17 DECEMBER 1853, Page 10

THE SOCIETY OF ARTS. -

Mr. Mechi delivered on Wednesday his -third statement of the results of his doings at Tiptree Hall Farm ; marked by a goodhinnouredly plea- sant dogmatism, ardour, and self-applause. His principle, as every one knows, is the application of steam to culti- vation. What he had said not long ago in praise of the American thresh- ing-machine caused the suspension of orders for the old implement all over the country. Seven years back, his views were the but of ridicule: but he can now appeal to his balance-sheet, which shows, for the past year, a clear profit of 6831. 16s. 3d.; beyond which he might in fairness claim something for the improved soil. He has already startled farmers by announcing that live-stock is a necessary evil. He repeats it ; live- stock does not pay except by the manure produced : and the axiom in- cludes the fashionable hobby of the day, poultry. But the manure is in- valuable. Why is Mr. Mechrs last balance-sheet so different from its precursor ?--The solution lies almost wholly in the live-stock account Double your live-stock, and you double your manure. The effects of irrigation are enormous. It has utterly changed a five-acre pasture by Tiptree Hell, the soil of which had hitherto been bird-lime in winter, cast-iron in summer. Irrigated grass, it has been proved by chemical experiments, contains 26 per cent more of meat-producing matter. The question of water-supply is closely connected with these considerations. Housewives should regard their slops with reverence; sewers are mines of health and wealth, and their contents the better for ample dilution. The difficulties in rendering these treasures available exist merely in -the brain : already the Board of Health has done wonders. By liquid ma- nure he understands either that which is in its nature liquid, or the solid rendered fluid by dilution. These can be deodorized by the introduction of a jet of waste steam into the tank above the surface of its contents ; and they will saturate and render productive the now unmanageable subsoils.

Here Mr. Iliechi gave some details of the machinery and imple- ments required on his system, costing in the aggregate about 61. per acre. He deplores the want of Agricultural Colleges like that at Cirencester ; without which we cannot compete with the more scientific Sweet ---He then called attention to a model of a steam cultivator, invented by Oft. Romaine, and sent over by the Agricultural Department of the eanadith Government. Finding the apathy and prejudice with which it was re- ceived, he has himself advanced funds for introducing it. The niachitte is of 40-horse power, admits of 240 revolutions in a minute, and is pro- vided with a seed-box set in work simultaneously with the ploughing- functions: when not wanted for these it is available for reaping mid other purposes. He ventures to prediet, that within seven years steam will be the grand motive power in agriculture. Another steam-plough, of 6-horse power, has been invented by Mr. Usher, a brewer of Edinburgh • to the theme of England, Sydney hoe forestalled her in ordering it. With

steam Mr. litchi manta on getting over even 100 acres in a day. 'Con- sider the -frightful waste in horse-flesh. An express-engine is of 1000.1orse -power. It weighs 38 tons ; 1000 horses weigh 750 tons ; which shows that the difference is actually of no use save to move the horses themselves. In conclusion, Mr. Meehi urged, that with the increasing population an imperative demand arises for more scientific agricultural instruction. A great reform in the clumsy processes for the transfer of land is also needed. The address ems followed by questions and comments ; in the course of which, a Mr. Cooper suggested the merits of silicate of soda as a sub- stitute for liquid animal manure ; but Mr. Meehi has not had any experience I:A' its use.