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FOB THE YEAR 1852.

PREPAKED BT

AMASA WALKER

SECRETARY, PRO TEM.

BOSTON:

WHITE & POTTER, PRINTERS TO THE STATE.

1853.

CONTENTS.

Page.

Annual Report of the Board of Agriculture, - - - - 3

Reports of Delesrates, --_.._ 13

Dr. Hitchcock's Report on the Essex Society, - - - 14

Mr. Walker's Report on the Middlesex Society, - - - 17

Mr. Brewer's Report on the Worcester West Society, - - 19
Gov. Boutwell's Report on the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden

Society, ....... 21

Mr. Nash's Report on the Hampden Society, - - - 22

Mr. Page's Report on the Franklin Society, - - - 23

Dr. Reed's Report on the Hampshire Society, - - - 26

Mr. Proctor's Report on the Berkshire Society, - - - 30

Mr. Lawton's Report on the Housatonic Society, - - 36

Mr. Walker's Report on the Norfolk Society, - - - 38

Mr. Page's Report on the Plymouth Society, - - - 42

Mr. Sprague's Report on the Bristol Society, - - - 44

Mr. Sprague's Report on the Barnstable Society, .- - 47

Essays on ^'Agricultural Subjects, ----- 51

On Orchards, by John C. Gray, ----- 51

" Neat Cattle, by Seth Sprague, - - - - 66

" Culture of Vegetables as Farm Products, by J. W. Proctor, - 72

" Subsoil Ploughing and Thorough Draining, by B. V. French, 80

" Cows for Dairy Purposes, &c., by William Parkhurst, - 83

" Indian Corn, the Value of the Crop, &c., by J. R. Lawton, - 93

" Education of the Young Farmer, by Simon Brown, - - 98
" Best method of laying down land to Grass, and continuing the

product, by Francis Brewer, - - . - 109

" Farmers' Clubs, by Stephen Reed, - - - - 112

Appendix : —

Laws of Massachusetts in relation to Agricultural Societies, - 115

Act to Establish the State Board, - - - - 121

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

FIRST ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

BOARD OP AGRICULTURE

To the Senate and House of Representatives^ in General Court

assembled.

The Board of Agriculture, in compliance with the law of
1852, chapter 142, submit this, their first Annual Report.

The Board held its first meeting at the Council Chamber in
Boston, on the 22d day of July last.

The members were as follows : —

Members ex officiis, — His Excellency the Governor ; His
Honor, the Lieutenant Governor; the Secretary of the
Commonwealth.

Appointed by the Governor and Council.^ — Edward Hitch-
cock, Amherst ; Marshall P. Wilder, Dorchester ; Nathaniel
Wood, Fitchburg.

Chosen by the several Agricultural Societies^ — Barnstable
County, Charles B. H. Fessenden ; Berkshire County, Stephen
Reed ; Bristol County, J. H. W. Page ; Essex County, John
W. Proctor ; Franklin County, James S. Grennell ; Hampden
County, Francis Brewer ; Hampshire County, John A. Nash ;
Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire, Joseph Smith ; Massa-
chusetts, John C. Gray ; Middlesex County, Simon Brown ;
Housatonic, Joshua R. Lawton ; Norfolk County, Benjamin
V. French ; Plymouth County, Seth Sprague ; Worcester
County, John W. Lincoln ; Worcester West, Wm. Parkhurst.

4 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Governor Boutv/ell was requested to act as chairman, and
the Secretary of State appointed secretary pro 'tern.

The members were classified by lot, according to the terms
of the law, as follows : —

I^Jembers whose terra of service expires in 1854, Messrs.
Wilder, Page, Proctor, Sprague, Lincoln, Parkhm'st.

Members whose term expires in 1855, Messrs. Hitchcock,
Reed, Brewer, Smith, Brown, Lawton.

Members whose term expires in 1856, Messrs. "Wood, Fes-
senden, Grennell, Nash, Gray, French.

Its organization being completed, the election of a permanent
Secretary first claimed the attention of the Board.

After a discussion of the subject, a committee was appointed
to report upon the duties of that officer, and submit the name
or names of suitable persons for the office.

A committee of one for each of the incorporated agricultural
societies in the Commonwealth was appointed to attend the
next annual exhibitions, and report upon the same to this Board.

A committee was also appointed to select such subject re-
lating to agriculture, as may be most worthy of attention, and
report at a future meeting. After further incidental business,
an adjournment was made to the 5th day of August.

On that day the Board again assembled, and Mr. Wilder,
from the committee on the subject of appointing a Secretary
and defining his duties, submitted the following report : —

The undersigned, a committee of this Board to prescribe the
duties of its Secretary, and to present the name or names of a
person or persons suitable for that office, having attended to
the subject, report as follows upon

" THE DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY."

1. To make a faithful record of the meetings of this Board.

2. To keep a journal of all important communications, made
to or by the Board, in relation to the progress of his and their
labors, and of the art and science of agriculture.

3. To open and conduct a correspondence with such prac-
tical and scientific cultivators, or other eminent individuals,
and with such agricultural associations in our own country,
and in other lands, as may be deemed expedient.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 5

4. To collect agricultural statistics, pamphlets and publica-
tions ; to catalogue and arrange the same, together with such
books, maps, charts, documents and other articles, as may be
given to, or acquired by, this Board, in a manner convenient
for reference and consultation.

5. To obtain and preserve, as far as may be found expedient,
and as may be deemed convenient for examination by our
farmers, such seeds and specimens of the various grasses,
grains, vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products, as are
now grown in this Commonwealth, or as may be hereafter
introduced into it, and to distribute such new or approved
varieties of these, as may be adapted to its soil and climate.

6. To collect and disseminate such information in relation
to the best breeds of domestic animals, and the management
of the same, as may be suited to promote this most important
branch of husbandry.

7. To investigate, as far as practicable, the elements and
character of the soils in this State ; their adaptation to different
crops, and to preserve, for exhibition and instruction, samples
of the same.

8. To endeavor to discover and successfully to apply such
mineral, vegetable and animal fertilizers, as may be found
within our territorial limits, or as may be profitably introduced
from other localities.

9. To receive, preserve, and, under the direction of this Board,
to report upon, such approved agricultural implements as are
now in use, or as may be hereafter advantageously introduced
among the farmers of this Commonwealth.

10. To visit, by the advice of this Board, the various agri-
cultural districts of Massachusetts, and to give lectures on the
practice and science of agriculture, whenever and wherever
they may deem the same most desirable.

11. To attend, as far as practicable, the exhibitions of the
incorporated agricultural societies receiving the bounty of the
State, — to receive their returns, — to make an abstract of the
same for publication, in connection with his Annual Report,
and to perform such other duties as are specified in the act
establishing this Board.

12. To cooperate with the Secretary of the Board of Edu-
cation, so far as may be found expedient, for the introduction

2

5 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

and study of agriculture and kindred branches in the educa-
tional system of the Commonwealth, and finally, to promote
the objects of this Board by such other ways as he may sug-
gest, or they approve.

Your committee having considered the duties above named
as naturally pertaining to the office of the Secretary of this
Board, next attended to the other subject committed to them,
viz., that of designating a person for the office.

The qualifications of several distinguished gentlemen have
received the favorable consideration of your committee, and
they are happy to report, that after mature deliberation, they
unanimously recommend Edward Hitchcock, President of
Amherst College, as a gentleman eminently qualified to receive
this trust, and to discharge the duties of the office.

All which is respectfully submitted.

MARSHALL P. WILDER, Chairman.

The foregoing report having been accepted with great
unanimity, as expressing views of the Board in regard to the
duties of its Secretary, and the high qualifications required for
that office, a ballot was taken, and it appeared that Edward
Hitchcock had received a unanimous vote. He was accord-
ingly declared elected, and, not being present, the Secretary was
directed to notify him of the action of the Board.

The committee appointed at the last meeting to select such
subjects relating to improvements in agriculture, as were most
worthy of attention, submitted a report, in which a large num-
ber of topics were enumerated. The report was accepted, and
many of the subjects assigned to different members.

The third meeting was held on the 7th day of September.
It was convened by the Secretary, for the purpose of acting
upon the following communication received from Dr. Hitchcock :

Boston, August 21, 1852.
Dear Sir :

To the unlooked for announcement in your letter, that the
Board of Agriculture of this State had unanimously chosen
me as their Secretary, I have given all the attention which so
distinguished an honor, coming from a body so respected, de-

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 7

mands ; although I have been severely pressed with labors
since the receipt of your letter.

Waiving all other considerations, there is one that seems to
decide the question presented for my consideration. I cannot
persuade myself that duty will allow me, at present, to quit the
post which I now occupy. This demands all the time and
strength which I can command, and even more, and the same
would be the case with the office of Secretary, as I view its
duties. I have no alternative, therefore, but to decline the
proffered honor.

I beg you to convey to the Board my deep sense of obliga-
tions for their generous offer, and my strong desire that their
minds be directed to the choice of one younger, more vigorous
and competent than myself for this important post.

With the highest respect, I subscribe myself, sincerely yours,

EDWARD HITCHCOCK.
Hon. Amasa Walker, Secretary^ Sfc.^ t^c., Boston.

This letter was accepted, and the further consideration of
the subject postponed to the meeting to be held on the first
day of December then next ensuing. A committee of five was
chosen to report, at that meeting, the name of some suitable
person to act as Secretary of the Board.

A committee was also appointed to consider the expediency
of preparing a Manual on Agriculture for the use of common
schools ; another, on the best means of promoting the interests
of agriculture in the State by public lectures.

The Board met again on the first Wednesday of December.
At this time, Mr. Wilder, from the committee on the nomina-
tion of a permanent Secretary, submitted the following report :

The committee to whom was referred the nomination of a
permanent Secretary of this Board, respectfully report : That
the names of several distinguished persons have been present-
ed, and their qualifications have received the consideration of
the committee.

The committee regret that they have not been able to agree
upon a nomination, and they respectfully ask for further time.

In consideration, however, of the fact that the annual ab-
stract of the returns of the county societies, and the Report of

8 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

this Board, must soon be put in course of publication, the
committee recommend that the present Secretaiy pro tern.,
Hon. Amasa Walker, be requested to make up the compila-
tions of the agricultural Transactions of the Commonwealth
for the year 1852, together with the report of this Board, and
to perform such other duties as are incumbent on its Secre-
tary.

This report was accepted.

A committee appointed to nominate members of the Gen-
eral Board of the United States Agricultural Society, reported
the names of J. W. Proctor, Essex Society, H. \V. Cushman,
Franklin Society, Simon Brown, jNIiddlesex Society.

The report was accepted, and the above named gentlemen
elected.

The committee on public lectures reported in favor of calling
the attention of the people to the importance of having lectures
on agriculture form a part of the course of all lyceums and
similar associations in the rural districts of the Common-
wealth.

This report was accepted and referred to a committee, who
subsequently issued, through the agricultural papers, a notice
calling the attention of the friends of agriculture to the subject.

The fifth and last meeting of the Board was held on the
12th instant. The attendance was large, only two members
being absent.

Reports were received from the several committees appoint-
ed to visit the exhibitions of the different societies.

These reports, or such extracts as may be deemed expedient,
w^ill be published in the Transactions of the Agricultural So-
cieties now being prepared by the Secretary pro tern.

Essays were read by several gentlemen to whom subjects
were referred at the second meeting of the Board. These,
too, (or extracts from them.) will appear in the annual Trans-
actions.

The election of a Secretary was again taken up, and on mo-
tion, it was voted, " that the appointment of Secretary be
postponed until the next meeting of the Board, and that the
present Secretary continue to act until a permanent Secretary
is chosen, and the further action of this Board."

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 9

The committee on the introduction of an elementary work
into common schools, submitted the following report :

The committee who were instructed to consider the expe-
diency of introducing to our public schools the study of the
elements of agricultural science, report:

That studies of this description might be attended to with
much benefit under competent teachers. The surprise is, that
they have been omitted so long, while so many of less practi-
cal utility have been introduced.

Probably the want of text books adapted to the understand-
ings of pupils has been one cause of this.

The committee have examined " The Progressive Farmer,"
by Prof. Nash, of Amherst, and think it better adapted to the
w-ants of the community, that any work of the kind that has
come to our knowledge.

J. W. PROCTOR, \

E. HITCHCOCK, [ Committee.

S. REED, )

Dr. Hitchcock, having been requested, at a previous meet-
ing, to present his views on some topic connected with the
improvement of agriculture, read the following,

,-'

ox FARMERS IXSTITUTE5.

Since the last time I attended a meeting of the Agricultural
Board, I have had an opportunity of witnessing the operation
of a Teachers' Institute, under the admirable management of
the Secretary of Education, and I was impressed with the
great and salutary influence which such a system must exert
upon the cause of education in Massachusetts. But another
thought has occurred to me. AVhy should we not have Farm-
ers' Institutes, as well as Teachers' Institutes. "We have agri-
cultural chemists, scientific farmers, practical farmers, botanists,
vegetable and animal physiologists, geologists, meteorologists,
abundantly qualified, and, I doubt not, willing to go into the
different districts of the State, and instruct the farmers there
in their several departments. During the winter months, I
presume that multitudes of farmers, with their families, would
assemble for this purpose ; nor can I doubt that their hospi-

10 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

tality would be quite as generous as are experienced by the
strangers who attend the Teachers' Institutes. By such a sys-
tem the following objects would be accomplished.

1. A vast amount of knowledge concerning the principles
of agriculture could be imparted to the farmers in every part
of the State. It would, in fact, form an ambulatory agricultu-
ral school^ where the young, especially, would learn very rap-
idly from the best masters.

2. It would give an opportunity to men well qualified, after
looking at the chemical and geological constitution of the soil,
to make suggestions to the farmers of the different districts as
to improved modes of culture.

3. It would furnish a good mode of communicating intelli-
gence to the farmers of discoveries and improvements in agri-
culture, of distributing new varieties of seeds, and making
known new and improved breeds of domestic animals.

4. It would probably bring to light new manures in different
parts of the State by the researches of the lecturers, and of the
farmers, after they were put upon the track.

5. It would awaken a deeper interest in agricultural pur-
suits, and give them increased respectability.

6. Opportunity might be given during the meetings of the
Institute for visiting some of the best conducted farms and
gardens in the vicinity, and thus witnessing the operations of
scientific principles.

I know of but two difficulties in the way of the immediate
adoption of such a plan. One is, that as yet we have no Sec-
retary to the Board, an indispensable prerequisite. Another
is, that we have no pecuniary means placed at our disposal for
any purpose. The first difficulty, I trust, will soon be removed,
and for getting rid of the second, I take the liberty of suggest-
ing that a petition be presented to the legislature, now in
session, for the means requisite for establishing and putting in
operation a Farmers' Institute.

Respectfully submitted,

EDWARD HITCHCOCK.

Amherst College, January 11, 1853.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 11

Since the organization of this Board, one of its members,
Hon. John W. Lincohi, a most valuable member, has been
called away by death. Greatly devoted to the cause of agri-
cultural improvement, a man of extensive information, and
high practical ability, the loss of Mr. Lincoln is severely felt,
not only by his immediate associates, but by the community
in which he lived, and the State, which, in various public
offices, he long and faithfully served.

The vacancy thus occasioned has been filled by the election
of Harvey Dodge, of Sutton.

Another vacancy has been caused by the removal of James
S. Grennell from the Commonwealth. No election has taken
place to fill this vacancy.

In reviewing the proceedings of the Board, it will be observed
that much difficulty has been encountered, notwithstanding
the most untiring efforts, in obtaining a person, in all respects,
qualified to discharge the responsible duties of Secretary.

Regarding the success of the enterprise as depending, in no
small degree, upon the character and ability of the person to
whom its chief interests are intrusted, the Board have placed
the standard of qualifications high. They feel that the Secre-
tary should be, not only a man of science, but of business
talent ; not only a theoretical agriculturist, but a practical
farmer.

To find these qualifications united in one man at the present
time, when comparatively few scientific men are connected
with agriculture, has been no easy task. There are such men
in the country, but most of them occupy stations of profit and
influence beyond the reach of this Board. They do not, how-
ever, despair. Their expectations now are, that the office will
be speedily filled.

In compliance with the terms of the law under which they
act, the Board have now " submitted a detailed report of their
proceedings ;" and it only remains for them " to make such
recommendations and suggestions as, in their view, the inter-
ests of agriculture may require."

The annual returns of the several agricultural societies are
now required by law to be made, on or before the tenth day of
January in each year. This, under the present organization,
is an inconvenient arrangement.

12 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

A part of this Board are ex officio members, whose time of
service expires at the close of the political year, and thus a
change of members is likely to occur at the very time when
the returns are coming in.

It is desirable, on many accounts, that the report of this
Board, like that of the Board of Education, should be made up
by the 1st of January. But this cannot be properly done, un-
less the law is so altered as to require the several societies to
make their returns as early as the first day of December. This,
it is believed, will occasion no inconvenience to them, as their
exhibitions are usually closed as early as the 1st of November,
and generally much earlier. The proposed change would also
enable the Secretary of this Board to get out the annual Trans-
actions soon after the assembling of the legislature.

As a great want of uniformity exists in the manner in which
the returns of the different societies are now made up, it is
suggested, that if the Board were authorized by law to estab-
lish the needful formulas, ajid furnish to the societies the
requisite blanks, a very desirable improvement might be made
in the character of their annual statistics. They would be
rendered much more available and useful.

It would seem to be the right, as well as the duty, of the
State to do this. Agricultural societies, like the common
schools, receive the bounty of the Commonwealth. Should
they not, like the schools, be required to make uniform and
reliable retm'ns ?

The importance of this measure is deeply felt by those ac-
quainted with the chaotic and imperfect state of the returns
now made ?

In closing this report, it is deemed proper to add, that this
Board owes its existence, in a great measure, to efforts made
by the friends of agriculture in 1851. On the 20th of March,
of that year, a large convention of gentlemen from all parts of
the State assembled at Boston, andorganized a voluntary asso-
ciation, under the name of " The Massachusetts Board of Agri-
culture." This Board, although unaided by the State, carried
on a series of extensive operations through the year, appointed
committees to visit and report upon all the exhibitions of the
different agricultural societies, and by its vigorous efforts
aroused so great an interest in agricultural affairs, that at the

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 13

session of 1852, the legislature was induced, with great una-
nimity, to establish the present Board. That act has given a
still greater impetus to the cause, and it is evident that the
time has now come when- the public mind is awakened, in
some degree, to the great importance of agricultural education.
The people begin to call for knowledge ; begin to have faith
that science can do something for the farmer, as well as for
the mechanic and artizan.

Information, in one form or another, is what the farmer
needs. He must have it, and it must be brought to him. He
cannot resort to colleges. The mass of the people must be
educated at home, or not at all. We see and feel this in
regard to common school education. So it must be with
knowledge on the subject of agriculture. By Farmers' In-
stitutes, by public lectures, by its introduction into schools,
and all the usual modes of diffusing information, the science
of agriculture must be made familiar to the people, a majority
of whom are employed in that branch of industry, and all of
whom have a direct or indirect interest in it.

Respectfully submitted,

AMASA WALKER, Secretary pro tern.

Boston, Jan. 13, 1853.

REPORTS OF DELEGATES.

Soon after the organization of the State Board, a delegate
was appointed to attend the exhibition of each Agricultural
Society. Most of these delegates attended to the duty as-
signed them, and presented reports which were accepted by
the Board, and are published herewith, or such extracts from
them as our space will allow.
3

14 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

DR. HITCHCOCK'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE ESSEX SOCIETY. ,

Agreeably to the request of the Board of Agricialtnre, I
attended the Annual Exhibition, or Fair, of the Essex Agri-
cultural Society, in Lawrence, on the 29th and 30th of Sep-
tember last.

From the opportunities which I have had of passing several
times through this county, within the last twenty years, from
the unusual intelligence and public spirit which I have ever
found characteristic of its inhabitants, and from my personal
acquaintance with the present officers of the society, I confess
that I anticipated that this annual festival would be of a high
grade, and I was not disappointed.

There was, however, little in the exhibition that was pecu-
liar, and therefore I can hardly be expected to go into much
detail, especially as the Secretary has given a judicious and
lucid report of the proceedings.

It is certainly an interesting fact, as stated in this Report,
that not less than seven thousand visited the spacious hall in
Lawrence, devoted to the exhibition, although a fee was de-
manded, which realized to the Society the sum of |700. And
such a gathering was the more impressive to me, when I recol-
lected that where that hall stood, and the city that surrounded
it, was only a few years since a dreary plain. I could not but
exclaim, " Essex County knows how to grow cities as well as
fruits and grasses."

The brilliant Address of General Oliver, on this occasion,
dwelt on the subject of agricultural education : which I am
glad to say has been the theme of two-thirds of the studied
and extemporaneous addresses which I have heard at agricul-
tural fairs for the last four or five years. Such facts show the
state of public sentiment in the State on this subject, and my
conviction is, that did the government of this State know how
general, I might say, almost universal, is this sentiment, they
\vould at once yield to the public will and establish an agricul-
tural school or schools, such as would satisfy the demand of

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 15

our intelligent population. Just so long as this is delayed will
the brightest days of our agricultural prosperity be kept back.
All other means will, in my opinion, be insufficient without
schools.

I noticed that the principal field devoted to the spirited
ploughing match was in many places full of drift, and I was
interested to see how adroitly the ploughmen contrived to turn
strait furrows in spite of frequent bowlders. I was struck with
the marked superiority of the ploughs over those I had seen
empioyed in Europe, especially on the continent. In the vast
meadows along the Rhine I had seen fine ploughing; but an
American farmer would laugh at their ploughs, and I think it,
would have been an amusing sight if some of those imple-
ments, with Belgian or Rhenish farmers to guide them, had
been present attempting to compete with the farmers of Essex
in a field abounding with pebbles and bowlders.

It was interesting, at this exhibition, to see manufacturers
and farmers brought into such close and harmonious juxtapo-
sition. This is just as it always should be : that is, these two
great interests should mutually sustain each other. The me-
chanics of Lawrence did not fail to adorn the walls and tables
of the hall with rich specimens of their labors.

Of the agricultural products exhibited, I thought the fruits
and garden vegetables the best. And if I do not mistake,
Essex County is distinguished for the superiority of her pomo-
logical and horticultural products. Whether this is owing to
higher skill an4 greater diligence, or may in part be attributed
to some peculiar ingredients in the soil, is a point not easily
settled. But I will venture a suggestion. Essex County, more
generally than any other part of the State, is based upon un-
stratified rocks, such as granite, syenite and trap. The two pre-
dominant minerals in these rocks are feldspar and hornblende
— the first containing at least fifteen per cent, of potash and one
or two per cent, of soda ; and the latter seven or eight per cent,
of lime. May it not be, that we have in these ingredients of
the rocks, especially the potash, which gets into the soil by
decomposition, more or less, one of the secrets of success that
has attended the cultivation of fruits and garden vegetables in
Essex ? The best fruit orchards that I have seen are situated
upon stony and uneven ground, andw^here the bowlders or the

16 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

ledges abounded in feldspar or hornblende ; perhaps I ought to
add mica slate regions ; and here, too, in the mica we have
from eight to ten per cent, of potash. May there not be some
connection between the occurrence of alkalies in the subjacent
rocks and success in these departments of culture ?

Let me add another suggestion. If any such connection
should be made out, (or even if it is not,) may not farmers,
whose farms abound in feldspar and hornblende, find it for
their interest to seek those spots where the rocks are decaying,
and by collecting the disintegrating matter spread it over their
land as they would bone dust or ashes ? Or is it not possible
that it will be found to pay the expense in such a State as
Massachusetts, where feldspar is so abundant, to resort to a
method that has been proposed, and to some extent adopted,
in other countries, for decomposing this mineral, viz. : by
burning it with lime ?

But I will add no more on a subject that seems hardly ap-
propriate for this report.

Respectfully submitted,

EDWARD HITCHCOCK.
Amherst, Jan. 1, 1853.

P. S. — I have also attended the Agricultural Fair of Nor-
folk County, in Dedham, on the 29th of September, and had
some opportunity of glancing at farming operations in that
county. It is not for me to report upon the Fair, which will
be done by a colleague. But I feel constrained to advert to
the admirable arrangements which were made at the exhibi-
tion, superior to any which I have ever witnessed on similar
occasions, and which seem to me to be greatly needed in all
our societies. At Dedham everything seemed to be in place,
and every man knew what he was expected to do. It seemed
to me an interesting example of the manner in which military
rules may be applied to regulate large gatherings of citizens.

It was gratifying also to see what progress has been made
in the cultivation of farms, both in Norfolk and Essex Coun-
ties, since the time, more than twenty years ago, when, in tra-
versing the State, I had an eye upon these things. I did not

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 17

suppose that we have in New England, farms and gardens
that will compare so favorably with the best I saw in Europe,
as many will now in Norfolk and Essex.

MR. WALKER'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

The Fifty-eighth Annual Festival of this Society, the oldest
in the Commonwealth, was held at Concord, on the 6th day
of October last.

An immense concourse of people were in attendance from
all parts of the county. The day was favorable, and the
arrangements having been made with great judgment by per-
sons long familiar with the details of such an exhibition, and
executed by those accustomed to perform like duties, every-
thing was conducted with order and decorum. No time was
lost, no confusion occurred, and ample opportunity was given
for all the proceedings necessarily connected with the occasion.

The ploughing match was first in order. To this there were
forty-three entries from all sections of the county, and no less
than thirty-seven teams actually engaged in the contest; a
larger number than we have witnessed in any ploughing
match in the State, indicating very unequivocally the great
interest taken by the farmers of Middlesex in this part of their
exhibition. The scene excited great interest.

