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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
LIBRARY

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74

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1846-50

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL

SOCIETY,

FOR

1846,

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETl
DECEMBER, 1846.

DANVERS :

PRINTED AT THE COURIER OFFICE.

1846.

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AMHERST, MASS.

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m. NEWELL'S ADDRESS,

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Essex Agricultural
Society,

This Society, from its commencement, has annually been ad-
dressed by men, belonging to what are termed the learned profes-
sions ; and it is strictly true, that they have been men of extensive
learning, of close observation, of scientific skill, and in many instan-
ces, of practical experience. Their productions have done much to
instruct, interest and encourage the farming community, in the pros-
ecution of their labors.

But for once, the Trustees, by their committee, have selected one
whose business for the most part, has been to labor with his hands,
and conduct the ordinary operations on a farm ; — an occupation I shall
always hold in honorable estimation, but one which I frankly ac-
knowledge prepares a man rather for silent action, than for the writ-
ing and the delivery of a public address. Being called upon as I
was, I have trusted to the judgment of my friends, rather than to
the inclination of my own feelings, and appear before you to do what
I may to aid a cause upon which all are more or less dependent.

Although this may be considered peculiarly the farmer's holiday,
it should be a pleasing and grateful reflection, that there are assem-
bled with us, all the various occupations, which go to make up society,
and probably no location in the county can convene mure of those
not wholly devoted to agriculture than this. I wish I had the learn-
ing and ability requisite to satisfy all your reasonable expectations ;
but for this I must hope in vain. Still I hope to speak with the
more confidence, as I have always found the literary man, the law-
yer and the merchant, the farmer's friend. It cannot be expected

4 MR. newell's address.

that I should go into a learned analysis of soils, or the mode and
operations of Nature, in furnishing chemically or othenvisc, the means
of sustaining vegetable life ; or to show philosophically how certain
combinations of soil, aided by manure, are made capable of produc-
ing the greatest amount of food and other necessaries for man and
beast. I must beg of you for this time to put up with some plain
home-spun remarks upon a few subjects within my limited observa-
tion.

I am aware that some general rules will apply to all farms and all
soils ; still a vast amount of labor Avill be lost, if a particular process
of cultivation well adapted to one soil, should be pursued upon anoth-
er and a different soil ; and in my apprehension, from this cause has
arisen many of the strong prejudices to book-farming. An individual
sees in some periodical or journal, a certain course recommended to
obtain a superior crop of some article. He follows out the prescrip-
tions, but without inquiring •whether his soil is of a similar texture
to the one which gave the large product. From some cause his ex-
periment proves a failure, and without sufficient investigation into the
cause of the failure, he undertakes to attribute his disappointment to
book or scientific fanning ■; when, in fact, it might be for the want of
the knowledge necessary to adapt the crop to the soil. Here, per-
haps, I ought to make an apology for intimating that the lord of the
soil can possibly be ignoi'ant of its compositions and capabilities. But
on this point, allow me to say^, I think I speak from personal experi-
ence. For aught I know, I have had the ordinary means, in com-
mon with other farmers, to inquire and ascertain by experiment and
otherwise, the properties which compose soils, the crops to which they
are best adapted, and the various kinds of manure best suited to the
several kinds of soil ; and I am free to say, that I yearly loose both
labor and manure, (two important items upon a farm) for the want
of means I do not possess, of becoiAing acquainted with the science
of agriculture, with chemical analysis. By these phrases, I mean
simply the power to determine the qualities of soils, and what ingre-
dients are necessary to be incorporated with the several varieties, to
render them highly productive. I say highly productive, because I
am confident that at the present price of labor, small crops will run
the farmer in debt.

I know nothing of theoretical chemistry, and I should not venture
to explain a principle philosophically; still I would be the last to dcs-

MR. newell's address. 5

pise or undervalue either. I consider them the foundation on which
farming must stand, when applied with industry and economy.
What is philosophy, but knowledge so explained that it can be prac-
tically applied ? What is theoretical chemistry, but known princi-
ples, worked out and put on paper, so that the practical farmer
can work out those principles in the soil ? It is settled that
chemistry can be applied practically, and with a good degree of
certainty ; and I am confident that the farmer must take advantage
of the researches made in it, or an intimation will be true that
I lately saw in an agricultural journal, — that the man who has
more land than he can cultivate with his own individual labor, will
grow poor ; though I should be loath to be compelled to admit that
this position is true as a general thing, for a course of years. It
may be that the extra demand for labor on public works, and for
manufacturing purposes, has for some time past crowded up the price
of labor, above what the grower of grain crops could well afford to
pay. But the profits which have drawn labor into those channels,
will be limited in their duration, if all interests are equally cared for.
And before the farmer rises up in opposition to any investment which
he may conceive to be more profitable than his own, let him first in-
quire, have the same energy, the same skill, and the same untiring
perseverance, been exerted in my pursuit, as have been in perfecting
machinery, in preventing loss in labor, and employing the occupants
upon that portion of labor to which they were best adapted ?

I believe every man who has been through our factories and work-
shops, will be constrained to acknowledge, if the same system of
allotment of labor could be as judiciously assigned upon the farm as
is there, nearly double the amount of labor would be accomplished.
I admit that there is more difficulty in setting off exclusive portions
of AYork to individuals on the farm, than in manufacturing establish-
ments, especially if our farms are to be so cut up that every man is
to do his own labor. But for this small-farm theory I have no sym-
pathy. I am aware that in making the assertion, I go counter to
the general sentiment of the day. Still, allow me to say, in order
that farming may be brought to its highest perfection, I believe it
must be under a policy of liberal expenditures, by men wholly de-
voted to the profession ; and of a natural enterprise, that would not
rest satisfied with over-seeing the amount of labor they could ac-
complish with their own hands j — and I therefore think that the advo-

6 MR. NEWKLL S ADDRESS.

cates for small farms, so far as their influence extends, (and I con-
sider it somewhat general,) have a tendency to deter our young men
of enterprise from engaging in the cultivation of the land, thereby
depriving the farming community of the aid of the best energy and
the most promising enterprise; a portion of which, I feel we absolute-
ly need and are justly entitled to.

When the time comes that the current of public opinion shall
change on this subject, and men of wealth shall enter upon farming
with the same energy they have engaged in manufactures, they will
devise means whereby it will become a living business and a large
business ; and instead of being pointed to a small farmer with forty
acres, showing he can maintain himself, you will be pointed to a large
farmer with his one thousand acres, and showing conclusively that
he can so arrange his labor that he can support himself and give a
fair dividend upon his Avhole investment.

Upon new lands, little need be done to obtain a crop, but to burn
to ashes the forests that have been accumulating for ages, and to
sow the seed. But where the remedies have been neglected, a long
series of cropping has exhausted its early fertility, and it will not
recover but by the application of manures to restore what the crops
or evaporation have draw^n away. How can this be most effectually
accomplished ? How so well as by a knowledge of the materials
which compose the surface soil^ and also by a knowledge of the
substances in which the soil is deficient, in order that the proper
remedies may be applied ? Far be it from me to ask the farmer to
commit to memory a dictionary of hard names ; but I do consider
it necessary to his improving his land„ and obtaining with any
good degree of certainty abundant crops, that he should be familiar
with certain fixed principles that alone can secure them. If a learn-
ed and scientific man could be engaged to visit every section of the
county or commonwealth, go on every description of land and ana-
lyze the soil, and explain the effects of manure on the several varie-
ties, and also the effect of one kind of soil when mixed with another ;
and by relating experiments, show what is the most perfect com-
position, it Avould fix some standard for improvement, and the
crops and the different manures would be put upon the right spot.
Should a competent individual be appointed to this task, the farmers
themselves, as I believe, would reap a benefit that would enable them
to pay him a salary, equal to any in the Commonwealth.

MR. NEWELL S ADDRESS. 7

But until the farmers themselves feel that they need instruction on
this subject, we must move on by a slower process to the attainment
of knowledge, and by accident or otherwise establish a theory that
will commend itself to general practice.

For the purpose of producing thought and inquiry, I will venture
to give you some crude ideas on soils and manures, on crops and
animals.

I believe soils, to be made the most productive, should be perfect-
ly pulverized by some process. Hand-spading or trenching is proba-
bly the most perfect process ; still it may be doubted, whether at the
present price of labor, it will meet the cost on any extended scale.
To such perfection has the plough been brought, it will, if sufficiently
and properly used, accomplish this desirable object to a good degree,
with the use of the harrow and roller ; — an article not any too common,
when we consider its use is to crush the lumps of earth brought up
by the harrow, to press down the sods and small stones on the sur-
face, and to leave a slight crust to prevent the escape of moisture
until the crops in some measure do it themselves,

I do not believe that soils generally, are Improved by spreading
upon them substances of like quality of which they are composed.
It is not so much the quantity applied to the soil, that changes and
improves it, as it is the quality, being one In which it was before de-
ficient. If this is so, then all manures, mixed with earth, for top-
dressing or ploughing-in, should be composted in reference to the
soils to which they are to be applied. All our sandy soils and some
loamy ones, would, in my estimation, be greatly improved by a gene-
rous mixture of clay ; the stiffer the clay the less quantity will pro-
duce the desired effect. Our frosts will readily crumble it down,
and it will enable the silicious soils to retain manure and moisture for
the use of plants, and make it a desirable soil for the growing of all
green crops.

The experiments of sub-soiling which have come to my knowledge,
have not enabled me to form any definite opinion of its effects. In
Mr. Colman's last Report of European Agriculture, he gives the
result of certain experiments in sub-soiling upon a stiff clay soil.
One distinguished farmer says, "Until there is an escape for the wa-
ter through the sub-soil, any opening of it but provides a greater
space for holding water, and will rather tend to injure than improve
the soil." Other good cultivators complain of its being ineffectual

8 MR. newell's address.

"from tlie soil being too adhesive and heavy, and soon running to-
gether." Another says, *'he expected from the complete breaking
up of the sub-soil, that the parts would have remained distinct for-
years, but such vyas not the case. They all had ran together, and
were as compact as when first moved by the plough." It seems that
the English agriculturists agree, that on an adhesive soil, sub-soiling
is not recommended until after a thorough draining, but that all shal-
low soils of the lighter kinds will be improved by it.

Although I place great reliance in the experiments in English
agriculture, the difference in the climate and soil, should not be
overlooked. One great object in all their cultivation is to drain off
excessive moisture. Ours on high lands, particularly, should be to
guard against excessive drought. One of their cultivators says,
"sub-soiling provides a greater space for holding water." That may
be just what we want.

I have used a sub-soil plough for two years : I thought last year,
the land sub-soiled and in corn, stood the drought better than that
not sub-soiled. On the grain crop this year, I could perceive no dif-
ference. I have sub-soiled for a crop of corn for fodder, last year,
and planted it with potatoes this. I have also sub-soiled about six
acres of moist stiff land from which no crop has been taken. Further
experiments, I trust, will be made, and I should like to know the ef-
fect of a shallow-surface furrow upon a deep sub-soil furrow. It has
occurred to me, that the principal benefit to be derived from sub-soiling,
will be in keeping the surface mellow and porous, thereby enabling the
sub-soil to retain moisture to be imparted to the surface soil, as the
exigencies of the plants may require ; and if this should prove to
be so, whether a more shallow-surface ploughing would not furnish
the crop with vegetable mould equal to its want. If this is settled,
then the surface-soil may bo made richer. The same manure incor-
porated with four inches of mould, that now is with six or seven,
■would make a material difference with the crops. Judge Buel, on
his lands near Albany, found four-inch-ploughing deep enough to give
the best crop he could obtain from those lands. I speak with no cer-
tainty on this point : I have succeeded best with deep-ploughing, but I
know of no reason why the sub-soil plough should not obviate the ne-
cessity of a deep-surface-ploughing, if a shoal surface of rich mould will
perfect the plants better than a deeper one less rich ; and provided
also, that the loss, if any, by evaporation, is equal in both cases.

MR. NEWELL S ADDRESS. «

In this may be involved the question, whether atmospheric air is
taken up by the soil and communicated to the plant through the me-
dium of the roots, or whether the, leaves alone are the medium of
deriving nourishment from the air. These questions may be imma-
terial to the farmer, as it regards his crop, but may not be as it re-
gards cultivation.

One thing seems settled, that a soil rich by nature or art, is more
productive than a poor one ; showing pretty clearly that nourishment
is draAvn from the earth, by the roots, or the leaves catch it, as it
escapes in the form of gas. A mellow soil may be favorable to either
supposition ; by the one, the gasses may the more readily escape,
and by the other, the roots more readily feed it out. Whichever of
these propositions you may undertake to defend, it seems to me a
portion at least of the manure, when practicable, should be put under
the soil. For if the whole of vegetation depends upon the leaves
feeding on evaporation, if the whole of the manure is left on the sur-
face, it must soon be expended ; and suppose evaporation is no agent
to give off support to the leaves, then before the rains or the absorb-
ing power of the soil draws down the manure, the plant will suffer.
What but a thorough knowledge on this subject, can determine Avhen
and how the manure should be applied ? To collect, preserve and apply
manures, is one of the grand means to ensure successful cultiva-
tion.

A barn-cellar under tlie stalls, is the best store-house — not so
much because it preserves the solid manure during the winter from
loss by evaporation in heaps, but because it saves all the liquid. The
comparison made by the use of dung from the heaps exposed to the
weather, and that from cellars, has led many to infer that the cellar
improves the quality of the manure one half; when, as I believe,
never one half of the fertilizing qualities of the excrements from the
animals, ever went out of the stalls to the manure-heap. Where the
floors are open, most of the liquid goes through them and is lost, when
by a cellar, all goes among the solid manure and is saved. In cases
■where the sohds will absorb the hquids during the winter, I conceive
there is no benefit derived in adding soil to it before applying it to the
land in the spring, unless that soil would of itself improve the land to
which the manure-heap is to be added, or unless the dung is con-
stantly kept covered a sufficient depth to prevent the escape of its
valuable qualities. None of the strongest advocates for compost,

10 MR. newell's address.

go to the trouble of covering the dung-heap daily "with dirt in the win-
ter season. Where cows are yarded in summer, as in the case of
most farms, a good coating of some porous substance that will ab-
sorb all the droppings from the stock, is perhaps the best means to
preserve a good supply of compost for top-dressing low grass-lands in
the fall, or to lay over for spring use. Frequent additions are per-
haps preferable to a deep bed at any one time, and a thorough plough-
ing before a rain is serviceable. But Avherethe cattle-stalls are plac-
ed over a cellar, or where there are conductors to drain off the hquid
droppings to a cistern, putting the stock in the stalls is unquestionably
the best mode to save the manure.

I will give you the result of my observations on the best mode of
applying manure, in order that those more experienced may show a
better method. It is to draw all the winter-dung (made by the cat-
tle,) upon grass-land about to be ploughed for a hoed crop; about
twenty loads to the acre. I would delay moving it to the land, as
late as is prudent, to give time to i)lough it under before planting-
time. I would spread it no faster than to keep ahead of the plough.
I should prefer to plough one day, and plant the next. The later
you plough, the more green herbage is there to unite with the dung
and produce decomposition. I would then spread a light coat upon
the furroAV, of sLx or eight loads per acre, of muck drawn to the yard
the previous fall, which had absorbed the liquids in the yard. This
method I have found, with- a hand-full of ashes to the hill after the
corn was up, would produce a good crop. The sward is not disturb-
ed until the following spring. It is then ploughed deep enough to
turn up the sod, the manure, and an inch or two of the soil below.
It is sowed with small grain and grass seed, as early as the season
will permit, with a bushel or two of lime or ashes per acre. Land
broke up late in the spring, will be more rotten than that broke the
previous fall, after vegetation has ceased growing. This one manur-
ing is all for a crop of corn, grain, and four crops of hay. I never
have succeeded well with a grain crop, where any manure was put,
unless fully rotted. All the manure made in summer, is used as top-
dressing for grass-land never planted, but ploughed up in the fall,
and sowed doAvn directly to grass.. I have lands still lower which are
never ploughed, where the scrapings from the gutters by the sides of
the road, and other loam at command, are spread without any thing
added to them. This is the substance of my manuring, save an acre

MK. NKWELL'S ADDRESi?. 11

or two for corn to be fed green to the stock. This land, the follow-
ing year, is in good condition for a root crop.

