The Panola weekly star. (Sardis, Miss.) 1882-18??, 1884-08-23
Science In Farming.

IL Is an encouraging fact that there Is
less disposition among practical farm.
crs TO sheer at sclentii ic methods In ny.
r%iculturc, than there has been in times
past, and apparent willingness among
them TO accept the conclusions of SCI
entliic research in regard TO agricultural
matters. AS in various other spheres
of human thought and effort, an alb
surd idea has prevailed that the appli-
cation OF scientific principles was in
some way inconsistent with common
sense methods, that the former were
the outcome OF theorists and Missionaries,
destined to heap upon those who
adopted them the humiliation Of fail
ure and the contempt OF sober minded
men.
There may have been some cause for
this feeling, In tho fool III experiments
and impracticable schemes OF some who
essayed TO teach tho science of agricilt-
ure; but to suppose that there is an
essential antagonism between scientific
truths and the principles of practical
agriculture is as absurd as to suppose
that a thing n be opposed to itself.'
True science relates 10 the causes of
things, to principles hat are immutl
able, 10 truths that are always and
everywhere applicable. II the pro-
eesses of nature, the termination and
growth of vegetation, Che character Of
soils, the distribution OF plants, and in.
Vulnerable other things that come under
the observation Of the farmer, were the
result Of chance, like the world of
lila, DIS dream. then Il might be allow.
ed that Il knowledge Of science In the
abstract, being, in the nature OF things,
Incapable OF application, would only be-
q veNatlon and a WEAKNESS OF spirit
But since all these things arc known to
be controlled by fixed laws, secd.time
and harvest, and all the operations of
nature, climatic influences and changes.
being In accordance with certain estab!
iished principles. IL would seem b be n
proper and ludicious thing to gain. M
lar as possible. a knowledge OF these
laws aud principles.
Tho word science is derived from n
Latin verb meaning simply 10 knou,
aud therefore to say that q man has no
need OF science in order TO be a good
farmer Is really 10 assert that he can
succeed just as well II he Is withou,
knowledge, or. In other words, II he Il
mn idiot. But we are willing TO taka
the wori scIencc in its common ac,
ceptation. MS meaning the highest form
OF knowledge On any given subject. IL
can he shown that the highest form III
knowledge on the subject Of a~gricultI
ure has resulted In immencc advant-
age to that industry. In fact, II Is owi
ing to the inventions and improvements
suggested by scientific study that our
system OF agriculture Is so far superior
10 that of some of tho older civilized
portions Of tho globe. We " 10 Il
the introduction Of labor.saying ma,
chimes, many new and improved yarie.
ties OF plants. and breeds Of animals,
and various methods of redeeming and
utilizing waste and barren lands.
As civilization advances and tho
popu alton Of the country increases. di.
m%inishing the average pr capita acre.
age. u will become more and moro i'm,
portant that the owners aud tillers OF
the soil shall know how 10 maintain IA
fertility and increase its productive
power 10 meet the increasing demand.
that will be mado upon tn. !. 90,
ssrter.