. logy, were capable of being applied to [it i

at): dramatist

AGRICULTURE.

ESTRAC'I'S FROM A Lecrune Dauvsaso BY PROFESSOR JouNs'roN, ‘ncrona THE HIGHLAND SOCIETY, AT THE LAST Massimo IN EDINBURGH. " Professor Johnston commenced the lecture by observ- ing, that an impression hadlong existed in the minds of juiany persons connected With agriculture, that various departments ofscience, particularlyv chemistry and geo- n such a way toimpmve the cultivation of the land. But the diffi- biilty was for such persons to answer distinctly the ques-

‘ Hove-which was frequently put by practical agriculturists,

." What can science do for agriculture .7’ Now he appear- éd tlieie‘to endeavour to answer'that question. Science may impart a practical money benefit to the cultivation of-thseland, either by enabling farmers to raise larger I s with more certainty and of better quality, or by;

lint—aching them how land, previously of little value, may

be made capable of raising better crops, which crops

again will tend to produce a greater quantity of produc-

. tion of another description, that is, beef and mutton. In

" illustration of the subject which he had chesen for his “Jeottirfe, a multitude of subjects presented themselves,

(and the ditficulty was, how to select a number of topics “which were connected together in their nature, and

limight be bound up by their common form in their me-

fmories. Perhaps the best course for him to follow with -'such an object would be to take up the seed when It‘lS first put into the ground, and to follow it through us dif- fetient‘processes ofdevelopment till it arrived at maturity. ' With regard to the selection ofseedfi, they were all aware what an important matter it was, and how much depend- upon it; but it was only chemists who could under- stand the scientific causes of these differences. They also knew‘that seeds would grow on one kind of soil, while they refused another kind ; now, the reaSon of this could only be cleared up by- chemical examination of the soil and of the seed. It was a common practice to steep the seed before it was sown, for the purpose of des- troying'the eggs of minute' insects, which injured the plant as they grew up. That might be one effect; but another effect ofthe steeping was chemical; and that efl'ect was seen in the great luxuriance of the crop.

‘ When the seed was put into the ground, it sent forth .a ‘Iittlesprout in its germination. ConrieCteil With this

(there. was a beautiful chemical process. It must be “stood that there were two substances which were important parts in the composition ofevery plant—sugar er sratch, and gluten or albumen. Both of these were in the seed in a solid state; but when the pin began to germinate, it was necessary that these substa as should , become soluble, to be'sent from the seed to the stem. 1 ow,lit was remarkable, that at the root of every stem, just where it joined to the seed, there was a substance called clear star—and this substance, according to a well-known chemical process, renders the starch and the gluten soluble, and thus enables it to ascend to the stem ofthe young plant, in propOrtion as it is required for nourishment. Accordingly, along with it, there would

‘7 always be detected, by a microscope, a portion of the

glu'tten and the starch in a soluble state. So soon as the plant reaches the surface, it expands into a leaf. Up to this time, it lives at the expense of the seed; but as soon as it reaches the air, it lives at the expense ofthe air. All plants require three substances, or rather four ,—oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and carbon. These substances are only known in the form of gases. After explaining the nature and properties of those gases, he proceeded to say that the plant derived from the air a Ihrge portion of carbonic acid ; and toobtain that supply, it spread out its leaves in every direction, thus sucking in the carbon from the atmosphere. As there was com—

' ., paratively only a small portion of carbonic acid in the

"atmosphere, it inigbt be supposed that the vegetable kingdom would extract the whole; but by a wise adap- tation 'of Providence, which connected together the ani- mal and vegetable kingdoms, it Was provided that the same gas which was so greedily inhaled by plants was that which .was thrown off as noxious by animals. A full grown healthy man threw off at every breath he took

-25 ounces of carbon; a horse and‘a cow each would throw off about 4 pounds; so that in this way a constant

. equilibrium was maintained. Another ingredient in ihe

composition of plants was nitrogen, which existed in large portions in the atmosphere ; but the plants did not derive their nitrogen from the air, but rather from the