I have made some experiments with salt, lime, and plaster. For
the three last years, I have used about a table-spoon-full of salt in
the hills of corn and potatoes. I first used it to guard the seed from
injury by the dung-worm. It kept off the worm to some extent, but
not wholly — but I became confident it benefitted the crop. I tried
it this year, on a small piece, in larger quantities, say a gill to a
hill ; the eifecton the corn was, it did not vegetate,— the potato with-
stood it.^

I would not venture to say that salt will in any degree prevent the
potato-rot, without further experiments. But I can say that last
year at digging-time, not a rotten potato was found where I used salt,
and but a few were aifected with the dry-rot during the winter. The
kinds were Long Reds, Chenango, a blue potato, — seed obtained from
Madawaska — and the Lady Fingers. Not an unsound potato has
been found in digging for family use, the whole season. The crop
has not been taken up, thinking they may still prove defective.
If they are to rot, I had rather it would be where they are, than
in the cellar. From what I have seen, I think early-digging is
no safeguard against rot in potatoes, unless it is on land flooded with
water, and there they always rotted. I have read a great deal
that has been written on the disease in the potato, if it is to be call-

*To show you that the using of salt as manure, is no new idea, I quote from a writer
in the reign of James the first, by liie name of Markham, who lived more than two cen-
turies ago. The following sentence is ia Markham's Farewell to Husbandry: —

"If you be neere unto any part of the sea-coast, thence fetch great store of the salt
land, and with it cover your groun4 which hath been formerly plowed and backed, and
allowing unto every acre of ground three score or four score full bushels of sand which is
a Terry good and competent proportion, and this sand thus laid shall be verry well spread
and mixed among the other broken earth. And herein is to be noted that not any other
sand l)ut the salt is good or available for this purpose. Now methinks I hear it objected
that if the ground do lie so far within the land that there is no salt sand within many score
miles of it, how then shall I make gojd my barren earth. I answer, that albeit this salt
sand be of infinite good and necessary use, inriching grounds wonderl'ully much — If your
land be far from the sea, then to every acre of land yon shall take two bushels of verry dry
bay salt, and in such manner as you sow your wheat you shall sow this salt ; and after
you sow your salt you shall sow your wheat, which wheat would be thus prepared before
you sow it. The day before you are to sow your grain, you shall take bay salt and water
and make a brine that will bear an egg — then put the wheat you are to sow into the brine
and let it steep therein untill the next day ; then drain it from the brine and so sow it,
and 110 doubt but you will find a marvellous great increase thereby. Neither is the thing
itself without good and strong jirobability of much increase and stcngth for the bettering
of all manner of arnble lands."

12 MR. newell's address.

ed one, and I knew just as much of the cause and its remedy, be-
fore reading at all, as I now do. It is to me all in the dark, like the
disease in the buttonwood. That tree seems to be recovering ;
may we not hope that the rot in the potato will disappear ? I have
tried lime and plaster with good and bad success. I have hardly
supposed them manures that acted upon the soils, of themselves, but
rather attracted from the atmosphere fertility, and let vegetation feed
it off. And whether its various success is owing to the obstinacy of
the one to receive, and of the other to accept of bounty, or whether
their favors are bestowed only under a combination of circumstances
not always existing, is to me unknown. I used plaster one year
freely upon a potato field, without any manure. The next year, it
was sowed with w^heat, with a Uming of three casks to the acre, and
grass seed sowed. A fair crop of potatoes and wheat, and two good
crops of hay were taken off. I then sold the lot. The plaster or
lime, or both, must have helped these crops. I have sowed plaster
upon alternate rows in a potato field ; the vines plastered will keep
green the longest. On some pastures it will improve the feed, on oth-
ers, not at all. I have some doubts whether lime and dung should
be used the sadie year, unless the dung is ploughed in, and the lime
sowed on the top. I have no scruples in using plaster with dung.
I do not understand how these minerals affect vegetation — but that
they do, I have no doubt, under certain circumstances ; and al-
though these circumstances seem to be accidental, I do not suppose
they are. We still hope that learning and experiments will make it
all plain. Experiments may be considered as the raw material, for
science to work upon. Tlie agricultural newspapers treat more or
less on the subject of manuring ; and also agiicultural encyclopedias.
There are also treatises by Dana and Falkner, and another by Bom-
raer, for which he has secured a patent. All farmers will obtain val-
uable information by a perusal of these works.

The Bommer method is a very expeditious mode of making ma-
nure. He gives assurance that a ton of dry straw, with about half
a ton of other ingredients, such as lime, soot, ashes, plaster, salt,
night soil, &c., will make four tons of manure. Of course two and
a half tons of water must be added. I will not Aveary your patience
in going further into detail, in making this manure. If the manure
when made possesses the fertility his book purports, it must be valua-
ble in a grain-growing couatry. But it may be doubted whether it

jiR. newell's address. 13

would be proj5 table here, to use up the straw, as few farmers raise
more tliaii can be profitably used for bedding the stock ; and as it
becomes saturated with urine, let it go to the barn-cellar, and be in-
corporated with the manure-heap. He also gives assurance that by
his process, manure can be made of weeds, green grass, mud, and
other earths.

Upon the seaboard, the washings from the ocean furnish a substance
which siipplies the farmer with as much as he needs for all the pur-
poses of absorption, and even more in many places, and in all proba-
bility, where this is used, salt would do no good, and might do harm.
It is supposed by some, that it is the salt in the sea-manures, which
is one great cause of its fertility. If this is so, it may account for
the expediency of using a suitable quantity of salt, upon all lands in
the interior.

I have dwelt thus long on the subject of manure, because I believe,
as Timothy Pickering once said, it is "the all in all in farming."
Without manure we can raise no crops, and without crops we can
have no income. There is one other species of manure, that has be-
come an article of commerce — I mean guano. Its effects have been
powerful in certain cases, however difiicult it may be to account for
it — as it lies from year to year exposed to evaporation, and its ac-
cumulation, according to Humbolt, who visited the Islands in the
Southern Ocean, is very slight for a few of the last centuries, how-
ever it may have been before. Dr. Dana, in his Muck Manual, says,
"The composition of guano countenances the idea of its being the
excrements of birds. Probably they belonged to that ancient flock,
whose huge foot-marks have left their impress on the shores of an
estuary, which has since become the sandstone of the Connecticut
valley." Thus he accounts for the vast accumulation, by supposing
that it is the droppings of a bird, enormous in size.

Rotation of crops is a subject so much talked of, that it needs no
explanation, and its beneficial results are generally admitted. That
corn is the best for the first crop in the course, where any animals
are kept, I have no doubt. That this crop in some way derives sup.
port from the dung turned under the sod, experiments have proved
clearly, and the land is left in good condition for the succeeding crop.
I believe any given quantity of new dung will be of as much service
to the second crop in a course of rotation, after laying under a crop
of corn, as it would be, to lay over the year, composted Avith earth

14 MR. newell's address,

of tlie like quality of the soil on which it may be used. The second,
and after crops in the rotation, must depend in a great measure upon
location and other circumstances. A portion of every crop-farm
where there are cattle, should be a field of corn sowed broad-cast or
in drills, for cutting green for the farm stock. No crop stands the
drought like it, and it may be sowed so as to be at maturity at such
time as the cattle need it most — say from the first of August to the
last of September. About this season the pastures get dry, the
fields have fruit and other crops that prevent the stock being put
there, (and this I have thought on the whole fortunate) and I am
certain there is no feed so economical as the corn crop. An acre
w^ill feed from five to ten or more head of grown cattle a month, ac-
cording to soil and season, with as much as they will eat night and
morning each day, with what they pick up in the pastures. If you
doubt the value or expediency of growing this crop, in such quantities as
your stock will eat, try it on some spot in your garden, after pulling up
your green peas. A gentleman who resides in Cuba, lately told me,
they grow there five crops a year, on the same spot, for stall-feeding.
I had rather be without a pasture after July is passed, than without a
field of corn to cut and come again to. This county is becoming so
studded with villages, that large tracts must be used for vegetables,
and the luxuries of life, which a dense population are ever eager to
obtain. And whether these places grow up by individual enterprise,
or through the medium of congregated wealth, it matters not to the
cultivator of the soil, any further than the one furnishes a more per-
manent mai'ket than the other. To supply the demands of these
growing villages and cities, in vegetables, in fruits, in the products
of the dairy and poultry^ard, will be an object worthy the attention
of all within a reasonable distance of these ready markets ; and it
must become a source of wealth to the surrounding country, if prop-
erly improved. Fight with corporate wealth as much as you will,
it seems to me we all partake of its benefits, in the reduction of fare
for transportation, and in the improved market for the productions
of the soil, if no more, in all our populous places. If you fear these
supposed monopolies, go to the city on the borders of a neighboring
county, where corporations are numerous, and a host of rich men
have congregated a portion of their wealth ; or, I would rather say,
look in all directions for five or ten miles before you get there,
and then say, if the well-cultivated crops, and the thrift of the in-

MR. neavell's address. 15

habitants don't tell a short story ; — that there is no mistake as to
their beneficial influence. Accommodate your crops to meet the
•wants of the market by which you are surrounded, and a fair remune-
ration -will attend your exertions.

The animals of a country will as a general thing be a fair criterion
by which to judge of the state of its agriculture. Go through any
district of country, and if you see the flocks and herds of good size
and in good condition at every stopping-place, it is safe to infer that
you are in a well-cultivated region. The turnip culture in England,
has done much to improve her stock. A good supply of that root in
addition to straw for winter food, will make two year-old cattle as
good as threes of the same breed fed on straw only. In ordinary
circumstances, probably the best way to improve stock, is to select
the most perfect from breeds not much larger than your own farm
will grow. As you improve the soil and the quality of fodder, the
stock will increase in size. Animals accustomed to feed on rich pas-
tures, and to have a full allowance of roots in winter, if taken from
this feed and put upon poor pastures and poor hay, without roots in
winter, will be far less profitable than the breeds not improved in
size by generous feeding. The dealer in cows, who has taken them
from cities or other places where they have been fed high, and put
them upon ordinary food, is not disappointed, if from being good
milkers they become ordinary cows. I would advise no man, howev-
er poor his keeping may be, to purchase animals that have been fed
better than he intends feeding. Some imported stock has come into
disrepute from this cause. Cattle large, possessing good quahties,
and of a vigorous constitution while well fed, have become lean and
feeble, for want of their accustomed nourishment, and their progeny
have degenerated even below the inferior animals of other breeds.
This should not operate to create prejudice against foreign breeds,
but rather it should stimulate us to provide a more generous diet.
I consider it an open question whether the importation of stock has
done any thing by way of improving our animals. Men far better
qualified than myself, have discussed this subject fully : their views
have been spread liberally before the public, and I certainly do not
expect to settle the differences between them ; but at the suggestions
of a few individuals, I will give you my ideas on this subject. At
the first settlement of the country, the importations made were fair
specimens of the stock of the mother country at that time, and until

16 MR. newell's address.

the present century we have had few breeders who even attempted
to estabhsh any pecuharity in our horned cattle, either of color, form,
or size. Most of the improvements made, were accidental, or the
result of better feed and care. When improvement became a matter
of consideration, it was attempted mainly by the introduction of for-
eign stock, and from that source, most of our improvements, if any,
have been made. I believe one of the errors in breeding, in this
country, has been the introduction of too large a race for general
use — not too large, perhaps, for farms in the highest state of cultiva-
tion, but larger than the ordinary cultivation and manner of feeding
would keep, where they were. Of course they have become degen-
erate stock.

But I believe the skill and capital that has been brought into ac-
tion in England, to improve their stock, have turned to a good
account, and that their improvements have gone beyond any made
in this country, with what we call native stock. I also believe that
with the same skill, and the same time, and the same capital, our
own stock may be carried to a state of perfection, equal to any of
theirs. Still, I can never look upon the fine form and noble size of
the Durham, without considering him the most perfect of his kind
that I have seen, and wishing that our feed was equal to his demands.
But, as it is, I believe for the present, it is better to take the smaller
breeds. The Ayershire and the Alderney are in high repute for the
dairy, and the North Devon for oxen. These breeds seem to possess
a imiformity of qualities, which is not the case with any of our cattle.

That we have had some cows equal to any of the above, may be
true, but it seems accidental rather than hereditary. The progeny
of our native stock is not so likely to inherit the good qualities of the
parent as is the foreign breed, so far as I have observed. I suppose
the difference in this respect between the imported breeds and ours,
is the result of a long course of skilful breeding to perfect and render
permanent certain qualities, which might have originally been acci-
dental. The quality of the milk of the Alderney and Ayershire
breeds, is almost uniformly rich, while there seems to be no uniformi-
ty about the (Quality of our native cows' milk. A few years ago, I
made a little experiment to test the quality of the milk of sixteen
cows. A gallon of each cow's milk was set by itself, and after stand-
ing twenty-four hours, the cream from each was churned by itself,
and the quantity of butter ranged from three to eight ounces. Thus

MR. newell's address. 17

you see, the quantity of milk is not the only subject to be attended
to in a dairy stock.

I suppose I have already wearied your patience, and -without ad-
ding any thing more I would recommend to all farmers to peruse the
publications on farming and stock, within their reach. They will
afford a fund of instruction and amusement for the leisure hours of
the winter evenings, soon coming on, and I venture to say they will
resume the labors of the coming spring, with more of system and
better success, than on former years.

Perhaps it was one of the wisest sayings of any uninspired man,
that "If the threatening that man should eat his bread by the sweat
of his brow was designed as a curse, it was one tempered with the
greatest mercy." No man or woman is too rich or too honorable to
work. Not that every man must dig potatoes or every woman wash
them ; but to feel that you have something to do that must be done,
is but the spice of life. Show an individual that has nothing to do,
and you find one that will do almost anything to kill time. The daily
laborer, if free, asks no pity from him. The curse upon the ground,
that it should bring forth the thorn and the thistle, becomes an obso-
lete idea, where the blessings of industry have their full scope.

Go to yonder garden, and then say if the vegetables, the fruits
and the flowers there are not equal to the spontaneous productions of
the garden of Eden. The very effort to rear them has a powerful
influence on the moral sense. Believe you that the tender hands
that nurtured the flowers that have surrounded us to-day, would give
forbidden fruit to the objects of their best affections? If we pro-
ceeded from a strange vine, I have no evidence that we are the de-
generate plants.

I believe, in this country, mankind are growing more industrious
and more virtuous, save where the blighting influence of an unpaid
labor is destroying the energies of those who demand it, and do no-
thing themselves. It is to be hoped that the time will speedily come,
when all will feel that the hands of the laborer, to be eflScient, must
be free.

ORIGINAL HYMN,

WRITTEN FOR THE

ANiMVERSARY OF THE ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,

By George Lunt, Esq.

Once more amid the harvest fields with autumn's stores imbrowned.
With flowers and fruits and golden grain in rich profusion crowned.
Behind our steps the summer fades, before us all appear
The hues that with their glory paint the closing time of year.

