Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-10-07
Agricultural Improve snts,


One vi the most cheering features OF tie
times is the Interest gwen to the SUBJECT OF
Agriculture, as manifested by the meetings
OF kindred associations all over the country.
The national gathering of the agricultural
clans in this city. on the 25th instant, will
he great event, and will do much 10 stlmu-
ase similar associations throughout Virginia.
They have a great work betJre them the
energetic conduct of which must rebound 10
the wealth and prosperity OF the country -
One Of the most important subjects that can
attract their attention is the deterioration OF
lands, due to a system of tlllage which he's
gradually exhausted the elements Of produc-
ton. Not only 10 the old, but in the new
States, it is asserted by those familiar with
the sui ject, there has been a great dlminu-
ton 10 all the products Of the earth. 1t Is
also stated by the New Orleans P!cayune,
among other facts, that there has been a
marked loss Of the strength of the tobacco
crop--a- determined by the amount oil pot
ash in the ashes Of the joDecc, -ieuonstrat-
ing the want Of the constituent elements OF
the plant, which must lie found in the soil
or il dies; aud what is once asslm!ated ard
enters into It's growth must De returned
again or the earth loses It's capacity OF con
tirued production" To CUR agricultural So
cieties We must look for the practical RENE
dy, 10 re-iuvigoTaie the exhausted soil by the
study OF chemical laws, by al analysis OF
soils, fertilizers and the great Staples produ-
ced--ard by az a-siduJus and critical watch
ing U! the operations ut nature, and the pecu-
liar edaptrdncss OF soils for various products.
Even in England the condition Of agricuI-
ture is suffice Of examination. AT late
meeting OF the British Agricultural Associa.
ton, las wc learn !rum correspondent Of
the New YORK Journal Of Commerce. Alder
men Mechi SAID that though great progress
had been made iu British agriculture, Yet 1t
was sadly deficient; the cultivation OF the
country was only IS 'cp as Common vine
glass; Its return per acre Was hot more, GU
an average, than iuur pGu5ds sterling OF &C
tual available produce. Toe Introduction Of
steam 10 cultivation was . grea: point.
"Ho hoped that tor ali general purposes,
as sresh hing griuding, and 50 forth, most
farmers used the steam engine. Fifteen
vars ago be was PRONOUNCED Il madman for
having steam engine on farm OF 100
acres. But the gentlemen who then thought
he Mr.. Mechi) had lost his wits, were uUw
following the same course. And his hearers
might depend upon it that they would never
develop the full powers of agriculture until
they brought steam to bear on cultivation
Their Fl 20 inches of cultivation would De ex-
changed for two feet or three feet; be said
that very guardedly. They all knew how
much was raised by market gardeners, and
that was done by depth OF cultivation and
great maturing. Perhaps, gentlemen were
not aware also that the horses now used 10
agriculture consumed oUe fifth of the whole
produce Of the country. " hen they INTRO.
duced steam, their horses would eat coal it,
stead Of corn, and Goals were much cheaper
than the corn, which would be eaten by the
horses necessary to do the same amount OF
work"
At the late meetings Of the Scottish S0Cic-
ties, it Was predicted by several experienced
speakers, that Steam would accomplish IS
q; uch Tor agriculture as II had done Tor man
ufacturcs. In the Lcndcn Tl;nc. of last
mouth, there IL a long communication, entl-
tied--Fscts about English farming, especial.
ly the Use of the steam plough, repiete WITH
striking AID instructive details. American
farmers may consult, also, the report OF the
trials, for the 800 pounds sterling prize, -
Chester. cf the steam p!oughs IN competI-
ton. Fowler machine obtained 1t; larS:
gold medal was awarded to The machine Vi
the Messrs. Howard: an application of steam
power to facilitate autumnaI cultivation.
In this country, too, public attention has
BEEN called t. the advantages of steam cult
vatiOu.--LicA. Enquirer.