The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1870-03-16
Agricultural Science in France,

present pushing their love Of research
especially in the direction Of agricul-
ture, and doing all they eau at once
to bring all the light that science can
supply to bear upon the art, aud to
introduce knowledge Of it into gen.
eral education no object can possi-
bly, better deserve the attention of
savants and professors, and although
some Will-o'-thc- Wisps may be crea-
ted and mislead for time, the great
science of tho earth and the supply of
focd, must in the end benefit greatly
by such endeavours. One of tho sub
jects that has attracted special atten-
tion Of late, is the part that alkalies
play i'll vegetation. We all know
that without potash or soda, or both,
plants cannot arrive at perfection,
that is to say, cannot pass regularly
through all the stages of thcir life,
and produce the means Of their
multiplication. This principle set
tied, it remains to discover what
proportions of the alkalies are neccs-
sary in each case. Chemical research
has not yet arrived at very definite
results on this subject; the principle
point ascertaincd, IS that with res.
pcct to the greater number of plants
cultivated on large scale potash is
far more necessary than soda.
NJ. M. Peligot, Paycn, and Otter,
eminent chemists, are now busily
occupied in carrying out this invcsti-
CATION, more completely, by careful
analyses Of the ashes furnished by
plants after burning. When such
residues are washed in water, and the
solution evaporated, the following
highly interesting and important fact
is discovered, namely, that potash and
soda are found in different proper
tions, not only in the same kind of
plant cultivated in various soils, but
also in different plants cultivated in
the same soil. From evidence such
az this, furnished by many expert
ments, under various circumstances,
it is impossible to avoid the conclu-
sion that plants have the power of
making, as it wore, choice amongst
the assimilable substances which they
meet with in the sol. It cannot yet
be asserted with certainty Of Wheat,
or any other great crop, that either of
the alkalies is or is not indispensable
to it's perfect development any such.
conclusion would, it is believed, be
erroneous but it may be stated, with
every appearance of probability, that
the presence of potash in the. soil is
most important for Wheat, and for all
other cereals. This is IL step towards
tho solution of a question, of great
scientific interest and practical I'm
portance. London Gardeners Chront.
Gle and Agricultural Gazette.
.--~. - E
TIVE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE STILL
CARRIED ON UNDER THE AMERICAS
FLAG.-The resolution introduced by
Senator Wilson has as its object
moro rigorous policy in regard to the
suppression of tho slave trade. 1t is
understood that this traffic in human
beings still exists on the coast of Zan-
zibar. The United States govern.
ment, in order to put down this ille-
gal trade, appointed Judges some
years ago. 1t is stated as singular
'act thas :ae judges So appointed, in-
stead of attending to their business,
are very busily engaged in staying at
home drawing their pay, allowing the
the Africans to take care; of them
selves. 1t is also understood that
several Consuls on that coast execute
their official duty in the same oonve.
Mont manner 1t is q fact that tho
largest share of the trade is carried on
under the American flag and in
American bottoms. ibis matter will
receive an overhanling.-- Washtngsos,
Cor. ". Y. World.
----aee % <---------
A Washington dispatch, dated 7th,
says Representative Bowen has been
acquitted Of the charge of solling Ca
! dc,ships,