The trial took place in an extensive field lying upon one of
the banks of the Concord River, belonging to the gentleman
who represents the Society at this Board, and was admirably
adapted to the purpose. A more spirited scene has never,
perhaps, been exhibited on any similar occasion.

The large number of competitors, the excellence of the teams
and ploughs, and the numerous spectators gathered about the
spot and looking on from every little surrounding eminence,
all combined to make the display one of unusual interest.
The work was well and rapidly executed. One team accom-
plished its share — one-eighth of an acre — in seventeen minutes,
and all was done so neatly and expeditiously, that it must

18 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

have been no easy task for the judges to award the premiums
to entire satisfaction.

The trial of working oxen next followed, and twenty ox
teams and four horse teams were entered. The weight to be
drawn was 7,200 pounds. The manner in which the work
was executed gave satisfactory evidence that the teams were
powerful and well-disciplined, the drivers skilful and accus-
tomed to their work.

The show at the pens was very fine ; much good stock was
entered, among which were several valuable animals, both
imported and native. Had the undersigned expected to be
called upon to report upon this exhibition, he would have taken
such notes at the time, of this part of it, as would have enabled
him, in some measure, to do it justice.

The display of fruits, flowers, vegetables, &c., &c., held in
the town hall, was truly grand, and we were made to feel
that this was the exhibition of a society long established, and
in one of the most favored portions of the Commonwealth ; for
here were gathered together such a vast collection of products,
and of such rare perfection as can only be found in a region
where long attention has been paid to the cultivation of both
the garden and the farm.

Your committee cannot particularize. The apples, pears,
peaches and grapes, were in great variety and unusual excel-
lence. Of apples, especially, there were numerous specimens
of uncommon size and beauty. The Hubbardston Nonesuch,
which in some parts of the State is but little cultivated,
seemed here to be one of the principal, and certainly one of
the largest and finest fruits. For raising apples, Middlesex
County stands very high, and will compare favorably with any
other in the State.

When the exhibition was over, a procession was formed,
and, preceded by a band of music, marched to the church,
where an excellent Address was delivered by Hon. Luther V.
Bell, principally upon the influence which the science of
Chemistry may exert on Agriculture. It was listened to with
great attention ; after which the members of the society and
invited guests repaired to the hotel, where a dinner was pro-
vided, and the usual speeches, sentiments, &c., &c., were
offered.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 19

The occasion throughout was one of high gratification to all
who feel an interest in the progress of agriculture. The Mid-
dlesex Society possesses large resources. It ought to do much
for agriculture, for it has been long in operation ; it is situated
in a rich section of the Commonwealth, it embraces a large
number of gentlemen of talent, fortune, leisure, and taste. It
is under high obligations to the cause ; and, judging from its
last exhibition, we think it will not fail to accomplish all the
friends of agriculture and horticulture have a right to expect
from it.

Respectfully submitted,

AMASA WALKER.

MR. BREWER'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE WORCESTER WEST SOCIETY.

The Worcester West Agricultural Society held its First
Exhibition at Barre, on Thursday, the 80th day of Septem-
ber last. It was one of those delightful autumnal days which,
among mountain scenery, lends a most pleasing influence to
the mind, and leads it, by genial associations and the beautiful
appearances of nature, to the direct source of all our higher
and nobler aspirations.

The arrangements for this occasion were judiciously made,
and anticipated every contingency, giving to each distinct
feature its appropriate hour. These were duly recognized by
every contributor, and well executed by the efiicient marshal
of the day and his assistants. The exhibition was sustained
with deep interest in all its departments, and gave satisfactory
evidence that the members of this society appreciate their in-
terests in sustaining and enlarging this model of their future
operations. Some of the prominent attractions of the day
were, in a particular manner, the spirit of harmony and good
feeling which seemed to pervade the mind of every member of
the multitude here collected. A disposition to please and be
pleased was the predominant feature, and spread its happy in-
fluences over all.

20 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

The ploughing match was nobly contested by the several
competitors, maintaining the character so long established
by the Worcester County farmers for their improved ploughs,
their well-disciplined teams, and skilful ploughmen.

The exhibition of swine was an interesting feature of attrac-
tion, both in point of numbers as well as their condition, and
gave evidence that they would soon supply an additional rib
of comfort to their respective owners. Most of them on ex-
hibition were fine representatives from the Suffolk family.

The sheep pens, too, had their distinct features of interest,
in mutton, lamb, and wool. Each was represented by the
respective candidates for the premiums offered ; and one in
particular, of surpassing size and length of fleece, the hero of
the flock, seemed determined to demand more than one. And
his shepherd, too, like some others, who are accused of caring
more for the fleece than the flock, seemed resolved on having
one good clip by securing two years' fleece at the next shearing.

The show of bulls was fine ; but for working oxen, milch
cows, beef cattle, and young stock, it would hardly sustain the
high character which this portion of the county has for so long
time had awarded to it in this interesting department.

The show of horses was the all-absorbing feature ; its una-
bated interest was sustained through the day, and awakened
the inquiry in my mind whether it was not absorbing too
much interest in the minds of our farmers generally.

The show of poultry was quite limited in numbers, and but
few families were represented. The bantams were vociferating
their repeated challenge, and were occasionally responded to
by some hoarse citizen from the Oriental shores, or by the
shrill precaution to quit, quit, from Turkey. From the flat-
footed family there was no delegate present ; possibly from
the fact that the president and secretary of the society are
both of them eminent, as well educated physicians, and would
have no sympathy for quacks.

The hall devoted to Pomona was very attractive. The con-
tributions from her store house were magnificent, embracing all
the varieties most esteemed by her friends, and many such
were here whose sincere attachments to her were demonstrated
in this familiar manner. But the clock has given the signal to
leave these external enjoyments, which have so long feasted

MASS. BOARD OF AGEICULTURE. 21

the eye, to dispose of those so richly prepared for the inner
man. Four hundred successful competitors for seats at the
table were called to order, and as a committee of the whole on
the state of the union, (after the Divine blessing had been fer-
vently invoked by the venerable chaplain of the day, Rev. Dr.
Thompson,) took up the bill of fare before them, which was
examined and freely discussed by articles, separately. The
Hon. Amasa Walker was now introduced to the audience by
the president, and finished the duties of the day by his Address,
which was listened to with that intent interest which is his —
peculiarly his — to arouse and sustain.

Respectfully submitted,

FRANCIS BREWER.

GOV. BOUTWELL'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE HAMPSHIRE, HAMPDEN & FRANKLIN SOCIETY.

The undersigned having been present at the Annual Fair of
the Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin Agricultural Society,
and having been requested by the Board of Agriculture to re-
port thereon, though not originally charged with that service,
has the honor to submit an imperfect statement of the exhibi-
tion of said society.

The exhibition continued two days, but the undersigned was
present only on the last. He is unable to speak of the exhibi-
tion of 1852, in comparison with the exhibition of the society
in previous years ; but he feels justified in saying that it was
altogether creditable as compared with other societies in the
Commonwealth.

The department devoted to manufactures was unusually
complete and attractive ; that of fruit and vegetables appeared
td correspond very nearly with the first class exhibitions of
other societies, while the show of horses was superior to any
which it has been the fortune of the undersigned to witness.

The undersigned regrets that he is unable to present a more
full report upqji the subject committed to him.

GEO. S. BOUTWELL.
4

^ MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE

MR. NASH'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE HAMPDEN SOCIETY.

In accordance with the instructions of the Board, I attended
the Annual Exhibition of the Hampden Society, at Spring-
iield, on the 29th and 30th of September.

This is an old society ; is situated in a fine agricultural
district, and has done well in former years. I therefore ex-
pected much, and was not disappointed. The exhibition, as a
whole, and in each of its parts, was creditable to the society.

Of the show of cattle and other stock, I cannot speak wholly
from personal observation, as a part of the animals had been
removed before my arrival. What remained would justify the
conclusion that the exhibition had been highly respectable, so
far as the character of the animals was considered, though I
understood, that not as many were entered as on some former
occasions.

The trial of draft oxen took place on the afternoon of the
first day. Great interest w^as manifested in this part of the
exhibition. It consisted in taking up and down State Street,
with single pairs of oxen, many of which were not large, a cart
loaded with pig iron, weighing 5,300 lbs. As this was to be
taken up and down a rather steep hill, turned round and back-
ed ; and especially as it had to be done in a press of spectators,
which was troublesome to both the teams and drivers, the
trial seemed rather a severe one. Such a test may have been
wise on that occasion. The known sound judgment and prac-
tical good sense of the officers of the society decides that it
was. But it would not be for the interest of farmers to load
their cattle as heavily more than one day in the year. The ox
is a faithful animal. He will do his utmost when bid. But
he cannot do it often without injury to himself and loss to his
owner. On this occasion the cattle performed well, and the
drivers appeared like men who understood their business. If
there was anything to complain of, it was, that the spectators
did not allow sufficient room. Something was due to the men,
who had brought their teams, some of them from^ great dis-
tances, for the purpose of exhibiting their working qualities.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 23

The exhibition of fruits was good. Of these, there were
334 entries. In vegetables, of which there were 306 entries,
the Hampden Society outdid anything I.have witnessed other-
where. And as was to be expected, the department of the
mechanic arts was nobly represented. At the show of horses,
which took place on the morning of the second day, 8o horses,
mostly carriage and draft horses, were exhibited. Many of
them were fine animals ; were well trained, and evinced an
advanced stage of improvement in this branch of rural
economy.

The dinner, at Washington Hall, was well " got up," and
well " put down;" after which, a very earnest and interesting
Address was delivered by Wm. S. King, Esq., of the Journal
of Agriculture, on " The Application of Mind to the Cultiva-
tion of the Earth." Ex-Governor Briggs followed Mr. King,
in his usually happy style ; and the company then adjourned.

The gathering was uncommonly large. The utmost good
order prevailed throughout. Whether it was owing to the
vigilance of the city government, or to the general good char-
acter of the multitudes assembled, or, what is more probable,
to both, I know not, but for some reason, there was manifested
a sobriety, an abstinence from intemperance, profanity and
every species of rudeness, which struck me as eminently wor-
thy of remark. Too much praise cannot be given to the presi-
dent of the society, Thos, J. Shepard, to its Other officers, and
to citizens of Springfield generally, for their successful efforts
to make a good time for the assembled thousands.

J. A. NASH.

MR. PAGE'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE FRANKLIN SOCIETY.

I suppose that the main object of this Board in appointing
delegates to attend the exhibitions of the several agricultural
societies is, to ascertain their actual condition. I shall there-
fore confine myself to a plain statement of such facts as came
under my observation, adding such remarks as may occur to me.

24 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

The Cattle Show and Exhibition of the Franklin County
Agricultural Society were held at Greenfield, on the 29th and
30th days of September. 1 reached the town at about half-past
eleven o'clock of the first day. I found the streets filled with
people, all bound in one direction, and evidently intent upon
some interesting objects. Arrived at the points of attraction,
my attention was first called to a large number of very hand-
some oxen in the yoke. They had apparently been connected
in regular column, but were then about taking their departure
from the field in larger or smaller detachments, some of them
to take part in the drawing match. Many, it was said, had
already gone. I should judge that there were then upon the
ground at least sixty pairs. The town teams were, to me, a
novel and interesting sight. I was told that Shelburne fur-
nished 44, and Conway 24 yokes, and that fewer towns ex-
hibited than on former occasions.

Of domestic fowls, a few specimens were exhibited, of ex-
cellent quality.

The swine were not numerous nor remarkable. Their breed
was not stated, nor was I able to detect it. Some of them
were fine animals.

Of sheep there was not a great number, but they were more
numerous than we usually find in the eastern counties, and
some were of great merit.

In the exhibition of milch cows, I was disappointed. I knew
that Franklin County was a good grazing country, and I ex-
pected to see a large number of cows of prime quality. I think
not more than half a dozen were on exhibition, and none of
them struck me as of extraordinary merit. I heard some rea-
sons suggested why that part of the exhibition was not better,
and among others, the extreme drought of the summer. But,
after all allowances, the farmers of the county did not do
themselves justice in that particular.

In heifers and steers the show was equal to any that I have
seen. There were some 10 or 12 bulls in the pens, of various
ages and sizes, but none that appeared to me remarkable for
their good points. In so good a farming district, I should have
been gratified to find evidence of greater attention to the quali-
ties of breeding stock.

The fat cattle were not numerous, but good. Among them

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 25

was a pair of oxen, owned by Mr. Consider Arms, of Conway,
weighing 5,500 lbs., the finest pair of fat cattle I have ever seen.

Of horses I was informed that there were more than forty
entries. Those animals were exhibited to great advantage in
an assigned portion of the public street. They were put
tlu*ough their paces in harness and under the saddle, and afford-
ed the committee a much better opportunity to judge of their
qualities than is found when they are confined in the pens, as
is usual in most counties. An exhibition of that most interest-
ing and valuable animal both in repose and in motion would
be an improvement upon either mode by itself. Among them
were some horses of rare beauty.

I was unable to attend the drawing match, which was said
to have been well contested by about twenty teams.

The ploughing match, which is usually so attractive a fea-
ture in our exhibitions, was a failure. Instead of the large
number of competitors which I had expected to see, only seven
teams entered the lists. From some cause which I cannot ex-
plain, the proprietors of all ploughs but Ruggles, Nourse &
Mason's withdrew from the contest. The few who remained
performed their work well.

At the town hall, the exhibition of fruits, vegetables, the
products of the dairy, fancy articles, domestic manufactures,
the mechanic arts, &c., was of the most gratifying character.

It has been a fault that our farmers have been unwilling to
present specimens of the common products of the farm. That
fault extends in some degree to Franklin County. A consid-
erable quantity of vegetables, however, was exhibited, but little
space was allowed them. The object seemed to be to exhibit
specimens of monstrous growth rather than fair samples of
staple crops. An improvement might be made in that respect
in all our societies, including the leading horticultural society
in the State.

The exhibition of apples was admirable, showing that the
county is well adapted to the growth of that most valuable of
our fruits. The varieties were numerous, and the qualities of
each excellent. Of pears, peaches and grapes but few were on
the tables, and those not of remarkable quality.

In butter, cheese, bread, various articles of domestic manu-
facture, and in the mechanic arts, the exhibition was rich.

26 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

There were many things deserving of special notice ; but I
must forbear. It is but just to say that here, as everywhere
and always, woman had done and was doing her full share to
promote the honor of the county and contribute to the pleasure
of visitors.

There was too little space for the exhibition of so great a
variety of articles. The society needs a much larger hall in
order to do justice to the men and women who do so much to
make the show attractive.

An Address was delivered by Professor Mapes, and was, as
might be expected, full of useful hints, and well calculated to
stimulate thought in the farmers of Franklin.

The dinner, provided at the Mansion House, by Mr. Field,
was excellent, and partaken of by as many happy and thank-
ful people as could find seats at the table. There was but one
thing wanting. The ladies, to whom that society, like all
others, owes so much of its success, did uot grace the tables
by their presence.

This was the third annual exhibition of the society. Its
affairs seem to be managed with great skill and judgment.
With a single exception, that remarkable order and decorum,
which I have noticed on similar occasions elsewhere, prevailed
here. All classes seemed to enter into the spirit of the day,
and to do all in their power to make the exhibition successful
and the occasion agreeable.

The Franklin County Society promises to be one of the
most attractive and flourishing of the sisterhood of kindred
associations.

J. H. W. PAGE.

DR. REED'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE HAMPSHIRE SOCIETY.

We speak of our County Agricultural Societies as a band
of sisters. Never was the epithet so emphatically just as at
this time. The Hampshire Society is one of this group. Of
that we are now to speak, and would remark, in passing, that

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 27

we found a cordial and welcome greeting from the officers of
the society, and other citizens of Amherst. We saw enor-
mously long strings of fine oxen with which they are wont to
j511 the Common on such occasions, and the fine specimens of
other cattle of various races, ages and qualities ; fine horses in
large numbers, good hogs, some sheep, and a multitude of the
hen family. Two large halls, filled with fruits, flowers, vege-
tables, grains, agricultural implements, and the various em-
blems and productions of mechanical skill, were opened to
us. Here, also, were found the bread and butter, showing,
to our full satisfaction, that the Hampshire ladies well
know which side their bread is buttered. Here, also, were
gathered the ten thousand other productions of female skill
and ingenuity.

The Hampshire Society devote but one day to their exhibi-
tion. We were there and reported present in good season.
We were first conducted to the exhibition of horses. Between
one and two hundred in all were before the committee. They
were viewed both standing and in motion, while some hun-
dreds of people were present. The show honored the society.
Time allowed but a glance at this lively scene, and we were
off to the ploughing match. Our first feeling as we entered
the* field was surprise at the comparatively small number of
spectators, — a few hundreds, — while the ploughing match
often brings out thousands. On a fair piece of meadow, a
very good number of teams, some of horses, some of a single
pair of cattle, and others of more than one, had already made
considerable progress in their work. The teams were decidedly
good, the ploughs were some of the very best, including the
Michigan or Double Sod and Subsoil Ploughs, both of Ruggles
& Co. and Prouty & Co., and the work, generally, well done
in all respects. We noticed one thing we had not before seen.
Each ploughman had a person to drive his team. Single
teams, well trained, do not require this. If the training is so
imperfect as to require this, it is an important practical item,
and should be considered in making the awards.

After passing rapidly among the stock of various kinds, we
entered the hall where the fruits, and also the lighter works of
art, were displayed. The crowd here was so great that one

28 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

could go only where that carried him, and see only that to
which he was presented. Leaving this, we visited the other
hall ; this was but little less crowded.

A procession was now formed, and marched to the College
Chapel, where an Address was given by Mr. Goldthwait, of the
Westfield Academy. It was a beautiful blending of the scien-
tific with the practical, and reflected credit both on the head
and heart of the author. The procession was re-formed, and
proceeded immediately to the dinner, at which were assem-
bled some three or four hundred ladies and gentlemen. The
award of premiums was made by the several committees, with-
out statements or reasons. A statement of the financial con-
cerns of the society was then made by its president, Mr.
Baker. The fund had been raised above the demands of the
Commonwealth. In this the ladies had asserted their true
rights — the right of being coworkers in doing good. The
Hampshire Society presents the beautiful feature of more
than two hundred life members from the ladies' circle. Re-
marks were made by Hon. Edward Dickinson, president of
the festal board ; Hon. Amasa Walker, Dr. Reed, Dr. Hitch-
cock, Mr. Goldthwait, and others. The remarks were brief,
but practical and highly instructing.

The day we had enjoyed highly. Everything had been
admirably managed. No delays had occurred in any part of
the proceedings. The time had been well used, and all used.
All which energy, activity and good judgment in a board of
managers could do, had been done.

But one thing they could not do. They could not create
time, or bring back the shadow on the plate of the dial. Never
before have we felt so deeply as on that day, that less should
be undertaken, or two days be devoted to the work.

To dispense with the exhibition of stock would be to give
up the society. The halls and the ladies, whatever others
may do, the Hampshire Society will not relinquish. It would
be the folly of fools anywhere, but in Hampshire, it would be
worse than this. The address no one would give up, and the
dinner we all love too well. More time, then, must be taken.
We believe our Hampshire friends will concur in this feeling.
Were the object of the day merely the premiums, it would

MASS. BOARD OF AGUICULTURE. 29

matter far less. But this is a mere collateral. The great
object is to reach the heart through the eye ; to show, that
those who see may learn, and go home and not only do as
well, but make still further advances. In fruit, for example, an
exhibition like the one at Amherst will do more to improve in
choice varieties, will set more valuable scions and put out
more young trees, than all other causes, acting through the
year without the exhibition. Then what an opportunity for
comparing varieties, fixing names, ascertaining what kinds are
best adapted to the soil and climate of the locality. What a
pity, then, that such a collection, after all the expense of gath-
ering, labelling, and arranging, has been incurred, should not
remain until all who wish have had an opportunity to exam-
ine. We place it as a broad axiom, that what is worth exhibit-
ing, is worth holding until it can be seen. In the exhibition
was an instrument most beautifully applying the principle of
the Pentagraph to landscape drawing, a new application, as
valuable and useful, as simple and beautiful ; and yet we
much doubt whether one-fourth part of those who attempted
to examine the articles in that hall even saw it. The same
remark would apply to many other articles, both in the halls
and out.

We have mentioned our surprise at seeing so small a num-
ber, comparatively speaking, at the ploughing. A second
thought dispelled that surprise. The people could not be at
several places at the same time. The horses were being ex-
hibited, the various animals were coming in and being
arranged on the Common, half a mile distant. The articles
for both halls must be received and arranged. Nearly twenty
committees were actively engaged attempting to crowd into
one or one and a half hours, abundant labor for four or six.
None of these could be present at the ploughing ; and they are
the persons very deeply interested. This whole competition,
into which enter the ^training of the team, the skill of the
ploughman, and the perfection of the plough — the most im-
portant implement of the farmer's business — should have been
witnessed by every person in the vicinity who owns allegiance
to our mother earth, and cheered by the presence of their
wives and daughters. Noble deeds on the ploughing field

30 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

often find premiums richer than silver and more desirable than
cups and spoons.

We have left many points untouched, but our time, like that
of our friends at Amherst, is full, more than full. Were it a&
well filled as thens, we should feel much better satisfied.

S. REED.

MR. PROCTOR'S REPORT,

EXHIBITION OF THE BERKSHIRE SOCIETY.

This time-honored association held its Annual Show on the
6th and 7th days of October. One of the pioneers, as it was.
in agricultural enterprise, it is entitled to all the distinction due
to discriminating efforts for the good of the public. Thanks
to the vigilant yeomanry of Berkshire for the seed thus early
planted, which has so grown and flourished that its branches
overshadow our land. The late Mr. Webster, when he met
his New England friends at Washington, in June last, happily
referred to the Berkshire County Society as the file leader of
all others in our land, and gave the endorsement of his match-
less intellect to the utility of these county organizations. Let
those who have the rashness to question their value, reflect on
their own comparative ability to judge.

Fortunately there are those still living who participated in
the formation of this society, who are able to relate intelligibly
the adventures of their youth. It was our privilege to meet
one of these venerable men, with locks whitened by the frosts
of seventy winters, and hands hardened by the toils of half a
century, but with mind and memory bright as a morning in
June. Since our visit, a highly interesting pamphlet of sixty
pages, published by Elkanah Watson, Esq., the first Presi-^^
dent of the Society, in 1819, has come to hand, giving the de-
tails of the origin of this society, as well as many useful hints
for the formation and management of such societies ; indi-
cating a clear apprehension of the benefits to be derived from
them. There is much to be learned before our ideas on these
subjects will be as comprehensive as were those of our fathers.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 81

111 addition to the plough and the loom, paraded in procession
at their first show in 1811, was a miniature woollen factory in
full operation. What then appeared only in miniature, has
since so fully developed its power, as to fill the valleys of
Berkshire with beautiful and comfortable dwellings, and to
people her hills with a class of independent yeomanry, second
to none in energy and intelligence. The men are proportioned
to the hills they inhabit. We had to look up to get a view of
their eyes. The mountain air, and the mountain labor, are
admirably adapted to rear a race of men altogether more ener-
getic than those who are pent up in the half ventilated apart-
ments of mechanical industrj^ More dollars may be earned
in such employments, but dollars alone are not the acquisitions
to be regarded by the State. That State which would have
men worthy the name of men, should have regai'd to those
employments which tend to develop their physical energies,
and to fit them to do some service when such services are
needed, either in the senate or in the field. How else may we
hope to replenish the giant minds of our country, so many of
whom have recently been summoned home.

As one passes along the vallies of the Housatonic and Hoo-
sic Rivers, a spirit of improvement is apparent, extending from
the mountain tops across the wide-spread plains below, all of
which are checkered with luxuriant fields of corn and grain.

The substantial churches erected on the foundations laid by
our Puritan fathers, and the pleasantly located school-rooms
in every district show that the elements of true greatness are
here. Where a people have a full supply of the necessaries
and conveniences of life, as the result of their own industry,
this people are truly independent. More than this leads to
temptation, often without deliverance from evil.

A distinguishing feature in the operations of this society is
their system of viewing crops while growing. One hundred
ninety-hvo entries of this description were reported by the view-
ing committee, all of which had been visited by them, occupy-
ing at least one week's time. If followed by statements in detail
of culture and produce, as they should be, together with a precise
description of the condition of the land when the culture was
commenced, the time, manner, and depth of ploughing, the
kind and quantity of manure applied, &c. &c., a mass of useful

32 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

intelligence must be the consequence. This mode of viewing
crops partakes of the plan of viewing farms entire, so success-
fully practised in years past, by the State and some of the
County Societies. In the statements thus elicited, will be
found a summary of the best specimens of New England
farming. Not speculative, but practical, drawn from actual
experience.

The entries of animals in the several departments compared
favorably with those reported in former years, presenting ob-
jects sufficient to absorb the premiums offered, but by no
means a full representation of the best. Each of these classes
will be noticed by the committees intrusted with this service,
with more accuracy and discrimination than is in my power
to give. Nor would we presume to put our judgment in com-
parison with that of these practical men, who have spent their
lives in the rearing and management of stock. Those of best
experience are, or should be, selected for the discharge of these
duties.

Our attention w^as particularly arrested by a milch cow, of
native breed, that had yielded 188 pounds of butter in 120
days, with no other feed than common pasture and/owr quarts
of shorts daily. When native cows of this quality can readily
be found, there can be no necessity of importing Durhams,
Ai/rshires, or Jerseys, for ordinary dairy purposes. We con-
sider a stock of cows good which yield daily through the usual
butter-making season, (from May 20th to September 20th,) on
good pasture feed only, one pound of butter each. It is rare
to find on a farm half a dozen cows that come up to this mark ; —
though individual cows may often be found, when full fed,
yielding tivo poiinds of butter per day. Several such were
presented at this show.