' manures applied to them. The knowledge of this fact ' wts‘ofthe utmost importance in regard to the applica-

o

iibuof manures to the soil. Well, the plant had now got above the surface of the ground, and had thrown out its leaves. ’

At this stage it was usual in many parts of the coun- try—he believed not very common In this district—to apply what was called a top-dressing. When a cr,op of oats, beans, or turnips, came up of a sickly character, the farmer sprinkled over it a quantity of commoii salt, or gypsum, or nitrate ofsoda, or mixtures of these; and in the course ofa single day, the plant would appear to be altogether renovated. What was the precise chemi- cal effect produced in this case, they had not yet been able clearly to make out; but they could trace it to some extent. _IIe then mentioned the estates of Mr. Alexander, of southhar, and Mr. Fleming, Barrocham, Renfrew- shire, as places where a great effect had been produced by the application ofthese top-dressings. He then came to the turnip. It was necessary for the safety of the turnips, that they should rush up as it were, and throw out their leaves quickly. Now, this was a condition of things totally new ;- and it was only by knowing all; the plant reqtired that they could obtain this rapid rushing up of

, theturnip' crop. In connection with this subject, he

O 9?

might mention a curious fact. A farmer could tell by the odour that was exhaled whether the turnips were coming up healthy or not. He (Professor J.) had often

’ endeavoured to detect this odour; but he could not—

it required a. long experience in practical farming to enable a man to do so. But upon the cause of tbis'odoiir, so delicate to the sense, chemistry threwia beautiful light. All plants in growing throw ofl‘certain substances, which were unnecessary for them at that particular stage. It is that exudation of substances which causes the odours in question; and it is the Same principle that causes the odours to delight us so much in the sweet smelling flowers in the garden or the green house. Let them observe what a beautiful arrangement it was, that while Nature, or rather the Lord and Governor ofNature, caused the plant to throw off those substances which were unnecessary or even unwholesome to itself, it threw them ofI‘in a manner which was agreeable and

delightful to man; thus, even in the most trifling and‘

minute circumstances, providing for our comfort and gratificatlon. Nothing could. be more beautiful than the exhibition ofthe wisdom and beneficence ofthe Deity; as exhibited in this arrangement. Then, with regard to the proper time for cutting down the crop when ripe, that could only be ascertained by an examination of the

straw and other parts. He then referred to the failure of the potatoe crop, and stated it to be the result of very extended observation, that potatoes, when full ripe, con- tained more starch than albumen, or saline matter, 0 which three substances, potatoes which contained the largest quantity of starch were those which were .most likely to fail; while those containing greater quantities of

albumen and saline matter were more likely to succeed. 7

They would farther observe, that if they top-dressed a portion of a field of potatoes with a saline substance, and left the other portion ofthe field undressed, the latter might prove a failure, while the former would prove an enormous crop. It has been still farther ascertained, that if they planted seeds next year taken from the top- dressed potatoes, they would find their produce .much greater than those raised from the undressed portion of the potatoes. , It was in this manner they were proceed- ing; and when they had Worked out their operations, he had no fear but they would be able to find a remedy to the failure ofthe potatoe crop. But it opened up a field which applied to various crops, and would lead them_to obtain such a control over it that they could not only iii- crease the quantity, but improve the quality ofthe pro- duce. ‘He then referred to' the ashes of" tlie‘plants, which remained when their substance was burnt. After giving a history of various chemical opinions which had'been held at various times regarding the origin ofthe matter which composed these ashes, and of their use In the plant, he stated that it had now been ascertained that these ashes contained no fewer than eleven distinct sub- stances—potash, soda, lime, magnesia, See—that they existed in different plants, and that all the substances thus presented in the plant must also be presented in the soil, as it was from the soil that the plant derived its supply of this earthy matter. This threw a beautiful light upon the cause why plants would not grdw in cer— tain situations; for if a plant required a large proportion of lime, for instance, and there was little or none in the soil, it was clear that the plant would either refuse to grow, or that it would be stunted in appearance, and would soon exhaust the land. To remedy this it was necessary to supply the deficiencies of land, so to speak, and to supply lime if lime was wanted. On the other hand, iflime was not wanted, as he believed it was not it this district and in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, then it was unnecessary, and injurious to the land, to apply lime. He concluded by urging upon farmers to economise their manures, and compensate to the land as much as possible for what was annually carried away by the prod use—Canadian Agricultural Jou rnal.

