The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1857-01-16

Cat&Ole VI PfVuuchS, hos oaaJ - - I'll
stantial articles consumed BIZ the people VI
tho state. but Of sustaining population
much greater than VIC now have. SOUND
economy demands that we should produce
more, and purchase less, as we may easily
do. The art OF husbandry ought, as u
nav, to be reduced TO q science. All may
not be accomplished at once, but may we
not make n commencement in what shall
produce. in the end, that result? The state
has done something for the purpose OF IN
creasing its productions, and developing ie
AGRICULTURAL resources. IL has given di-
ree. bounty TO stimulate the production OF
certain crops. AS u system, however, this.
though seeming partially to accomplish its
purpose, was found Objectionable, and was
abandoned. Agricultural Societies have
been formed for the same object, and 1t Is
confidently believed with Ear greater success,
even IL they have failed to accomplish all
that Is desinble. Sums OF money are grant
ei 20 these societies. which are awarded TO
those who produce the largest crops, raise
the best stock. and manufacture the most
finished articles. All this has its good ef-
feet, and, under that provision Of the law Of
last year which requires an account OF the
mode of culture, and 10 some extent the
kind Of soil on which the crops produced,
we may fairly suppose will be productive Of
much practical good. An improved state
ofagriculture may DO seen in other coun-
tries resulting from similar associations
Each learns from tho experience and prac-
tiee Of tho other, and each is also stimulated
TO excel the other. a State Board of Agri-
culture has also been created by the Legis
lature, TO promote that science. IL Is COM
posed of one member from each county in
the state, and Secretary chosen by the
Board, whose duties under the laws arc
prescribed by the Board. The duties Of the
Secretary are responsible and arduous, Is
will be seen on examination. If his duties
are faithfully and efficiently discharged,
they must result in much good His hrst
annual report will be submitted to you Tor
your consideration. From an examination
Of IL, am led TO believe il will be most use
full 20 the agricultural interest Of the state,
for the valuable information it contains
These are now existing institutions under
the care Of the State; and il is hardly nee
essary to eRlargc on their Importance
While, however they remain, would sug-
gcst the propriety of having the Board con
sist of one member from each society, instead
OF one from each county, rs is now the case.
would also recommend that the selectmen
oftowns. aldermen of cities, and assessors OF
plantations be required to make an annual
return TO the board Of AGRICULTURE, OF all
agricultural products Of each city, town and
plantation. Such statistics would soon fur
nish Us correct account ofour productions,
and Us continued from year To year would
show the progress made. The compensa-
ton of the Secretary seems entirely made
quatc for services, after deducting his neces-
sary expenees.
But does not the true and best policy OF
the state require that we should 20 one step
further? knowledge is the only sound ba-
sis of all pursuits. Practice know is in
dispensable. but knowledge OF that which
lies at the foundation is necessary TO guide
and direct practice. Agricultural chemis-
try IS the foundation Of enlightened agri-
culture. \ knowledge Of what compOscs
the soil - OF what it contains of what it
is deficient, what should be added, or sub
tncted, to make it productive, and what
are the plants OF roots best adapted to each,
is most obviously necessary, to All improved
ank enlightened cultivation. The relation
between agriculture and chemistry Is truly
important and when that relation shall DO
fully understood and applied, agriculture
will really become science, and prOduc-
ton will. it is believed. b. 50 much in
creased, that our present crops will be re-
garded almost Insignificant. have not the
time, nor is this the occasion, 10 20 into de-
tails of experiments which test the truth OF
what have said, We all understand tho
high necessity Of the knowledge to which
have alluded. The question for Us is, shall
we make an attempt TO acquire information
50 necessary to advance the best interest oi
the state? To me il would seem most wise,
Next to knowledge of our own language,
would hold in Importance knowledge oil
the soil we cultivate. Al arc interested,
and more are employed in that pursui: than
in any Others, If not more than in all others.
How necessary, then, IS . full knowledge
and understanding of il, 10 advance the
prosperity Of the state. Ii is conf
IDENTIFY believed that wise system which
shall deyolope our agricultural resources will
tend 10 check the great emigration OF our
citizens to other sections. IL is highly de-
sirable that such an object should be accom-
plished, and l have full confidence that
much can he done TO ellect it. / would
therefore recommend for the consideration
of the Legislature that some provision b
made by law for teaching agricultural chem
istry in our schools, and for analysing soils
at some place in each county or to endow
some Of the existing Literary Institutions in
the state, at which agricultural chemistry,
and the analysis of soils, shall be taught.
Ii can hardly be denied that some of the
rast legislation Of the State has tended to
lessen the efficiency, II not to bring into dis
repute, one Of our institutions created by
the Constitution Of the United States, and
adopted by our own State. Its Importance
has been conclusiyely demonstrated IN the
history Of the past. The prevalence Of any
sentiment, irrthe community, which has u
tendency to lessen our regard and respect
for an Efficient military system, must neces-
sarily occasion the Advancement ola policy
which will lead to an increase OF the stand
ing army OF the United States. Such re
suit was feared by the fathers Of the Repub-
lie, and is TO be deprecated by al true friends
OF Constitutional liberty.
The Constitution Of the United States dc.
clares Z" that well regulated Militia, is nee
essary to the security OF u free State" and
requires Congress To provide for organizing,
arming, and disciplining, the Militia Of the
several States, reserying To the States the
appointment of the officers, and training the
troops according to the discipline prescribed
by Congress. The Constitution of Maine
provides e that no person Of the age Of
eighteen years. and under the ago OF forty
FIVE years excepting certain specified classes)
shall be exempt from military duty, unless
nc shall pay an equivalent 70 be fixed by
law" II will BE- within your province TO
enquire whether our present militia laws
are in conformity with these constitutional
requirements, and to provide by Legislative
enactment. for any important defects that
shall be found to exist. IL cannot be doubt
cd that sufficient numbers Of our citizens,
can at all times be relied upon, whose zeal
and patriotism will induce them to engage
in voluntary military organizations suitable