As was to be expected in Berkshire, sheep were present in
every form and variety : some thirty or forty parcels, exhibited
generally in the vehicles in which they rode. An examination
under sncli circumstances, required more skill than we pos-
sessed, to speak with confidence of their distinguishing char-
acteristics. The committee spoke well of them.

The competition in the exhibition of horses was truly grati-
fying; for more than an hour the spacious avenue south-
westerly of the Common, in Pittsfield, was crowded with a

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 83

multitude of admirers of the movements of these animals.
Never have we seen them exercised to better advantage. If
we do not mistake, Berkshire is entitled to a prominent posi-
tion in this department. It was well remarked by the com-
mittee, in regard to the competition for these premiums : " The
principal benefit is not the taking of the prizes, even though
much larger than they are. It is the bringing the animals to
the notice of thousands, to whom they would otherwise never
be known."

The hall for the exhibition of articles of manufacture, fruits,
flowers, &c., was crowded to its full extent, evincing not only
the abundance of the supply, but the necessity for enlarged
accommodations. Much is to be learned in this department
of the exhibition. It is viewed with interest by all, especially
by the ladies, where the works of their own hands are displayed.
And why should they not be displayed ? With a proper ar-
rangement, and a small admission fee, cheerfully paid, it may
readily be made a remunerating department. We have known
societies which realized enough from their hall for the exhibition
of manufactured articles, &c., to pay all their premiums for the
season. It is a perfectly fair mode of balancing the account.

On the morning of the second day all hands were on the
alert for the ploughing field. There were entered twenty teams
— twelve with pairs of horses, eight with pairs of oxen, without
drivers. To each was assigned one-quarter of an acre, to be
ploughed in fifty minutes, (one hour would have been a better
time,) with a furrow slice not less than six inches deep nor
more than twelve inches wide ; to be laid flat by the horse
teams, and lapped by the ox teams, that opportunity might be
given, in the cultivation of the land, to compare the benefits of
the different modes of laying the furrow slice. The field was
well adapted to the experiment, excepting a want of proper
tenacity in the sod, a material consideration in judging of the
operations of different ploughs. Where land is so abundant, it
would seem to be easy to secure a field which is exactly fitted
for the purpose, by proper attention in season. We forbear
to extend remarks on the ploughing, as full justice will be done
by the discriminating judgment of the chairman of the commit-
tee, (Judge Bishop.) We were gratified to find, in conspicuous
position, our favorite implement, the Michigan Sod and Subsoil

34 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Plough. The more we see of its operation the better we like
it. For the complete pulverization of the soil it is the " one
thing needful." It has within itself principles that will endure.
It is not a musliroom jwoduction.

The form of awarding premiums is a marked peculiarity of
this society, worthy of special notice. It has been practised
from the beginning. Instead of giving money, a piece of plate
of the same value is given. These are delivered by the officers,
in the presence of the assembly, to the successful competitor.
The scene is exciting ; the interest awakened is intense, both
in the recipient and in the surrounding muUitnde. If the arti-
cles were marked with the name of the society, the recipient,
and the time and cause of delivery, it would give additional
inducements for their preservation. We were favorably im-
pressed with this mode of award, and believe it worthy of
imitation by other societies.

What more interesting sight could be presented on the
homestead of the farmer than a closet well stocked with these
honorable trophies? The coarse bunting taken from an enemy
by brute force, often in a contest of doubtful character for
honor and propriety, is cherished with a sacred care, from
generation to generation ; but of how much greater value is
the trophy earned by generous rivalry in the cultivation of the
arts of peace ? Where is the man who would not be proud
to transmit an heir-loom of this description to his descendants?
We can truly say, that if we had a piece of plate, awarded to
our father forty years ago, as the best ploughman among
twenty competitors, we should esteem it of more value than
any colonel's commission ever issued by any governor of the
Commonwealth, even though it might have the Massachusetts
Indian, with his bow and arrow, stamped thereon.

The gratification anticipated from the Address expected of
Dr. Lee, of Washington, on this occasion, was not realized.
By some accident, there was a misapprehension between the
Doctor and the officers of the society. Ilence a lesson, never
go far from home for that which can be quite as well obtained
near by. We have looked upon the annual address before our
county societies as a legitimate production of the county; and
in our connection with the administration of the affairs of the
Essex County Society, for thirty years or more, have adhered

MASS. BOAED OF AGEICULTURE. 85

to this rule. If instruction from strangers of distinction is
desirable, the dinner table is the most convenient medium of
obtaining it. Our view of such addresses is so well expressed in
the introductory remarks by our friend the late Henry Coleman,
at Andover, 1831, that we claim the indulgence of quoting his
words. " You do not expect," said he, " an oration. Agricul-
ture has little concern with rhetorical flourishes. Determined
principles, plain matters of fact, and the results of well-con-
ducted experiments, are most useful." Far be it from us to
speak disrespectfully of science in agricultural pursuits, — real,
practical science, as distinguished froiji the speculations of vis-
ionary sciolists. But there are abroad so many fanciful notions,
such a propensity to humbvggery, even in farming, and by those
who really know better; and it is so much easier to indulge in
flights of fancy than to engage in well-conducted experiments,
that a fog has arisen to limit the vision of the inquirer. Prac-
tical experience, well-digested, is the information best suited
to the tastes of the farmers of Massachusetts; and the most
reliable source of information for the instruction of their sons.
Whenever the State shall have laid a broad and firm founda-
tion for securing this, she will have done her whole duty — and
not till then.

Profiting by the wisdom of the late Lord Timothy Dexter,
of Newburyport, who, in preparing his " Pickle for the Know-
ing Ones," omitted entirely all the punctuation pauses, and
added a full page at the close, to be applied according to the
taste of the reader; — so we have forbore to bandy compliments
to those from whom we received kind attentions on our visit at
Berkshire — simply saying, that we found the hospitalities of
the county on a par with other improvements.

Respectfully submitted by

JOHN W. PROCTOR.
December, 1852.

36 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICUI.TURE.

MR. LAWTON'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE HOUSATONIC SOCIETY.

This society was organized ten years ago by a few individ-
uals of Southern Berkshire ; they being fully aware of the
benefits arising from properly conducted associations of this
character.

And notwithstanding there then existed a well-conducted
agricultural society, called the Berkshire County Society, the
first organized body that bore the above name in the State,
very many of our enterprising farmers and mechanics in
Southern Berkshire did not appreciate its worth ; being located
'SO far from Pittsfield, the village where its annual fairs were
held.

In the progress of this society, the Commonwealth very
kindly aided, and adopted her as one of her children ; and she
now stands side by side with the first in the State.

Her permanent fund is 5,316 ^^JL. dollars, and they hope soon
to double that amount.

The Annual Fair of this Society was held at Great Barring-
ton on the 29th and 30th of September, 1852. At an early
hour the citizens began to assemble, apparently deeply inter-
ested in this grand festival of the farmer.

Various products were brought in from the surrounding
country, which soon filled the apartment assigned for them.
In the mean time, the ladies were not slow in bringing their
domestic manufactures and arranging them in the hall.

The display of the products of the dairy was grand. I
noticed some thirty tubs and pots of butter, all of an excellent
quality, and nearly as many specimens of cheese ; most of
w^hich was very rich, with a good flavor, speaking in language
that cannot be misunderstood for the ladies of Berkshire,

The exhibition of flannels, carpetings, blankets, and bed
quilts, was large, and showed good taste and a thorough
knowledge in their manufacture.

There were some beautiful specimens of needle-work and
paintings, being fashioned by the skill and good taste of the
ladies, and wrought by their delicate hands.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTUEE. 37

I was very sorry to see this society cramped as they were
for room to arrange the different articles brought in for exhibi-
tion. Truly they have outgrown their accommodations, and
should provide for themselves a large tent or hall for future
convenience.

The fruits and flowers were arranged in the hall of one of
the village school-houses, some twenty rods from the town
haU. The collection of fruits was large and splendid, far ex-
ceeding any one of the kind I have seen in the county, while
that of flowers was not large, though beautiful and well
arranged. I was much gratified to see the farmers of Berkshire
paying so much attention to the cultivation of choice fruit.
The exhibition of pears was not so large as that of other
fruits, though there were some specimens of a very fine quality.

The grain crop, owing to the drought, was not as good as in
former years ; yet the competition was large and spirited.
There were some fine specimens of potatoes which appeared as
in former years. The crop was good.

The show of cattle was not as large as has been some years
past, owing to the drought, yet the beautiful grove a few rods
west of the village was probably never before graced with as
fine a quality of stock.

I noticed a very fine pair of three-year old steers owned by
Mr. M. Laird, of Great Barrington ; they were of the • first
order, and sold on the ground for two hundred dollars.

Some others were very large and nice, which were sold
during the fair for prices a shade below.

The competition on sheep and swine was large, and I noticed
in particular a sow and ten pigs, belonging to A. F. Barnes of
Great Barrington, that were extra. This family was sold a
few days after the fair for seventy dollars. Other families of
swine were there, of similar beauty.

The exhibition of fowls was large, and occupied a very
respectable position on the show grounds.

That of horses was large, and the competitions for premiums
closely contested.

The mechanical productions exhibited were small; I saw
nothing worthy of note.

The ploughing match, on Thursday morning, was a grand
afiair. A clear, bright sunshine, beaming upon the valley of
6

38 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE,

the Housatonic, with a fine, healthy atmosphere, and the
thousands who had gathered around the lands struck out for
the match on the meadow of Mr. E. Pope, surpassed anything
I have seen in Southern Berkshire.

Thirteen horse and five ox teams entered the field and took
their lands, one-fourth of an acre each, (the assigned depth of
furrow was six inches, and width twelve,) to compete for the
prizes, without drivers.

These lands, though alluvial, were hard to break with the
plough, being very dry, and having a strong sward ; yet the
work was done admirably well, and in time, which was one
hour, including ten minutes rest.

The spirit and skill of the ploughmen, together with their
well-trained teams, interested the large gathering of ladies and
gentlemen for one hour, after which they formed a procession,
and marched to the Congregational Church, where they listened
to an Address delivered by G. P. R. James, Esq., which was
interesting, though not practical.

The house was filled, and a large crowd assembled near the
speaker's stand, which was at the window of the church.

The reports were then read, and premiums delivered in silver
plate. I think this is as it should be, only that the plate
should bear the initials of the society.

The dinner, prepared by Mr. A. F. Barnes, of the Berkshire
House, was good.

Seldom have I seen as large a gathering, with so little dissi-
pation or disorder.

J. R. LAWTON.

MR. WALKER'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE NORFOLK SOCIETY.

In compliance with instructions received from this Board,
the undersigned attended the Annual Fair of the Norfolk Agri-
cultural Society, held at Dedham, on the 2Sth and 29th of
September last.

The first day was occupied with the necessary preparations

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 39

for such an occasion, and by the committees in awarding
premiums.

The undersigned did not arrive on the ground until the
morning of the 29th, when he was received with great courtesy
by the Hon. President of the Society, at his beautiful marquee.
Here he found many of the most distinguished friends of agri-
culture from all parts of the State, with whom he proceeded to
examine the various objects of interest.

The ploughing match was first in order, a large number of
powerful and well-managed teams were entered, and partici-
pated in the peaceful rivalry. A highly suitable lot of land
had been selected for the trial. ' The scene was highly exciting
while in progress, and the work quite satisfactory when com-
pleted.

A spading match succeeded. This was something novel,
and attracted a crowd of spectators. Numerous competitors
entered the lists, nearly all of whom were of foreign birth.
The work was executed with despatch, and in a manner which
showed great skill and tact, in this department of labor. No
part of the exhibition seemed to afford more gratification : and
it was generally felt to be a happy conception on the part of
the managers, as it enabled a new, and not a small class of the
community to share in the competition and premiums of the
fair, who would otherwise be excluded. Many a man among
us at the present day is master of a spade, and ability to use
it, who could not command a plough and team, and has not
yet learned the art of managing either. To this class the pre-
miums offered by the society for the best specimen of spading,
presented an opportunity of which they gladly availed them-
selves, and thus took a part in the interesting proceedings.
That the influence of this upon those concerned must be of an
elevating and socializing character none we think can doubt.

The display of cattle was particularly fine. More blood stock
is probably owned in this county than any other in the State.
Ayrshires and Devonshires predominate, and many remarka-
bly good specimens of both were found in the pens, to several
of which premiums were awarded. The native stock, too, was
excellent, and the whole show of cattle gave evidence that
great attention is paid to this department of agricultural pro-

40 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

duction, by the wealthy farmers of Norfolk, and no expense
spared by them in importing and improving stock.

The show of horses, too, was good. Probably no county can
produce finer specimens, both for use on the farm and the
road. Many of them were of great value, and altogether they
formed such a collection as can only be found in a section of
the country where very ample means exist for consulting taste
in the selection and rearing of these beautiful and useful ani-
mals.

The number of swine on exhibition was greater than
we have anywhere else seen. Specimens of the celebrated
Suffolk, the prevalent breed, were numerous, and the quality
superior. In no part of the State is the raising of these ani-
mals carried to greater perfection, and to Norfolk more than
any county, do the farmers of the Commonwealth look for the
best samples of this kind of stock.

Of the feathered tribe, such numbers and variety were in
attendance as gave the most unmistakable evidence that am-
ple provision existed for the celebration of the approaching
Thanksgiving in true New England style.

But excellent as were all parts of the exhibition, the most
striking was that presented within the great tent, which had
been wisely procured for the occasion. One-half of this was
partitioned off and set apart for the display of fruits, flowers,
vegetables, &c. The show was extensive and admirable, as
might be expected in a county where so many of our most
distinguished horticulturists and pomologists reside. We
found the greatest variety and profusion of all that adorns the
garden or enriches the dessert.

Large as was the space allotted to this part of the exhibition,
it was thronged throughout the day with interested visitors,
who seemed to feel that it was one of the most beautiful and
extensive they had ever seen, exceeding that of any other
county, and vieing even with that of the State Horticultural
Society itself.

At about 12 o'clock a procession was formed, under the
escort of a fine band of music, and proceeded to the church,
where an interesting Address was delivered by W. S. King,
Esq., of Rhode Island, after which the company repaired to the

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 41

tent, the remaining half of which, not appropriated to the ex-
hibition of fruits, &c., afforded excellent accommodations for
a large company of gentlemen and ladies. After dinner the
various premiums of the society were awarded, many speeches
made, and sentiments offered by the friends of agriculture
present.

In conclusion, the undersigned would remark, that he feels
he cannot speak too highly of the very tasteful and excellent
manner in which the whole exhibition was got up and cori-
ducted. There was, throughout, the most abundant evidence
that much skill had been put in requisition, and no expense
spared, to render this grand festival of the farmer, what such a
festival should be, a source of high gratification and a means
of substantial benefit.

The Norfolk Society, although one of the youngest, is
already one of the most efficient in the Commonwealth ; a
large number of the most distinguished friends of agriculture
reside within the county, and the people generally take as
deep an interest in husbandry as those perhaps of any other
section of the State. We might, therefore, reasonably antici-
pate a fine display of agricultural products and agricultural
prowess, and such was the fact.

But while all arrangements were of the most satisfactory
description, none were, in our estimation, more deserving of
special commendation than the ample provision made for an
elegant and full exhibition of the fruits, flowers, vegetables,
&c., and the admission of ladies to the public dinner.

AMASA WALKER.

42 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

MR. PAGE'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE PLYMOUTH SOCIETY.

The Annual Cattle Show and Fair of the Plymouth County
Agricultural Society were held at Bridgewater on the 7th day
of October.

Ploughing Match. I had no opportunity to witness this in-
teresting part of the exhibition, except as I was passing in the
cars. A goodly number of teams were quietly and steadily
performing their labors as I caught a glimpse of the field, sur-
rounded by a large concourse of spectators. When I arrived
upon the spot, the work had been completed. I was informed
that sixteen teams had competed for the prizes. The ground
appeared to be tough and somewhat gravelly, and well calcu-
lated to test the skill of the ploughman. The work was gen-
erally well done. Sixteen lots had been ploughed.

Working Oxen. I was not able to witness the trial of work-
ing oxen, but I learned from those who were present that
about twenty yokes entered the lists, and did credit to them-
selves and their drivers. Several pairs of promising steers
were exhibited.

Coivs.) Heifers, and Bulls. The exhibition of these animals
was not extensive nor of remarkable quality. It was not equal
to what I have before seen in the same county. I think I saw
but three cows ; some of which were, in appearance, of con-
siderable merit. Of heifers and heifer calves there was a larger
number, and of better promise. Several bulls and bull calves
were exhibited, but, in my judgment, none of remarkable
merit, and I am confident that they were not the best that the
county could produce.

Fat Cattle. Some fifteen or twenty fat oxen and cows were
in the pens, many of which were of good quality, and did
credit to their pastures.

Horses and Colts. AH of this class of animals which I saw
were young, probably twelve or fifteen in number. They
promised well, so far as I could judge, but the horse is always
exhibited at a disadvantage cooped up in a pen, and without
the power to show himself in action. As I have suggested in

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 43

another report, it would be well for our societies to arrange to
have horses exhibited both in repose and action.

Sivine. The show of swine was extensive and of high order.
The animals were mostly, in whole or in part, of the Suffolk
breed, and I have not seen a better exhibition.

Domestic Fowls. In this department there were presented,
in vast number and almost endless variety, ducks, geese, tur-
keys, hens, of various plumage and form, and promising well
for the approaching Thanksgiving.

Butter and Cheese. The number of entries of these articles
was large, the quality apparently excellent, and highly credit-
able to the farmers' wives of Plymouth.

Vegetables. The show was good. Many excellent speci-
mens were exhibited, and I was pleased to see that, to a con-
siderable degree, the custom of exhibiting only mojistrous pro-
ductions was departed from.

Fruits. In this department the show was admirable. Of
apples, pears, peaches, quinces, plums, grapes, cranberries,
&c., a show was made which, in variety and quality, would
compare reputably with any exhibition that I have wit-
nessed.

Fancy Articles and Manvfactures. In these departments,
and especially in articles of domestic manufacture, the exhi-
bition was rich and worthy of high praise ; attesting the in-
dustry and taste of the fair daughters, and the skill of the
mechanics and manufacturers, of the county.

The dinner was at the hotel. It was conducted in the man-
ner that has, until recently, prevailed in most of our counties.
It was a hurried meal, and we proceeded from the table to the
hall, where an Address was delivered, and the reports of the
committees read.

The Plymouth County Society is one of the oldest in the
State. It has ample funds ; has been conducted with quiet
energy, and has done, and is doing, great good.

It needs more ample room in its hall of exhibition in order
to do justice to its numerous contributors and the crowd of
interested guests. Confining its exhibition to one day, it is
urged on from one thing to another with inconvenient and un-
satisfactory rapidity. I think it will soon find it expedient to
devote two days to this great annual festival, when it will not

44 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

be obliged to deprive itself of the luxury of welcoming the

ladies, its most valuable and efficient coadjutors, to the

banquet.

J. H. W. PAGE.

MR. SPR AGUE'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE BRISTOL SOCIETY.

The Annual Exhibition of the Bristol County Agricultural
Society was held at Taunton on the 14th and 15th of October.

A cold north-east wind indicated an approaching storm,
which came on in the evening of the first day, and continued
through the forepart of the second, and consequently the at-
tendance of a great portion of those who lived at any distance
was prevented. The multitude in attendance on the morning
of the first day gave evidence of the general interest felt on
this occasion.

My attention was first directed to the cattle, as the most
attractive and most important object to the farmer. I was pre-
pared to see a large number, and a great variety of large, beau-
tiful cattle, and from the well known disposition of the presi-
dent to have everything in good style and taste, connected with
the influence and usefulness of the society, I expected not only
to be pleased with the cattle but also with the arrangements
made for their being exhibited to the best advantage.

The first object that was presented to my eye, on passing
the crowd, was a long, double row of pens, the most rude and
unsightly that was ever hurried together by frontier settlers in
the wilderness amongst log cabins and rude barns, and this,
too, in contrast with the beauty and splendor of the wealthy
town of Taunton. There was a large number of young cattle,
but few that appeared to possess any great excellence. There
were no blood cattle, except two bulls, one belonging to the
president, a full blood North Devon of good size and fine pro-
portions— a beautiful animal, every way worthy the owner.
The other was a brown or dark color, bearing the name of a
full blood Ayrshire. His color and form were not such as I

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 45

have formerly seen, or such as are described in the books as of
the Ayrshire class.

There was a great number of horses and colts exhibited, and
some of superior size and appearance. They gave evidence of
increased attention to the breeding of this noble animal which
ministers so much to the expensive comfort of all.

There was a large number of swine, some beautiful speci-
mens of the Suffolk breed, and others of great excellence.

The feathered tribe flocked here in abundance, to which,
however, I gave but little attention.

There were a few sheep exhibited.

The ploughing match was over before my arrival, and the
ground being distant I had no opportunity to examine the
work. The drawing match was very interesting, twenty or
more teams being engaged in it. The load was a wagon with
3,000 lbs. of stone for steers, and another with 6,500 lbs. for
cattle four years and over. The cattle were large and of fine
appearance and well disciplined, moving in obedience to the
motions of the drivers, who appeared to understand their busi-
ness, and they moved unaided by the whip or noise, and per-
formed their task in the most satisfactory manner. One j^air,
fdur years old, weighed 3,300 lbs.; another pair, five years old,
weighed 3,700 lbs. The three year old steers were of large
size, well matched, well disciplined, and performed their part
well.

I could but admire the patient and persevering attention of
the committee in their unwearied labor in following so large a
number of teams down hill and up, for four or five hours, in a
cold, north-east wind.

The hall appropriated to articles of exhibition was large and
tastefully arranged, exhibiting everything to the best advan-
tage. It would be folly for me to attempt any account or
description with the expectation of giving a just idea of the
innumerable and beautiful objects spread before the admiring
multitude.

The articles of manufacture, from those of the most sub-
stantial kind, of which Taunton, New Bedford and Fall River
abound, to the wares of smaller kind, were worthy of the high
reputation they have attained.

The great display of handy work of the ladies, for ornament
7

46 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

and use, demonstrated the laudable interest they felt in the
objects of the day.

Then there were vegetables in gi-eat profusion, such as
squashes, beets, turnips, potatoes, cabbages, cauliflowers, and
some putnpkins, ail of so great a variety and so large a size as
to challenge competition.

The president's squashes and pumpkins, as big as half bar-
rels, and other products, evinced his skill in horticulture.

Large quantities of butter, of beautiful yellow color and of
rich flavor, with numerous boxes of honey and the honey-comb,
added much to the excellence of that department.

The fruit was in great abundance. Individuals brought as
many as seventy varieties of apples. Pears also were shown
in as many varieties. The grapes, in quantity and richness
of appearance were such as are seldom seen.

The hall, which consisted of two stories, was full of articles
and crowded by a large mviltitude.

The Address, delivered on the second day by the Hon. R.
C. Winthrop, attracted a large audience in spite of the driving
storm, and was worthy the high reputation of that distin-
guished statesman.

At the close a procession was formed and escorted by a fine
band of music to a spacious hall, where about four hundred
persons, consisting of ladies and gentlemen, partook of a
sumptuous dinner. The only fault was, the superabundance
of good things — and the only cause I found for regret, was, the
necessity of leaving the company whilst some interesting
speeches were in progress.

This exhibition, as a whole, (those unsightly pens excepted,)
was one of the most pleasing I have ever attended. Great
credit is due to the President for his untiring exertions to have
everything done at the proper time and in its proper order.
His kindness and affectionate solicitude for the accommoda-
tion and happiness of his invited guests added much to the
pleasure of the occasion.

SETH SPRAGUE.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 47

MR. SPRAGUE'S REPORT.

EXHIBITION OF THE BARNSTABLE SOCIETY.

The Annual Fair of the Barnstable County Agricultural
Society was held at Sandwich, on the 13th of October last.
A cold north-east wind and the threatening aspect of the
weather may have prevented many from attending with their
offerings. However, there was a respectable number of peo-
ple present.

My attention was first directed to the place allotted for the
stock, which was well arranged, with a set of beautiful, new
and well-constructed pens. They were not so well filled,
however, as we had hoped to see ; but the few animals that
were exhibited gave evidence of the ability of that part of the
country to compete with more favored counties.

There were good oxen, good cows, young cattle, and a
pair of very large, round-bodied, beautiful steers. A bull was
pointed out to us, belonging to the society, as being of pure
Ayrshire blood, whose color and general appearance was not
such as we have before seen.

There were present a goodly number of horses and colts, a
few sheep and swine, and several lots of fowls. Of the quality
of this part of the exhibition, we do not pretend to judge, as
we have no great fancy for the flat-breasted, long-legged, awk-
ward birds, now held in such esteem. To us, our full-breasted,
well-formed, lively, native fowls, look far better.

The ploughing match was to come off at ten o'clock, but
did not commence until after eleven. There entered the list,
five single ox teams and two horse teams, all having drivers
excepting one. The contest was spirited. The ploughmen
exhibited much skill and activity, and, considering the nature
of the ground, which was not favorable to smooth work, it was
well done. Most of the ploughs were small and short, and all,
with one exception, without wheels, — such as we did not con-
sider the best for ploughing greensward. The oxen were of
good size, and some of them superior ; but the yokes, some of
them, we thought small and unsuitable for the size of the
cattle. Their discipline did not appear to have been perfect.

48 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. .

"We noticed one pair of cattle of fine appearance and large
size, that worked, for some cause, so uneven as to bring one
ox at least one foot behind his mate.

