Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-11-01
Try Experiments,

We should consider it an important point
gained if we could induce each of our read
crs, or any considerable number Of them, to
carefully conduct single experiment in Gull
tivation, during the present season, taking
for subject any plant or plants that may be
most convenient A small plot Of ground,
or even pot of earth may suffice for this
purpose The observation of the effects Of a
fertilizer, or of the growth of plant under
different circumstances, may assist in deter
mining questions of the greatest possible it,
terest to tiIors Of the soil. After all that
has been said and written about the growth
of plants, how little do VIC really h'lo0 upon
the subject. Scarcely two writers are entire.
ly agreed as to even the first principles con-
ccrncd in vegetation. Though scientific
knowledge may be necessary to draw correct
conclusions from facts observed in vegetable
growth, still, facts alone can give a sure
foundation for scientific knowledge; and the
very humbest mind can observe aud collect
| facts.
To illustrate what may be done Suppose
you plant two seeds Of the same variety, as
nearly alike as you can select, in separate
boxes, each containing the same kind and
weigh of soil. Cultivate and treat them in
exactly the same manner They will no
doubt very nearly resemble each other, but
they will also present we'll marked points Of
difference. One will have longer stems, or
more leaves, or greatsr abundance Of flowers
than the other. Why7 Science at present
cannot answer the question. She may con-
lecture, but until the careful experiments of
perhaps hundreds of observers have been col.
lated, there can be no certainty in the mat
ter. So with many questions OF very great
Importance, additional facts alone can lead to
right conclusions and practice.
1t is true that each years cultivation Of
the soil is adding to our store of facts, but
how many more might be obtained if each
cultivator would devote small portion of
his leisure to the study of some one plant,
with view 10 find out by experiment all
that could be known about it; or better still,
perhaps, to be able to give satisfactory ans
wer to some one question concerning its hab-
its or its needs.
But leaving out of the question the i'm
portance of such experiments to the advance
ment of knowledge, there is an lnexhaustibIe
fund of rational enjoyment in conducting OK
pcrimcnts, especially such as we are now
speaking of. Let person watch the deVel-
opment of single plant from day to day,
with view to ascertain facts, and each sue
cossive stage Of its progress will afford new
delight. The variety of subjects for inves-
tigation is almost endless. Probably the
greatest interest would be taken in endeav-
oring to ascertain for yourself the truth in
regard to some point as to which you have
doubts. For example, it is stated that there
is a considerable difference in the time of
maturity in potatoes raised from eyes taken
from different parts Of the same tuber. Can
you tell about this ? With few potatoes,
a rod of ground, and few memoranda OF
the time of planting, blossoming and ripea-
ing, you can i'll one or tNo seasons gain much
useful information. The value Of different
manurea may BE- tested, new varieties Of
seed tried, new fruits originated by hybrdiz-
ing in short, the taste and circumstances OF
each individual will suggest topics for cxpcr.
iments sufficient 10 employ his leisure hours.
Try it.
A IuorGnTFuL AMBASSADOR While Jefferson
was ambassador to France, he travelled in Italy
for the sake of ascertaining the cause of tho su-
periorlty Of the Sandman over the American
rice, which he found consisted in the quality OF
the seed. As the government prohibited the
expectation Of the seed, he filled all his pockets
with the precious grain which he brought homo
for the benefit of the South Carolina planters.