Queen CALCULA'I‘ION.——Sbme singular genius has perpetrated the following calculations, which, we think, will do :—I have been married 32 years, during which time I have received from the hands of my wife three cups ofcoffee each day, two in the morning and one at night, making about 35,040 cups, of halfa pint each, or nearly 70 barrels of 30 gallons each, weighing I7,5'20lb., or nearly nine tons weight. Yet from that period I have scarcely varied myself in weight from 1601b. It will, therefore, be seen that I" have drunk, in coffee alone, 218 times my own weight. I am not much of a meat eater, yet Ipresume I have consumed about eight ounces aday, which makes 5,80filb., or about ten oxen. Of flour I have consumed, in the 3‘2 years, about 5‘.) barrels. For ‘20 years ofthis time, up to l83l, I have dr‘unk two wine glasses of brandy each day, making 900 quarts The port wine, inadeira, whiskey, punch, 6.20., I am not able to count, but they are not largo. In champagne I have been extremely moderate, as I find from my bills thatI have paid for 53 baskets in the last 13 years, which is about one bottle a week, and this not all con- sumed by me. When we take Into tl‘ui account all the vegetables in addition, such as potatoes, peas, asparagus, strawberries, cherries, apples, pears, peaches, raisins, &.c., the amount consumed by an individual is Inost enormous. Now, my body has been renewed more than four times in 3‘3 years; and taking it for granted that the water, of which I have drunk much, acts merely as a diliitent, yet, all taken together, I conclude that I have consumed, in 352 years, about the weight of l,l00 men, of 1601b. each—Paris Paper.

ANOTHER New SYSTEM OF MEDICINc.-—'l‘lie Siccle states that Dr. Jiiuod, of Paris, has invented a new the- thod, which he terms liemospesic, for the treatment of a number of diseases. This method consists in the ,em- ployment of a pneumatic apparatus of a peculiar cori- struction, in which the arm or leg is so placed as to at- tract the blood to the extremities without diminishing the mass of this liquid. This apparatus, which has been for some time in use, both amongst the public and in the hospitals ofParis, has obtained the approbation of .the most eminent physicians in Paris. It gained for its author the Montyon prize, together with the congratula- tions and the thanks ofthe Council General of the Hos— pitals ofParis. ~

Tue PROTESTANT CHURCH AT JERUSALEM.——Letlefs have been received front Dr. Alexander, the Bishop of Jerusalem, dated Jan. 3, from which we learn that the prospects of the mission are ofa very encouraging nature. In consequence of some late heavy rains the “upper chamber," in which Divine Worship had been performed for two years, became so dilapidated that it was found necessary to provide another I I wand a suitable room having been prepared, it was opened on the Sunday before Christmas. This room is large enough to sic-com- modate 150 persons. The bishop mentioned llI affecting terms the death of Mr. Bateson, late M. P. for London- derry, and states that he had the happiness of adminis- tering to him the dayiprevious to his death the memorials of our Divine Redeemer’s death. On the afternoon of Christmas-day the bishop baptized six converts, among them were a Jewish doctor and his wrfefiiifid daughter. The hospital is rapidly advancing towards completion, and the whole of the affairs of the mission suggest the most pleasing anticipations. » ,

The Pope consecrated as bishops four ofthe cardinals on the Ilth oh. This is the first instance, it is said, for ISO years, of the Pope having performed this ceremony in person. '

Modesty is a thin tranSparent veil which shows with superior lustre the graces it would seem to cover, as the new blown rose is more beautiful when its leaves are a little folded than when its glories are fully displaved. '

Pittman—Pride is as loud a. beggar as want, and a great deal more saucy. When you have bought choline thing, you must buy ten more, that your appearance may be

t-

all ofa piece; but it is easier to suppress the first desire

than to satisfy all that follow it.—Fran/clin.‘

An Athenian, who was,lame in one foot, joining the army, waslaughed at by the soldiery on account of his lameness. “ I am here to fight,” said he, “ not to run.”