As soon as the ploughing was over, we hurried to the
spot appointed for the drawing match, which was to take
place at twelve. Waited until one, and there being no appear-
ance of committee or teams, we repaired to the hotel, where
we found the time appointed for dinner better kept. We were
served with a very good dinner at Hon. E. Pope's hotel, which
we should have relished better if it had been spiced with a few
short speeches from some of the Cape Cod farmers. Dinner
over, we were escorted by a good band of music to the town
hall, where a well written discourse was delivered to an atten-
tive audience, by Simon Brown, Esq., editor of the New Eng-
land Farmer. After which, the premiums were announced.

The hall appropriated to manufactures, fruits, articles of the
dairy, &c., was not large, but was well adorned by the skill
and industry of the ladies, with a variety of articles. The few
articles of mechanical skill exhibited were of superior make
and beauty.

We saw but little fruit and few lots of butter, which forced
on us the conviction that the people in that vicinity took little
interest in the object of the society, as their orchards, gardens
and pastures gave evidence of their ability to make a fine dis-
play, equal at least to some of their neighbors.

On the whole, we were impressed with the thought, that
though farming may have been conducted with some profit to
the laborers, yet for causes which are evident, they have not
entered into the spirit of progress and improvement manifest
in some other counties.

Their territory is properly called the Sandy Cape, and can
never become a good grazing district ; but in other respects is
susceptible of as much improvement as other parts.

Good crops of corn and rye are raised on these dry, sandy
hills, and their statistics bear a favorable comparison with
their neighbors. Their intervales are well cultivated and pro-
ductive. Attention is being paid to the clearing of swamps
and applying mud and peat to improve the hills.

There are few who rely much on the land for their support
Great numbers of the male population have spent the best of

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 49

their lives in ploughing the ocean, instead of the land. They
leave their homes at an early age, and thus young are thrown
upon the resources nature affords them. No portion of the
world has produced so large a number of energetic, skilful sea
captains, and enterprisfng and successful merchants, as the
Sandy Cape.

We were treated with great kindness and much courtesy by
the President, C. B. H. Fessenden, Esq., and other gentlemen,
which added much to our pleasant visit.

SETH SPRAGUE.

ESSAYS

ON AGRICULTURAL SUBJECTS

Soon after the organization of the Board of Agriculture,
several subjects which were deemed most worthy of particular
attention, were referred to different individuals, with the re-
quest that each would furnish an Essay thereon for the use of
the Board. In compliance with this request the following
were presented, adopted, and are herewith published.

ORCHARDS.

BY JOHN C. GRAY.

In treating of the subject which it has pleased this Board to
assign to me, I have little hope of saying anything novel or
striking, and may perhaps make some statements, or advance
some opinions of disputed correctness. The theme is certainly
a most extensive and interesting one, but it is anything but
new or untouched. It might be thought, that I should best
discharge my duty by simply referring at once to some stand-
ard authority; but this Board have a right to command my
best services, and anything which I may offer will be cheerfully
submitted to their comments and correction. The raising of
fruit trees is a branch of agriculture which engaged the atten-
tion of our Puritan fathers at a very early day, and their pro-
gress therein, was, all things considered, truly surprising. The
credit of taking the lead in this most pure and refining, as well
as delightful and profitable, department of industry, is due, if
to any one, to John Endicott, whose grave was left unmarked

52 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

by any monument, but whose venerable pear tree yet survives
the lapse of seven generations of men, to bear living testimony
to his tasteful and benevolent industry. His example soon
found many followers, and even in the first hundred years of
New England history, all the fruits generally raised in English
gardens, were commonly cultivated here. Our horticulture
received an important accession on the arrival of the French
Huguenots in the early part of the eighteenth century, who
brought with them their national taste for fine fruits, and
introduced several, which yet stand at the head of the list of
our cultivated varieties. From that time to this day the culti-
vation of fruit of all descriptions has been generally extended
throughout our most thickly settled districts, and many of us
can remember the time, when, in our most crowded cities, a
garden of greater or less extent was considered an indispensa-
ble appendage to every tenement of any value.

Horticulture, if a less conspicuous and honored art then,
than now, was by no means a neglected one, and its rapid
advance of late years must certainly be owing, in no small
degree, to the broad foundation which had been effectually
though quietly laid by our predecessors. The advantages
which the community have derived from the unostentatious
labors and instructive writings of such men as Samuel G.
Perkins and Robert Manning, to forbear all mention of the
living, if difficult exactly to define, are not therefore to be less
gratefully appreciated. Nor can I forbear, in this connection,
to notice the recent loss of Mr. Downing, one to .whom we
owe the most complete work on American Fruit Trees, if not
the only one, to which that title can fairly be given ; a gen-
tleman whose extensive research and acute discrimination
rendered him a valuable counsellor' to our greatest adepts in
gardening; while his clear and unostentatious common sense
and unaftpcted enthusiam enabled him to render that pursuit
easy and attractive to the most uninstructed. Few in any
country have done more to promote the comfort and refine-
ment of rural life ; and happy and honored will be any man
who may worthily fill the void left by his deplorable death.

I now proceed to the discharge of the duty specially as-
signed to me, by a few practical remarks on the cultivation of
the apple, although it is obvious that much which may be said

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 53

on this, must be equally applicable to other fruit trees, and
indeed to trees generally. In such a document as this, it
appears unnecessary to give either a botanical description, or
a historical account of this well known plant. It has been, as
already intimated, common among us from the very beginning,
and many specimens of apple trees daily strike our eyes, which
cannot well be of much less age than a century. One species
at least is indigenous, but is less remarkable for the size and
flavor of its fruit, than the rich perfume of its blossoms. It has
been but sparingly introduced into our gardens. Our orchards
are mostly made up either of grafted fruit trees, or of natural
plants from their seed. Near our large towns, the rearing of
nurseries of apple trees has become a distinct business, and
plants already grafted or budded, and of sufficient size to be
finally planted out, can easily be procured at a moderate cost.
But many may prefer to rear and graft their own trees, and
this requires only a moderate degree of interesting labor, and
the proprietor is more surely protected against any mistake as
to the kind of fruit, than he can always be in taking his trees
from an extensive nursery.

The rearing of nurseries is, I believe, well and generally un-
derstood. It may be questioned, however, whether the young
trees would not be more vigorous if they were less crowded,
and thus exposed more freely in their early growth to the
action of the sun and air ; in other words, if the nursery were
made, so to speak, an orchard in miniature. Four feet be-
tween the trees, in one direction at least, might not be thought
too great a distance. Many eminent English and French
writers caution us against making the soil of the nursery too
rich, on the ground that when the tree is finally removed, it
may be to a poorer soil and may suffer from the contrast.
But this is denied by other equally high authorities, and it
would surely seem a better rule, to say that we should
treat the tree, as well as possible, at all stages of its growth. A
vigorous plant will be likely to bear ill management as well
as to requite good, better than a feebler one. If the tree re-
ceives fair treatment in the orchard, and if it is not to be so
treated it should not be set out there, it can suffer nothing
from its previous good condition.

The best ground for an orchard is said by English writers
8

54 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

to be a hazel loam, of the depth of three feet. Doubtless this
is true, but it is not every one whose land is of this quality, or
who can render it so, without burdensome expense. The
apple, in fact, is far from fastidious, and though in this, as in
most other cases, the deeper the mould the better, yet the tree
will grow well in almost any soil which is not very light and
poor. The best ground seems to be an old grass field which
has been previously broken up and cultivated for a year or
two, as there are few better manures for any fruit trees than
the sod itself, when well rotted.

Where the planter has the choice, a hill side seems better
than a level, as affording a fairer exposure to all the trees,
insuring a better drainage, and securing them against the un-
seasonable frosts, which are most apt to seize first on plants
in the low grounds.* It seems to be fully agreed, that before
the trees are set out, the whole field should be stirred to the
depth at least of fifteen or sixteen inches. The most effectual
way of doing this is, unquestionably, by trenching with the
spade. But this cannot be done, even if no manure be dug
in, at a less expense than fifty dollars per acre, a sum which,
in most districts of New England, is much more than the
whole value of the land. Still, this is only to be done once,
and it is far from certain that the expenditure would be un-
profitable.

The same object, however, may be secured to a great extent
by subsoiUng, which can be effected at a quarter part of the
cost. The soil below is thus broken up, without being brought
to the surface, and the whole bed of the orchard rendered light
and easy to be penetrated, both sideways and downward, by
the young roots of the trees. It is a question often asked,
whether the ground of an orchard should be tilled, or merely a
circle cleared from grass round the stem of the tree. Tiie lat-
ter course, though little countenanced by writers, is often prac-
tised, probably from an unwillingness to sacrifice the hay crop,
and a belief that the circle round the tree, if kept properly
stirred, will afford sufficient room for the growth of the roots.

* While any slope seems preferable to a level, a southern one is, I think, less eligi-
ble than citlier an eastern or northern one. On a southern slope, the trees often
prolong their yearly growth too far into the autumn, and the young wood, in conse-
queuce, is less perfectly ripened, and suffers from the subsequent cold.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 55

This, however, is an unsafe supposition, for if the tree be
thrifty, the roots will extend themselves to the limits of the
cleared space long before the farmer is aware of the fact. They
will then meet with a comparatively hard rim, and the tree will
be, so to speak, in the situation of a potted plant. Besides, if
merely a space of a few feet is left round the tree, then, to
keep these spaces well weeded and thoroughly stirred, requires
a degree of vigilance and industry which it is not easy to exer-
cise, and which it is believed is in fact seldom exercised. K
we regard the growth and fruitfulness of the tree as the great
object, there is no doubt that orchards should be kept in tillage,
as long and as thoroughly as it can be done, without injuring
the roots of the trees. This cannot well be for more than ten
or fifteen years, as, after such a period, those roots will have
spread themselves so widely, as to monopolize the whole
ground, although the occasional stirring of the surface by scuff-
ling may even then be highly beneficial. The crops raised
should unquestionably be of those kinds which admit of hoe-
ing, as they exhaust the soil less than what are called white
crops, and as the effects of the great disadvantage of our climate,
drovght, are obviated both by the shade afforded to the earth
by the plants, and by the moisture, which, whatever the cause,
unquestionably follows from the stirring of the soil. A further
important preventive of the dreaded effects of our dry summers,
may be found in mulching the ground, round the foot of the
tree, with moss, leaves, or some other litter, and it would be
easy to mention instances, in which hundreds of young trees
have been saved by this cheap and simple process. It is
scarcely necessary to say that when an orchard is tilled, it
should be generously manured, so that no more of the richness
of the soil may be taken from it, than is restored, and it is
probably equally understood, that unmixed barnyard or other
animal manure should not be allowed to come in actual con-
tact with the bark of the tree. It is time to speak in particular
of the operation of setting out the tree. Preliminary to this,
as every one agrees, should be the digging of roomy holes to
receive the plants. Three feet in diameter, and a foot or more
in depth, are the least dimensions which I find recommended*

* It will be observed that I mention this depth as the least which I have seen
recommended. From four to six inches deeper, I should certainly think prefer-
abla.

56 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

by any writer. The distance at which the trees should be set,
is a point on which there is some diflerence of opinion, and a
still greater variety in practice. Forty feet every way is not
too much, and he who adopts this rule, will be surprised to
find in how few years the extreme ends of the branches will
meet. The square is generally "preferred I believe to the quin-
cunx, or any other kind of arrangement, as more convenient
for agi-icnltural operations.

The time of year at which trees should be set, is a question
much debated by English and French horticultural writers.
In Europe, the autumn seems to be generally preferred ; and
there is a proverb quoted in the best English works on garden-
ing which runs, " Plant a tree at Michaelmas (September 29)
and command it to grow; plant it at Lady-Day (March 25)
and entreat it." This rule is, however, often qualified by good
English and French writers, who state that in heavy or moist
ground, trees are best planted out at the latter period. The
spring is certainly preferred in New England. Now when we
consider that our short and capricious spring is the very busiest
portion of the year, and that much of our autumn is a time of
comparative leisure, it is fair to presume that our farmers did
not depart from the habits of their English ancestors without
good reasons. One of these reasons may have been the great
length and rigor of our winters, which leave the tree little chance
of establishing itself in the soil, before the ground is locked up
by the frost. It must be admitted, however, that the practice
of autumnal planting has scarcely had a fair trial, certainly
not in our day.

To the success of planting, however, at any time, there are
two most essential requisites. The first is, that the tree be
properly taken up. By many persons, young fruit trees are
actually torn from the ground, and leave a large part of their
slender rootlets behind them. Now all naturalists agree that
these small fibres are in fact the organs through which the tree
draws the greater part of its nourishment from the soil, while
the main roots are in this respect comparatively inactive ; and
yet trees are often sold with scarcely a root of less than a
quarter of an inch in thickness. The second requisite is that
the tree be carefully replanted. Many who plant a tree, says
Marshall, seem to think it enough to hide its roots in the
ground ; and we may add that they are often so effectually

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 57

hidden, as to give no indication afterwards of their existence.
It must be obvious that the less the time which elapses be-
tween taking up and replanting, the better; and that the roots
ought to be kept reasonably moist during the interval. The
tree should be replanted in a bed of rich earth finely pulverized.
This should be moistened; but the practice of very copious
watering at the time of planting is condemned by Cobbett, and
many other authors, and is of very doubtful expediency. There
is reason to fear that many trees have been injured by a treat-
ment adapted only to aquatic plants. Some writers have sug-
gested the expediency of placing a layer of stones under the
tree, in order to prevent the roots from striking downwards,
and compel them to spread themselves near the surface of the
soil; but I apprehend that the direction of the roots may be
safely left to nature, aiid that there is no necessity of obstruct-
ing her in her operations. I doubt not, however, that the
stones may have operated benefiicially in another way, that is,
by preserving a greater degree of coolness and moisture in the
ground, and thus fortifying the tree against the effects of dry
weather ; but it is very questionable whether they render any
greater benefit on the whole, to the tree, than it would derive
from an equal quantity of good loam.

As to the depth at which trees should be set out in the soil,
there seems to be a general concurrence of opinion that it
should vary little, if any, from that at which they have pre-
viously stood in the nursery ; but as the earth round newly
planted trees is apt to settle, it may be prudent in the first in-
stance to plant them about an inch deeper.

Stakes are sometimes used for the support of young trees ;
but if the tree be properly planted, they cannot be necessary,
and may interfere seriously with the roots. If the trees are
well set, they can certainly hold their ground without any arti-
ficial support. The spreading out of the rootlets with great
eare is of much greater consequence ; and the time which, to a
careless observer, may seem to be wasted in doing this with
great nicety, will be amply repaid in the end by the vigor and
fruitfulness of the tree.

After the tree is fairly planted, it is supposed by many at
least if we may judge from the appearance of some of our or-
chards, that all the planter's labors are over, and that he has

68 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

only to permit it to grow. Plant a tree, said the Scotch farm-
er to his lazy son, and it will grow while you are sleeping.
We cannot, however, say with equal truth that, if the planter
sleeps all the time, the tree will grow in like manner. Con-
stant vigilance is necessary, especially with respect to young
trees, to secure a regular and well ordered growth, and a
proper degree of exposure to the light and air ; and, more es-
pecially to guard the tree against the withering effects of
drought, and the ravages of disease and insects. It has been
calculated, and I believe correctly, that if the labor which is
required in a single season upon young trees, especially where
the orchard is not kept in tillage, were fairly averaged, it
would not amount to less than one month's labor, of one man,
on each hundred of trees. If the ground is tilled, much of
this labor will be given to the trees incidentally. It will still,
however, be necessary to dig or hoe the ground near the trees,
where the plough cannot safely be driven, and the hoe would
seem to be the better instrument, as less likely to injure the
roots. Care must be taken also, to clear away suckers, and
to prune off all irregular limbs. Less pruning seems necessary
with us than in other countries. There it may be best to
throw open the head of the tree to the light and air, but our
fierce suns and strong winds will penetrate any common mass
of foliage. Little more is requisite than to prevent the limbs
from crossing and chafing each other. Our chief care, how-
ever, is required to protect young trees from drought, disease,
or insects.

Allusion has been already made to the first of these topics.
It is brought home to the farmer's mind in almost every sum-
mer. If we should select any one feature of our climate as
its peculiar characteristic, we should specify our long and
parching droughts. Artificial watering, every one knows, is
out of the question, since one thousand barrels of water would
be requisite to moisten an acre of land as thoroughly as is
done by a shower of a single inch. Two great remedies
against this unavoidable disadvantage, seem, as I have already
said, to be, first, shading the ground at the foot of the trees by
hay, leaves, or some other mulching ; and secondly, and chief-
ly, stirring the surface of the soil. The effects of this last ex-
pedient, when well followed up, (as it very rarely is,) are truly

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 59

astonishing. Whether it brings the moisture up from below,
or down from the atmosphere, or prevents its escape by divid-
ing and breaking up the soil, and thus rendering it less fit to
conduct the moisture off, are questions of chemistry. The
fact that moisture is in some way produced, is equally certain
and ascertained.

An intelligent farmer in this neighborhood once remarked,
that in putting in his turnip seed, he always followed the rule
of the 25th of July, wet or dry, and being asked what course
he took if, as often happened, a severe drought prevailed at
that time, he answered that he stirred the land till he raised a
moisture. Our trees seldom suffer from the opposite cause,
excess of dampness, unless standing in absolutely wet land, in
which case thorough draining is the obvious and only remedy.

On diseases, it may be observed as a preliminary remark,
that, with respct to many of them, feeble and infirm trees are
most in danger of being attacked. A healthy and vigorous
plant, like a healthy and vigorous man, escapes their assaults,
and hence the best preservative of a tree is to keep it well
nourished and in good order. This is particularly the case in
regard to the mossy coat which often gathers on the trunks
and boughs of young apple-trees ; for we find such trees, when
thrifty and well cared for, often exhibit a bark as smooth and
shining as it could be rendered by the most careful washing.

Where the moss has once gathered, it can generally be
removed by a solution of strong washing soap, and scraping
the bark.* Should any limbs die, there can be no other course
than to prune them off", taking care to protect the wound ef-
fectually from the weather.

If the trunk is decayed, the removal of the decayed portion,
and the filling in the place with clay, may arrest the evil. It
is not to be supposed, however, that any application can cause
the cavity to be filled up by a new growth from within. This,
Forsyth pretended to do with his famous composition, which
I believe was little else than a mixture of clay and cow ma-
nure. He received several thousand pounds for his secret from

* The moss may be removed more speedily by a solution of potash, but this, if too
strong, may injure or destroy the tree. A wash of one pound to two gallons of water
could, I have no doubt, be safely used. But I found that there was a difference of
opinion in the Board, as to the using of potash at all, and I have therefore forborne to
insert any recommendation to that effect, in the body of the report.

60 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

the English parliament. The slightest knowledge of physiol-
ogy should have taught them, that a tree increases its bulk
entirely by new layers on the outside of the old wood. Hence
when a cavity takes place in the trunk of the tree, it is never
filled up. If, however, the tree be young and vigorous, it is
often grown over, and the tree outside appears as sound as
ever, and in fact may grow and bear fruit for many years after-
wards.

It should, however, be borne in mind that a tree, like every
other living being, has its regular period of life. Many forest
trees are endowed with a longevity which has no parallel short
of antediluvian history. There are oaks in this vicinity which
were doubtless stately trees when the first white man set his
foot on our shores. The regular duration of the apple-tree is
much more limited, and, according to our most accurate in-
vestigations, does not, in ordinary cases, exceed the term
assigned to our own race, say seventy or eighty years. "When
the trees of an orqhard, which has been treated with proper
care, decay from age, little can be done to renovate them.
The better course is, to watch against this event in anticipa-
tion, and plant out new orchards in other spots, and thus
secure a succession of thrifty bearers.

Of the various insects which infest the apple-tree, (for almost
every tree has several enemies of this description,) the most
conspicuous in this neighborhood are the borer, the canker-
worm, and the caterpillar. The first of these is described by
Dr. Harris, in his Report, p. 89. It attacks the tree at the
surface of the ground, or a very little way below, and mines
through the trunk, pursuing a slanting course upward. If the
tree is of any considerable size, the insect employs several
years in reaching the opposite side of the tree. The remedy
most commonly suggested is to take him out with a gonge.
This, however, is an ineffectual, or rather over-effectual remedy,
since it not only destroys the insect, but goes far to ruin the
tree. The enemy should be arrested, if possible, at the surface
of the bark, or stopped short before reaching it. I was inform-
ed by the late S. G. Perkins, that these objects could be
effected by examining the trees twice in the year, viz. : in the
middle of the months of June and October, destroying the
insect if found near the bark, and pouring in a small quantity

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 61

of unleached ashes around the foot of the tree. Some may-
be deterred from this operation, from the mistaken idea of the
time which it might require. In this case, however, as in that
of many other minute gardening operations, the requisite time
is much less than is generally supposed. Mr. Perkins told me
that he examined three hundred quince trees in search of
the borer, (which is precisely the same insect as the apple
borer,) in a single morning; and the late Mr. Prince states
that, in tilled land, one man could take out the borers from
one hundred apple-trees in the course of a day. It has been
observed that this insect is much less common in clayey than
loamy orchards, probably on account of the greater difficulty
which he finds in working through the stiff clay.

The most dreaded enemy, however, of our apple orchards is
the canker-worm. Wherever he attacks in great force, he
strips the tree entirely of its leaves, and where his ravages are
continued, as they often are, two or three years in succession,
kills the tree itself. He likewise attacks our most magnificent
forest tree, the American elm, and many noble specimens of
this plant in our vicinity have fallen victims to this enemy
within the last ten years. Happily, its ravages are periodical
and not constant, and it appears to travel very slowly from one
district to another. Like the borer, it seems somewhat averse
to a clayey soil. No remedy against this destructive insect
has yet been found which can be pronounced at once effectual
and economical. The great object, as every one knows, is to
prevent the insect, in the autumn or early spring, from ascend-
ing the tree, where it goes up to lay its eggs. The insect has
a strong propensity to climb, and can walk easily over any
surface, unless it be either viscid, (sticky,) or shifting, like
loose sand. It will crawl, for instance, over a chestnut bur, as
easily as over a chip.

To stop its progress, lead gutters round the trunk of the tree
filled with oil have been recommended with great confidence.
These, however, if made of the usual size of an inch in width,
are quite ineffectual. The insects which first climb are caught
in the oil, and serve as a bridge over which their followers can
walk dry shod. Gutters, to be effectual, should be over two
inches in width, and this would greatly increase the expense,
and if applied to any large number of trees, the amount would
9

62 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

be a serious matter. Besides, in any case, the oil is almost
certain to be driven out by wind or rain against the bark of
the tree, and the tree in consequence is seriously injured.
Tarring on the bark itself is still more objectionable. If the
tar is applied on strips of canvas, which are fastened round the
body of the tree, there is still danger that the tar may run down
upon the bark. Besides, the tar is soon hardened by the sun
or chilled by rain, and the insect then passes over it with ease.
The best expedient with which I am acquainted, is that em-
ployed in Europe, against an insect resembling our canker-
worm, though apparently not so notorious. It is mentioned
by Kollar, and called by him a wooden boot, I suppose for no
other reason than because it is placed round the foot of the
tree. It is, in fact, a box, without top or bottom, and with
sides of about a foot high, furnished with a border at the top,
on the outside, like the eaves of a house. The tar is put on
under the border, and being thus protected from the sun and
the weather, remains liquid for a long time. Care must still
be taken to renew it occasionally. Some insects may rise be-
tween the boot and the tree, but these will be few, if any, as
the propensity of these insects is to climb over the obstacles
which they find in their path, and not to mine beneath them,
and most of them rise from the ground at a little distance from
the very trunk of the tree. For a tree not exceeding twelve
inches in diameter, a boot wiU cost not exceeding sixteen or
eighteen cents, and if taken off and replaced at the proper
seasons these boots will last for years.

The history of the insect may be briefly given as follows.
The male, which is a small miller, and the female, a grub with-
out wings, climb the ti-ee in the autumn, or early in the spring,
and the female deposits her eggs on the branches of the tree.
These eggs are hatched in the spring, about the time of the
appearance of the young foliage. The young worm issues
forth and preys on the leaves for about four weeks, turning
this short period to (for himself) the very best account. He
then descends into the ground, and about the first of July the
insect has disappeared for the summer, to issue forth again in
his perfect state, after the first hard frost, or from that period till
early spring. Dr. Harris states, that in mild winters he has
seen them issue forth in every month from October till March.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 63

A mode of destroying the chrysalis while in the ground, by
wholesale, has been suggested by Dr. Harris, and that is to
turn pigs into the orchard, who can detect the insect by their
remarkably keen scent, and will devour him greedily. The
trees, if young, must be protected from the swine by some
cheap barrier. This expedient seems likely to be quite an ef-
fective, and not expensive one, and well deserves a careful
trial. The benefit in other ways to the soil, by the stirring
and nourishment which it must thus receive, cannot be incon-
siderable.

The caterpillar is an insect less voracious, perhaps, than the
canker-worm, and at any rate far more within our control.
So completely, indeed, is this the case, that a caterpillar's web
in an apple-tree is a sure signal of negligence in the proprietor.
Various ways of destroying these insects are in use. The first
is to destroy the eggs in the autumn and winter. The eggs of
this insect are laid round the small branches in masses of
about the size of a date stone, and covered with a shining var-
nish, which protects them from the cold, but at the same time
renders them more conspicuous. No one who has once seen
these curious collections can ever mistake them. In the spring
the heat of the sun at once melts the varnish, and hatches the
egg, and the caterpillars begin to spin their webs, and to go
forth and prey on the leaves. They always, however, keep up
a connection with their nests, and return to them at night, and
do not sally forth again till the dew is dried in the morning.
There are various ways of checking their ravages. The little
collections of eggs may be picked off in autumn and winter.
On young trees this method is often very effectual, as many of
these little packages may be detected by their glittering sur
face. Two dozen of them have been collected in the course of
an hour, and this is by far the neatest and most agreeable
mode of getting rid of the evil. But as many eggs may escape
notice, and many more be out of reach, it will be necessary to
examine the tree after the insects have formed their nests in
the spring. As the insects are always at home early in the
morning, the nests may be pulled off and crushed by the hand.
This is a disagreeable operation even to the sturdiest farmer,
but where the nests can be reached it is thoroughly effectual.
Where the nests are out of the reach of the farmer's hand,

64 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

they may be destroyed by a circular brush, of about an inch in
diameter, with a long handle, and this, if applied every few
days, will fully answer the purpose.

