Agrcul-
urSl Society took place yesterday morning. at 10 O'clock
IN The ecure-Eoom OF the Smithsonian Institution.
The meeting was sailed 10 order by the president OF
the Society. Marshall r Wilder. esq, Of Massachusetts,.
In the absence of the recording secretary Robert Q,
Walker, esq. OF Pennsylvania, the chair appointed w.
3 King, esq, of Rhode Island, secretary pro lem.
The States and Territories OF the Union were then
called over in the usual order and members present from
each respectively gave in their names II found that
members from the following States and Territories
present. viz Massachusetts, Rhode Island Connecticut,
New York. New Jersey Pennsylvania. Delaware Mary
land Virginia Ohio, Indiana, Michigan Texas Wiscon-
sin, and the District OF Columbia.
The Chair requested that all reports of Stale societies
TO this society be sent TO the corresponding secretary
Professor Mapes OF New Jersey, handed to the chair
portion OF the vine or stalk OF the Japan pea which
raised last season in Suffolk county, New Jersey The
seed was originally obtained from OF the company
OF Japanese vessel wrecked the coast OF California
and formed portion OF their food He described it as a
plant whose botanical character had been precisely
settled but which was probably well deserving the aten
on OF agncatursls. The specimen offered cut OFF
al about two feet from the ground and thcky stud
ded around with seed pods, thus producing very many
times the crop oil the ordinary pea of gardens.
In planting, these peas are set at about five feet apart
and in the OF their growth the whole surface
OF the intervening ground They require sticking,
other support the stem being quite stiff and unyieldng.
The pea appears 10 be specially useful for feeding TO
horses; but may, doubt be also made TO contribute
largely 10 human susenance. Besides the Japan pea,
Professor Mapes also produced specimens of the California
soap plant, the panilo. II is probable, however, that
this class of plants not suited our comparatively
humid climate Nature seems to have given The soap
plant TO those regions where rain is deficient and where
animals do not depose suitciency of TAT to furnish
lalow It may therefore be expected, for double rea
son, that the soap plant would not thrive much in our
Atlantic region In New Mexico, &c., il is one OF the
most COMMON Of plants
Tue President then delivered his annual address. He
represents the prospects OF the society TO be highly fiat
,erng-such as should inspire every member with en-
couragement, and determination TO do all he can to-
wards the uherance OF the great ends OF the
lon The address alluded successfully TO the subject OF
the appointment OF members of the National Board Of
Agriculture; the printing and publication OF the journals
OF the socley, the first OF which, consisting OF LA octave
pages, is already in the hands of OF the members,
and second will be shortly issued the opening of
respondence and cooperation with distinguished agrcu-
iusls and local associations all over the United States,
which the President thinks should be extended 10
transatlantic nations and the assistance OF the general
government solicited in regard to it.
The address acknowledges the advantages attending
the central location OF the headquarters OF the society in
Washington and notices in handsome terms the courtesy
OF the directory oil the Smithsonian Institution in grant
ing 10 the society the free OF their ball The society
must however, look around and secure the permanent
use OF public building offices in some existing edi-
ce for the corresponding secretary and treasurer for the
preservation OF the records and OF the agricultural seeds
and products which may be hereafter acquired
and also for agricultural library. museum and cabinet
II will be necessary soon 10 employ permanent secre-
tary with salary, whose time and talents will be wholly
devoted TO the interests and business of the society The
treasurer, also, will have TO be suitably compensated
The president submits whether for the payment of
these officers the printing and publication Of the journals
and Transactions postage and other necessary and contn
gent expenses, some AID may not be obtained IRON the
government.
+" Either" says Mr. Wilder, "as grantn furherance
OF our objects, the general principle many OF
the State governments besow their patronage upon the
agricultural societies within their territorial limits, or, il
government would direct, as consideration for the
performance by this society OF The duties OF the agricu-
tural department OF the Patent Office
"The sum now expended by government in that
branch OF the department. if placed the disposal of this
society, would enable us to collect through auxia-
ndtpr
tics and the most recent and valuable normaon and
wouldalso enable publish the and 10 distribute
it, through the members OF Congress, through those OF
this society," and OF the hundreds OF kindred local
sociaiions acting in concert with US throughout the
country"
In the course of aluson to what has been and nigh,
be done for The society by private municence, the Pres
dent stated that
"A gentleman of fortune. Hon. Samuel Appleton, OF
Boston, whose honoraby associated with various
phanhroplc and charitable enterprises of our age and
nation, has the honor OF commencing worthy action in
our behalf by donation of one thousand dollars Severa
other distinguished gentlemen have subscribed literally
10 funds in the form either OF donations OF life
membership detailed statement OF which will hereafter
be submitted and published in the soceiys transactions.
Three OF these names are Colonel Perkins (of Boston
Robert g Shaw and Josiah Quincy.
Having received a communication from committee o.
the Crystal Palace Association with view III,
co operation OF this society, the President submitted
whether il would accede 10 the wishes of the association
as If IL did, committee would be requisite, with powers
TO give full and dignhed efficiency TO the part The
ce,y shall wish to bear in IT, After expressing hope
that OF the distinguished gentlemen present would
favor the society with addresses lectures agcutu
raj topics at the present anniversary, the president
ommends that, the annual meeting will durnl
the session OF Congress- provision be made hereafter FOL
annual of lectures during the anniversary anc
that the same be published either in the transactions o.
the society or in separate volume.
Some amendments 10 the constitution pointed out
The address concludes with eloquent reference TO The
cheering prospects OF the OF agriculture Affection
alusion made and honorable tribute paid hos,
ornaments 10 this society, general society, country,
the werd who had fallen before the scyhe OF the destroy
since last year-tbe farmer Of Ashland the great land
scape gardener and rural architect of America Downing
the promising and gifted Morton; Mack, of Salem and last
y, the Marshheld farmer. whose majestic form. whose
mountain brow and expressive counenance whose deer
lyet meodous voice, whose whole person, eloquent In
every step and act, are bright visions on which de-
light 10 dwell"
The following the concluding sentences OF the Pres
denfs address
/ Cheering prospects before dwell with
pleasure the bright future to this associa
ton enrolling among lis members thousands Of our IN
ielgent yeomanry and whether from the North or The
South the East or the West, all banded and eagued to-
geher brethren by comm interest State society
auxiliary TO this in every Commonwealth county socie-
ties, farmers clubs, agricultural schools and colleges
each drawing from its peculiar section and
the means OF information and improvement, and ALL with
united purpose and harmonious action, both dissenina
ting and receiving aid from another, and thus illus
traung the power OF voluntary associations under Tho