THE UTILITY OF SCIENCE TO THE FARMER. (FROM THE "AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE.")

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIII, Issue 3261, 30 December 1867, Page 4

THE UTILITY OF SCIENCE TO THE FARMER. (FROM THE "AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE.")

The question of utility is beset with difficulties sufficiently formidable to puzzle the most philosophical. When cvi bono is asked with reference to almost anything, the answer seems to fly from point to point until, if we follow, we are led into vacuity. When we therefore ask the question, " Of what use ii knowledge of science to the farmer ?" we find ourselves on critical ground. It is not that we have no faith in the power of scientific knowledge, but our diffidence springs from the difficulty of treating the subject in a practical manner. We have in a previous number of this journal, endeavoured to point out the intimate connection between science and agriculture, and we wish now to show the utility ot scientific knowledge to the individual agriculturist. The first point, although true, does not prove the second, for it is certain that we may derive advantage from an invention without a knowledge of the principles which guided the originator in his investigations. Thus, it would hardly be thought necessary for a shoemaker to understand the theory of tanning leather, or for a sailor to be instructed in the calculations which guide the shipbuilder in laying down his vessels. On the contrary, we find the great principle of the division of labour to extend with civilisation, a part of the work of humanity being ; allotted co each profession or business, so that perfection may eventually be attained in each. Although the relations of these various occupations to each other, and their relative importance to mankind, may afford interesting matter for reflection to tha philosopher, those who are engaged in prosecuting them will be better employed in perfecting themselves in the branch they have chosen. Human life is too short, and the competition of life too severe, to allow the majority of men to pay much attention to branches of knowledge which do not directly influence their prosperity, and we can easily imagine a thoughtful agriculturist considering weather, because chemistry has given him "superphosphate," and mechanics and engineering skill have given him a steam plough, he is bound to be both a chemist and an engineer as well as a farmer. We believe that to be a succesful agriculturist a man must thoroughly understand his business, and we know of no other requsite qualification. In order to clear up the question under consideration, it is necessary to inquire as to the nature of such knowledge. If we attempt to describe a perfect farmer, with what words shall we paint him ? Be must possess that shrewdness and intimate knowledge of tbe general details of agricultural operations and management of live stock so commonly met with amotig the best examples of farmers in every district; he should not be clogged with local prejudices, but, on the contrary, should be acquainted with, the proceedings of farmers in other parts of the country, so that he may adopt any practice which seems economical.

In order to take full advantage of the times in which he lives, he should be able to avail himself of now and valuable implement!. He should have no. difficulty in reading intelligently analyses of manures and cattle foods, and should know the value which, may be affixed to each constituent. Agricultural experimenters have shown again and again the vast differences in produce when animals or plants **•© placed under comparative but varied oircumstances. The farmer ought to be aWe to understand the bearings of suoh. results, and to interpret to his own advantage the answer which nature invariably gives when interrogated rightly. In order to do this, nothing should be adopted rashly, but each farmer should test the results on his own premises. Now, we maintain that either to understand or conduct an agricultural experiment, a man must have a mind trained to the subject, and on this we found our strongest argument for a sound philosophical view of science. As to the amoutit of scientific knowledge which a farmer should possess, we can only say — as we should of any useful information — the more the better ; but since time is limited we would insist upon a sufficient amount to give him a principle of action in every operation he controls, so that he cannot be accused of being a mere empiric, but will be seen to be following a rational system. The man who thus conducts business has the key to furcber improvement ; time-honoured practices for which he cannot see a reason are cautiously discontinued, and new methods are suggested through his knowledge of principles. Mr. Lawrence, speaking upon the use of sound scientific knowledge to the agriculturist at the last meeting of the Cirenceßter Farmers' Club, was most happy in the instance he selected, when he pointed out the influence of food upon the quality of manure as well as upon the well-being of the fatting animal. Messrs. Lvwes and Gilbert, after thorough investigation of this point, have come to the conclusion that "There is far greater difference in the manuring thau in the feeding value ef the ordinary stock-foods in the market." Hence it follows, that although two foods have an equal effect in fattening an animal, the one may be much more valuable than the other on account of the superior quality of the manure left. "It may be stated that the estimated value of the manure from one ton of oilcake is considerably more than that from the same quantity of linseed, lentils, beans, or peas j from two to three times as much as that from one~ ton of oats, Indian corn, barley, or hay j from seven to ten times as mu jh as from the same weight of oat, wheat,, or barley straw, and twenty times as much as from one ton of roots." What a field of inquiry does this simple fact open up, and yet we may ask, what chance has the farmer to appropriate such valuable information to Ms own use unless he is furnished with that mental training which will enable him to understand and to value it? We must, before closing these remarks, say a few woid3 upon the impotance of the study of agricultural literature. Amaßs of evidence, everyyearincreasedand enriched by the observations of practical men, lies open to the farmer. Here he can readtheexperience of men similarly engaged with himself in all parts of the country, and blind and prejudiced must he be who considers such" information as valueless. Yet such is, even in this day, too. much the disposition of the farmer, and while a piece of experience given in conversation would be esteemed as practical and worth attending to, the same fact presented through the medium of the press would be looked upon as worthless. # f If an intelligent knowledge of business lsdeeired, such as will place the agrioulturlst in a position «of a leader in the van of advancing agriculture, he must exercise his reasoning powers— 'he must connect facts with ideas, and matters of mere sease with reason, and this will ensure him the merited title of a scientific agriculturist. — W.