When the fruit of the tree is ripened, no other attention is
necessary than to gather it with due care. The apple bears
its fruit on spurs, which continue to bear several years in suc-
cession, and if these spurs are injured by careless or hasty
gathering, the fruit of following years is lost.

It will be perceived that I have left untouched many import-
ant points in relation to the culture of apple-trees. I have
said nothing, for instance, in regard to those varieties of apple^
which are best raised in our orchards. There are so many of
these varieties that the bare enumeration of them, without one
word of comment, would occupy several pages. I shall mere-
ly remark that the three kinds most generally raised in this
vicinity, are the Rhode Island Greening, the Baldwin, and the
Roxbury Russet, all natives of New England, and of well es-
tablished reputation. The finest of all apples, in general
estimation, the Newark Pippin, cannot be cultivated to any
advantage in our climate, and requires a more southern at-
mosphere, growing to great size and beauty in Virginia. I
pass over, also, entirely, the subject of grafting, and have said
scarcely anything on that of manuring. But, notwithstand-
ing these omissions, and many others doubtless of equal im-
portance, I have extended this report much beyond my
expectations. It was no part of my design to write a
complete treatise, but merely to offer a few hints on those
topics, which have suggested themselves most prominently to
my own mind. Respecting many of these there may be dif-
ferences of opinion. One fact, however, should be borne in
mind, that of two proposed ways of proceeding in agriculture,
both may be good, though not equally so. Happily for us,
agricultural operations are not like the delicate operations of
surgery, which there is only one safe way of performing, and
in which the slightest deviation may produce disastrous or
fatal consequences. When we say, for instance, that the
spring, on the whole, is the best period for setting out trees in
our climate, or that young orchards should be kept in tillage,
we are far from asserting that no orchards which may be other-
wise managed can grow or thrive. But though there may be

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 65

more than one safe way of proceeding, there is probably only
one best way, and what that is may well be a subject of fre-
quent and earnest, though, it is to be hoped, in all cases, of
fair and good-humored controversy. When we consider the
adaptation of the apple-tree to the climate of all the States
lying north of the Carolinas, the variety of soils and situations
in which it will flourish, and the many ways in which its fruit
may be used as an agreeable and nourishing article of food,
we may pronounce this tree to be of more importance to our
country than all other fruit trees united ; and the beauty of
a thrifty orchard in full bearing, striking as it is to the most
careless observer, must be deemed by far the least of its recom-
mendations.

January 12, 1853.

66 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

NEAT CATTLE.

BY SETH SPRAGUE.

The small reward the farmers of Massachusetts obtain for
their labor, and the lack of due return for the capital invested
in the business of farming, is a source of much discontent
among those employed in agriculture, and calls for all possible
improvement in every department.

Hitherto our attention has mainly been directed to improved
modes of culture, with little attention to the cattle best suited
to our condition. A few enterprising individuals have, for a
number of years, been importing pure blood cattle. The Mas-
sachusetts Agricultural Society, for many years, has employed
its funds to improve the cattle of our State, and with a liberal
hand has distributed gratuitously her importations of the best
bloods of Great Britain. Our farmers have not been success-
ful with them, and have been unwilling to give them a fair
trial. Little progress has been made in their general introduc-
tion. It is a common remark among farmers esteemed for
their experience and intelligence, that " there are as good cattle
among our natives as can be found anywhere." "Without dis-
puting the fact that we have some good native cattle, and
some superior cows, it must be acknowledged that we have a
great many poor cattle. Among the few well-built, fine-limbed,
thrifty, good-feeding cattle, we have thousands narrow-chested,
ill-formed, or deficient in some essential point, and such as
nature forbids giving us good returns for the food consumed.
It would be strange if it were otherwise. The course pursued
since the first settlement of the country, has been directly cal-
culated to deteriorate and run down the best cattle the world
ever produced. The breeding of cattle has been reduced to a
science in Great Britain. They produce cattle that do not
vary in color and form, with as much certainty as any effect
follows cause.

We have no distinct breed of cattle — none on whom we
can rely to produce offspring like sire or dam. The famous
cows that have happened among us have failed to leave any
progeny like themselves, or that sustained their reputation.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 67

Our native cattle have been bred promiscuously together for
more than two hundred years, without the least attention to
sire or dam. We have a motley race, of every form, color,
and size.

Without attention to the laws of breeding, we can never
have cattle that give proper return for our care and food. The
prevailing practice of selling our calves to the butchers at four
weeks old, and replenishing our stock from the droves from
Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, must tend to per-
petuate, to coming time, our degenerate race. There are few
cattle raised in the eastern part of the State, and such is the
indifference on the subject, that few, even of those who con-
template raising a calf, would be at the trouble of sending a
cow a few miles to the best blood bull, if they could get a calf
near by, from an ill-formed male, the meanest of his race.

Our cattle bear a much larger relation to the profits of the
farmer than we are generally aware of. The capital invested
for the feeding and accommodation of our cattle cannot be
estimated at less than three-fourths of the whole cost of our
farms. If we estimate the value of the labor bestowed in
producing a winter stock of food for them, and the time we
spend in feeding and caring for them in summer and winter, a
less portion than three-fourths w^ould not accomplish that part
of a farmer's work. We therefore see at a glance that much
may depend on the quality of our cattle in making up our
year's accounts. The greatest object of the farmer is to have
those cattle that best serve his interest in beef and milk.

The disposition to use horses, and the general practice of
devoting the oxen of last year to the shambles, and buying
from the droves in autumn, renders the working quality of
oxen of less consequence.

The average life of our neat cattle does not exceed five
years. A large part of those raised, especially steers, go to
the butcher at two and three years old, and those that escape
the knife seldom exceed seven. Our cows are turned off" to
fat, for various causes, at all ages. It seems evident that the
great object of the farmer should be to obtain cattle that
mature early, and lay on the most flesh for the food consumed.
The difference in the value of cattle that are as mature at two

68 MASS. BOAUD OP AGRICULTURE.

or three years old as others are at three or four, is so obvious
as not to require a moment's consideration.

The agriculturists in various parts of Great Britain, for
near a hundred years, have been endeavoring to improve their
neat stock. The Devons, the Durhams, and the Ayrshires, all
have their admirers, each having, in their own estimation,
arrived at the greatest perfection. Early maturity has been a
prime object with them ; increase of weight without material
increase of size — a long, round body — small head, heavy quar-
ters, and small oftal. The strict and unvaried practice so long
persevered in, of breeding only from the best specimens of the
same stock, and their more especial attention to the character
of their males, has produced a purity of blood that produce
offsprings of like form and general character. Even at the
present day, after nearly a hundred years' careful attention to
their rules, they still follow them with the same scrupulous
attention.

It is often asked — " Why not breed from our native cattle,
for those long bred on the soil are better than those brought
from a distance." That a superior breed of cattle may be
raised up from our native stock, we cannot doubt ; but no one
has yet been willing to try the experiment and wait twenty
years for proof of the result. It is not so easy a matter to
raise up a new^ and improved breed of cattle as many suppose.
The first cross may and often does produce a better animal,
but the progeny of such frequently fail. It requires a critical
knowledge of the laws of breeding, sound judgment and much
experience, to improve a mixed poor race of animals ; whilst
every farmer may be sure of good animals if bred from pure
blood, and by attention to a few simple rules his stock will
always be growing better.

Our situation is so unlike that of Great Britain, that in
many things it is impracticable for us to pursue the same sys-
tem they do. In that country land is dear and labor is cheap ;
the climate is cool and damp. With us land is cheap and
labor is dear; our summers are hot and dry, and the cold
extreme in winter. Their farms are large, with large herds of
cattle. Ours are small, with few cattle. They do everything
upon a large scale and with a view to the future. We work

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 69

on a small scale and look for immediate returns. They have
more system and a superior knowledge of the science of agri-
culture and the laws of breeding.

But it may be doubted whether any English farmer, how-
ever skilful, would succeed on the best farm in New England.
But principles are the same ; the laws of nature, whether ap-
plied to the cultivation of the earth or the raising of animals,
are the same everywhere.

It is for us to know how to apply them to our circumstances.
It is true that in determining the kind of cattle suited to a
farm, regard should be had to the soil, climate, and general
mode of feeding. That it is most profitable to the farmer to
have them rather under than over the produce of his land ;
that the cattle of the valleys and rich pastures are invariably
larger and better than those bred and kept on the hills with
short feed ; this holds good in all countries. Cattle of the
same blood will be smaller or larger, as they are bred on high,
thin, or deep, rich soil. The natural consequence of poor feed
and neglect of animals, is to deteriorate them. They lose their
disposition to take flesh and become flat-sided and of feeble
constitution.

We cannot expect that cattle brought from a cool, moist
climate like that of England, where they get a full supply of
green food seven or eight months, and a liberal supply of roots
in winter, should carry the same heavy coat of flesh, or in any
way sustain the same superiority in our hot, dry climate,
where they are less liberally fed. Our cultivation is improving.
"We feed our cattle better than our fathers did, and as we pro-
gress (as progress we shall) we shall have the means of sus-
taining a larger and more profitable class of animals than at
present.

We cannot, however, but think that either of the pure breeds
of Great Britain would be an improvement upon our present
degenerate race. If they consume more food, which many of
them do not, they will give a better return for the food con-
sumed. When animals are bred for the carcass merely, and
become fat at an early age, they not only return sooner the
price of their food, but in general a greater value for the food,
than slow feeding animals. The great desideratum is a race
of cattle that combine the best qualities for flesh and milk.
10

70 MASS. BOAED OF AGRICULTURE.

The Ayrshires have the reputation of being the best milkers
of any of the British cattle, and they have generally sustained
that character in this country when fairly proved. The great-
est objection to them is their short teats, which makes it diffi-
cult to draw their milk with ease and dispatch. They are
good feeders and take flesh well. The Durhams have all the
desired qualities for a profitable stock, except for milk. They
have been bred more with a view to the shambles ; some of
them, however, have proved extra good milkers, but the trial
of them in our vicinity has not been satisfactory.

It is thought by many that a disposition to fatten is incom-
patible with a disposition to secrete milk. The fact that good
milkers are generally thin of flesh, and that some cows fail in
their milk when highly fed on rich, dry, fattening food, is not
conclusive. This never takes place when fed on grass, how-
ever luxuriant.

We should naturally conclude that animals that convert the
greater part of their food into nourishment for the body, may
also be so bred as to secrete proportionately a greater quantity
of milk.

The North Devon cattle are perhaps the purest bloods
known, being an improved stock upon the native race, which
has never been crossed. They are esteemed for their fine pro-
portions and beautiful deep red color. They excel for the yoke,
but are not esteemed as milkers.

The Herefords mature early and fatten well. The oxen are
large and good for work, but the cows are poor milkers.

A race is being introduced from the Island of Jersey, in the
English Channel, by enterprising individuals, and also by the
Massachusetts Agricultural Society, which may accomplish an
object long sought for, but not yet found to general satisfaction
— a blood stock of good milkers.

The Jersey cows are famous for giving rich milk, which
yields more butter than that of any other cow. Seven quarts
of milk, it is said, has made a pound of butter. Some indi-
viduals in this country have made fourteen pounds of butter a
week, for many weeks in succession. A breed of cows that
will give the quantity of milk ascribed to them, would seem to
be of inestimable value. All who have attempted to give
their character, agree in the quality of their milk. They do

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 71

not all ascribe to them a large quantity. Foreign writers
represent them as of small size, bad form, narrow-chested, big-
bellied, and of feeble constitution. Their appearance does not
give them a better character in the eye of our most experienced
breeders. We cannot recommend them for general purposes
until their real merits have been better tested. They will,
however, be sought for by amateur and gentlemen farmers,
who are able to sacrifice economy for rich milk, thick cream,
and high flavored, golden hued butter.

The feeding and rearing of cattle is a subject requiring stu-
dious attention. We know little of the relative value of the
various kinds of food adapted to the animal economy. We
rely mainly on grass, and fatten few in the stall. We have in
our country few well-tried experiments on record. We form
vague conjectures, and consequently make many mistakes.

In our winter feeding we are apt to let our cattle lose flesh,
and rely on summer pasturage to restore them. By so doing
we suffer a greater loss than many are aware of. Animals in
good flesh in spring are better for any purpose. Young cattle,
that have been kept in a growing condition through the winter,
will not need a whole month's feed on grass to give them a
start, but they will grow on more vigorously. Our oxen will
do more work, and are more cheaply fitted for the shambles.
Our cows will bear their testimony by the manner in which they
fill the pail. All will tell the story in autumn, especially such
as go to the scales of the butcher.

It will be of little use for us to discuss the subject of raising
our own cattle. Whenever we are convinced that we can
make more money by good animals than by poor ones, we
shall take measures to possess them. The progress may be
slow, but it is sure. Whatever may be the conviction of the
public mind, the fact will remain, that well-bred animals are the
best and most profitable in all places, on rich land and poor
land.

The subject is copious, and I can treat it only in the most
summary manner. It requires an abler hand fully to illustrate
and do it justice.

SETH SPRAGUE.

DuxBURY, December, 1852.

72 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

CULTURE OF VEGETABLES AS FARM
PRODUCTS.

BY JOHN W. PROCTOR.

Grass, grain and vegetables, are the principal products of the
farms of Massachusetts. Subdivided as they are, into parcels,
generally not exceeding one hundred acres of cultivable
lands, our attention will be directed to the inquiry, how can
these lands be cultivated to best advantage ? How shall the
farmer keep his lands, that they may keep him ? Or what
mode of culture will insure the best income, leaving the
grounds in a condition not impaired by the crop?

My purpose is, to bring together such facts in relation to the
culture of vegetables, as have come within my own observa-
tion ; — chiefly in the county of Essex ; and not to attempt a
complete discussion of the subject.

Carrots, beets and turnips, are grown mainly for the feed of
stock ; — cabbages, onions and potatoes for the supply of the
market. Carrots have been cultivated of late, with much favor
and success. The short or horned carrot, and the deep rooted
yellow carrot, are the varieties mostly raised ; — depending
somewhat on the depth and condition of the soil. Where the
soil has been stirred to the depth of eighteen inches or more, it
is not uncommon for these plants to descend to this depth.
The average yield of carrots, on land well prepared and liber-
ally manured, may be estimated at 15 tons, or 600 bushels, to
the acre. We have known 20, 24, 32 and even 3G tons to the
acre. More than this we have not seen. Though, the present
season, we have seen a statement of an estimated crop of 1,800
bushels to the acre, in Berkshire. On inquiry as to the mode
of measurement adopted, it was not deemed satisfactory. It
savored too much of Yankee guesses.

As food for horses, milch cows, &c., carrots are valued at
about half the price of English hay ; — worth most, when used
in connection with other feed. We are not unmindful that
various opinions are entertained of the value of carrots ; our
purpose is to express such opinion as we have been able to
form, after much inquiry, of those most experienced in their use,

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 73

and best competent to judge. Prof. Mapes says, " The carrot
is the most valuable of vegetables for the feeding of horses and
milch cows." Mr. Quincy, in a paper on root culture, Agr.
Rep. vol. IV. p. 212, says : " Among vegetables, the carrot com-
bines more advantages than any other, considering the quantity
and quality of its produce, and the effect of its cultivation, in
deepening, cleaning and ameliorating the ground, and in mak-
ing the best preparation for subsequent crops."

Carrots require a strong soil, deep and thorough cultivation,
and liberal manuring. An abundant crop may not be ex-
pected, without much labor in the preparation of the land.
The soil must be deeply stirred, finely pulverized, and the ma-
nure must be thoroughly intermingled with the soil, and not
left here and there in bunches. The subsoiling process should
never be required of the plants. Deep stirring of the soil is
found a remedy against too much as well as too little moist-
ure. The principles involved in the subsoiling process need
only to be better understood to insure its being more practised,
especially where vegetables are to be grown. The late Mr.
Phinney, of Lexington, than whom we have had few more in-
telligent observers of culture, said, " no man should presume
to farm, without subsoiling."

When the ground is properly prepared, the seed of the carrot
is usually distributed, the last of May or early in June, in rows
from 14 to 18 inches apart. When fairly started — for at first
the plants are extremely tender — it is well to thin them, so as
to leave four or five inches space between. This will give an
opportunity to expand, and fill the rows, at the close of their
growth. Nothing is lost by this thinning process ; large car-
rots are better than small ones. After carrots have been twice
wed, their leaves spread, so that weeds have little opportunity
to vegetate. The carrot is exposed to less casualties than most
other vegetables. It is not often destroyed by insects. When it
gets fairly underway, its growth is as certain as any other crop.

Different opinions are entertained as to the expediency of
continuing to grow carrots, year after year, on the same
ground. An early impression, taken from my father, himself
an observing cultivator, was, that they would not do well more
than two years successively. I have known them do well for
three years, and have been informed by Col. Lincoln, of Wor-

74 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

cester, an intelligent observer, that he has known carrots
grow well seven years successively. Most other crops do well
after carrots, especially onions. It is a general practise, by
best cultivators, to prepare the land for onions, by one or two
crops of carrots. I say prepare for onions, because there is no
crop that yields so good a return, for the labor applied, as the
onion — the net proceeds to the acre often being more than one
hundred dollars.

Upon the carrot there sometimes appears a blight or rust,
turning the tops yellow before the roots are fully grown. The
cause thereof I do not understand.

The venerable Timothy Pickering, first president of the
Essex Society, says, in speaking of the culture of the carrot:
" Even these plants, so long after they vegetate extremely
small, were formerly sown broadcast. But this awkward
practise has generally given way to the row culture." "I
think," says he, "a preferable mode would be, to sow the seeds
in double rows, about ten inches apart, with intervals of about
three feet between the double rows." (See his Address to the
Essex Society, 1820, for much valuable instruction on Root
Culture.) It will be well to look back and see what Pickering,
Lowell and Quincy said, forty years ago, and endeavor to im-
prove upon their instructions. They brought clear heads, fair
minds and strong arms to the work.

Mr. Coleman, in his Second Report of the Agriculture of
Massachusetts, speaks highly of the culture of the carrot.
LTpon authorities cited, he estimates that an acre of carrots
will furnish food for working horses, equal to sixteen acres of
oats. If this be so, where land has any value in it, it would
seem to be labor misapplied and land wasted, to raise oats
for horses in preference to carrots. Certainly, as many tons of
carrots should be raised as of oats ; and most persons would
think, twice as many. I know that Mr. C. sometimes permit-
ted his credulity to run away with his judgment, but not so as
essentially to impair his authority.

In Bristol, R. L, I am informed, that carrots are grown on
the same ground with the onion, in alternate rows, the carrots
being sown after the first weeding of the onions ; and that fair
crops of both are thus raised. This may do where the land is
quite clear of weeds; but I think will not do on ordinary land.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 75

I have known fair fields of onions to be nearly destroyed by
starting the weeds between the rows, after they had been suf-
fered to remain, in the busy season of haying, ojie week too
long. Any disturbance of the delicate fibres of these plants
has a most injurious effect upon their growth. So, I think,
would be the crowding of carrots too near. It not unfrequcnlly
happens, that much is lost by grasping at too much.

In Loudon's Encyclopoedia of Agriculture the carrot is said
to be a native of Britain, growing in its wild state, in chalky
or sandy soils, and often in waste lands, and by the road sides.
Thus grown, the root is small, dry, woody, and of a light, pale
color ; but when cultivated on good soil, it becomes large, suc-
culent, of a rich yellow or straw color ; so unlike the original,
as scarcely to be recognized as of the same family.

TURNIPS.

The turnip, with many, is the " crop of crops," "the one
thing needful on the farm." Such, if I do not mistake, was
the doctrine taught by the eminent farmer of Marshfield, on
his return from the view of culture in England ; and he illus-
trated his faith by his works, as every one who ever viewed
his broad acres, in the autumn, will be able to bear testimony.

In the English books the turnip culture is spoken of as "the
sheet anchor" of light soil cultivation, and the basis of the
alternate system of English husbandry, to which every class
of the community is so much indebted." Mr. N. Biddle (in
an address to the Philadelphia Society, 1842) says: "Although
our frosts interfere with the English plan of feeding turnips
from the ground during winter, still there can be no question
that great advantages may be derived, by our farmers, from
the cultivation of the turnip, to be laid up as green and succu-
lent food for stock, to be used conjointly with hay and other
kinds of provender." Had Mr. Webster's opinion of the value
of the turnip crop been drawn from facts observed in his own
fields, or in his own stable, I should value it more highly than
when founded on English husbandry. A slight variance in
the component elements of the soil, or subsoil, or in the atmos-
phere that hovers over them, may essentially vary the result.
Turnips can be grown at much less expense than either of the
other crops — only about one-third — ^if the estimate of Mr.

76 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Brewer, the member of this Board from Hampden, is well
founded. It therefore becomes material to ascertain their
comparative value as feed for stock. That they can be advan-
tageously used, in connection with hay and other feed, there
is no doubt. The Swedish turnip, ruta-baga, as it is called, is
the variety that finds most favor. The common round turnip
is often grown, yielding six or seven hundred bushels to the
acre, planted as late as July, after a crop of grass has been
taken from the land. No easier provision can be made to
meet the wants arising from a short crop of hay. Unless, as
in the present season, the mildness of the first half of winter
shall atone for the deficiency of the crop of the preceding
summer.

BEETS.

The beet, in its several varieties, is much praised, and often
recommended as worthy of cultivation. I have known in
Newbury fine crops of 1,500 bushels, or thirty tons to the acre.
Notwithstanding the abundance of the crop and the admitted
nutritive and palatable qualities of the plant, I have rarely
known its cultivation continued for many years. Those who
have grown beets a few years narrow the limits of their culti-
vation. Accurate experiments, continued for a series of weeks,
have demonstrated that cattle fed on beets gain twice as much
as when fed on the same quantity of turnips, and more than
when fed on carrots. Hence, the inference would be in favor
of the beet. But there may be some other consideration to
counterbalance this inference. The beet is a great exhauster
of the soil, and does not grow well several years sucessively
on the same soil. It is a poor preparative for any other crop.
I have often heard, as a reason assigned for an indifferent crop,
that beets were grown on the land the year preceding. No
grower of onions, for instance, would presume to plant after
beets, until some regenerating process had been applied,
such as a green crop of oats turned in, in the autumn, or a
crop of corn or potatoes, with a liberal dressing of manure.
Perhaps this exhausting of the nutritive elements of the soil
explains in part why beets are so rarely cultivated to any con-
siderable extent as food for stock.

Some have thought that a valuable supply of green food for

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 77

milch cows can be obtained from the superabundant leaves of
the beet, at a season of the year when the often prevailing
droughts render such a supply most desirable. Such I remem-
ber to have been the opinion of Mr. Pickering, whose judg-
ment it is hardly safe to question, when based on his own
observations. That such a supply can be gathered, when the
growth of the plants is luxuriant, there can be no question ;
but that the leaves can be plucked, without detriment to the
vegetable, is by no means certain. Nature seldom makes a
mistake in her design, or arrays a plant with more leaves than
are necessary to perfect its growth. Instance, in the opinion
of many, the cutting off the stalks of Indian corn, materially
impairs the substance of the crop. Better let it all remain,
say they, until the harvest.

In regard to the growing of all vegetables, those cultivators
succeed best, who give most attention to the pulverization of
the soil, and the subdivision of the manures, and the careful
intermingling of the manure with the soil. I have often wit-
nessed the cultivation, by the gardeners of Marblehead, of
Beverly, and of Danvers, who grow crops equal to any others,
and think their superior crops are mainly to be attributed to
the operations above specified. " Seeds of all kinds should be
sown as soon as possible after the ground is prepared to re-
ceive them, and before the moisture of the fresh-stirred earth
is dissipated by the sun and winds ; otherwise, many will
never vegetate, or not until after a fall of rain ; and the conse-
quence will be, loss of time and an uneven crop." (See Ad-
dress of Mr. Pickering, before referred to.)

CABBAGES.

There is no vegetable from which so bountiful a return may
be expected as the cabbage. I have so often told the story of
18,000 head raised by Mr. Mason, of Beverly, on two and a
half acres, and seen such an expression of incredulity awakened
thereby, that I hesitated about mentioning it again, until I
heard Prof. Mapes state that he had raised on his own farm
the last season, 73,000 head of cabbages on six acres, being
more than 12,000 to the acre. The only difference betweea
Mason's and Mapes' cabbages, as the story was told, was, one
sold them for 6^ cents, and the other for 3| cents, a head. I
11

78 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

admit that I was astonished by the number raised by the Pro-
fessor. I remember to have heard the late E. PI. Derby say
there was no crop that could be so advantageously grown for
the feeding of stock, as cabbage. This he said after many
years' experience on his extensive farm in Salem. The best
approved method, as far as I know, of raising cabbages, is that
practised by Mr. Mason. He turns over the sward, to the
depth of eight or nine inches ; applies a liberal coating of well
fined compost, made in his barnyard, from material collected
on the beach, intermingled with the other materials there
gathered ; harrows the land until the manure is completely im-
bedded in the soil ; furrows at such a distance as will admit a
cultivator to pass between the rows ; plants the seed in hills
about one foot apart; when the plants are fairly started, thins
them out, leaving only the most vigorous one in the hill; and
subsequently keeps the ground well stirred and free of weeds ;
always resisting the first beginnings of the worms. In this
way he secures a crop with heads as unifoi;m as so many peas.
Such culture I have repeatedly witnessed, and know there is
no fiction about it. The fertilizing properties disengaged by
the decomposition of the verdure, overlaid by the inverted fur-
rows, keeps the plants in healthy condition through the
droughts of August and September, and the rich coating of
manure applied gives vigor and health to the whole plant. I
have never seen a handsomer growth of vegetables than
Mason's fields of cabbage.