Once more we've seen the genial earth fling winter from her arnw.
For us unfold her mighty heart and give us all her charms ;
Once more we've met the summer's sun amid the blaze of June,
And gathered nature's bounties in beneath the harvest-moon.

The forest leaves of late so fresh, lie strewn and withered round,
The voices of the coming storm sweep o'er the naked ground,
The birds that filled the living air have spread their wonted wing,
Afar beneath another sky to seek another spring.

Yet though the circling seasons change and each resumes its reign.
Oh, not for this we grieve to see the year's departing train,
For hopes, that flushed the vernal hour, have found their rich reward,
And smilei should cheer the wintry hearth where plenty decks the board.

Like men we met the honest toils with every rising morn.

Like men we bore the fervid heat amid the bending Corn,

And now with grateful hearts we come to bless the bounteous Power,

Whose goodness sent the ripening sun and poured the kindly shower.

And still to seek thy fostering hand and own thy constant care,
May we and ours to endless years thy glorious name declare ;
Thine are our fields and flocks and herds and all that cro^vne our dayi,
And still to thee. Almighty Lord! eternal be the praise.

REPORTS, &

c.

ON PLOUGHING WITH DOUBLE TEAMS.

The Committee on Ploughing with Double Teams (present — D.
Adams of Newburj, A. T. Newhall of Lynnfield, J. Worcester of
Ipswich, and J. H. Coggshall of Lynn) Report :

That twelve teams were entered, — nine of which engaged in the
work. Lots were assigned as follows:
No. 1. to Joseph Horton,

2. to Daniel P. King,

3. to Jesse Curtis, Jr.,

4. to Davis Clark,

5. to Franklin Allen,

6. to Edwin Upton,

7. to John Newell,

8. to John G. AValcutt.

9. to Philip Marsh,
The land had been in grass about half a dozen years, was well

swarded, — and in consequence of the extreme drought, was difficult
to be operated on. The lots were about sixteen rods long, by thirty
feet wide, containing about one-sLxth of an acre each. The work
was performed as follows, viz :

No. 1. by 31 furrows in 48 minutes.

of Ipswich,
of Danvers,
of Marblehead,
of Lynn,
of Marblehead,
of Salem,
of Lynn,
of Danvers,
of Danvers.

2. by 32

50 "

3. by 31

60 "

4. by 31

50 «

5. by 29

51 "

6. by 34

82 "

7. by 32

70 "

8. by 30

73 "

9. by 34

46 "

22 ON PLOUGHINQ.

All the teams were required to plough at least 7 mches deep.
The average width of the furrows was a little more than twelve
inches, and the average time of performance about one hour. This
was a longer time than has usually been taken ; in consequence of
the work being much harder. All the teams performed well — some
of them very well indeed. All the ploughs used, we beheve, were
made by Ruggles & Co., of Worcester. Nearly all of them were
in good condition. Several of them were marked Eagle No. 25.
These were spoken of as the best finished, and combining the latest
improvements. Attached to several of these ploughs, we noticed a
draft rod regulated by a dial-clevis at the end of the beam ; by the
aid of which, it is said, the ploughman can readily adapt the plough
to any required tvidth or depth of furrow. And by the combined
operation of these, can so run his plough along aside of a fence as
to turn the sod close by it; or can turn up meadow or soft land, with
both cattle treading on the unbroken surface. These are decidedly
useful operations. We have no fancy for the strip, two or three feet
wide, as we have sometimes seen, left under the wall for the growth
of briars and bushes. And if the plough can be made to turn it, it
will save much labor with the breaking up hoe. The mould-board of
plough No. 25 is somewhat varied from that of Eagle No. 3 and 4,
(which we have considered a near approximation to the perfection of
plough-making) so that "it takes a wider and deeper furrow without
increasing the draft." The dial clevis, as we learn from those who
have used it, is thought to be a valuable appendage to the plough.
We have been more particular in noticing these alterations, as we
have ever considered the hrinying into use ploughs of improved con-
struction, and thereby introducing them to the public, one of ike
principal benefits accruing from these ploughing matches.

We have sometimes queried, whether all our ploughing could not
be more advantageously done with one yoke of oxen. But in the
condition in which this land was, we are satisfied that it required at
least the power of two pair of cattle. It is not useful at a Ploughing
Match to attempt a display of work, such as a good farmer would not
approve on his own farm. What we want is, that kind of work which
would be most valuable, when applied upon the same kind of land, in
the ordinary process of cultivation.

The inquiry has sometimes been made, upon what principles are the
premiums awarded ? It ia not easy to specify any definite rules,

On PLOUGiiiNa. 23

where a combination of all the facts and circumstances should be
taken into view. The man who completes his work in the shortest
time, inquires, why the time is noted, if when the work is so done, it
is not to command the premium. .The man who cuts his furrow true
and lays ic uniform, without hurrying or agitation, thinks that he has
complied with the instructions of the committee, and is entitled to
reward. And so he has, if the work has been done with a reasonable
degree of energy and activity. In judging of ploughing, we think it
proper to notice, the form of the plough used; the condition of the
cattle ; the manner in which they work ; the skill with which the
plough is handled ; the size and position of the furrow slice ; and
combining the considerations connected with each and all these points
of view, without attaching undue importance to any one of thera ; to
approve of that work as best, which would be most worthy of imita-
tion on a farm. The practised eye will readily discover many things
in the movements, for which no definite directions can be given.
Very much depends upon the manner in which the cattle have been
disciplined ; and the vigilant attention of the person holding the
plough. An inexperienced hand can hardly expect to enter into
successful competition.

The Committee were gratified to meet on the field several ex-
perienced ploughmen whom they have heretofore met ; as also several
young men, who manifested a determination to merit premiums. We
know of no contest for victory less liable to objection than this ; we
know not how the young man can better recommend himself to the
farmer, than by showing, in the field, his skill in handhng the plough.

We recommend that the premiums be awarded as follows :

To lot No. 2. first premium, $10.— D. P. King.

" " 6. second " 8.— E. Upton.

*^ " 9. third " 6.— P. Marsh.

" " 8. fourth " 4—J. G. Walcutt.

By order of the Committee,

J. W. PROCTOR.

Lynn, October 1st, 1840.

24 ON PLOUGHING.

ON PLOUGHING WITH SINGLE TEAMS,
The Committee on Ploughing with Single Teams, Report:

That there were six entries, five of which appeared as competitors
for the premiums, viz :

Moses Pettingill, of Topsfield.

Jacob P. Goodale, of Danvers.

Nathaniel Felton, of "

Joseph C. Putnam, of "

Farnham Spofford, of Andover.
Quantity of land ploughed by each team, about one-sixth of an
acre.

Messrs. Pettingill, Putnam and Goodale finished their work in
from 39 to 40 minutes, Mr. Spofford in 51 minutes, and Mr. Felton
in 69 minutes.

The ploughs used were all from the establishment of Ruggles,
Nourse & Mason ; and all, with one exception, did the manufacturers
great credit, by showing the perfection with which their ploughs can
be made to turn the sward. The plough to which the exception is
made was for the Avant of having it properly adjusted in running to
land, by the ploughman, rather than for any defect in its structure.
One of the ploughs used had an iron beam. This beam was cast
more sweeping than the wooden beams, and left more depth under
the beam by the coulter, being therefore less liable to clog. The
Committee had not time to examine this plough sufficiently, as to its
weight, its cost and its strength, to enable them to decide with any
certainty whether this alteration is an improvement, neither do they
wish to intimate that it is not an improvement.* They witnessed
an alteration in the iron fastening on the end of the beam, called by
the maker a dial-clevis, which they consider an improvement, as
the plough, by this fixture, can be turned to and from the land in
smaller proportions than by any method heretofore in use.

The ploughing field was a sandy loam. One end of some of the
lands was very uneven ; the land was exceedingly dry, and could not
be laid so smooth as if it had been lately moistened ; but under all
the circumstances, the work was performed admirably. The teams
with one exception, went straight and spry, with very little forcing.

* We expected an interview with the manufacturers and to have examined this plough
fully, but other appointmentB prevented it.

ON PLOUGHING. 25

The furrows were well shut in and well turned. And the Committee
found a good deal of difficulty in determining how to award the
several premiums.

After a thorough examination of the lots after the teams left, and
a long consultation, they awarded the premiums as follows :
To Joseph C. Putnam, of Danvers, 1st premium, $8.
To Moses Pettingill, of Topsfield, 2d " 6,

To Jacob P. Goodale, of Danvers, 3d " 4.

To Farnham Spoiford, of Andover, 4th " 2.

In behalf of the Committee,

MOSES NEWELL.

Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

ON PLOUGHING WITH HORSE TEAMS.

The Committee on Ploughing with Horse Teams ask leave to Re-
port:

That there were four horse teams entered for premiums, viz:
One by Philip Strong, of Marblehead.
" Jacob Brown, of Ipswich.
" Seth Holden, of Salem.
" C. A. Stetson, of Lynn.
Each appeared on the field and ploughed the usual quantity of
land on such occasions, viz:

Jacob Brown, of Ipswich, ploughed 28 furrows, in 35 minutes.
Philip Strong, of Marblehead, " 28 " 43 "

Seth Holden, of Salem, " 28 " 43 "

C. A. Stetson, of Lynn, " 28 " 45 "

J. J. Punch, ploughman.

Your Committee, after carefully examining the diflferent teams,
their discipline, and the workmanship of the ploughing, recommend
premiums to be awarded as follows, viz:

To Jacob Brown, of Ipswich, 1st premium, $8.

To C. A. Stetson, of Lynn, 2d " G.

To Seth Holden, of Salem, 3d " 4.

26 ON SWINE.

Your Committee regret their not being able to award a premium
to Mr. Stroncr, as all the teams did their work Avell enough to deserve

one.

Respectfully submitted,

JEREMIAH COLEMAN,
S. C. PITMAN,
SETII KIMBALL,
FREDERIC MITCHELL,
JOHN NORTHEND.

Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

ON SWINE.

The Committee on Swine Report:

That but few animals of this description were exhibited, and that
none of them came within the rules of the Society, so as to be enti-
tled to a premium. The Society offers premiums for boars, breeding
sows, and litters of weaned pigs, of not less than four in number,
from four to six months old. Six swine were entered by Elias Clough,
of the Lynn Poor Farm, which were purchased from a drove ten
months since, and were probably over a year old at the time of ex-
hibition. They were well-proportioned, thrifty animals, and would
weigh over 400 lbs. each. A finer lot could not, perhaps, be pro-
duced from any pen in the county ; but though of one litter, they
were not a litter of weaned pigs less than six months old. Joseph
Horton, of Ipswich, presented a plump pig, nearly four months old,
which should have been accompanied by at least three mates, in order
to claim the Society's premium. A very fat Berkshire hog, weighing
525 lbs., was exhibited by Nathaniel G. Harris, of Lynn, which
commended himself to the favorable opinion of the Committee, in all
respects save his breed, but for which they had no authority to bestow
a premium, as the Society offers none for a fat hog, as such. Four
Leicester pigs,.and a sow and a boar of the same breed, were entered
for exhibition only, by Samuel C. Pitman, of Lynn, of which the
two latter were thrifty and handsome animals.

The Committee were at a loss to account for the comparatively

ON SWINE. 27

small number of swine offered at this, and the late exhibitions of
the Society for its premiums. Essex is confessedly not a grazing
county, and hence it is that few cattle are fatted for the shambles,
and few such present themselv-cs at our shows. But of swine a
large amount is fatted and raised among us. There is hardly any
neighborhood in our villages, but could present many such as would
do credit to any exhibition. Our premiums seem to be offered rather
with a view to encourage the breeding of swine, than the fattening
of them ; but to that object, as your Committee believe, the attention
of our farmers is not at present specially directed. Many of them
purchase their store pigs from the droves ; some have no belief in the
superiority of one breed over another ; and others are deterred from
keeping sows for breeding, by the risk and uncertainty attending it.
Perhaps too, from the lovv^ price of pork for the last few years, less
interest is taken in procuring valuable breeds of swine, and propa-
gating from them, than would otherwise be.

Your Committee would be slow to subscribe to the opinion that it
is best to purchase from a drove, where a large number of swine is
kept. The most practised eye is often deceived as to the appearance
of swine, and the first cost of those selected might often, with the
best of feed, be hardly doubled in six months. We believe there is
a great difference in the breeds of swine ; that some lay on fat as
fast again as others, with the same feeding. Some seem to have no
other ambition than to increase in weight, and to rejoice the heart of
the farmer ; whilst others seem determined to balk his efforts and
hopes, by either eating with a dainty appetite, or, if devouring food
with a seeming relish, making no good use of it after it has passed
from the stomach, except to increase the contents of the hog-pen.

With regard to breeds, — the Berkshire, which but a few years
since put forth the lofolest pretensions to public favor, is now generally
condemned by those who have kept and slaughtered them. In Eng-
land, Avhere swine meat is used more as other meat is than with us,
and where it is consequently desirable to have a considerable portion
of it lean, the Berkshires arc held in high repute. A Yankee, how-
ever, looks first and foremost to a hog for pork, as a relish and as
fat. But for furnishing this, the Berkshire breed of swine is among
the very worst that exists. The fat pork of an entire Berkshire hog
that weighs 350 or 400 lbs., is about two inches in thickness, and
about a half an inch of that is rind. It is very soft and does not cool

28 ON SWINE.

hard like good pork. The legs and shoulders are very weighty, as
are also the spare-ribs and loins.

Your Committee are not sufficiently acquainted with the diflferent
varieties of swine to distinguish them by their names and qualities,
so as to give a preference to any particular breed. It is indeed diffi-
cult to know what to call the best breed, as they are so crossed and
intermixed, as they are to be seen among us. In selecting swine,
we should not take a pig with a large head, large ears, large legs
and a large tail ; but if we wanted a pig of which to make a hog, we
should endeavor to procure one that had a short head and small ears,
fine legs, and a slim tail set upon a slope rump. We should then
have pork and not bones. At slaughtering, the latter pig, which to
appearance would weigh 300 lbs., Avill be found to weigh 350 or
more ; the former will apparently weigh 400 lbs., but when brought
to the balance fce will be found wanting.

There is unquestionably greater risk attending the breeding of
swine than any other farm stock. But there are some rules, which,
though perhaps generally knoAvn, if more rigidly observed, would di-
minish the chances of a loss of pigs at littering. The sow should be
placed by herself in a pen, sparingly supplied with fine litter, some
weeks before confinement, so that she may become accustomed to her
abode. On the eve of that event she should not be disturbed, nor
indeed until after she has begun to suckle all of her new-born family.
She should be fed lightly for some days after having littered, to allay
inflaraation and to promote a healthy tone of body and appetite.
The quantity and quality of food may be increased, as the demands
of her stomach, which will soon be great, increase. But should her
appetite be poor — should she be moping or enfeebled by littering,
let her out of the pen with her young ones, to follow her own bent;
to walk, or root, or lie down, when and where she pleases ; only
housing her at night.

In a fortnight from their birth, pigs will thrive all the better for
being allowed to run out, at liberty, from the pen, and, as soon as
they may, to eat grass. Crumbs and such other food as they can find.
In a few weeks more they will readily eat corn, which should be fur-
nished them in small quantities as soon as they will eat it. They
thus learn early the art of eating, and depend partly on it as well as
on sucking, for support. The change, therefore, on weaning is not a
violent, but an easy one. They are thus preserved from that weaken-

ON SWINE. 29

mg and often fatal malady of young weaned pigs, the scours. This
and the mange are, perhaps, the most frequent and obstinate diseases
to which weaned pigs are liable. For the former, ■we know of no
remedy but the largest liberty and the smallest allowance of food ;
,for the latter, washing the pigs with butter-milk, or a sprinkling of
lamp-oil on their backs, will be found to be very beneficial, in remov-
ing the distemper.

