The true Democrat., 1856-02-26
Agricultural Operations of the
 Patent Office.

We rucur with pleasure to this interesting department of the duties of the patent office. From it will unquestionably proceed great and important benefits to our country and to the world, and hence we trust that it may be con- stantly regarded with favor by the public, and that the legislators of the nation may appre- ciate the truth that in the most liberal expen- allure, within becoming bounds. in cannexon with it, will in reality be found the best econo my.
 A few months since Mir. D. Jay Browne the gentleman having the direct charge of these operations, was sent to Europe for the pur- pose of purchasing seeds, cuttings, etc., and of obtaining such information upon agrl- cultural subjects as would be useful ill making up the annual report of that office. In the | fulfllment of these duties, he visited and tra- veled through portions of England, France, Belgium, Holland Prussia, amburg. and Den mark, and was successful in obtaining and ma king arrangements for the shipment of large assortment of seeds adapted to the various soils and climates of the United States, as we'll as in obtaining important and varied nforma- tion in relation to the agriculture of the coun- tries we have named.
 Among the places of peculiar interest visited by Mir. Browne was the celebrated Lake of Harem an object of deep interest to every one interested in the recovery of submerged or marshy lands. We learn that it is the purpose of Mir. Browne to write an elaborate paper upon this subject, giving an account of the ex. tent of the region reclaimed, description of the modes of drainage pursued, a historical re- view of the influence of this improvement upon a country of such limited extent as Holland, and remarks upon the application of this know | lo1~ thoo .1, ,,lo,D Df gions of our country in which millions of acres of the most fertile lands may be brought under culture to even greater advantage than invites to the subduing of the forests that exclude us from the soil of apparently more favored re- gions.
 Another important subject of the investga- tions of Mir. Browne was the various races of horses in Europe. His attention was directed certaining what are the best description for use in the United States army, and how they may be introduced into this country. But, neces- sarily compelled to examine all descriptions of animals of this kind, he has made record of his observations, and we doubt not will be able to present valuable information to every ono having need of the services of this patient and valuable servant and colaborer of man. The various breeds of neat -cattle sheep, and swine were also embraced in the subjects of his in- vestigatons.
 1 Wonders are indeed constantly achieved by private enterprise in these particulars; but, compared to what may in a very brief time be accomplished by the intelligent design and en- larged efforts comprehended in the purposes of the patent office, these will be found to be of little moment. It has been estimated by one well skilled in the subject that one hundred thousand dollars, judicially expended in horses of improved breeds, would in five or six years add many millions of dollars to the value of the horses in the United States. That correspond ing advantages would also result from like inn provements in other domestic animals, and in the farm, garden, and orchard products of the country, has also been asserted by authorities entitled to our respect Surely these are tri- umphs and conquests worthy the highest ann ition.-National Iatelhgencer.