ONIONS.

No story of Essex vegetable culture will be complete that
does not embrace the onion. This was so fully treated in an.
essay on this subject in 1845, (see Essex Transactions,) then
extensively circulated, that I can do little more than reaffirm
what was then said. Scarcely anything new in relation to
this culture has come to my knowledge, excepting new and
multiplied devastations of insects. Every year brings these to
view, and through their agency the fond hopes of the laborer
arc often disappointed. Still, as a whole, there is no crop that
pays so well as the onion ; often yielding a clear profit of
more than one hundred dollars to the acre, after deducting all
incidentals. The present year our grounds have yielded four,

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 79

five, sLx, seven, and even eight hundred bushels to the acre.
The best crop that came to my knowledge, grew on the farm of
Dr. Andrew Nichols, in Middleton, on a light soil, with mod-
erate manuring, yielding 355 bushels upon 70 rods.

I ought not to omit, that Mr. Ephraim Brown, of Marblehead,
stated to me that he raised, the present season, six hundred
bushels on half an acre. I know Mr. B.'s land to be first rate,
and that he spreads his manure with a liberal hand. Such a
crop pays well for doing this, at 40 cents the bushel, the price
for which they were sold in Boston market.

POTATOES.

When I commenced this essay, my purpose was to speak of
the culture of the potato, and the casualties to which it is ex-
posed, it being the vegetable on which the human family are
more dependant for sustenance than all others ; the sudden
annihilation of which would unavoidably create distress ir-
remediable. But the mystery that overhangs the subject ; the
numerous abortive explanations that have been attempted, and
the impossibility of condensing anything of value within the
compass of an essay, have deterred me from the undertaking.
Judging from the experience of the last year, there is a prob-
ability that the potato may get well of itself, without the aid
of the doctor ; and that the Commonwealth will be relieved of
anxiety, and of the payment of the bounty offered.*

* I have recently met " Remarks on the Potato Plant," presented to the Kilkenny
Literary Scientific Institution, Ireland, which contains better sense on the subject than
I have before seen. The wi-iter discards entirely the insect and the atmospheric causes
of decay or disease, and finds a reason therefor in the natural history of the plant ; in
the fact, that it has its limited period of vivification, fructification, and decay; — which
he estimates about thirty-four years — divided into periods of five, nineteen, and ten,
from the seed of the potato ball. He relies entirely upon the cultivation from the seed,
and not from the tuber, to maintain the recuperative energies of the plant. I have
before heard the same idea advanced by Gen. Caleb Gushing, whose penetrating mind
looks into subjects as far as any other man, and am inclined to believe the keystone
of the mystery will be found on this track. Nothing short of a series of observations
for twenty years or more, can fully test this theory ; but any man who will do this,
in this period, will raise a monument of fame more durable than brass, and have the
consolation that he will ever be remembered as the benefactor of the human race.

80 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

SUBSOIL PLOUGHING AND THOROUGH
DRAINING.

BY B. V. FRENCH.

A complete adaptation of the soil to terra-culture is the first
consideration which should occupy the cultivator. The depths
to which many of the roots of cereal grains, grasses, tapped
rooted vegetables, vines, shrubs, and trees descend, is much
greater than is generally imagined ; no fixed point has been
agreed upon with regard to their descent.

To form some estimation of the great depth to which roots
of vegetables descend, the required plants should be planted on
a line, in a soil prepared for the purpose, and when fully grown
a trench should be opened on the side of the line of vegetables,
to the depth of four or five feet, and by applying a stream of
water from a garden engine on the side of the trench, the roots
may be laid bare, and with a microscope, the small roots (which
would not be visible to the naked eye) can be readily seen.

The writer, to secure a glacis, composed of fine black loam
and sand, planted the Lucerne clover. This was done in
June. In October, a root was pulled up which measured thirty
inches in length, and much of it, no doubt, was left in the
ground, the soil being adapted to the growth of its deep tap
roots. For twenty years that clover has flourished, and has
been mowed for soiling cattle three and four times a year. This
clover was planted in 1824, and some of it is still alive. In a
garden composed of an alluvial soil, parsnips were taken up
four feet in length. In alluvial or drift soils, on the sea-coast,
composed principally of sharp sand, but well fertilized, the
finest vegetables have been grown ; and pears, on quince
bottoms, have produced some of our largest and finest speci-
mens of fruit. In a garden, trenched to the depth of five feet,
the Dearborn pear has been grown so large as not to be recog-
nized but by its peculiar mark.

But deep ploughing, or trenching, is not all that is required.
It has been found that the deeper the ground is trenched, the
more surface or spring water it will hold ; this was partly

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 81

remedied by Elkington and Anderson^s practice, of finding the
spring and tapping it by a drain ; but there was still a
thoroughness wanted. The gardener, before he strikes a cut-
ting, lays a drain in the bottom of the pot, and when he con-
structs a grape border, he may be found laying his drains, on
which are placed faggots and turf, and on these a prepared
soil for the fine, tender roots of the grape. But the farmer may
inquire. Will this pay? Let him try a small space, and judge
for himself. He may inquire, How can this work best be ac-
complished ? We must answer to this inquiry, that we know
of no better way than the one so generally practised in Eng-
land and Scotland, and now coming fast into practice in this
country, known as Deonotonizing. This is done, first, by laying
drains with tile, which can be procured from Mr. A. S. Babcock,
Albany ; an article cheaper than stone, even if near at hand.
These drains should be laid from two and a half to four feet
deep, and about twenty feet distance one from another, follow-
ing his directions in the laying; after this work is done, plough
crosswise of these drains, leaving an open furrow ten or twelve
inches deep. In the open furrow let your subsoil plough follow
to the depth of at least twenty inches from the surface of the
ground. When the sod has decayed, cross-plough the subsoil-
ing, so as to bring up about two inches of the subsoil, and at
every cross-ploughing continue to deepen the soil until the
subsoil has been brought to the light and air from its greatest
depth. This soil, which was once but eight inches, is now
twenty inches deep, freely and fully disintegrated, and fit for
vegetables, grasses, or orcharding.

But where high garden tillage is required, a trench four feet
wide and three to five feet deep should be opened; if a springy
and cold soil, inclined to clay, one inch of sand may be put on
the bottom, and draining tile, three inches in diameter, placed
so as to conduct the water off from the soil ; if a stiff one, it
should be mixed with sand, as the trench is filled, by digging
another. When the work is done, the earth thrown out of the
first trench should be put in the last open trench, and if the
work has been well done the garden will be well drained, and
the soil so divided and mixed, that anything to be desired in
open culture, with a suitable dressing of fertilizing matter laid
near the surface, will be sure to flourish.

82 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

However well the soil may be tilled with the old practice, it
can be much better done, and with certainty of a better in-
demnity for all reasonable outlays, by thorough draining and
disintegration of the soil, either by the plough or spade, and
the deeper the trenching, to the depth of five feet, and the
more thorough the draining, the more gratifying and compen-
sating will be the result to the tiller.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 83

COWS FOR DAIRY PURPOSES — HOW TO BE
SELECTED, AND THE MOST ADVANTAGEOUS
USE TO BE MADE OF THEIR MILK.

BY WILLIAM PARKHURST.

Every department of agriculture is yet in its infancy, dairy-
ing among others. Manufactures, the arts, and commerce,
have each received the fostering care of the government, and
are arrayed in gorgeous apparel, while agriculture, the first-
born of the family, has not only been deprived of the rights of
primogeniture, but is actually clothed in tatters ; we rejoice
that the government, as well as the people, are waking up to
a sense of their duty, and extending to this poor, forlorn child,
the paternal hand, and clothing it in a better costume.

Notwithstanding dairying has been carried on to a great
extent for centuries, still, it must be acknowledged by all, that
it is in a very imperfect state. In order to advance this great
enterprise, and bring it nearer to perfection, let each dairyman
record and publish to the world his experience and observation.

The above question may be divided into two parts ; 1st,
How to select dairy cows? 2d, How to dispose of their milk?
The most important step is the selection of the cows ; here
farmers differ, each having his favorite breed, and supporting
his opinions with at least a becoming zeal. Some are warm
advocates for the Alderney breed, others the Ayrshire, the
Durham, the Herefordshire, the Devon, the Sussex, &c., each
being considered best for the dairy ; a mixture of the different
bloods is supposed to improve their dairy properties. Still, I
find many of our finest cows are of the pure native breed ; but
a cross with some foreign blood, generally, not only improves
for the dairy, but for raising stock. How shall the farmer,
who is entering this important branch of husbandry, choose
his cows ? by what traits ? by what marks shall he select those
cows that bid the fairest to make the finest milkers ? This can
never be done for a certainty. There are certain marks that,
generally, hold good ; not that each cow will have all the
striking traits, but a good cow will have some of the most

84 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

prominent ones. I know of no better way to discharge my
duty on this point, than by transcribing the opinions of those
who have devoted much time to this business.

Mr. Aiton, a Scotchman, whose remarks on cows were pub-
lished in 1812, and are regarded by English writers as reliable
authority, gives below the description of an Ayrshire cow: —

" The shapes most approved are as follows : — Head small,
but rather long and narrow at the muzzle ; the eyes small, but
quick and lively; the horns small, clean, bended, and their
roots at considerable distance from each other; neck long and
slender, tapering towards the head, with little loose skin hang-
ing below ; shoulders thin, fore quarters light and thin, hind
quarters large and capacious ; back straight, broad behind,
joints of the chine rather loose and open.; carcase deep, and
the pelvis capacious, and wide over the hips ; with fleshy but-
tocks ; tail long and small ; legs small and short, with firm
joints ; udder capacious, broad and square, stretching forward,
and neither fleshy, low hung, nor loose ; the milk veins large and
prominent ; teats short, and pointing outwards, and a consider-
able distance from each other; skin thin and loose; hair soft and
woolly; the head, bones and horns, and all parts of least value,
small, and general figure compact and well proportioned."

John Brooks, of Princeton, who has given great attention
to the raising of stock, and, particularly to those striking traits
that constitute a good cow for the dairy, says, in the American
Veterinarian : —

" Head and face rather long ; muzzle small ; eyes prominent,
bright and mild ; forehead, between the horns, narrow ; wide
between the eyes ; horns rather long, small, oval shaped, and
wax colored, smaller near the head than three or four inches
from it ; neck slim and flat, not approaching to round ; on
leaving the shoulders the neck should fall a little below the
line of the back ; straight on the back ; wide in the loins ; the
outlines of the loin should be nearly parallel; thigh should be
thin; hind legs straight and small, standing wide apart; in
walking the cow should carry her hind legs straight forward,
not sling them out, describing the segment of a circle ; the
fore leg above the knee should be rather large ; below the
knee, small, approaching to round ; foot rather large than
small, but round, and of a dark wax color ; breast wide ; brisk-

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 85

et projecting well forward ; milk veins large ; deep in the flank ;
large hind quarters, and small fore quarters ; bag, when empty,
small and skinny, not fleshy, running well forward into the
belly ; teats middling size, neither large nor small, but rather
long and elastic ; color of teats, reddish brown, never white ;
hair upon the bag, soft and silky, growing or pointing on the
hind parts upwards ; except she be a very good cow, she may
have an oval spot of hair growing downward, a little above
each hind teat ; if not quite so good, one spot above the left
hind teat ; if a little poorer, one spot above the right hind teat ;
hair thick, short and glossy ; color red, dun, or brindle, with a
golden colored ring around the eyes and muzzle."

The treatise on milch cows, by Guerson, a Frenchman, is
worthy the study of every dairyman, — that peculiar turning
up of the hair upon the udder, and embracing the vulva, called
the escutcheon. Its divisions and subdivisions, it appears to
me, are too minute to be of much practical use ; but so far as
I have examined cows, and conversed with others of great
experience, I find that this mark, when distinct, holds good. I
have never seen a cow, having this peculiar trait large and dis-
tinct, that was not a good milker. There may be exceptions ;
cows without this peculiarity may be good milkers, having the
other marks ; but, as a general thing, they will be either defi-
cient in the quantity or the quality of their milk, or the time
they continue to give it between their calves. A cow that
gives a large quantity of milk for a few weeks after calving,
and then goes dry four or five months, is a very unprofitable
cow, and ought to be removed from the dairy and fattened for
the shambles, and her place filled by a better one. Much de-
pends upon the time a cow goes dry between her calves. The
best cows on record have given milk almost without interrup-
tion. Cows that are great milkers are usually thin of flesh,
they had better go dry six or eight weeks ; the calf will be
better, and the cow will be in a better condition to pass through
the parturient state. The cow holding out to give her milk
depends upon circumstances, — upon the pasture, the kind of
food, the age, and, above all, upon the management of the
heifer with her first calf. If she is well fed, well cared for,
well milked, she will go dry but a short time between her
12

86 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

calves ; but if she is suffered to dry early with her first calf,
she cannot, usually, be made to hold out afterwards.

In selecting cows for the dairy, let the farmer take them from
his own heifer calves ; he knows his choicest cows, and the
sire of his calves. Select those that have the most prominent
traits that have been mentioned for good cows, for no one will
have them all, and put them to good keeping; that food that
will cause the fleshy parts to expand, and the secerning system
to fill the cellular tissue with a normal degree of fat, will
cause the lactescent vessels to enlarge, and be prepared to per-
form their functions, when the heifers come into the dairy,
which ought to take place when they are two or two and a
half years old.

A cow is considered to be in her prime from four to six
years old, and will continue good till she is ten or twelve —
many holding out much longer, if they have been well man-
aged. It is with the brute, as with man ; some fail early,
while others continue to perform the functions of life to a
much greater age ; both depending, in a great measure, upon
the manner they are treated. There cannot be too much said
upon the management of heifer calves that are designed for
the dairy. " It is of the greatest importance," says Professor
Johnson, "for dairy cows to be fed, from their earliest days, on
food that has a tendency to produce the milky secretion, and
to be kept on that description of food when they are not in
milk." By continued poor keeping, you can change a gentle,
kind, docile, fine, silky-haired cow, to a coarse, long-haired,
rough-skinned creature, better fitted for the race ground than
the dairy. Cows that come out from a long winter, spring-
poor, as the saying is, without flesh and a little strength, with
their milk veins almost converted into ligaments, will be of
little profit to the owner that year. The dairyman that under-
takes to keep twice as many cows as he has fodder, makes a
grand mistake ; half well fed will give more profit than double
the number half fed. Animals, by domestication and kind
treatment, can be changed almost entirely, in their physical
forms, as well as in their dispositions. The little shrub can,
by continued cultivation, be made the thrifty and beautiful
tree. Mr. Alton says, "the urus of Lithuania is nearly as large

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 87

as the elephant ; while the cows in some of the Highland dis-
tricts in Scotland are not much larger than the goat. The
bison has a mane like the lion, a beard like a goat, and a
hump like the camel. But all these," he says, "are laid aside
when the animal is domesticated." Seek for those cows that
will make the most butter and cheese during the year; not
those that give the greatest quantity of milk, without any re-
gard to quality. A cow that will give a pailful of milk and
have it all serum, is worth nothing for the dairy ; the milk
will do to sell, if the man has a conscience to sell it. In order
to ascertain the true worth of a dairy, each cow ought to be
milked by herself, and the milk used by itself, so as to ascer-
tain the quantity of butter and cheese she would make in a
given time. By so doing the value of each cow for the dairy
might be determined. Farmers, by this process, who keep
large dairies, would discover that some of their cows would
yield double the profit of others. This would enable them to
remove the poor cow from the dairy, and fill her place with a
better one. The keeping of the two, other things being equal,
will be the same. This must make a serious loss to the owner.
It is not yet settled what breed of cattle are decidedly the best
for the dairy. This is yet to be determined by farther trials.
I will mention a few among the many of the celebrated cows
for the dairy. The English cow called the Cromp cow, is, per-
haps, the most celebrated for butter on record. The butter
made from her milk, for several successive years, amounted to
from 450 to 675 lbs. annually. She was of the Sussex breed.
The greatest quantity of milk she ever gave in one day was
twenty quarts. The most butter made from her miliv in one
week was 18 lbs. Other cows have made more butter in a
week, and given more milk in a day. The advantage she had
over other great milkers was, she scarcely went dry at all be-
tween her calves. The celebrated Oaks cow of Massachusetts
made, in four years, 1,284 lbs. of butter, averaging 321 lbs.
annually. The greatest quantity of milk she gave in a day
was 18 quarts ; the greatest quantity of butter made from her
milk in one week was 19|^ lbs. The noted cow of Mr. Le
Roy, Genesee Co., N. Y., calved in May, and on the 27th of
June he took from her, at three milkings, morning, noon, and
night, 31-|- quarts of good, rich milk ; which was not more, he

88 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

says, than an average for the whole month. But few cows
have exceeded this quantity. There is, however, a great defect
in this report, as the number of pounds of butter or cheese
that was made from her milk in a given time, is not mentioned.
As no particular breed can be depended upon, choose those for
the dairy that combine the best qualities ; those whose general
aspect bids the fairest to make the finest milkers. Always
select a cow that has the most of a feminine appearance ;
never choose one that has the marks of the ox — a large head,
short, thick neck, and large fore quarters. Occasionally, one
of this description is very fine for milk ; but this is the excep-
tion, not the rule.

There is no department of agriculture that the farmer de-
rives, at the present time, so great a profit from, as dairying.
Many towns in the westerly part of the county of Worcester
are giving their attention to raising stock, by bringing into
this part of the county, bulls of full blood, most of the Durham
breed; and many of the dairy cows are a cross of the native
with this or some other foreign blood. There are many very
fine dairies in New Braintree, Barre, Hardwick, and consider-
able butter and cheese is made in Petersham, and other towns
in this vicinity. No large dairies like Col. Meacham's and
others in the State of New York ; but few farmers keep more
than 30 or 40 cows, most of them not so many. The amount
of butter and cheese made in the above towns I have not the
means of knowing, but it is large, and of a superior quality.
New Braintree has, for many years, been known in the
market for her superior cheese, but, like the Minisenk butter,
immense quantities have been palmed upon the world, that
had no other of its traits than the New Braintree mark. We
can judge something of the value of dairying, in this region,
from the circumstance that many farmers, who can keep but a
few cattle, stock their farms almost wholly with dairy cows,
not even keeping a pair of oxen, but doing their farm-work,
principally, with a horse. This part of the county, like many
other parts, possesses good land for dairy purposes, producing,
many years, much white clover and other grasses celebrated for
increasing the lactean secretion. We find no particular ac-
count in the census returns from the difterent States that will
enable us to give the number of milch cows in the Union. In

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 89

most parts of our country, dairying can be made profitable.
Much of the land in the South, particularly the larger planta-
tions in Virginia, that have been worn out by constant crop-
ping, can be reclaimed by good husbandry, and made eligible
for dairying, where now they only supply the inhabitants with
milk and butter. I believe there is but little cheese made at
the South. There is no land better fitted for dairying than the
great western prairies.

This country is destined to become a great agricultural
country ; in no one thing will it exceed the dairy enterprise.
There is no kind of husbandry that will yield to the farmer so
much profit, and to the country so much wealth, as dairying.
Cotton growing, the great staple of the South, is and must be
confined to that region, while the great dairying business may
be extended almost over the entire Union. In 1845, and I
have not at my command any later date, the milk product of
the State of New York alone, amounted to the enormous
sum of forty millions of dollars, at the low estimate of two
cents per quart for the milk sold, ten cents per pound for
butter, and five cents for cheese ; nothing is said of the
milk used for the calves. The writer of the above says, that
Pennsylvania and Ohio must have made, at a low estimate,
their dairies worth, in that year, sixty millions of dollars,
making the entire amount of the milk of the three States one
hundred millions, almost double the entire cotton crop of the
country. This was in 1845 ; for the last seven years there must
have been a large increase in the number of cows, consequent-
ly, a proportionate increase in their productiveness. Notwith-
standing the greatest care in the selection of cows, the finest
pasturage in summer, the best care in winter, with a neat,
warm, well ventilated cow-house, without good milkers, and a
dairymaid that is an adept at her business, much will be lost.
Regularity in milking is of the utmost importance. Where
there are large dairies, I believe this labor is performed at
5, P. M., and 5, A. M. The dairyman does not intend that
anything shall divert him from this regular business. Even in
the hay season, when the rising thunder storm portends de-
struction to his day's work, the cows must be milked, come
what will. Much depends upon the milker ; it ought to be
the duty of every one that performs this labor to do it without

90 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

conversing with other persons. Cows should be milked quick
and clean. When once gone through with, they should be
again stripped, as the richest milk comes at the last of the
milking.

We come to the second part of the question : " The most
adv^ntasreous use to be made of the milk."

Milk is divided into three parts : the oily or butteraceous,
the buttermilk, and whey.

This last is by far the poorest part of the milk. It will be
perceived, at a glance, that the disposition of the milk depends
upon circumstances. In the first place, upon the location of the
dairy. If it is near a market, where the milk can be disposed
of at a reasonable price, it would be better to sell it than to make
it either into butter or cheese, unless there should be, from
some contingency, a disproportioned value between the two
last articles and the milk, which is not likely to be of perma-
nent duration. Farmers differ as to the quantity of milk it
takes to make a pound of butter. This depends upon the
quality of the milk. It usually takes from 22 to 28 pounds of
milk to make a pound of butter. We will say 25 pounds, or
about three gallons. If the milk will bring two cents a quart,
the farmer had better sell his milk than make it into butter,
though butter may be worth twenty cents a pound. There is
a great difference in the richness of milk. It is said that five
quarts from the famous Oaks cow would make a pound of
butter. The quality of the milk must depend upon the breed
of the cow, and the manner of feeding. It matters but
little what the breed is, if the cow is a starveling. A cow
kept upon coarse fodder, miserably poor, will return to the
owner milk as much deteriorated in quality as in quantity ;
dairies cannot be kept poor, and be profitable. In making
milk into cheese, this will again depend upon the relative value
of the articles. If seven quarts of milk, or nearly that, will
make a pound of cheese, would it not be better to sell the milk
for 1| cents a quart, than to make it into cheese, though the
cheese would bring nine cents a pound.

The serous portions, or whey, after the caseous part is re-
moved, is not very valuable, but worth something for store
pigs, but not so valuable as buttermilk, when the cream is
churned in the usual way. There is, I find, a great difference

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 91

among dairymen with regard to making butter or cheese,
which is the most profitable. Mr. French, of New York, says,
it costs him twice as much to make butter as cheese. I be-
lieve it is a practice in this part of the country to make butter
in the spring, till the cows have mostly come in, then to make
cheese as long as they hold out in the autumn ; as their milk
diminishes, make butter again, till they are dry. The milk in
many of our largest dairies, is entirely made into cheese after
they commence making, even buying their butter for family
use. Some, not many, churn all their cream in the usual way,
not making any cheese, and using the refuse milk and butter-
milk for fattening pork. This is the course pursued by many
of the Irish in this vicinity, as they are unacquainted with
cheese making. I think it is not generally made in Ireland.
They make their dairies profitable in this way. The most
profitable disposition of the milk, next to selling it, is, unques-
tionably, churning it, instead of the cream, in the usual way,
where there is a near and ready market for the butter. The
finest, the best flavored, and by far the most palatable butter,
it is said, is made in this way. Where the dairies are large,
this labor is performed by horse or steam power ; where they
are smaller, by dog or sheep power.

The milk, after it has been deprived of its buttery principle
by the churning process, may be made into cheese. I do not
know that this is done, but it seems to me it might be, and
make a cheese, to be sure, inferior to a four meal, but superior
to a common skim cheese. If not disposed of in this manner,
it is valuable for fattening pork, or raising calves. I have seen
very fine calves raised by keeping them on skim milk, with a
little Indian or oat meal made into porridge. It is said that a
small quantity of molasses added to this gruel is a great im-
provement, as it is a substitute for the oily part of the milk.

I will quote a few remarks upon dairying, from the report of
Harvy Dodge, of Sutton, to the agricultural department of the
Patent Office, in 1850, upon farming in the county of Worces-
ter. He says : " Milk is worth, in the south part of the county,
at the farmer's, for the Boston and Providence markets, two
cents a quart, eight months in the year ; and three cents the
four remaining months. For butter : eight quarts of milk for
a pound of butter; average price of butter, twenty cents a

92 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

pound. When butter is manufactured, the waste milk, for
swine or other purposes, covers all the cost of labor in its
manufacture. It is believed, that to manufacture our milk
into butter, instead of sending it to the market at the above
prices, would prove more profitable to the farmers of the
county ; first, because the waste milk goes far towards grow-
ing and fattening swine, and in all cases where suitable help
can be obtained at fair prices, or more particularly, where the
farmer's wife or daughters can personally attend to its manu-
facture, it is believed that the waste milk very much more than
pays for all labor. Besides, the economy of feeding swine
with this milk, causes the farmer to feed double the number of
swine that his neighbor does, who sends his milk to market.
Hence the difference in the manure heap. Good cows should
be the first object for the dairy."

Farmers will do well to read the report, as it is a valuable
paper.

Let the dairy departments, and all their utensils, be kept in
the most perfect neatness; let the atmosphere of those rooms
be perfectly pure, not an odor arising to offend the most deli-
cate olfactories ; then shall the cheese room, replenished with
its golden treasures, not only delight and charm the eye of the
spectator, but fill the purse of the owner with the more solid
charms.