In feeding swine, care in providing their food, regularity in fur-
nishing it, and judgment as to the amount furnished at particular
times, are all important. A hog, it is said, will eat any kind of
food, if he be kept short enough. Perhaps he will. And yet the
object of the feeder should be, not to see how mean or filthy fare a
hog will put up with without grumbling, but what food he will con-
sume the most of from day to day, which will best promote his growth
and at the same time be cheapest provided. And here is a wider
field, and one containing more disputed landmarks, than we can fully
enter upon or settle. By some it is contended that raw food, of every de-
scription, is better than cooked ; others, and they comprise the larger
class, say that solid food for swine is more nutritious for being cooked.
Our own testimony would go strongly in favor of cooked food, and
some of us are of opinion that if it be fermented it is all the better.
Indeed, apples, sour or sweet, if boiled and mixed with meal, are not
only eagerly §aten by swine, but are nearly as promotive of their
growth as potatoes boiled and mashed with meal. We have no ques-
tion that it is the best use to which cider apples can be appropriated.
Some think that the wash of a dairy is almost indispensable to the
raising of pork ; and doubtless it is an important item in lessening
the expense of it : while others assert that hogs will take on flesh
fastest when fed solely on corn and cold water.

But if these and other points as to the kinds of food best adapted
to the fattening of swine, are disputed, all are agreed that regularity
in furnishing the food is of the utmost consequence. A hog will tell
the hour of the day, by his stomach, with great exactness. If it be
feeding time and his wants be unsupplied, he Avill squeal, and fret,
(who can blame him ?) and worry off flesh faster than it can be put
on by a flush of food at irregular hours. Swine should, therefore, as
a general thing, be taken care of by one and the same person. If
they be intrusted to a number of hands, the old adage, "What is
everybody's business is nobody's," will be too often verified, in their

30 ON SWINE.

attendance. With tln-co meals a day in summer, and two in winter,
we believe our swine are very well content.

Judgment should be exercised in feeding ; for this some head-work
as well as hand-work is needed. If the previous meal or a portion
of it be left in the trough, it is evident either that the swine have
been over-fed, or have lost their appetite. In cither case, diminish
or withhold entirely their food at the next regular meal-time, and
perhaps the next, and the next, until the quantity furnished at any
one time be completely consumed. A clean trough is a great resto-
rative for a lost appetite. A hog can eat without a table-cloth, but
he likes a clean plate, — or what is the same thing to him, a clean
trough, — as well as he who feeds him. Swine should not be surfeit-
ed, if you would have them eat Avith a keen appetite. Gorge them
to-day, and to-morrow they are shy and dainty feeders. The opera-
tion of fattening is a gradual one, but it is also the quickest and
cheapest performed when the fullest amount of material needful to it,
is furnished. If it be true, as some physiologists assert, that plants
live mainly on air, it is very certain that swine cannot thrive on any such
food. They need good food and a plenty of it. They cannot be
cheated out of it, either by avarice or philosophy, without being
cheated yourself.

In reference to the often disputed question, whether pork-raising is
a profitable part of our farm pursuits, much, of course, depends on
the relative price of pork and of the food necessary to make it. At
the present price of corn and pork, it is contended by some that all
the profit in keeping hogs, is in the manure made by them. This
may be true if all the food is to be bought for them, but there is a large
amount of valuable materials on almost every farm, such as skim-milk,
small potatoes, wind-fall and other unsalable apples, unsound and small
cars of corn, which, we believe, can be applied in no way more pro-
fitable than in the feeding of swine. And as many such articles go
to make a given amount of pork, it is difficult to arrive at the exact
cost of fattening it. But if you have to buy all the food for your
swine, corn is probably the most profitable ; and it is believed by
your Committee, that pork can be raised for six cents a pound on
corn when it is sixty cents per bushel, at seven cents a pound when
it is seventy cents per bushel, and so on, either way, one cent a
pound on the pork, and ten cents a bushel on the corn. And this
conclusion is drawn from the fact that a good thrifty hog that will

ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LAND, 31

eat four quarts of corn a day, will gain a pound and a half of pork
a day.

To promote the growth of swine, they should be well littered, so
as to have a clean bed, and their pen should be kept dry, though not
too close. In winter, it is more difficult to make them grow than in
mild weather, and one cause of this, as your Committee believe, is,
that they are then often kept too warm in their pens, so that on
going out, their perspiration is checked, and their health consequently
injured. Whether hogs are fatted in summer or winter, let the eye
of watchfulness be always upon them, and the liberal hand extended
to supply their wants at regular hours, and then — if at all — tho
business will be made a remunerating one.

Respectfully submitted.

ALLEN W. DODGE,
HOBART CLARK,
JOHN ALLEY, 3d,
JOSEPH AKERMAN,
MATTHEW H. GREENLEAF.
Lynn, October 1st, 181G.

ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LAND.

Committee— 3. Newhall, J. Marland, T. E. Payson, J. M. Grosve-
nor, H. Ware, Jr.
The Committee on Meadow and Swamp Land Report :
That early in July, their attention was called by Mr. James
Marsh, of Danvers, to one acre of reclaimed meadow land, for pre-
mium. The Committee inspected the meadow while the crop of
grass was standing, which in their estimation would produce two and
a half tons of hay. The crop of hay, the year previous, amounted
to three tons, as per statement of Mr. Marsh, which is subjoined.
The Committee award to him the first premium of fifteen dollars.

It affords pleasure to the Committee to remark that the attention
of the farmers of Essex is becoming more strongly directed to the
subject of reclaiming those numerous tracts of meadow and swamp

32 ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LAND.

land ^vltll -whicli the county abounds. As Mr. Marsh very truly ob-
serves, there is no labor done on a farm, that yields a more certain
return, than that bestowed on low and Avet ground. The crops of
much of the light land under cultivation, are frequently injured by
the severity of our summer droughts, while the low lands, if judi-
ciously drained, produce largely whether the season proves to be dry
or otherwise.

The fact being now well established that peat meadows, after
having been reclaimed, are among the most valuable and productive
of cultivated ground, the question arises. What, from past experience,
is the best method to be pursued in reclaiming such land? The meadow
or swamp of Mr. Marsh was dug over, and the stumps thrown out, at an
expense of twenty dollars ; then covered with gravel and sown down
to grass. But on many tracts of peat meadow which are free from
bushes and trees, the expense of inverting the sod may be entirely
saved. From the experience of one of the Committee at least, the
most economical course to be pursued, and that which gives the
greatest return for the outlay, is, after draining by marginal and
other ditches, to haul on in the winter, (if the meadow be soft,)
about one hundred and fifty loads of gravel to the acre, spread in
July following ; and early in September, after having put on some
compost or ashes, seed down to grass. Meadows reclaimed in this
way, have continued to produce good crops longer without top dress-
ing, than similar land which had been planted till the turf was sub-
dued, and then sown down without any admixture of sand or gravel.
The inquiry is sometimes made. Of what benefit can mere sand or
gravel be to sucli land ? It is well known that meadows which are
submerged during a great portion of the year, contain acids which are
deleterious to cultivated plants. In order to induce fertihty, such
acid must be corrected. It is said by chemists that every hundred
lbs. of granite contains six or seven lbs. of potash ; this alkali is ab-
stracted by the peat from gravel, when applied to such land, and
the peat becomes a bed of manure. It is necessary also to warm and
consolidate the meadow and to afford silex for the coating, and there-
by give support to the growing plant. Hence the great value of
a certain amount of coarse gravel in the process of reclaiming peat
meadows.

In September, the Committee, at the request of Mr. Samuel C.
Pitman, of Lynn, viewed a piece of land on his farm, containing

ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LAND. SB

about ten acres, which he has improved by clearing the bushes, trees
and stumps, and rendered productive of good crops, as -will be seen
by his statement, which is herewith transmitted. The ground appear-
ed to be more of the character of upland than otherwise, and it was
thought that the improvement did not come within the province of a
committee on wet meadow and swamp land. The method of ex-
tracting stumps, adopted by Mr. Pitman, seems to be worthy of at-
tention.

The Committee have received an interesting communication from
the Rev. Edwin M. Stone, of Beverly, on the subject of reclaiming
meadow and swamp lands, Avhich the Committee respectfully request
may accompany their report, and be published in the Transactions
of the Society.

For the Committee,

J. NEWIIALL.

Lynnfield, November 1st, 1846.

JAiMES MARSH'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Meadoiv and Swamp Land :

Gentlemen, — The piece of reclaimed meadow, to which I ask the
attention of the Committee, contains about four acres. A foAv years
since, it was considered worthless, not havin'g been mowed for many
years, and then but a small part, for litter. About half was covered
with bushes and stunted maples. About six years since, I commenc-
ed reclaiming, by inverting about six rods and spreading a light dress-
ing of compost manure, and sowed grass-seed about the last of May :
this exceeded my most sanguine expectations, both in the quantity
and quality of the hay to the present time. The next year, I ploughed
half an acre of the hardest part, by attaching a plough to a pair of
wheels, so that the oxen might walk on the sward. This I planted
with potatoes ; and after they were dug, the ground was leveled and
prepared for grass, which was sown on the snow in March. The
piece of land to which I would ask your attention, contains one acre.
In the winter of 1839, I cleared the wood and bushes, and have
shice kept the sprouts down by mowing. In August, 1843, I hired

#
34 ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LAND.

it (lug over and laid level, (the stumps and hassocks thrown back)
for twenty dollars. Such of the roots and hassocks as became dry,
I burned ; the others were carted home for fuel, when the meadow
became frozen. The fuel paid for this part of the labor. I then
covered it with a loamy gravel one inch, which took one hundred
and fifty loads ; which took five days' labor of tAvo men and two
yoke of oxen. The work was done in winter, when there was two
feet of snow on the ground, too deep for other labor. I then applied
a light dressing of manure, and soAved the grass-seed April 15. The
crop was cut, the first year, about the last of August, and yielded
one and a half tons, worth $15 per ton ; the second year, three tons
of prime quality, worth $20 per ton: the present season, two and a
half tons, worth $15 per ton. The expenses, as near as I can esti-
mate, are as follows :

Turning, $20 00

Gravelling, 10 00

Manure, 10 00

Grass-seed — one peck herds^. one bushel red-top. 1 50

41 50

Crops — First year, 1^ tons, at $15,

22 50

Second" 3 " 20,

60 00

Third " 2i " 15,

37 60

120 00

Deduct for cutting*and making, $2 per ton,

14 00

106 00

Yours, respectfully,

JAMES MARSH.

Danvers, October 1st, 1846.

P. S. I have been improving my low grounds for fifteen years,
and have more than quadrupled my crop of English hay. I know
of no labor that yields a more certain return. I think (Avhere the
ground is not too rough) inverting the sod and spreading a light
coat of gravel, manuring and seeding down to grass, yield much the
greatest profit for the labor. J. M.

ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LAND. 35

EDWIN M. STONE'S LETTER.

To the Committed on Meadow and Swamp Land :

Gentlemen, — If, in your judgment, it comports with the objects
of the Essex Agricultural Society, I should like, through you, to
urge, briefly, upon the attention of farmers, a subject which, for
several years, has been one of increasing interest to me, and consti-
tuting, in my view, a most important department of agriculture. I
mean the reclaiming of meadow and swamp land.

At what time attention was first drawn to this subject in Essex
County, I am without means of determining ; but it is now something
more than forty years since the late Benj. T. Reed, Esq., of Mar-
blehead, tested the utiUty of reclaiming wet lands by ditching, cover-
ing with gravel, &c. He owned four or five acres of this kind of
land, that produced grass of so poor quality as to be hardly worth
mowing. This same land, after being drained and suitably prepared,
yielded from three to four tons of good hay per acre. Mr. Reed's
experiment attracted attention, and doubtless was instrumental iu
promoting similar improvements elsewhere. Many years ago, the
late Peter Dodge, of Hamilton, reclaimed a piece of meadow land
with a success that won the admiration of his neighbors, and that in-
duced others to engage in ^''Peterizing^^ their bogs, as the process
was famiharly denominated. Since then, the practice has been ex-
tensively adopted.

This work has not, however, been pursued to the degree its impor-
tance warrants. There are still, in this county, thousands of acres
of meadow and swamp land in their primitive state. This land, now
comparatively worthless, would, if reclaimed, be highly valuable. I
have in my mind at this moment, a tract for which the owner would
not now accept one hundred dollars per acre, that a few years ago
was worth not more than fifteen dollars. I believe no land remu-
nerates labor so well. An occasional dressing of gravel or sand, to
keep down the foul grasses, and a thin coating of manure once in
three years, will, in common seasons, ensure an abundant crop of
English hay.

While the value of such land, when reclaimed, is acknowledged by
all, some farmers object to the improvement on the ground of expense.
They say that the labor of reclamation costs so much, that they feel
compelled to sacrifice their preferences at the shrine of prudence.
But this objection loses its weight, when it is considered that farmers

36 ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LAND.

may do most of this work within themselves, and at times when their
teams are not required for other service. Besides, much of the
swamp land in this county, has been, at a remote period, covered
with a heavy growth of pine, and the fuel raised from beneath the
surface, will, in most instances, remunerate the expense incurred.
Such has been the fact in several cases in my own neighborhood.
My neighbor, Mr. SulUvan Brown, who has this year raised a fino
crop of corn and potatoes on land that two years ago was mere bog,
informs me that the entire cost of reclaiming it has been defrayed
by the wood obtained.

Another consideration by which I would urge this kind of improve-
ment, is Health. If "time is money," so is health. The salubrity
or insalubrity of a neighborhood or town will always affect the value
of landed property. Whatever, therefore, renders a place more
healthy, makes it more attractive for habitation, and consequently in-
creases the value of real estate. This fact is worthy the attention
of all, and especially of those inhabiting towns through which pass
the iron arteries centering in Boston. The rapid growth of the Me-
tropolis is every year impelling hundreds of its business men to seek
homes for their families, during the summer months, in the country,
and such will continue to be the case for many years to come. The
facilities of railroads make it nearly as convenient for a merchant
doing business on Long wharf to reside twenty or thirty miles in the
country, as to live at the south or west ends of the city ; and in se-
lecting a residence, its healthiness will determine the choice.

Much of the summer sickness in the country, is attributable to an
impure atmosphere produced by the miasma of meadows and swamps.
Draining and culture will, of course, in all such cases, remove this cause
of disease. This truth has been remarkably exemplified in the north
parish in Beverly. Formerly, fevers and other forms of summer and
autumnal disease, prevailed extensively every season. About twenty
years ago, the reclaiming of meadows and swamps was commenced,
and up to the present time, between thirty and forty acres have been
converted into productive land. The effect has been wonderful.
During ten years past, not a case of malignant fever has onginated
in those neighborhoods, formerly so sickly; and the parish has become
one of the most healthy places in the State. Last year, but four deaths
occurred in a population of about seven hundred — three infants and one
ftdult aged 86 years. Indeed, there is not a spot in the Common-

ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LAND. 37

wealth, that I can now more confidently recommend for a residence,
on the score of salubrity. What has been effected here, may be
effected elsewhere, by a similar process ; and I respectfully submit to
land owners in sickly neighborhoods, Avhether the work is not, in every
point of view, worthy of more general prosecution.

Last year, in a report by the Society's Committee on Meadow and
Swamp Land, a scientific and practical survey of the meadows of the
county was recommended. Such a survey, thoroughly executed,
would be highly advantageous to the farming interest, and reflect de-
served credit on the Society.

Very respectfully.

Yours, &c.,

EDWIN M. STONE.
Beverly, September 30th, 1846.

