On Siberian Wheat. 305

1803.]

tory proofs of success, in the prevention of smut in wheat, after annual trials, through the course of more than a hundred years?? Why does he require proofs for upwards of a century? Is he s0 Sceptical when he enters the ground of accurate relative trials, as not to be Satisfied with a Shor- ter period? It is well known that when manures are applied with judgment, they greatly increase the productive powers of the Soil. It is equally certain that when these Substances are injudicious|y employed, Similar fertility is not produced; and that, in Some cases, they are prejudicial. Now, supposing their effects were thus impaired, or that I could not produce “ gatisfactory proofs of annual Success for upwards of 100 years," would Clericus et Colonus, therefore, coutend that they do not possess highly fertilizing powers? Would he not be convinced by accurate comparative trials in the culture of wheat, for ten, five, or even asmaller number of years?

Experiments of the latter deseription are not wanting. "They have been conducted by men of ability and experience in almost all parts ofthe country; and when we See that properly prepared Seed wheat has unitormly produced pure grain, or grain very nearly 80, while that which was Sown without any preparation,(but under precisely Similar cireum- Stances in all other respects) produced very conzgiderable or very great quantities of Smut, how can he account for the difference without attributing beneficial efiects to the former practice?

Facts of this nature, Sir, are too powerful for the ridicule of Mr. Lawrence, or that of any other person. I1fmy recol- lection has notfailed, however, I think it would be rather difficult to prove that that able author has condemned the Practice of“ preparing' Seed in order to prevent smutted wheat. Isthere notreasonto believe that when he committed his Sentiments to paper, he was contemplating blight, mil- dew, and rust,--disorders which have never been prevented by any preparation of the Seed? Under this yviewof the sub- ject, Mr. Lawrence's ridicule Seems to have been well applied.

What are the general consequences of blight, mildew, or rust? Why, Small grain, Shrivelled in a greater or smaller degree, according to the Stage ef the plant's growth at the commencement of the disease. The same effects, in 4 Smaller degree, result from late and unpropitious Seas005 of 5owing and reaping, or frem Such other causes, distinct From the three diseases just named, as render the berry smal- ler, and worse formed, in one Season than in another. But though accurate practice has proved that the autumn 50wn