Pertersham, 1853.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 93

INDIAN CORN— THE VALUE OF THE CROP, AND
THE BEST MODE OF CULTIVATING IT.

BY J. R. LAWTON.

No grain raised by the farmer, especially in the New Eng-
land States, gives so large a return for labor bestowed, as corn.

This grain has properties for fattening cattle, swine, and
sheep, as well as fowls, which no other grain possesses. It is
fitted, when properly used, to supply the principal wants of
the domestic animals.

There is no grain possessing so large a per centage of oil,
which is readily converted into animal oil, or fat. This is only
done by a slight change of composition. This fact is clearly
illustrated by the distillers of the different kinds of grain. The
oil of corn, or any grain, cannot be converted into whiskey; it
rises during fermentation, and separates. Some distinguished
men have found by experiment that from one hundred bushels
of flint or northern corn, fourteen to sixteen gallons of oil were
actually taken. No other grain has ever produced a like per
centage of oil.

It is an admitted fact, by all who have had experience in
the fattening of cattle and swine on still slop, that they fatten
much faster while fed on the slop made of corn, than they do
on that made from any other grain. And if for cattle and
swine, I think it may apply to all animals intended for
slaughter.

Corn possesses a superior quality over other grain, from the
fact of its being, with natural ease, converted into bone, and
the important ligaments which support the physical structure
of the animal. While being properly fed on this grain, the oil
changes easily into fat, or animal oil, and the flinty portions of
the grain are forming bone and muscle, so that each of the two
important wants of the animal is with the greatest exactness
supplied ; perfectly answering the purpose for which it was de-
signed.

13

94 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

The value of this grain, by actual experiment in feeding,
clearly shows the worth of the crop to the farmer. I have for
many years fed from twelve to fifteen hundred bushels a year,
and some years more, preferring it to any other grain at the
market price. The flavor of the meat, when fed on corn, is
better, and the flesh has more solidity, notwithstanding the
large amount of oil it possesses.

Probably, there is no plant which possesses so much nutri-
ment as the leaf of corn. I would not be understood as saying
that the main stalk possesses much nutriment, other than,
when suitably prepared for the animal by being cut or mashed,
it serves as a retainer of the more nutritious food.

I have sometimes fed a lot of sheep on corn stalks, giving
them nothing else for several weeks in the commencement of
winter, and then changed them to good hay, but could never
have them do as well, and sometimes have been under the
necessity of giving grain for some time after the change.

Cultivators are apt to think their own way the best ; and
true it may be, to some extent, for different soils require differ-
ent treatment ; and the man w^ho knows nothing of any soil
except the one he tills, is unable to judge of other soils, or how
they should be managed. Yet there is a law fixed by Him
who made the soil, and that should be well understood by the
husbandman to render him successful.

The use of manures in growing corn is quite important, and
much depends upon the manner of application. For instance,
should there be warm, coarse, active manures, put on dry sandy
land, the plant would soon dry up, (unless the season should
be very wet,) and the manure would spend itself without
benefiting either land or plant. Whereas, if the same manures
were applied to cold, retentive lands, both crop and soil would
be benefited, in proportion to the quantity used and manner
applied.

This grain has many peculiar qualities, and requires all
those properties in the soil, which the grain possesses.

The time to ploagh for this crop depends much upon the
kind of soil. If the land has a strong mixture of clay, with a
heavy sod, I think it should be ploughed early in the fall — say
the last of September or first of October — preceding the spring

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 95

of planting ; thus giving the sod sufficient time to decompose,
and the hard clayey portions of the soil to become pulverized
by the action of the atmosphere and frost. This not only fits
it for the necessary wants of the plant, but renders it much
easier cultivated than it could possibly be by spring ploughing.

These lands should be ploughed deep, from seven to eight
inches, (if not subsoiled,) with a good coat of manure turned
under, for this, with the decomposed sod, furnishes a large
supply of nutritious matter through the season of growth. At
the same time there should be a dressing of pulverized manure,
say fifteen or twenty loads to the acre, and ploughed in before
planting, but not so deep as to disturb the old sod, for that
should be left as a resource for the corn roots through the latter
part of the season.

The land for all hoed plants should be well prepared by
ploughing and harrowing, to insure a good crop.

The more loamy and sandy soils may be ploughed in the
fall or spring, to advantage, if the furrow slice be laid flat, and
well harrowed or cultivated before fermentation commences,
by the decomposing of the sward and manures, if any have
been spread in before ploughing ; so that all the gases may be
taken up by the soil, to be given ofi" as the plant in its growth
may require.

These lands should never be ploughed less than seven inches
in depth. Deep ploughing almost invariably insures good
earing. While light or shallow ploughing is quite as sure to
give short ears and a light crop.

Some farmers prefer, after ploughing and harrowing, to mark
out their land with a dray, three and a half or four feet apart
each way, and plant on the furrow slice, which appears to me
to be incorrect ; for a good lot, well ploughed and prepared for
the crop, may be so managed in depositing the seed, as to give
a poor return for the labor bestowed. For instance, if the
land is ploughed deep, and the manure turned in as it should
be, leaving a cold inactive soil on the surface, and the seed
then deposited four feet apart between the hills, the corn can
never grow large, or yield more than twenty-five or thirty-five
bushels per acre. Whereas, if the same lands were furrowed
out with a plough, down to the sward, (without disturbing it,)

96 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

three feet apart one way, and the same distance, or two feet
and eight inches, with a plough or dray, the other, and the
seed put in the bottom of the furrow, the roots immediately
strike the decomposed foliage and manure, which is their home.
There they remain, and bring forth the blade, stalk, and ear, in
rapid succession ; thus giving the farmer, after having passed
through it with the cultivator and horse four or five times each
way, and hoeing twice, a product of from fifty to seventy-five
bushels good sound corn to the acre.

The practice of most farmers (in the New England States
more particularly) has been to put their manure in the hill.
Consequently, they have had a larger growth of stalks, and
less corn than they would have had if they had spread it and
ploughed it in ; the strength of the manure being taken up in
the growth of the stalk, and at the season of earing and filhng,
its only resource is from the soil, for the stalk has not the
power that it should have to put forth large long ears, nor
to fill out well what is formed.

Ashes and plaster, in equal parts, very much increase the
crop, especially on soils composed of sand and loam. Half a
pint of this mixture should be put in the hill, and a slight brush
of earth thrown upon it, otherwise the corn will not readily
vegetate. This manure answers two very important purposes :
1st. It gives the plant an early start, from the fact that the
roots, which start before the blade, immediately strike into the
ashes and plaster. 2d. The ashes decompose the sod under
the corn, and prepare it for the use of the plant.

The same mixture is equally beneficial on clayey loamy
soils, as on those more light and porous.

Much labor has been expended in raising large mounds
around the corn ; consequently the soil is taken from between
the hills, and many of the roots are broken and mutilated, and
in a dry season the plant suffers.

Level culture, or as near so as possible, should be had in the
tillage of this crop. The roots then remain unbroken, and in
compliance with those laws that govern the growth of this
plant, large supporting roots are sent out from the main stalk,
which give it the same strength in the ground that it has when
a large hill is made, and much labor is saved.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 97

One item in the managing of this crop should not be lost
sight of. That is, in thoroughly cultivating it, keeping down
all the grass and weeds that start, which, if suffered to grow,
choke the plant, and take from it the strength and richness of
the soil, and also leave the land in a bad state for the follow-
ing crop.

98 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

EDUCATION OF THE YOUNG FARMER.

BY SIMON BROWN.

It is a remarkable fact, and one that will be contemplated
by posterity with regret, that while young men, destined for
other callings and professions in this country, have received
early in life, the rudiments of an education expressly adapted
to assist them in the successful prosecution of their respective
pursuits, the young farmer has been overlooked in the great
scheme of popular education.

The wise liberality of our government, even from the era of
the Pilgrims to the present day, has, it is true, enabled him to
derive important advantages from our primary schools ; but
from these he has stepped forth upon the world's wide stage,
a perfect tyro in everything appertaining to the great calling
in which he is to engage. With the lawyer, the minister, and
the doctor, the case has been the reverse. In the primary
schools and academies of New England, young minds are
based on those principles of literature and science which con-
stitute the foundation of the professional education they are
subsequently to receive in the higher institutions. The great
labor of instruction goes regularly on from the first ; it com-
mences with the abecedarian, and is consummated by the pro-
fessor

" In those institutions
, In whose halls are hung invincible armor

Of the knights of old."

But no thought is accorded to the young husbandman. If
he can read, write, cipher, tell whether his farm is located in
the eastern or western hemisphere, and ascertain with correct-
ness the periods of the rising and setting of the "greater and
lesser lights" of heaven, it is deemed sufficient; it is "educa-
tion enough" for one, the ignoble nature of whose calling
necessarily associates him with brute beasts, and whose mind
is supposed, or assumed, to be elevated but little above the
brutes he drives. Now this is not as it should be. In the
first place, we enter our protest against this false appreciation

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 99

of both the farmer and his profession. Where is the states-
man, philosopher, or politician, even, so blind as not to per-
ceive, that, should the plough stop, and the farmer relax, or
pause from his exertions but for a single year, not only would
all these boasted professions cease, but life itself. Over all
this beautiful earth, so teeming with riches, the pall of desola-
tion would be spread wide and deep. It is the hand of the
patient, but neglected farmer, who fills, by his labor, the golden
spoon of the capitalist.

It is his labor that builds and freights the proud argosies of
commerce; it is his labor that sustains our manufactures, and
spreads over the surface of the globe that net-work, upon
which the iron horse "annihilates space," and along which the
lightnings of Jove convey messages of love and hope, literally
from the "rivers to the ends of the earth."

No scheme of improvement, no project of national aggran-
dizement, can be consummated without aid and assistance
from the farmer. Yet is he neglected ! Statutes and appro-
priations of public funds, for the dissemination of knowledge
immediately associated with the practical pursuit of agricul-
ture, are among the last things which will engross the mind,
or enter into the schemes of the partizan legislator. And this,
too, in a republican government, where the people are taxed
annually more than eight millions for the support of the
military.

How differently, and with how much wiser discrimination
they order things in France — monarchical France I maybe
seen by the following extract from a letter written a few years
ago by Mr. Walsh, who was residing in Paris : —

" We have regular reports of the sittings of the Convention
of Agriculturists of the North. The government lends it all
countenance and aid, and manifests a strong desire to estab-
lish societies and committees in every district of the realm. A
general scheme for this purpose was submitted on the 7th
instant by the inspector-general of agriculture, and was freely
and fully discussed."

But it will, perhaps, be said, that the appropriation of money
for this purpose would be injudicious, because farmers, as a
class, have no desire to improve. That there is a reluctance
on the part of many agriculturists to avail themselves of the

100 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

written wisdom of their predecessors and cotemporaries, I am
by no means disposed to deny. But in this reluctance I dis-
cover the force of habit, and a corroboration of the dictum, ihdX
unless the farmer is educated to his profession, he will rarely
be disposed to inquire or improve. The old mill-horse path,
pursued under widely different circumstances, by his fore-
fathers, satisfies his ambition and bounds his perceptions of
the useful, so far as farming is concerned. He has no taste
for reading, simply because he never learned to read with
intelligence, and the natural consequence of this apathy is a
morbid prejudice against all books and periodicals, in which
:the principles or practices of agriculture are discussed.

The Moslem dashed to pieces the microscope which showed
him there were animalculae in the food he ate ; and one of the
opponents of Galileo, when requested by that immortal,
but long persecuted man, to look at the moons of Jupiter
through the telescope which was proffered him, refused, for
fear of being convinced of his error, and thus reluctantly forced
from the position he had assumed.

Such is prejudice ; and such at this day is its force over the
minds of many of our agricultural friends, that they refuse to
adopt any system, or to favor any innovation that has received
the sanction of either pen or type. Science, in its application
to the details of agriculture, should be taught thoroughly to all
those who expect to obtain a livelihood by the cultivation of
the soil.

The young should be educated for the business they are to
pursue. A good knowledge of language is the basis of all
education. When this has been secured, let the young man
attend to those branches of knowledge that will fit him for his
special calling. If a boy is to be a sailor, teach him naviga-
tion, astronomy, meteorology, geography, the principles of ship
building, and a general knowledge of the commercial relations
existing among nations.

If he is to be a lawyer, thoroughly imbue his mind with a
knowledge of and taste for the classics. Teach him the history
of nations, especially of their governments and laws ; then let
him plunge into the nature of general and special laws, and
the formulas connected with their execution.

All that you have taught the sailor would be of little use to

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 101

the law student. All that the lawyer has learned would poorly
fit the sailor to navigate his ship.

Teach the mechanic the principles of mechanism in general.
Give him a thorough knowledge of the mechanical powers,
and of their application to his particular pursuit. A knowl-
edge of navigation, law or divinity, will not help him to make
a cog-wheel, or contrive an instrument to suit a special
emergency.

There is this evil about all our common schools, that all the
pupils are required to study the same things. They are placed
in classes, and carried together over a general course of in-
struction. The same fact exists to a great extent in our
colleges.

Now this would all be very well if the course embraced only
those things that are necessary to all, and further opportunities
were afforded to acquire those special things that are needed
by each. But the common school is the only school which
most of our youth are enabled to attend. Whatever they
learn of a scientific character, tliey must learn there. Those
who can afford it, attend special schools to learn particular
things. We have schools to teach navigation, book-keeping,
chemistry, mathematics, medicine, law, and divinity.

To meet the wants of agriculture, we must either have
special schools for acquiring those sciences necessary to its
successful pursuit, or those sciences must be taught in our
high schools throughout the State.

I know no good reason why a department might not be
created in all these schools, in which should be taught, by the
principal, or by some qualified teacher employed during the
winter months for this special purpose, a knowledge of the
elements of inorganic, vegetable, and animal chemistry, of phys-
iology, geology, botany, physical geography, and the general
principles of agriculture.

These subjects could not all be taught in one winter, but they
could in two, three, or four. So many persons are interested
in agriculture that one, two, or three schools would not meet
the demand. A class needs to be formed and instructed in
every town in the State. Let such a class be instructed by
competent persons, — and competent persons would soon be
found, if there were a demand for their services, — and our
14

102 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

young men might be safely left to themselves to make more
critical observations, and to engage in the experimental re-
search into the comparative value of crops, and the best
methods of producing them ; into the modification of soils, by
mixing, manuring, and draining them ; into the rotation of
crops, and the best means of preserving them, and of extract-
ing from them their nutriment; into the selection of animals,
and the best modes of preserving their health, and increasing
their growth and productiveness, and the various kindred sub-
jects, and in regard to which we need definite and accurate in-
formation.

The enterprise of our young men only needs to be enlight-
ened by sound elementary knowledge, and guided by laws of
science, and it would work out those results which the best in-
terest of our country demands. Give to a young man a good
knowledge of his own business, and a taste for reading, and in
these days, when the world is flooded with books and news-
papers, he will gather from reading, from observation, and from
intercourse with men, all the knowledge that he needs of po-
litics, of history, and of the avocations of other men.

There exists a great error in our whole system of education,
necessarily incident to the condition of a new country, and
which time and circumstances will correct. By the theory of
our government, every man may aspire to every office. In
former days, many individuals were called to fill a variety of
places. The same man often acted as a farmer, a mechanic,
a judge, and a military officer. He made shoes and made
laws ; raised corn and fought the enemies of his country.
The young were so educated that they might be fitted to act
as circumstances should demand. But the times have changed,
and we must change with them, or find ourselves behind the
times. The divisions of labor have become fixed. Such is
the keenness of competition, that success can only be hoped
for, by the devotion of one's whole energy to his special pur-
suit. There can be no doubt that perfection in the several
sciences and arts, can only be attained by division and subdi-
vision of labor, and reference should be had to this fact, in
arranging the education which the young are to receive ; oth-
erwise, time that might be profitably employed in acquiring
knowledge essential to success in business, might be wasted.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 103

There are other reasons, of a moral and psychological char-
acter, which urge us to give the young a much more extended
course of study on physical subjects, than they have hitherto
received. Nothing, so well as the study of such subjects, gives
them a habit of accurate observation, and careful deduction
from facts, and saves them from hasty and unsound conclu-
sions.

Nothing so contributes to that minute attention to the phe-
nomena that we witness around us, by which we are daily and
hourly accumulating useful knowledge.

Nothing so effectually calms the passions and leads to habits
of thought and sobriety, as the constant presence of the beau-
tiful, the grand, and the wonderful in nature, and the con-
sciousness that there are laws working and controlling, and
guiding and modifying all things around us and in us, and to
which we ourselves are amenable.

Then, again, we are constantly taught lessons of trust, of
hope, and of benevolence, by observing the course of nature,
and the operation of the laws of Providence, and should be led
to their exercise in our own lives. Tn fact, nothing so directly
tends to teach us reverence for the Great Author of nature as
the study of his works, in the exercise of a proper spirit.

These, then, are some of the qualifications which the young
farmer should possess. How he shall acquire them is a much
more difficult matter to determine. A few points will be
mentioned.

There are, undoubtedly, good jewellers, carpenters, printers
and farmers, who were not engaged in either of these occupa-
tions in early life ; but they became so from an unusual taste
and aptness for the profession of their choice. The general
result is, that those who have not been familiar in their youth
with the business in which they are engaged, rarely distinguish
themselves as good workmen, or accumulate property in its
prosecution.

If this be so, it becomes a matter of the first importance that
the farmer shall have been initiated into all the operations of
the barn, the garden, and the field, in early life.

Like those of the printer at his case, or the smith at his
forge, if the manipulations of the farm are once thoroughly
learned in youth, they will ever afterwards be familiar.

104 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

Some mode, then, must be devised, by which the practices
of husbandry shall become familiar ivhile the intellectual founda-
tion is being- laid; and this is the point which has been sadly
overlooked. While the mind is stored with facts, their appli-
cation is entirely neglected, and the young farmer enters upon
his estate, to conduct his affairs, as would the landsman, called
to the helm of a ship, when approaching a lee shore ! He finds
himself surrounded by implements whose names are familiar,
and whose uses be has often discussed and commended, but of
their fitness for any particular work he knows little or nothing!
He becomes oppressed with the thought that he is master of
the estate but not of its operations, and in these must remain
the servant of others, until, by dint of experience, he has ac-
quired that knowledge which should have been gathered with
his theories.

This is the ^rst false step in the education of the young
farmer. His practical progress should begin and keep pace
with his intellectual progress. By a system of familiar teach-
ing from the parent, he must be called to the barn, the garden,
the field and workshop, and made acquainted with the duties
of each. And this must be done by a course so gradual and
natural, and with so little interruption to the indulgence in
amusements agreeable to every youth, that he shall scarcely be
able, in his riper years, to say when his practical education
began. It must come so kindly and fitly with other things
about him, so in consonance with his views and desires, that
he shall have no knowledge of mental effort in acquiring the
uses of all the implements of the farm.

At the same time, he must be led quietly along into the
higher regions of agricultural pursuit — into what may be
termed, without too much license, the poetry of the farm. He
must learn that the commonest things about him involve some
great principle, necessary to be understood. For example :
if watering the cattle, he may be required to give the principle
of raising water by the pump, or some other question in hy-
draulics ; if teaming or ploughing, why the work is more easily
performed when the team is near the load than when further
removed ; if in the morning, when the grass is sparkling with
pearly drops, how dew is deposited ; or, if in the silent and im-
pressive evening hours, why he is chilled in passing the valley,

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 105

and finds again the genial warmth on ascending the hill.
And when around the fireside, daughters may state the princi-
ple upon which the smoke ascends the chimney, and why the
air is warmest at the top of the room ; or why the " pitcher
sweats," as it is called, filled with cold water, in the hot noon,
or the " dough rises " in the pan ; for it is as important that
the youn:^ maiden shall be rightly taught as the young man.

Every opportunity must be improved to press upon the
mind the wonderful operation of the laws about him. These
will form topics of contemplation while guiding the jilough, or
cradling the grain, and so fill the mind with the beneficence
and beauty with which Infinite Wisdom has encircled him, as
to free farm-work from all semblance of drudgery, and the
mind from all tendencies to discontent.

With such kindly intercourse, the teacher and the taught
will store up information that will be practical and useful in
the future operations of the farm. But this is not all that will
be gained. Going back to first principles, and understanding
something of the wonderful mechanism of his animals and
plants, fills his mind with intimate and delightful associations
existing in the relations of his occupation. He not only
studies the frame-work of his domestic animals, and the form-
ation of his plants, but the lesser animals that seek their living
on his domains.

If the birds of the air are cared for, although they "neither
sow nor reap," and "neither have store house nor barn," he
will find them worthy of his study, and in this exercise increase
his own happiness and ability to manage his affairs. He will
investigate, even though it be but slightly, everything that has
a direct bearing upon the profession in which he is engaged.
The insects, varieties of stock, soils, atmospheric changes and
influences, the seasons, and growth and nature of plants, bud-
ding, grafting, transplanting, and hybridizing, will all receive
attention, and a partial knowledge of them will be easily
acquired through the intellectual foundation which has been
so carefully laid. But there is still another point, utterly
neglected, if even ever thought of, in the education of the young
farmer.

No one would trust his interests in a suit at law with an

106 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

advocate who was not familiar with Vattel, Blackstone, and
other lights and guides in that profession ; and so of the cler-
gyman and physician. But the first case in the Common-
wealth is yet to come to my knowledge where the young farmer
has passed through a systematic course of reading in agricultural
lore ; or where he is generally acquainted with the writings of
those who have devoted their talents to the interests of their
fellow men in this department of science.

The names and opinions of Markham, Tull, Young, Mar-
shall, Forsyth, Bakewell, Loudon, Davy, Johnston, Liebig,
Dickson, Boussingault, Coleman, Buel, Fessenden, Downing,
Norton, and a great many others, whose writings areas impor-
tant to the young farmer, as Coke and Littleton are to the
young lawyer, remain as a dead letter to most of the husband-
men in the State. For the want of this reading, the young
may fall into the errors of Tull, or cloud their usefulness by min-
gling in politics, as did Young. It has been stated by high au-
thority that Tull was the "real founder of every recent improve-
ment that has been made in the agriculture of England." And
yet, important as those improvements must be to us here, the
writings of that individual are scarcely better known than the
hyeroglyphics on the obelisks of Egypt I

We have a fine agricultural literature, full of sound ^nd
valuable teachings, sometimes made attractive by ornate de-
scriptions, with beautiful imagery and illustrations, and thus
possessing a charm for the young and imaginative equal to
any class of literature of the age. Most of this lies unused in
the "old fields" of neglect, for want of proper elTort to bring it
into notice and use.

Some of the most attractive volumes in the language, upon
the subjects of chemistry, physiology, botany, geology, upon
the philosophy of the seasons, the efi'ects of climate, and the
poetry of scientific agriculture, have sprung from the ablest
minds of the age. Some of these works admirably illustrate
the wonderful phenomena in nature, on the farm, and give the
farmer's occupation an interest heretofore unknown.

After a fair remuneration for his labor, there is no one thing
which will afford such contentment to the farmer as a general
knowledge of the literature of the great art. And I earnestly

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 107

press upon the Board, the importance of devising some me,as-
ures to difiuse this knowledge more generally among the
people.

One thing is obvious. Something must be done to counter-
act the prejudice which at present exists in the minds of our
young men against farming. The profession is unpopular,
and agriculture, over a vastly preponderating extent of our
territory, is not only unpopular, but to great numbers nnprofit'
able. Our farms are rapidly deteriorating, and every year
beholds thousands and tens of thousands of our most intelli-
gent and enterprising husbandmen selling out and moving
either into our cities or to the far West.

But it will be said that this should not be regarded as a
calamity. Why ? Because the fewer the tillers, the higher
the price of their products. But will such sophistry silence the
apprehensions of the statesman ? I think not. Those who
forsake their farms are, in nine cases out of ten, the most
industrious and intelligent of their class ; they have become
disgusted, — partly, it is true, in consequence of their incapacity
to lay up money, — and their example is before the rising gene-
ration. Few young men who can obtain a clerkship, or a
position behind the counter of a grocery or dry goods store, in
a factory or on a steamboat, will think of laboring on a farm.
There is something disgraceful even in the idea. But throw
open the doors of science ; exhibit to them the beauties and
capacities of this shamefully neglected branch of industrial
life, and the tables will soon be turned. Let us have Liebigs
and Loudons, Davys and Jeflersons, issuing from our agricul-
tural colleges, and charming the world w^th the eloquence of
their lore, and let these men and their sons cleave to the soil,
and who then will point at the farmer as a fit object for
ridicule and reproach ?

The objects of agricultural education, therefore, should not
only embrace the improvement of the soil, but, by an ulterior
or secondary action, the reclamation of the popular mind from
the errors into which it has been urged by the neglects of the
farmer.

There is an all-powerful instinct implanted in man's nature
which impels him irresistibly to pursue that which is most
honorable in the world's esteem. And in the present economy

108 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE,

of society, it unfortunately happens that what is deemed most
honorable is most profitable. There may be exceptions, but
as society is at present constituted this is to be regarded as a
rule. The village merchant — sometimes, it is true, by dis-
honest means — realizes his thousands, while the poor farmer is
running almost as rapidly into debt. The manufacturer, and
broker, and even the mechanic, " put money in their purses."
This is seen and understood by the sons of farmers, and their
early prepossessions against a farmer's life are but too often
strengthened and confirmed, when from the admiring contem-
plation of these more lucrative employments they withdraw
their bedizened eyes to fix them upon the poverty, wretched
destitution and squalor, even, of home. But science, and the
general diffusion of useful knowledge, will be found a ready
corrective of this, at present, great national evil. Let the edu-
cation of the young farmer be such as will tend to draw his
affections towards the endearing and ennobling objects of rural
life, rather than to divert them ; let them behold the wealthy
and intelligent engaged in the pursuits of agriculture, sur-
rounded by the elegancies and embellishments of polished life,
and his mind will at once derive happiness from a pursuit with
which he now beholds himself identified, and which, conse-
quently, he contemplates with satisfaction and delight.