SAMUEL C. PITMAN'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Meadow and Sivamp Land :

Gentlemen, — The swamp to which I have called your attention,
is composed in part of muck and part of sandy clay soil, and contains
ten acres and twelve rods. In the year 1839, the first year I came
to live on the farm, and by the way, the first year of turning my
attention to^farming, — this land was so thickly covered with brush,
brake and briars, that it was with great difficulty a man could walk
through it. A few years previous to this, it contained a heavy growth
of hard wood. In August, 1840, I had the brush and brake cut
and burned. In June, 1841, I commenced pulling the stumps, which
averaged, large and small, five hundred to the acre. One hired man
with myself and one yoke of oxen, cleared about three acres in twen-
ty days. The last part of summer and fall, I cleared, ditched and
ploughed, the remainder, I would here state that I made use of a
strong purchase — consisting of tackle and fall, to remove the stumps :
I supposed my purchase with one yoke of oxen, would move one
hundred tons. The expense of pulling the stumps, reckoning my
own time at one dollar per day, and the oxen at fifty cents per day,
I estimate to have been ^175. In 1842, 1 planted about one half
the land with corn and potatoes, and had a very fair crop of each.

38 ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LAND.

The other part or half, was so full of brake-root, that I could not
work it ; in order to get rid of which, I let the land lay until after
haying, when I gathered the brake-root into large heaps and burned
them. In 1843, ploughed and planted part with potatoes, and sowed
part with barley. In 18-44, ploughed and sowed part with oats, which
I cut for fodder. The other part I planted with potatoes. After
getting off the oats in August, ploughed and sowed with herds grass
and red top about six acres. In 1845, ploughed and sowed with
oats three acres ; planted one acre with potatoes, six acres being in
grass ; all this 3'ear bearing heavy crops. In August, ploughed and
sowed with herds grass and red top the three acres which were in
oats. The present year, 1846, ploughed and sowed with barley and
grass seed one acre in April ; cut in July, a heavy crop of barley.
From the nine acres in grass, I think I can safely estimate an average
of two tons good hay per acre. I have used very little manure on
any part of it, and some parts nothing more than a light sprinkling
of ashes when seeded down to grass.

The expense attending the whole improvement, over the usual la-
bor on common tillage lands, I estimate thus :

Cutting down brush, $45

Pulling stumps, 175

Hauling off do., 85

Extra team and labor ploughing, 40

Expense of apparatus for pulling stumps, . 30

$325

The amount of fuel obtained from the stumps, I calculate was worth
to me all the expense of pulling them out, which, deduct 175 from
325, leaves 150 or $15 per acre. I certainly think the crop of hay
last year, more than balanced the account between me and the swamp.

I will cheerfully explain the method I used in pulling the stumps,
to any one wishing to try the experiment.

I have thus given you as correct and detailed a statement as my
time at present will permit, and submit the same.

Respectfully,

SAMUEL C. PITMAN.

Woodside Farm, Lynn, September 14th, 1846.

ON FARMS. 89

ON FARMS.

The Committee of the Essex Agricultural Society on Farms, (con-
sisting of Hoses Newell, Hobart Clark, Erastus Ware, Christopher
How, and Jacob Brown,) Report :

That but one farm has been entered for premium. This was by
Mr. Jonas Holt, of Andover, who made application for a premium
the last year, and was awarded a gratuity only. A majority of the
Committee examined this farm in July and September, and were more
particular in their observations in regard to the management of the
farm, than they probably would have been, had it not been examined
by an able and experienced Committee, the year preceding. Your
Committee concur in the remarks made by their predecessors, as to
the character of this farm, and generally as to the improvement of
it, and have but very httle to add to what has heretofore been stated.
Mr. Holt has done most of the work of his farm with his own hands.
He has had good success in obtaining grass from his low peat land,
"where nothing grew before. He is cultivating the various kinds of
fruit, such as apples, peai*s, peaches, cherries, grapes, &c., with a
fair promise of success. This farm has been in the possession of the
present proprietor's family from the first settlement of Andover, and
it is believed that if some of his grandfathers could now take a peep
at it, they would think considerable work had been done by some-
body.

Your Committee are of opinion that Mr. Holt is entitled to much
credit, for skill, perseverance and economy, in the management of his
farm, and unanimously recommend the second premium of twenty
dollars to be paid to him.

For further particulars in regard to this farm, reference is to be
had to INIr. Holt's statement, which accompanies this report.

All which is respectfully submitted,

For the Committee, by

HOBART CLARK.

Andover, November 16th, 1846.

S3

50

,3 50

1

'75

1

75

8

60

4

00

40 ON FARMS.

JONAS HOLT'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Farms :

Gentlemen, — During the last five years, I have subdued ten
acres of rough bush pasture, which is very stony. I have built fifty
rods of good stone wall, and have set one hundred and fifty trees
this year, and have also ploughed five acres of my pasture, three of
which I have sown with rye ; the cost of which was as follows :
Ploughing three and a half days, myself, oxen and boy ;

My own work, at $1 00 per day.

Oxen, 1 00 "

Plough, 50 "

Boy, 50 «

Four bushels of rye, at 90 cents per bushel,

Sowing and harrowing,

Making the whole expense, $18 10

This is sown for early feed, and to subdue the bushes. The feed
will not pay more than half the expense of ploughing and sowing,
but bushes cannot be subdued without time, and it is better, I think,
to get half pay than to let the ground lie fallow.

My crops, this year, are but partly harvested. I sowed one
bushel and three pecks of barley, and harvested nineteen bushels and
one peck from three quarters of an acre. Sowed three bushels of
oats; these are not all threshed. Planted eight quarts of white
beans ; have harvested about two thirds of them, and have six bushels.

I have thirty-six acres in mowing and tillage. Five acres and one
half have been tilled this year, viz : One and one half in corn, one and
one half in potatoes, one acre of beans, and of corn for fodder ; one
do. fallow, wliich I have seeded, the first of September, with grass,
and half an acre of trees.

I have made sLxty loads of compost manure, this season, in the
following manner: Heap No 1. Twenty loads of muck, twelve do.
of loam dug up by the wall, six do. of barn yard manure, two do. of
peat ashes. No. 2. Eight loads of muck, one cow that died, two
loads of ashes, and four bushels of refuse or dirty salt. No. 3.
Bushes and roots, with the gravel attached, burned ; five loads. No.
4. Loam mixed with the wash of the sink : twenty loads of this I
have used, and the other forty I intend to spread on the grass this
fall. I have also the manure in the hog and barn yards, probably
near fifty loads.

ON FARMS. 41

Since the sixth of April, I have hauled ninety loads of small stones,
and blasted rocks four dajs. I have cut twenty-five tons of English
hay, four or five tons of meadow hay, and two tons of rowen.

Expense of labor : One man, 3 months, at S12 50, $37 50

One man, 14 days, at 75 cents, 10 50

One man, 10 days, at 80 cents, 8 00

One man, 5 days, at $1, 5 00

One boy, 14 days, 3 50

S64 50
I have sold two loads of hay, one at 12, and the other

at $15 per ton, amounting to 88 16

Summer apples, peaches and vegetebles, 12 00

$50 00
I have yet to sell, several .tons of hay, and twenty barrels of ap-
ples, besides beans and garden vegetables.

A more full account of the produce of the farm can be given,
when the corn and potatoes are harvested.^

Respectfully yours,

JAMES HOLT.

Andover, October 1st, 1846.

ON STEERS.

The Committee to examine and award the premiums on Steers,
ask leave to Report :

That but one pair of steers was offered for premium ; a pair of the
Durham breed, two years old, by Benjamin Poore, from the Indian
Hill Farm, West Newbury. They were large, well-formed, fine

* By letter of November aist, 1346, from Mr. Holt, we learn that he raised eighty-three
bushels of ears of corn from one acre, and one hundred and fifty bushels of potatoes on
his farm, forty bushels of French turnips, thirty bushels of round turnips, twenty-seven
bushels of sugar beets, ten bushels of onions, and a supply of garden vegetables for
family use.

6

42 ON BULLS.

looking animals, and the Committee have awarded to Mr. Poore, the
first premium for tAYO year old steers, of six dollars.

Respectfully submitted.
For the Committee,

FREDERICK HOWES.

Lynn, October 1st, 184C.

ON BULLS.

The Committee on Bulls (present — S. Low, H. Ayer, N. Harris,
R. A. Merriam, and F. Alley) Report :

That only two animals of this description were presented. One
by J. H. Cogshall, of Lynn, half Durham and half Ayrshire ; one
by John Mason, of Salem, native breed.

Neither of these animals, in the opinion of the Committee, were
worthy of the first premium.

They award for Mr. Cogshall's bull, the second premium of S6
" For Mr. Mason's bull, the third " of 4

It was a subject of regret with the Committee, that so few animals
of this class were presented at the Show, when there are so many well
worthy of approbation, that might have been brought forward. Your
Committee were unanimous in the opinion, that the raising of our na-
tive breed of cattle should be encouraged within the County, in pre-
ference to imported animals, believing them much better adapted to
the climate. For working oxen, none can be found superior to our
native breed. And when the expense of keeping is properly taken
into view, it may be doubted whether any milch cows can be found
superior to our native breed. If then you would have oxen and cows
of best quality, you must be particular in selecting and raising the
best bulls ; and when raised, not backward in exhibiting them.

In behalf of tlie Committee,

SOLOMON LOW, Chairman.
Lynn, October 1st, 1840.

ON PAT CATTLE — ON TUB DAIRY. 43

ON FAT CATTLE.

The Committee on Fat Cattle (present — W. Merrill of Danvcrs,
Jesse Sheldon of Beverly, C. H. Holmes of Topsfield, and Joseph
Newell of West Newbury) Report :

That one pair of cattle were presented by Mr. Joseph Towne, of
Topsfield. These cattle had done the work on a farm of more than
one hundred acres, and had received no extra feed for the purpose of
fattening them. They were in very good condition, and in the
opinion of the Committee had done extraordinarily well for their
feed. The Committee could not place them in the first class of fat
cattle ; but they recommend an award of ten dollars to their OAvner,
for the pair of cattle.

For the Committee,

WINGATE MERRILL.

Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

ON THE DAIRY.

The Committee on the Dairy have attended to the ■■ duty assigned
them, and Report :

That only three samples of June butter were offered for examina-
tion, one of which was not entitled to a premium, as no statement was
made of the produce from first of June to ninth of July, as required
by the rules of the Society. Six samples of September butter were
entered, three of which were unaccompanied by the required state-
ment of the quantity made from twentieth of May to twentieth of
September.

The Committee award the premiums as follows :

For June butter ;

To Jonathan Berry, of Middleton, Ist premium, $10

To Ezra Dodge, of Wenham, 2d " 8

For September butter;

To Allen W. Dodge, of Hamilton, 1st premium, $10

To George W. Dodge, of Wenham, 2d " 8

44 ON THE DAIRY.

To Jonathan Berry, of Middleton, 3d premium, $6
To John K. Cole, of Topsfield, 4th " Colman's

European Agriculture.

Per order of the Committee,

GEORGE HOOD, Chairman.
Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

JONATHAN BERRY'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I present for your inspection, one pot of June but-
ter, containing twenty-seven lbs., being a specimen of two hundred
and fifty-four lbs., made between the first of June and ninth of July,
from six cows and a two year old heifer. Also, two boxes of Sep-
tember butter, containing twenty-seven lbs., being a specimen of six
hundred and ninety-nine lbs., made between the twentieth of May
and twenty-seventh of September, from the same cows. Their feed
has been common pasture until August, since then green corn fod-
der until September 9th ; from which time two quarts of meal has
been allowed to each cow per day.

Process of making. — The milk is strained into tin pans, where it
stands from forty-eight to seventy-two hours. It is then skimmed,
and the cream put into pails and set in a vault prepared for that pur-
pose. We churn once a week. The butter-milk is worked out by
hand, and the butter salted to suit the taste.

Respectfully yours,

JONATHAN BERRY.
Middleton, September 80th, 1846.

EZRA DODGE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy .*

Gentlemen. — I present for your inspection, one pot of June but-
ter, containing 30 lbs., being a sample of 75 lbs., made between the
first of June and July 9th, from four cows. Their feed was a com-

ON THE DAIRY. 45

tnon pasture. The process- of making was, to strain the milk into
tin pans, in which it stands forty-eight hours ; churn once a week,
and use seven-eighths of an ounce of salt to a pound of butter. \

EZRA DODGE.

Wenhanr, September 30th, 1846.

ALLEN W. DODGE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I present for your inspection, a pot of June butter,
of 25 lbs.; also a box, containing 26 lbs. of September butter, being
a specimen of 1164 lbs. made since the 20th of May. This butter
was made from the milk of thirteen cows, all of native breed. Their
feed, till the tenth of August, was pasturing only, with the run of a
few mowing lots : since that time they have been fed once a day
with green corn fodder, raised for this purpose.

Process of making. — The milk is strained into tin pans and placed
in a cool cellar ; when the cream is sufficiently risen, it is skimmed
off and, in the warm weather, placed in a well, about twenty-four
hours before churning, to become cool. We churn once a week, and
never rinse the butter with water in the churn. The butter is freed
from butter-milk by thorough working with the hands, and is salted
to suit the taste. The following day it is again worked over and
weighed. "We use the ground rock salt. The June butter has a
small quantity of loaf sugar and saltpetre added to it, to aid in pre-
serving it. From the above cows, we have also used milk for nine
in the family.

ALLEN W. DODGE.

Hamilton, September 28th, 1846.

GEORGE W. DODGE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I present for your inspection, two boxes of Sep-
tember butter, containing 26 lbs., being a specimen of 392 lbs. made
between the twentieth of May and twentieth of September. This
butter was made from the milk of six cows, one of which was farrow ;

46 ON TUB DAIRY.

the milk of another we did not use for five or six weeks after the.
twentieth of May, and we have used the milk of one cow almost en-
tirely in the family.

Process of making, — The milk is strained into tin pans, where it
stands from twenty-four to forty-eight hours, according to the weather.
It is then skimmed, and the cream is put in tin pails, which stand
upon the cellar bottom. "We churn twice a week. The butter-milk
is worked out by hand. The butter is never washed ; it is salted
one ounce to the pound. A little salt is put in the cream pails, and
the cream stirred at the times of addition.

The cows have been kept in a poor pasture, and have been fod-
dered at night in the barn through the season, either with hay, grass
or corn fodder.

Yours respectfully,

G. W. DODGE.

Wenham, October 1st, 1846.

JOHN K. COLE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy:

Gentlemen, — The process of making the accompanying butter
was as follows : The milk is strained into tin pans ; it stands from
thirty-six to forty-eight hours, when the cream is taken off. It is
then put into a tin can and in a cool place, till it is churned, which
is about three days. The butter-milk is then drawn off and the but-
ter rinsed with a pail of cold water. It is then taken from the churn
and worked over, and salted to suit the taste, with rock salt. It is
then deposited in a cool place, and stands tAventy-four hours, when it
is again worked and made into balls. The specimen entered for pre-
mium was made the present month.

Yours respectfully,

JOHN K. COLE.

Topsficld, September 30th, 1846.

ON WORKING OXEN.

47

ON WORKING OXEN.

The Committee on Working Oxen have attended to the duty as-
signed them, and Report :

That fifteen pair of working oxen were entered for premium by
the followhig persons :

of Danvers,

Nath'l Felton,
Jacob P. Goodale,
John Hathaway,
Daniel P. King,
Jacob Galucia,
Edwin Upton,
Joseph Ilorton,
Farnum Spofford,

of Salem,

a

of Ipswich,
of Andover,

B. W. Crowninshield, of Topsfield,

one pair, 7 years old,

a Y u

" 5 "

did not appear.

one pair, 7 years old,
a fj u

" 6 "
u 8 u

U Q U

Joseph Towne,
Moses Pettingill,
Franklin Alley,
Daniel D. Clark,
Joseph Hathaway,

" did not appear.

