Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1857-01-16

developing its agricultural resources. 1t
has given direct bounty to stimulate
the production Of certain crops. As a
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 it is confidently
believed with far greater success, even If
they have failed to accomplish all that is
desirable. Sums of money are granted
to these societies, which are awarded to
those vEo produce the largest crops,
raise the best stock, and manufacture the
most finished articles. All this has its
good effect, and, under that provision of
the law of last year which requires an
account of the mode of culture, and to
some extent the kind of soil on which
the crop is produced, we may fairly sup
posed will be productive Of much prac-
tical good. An improved state Of agri-
culture may be seen i'll other countries
resulting from similar associations. Each
learns from the experience and practice
of the other, and each is also stimulated
to excel the other. A State Board tf
has also been created by the
Legislature, to promote that science. It
is composed of one member from each
county in the state, and Secretary cho-
sen by the Board. whose duties und r
the laws are prescribed bv the Board
The duties of the Secretary are respou-
sible and arduous. as will be seen on OK
animation. If his duties are faithfully
and efficiently discharged, they must re-
suit in much good His first anual re.
port will be submitted to you for your
c consideration. From an examination Of
it. ain led to believe it will be most
useful to the agricultural interest OF the
state, for the valuable information it con-
tains. There are now existing institu-
tons under the care of the State: and
it is hardly necessary to enlarge on their
While, however they re-
main, / would suggest the propriety of
having the Board consist Of one from
each society. instead of one from each
county, as is nov the case. / would
also recommend that the ;electmen Of
towns, 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 furnish US a coiiect account
of our productions, and as continued
from year to year would show the pro-
gress made. The Compensation of the
Secretary seems entirely inadequate for
his services, after deductins his neces-
sary expenses.
But does not the true and best policy
of the State require that we should go
one step further: knowledge is the
only sound basis of all pursuits. Prac-
tice I know is Indispensable. but a
knowledge of that which lies at the foun-
dation is necessary to guide and direct
practice. Agricultural chemistry is the
foundation of enlightened agriculture
A knowledge of what ccmposes the soil
of what it contains-of what it is de-
ficient. what should be added or subtrct-
ed. to make it productive, and what are
the plants or roots best adapted to each,
is most obviously necessary. to an i'm
proved and enlightened cultivation
The relation between agriculture and
chemistry is truly important, and when
that relation shallbe fully understood and
applied, agriculture will really become a
science. and production will. it is believ-
ed, be so ,nuch increased that our pres
ent crop will be regarded almost insig.
nifcant. l have not the time, nor is
this the occasion, to 60 into details Of
experiments which test the truth of
what have said. We all understand
the high necessity of the knowledge to
which have alluded. The question for
us is, shall we make an attempt to ac-
auire information so necessary to advance
the best interests Of the State: To me
it would seem most wise. Next to q
knowledge of our own language. l wou' d
hold in importance a knowledge of tn,
soil we cultivate. All arc interst led
and more are employed in that pursuit
than in any other. # not more than all
Others. Hon. necessary, then. is full
knowledge and understanding of it, tc
advance the prosperity of the State. II
is confidently believed that wise sys
TEN which shall develope our agricultur
al resources will tend to check tie gfea
emigration Of our citizens to other sec
tions. 1t is highly desirable that suct
an object should be accomplished, ant
l have full confidence that much Can II
done to effect it. would therefore re-
commend for the consideration of tht
Legislature that some provision be made
by law for teaching agricultural chemis
try in our chools, and for analysing soil'
at some place in each connty; or to en-
dow some of the existing Literary insti
tutions in the State. at which asricultur'
al chemistry, and the analysis OF soils
shall be taught.
Our MILITARY SYSTEM.
1t can hardly be denied that some of tn:
past legislation of the State has tended
to lessen the efficiency. if not to bring
into disrepute. one of our institution.
created by the Constitution ofthe United
States, and adopted by our own State.
Its importance has been conclusively
demonstrated in the history ofthc past.
The prevalence of any sentiment. in the