January, 1853.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 109

BEST METHOD OF LAYING DOWN LAND TO
GRASS, AND CONTINUING THE PRODUCT.

BY FRANCIS BREWER.

It may appear to many that the subject here presented is of
too small consequence to require examination, that much,
perhaps all, that can be said, is now before the public. After
all that can be said, every individual will pursue his own
opinion, and follow the dictates of his own discretion. This
right we will not invade.

******

The methods which now most generally prevail in the east-
ern and middle States, of seeding their grass lands, is of a very
recent date, but is rapidly gaining the confidence of the public
mind. Indeed, we need not go back more than ten years to
commence our testimony to its rise and progress, for in the
year 1843 we find that a premium of ^200 was awarded to
Benjamin Poor, of West Newbury, for the best cultivated farm
within the State of Massachusetts. In their report upon this
subject, the committee of the State Society say : " Mr. Poor
states that after his crop of hay is taken off the ground, the
land is then ploughed, laying the furrows flat ; a liberal top-
dressing is then applied, and rye and grass seed is sowed and
rolled in. A bushel, and sometimes a bushel and a half of
grass seed per acre is used. Mr. Poor, after using much of his
grass for soiling his stock through the summer, estimates his
crop of hay on hand the first day of August at 157 tons. He
mows 86 acres."

R. L. Pell, of Pelham, Ulster County, N. Y., having been re-
quested to make public the experiment he has tried and fully
tested, says, in January, 1844 : " I now submit them with all
due deference to the opinions of my superiors in agriculture.
When preparing a meadow or upland, I usually seed on wheat,
sowing in the fall, half a bushel of Timothy seed to the acre,
and the following spring, after a moderate fall of snow, one
bushel of clover seed, top-dressed with charcoal dust, and
15

110 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

rolled. From land so treated, I cut the last season three tons
of hay to the acre."

The viewing committee on farms in Norfolk County, in their
report for 1844, say: — "The farm of Cheever Newhall, in Dor-
chester, Mass, furnishes one of the best examples of productive
husbandry we have anywhere met with." And upon the sub-
ject of sowing grass seed, say : " Mr. Newhall decidedly prefers
the fall, for sowing grass seed ; thinks August too early for his
farm, but has been very successful in late sowing ; showed a
beautiful piece of sward sowed down on the 7th of October,
1848."

The editors of the Albany Cultivator, in answer to an in-
quirer in 1845, say: "We should prefer the latter part of
August for sowing grass seed."

In 1847, Frederick Holbrook, of Brattleborough, Vt., in a
communication to the Cultivator, on the subject of seeding
grass lands, says : " A 7ieiv practise has obtained among some
farmers in this section of seeding down to grass upon the green
sward furrow, in the latter part of August or the first of Sep-
tember. When a piece of land becomes 'bound out,' as the
phrase is, or ceases to yield a good swarth, it is carefully and
nicely turned over by the plough at this season and rolled
down. Fifteen to twenty loads of compost are then spread to
the acre and harrowed both ways of the furrow ; the grass seed
is then sowed and covered with a brush harrow. And among
other advantages derived from this process, says : " The land
may be thus kept highly productice in grass with less manure
than by the system of ploughing and planting one or two years
and then seeding with a grain crop."

And the same writer, after visiting the farm of Clark Rice,
Esq., in Dummerston, Vt., in 1848, says: "Mr. Rice has sev-
eral acres of grass land, too moist to plough and cultivate in
the spring, but obtains fine crops of hay from this land by
ploughing it in August, when a light dressing of compost is
spread on top of the furrows and harrowed in. The land is
then seeded down to grass again, without sowing grain ; and
this process is repeated as often as the more valuable grasses
have been supplanted by wild grass."

Mr. Levi Durand, of Derby, Conn., in a very elaborate article
communicated to the Cultivator in 1849, on seeding grass

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. Ill

land, says: " Of late years we have been more inclined to fall
seeding on winter grain as more certain of a good catch for
Timothy and redtop;" and says, further : "A very good plan
is practised in Massachusetts, where meadow lands are rather
moist and are intended to be kept in grass without cropping.
Sometime in August, the ground is nicely turned over with
the plough, the ground rolled down, and, if to be had, a good
dressing of compost is spread on ; then the grass seed is sowed
and harrowed in evenly with a fine-tooth harrow, and made
smooth with the roller. Managed in this way, the land can
be constantly in grass. As to the amount of seed per acre, no
certain rule can be laid down. Light soils, as a general rule,
require more seed than moist ones. I have just now (October
15) seeded down two acres with wheat, with one bushel red-
top and a half bushel Timothy. This gives three pecks of seed
to the acre." Having thus followed the direct testimony for
the last eight years, leading to certain conclusions, we feel
perfect security in the authorities referred to, and only add our
own observation as additional evidence, and refer to the prac-
tise of Horatio Sargeant, of Springfield, whose operations in
agricultural pursuits are often referred to. He practises the
same rule, varying as circumstances require ; sometimes sow-
ing upon reversed sward and mixing turnip seed instead of
winter grain, or immediately after the removal of his corn,
potato, or tobacco crops. Other judicious cultivators in this
vicinity are pursuing the same course.

These views are, with much deference, respectfully submitted.

112 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

FARMERS' CLUBS.

BY STEPHEN REED, M. D.

^)

In the material world, close contact with a little motion is
indispensable to heat, life, and light. Strange as it may seem,
this is no less true in the province of mind. We all know,
that unless mind comes in contact with mind, and thought
awakens and calls out thought, an alpine cap of eternal snow
is not more dead and cold than the perceptive and reasoning
faculties of our race. The farmer is placed under peculiar
temptations. The earth, with whose embrace he comes more
closely in contact than any other person, is a bounteous mother.
Unasked, she makes her guests large donations, and is ever
ready to return, in large measures, all the favors she receives
from them. In the farmer's hand she places her gifts, to be
dispensed by him to others. His mill is first on the stream, and
water, if water there is, to him is sure. The man below, whose
supply of water is short and precarious, is the man from whom
we expect new discoveries and valuable improvements in the
construction of water wheels and the application of water
power. Mind, acting with mind, may do more for the latter,
than position for the former. Yet, while this is acknowledged,
the temptation is strong in the former to grind on in the old
way.

# * * !, * * «

K it is true, then, that the mind is the measure of the man,
the farmer must be educated, or he must sink from his present
position. He must be better educated, or he cannot hold his
present relative position. It is the true province of education
to draw out, and paradoxical as it may seem, the more you
draw out of the mind, the more there is left. The more it
gives to-day, the more it will be able to give to-morrow. True,
you may tumble knowledge into the mind as you may tumble
goods into your house, until you cannot get in yourself, or
make any use of what is in it, but this is not education. It is
not that action of mind, that mental labor, which produces
mental power. Far different from this is the Farmers' Club.

MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 113

Giving is emphatically the order there. The club organized,
the first act is introduced by some member, giving to his fel-
lows the results of his reading, his thinking, and his experi-
ments on the soil best adapted to the different varieties of po-
tatoes; on the breed of cattle best suited to the purpose of
him whose business it is to furnish butter for the market, or on
whatever subject the club have selected for the evening's dis-
cussion. He now turns his own eye to the strange reservoir
from which he has been drawing. It has given all it had.
Yet, when it is examined, it is found fuller than before ; and
what most surprises him, is the clearness of the water. Ob-
jects, which before seemed dim and indistinct, now show their
minuter parts. Were you to call upon him to draw again
from that same fountain, it would give you a clearer, purer
draught. But the giving has enlarged the capacity for receiv-
ing. When his neighbor comes, in turn, to speak of his ex-
periments and their results, he sees more clearly the points of
agreement, and investigates more closely the causes which
have led to different results. The whole process is most
strictly an educating process. Thought draws out thought:
mind acts upon mind. No matter if there is a little friction,
raising, in a slight degree, the temperature. Every chemist
knows that in his laboratory this is often necessary to the per-
fect success of many experiments.

The temptation for the farmer to eat the first fruits of his
labor, and sit down in comparative inactivity, needs the excite-
ment a farmers' club is well calculated to give. It arouses the
mind, stimulates inquiry, and breaks up that routine of thought
and conversation which six evenings in the week, in the lan-
guage of a school-teacher who boarded around the district,
" begins with grandfather's cows, and ends with the feats which
father's horses used to perform." But where a well-regulated
farmers' club exists, the most stereotype mind will be moved.
The opinions of others will be noticed, thought about and
talked about, perhaps at first only in ridicule, but even this is
almost infinitely better than that lethargic state, which makes
the Russian serf a serf, and the millions of France the willing
subjects of the power of mind.

The farmers' club is a labor-saving machine, operating on

114 MASS. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE.

the true principle of a division of labor. One may investi-
gate, and the results become the property of all. The rock on
which our fellow split, may be shunned by us. To the breeze
which filled his sails, we may spread our canvas. If we fail
where he succeeded, it stimulates the mind to a closer exami-
nation, to detect the causes which produced a difference in re-
sults. If, for instance, in a discussion upon ploughing, a
member advocates a new system, and in time brings among
us a new kind of plough fitted for the work he advocates,
how carefully we watch the progress of his work, and the re-
sult as shown in his crops. If he is successful, we follow his
example. If he fails, we laugh at him for what we should
hank him, and then steer clear of the rock on which he struck.

APPENDIX.

LAWS OF MASSACHUSETTS IN RELATION TO AGRICULTURAL
SOCIETIES, UP TO MAY 10, 1853, INCLUSIVE.

CHAPTER 42*

OF AGRICULTURAL CORPORATIONS.

Section

1. Incorporated agricultural societies

may be entitled to an annual sum
from the treasury, by, &c.

2. When unincorporated societies shall

be entitled to a charter.

3. Previous duty of societies claiming

allowance from the treasury.

4. Premiums to be ofliered by societies,

Section

5. Surplus money, to be put at interest.

6. Premiums for raising trees for ship

timber.

7. To what societies the preceding

provisions extend.

8. Cattle shows regulated.

9. Penalty for violating regulations.

10. Extent of foregoing provisions.

11. Marshals to be appointed, to exe-

cute regulations.

Section 1. Every incorporated agricultural society, which shall
have raised or may hereafter raise, by contribution of individuals, and
put out at interest, on public or private security, the sum of one thou-
sand dollars, as a capital stock appropriated for the uses of such society,
shall be entitled to receive, in the month of October, annually, out of
the treasury of the Commonwealth, the sum of two hundred dollars,
and in that proportion annually, for any greater sum so contributed and
put at interest, as a capital stock ; provided, that no agricultural society
shall receive from the treasury more than si.K hundred dollars in any
one year.

Sect. 2. Any agricultural society, formed within any county or
counties, wherein there is no incorporated society for the same purpose,
and which shall raise and put out at interest, as a capital stock, not less
than one thousand dollars, for the uses of such society, shall receive,
on application to the legislature, an act of incorporation, in the usual

* Revised Statutes,

116 APPENDIX.

form, and with the customary rights and powers ; and after such incor-
poration, the society shall have all the privileges, secured to other agri-
cultural societies, on complying with the terms and provisions herein
contained; provided, that no agricultural society shall have the benefits
of this section, unless the same be formed in a county, or in an asso-
ciation of counties, including a population of not less than twenty-five
thousand inhabitants.

Sect. 3. Every agricultural society, which shall claim the said
allowance out of the public treasury, shall, in the month of October,
annually, file in the office of the Secretary of State, a certificate signed
by the president and treasurer of such society, specifying under oath
the sum actually contributed, and put at interest, and then held by them
well secured as a capital stock ; and a warrant shall be drawn for the
sum to which such society may be entitled.

Sect. 4. Every agricultural society, which shall receive the said
allowance from the public treasury, shall ofl^er annually, by way of
premiums, or shall apply otherwise, at their discretion, for the encour-
agement or improvement of agriculture or manufactures, a sum not less
than the amount annually received, as aforesaid, out of the public trea-
sury ; and they shall also transmit to the office of the secretary, in the
month of January, annually, a statement of their proceedings in relation
to the expenditure of such moneys, specifying the nature of the en-
couragement proposed by the society, and the objects for which their
premiums have been offered, and to whom they were awarded ; and
shall accompany the same with such general observations, concerning
the state of agriculture and manufactures, in the State, as they may
deem important or useful.

Sect. 5. All moneys offered for premiums, which shall not bo
awarded or paid, shall be put out at interest, and added to the capital
stock of each agricultural society.

Sect. 6. Every agricultural society, which shall receive the said
public allowance, shall offer, annually, such premiums and encourage-
ment, for the raising and preserving of oaks, and other forest trees, as
to them shall seem proper, and best adapted to perpetuate, within the
State, an adequate supply of ship timber.

Sect. 7. The foregoing provisions shall not extend to any agricul-
tural society, which has been, or hereafter may be, incorporated for
any territory less than a county.

Sect. 8. All incorporated agricultural societies may, by their offi-
cers, define and fix bounds of sufficient extent, for the erection of their
cattle pens and yards, and for convenient passage ways to and about
the same, on the days of their cattle shows and exhibitions, and also
for their ploughing matches, and trials of working oxen ; within which

APPENDIX.

117

bounds no persons shall be permitted to enter or pass, unless in con-
formity with the regulations of the officers of said societies, respectively.

Sect. 9. If any person shall, contrary to the regulations of the said
officers, and after notice thereof, enter or pass within the bounds so
fixed, he shall forfeit a sum not exceeding five dollars, to be recovered
in an action on the case, for the use of the society, by the treasurer
thereof.

Sect. 10. The foregoing provisions shall not authorize such so-
cieties to occupy, or include within the bounds which they shall fix for
the purposes aforesaid, the land of any person, without his consent, nor
to occupy any turnpike or public highway, in such a manner as to ob-
struct the public travel.

Sect. II. The officers of every such society may appoint a suffi-
cient number of suitable persons, inhabitants of the county, to act as
marshals, at cattle shows and exhibitions, and they shall have and exer-
cise all the powers of constables, in relation to the preservation of the
public peace, and the service and execution of criminal process, within
the towns, respectively, where such shows and exhibitions may be held ;
and any such criminal process may be directed to them accordingly ;
and they shall exercise their said office, from twelve o'clock at noon of
the day preceding the commencement of such shows and exhibitions,
until twelve o'clock at noon of the day succeeding the termination
thereof, and no longer.

CHAPTER 31.--1842.

AN ACT RELATING TO RETURNS FROM AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

Section
1. Returns, in 1842, to be made on or
before April 1st, to entitle societies
to the allowance provided by law.

Section
2. After 1842, returns to be made with-
in the month of January, to entitle
to allowance.

Sect. 1. No agricultural society which, on the first day of April,
in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-two, shall have
neglected to make returns to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, as
required by the first and fourth sections of the forty-second chapter of
the Revised Statutes, shall be entitled to receive the allowance from the
Commonwealth, as therein provided.

Sect. 2. No agricultural society, which shall not have made returns
to the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth within the month of
16

118

APPENDIX.

January, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-three, and
within the month of January in each succeeding year thereafter, as
required by the sections of the Revised Statutes mentioned in the pre-
ceding section, shall be entitled to receive any aid from the Common-
wealth. [February 25, 1842.]

CHAPTER 111. — 1845.

AN ACT REQUIRING ADDITIONAL RETURNS FROM AGRICULTURAL

SOCIETIES.

Section

1. Agricultural societies to make certain

returns annually to the Secretary of
the Commonwealth.

2. Passages in reports, &c., worthy of

public notice, &c., to be marked.

3. Copy of this act to be transmitted by

Section

the Secretary,

4. Abstract to be annually published by

the Secretary.

5. Penalty for neglect to comply with

this act.

6. Repeal of inconsistent proTisions.

Sect. 1. Every agricultural society entitled to receive money from
the treasury of the Commonwealth, shall, in addition to the return of
premiums paid, now required to be made in the month of January,
make full returns of their doings into the office of the Secretary of
State, on or before the first day of January, in every year, embracing
all reports of committees, and all statements of experiments and culti-
vation, deemed by the officers of the several societies worthy of publi-
cation.

Sect. 2. The secretary of each society, whether his return be in
printed or manuscript form, shall mark, in a manner to be easily dis-
tinguished, those passages in the several reports and statements which
he regards as most worthy of public notice, study and application.

Sect. 3. The Secretary of State is directed to transmit a copy of
this act to the secretary of every incorporated agricultural society in
the Commonwealth, on or before the first day of September, 1845.

Sect. 4. The Secretary of State is hereby directed to cause as full
an abstract from said returns to be made and published in each year,
for distribution, as in his judgment will prove useful.

Sect. 5. Any agricultural society which shall neglect, in any year,
to comply with the provisions of this act, shall forfeit its claim to bounty
from the Commonwealth the succeeding year.

Sect. 6. Any parts of passed acts inconsistent with the provisions
of this, are hereby repealed. [March 7, 1845.]

APPENDIX.

119

CHAPTER 69. — 1847.

AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

Section

1. Certificate of capital stock to be filed

annually in the Secretary's office,
by agricultural societies claiming
the bounty. Return of doings, ex-
penditures, &c., to be made at the
same time.

2. How amount of bounty to be ascer-

tained.

3. Bounty forfeited by neglect.

Section

4. Abstract of returns to be published

annually for distribution.

5. Forfeitures incurred by R. S. ch. 42,

§ 9, — how prosecuted for and paid
over.

6. Secretary to transmit copies of this

act to agricultural societies.

7. Acts, &c., repealed.

Sect. 1. Every r.gricultural society which shall claim the bounty
of the Commonweahh, according to the provisions of the first section of
the forty-second chapter of the Revised Statutes, shall, annually, on or
before the tenth day of January, file in the office of the Secretary of
the Commonvveallh, a certificate, signed by the president and treasurer
of such society, specifying, under oath, the sum actually contributed
and put at interest, and then held, well secured, as a capital stock.

Every such society shall, at the same time, make a full return of
its doings, signed by its president and secretary, embracing a statement
of the expenditure of all moneys, specifying the nature of the encour-
agement proposed by the society, the object for which its premiums
have been offered, and to whom they have been awarded, and including
all reports of committees, and all statements of experiments and culti-
vation, regarded by said president and secretary as worthy of publi-
cation. The return, whether in printed or manuscript form, shall be
marked in such manner, that those passages in the several reports and
statements deemed by such officers most worthy of public notice, study,
and application, may be easily distinguished.

Sect. 2. The amount of bounty to which any agricultural society
may be entitled for the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-
seven shall be ascertained by the certificate to be filed in the month of
October, according to the provisions of law as heretofore existing ; and
for the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight, and each year
thereafter, by the certificate previously filed by such society, according
to the provisions of this act.

Sect. 3. Any agricultural society which shall neglect, in any year,
to comply with the foregoing provisions, shall forfeit its claim to the
bounty of the Commonwealth the year next succeeding.

120 APPENDIX.

Sect. 4. The Secretary of the Commonwealth is hereby directed
to cause to be made and published, in each year, for distribution, as full
an abstract as, in his judgment, will be useful, from the returns afore-
said of the agricultural societies.

Sect. 5. Any person who shall incur the forfeiture mentioned in
the ninth section of the forty-second chapter of the Revised Statutes,
may be prosecuted, by complaint before any justice of the peace, who
shall have jurisdiction thereof; and all forfeitures so recovered shall be,
by said justice of the peace, paid over to the county treasurer, for the
use of the county.

Sect. 6. The Secretary of the Commonwealth is hereby directed to
transmit a copy of this act to the secretary of every incorporated agri-
cultural society in the Commonwealth, on or before the first day of
September next.

Sect. 7. The thirty-first chapter of the acts of the year eighteen
hundred and forty-two, also, the one hundred and eleventh chapter of
the acts of the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-five, and all
parts of acts heretofore passed, inconsistent Avith the provisions of this
act, are hereby repealed. [March 11, 1847.]

CHAPTER 215. — 1851.

AN ACT TO EXEMPT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES FROM TAXATION.

Be it enacted, ^'c., as follows :

From and after the passage of this act, the property, both real and
personal, of all agricultural societies, which are now or may hereafter
be incorporated, shall be exempted from taxation. [May 21, 1851.]

CHAPTER 246. — 1852.

AN ACT CONCERNING AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

Be it enacted, S^c, as follows :

So much of the funds of incorp®rated agricultural societies as shall be
invested in real estate, buildings and appurtenances, for the use and
accommodation of said societies, shall be held to be so invested as to
entitle them to receive the bounty of the Commonwealth, in the same
manner as if put at interest, as provided in the first section of the forty-
second chapter of the Revised Statutes. [May 18, 1852.]

APPENDIX. 121

CHAPTER 142. — 1852.

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A STATE BOAKD OF AGRICULTURE.

Be it enacted, ^c., as follows :

Sect. 1. A State Board of Agriculture is hereby established, to
consist of His Excellency the Governor, His Honor the Lieutenant
Governor, and Secretary of State, ex officiis ; of one member from each
of the agricultural societies in the Commonwealth, that receives an
annual bounty from the State, and of three members to be appointed
by the Governor and Council. Said members shall hold their offices
for three years, except as hereinafter provided ; and the Governor and
Council, and the agricultural societies as aforesaid, shall, within sixty
days after the passage of this act, appoint said members ; and after-
ward whenever vacancies shall occur.

Sect. 2. At the first meeting of this Board, appointed as aforesaid,
and called by His Excellency the Governor, the three members ap-
pointed by the Governor and Council, and the members from the agri-
cultural societies as aforesaid, shall be divided into three equal classes,
as near as may be, and the term of office of the first class shall expire
on the first Wednesday of February, in the year 1854 ; the second
class on the first Wednesday of February, in the year 1855 ; and the
third class on the first Wednesday of February, in the year 1856.
The expiration of each class shall be determined by lot by the whole
Board, and the vacancies thus created shall be filled by the Governor
and Council, and by the respective agricultural societies in which such
vacancy may occur.

Sect. 3. It shall be the duty of this Board to investigate all such
subjects relating to improvement in agriculture in this Commonwealth,
as they may think proper ; and they are hereby empowered to take,
hold in trust, and exercise control over any donations or bequests that
may be made to them for promoting agricultural education, or the gen-
eral interests of husbandry.

Sect. 4. The Board of Agriculture shall meet at the State House
in Boston, at le *st once in each year, and as much oftener as they may
deem expedient; and they are hereby empowered to employ a suitable
person to act as Secretary of the Board, and to prescribe and deter-
mine nis duties ; but all the duties of the Secretary of the Common-
wealth, relating to returns of agricultural societies, shall be performed
by the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture ; and all reports and
returns now required by law to be made by said societies, shall be

122 APPENDIX.

made and returned to the Secretary of this Board, The Governor and
Council shall determine his compensation, which compensation shall not
exceed the sum of fifteen hundred dollars per annum ; but no member
of the Board shall receive any compensation for his services from the
Commonwealth, except for personal expenses when engaged in the
duties of the Board. And the said Board shall, annually, on or before
the fourth Wednesday of January, by their chairman or secretary, sub-
mit to the legislature a detailed report of their doings, with such recom-
mendations and suggestions as in their view the interests of agiuculture
may require.

Sect. 5. All laws inconsistent with this act are hereby repealed.

Sect. 6. This act shall take effect from and after its passage.
[April 21, 1852.]

CHAPTER 127. — 1853.

AN ACT IN RELATION TO AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

Be it enacted^ SfC, as follows:

Sect. 1. The returns now required by law to be made by the sev-
eral agricultural societies on or before the tenth day of Januaiy, shall
hereafter be made on or before the tenth day of December in each year.

Sect. 2. The Board of Agriculture is hereby authorized to regulate
the returns required of the different agricultural societies, prescribe
forms, and furnish to the secretary of each society such blanks as said
Board may deem necessary to secure uniform and reliable statistics.

Sect. 3. No agricultural society shall be entitled to receive any
portion of the bounty of the State, unless it has complied fully with the
regulations established by the Board of Agriculture, and made all the
returns required by law. [April 8, 1853.]

CHAPTER 312. — 1853.

AN ACT TO REGULATE AGRICULTURAL, HORTICULTURAL AND
ORNAMENTAL TREE ASSOCIATIONS.

Be it enacted^ <^c., as follows :

Any ten or more persons in any county, town, or city, within the
State, who shall, by agreement in writing, associate for the purpose of
encouraging agriculture, horticulture, or improving and ornamenting

APPENDIX. 123

the streets and public squares of any city or town, by planting and cul-
tivating ornamental trees therein, may become a corporation by such
name as they shall assume therefor, by calling their first meeting and
being organized, in the manner provided in the forty-first chapter of the
Revised Statutes for the incorporation of the proprietors of social libra-
ries and lyceums ; and every such association, upon becoming a corpo-
ration as aforesaid, shall have, during the pleasure of the legislature,
all the like rights, powers and privileges as the proprietors of such
libraries ; and may hold real and personal estate not exceeding ten
thousand dollars. [May 10, 1853.]

AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS FOR 1853.

Worcester County Society, September 21 & 22.

Norfolk County Society, « 27 «fe 28.

Essex County Society, " 28 & 29.

Housatonic County Society, " 28 & 29.

Worcester West County Society, .... " 30.

Bristol County Society, October 4 & 5.

Middlesex County Society, " 4 & 5.

Berkshire County Society, " 5 & 6.

Plymouth County Society, " 6.

Franklin County Society, « 6 Si, 7.

Barnstable County Society, ..*... " 7.

Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden, Society, . . " 11 &. 12.

Hampden County Society, " 13 & 14.

Hampshire County Society, " 26.

i^'91

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Ci.ruv^w^.J.'KN, MASS..