" did not appear.

of Lynn, one pair, 7 years old,

" did not appear,

of Marblehead, one pair, 6 years old.
The power and movement of the cattle were tried with a load of
6000 lbs. in a wagon weighing 1700 lbs. — total 6700 lbs. As before
stated, only ten pair were tried, and one pair of them was excluded
from their age, (8 years) not entitling their owner to competition for
the premiums. After duly considering the action, size and strength
of the other nine pair, with reference to their respective ages, the
Committee award

To John Hathaway, of Danvers, the first premium, $10
To Jacob Galucia, of Salem, the second " 7

To Joseph Horton, of Ipswich, the third " 5

The pair belonging to B. W. Crowninshield, appeared remarkably
well, and the Committee recommend a gratuity of Colman's Euro-
pean's Agriculture, for their excellence. The most of those offered
did well — many of them so well as to render it rather difficult to de-
cide which did best.

All which is respectfully submitted,

JACOB BROWN, Chairman.
Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

48 ON FRUITS, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES.

ON FRUITS, FLOWERS AND -VEGETABLES.

The Committee on Fruits, Flowers and Vegetables, Report :

That the exhibition of fruits this year, has exceeded, in variety
and interest, any previous one held by the Society, and that the
specimens presented were generally fine and well grown.

The contributions from J. S. Cabot, J. M. Ives, Robert Manning,
William Stearns, of Salem ; Andrew Dodge, of Wenham ; M. Pet-
tingill, of Topsfield ; Ebenezer Brown, John B. Johnson, Joshua
Webster, James Oliver, and others, of Lynn ; contained many beau-
tiful fruits. There were contributors of good specimens in smaller
quantities : we noticed very large Duchesse d' Angouleme pears from
J. N. Saunderson; Chelmsford do., weighing 18 ounces, from Reuben
Johnson and Mr. Lewis ; seedling peaches, of fair size and flavor,
from Middleton, and Ezra Johnson, of Lynn ; fine specimens of ap-
ples from Nathan Breed, Samuel Putnam, Ebenezer Neal, J. Breed
and others. Of grapes, the Black Hamburgh from E, R, Mudge,
and the Zinfindel from Andrews Breed, were well grown and finely
colored. J. L. L. F. Warren, of Brighton, exhibited a variety of
fine fruits ; and his specimens in wax were generally admired.

From the endless variety of fruits now presented in the catalogues,
the difficulty seems to be in the selection of a limited number for a
small garden. The nursery-man finds his profit in multiplying va-
rieties, and it is the ambition of the amateur who cultivates exten-
sively, to swell his list of fruits, by the addition of every thing which
is new ; but the small grower requires those kinds only which by
their good bearing qualities and thrifty habits are likely to repay him
for the labor and care bestowed in their cultivation : he should there-
fore endeavor to select such good kinds as are suitable for his locality
and soil. It is well known that some varieties flourish in a strong
loam, others in a light and sandy soil, while a few, like the Bartlett
pear and the Baldwin apple, seem at home in every variety of soil and
exposure ; hence the conflicting opinions of good cultivators, each
giving the correct results of his own experience. Many kinds which
take a high rank in the catalogues and which can be recommended
for a large collection, are not desirable for a small one, owing to their
unthrifty or unproductive habits, or variable character ; while there
are others, not strictly first rate in quality, yet so uniformly produc-
tive and healthy, that they are not to be neglected in a collection
however small.

ON FRUITS, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES. 49

The exhibition of flowers was not large. The exceedingly hot and
dry season has been unfavorable to the production of fine specimens.
The boquets from the ladies of Lynn and Salem were arranged with
good taste. The pyramids of flowers, the ornamental baskets, and
the grass boquets were beautiful, and attracted much attention.

The Society is indebted to the Natural History Society of Lynn,
for their liberality in relinquishing their own annual exhibition for the
benefit of this ; and for their valuable aid in the decoration of the
hall, and the arrangement of the tables.

The Committee recommend the following gratuities :

Fruits. — R. Manning, John M. Ives, Joseph S. Cabot and Otis
Johnson, two dollars each; Ebenezer Browne, one dollar and fifty cents;
G. W. Oliver, J. Oliver, M. Pettingill, A. Dodge and R. Mudge,
one dollar each ; J. S. Sanderson, J. Webster, H. A. Breed and
W. G. Lake, seventy-five cents each ; Andrews Breed, J. B. John-
son, E. Johnson, Nathan Breed, Dr. Nye, Alfred Peabody and J.
Ober, fifty cents each; Samuel Putnam, E. F. Dodge, E. Neal,
C. B. Holmes, R. Johnson, Isaac Childs, D. N. Breed, J. B. Gould,
Joseph Breed, Cyrus Hoten, Samuel Tufts, D. Moulton, J. Berry,
J. Daley, J. Alley, 3d, J. Marsh, F. Tudor, J. Tuttle, Isaiah Breed,
William Preston, J. Brown and Josiah Newhall, twenty-five cents
each.

Flowers. — Mr. West, of Salem, pyramidal boquet, one dollar ;
Miss Bowler, do., Miss Brown, do., Miss Fames, boquet. Miss In-
galls, do., and Miss Connor, pyramid of flowers, fifty cents each;
Mrs. S. Newhall, do.. Miss S. R. Ives, do., and Mrs. Parsons, do.,
twenty-five cents each; Mrs. R. Mudge, do., fifty cents.

Vegetables. — L. Wait, of Ipswich, and Abel Burnham, of Es-
sex, one dollar each; N. D. Chase, of Lynn, William Coggshall and
Josiah Newhall, fifty cents each ; Jonas Holt, William Abbott, A.
Hill, William Mansfield, Winthrop Newhall, Frederic Needham,
Samuel Putnam, William Osborne, J. P. Woodman and Wm. P.
Carlton, twenty-five cents each.

For the Committee,

OTIS JOHNSON.

Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

50 ON FRUIT TREES.

ON FRUIT TREES.

The Committee appointed to award the premiums offered by the
Society for Fruit Trees and Nurseries, have attended to the duties
assigned them, and herewith Report the results of their examina-
tions and the conclusions at which they have arrived :

Three applications only were made to the Committee for the pre-
miums ; those Avere by Messrs. William G. Lake, of Topsfield,
Ephraim "Woods, of Salem, and James B. Cole, of Beverly. The
nurseries of each of these applicants were visited by some of your
Committee in August and September last, and the trees as carefully
examined as circumstances Avould permit.

The nursery of Mr. Wm. G. Lake, examined by the Committee,
consists of about three acres of level land, well adapted by its soil
and exposure to the purposes to Avhich it is applied. It is well
stocked with apples, peaches and some pears. The trees offered for
the Society's premium by Mr. Lake, were about three thousand
peach trees, budded with several different varieties, in but a small
proportion of which the budding had been unsuccessful. Mr. Lake's
trees, especially his peach and apple trees, appeared healthy, vigorous
and thrifty, and his ground to be well cultivated. His mode of cul-
tivation and general course of management cannot now be related ;
for, although a statement from him containing many particulars was
forwarded in season to a member of your Committee, yet it is not
•where it can now be made use of.^

*Mr. Lake, in a letter forwarded November 28th, says : "I have now abour one hundrfd
thousand trees set out in nursery rows, which 1 have raised from the seed, which are from
one to three years old; among which are some of the rarest kinds of apples, pears, plums,
peaches, cherries, &c.

The part of my nursery which was proposed for the consideration of the Committee,
contains about four thousand peach trees. These trees were planted in the spring of 1845,
in the following manner: The land was ploughed in 18 W, and planted with potatoes that
season, and no manure has been put on the ground since that year. The peach stones
were laid on the top of the ground, until they had the action of a severe frost. 1 then
cracked the stones at my leisure, and put them into sand, and set them in tlie cellar until
spring. In April I planted them out in rows, three leet by eight inches, with a light
coTering of earth. In September of the same j'ear, I budded them with those kinds of
fruit which I had found to be of superior quality. The buds took well, and the last spring
I topped them down within two inches of the bud, which was set near the ground. The last
summer they have made wood very rapidly. A large portion of them have grown seven
and a half feet high.

The nursery ground, which I cultivate, contains about seven acres. On this ground are
four hundred standard trees; among which are about seventy kinds of fruit, of the choicest
varieties, which I have obtained from the best nurseries in this and foreign countries.
I take great pleasure in the cultivation of these trees, and shall be pleased to give any in-
formation in my possession, in relation thereto.'

ON FRUIT TREKS. ol

The nurseries of Mr. Ephraim Woods are situated in North Sa-
lem ; and the one visited by your Committee consists of about three
acres of rather uneven land, some portions of which are gravelly,
■with ledges. The soil appeared to be -well cultivated and free from
weeds, though seen under somewhat disadvantageous circumstances.
The stock here consists mainly of apples, pears and some peaches.
The apple and peach trees were vigorous and healthy, and had made
a fine growth : they are all budded with the most approved varieties
of fruit, and in nearly all of them the budding had been a successful
operation. The trees offered by Mr. Woods for premium w^ere apple
trees only, and in the statement furnished to the Committee, he says:

"I have about three thousand and sixty apple trees, one year's
growth from the bud, of the most approved varieties. The stocks,
when budded, were two or three years from the seed — one and two,
mostly one, when they were set out. The soil is a loam six to nine
inches deep, on a coarse gravelly bottom. The ground was manured
when the trees were set out, to the amount of five loads of common
barn yard manure to the acre, spread on the surface and ploughed
in. I have hoed the ground as I would in the cultivation of corn
and potatoes, so as to keep it free from weeds."

Mr. Woods has also other nursery ground, well stocked with ro*
markably thrifty and fine pear and apple trees ; but as they did not
come within the Society's rules for premium, they were not offered
by him.

The nursery of Mr. James B. Cole, in Beverly, contains about
two or three acres of loamy soil. Its surface is level, and appears
well suited to the purposes of a nursery. The stock consists princi-
pally of apples, with some pears. The apple trees were healthy and
thrifty, and the ground seemed to have been well taken care of. The
trees offered by him for premium were about two thousand apple trees.
Mr. Cole's mode of cultivating his nursery, and his course of manage-
ment will appear by the following extract from a statement furnished
by him to the Committee. He says :

"The apple trees are about two thousand in number, one year from
the bud. The stocks, when they were budded, were three years
from the seed — two, when they were transplanted. In the spring
of 1844, they were transphited into rows, four feet apart, and from
eight to ten inches from each other, care being taken to select those
of uniform size. In August following, I budded them with the best

52 ON FRUIT TREES.

standard varieties, principally of winter fruit. The land was broken
up in 1843, and planted with potatoes. The soil is a light loam,
eight to ten inches deep, on a fine gravelly bottom. I have manured
it but once, and then to the amount of three cords of stable manure
to the acre. I have hoed the ground as I would in the cultivation
of corn and potatoes, so as to keep it free from weeds, light, and in
good condition."

No pear trees were exhibited to your Committee for premium. In
all the nurseries visited, the young seedling pears had evidently suf-
fered from the effects of the preceding winter, and nearly all of
them, as is almost uniformly the case with young seedling pears from
the middle of August to the middle of September, had dropped the
quarter part of their leaves. The cause of this disease, for such it
must be, appears unknown ; whatever it may be, it is a serious evil,
injuring the growth of the tree and diminishing its thriftiness, and
besides, as the bark will not readily peel on a tree thus deprived of
its leaves, frequently rendering it necessary to bud them at too early
a period of the season. The discovery of the cause of this disease
in pear trees, and thus, perhaps, leading to the discovery of its
cure or prevention, is a subject worthy of the careful attention and
inquiry of those engaged in their cultivation.

Taking into view all the circumstances, the species of trees offered
for premium, their growth, vigor and general appearance, as well as
the number of specimens, the quality of the soils, and the cultivation
of the several nurseries examined, your Committee are of opinion
that Mr. Woods is entitled to the first premium offered by the Society,
Mr. Lake to the second, and Mr. Cole to the third, and they accord-
ingly award these premiums as follows, viz :

To Ephraim Woods, of Salem, the 1st premium of $10
To Wm. a. Lake, of Topsfield, the 2d " 8

To James B. Cole, of Beverly, the 3d " Washing-

ton's Letters on Agriculture.

All which is respectfully submitted,

For the Committee,

JOS. S. CABOT.
Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

ON AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 53

ON AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

The Committee on Agricultural Implements, having attended to
their duty, respectfully Report :

That four articles, only, were presented to their attention, viz : An
improved cultivator, by David Baker, of Ipswich ; two bee-hives, by
W. H. Brickett, of East Cambridge, and a harness to prevent cows
sucking themselves, by James Porter, of Lynn. The cultivator differs
in its construction from those in common use, — having a cast-iron roller,
with elevated longitudinal lines, preceding a row of connected cast-
iron teeth, that can be graduated at pleasure. The roller breaks
down and mangles the weeds, and the teeth following at a suitable
depth, diiaw up their roots — making thorough the work of destruc-
tion. The Committee think favorably of the instrument for land free
from stones, and would commend it to the examination of farmers ;
but the evidence required by the rule of the Society, "of the work
done by the implement before it is exhibited, and of its having been
used and approved by some practical farmer," not being before them,
the Committee do not feel authorized to award a premium.

The cultivation of bees has, of late years, engaged the pens of
many practical writers, and may unquestionably be successfully pur-
sued, to a certain extent, by every farmer. If more attention was
paid to the production of honey, it would find a ready market and a
fair remuneration, and the community would be relieved from the use
of the article now extensively sold as "southern honey," but which
is, in reality, a "northern manufacture." No person was present to
point out the peculiar excellencies of the hives referred to. They
appeared, however, well adapted to the use of bees, but the Commit-
tee did not perceive in their construction any improvement upon the
best kinds commonly employed.

The Committee understand that many cows in Essex County and
elsewhere, have acquired the reprehensible habit of milking them-
selves. This practice, though indicating an appreciation of a lacteous
diet, is considered an unwarrantable invasion of juvenile rights and
dairy prerogatives. The harness exhibited by Mr. Porter, and worn
on the occasion by his cow, will effectually suppress the evil, without
detriment to the reasonable freedom of the wearer. It is simple in

54 ON AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

its construction, and can be made by any farmer, at a trifling ex-
pense. It consists of a headstall with a crupper attached, and a
band passing round the body behind the fore-legs, which band is con-
nected on each side of the neck with the headstall, by a strap. This
harness is in every respect preferable to the old fashioned head-gear
of sharp nails, or to tying the self-depredator head and foot. The
Committee recommend a premium of three dollars.

It is not to be supposed, from the small number of articles exhibited
on this occasion, that a more extensive show in this department could
not have been made. The materials are ample, and a moderate ef-
fort on the part of those most interested, can, at any time, render this
exhibition worthy of New England genius and skill. Nor is it to be
thought that agriculture is unfavorable to invention and improvement.
On the contrary, few pursuits afford a wider range for their exercise,
as any one will perceive, who examines the extensive collections of
our Metropolitan warehouses. We there, as well as in the tool houses
of our best farmers, see the fruits of Agricultural Associations. Un-
der the stimulus they have afforded, the most important implement of
a farm — the plough — has been brought to a perfection not exceeded
by the longer experience of any other country. Even the far-famed
" Victoria" plough, imported from England as the crowning specimen
of British skill, has, upon fair trial, been fairly eclipsed by the supe-
rior execution of ploughs of Massachusetts manufacture: proving,
that in "draught" as in diplomacy, the Yankees are a match for the
nation who, it has been said, "goes abroad to be savage."

