Burlington tri-weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1852-1855, 1855-01-09
AaRIcuLruRAL BUREAU.

A number of gentlemen on behalf or the
State Agricultural Society have presented
memorial to the present legislature, contain
ing some valuable suggestions which we
hope to see adopted. They urge the annual
appropriation Of one thousand dollars for
the support and encouragement Of the State
Agricultural Society, of the wisdom and
propriety Of which little need be said. And
then they urge the establishment Of an Agri-
cultural Bureau at the Capital of the State.
The following is what they say on this head.
We cannot but think the suggestions of the
committee would if carried into successful
operation in the establishment Of depart
mont for the purpose Of scientific research,
experiment and the dissemination Of. useful
knowledge in Agriculture, chemistry, mine
ralogy and kindred subjects, add very great
ly to the prosperity and advancement of the
State:
And the committee would feel that their du-
ty was but half performed, if they omitted to
suggest another method besides direct ap-
preparations Of money, which in an impor-
tant sense, would be very great auxiliary,
not only in giving to county and State asri-
cultural societies their greatest utility, but
which would bestow its benefits upon every
farmer Of the State, and indirectly upon ev-
cry citizen of the State. And this is the
establishment Of an agricultural bureau at
the capital of the STATE, with a secretary and
other officers attached, whose duties should
be defined and prescribed by law. Such de-
partment of State may not be dissimilar in
its objects and purposes to the same bureau
connected with the patent Office department
at Washington city. Connected with this bu-
reau, as an Indispensable adjunct, hould be
one or more State biologists aud agricultu-
raj chemists, who should be constantly in the
field making expei iments and observations.
To this branch Of the bureau might be refer
red every scientific question calculated to
meet the progressive demands of agrculture
such as the analysis of the soils, ani Of the
different fertilizers or manures, the food up-
on which every pla, must I've, from whence
obtained whether from the earth or air; the
Deficiencies Of the soil for the growth Of IA
given crop, and how the deficiencies may be
supplied; the adaptation of particular soils
to the growth of particular plants, the caus-
es of exhaustion of soils, the means of resto-
ration, when nature will not supply the defc-
iencies, and when m n must do it for her;
the principles upon which alone juiicious
rotation of crops can be applied to given
soil. The Office or mission of agricultural
chemistry is to explain the whole process Ct
vegetable life, and to furnish to the tillers
of the soil every us full fact or information
which bears upon the economy Of field labor
or general husbandry.
The Iowa Farmer wants to be advertised
Of the newest and best mode of culture in his
| own State climate and soil. 1t should be
the business of this Department Of Strte to
supply this information in the most authea-
tic and reliable form; also to gather up the
practical experience Of the best farmers in
the world and to circulate the same quarter
" or annually in the form of chelp tracts
broadcast over the State.
The result would be, first, greatly to ele-
vate the standard OF agriculture, increase
production, and add to the wealth Of the
State. Second, to prevent an early de;eri5-
ration Of the soil, under the present forms
of careless and random cultivation,by giving
back to it under the directions of cience
those fertilizing agents which each successive
crop abstracts from the same. Lastly, the
achievements of agricultural and organic
chemistry, in its due application to the bu-
siness of husbandry, will ultimately lead to
the institutions Of agricultural schools, upon
experimental or pattern farms, where the
whole circle of the natural sciences will be
taught and practically applied, without
which it is quite safe to say that the highest
capabilities of land culture, horticulture,
and stock raising can never be elected.
Tho w than nc ctoh Ill shine
cultural bureau, with suitable functions and
officers to aid in working out the great prac-
teal problems of agricultural science. is re
spectfully submitted for Reconsideration of
your honorable BODY, believing that YOU an.
preciate the Importance of exhibiting an ex-
ample of correct and successful tiliaoe in
all our borders, and that high degree eff
cultivation will ever find its material ele-
ments in an educated husbandry.
GOVERNOR OF NEBRAsEA-WHo He IS
Col. Mark j. lizard, who has been nominal
tea for Governor Of Nebraska. vice Francis
Burt, deceased, is Kentuckian by birth, re.
sided some years in Tennessee, and now hail
from Arkansas. He had been appointed
Marshal of Nebraska, and reached there a
few days after the death of Gov. Burt. MIR.
Low, who has been nominated for Marshal.
has been acting as Deputy Marshal, and is
an able and efficient officer.
The QUESTION OF PRIvLEGE.-There Sc ems
to be prevalent opinion, among gentlemen
of all parties, that in the expulsion of Mr..
Eackley, the Senate did harsh and oppres-
slve act, not called fer in vindcation of its
own or the dignity of any Of its n,embers.-
And they have certainly placed themselves in
a very awkward position. Mr.. Hackley now