MARRIAGE.—In marriage, prefer the person before wealth, virtue before’ beauty, and the mind before the body; then you have a wife, a friend, and a companion.

—Pemt. .

x

F O B L L ! ! .. E GREAT“ NOBLES IN THE LAND. -

, iVIill I. tinniriisivrii "if "'

HOLLOWAY’S PILLS.

Copy ofa Letter from His Grace the Duke of Portland to Mrs. Ann Mollish, (one ofliis '."enanls,) whom His Grace was paused to send as u Patient la'llte Proprietor oft/it's extraordinary inedcne.

Madam '

’Ier, Holloway will undertake to Cure you perfectly, when the Cure is complete, I will undertake to pay him £2 105. You may shew him this Letter.

(Sig-ma?) SCOTT PORTLAND.

IVs/lika Ath , May

31, I342.

Copy ofa Letter-from the Most Hon. the Marquis of Westminster, K. Lord \Vestminstcr hasjust received Mr. Holloway’s Medi-, , cine, for which he returns him his best thanks. Eaton Hall, Cheshire; Feb. 1‘2, 184-2.

This inestimable Medicine being composed entirely of Medicinal Herbs, does not contain any mercurial, mineral or deleterious substances Benign to the tender infant, or to the weakest constitution, prompt and sure in crailicatiugiliseaso from the most robiistframe. it is erfectly harm- less in its operations and effects, while it searches out (or TenLOIYGS-COTII- pluinls ofcr‘ei‘r character, and at every stage, however longstanding or (leeply-rootcdi

OI the Thousands Cured by its agam‘y, many who were on the verge of the grave for a considerable period, (by per'sei‘ering III its uSC) have been restored to health and strength, after every ot/iermrans lulled

All Diseases, (and whatever may be their symptoms, however they may dot-lure tliemselws, yet one cause is common to them all,1-zz., a'want ofpurity inthe blood and fluids), are cured by this IVomlerful i’lledtcme, which cleanses the stomach and bowels, while its balsamic qualities clear the blond, giro roman/l energy to [fl/3 "Pm-rs and muscles, invigorate the system, and impart strength to [Ioneand sinew.

The Afflicted need not give himself tip to despair, as one without hope; but let him make It proper Trial ofthe Mighty Powers of this as- tonishing Medicine, and he will soon be restored to the blessings of Health.

Time should notbe lost in taking this remedy for any of the following Diseases :—|—- Ague Dchility Asthmas Dropsy Bilious complaints Dysmitery Blotchcs on the Erysipelas

Indigestion Inflammation Jauudicc

Liver complaints

Scrofula or King’s Evil

Stone and Gravel. Tic-Douloureux

skin Female irrcgula- Lumbago Tumours - Bowel complaints rities Piles Ulcers Colics Fevcrs ofall kinds Rheumatism \Vorms of all kinds Constipation of Fits ’ Retention of the Weakness, from lioivels 5 '~ urine whatever cau5e, Consumption I Sore Threats - - dgc. dw. ‘ THESE truly in I s can be obtain ‘ lIshment of Professor Hollow ' einple liar, wII MAY BE

' C . HAD GRATIS» a, Medici out the civilized wo , , e Ils., 22s., and 335. each Box.

the larger sizes. N. B.——-Directions for the Guidance of affixed to each Box.

if? Sold wholesale and retail by GEORGE T. HASZARD, Agent for Prince Edward lslantl.

ne through-

W‘ ectable e owing prices :1: (I . . There is a conSIderable savmg by taking

Patients in every Disorder are

THE FAMILY LIFE MEDICINES.