In promoting this work of improvement, the Essex Agricultural
Society has successfully shared, and the neat and beautifully formed
implements now every where seen in New England, contrast striking-
ly with the uncouth tools of a past generation, or that are still used
in the southern section of our country. It is true, all inventions are
not improvements, and he would be an unwise farmer who purchased,
before trial, every implement claiming to be such. The discrimina-
tion of a sound judgment is here to be exercised, and the size of the
farm, and the character of crops cultivated, should determine the
kind and quantity of tools to be procured. There are some, how-
ever, which can be recommended, as of unmistakable excellence.
Among these are the scruffle hoe, for the cultivation of root crops,
the cultivator, the roller (which any farmer can make) and the
horse-rake. These implements have aJl been proved, and farmers

ON THE USES OF SALT IX CULTIVATION. 55

who possess neither (and there are many such) -will find their pur-
chase an economical investment.

EDWIN M. STONE, Chairman. n

Ljnn, October 1st, 18-i6.

ON THE USES OF SALT IN CULTIVATION.

Loudon, in his Gardener's Magazine, speaking of the Bezi de la
Motte pear, says : " It is truly surprising that a fruit said by Quin-
tenne, an old writer, to surpass the Dogenno in flavor, should have
been so long neglected, as to be but recently brought forward." It
is to me quite as strange that the uses of salt have been so long ne-
glected in agriculture. As a manure it was known in the time of
James I. and Charles I., as we find by the learned Gervase Mark-
ham, who says in his work on husbandry : "In all my former relations
touching the bettering of ground, I do apply, as one of my chiefest
ingredients, salt sand, salt weeds, salt water, salt brine, and many
other thinsrs of salt nature, as indeed as the manures and mai'les
whatsoever must either have a salt quality in them ;" and again :
"If your ground lye farre from the sea, then to every acre of land
you shall take two bushels of bay salt, and in such manner as you
sow your wheat, you shall sow this salt upon the ground." Lord
Bacon, of the seventeenth century, having noticed the success of
the Cornwall farmers, declares that the " best manure next to marie
is sea sand, which no doubt obtaineth a special virtue by the salt
water, as salt is the first rudiment of life." A more modern Scotch
writer affirms that " the finest crops of hemp and flax raised by the
Milanese, are from lands on which salt is strewed." The same writer
says : "As to the proportion of salt to be used on land, it ought to
be according to the nature of it ; cold, wet, clayey land requiring
more, and loose soft sand, though it be poor, requiring less." In
Hitt's Treatise on Fruit Trees, he asserts, upon a sandy soil, sixteen
bushels to be a proper quantity for one acre. " Twice only," says
he, " have I had an opportunity of buying a few tons of foul salt,
using it both times on a barley tilth, sowing the salt immediately after
the barley ; the event was perfectly satisfactory, the verdure of the

66 ON THE USES OF SALT IN CULTIVATION.

spring exceeding anything of the kind I ever saw." "Mr. Beck^
gardener in Chorley, has constantly made use of salt for thirty years,
principally upon his onions, and he has invariably found the salt to
exceed every other kind of manure which he has used for the pur-
pose ; his method is to sow the salt immediately after the seed is
covered in, using not less than sixteen bushels per acre." "A far-
mer near Lancaster, England, has be6n in the habit of carting salt
water to put upon his dung whilst in the heap, before it is taken to the
ground ; and has found that it very much enriches the dung, and
makes it better manure." The following experiment illustrating the
effect of salt is related of a Mr. Seckler, "who made a little heap
of earth in the midst of a field, on the top of which a cart-load of
refuse salt was thrown ; the earth in the heap itself, and (after its
removal) the earth under it, for upwards of two feet deep to the
clay, was rendered so perfectly barren, that the most common weeds
would not vegetate in it : this barren earth, however, furnished the
richest dressing for the remainder of the field. Mr. Seckler fovmd
salt the best preservative against the mildew in wheat ; when the
wheat followed turnips with salt, it escaped the mildew, which at-
tacked other fields which were not salted." The celebrated farmer.
Sir John Sinclair, says o£ salt, that "like every other excessive
stimulant, if used in large quantities its tendency is to destroy the
vegetable substances with which it comes in contact, (as is the effect
of guano) but in moderate quantities it promotes the growth of
vegetables."

At the present day, many are turning their attention to the use of
this article as a fertilizer, as well as a top-dressing in orchards for the
destruction of insects. We commenced our experiments upon the
use of salt and saline substances in 1828, particularly with the plum
tree, and have been successful, not only in having good crops of fruit
from that time to the present, but also rendering (in connection with
clay) our soil — which was naturally of a light and sandy loam, sub-
ject to drought — one of a more retentive and prolific nature. We
have also used brine upon the gooseberry and currant bushes for the
destruction of insects, with decided benefit, by dissolving salt in wa-
ter in the' proportion of one pound to about four gallons. We how-
ever proportion this mixture according to the state of the plant ;
thus, for the gooseberry, we applied, early in spring before the shoots
or leaves were at all developed, a decoction so strong as to whiten

ON GRAIN CROPS. 57

the branches, without any perceptible injury to the fruit ; but if de-
ferred until the growth commences, we use it much weaker.

On the effect of sea sand (so much used in Cornwall) we have
had some little experience, having in the fall of 1841 drawn from the
shore eight to ten horse cart loads, and placed them upon one quar-
ter of an acre of light sandy loam ; it was then spread over the sur-
face and ploughed in. The spring following (April IStli) we sowed
half a bushel of peach seed (the stones being first cracked) in drills.
These came up well, and upon the first week in September following
we budded several hundreds. These averaged larger than any seed-
ling I had previously seen ; many of them measured an inch thi'ough
at the butt, and this season I have taken fruit from the unbudded
ones, consisting of seventy-five varieties.

In applying salt to the land, we prefer the winter or towards the
spring, but always previous to the swelling of the buds. Our method
is to spread it upon the surface, where it remains until the ground
is in a proper state to work ; it is then dug or ploughed in.

I have, the past season of 1846, used rock-weed taken wet from
the ocean, in planting potatoes, placing the weed in drills about three
feet distant, and planting a set at each end of the weed, covering all
about four inches deep with soil, the crop Avas good, entirely free
from the rot or wire worn.

J. M. lYES.

Salem, November 23, 1846.

ON GRAIN CROPS.
The Committee on Grain Crops respectfully Report:
That Mr. C. H. Holmes, of Topsfield, is the only claimant for the
premium of the Society for the best conducted experiment in culti-
vating beans. The Committee did not on the whole think that he
was entitled to the premium ; but recommend that for his experi-
ment in the cultivation of this article, and the account of them in
his communication to the Society, a gratuity of five dollars be award-
ed to him. They also recommend that the following extract from
his statement be published in the Transactions of the Society.
Respectfully submitted,

For the Committee,

F. HOWES.
Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

58 ON GRAIN CROPS.

C. H. HOLMES'S STATEMENT.

It is singular that the cultivation of the bean is not more extensive
among Yankee farmers, who generally have an eye to their own in-
terest, for certainly there is no crop raised (except in the neighbor-
hood of a market) which yields so great a profit ; — as the bean is
adapted to every soil, yielding from fifteen to twenty-five and some-
times forty bushels per acre, and requiring a small outlay of manure
and labor to its production. The small pea bean has my preference
to all others, because it produces more to the acre, is not so liable to
be fractured in threshing, and last but not least, is worth twelve per
cent, more in the market. On light lands, the bean acquires its pe-
culiar name of hush bean, having all its stems high and dry from the
ground, and yielding a finer produce than on any other soil. On
more fertile and heavy soils, it covers the whole ground with its luxu-
riant vines, producing a large crop of beans and straw, the latter
being worth about two thirds the price of English hay, for stock of
any kind. In preparing the ground for seed, it should be either fall-
fallowed or cultivated one year previously, and after repeated plough-
ings, four cords of muck composted with one half barn manure, or,
what is better, one sixth privy manure, harrowed in, is sufiicient for
one acre. It should then be drilled three feet apart, and the beans
planted four inches apart in the drills. Two hoeings, accompanied
by the cultivator, are sufficient. At harvest, the beans are pulled
and stacked, by placing a stake firmly in the ground, around which
are thrown stones sufficient to lay them on, which should be done
with the roots to the stake : or, two stakes may be firmly set in the
ground, and withed a foot therefrom, on which the beans are placed
and bound firmly at the top, and thus the beans may remain for
weeks, impervious to rains.

Last year I raised from about five acres of heavy land, manured
with four cords of muck compost or four cart loads of peat ashes per
acre, one hundred bushels of beans and four tons of straw. This
year I planted eight acres of light land, fall-fallowed, manured in the
hill with privy compost, seeded with from three to five beans per
hill. They grew with great luxuriance, producing from one hundred
and twenty-five to two hundred pods per hill, two on one stem. I
counted two hundred formed and forty-four unformed pods with from
five to seven beans each, or about twelve hundred for one. In Au-
gust, owing to the unequal temperature of the weather, they were struck

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

59

with a mildew or rust, and instead of one hundred and fifty bushels,
I raised only fifty-seven bushels. Another piece of heavy land,
which I planted in drills, with corn in hills, shared the same fate,
producing only eight bushels. My whole crop amounts to sixty-five
bushels of good beans, worth and engaged at two dollars per bushel.
At the last hoeing of the piece I sowed grass seed in the intervals,
which looks finely.

From several years' experience in raising beans, I gather these
facts : That land for beans should be fall-fallowed or planted with
some other crop previously ; that the manure should be broad-cast,
the land planted in drills with intervals of three feet, the stalks four
inches apart in drills, and the beans pulled and stacked before fully
ripe, as first mentioned.

The whole cost of raising the crop this year on the eight acres,
was as follows :

Ploughing,

Manure and muck, and preparing the same.

Planting,

Hoeing and cultivating,

Pulling and threshing.

Seed,

$21
25
26
25
12
6

$115

Product — 67 bushels of beans at $2,
2 tons of straw at 8,

Topsfield, September 30th, 1846.

S114
16

— S130

C. H. HOLMES.

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

The Committee to whom was assigned the duty of examining
Counterpanes, Carpets and Rugs, respectfully Report :

That they have witnessed with great satisfaction the undiminished
interest which the ladies of the County have taken this year, in this
branch of the exhibition. It is a source of much encouragement to
members of the Society, and others interested in its objects, that
while they are zealously contributing to the elevation and improve

60 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

ment of agriculture in the County, the ladies, upon whose smiles o?
favors so much depends in the ordinary transactions of life, are con-
tributing with the same zeal, by their various ingenuity and manual
skilfulnes and dexterity, to give to the exhibition an equally high re-
putation in that branch which belongs to them. We believe the ex-
hibition in this department excels any former one, both in the number
of articles presented, and in the superior style in which they were
executed ; and we have to regret, with former committees, that the
time allowed for the examination is so limited. There were about
fifty rugs and mats entered for premium, all of them of choice and
excellent workmanship, and entitling the makers to much commenda-
tion, and we should have been glad, had the rules of the Society per-
mitted, to have awarded several gratuities in addition to those we
have awarded.

There were not so many specimens of carpeting as we should have
been glad to have seen, but such as were presented were very neat and
elegant, and we only regret that we cannot particularly name them all.

The number of counterpanes was large and most of them were
made with much taste and skill. The most difficult matter has been
in the great variety presented to select those which are more particu-
larly contemplated by the Society in their offer of premiums. We
have selected those which seem to combine the skill in the arrange
ment and in the work, without particular regard to the material

We have awarded to
Mrs. Nancy Bailey, of Beverly, for Rag Mats, the 1st prem.
Anna Chamberlain, Beverly, Wool Rug, 2d prem.
Mrs. J. W. Butler, Newburyport, Cruel Rug, gratuity,
Mrs. D. B. Oliver, Rag Rug, gratuity,
Mrs. Hannah P. Berry, Danvers, Yarn Rug, gratuity,
Mrs. T. J. Pratt, Lynn, Braided Mat, gratuity,
Perley Tapley, Danvers, Stair Carpet, the premium,
Sally E. Sheldon, Beverly, Rag Carpet, gratuity,
Perley Tapley, Danvers, Ingrain Carpet, 1st prem.
Mrs. John Pearson, Newbury, Rag Carpet, 2d prem.
Latty Pease, Salem, a lady 6Q years old. Rag Carpet, gratuity, 1 00
Mrs. S. J. Ireson, Lynn, Silk Patch-work Counterpane, 1st prem.4 00
Mrs. Sarah J. Berry, Lynn, Patch-work Counterpane, 2d prem. 2 00
Miss Lucy B. Newhall, Patch-work Counterpane, containing
7054 pieces, gratuity, 1 00

$3

00

2

00

1

00

1

00

1

00

1 00

s

00

1

00

6

00

S

00

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 61

Harriet A. Goodridge, Lynn, a girl 5 years old, Patch-work
Quilt, gratuity, 1 00

M. E, Johnson, Lynn, 5 years and 3 months old. Counter-
pane, gratuity, 1 00

A young lady of Salem, Counterpane, containing 9579 pieces,
gratuity, 1 00

Miss Matilda Osgood, Salisbury, Knit Quilt, containing
1,704,105 stitches, gratuity, 1 00

THOMAS B. NEWHALL, ]
GILBERT TAPLEY, } Committe.

EBENEZER SWEETSER, J

Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

The Committee on Leather and Articles manitpactured there-
FROM, Report, that they respectfully recommend premiums and
gratuities to be awarded as follows :

Samuel P. Spofford, Brogan Shoes, 1st premium, $3 00

William S. Horner, Brogan Shoes, 2d prem. 2 00

Amos Gould, Thick Boots, 1st prem. 3 00

Waldo Thompson, Thick Boots, 2d prem. 2 00

J. Wait & Sons, Calf Skin Boots, 1st prem. 4 00

Charles Dickinson, Calf Skin Boots, 2d prem. 2 00

Thomas P. Richardson, Gaiter Boots, gratuity, 1 00

Harrison Newhall, Gaiter Shoes, gratuity, 1 00

N. A. Breed, Child's Gaiter Boots, gratuity, 1 00

N. A. Breed, Child's Gaiter Shoes, gratuity, 50

N. A. Breed, Boy's Pumps, gratuity, 1 00

Nathan Kimball, Gaiter Boots, gratuity, 1 00

Nathan Kimball, Satin Slippers, gratuity, 1 00

Nathan Kimball, Patent Leather Slippers, gratuity, 1 00

Moses Spofford, Shoe Strings, gratuity, 50

For the Committee,

FRANCIS S. NEWHALL.
Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

62 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

The Committee on Manufactures of Metals, Fancy work and
OTHER Articles, recommend that gratuities be awarded as follows :

Barry & Bigelow, of Lynn, House Papers, $3 00

Smith & Chamberlain, Salem, Jewelry, 2 00

Thomas Tennet, Newburyport, Surveying Protractors, 2 00

Mrs. D. Farrington, Lynn, Chair Covering, 50

James F. Nourse, aged 9 years, Lynn, Lamp Mat, 60

Miss E. H. Whitney, Danvers, Lamp Mat, 25

Sarah E. Lummus, Ipswich, Work Bag, 25
Joseph A. Potter, aged 8 years, Salem, Artificial Fruit and

Flowers, 1 00
S. H. Moore, Lynn, Centre Table Basket, 75
Joseph Edwards, Lynn, Taylors' Crayons, 60
Miss A. L. Nourse, Beverly, Chair Covering, beautifully wrought, 75
Laura S. Dodge, Hamilton, Travelling Bag, 50
Mrs. Twisden, 88 years old, Lynn, Cotton Shirt, 50
Louisa Lander, Danvers, Crayon Drawings, 75
Maria L. Fowler, Danvers, Wrought Fire Screen, 25
Susan M. Perley, Georgetown, Travelling Bag, 25
Henry Moulton, Salem, Large Baskets, 60
Theophilus N. Breed, Lynn, Shoemakers' and other Tools, 2 00
George Hastings, Georgetown, Polished Steel Garden Rake, 25
David Stiles, Middleton, Horse Shoes, 60
S. Oliver, Boy's Rockaway Coach, 1 00
Sarah Ellen Hale, 11 years old, Salem, Lamp Mat, 50
Susan D. Breed, Lynn, Lamp Mats and Ottomans, 1 00
Miss M. J. Roundy, Beverly, do. wrought with beads, 1 00
Lydia Lamboard, Lynn, Lamp Mat and Flowers, 50
Eliza J. Brown, Lynn, Crayon Drawings, 50
Sarah F. Bradstreet, Beverly, 4 years old. Worsted Purse, 60
Adaline B. Ames, Lynn, Table Covering, 50
Susan Perley, Georgetown, aged 11, Table Covering made be-
tween school hours, a beautiful article, 2 00
Mary R. Kimball, Salem, Sofa Pillow made between school hours, 50
Mrs. W. H. Allen, Manchester, Fire Screens, 1 00
Mrs. Isaac Newhall, jr., Lynn, Tabourette, 50
Mrs. Margaret H. Felt, Salem, Tabourette, 25
Mrs. Cox, Salem, fine specimens of Worsted Work, 60
Mrs. Almira P. Perley, North Danvers, Ottomans, 60

ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS 63

The Committee on Cloth and Hosiery, having but two entries,
request us to Report, That Miss Judith Pickett, of Beverly, 87
years of age, sent in one pair of Knit Gloves, for which they
award a gratuity of $1 00 ; and to Sarah S. Bradstrcet, aged 4
years, for one pair of Wollen Hose, $1 00.