TIIE celebrated Life Pills and Pliwni's Bitters, pre- pared and sold by Dr. \VIu. Ii. Moffat, 375, Broadway, New York may now be said to be the most respectany established and extensively adopted family medicines in the United States. They have Iiot only won the sanction and recommendation ofall the candid and philanthropic eortiou ofthe medical profession, who have observed their invariable alliczivy in general dcrtuigcmcnts ofthe stomach and bowels, and their stouishing‘ effects in many varieties of acute and chronic disease, but that is far better, these medicines have recommended themselves, and fully and fairly achieved the distinguished and now certainly pro-eminent position WlIlt'lI they now occupy in public and domestic estimation. They are proved by their works, and make no appeals to vulgar cretlulity. Iflhe proprietor were disposed to make an inviilious comparison he twch these self-established medicines and any others, he might confi- dently assert and challenge contradiction that there is no medicine known to the medical profession, or named in their books, concerning which so many clear, unquestionable and conclusive evidences ofusc- fulness and remarkable cures are recorded as those which he can adducc conccriiingtlie Life Pills and Phoenix Bitters. Ifit he admitted that suf- ferers are the bestjuilgcs as to whether a remedy has relieved them and restored thorn to health and strength, then is the evidence in behalf of these medicines decisive and irresistible. Dr. Mofl'at is in possession of an immense accumulation of voluntary testimonials from respectable persons and families in all parts of the Union, far and near, who give their names and residence to the unsolicited statement that they have been completely and speedily cured of the following diseases, and of many others not here enumerated, bv those Life Medicines alone, when other medicines" hatl bet-n long employed in vain. viz: Scrofula, in its most dreadfully advanced and destructive stages, when large ortions of the flush and bones ofthe face had been destrovod; Piles of" ve, ten, twen- ty, thirty and even thirty-five \Cars stuiuliiig; Rheumatism, both acute and chronic, of the most liopolcss character; Turgesccnce of the Liver, and various other liver complaints; Bilious Cliolic, and every conceiva- ble variety ofbilious affections; Marasmus Tabes, or Decline, and Maras- mus I’hthisichor Consumption, in more advanced stages than any on record; Dyspepsia, in all its chronic alltl acute varieties, with its fri ht- ful train ofdistressiiig symptoms; \Vorins of all kinds, both in chil ren and grown persons I)iathoea, both serous and bilious; Costivcne‘ss, both habitual and occasional; Fever anthAgue, in its three principal varieties, and llllCI’lIIlllClIl‘flIId remittent fevers, ofall kinds; Ilypocon- drinsis, and other extremely complicated nervous affections, with nervous debilin in general; Salt Rheum, Running Scald, and eruptive diseases generally, including Eiiauthesis, Erysi )clas‘or St. Anthony’s fire, and sallow,uuhealthy complexion; Palpitation of the heart,and Determina- tion ofblood to the head, settled pains in the organs, limbs, back, head and side; affections ofthe bladder, kidnics, spleen, throat, and pleura ; jaundice, dropsy and gout ;together with those general affections of the system which arise from complicath causes. '

The ceitificatcs of these cures are in the proprietor’s possession, and will readily be shown to all who desire to see them. A small Selection from them have been published in Mof’fat’s Medical Manual, ofwhich a new and enlarged edition is preparing for the press. The reason why these medicine‘s, which in ordinary family use operate merely as mild and effectual laxatives, cure so great a variety of formidable diseases is, that while as cathartics, cleansing the alimentary canal, and relieving the hvor and the absorbent chsols of all impurities, they lay the foundation for this cure ofall specific diseases, they are compounded ofunique and unprecedented varier of choice and exquisite ingredients, some of which are almost unknown to the profession, which exert a specific action upon many complaints, without in the slightest degree aficcting the general system, otherwise than as simple purifiers, when those complaints are notpresent. Both the Pills and the Bitters are mild and agreeable in their operations, cruising neither prostrations nor nausea, and requiring neither confinement nor peculiar dict. Their effects are uniformly to produce an immediate sense of renovated health, and new life and vigour to both body and Inind. They cannot be taken without benefit, and they should be procured both by individuals and heads of families, and con- stantly kept on hand, not only as remedies but as preveiitatives of dis- ease. They are prepared and sold wholesale and retail, by Dr. ‘Villiam It. Mofl‘at,375 Broudway,N. Y., and also by tho AGENTS.;NE\V YORK. May 30. J. B. COOPER,