Respectfully submitted,

For the Committee,

JOHN M. IVES, Chairman.
Lynn, October 1st, 184G.

ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS.

The Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers (present — T. E. Pay-
son, Thomas G. Dodge, Daniel N. Breed and William Osborn) award
the Society's premiums as follows :

To Warren Averlll, of Ipswich, 1st premium, $10
To Samuel Soule, of Lynn, 2d " 7

To James Marsh, of Danvers, 3d " 5

To Samuel Dane, of Hamilton, 4th " Colman's

European Agriculture.
The statements of these gentlemen accompany this report ; and to
them the Society are referred, for the merits of the cows.
For heifers in milk, they award

To Manning Dodge, of Ipswich, 1st premium, $7

To Ebenezer G. Berry, of Danvers, 2d " 5

They also recommend a gratuity of two dollars to Ebenezer But-

terfield, of Saugus, for a very promising year old heifer, and three

dollars to Col. B. Poore, of West Newbury, for two large improved

short horn heifers, two years old.

Col. Poore exhibited cows of the same blood, but did not enter
them for premium. It is but an act of justice to state, that no man
in the County has taken more pains to add to the interest of our ex-
hibitions for several years past, than Col. Poore. For this he de-
serves at least our thanks.

George Hood, Esq., of Lynn, exliiblted several young cows, the
stock of which has been favorably known to the farmers of the Coun-
ty for several years.

64 ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS.

No other cows were worthy of particular notice, except an Ayr-
shire and a Hereford cow, full-blooded, exhibited by Mr. Pitman, of
Lynn. These last were probably exhibited as specimens of their dif-
ferent breeds ; for extraordinary milking properties, neither of them
seemed to possess.

When we take into view the place of the exhibition, and its vi-
cinity, the display of milch cows was not of such a character as to
stir up a very strong feeling of pride. Lynn itself must afford a
good market for fresh butter and milk, while Salem, its larger and
opulent neighbor, demands large quantities of both. Beverly, Mar-
blehead and Danvers, also in the immediate vicinity, all contribute to
make the keeping of milch cows, in this southern section, more pro-
fitable than in any other part of the County. For this reason, cows
are better fed, better sheltered and in all respects better provided
for, than in many other parts. Their milking properties are there-
fore fully developed. If, then, the County has any cows of which to
boast, we should expect to find them in that vicinity. However it
may be, one thing is certain, they were not at the Cattle Show. We
hope that another year, those gentlemen in the vicinity, who own
superior cows, will give the Society an opportunity to look at them.

In connection with this report, the Chairman of the Committee
asks to be excused for venturing one or two suggestions, with which
the Committee have nothing to do. He alone is responsible for them.
The subject is of considerable importance, and all farmers are more
or less interested in it. Every man who keeps a cow is interested in
it. Individual feeling is oftentimes wonderfully excited by it. The
produce of a favorite cow is the subject and perhaps the only subject
about which an honest man will tell the whole truth and a good
deal more. It \s. pretty easy for a man to believe that his horse trots
a mile in tliree minutes, if he does it in jive — but it is a little easier
for a man to get ten quarts of milk into an eight quart pail. He
takes his desire to have it so, for an assurance that it is so. It is a
fact often confirmed, that coavs for which extravagant prices have
been paid, sadly depreciate in the hands of the purchasers. From
sixteen quarts of milk a day they dwindle to eight, merely by chang-
ing owners. Such things have happened in high places, where the
Agriculture of Massachusetts expects and has a right to expect bet-
ter things. The owners of most of the three-minute horses have so
much fondness for them, that they never put them to that speed;

ON MILCH cows AND HEIFERS 65

SO COWS that give twenty quarts of milk a day arc often heard of, but
seldom seen.

Of the many thhigs which might be taken up in connection with
the subject, the space allowed for this report will permit me to touch
upon two only — the kind of cow most profitable for the farmer, and
the mode of keeping. Upon the first of these, the opinion of many
of ray friends may perhaps differ from my own.

Among cattle there are these four general divisions — short horns,
long horns, middle horns and hornless. Each of these classes has
its peculiar merits and its friends. So prejudiced indeed are many
of the friends of one, that they can see nothing worthy of regard in
any of the rest.

In New England, cattle have been divided into two classes — native
and imported. Between these the farmer has to choose. I speak of
the general farmer, and not of the milk-man, who selects his cows
with regard to quantity only, careless of the quality of their milk.
Of the imported breeds, those recommended for their qualities are
the improved short horns and the Ayrshires. The former we have
long had among us ; the latter are but little known in the County.
Which is to be preferred ? "Cut your coat according to your cloth,'*
is a very trite maxim, but it has of late grown somewhat out of
fashion. In many parts of the County, the pastures, in summer, are
short and greatly over-stocked. For winter feeding, we have an ex-
cess of mean hay, and every where and always a rugged climate.
The prudent farmer, looking to profit rather than fancy or experi-
ment, Avill undoubtedly be partial to cows rather than breeds. He
will prefer a good cow without a pedigree, to a poor cow with the
whole herd book to back her ; and I think he will adopt this general
rule — that small cows are more profitabc than large ones, and for
these reasons:

A small cow requires less food to supply the natural waste of the
body than a large one. The small Canada cow, for instance, will
pick up a subsistence from pastures on which some of the larger
breeds vyould starve. Young and growing cattle will not only g.row^
but gain flesh, on pastures where large cattle, although arrived at
their full size, will fall away. Again, small cows give the richest
milk from the same kind of food — and sometimes from the game
Avcight of food, give a greater volume of milk than large ones. It
is said, that the small, long-haired cow of the Scottish Highlands,

66 ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS.

gives a richer milk than the Ayrshire — while in England the small
Alderney cow surpasses any other in that respect.*

Now will native or imported stock furnish the most profitable cow ?
It is difficult to define what a native cow is. Youatt says, "The
breeds of cattle as they are now found in Great Britain, are almost
as various as the soil of the difierent districts, or the fancies of the
breeders." Our cattle, like ourselves, are of British origin. Care-
ful observation will detect in the mongrel race, traces of almost all
the breeds of Great Britain. It is impossible, therefore, specifically
to designate their peculiar characteristics. Probably the prevailing
blood in this County is the North Devon or the Sussex, neighboring
and kindred breeds of animals. Abused, neglected, the meanest of
them raised, I behevc only one systematic attempt has ever been
made to improve them. The most indiscriminate crossing is going on
at all times, and in all places. Yet the Oakes cow, the Nourse cow,
the Haverhill heifer and others, — not only native cows, but bred in
our own County, — have not been and cannot be surpassed. Accli-
mated, and suited to the soil, this native stock, — a medley of all
races, however difficult to be described, — is of far too much value ever
to be supplanted by foreign varieties.

The large size of the improved short horn cow is not the only ob-
jection to be brought against her. It is a well known fact, that the
original and leading object of the breeders of this stock, was to im-
prove the carcass. They succeeded in accomplishing their object,
with a rapidity that astonished themselves. But what they gained
in one respect, they partially lost in another. This beautiful form,
increased size, and an aptitude to fatten which could not be resisted,
were incompatible with good milking qualities. The latter were in
fact almost destroyed. Many of the breeders were prejudiced
against the stock of their neighbors, and bred in and in. This, of
necessity, made the defect greater and habitual. Late in the day
they discovered their error, and some of them attempted to remedy
it. Others preferred beauty of form and good qualities for the
butcher, caring not whether these could or could not exist with good

*A very striking illustration of the difference in the quality of milk g'iven by two
cows in the same circumstances, is given by Mr. Malcolm, in his Compendium of Modern
Husbandry. He kept an Alderney and a Suffolk cow; the latter the best he ever saw.
During seven years,' the milk and butler being kept separate, it was found, year after
year, that the value of the Alderney exceeded that of the Suffolk, though the latter gave
more than double the quantity of milk at a meal. — Brithh Hvsbandry, vol, ii. p. 397.

ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS. 6T

milking properties. I do not believe that the milk stock of the Coun-
ty has been benefitted by crossing with them. It seems to me that
the superior cows among them are the exceptions. We have gained
in size, which we did not want, and which the quality and quantity
of our food cannot well support; but we have not increased in value.
In the ox, v/e have got a little more symmetry of form, but we have
got with it, a delicacy of constitution, illy adapted to the hard fare,
hard climate and hard labor of New England.

The Ayrshires come to us with the reputation of being the best
milk stock in Great Britain. Their smaller size and closer knit
frames show that they can live, where the improved short horns can-
not. Time will determine whether they prove equal in this country,
to the recommendation of them in the old. " Wisdom is neither
inheritance nor legacy," therefore try them : but if they do not prove
better than our native stock, a wise course will be to "hold fast that
which is good."

By the mode of keeping, I mean the general treatment of the ani-
mal. We require the cow to furnish us a calf annually, and a daily
supply of milk for nearly the whole year. Now if any animal de-
serves better treatment than the rest, where all are so well deserving,
it is the cow. All she asks, to meet our demands upon her, is suita-
ble food, comfortable shelter, to be kept dry and clean, kind words
and kind usage. How many cows there are in the county, which
never know the enjoyment of any of these, until near the end of
their miserable and half-starved existence they are put up to fatten !
How many farmers there are Avho give their oxen and horses the best
that their barns afford, whose cows look as if they were hardly al-
lowed the refuse of the cribs ! The ox and horse are worked. They
go from home, and pride feeds them. But the cow, it may be, has
managed on a short pasture to give some milk and get a little flesh
in summer ; but the "winter of her discontent" has come. Who has
not seen in almost every town in the County — when winter was at
its height, and^ when the fur of the buffalo could not keep out the
piercing wind, as it drove the light snow far through every crevice —
cows turned out to go half a mile to water, and left out half, perhaps
the whole day. It may be that they have not had a dry bed since
they were taken from the pasture or the field, or nearly one half the body
is soaked with urine and covered with frost. Seeking the lee of soma
merciful stone wall, shrinking into the smallest possible space, quiver-

68* ON MILCH COAVS AND HEIFERS.

ingin every limb, -with half-glazed eyes, hair standing in all directions,
thus doing the best they can to keep off" the cold, with bones almost pro-
truding from the skin. This is the animal which in Holland is thought
■worthy to be separated from the parlors of the wealthy only by a glass
door ! Men with souls, look on and heed not that they are breaking
God's law, and doing violence to their own natures. Surely, the
statute against cruelty to animals ought to be enforced.

I would point out some of the leading features of good management
of cows, did I not hope for the credit of the County, that most farmers
studied and practised it. Those who do not, if humanity cannot com-
pel them, I hope their own interests will.

Respectfully submitted,

T. E. PAYSON, Chairman.
Lynn, October 1st, 184G.

WARREN AVERILL'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on 31ilch Cotvs and Heifers :

Gentlemen,— I offer for your inspection, my cow Flora, native
breed, seven years old. Said cow calved on the fifth day of Sep-
tember. In the three past weeks she has made 221 lbs. of butter,
from what milk the calf left after sucking. Average milk per da}'',
a trifle over six quarts more than the calf sucked. The said cow
calved the last season the twenty-first day of April. The ten months
following, her milk was kept separate for butter ; she made from the
milk 4OI2 lbs. butter. After that, we sold her milk, as it was more
profit than to make butter. The cow was kept the past season on
hay (clover) mth twenty bushels carrots; no meal. Since she
calved I have given her one quart meal per day, and a common pas-
ture. The calf is from the bull owned by Augustine Heard, Esq.,
of this town, a full blooded Ayrshire.

WARREN AVERILL.

Ipswich, October 1st, 1846.

ON MILCH COWS AND IIEIFERt^ 69

SAMUEL SOULE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers :

Gentlemen, — The cow which I oifcr for premium is seven years
old, and was raised by Jonathan Osborne, of Danvers. She had her
last calf in March last. I bought her May 22d, 1846, and she has
given milk since that time as follows :

10 days, 168 quarts and 420 pounds.

30 " 675 " 1437^ "

31 " 501 " 1253J "
31 " 435 " 1087J "
30 " 388 " * 970 "

From

L May

22d to 31st,

((

June

1st to 30th,

U

July

1st to 31st,

ii

Aug.

1st to 31st,

((

Sept.

1st to 30th,

132 " 2066 " 5168i "

Averaging 15 quarts, 1 pint and I132 gill per day. Her keeping has

been grass and hay.

SAMUEL SOULE.

I can attest to the above account as being correct.

BETHIAII TALBUT.
Lynn, October 1st, 1846.

JAMES MARSH'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium my white-face cow, which is
eight years old. She calved June 3d, the calf was killed July 10th,
and she has given milk as follows : the first two weeks she averaged
thirty-two lbs. per day more than the calf would suck ; the remain-
ing time till he was killed, sixteen lbs. per day. From July 11th
inclusive we have kept an account of her milk by weighing morning
and night, which amounts to 2958 lbs. being an average of 36/i lbs.
per day. Iler keeping has been rather a dry pasture. About the
middle of July I commenced giving her two quarts of shorts per
day, Avhich as the feed decreased I increased to four quarts, and liave
since added four quarts of Indian meal. Since August our cows
have all been fed with green corn planted for that purpose, which is
their chief support in the absence of feed.

Yours respectfully,

JAMES MARSIL
Danvers, October 1, 1846.

70 ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS.

P. S. Her milk yields butter of a superior quality, so much so
that the absence of it affects the quality of our whole dairy.

J. M.

SAMUEL DANE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers :

Gentlemen, — The cow which I enter for premium calved the 6 th
of September instant, and now gives from eight to ten quarts per
day over what the calf sucks. I purchased the cow of Mr. William
Black, of Danvers, who states that "the cow has been owned by him
the last four years, is perfectly kind and gentle, and gave fourteen
and fifteen quarts of milk per day the last summer. She makes first
rate butter, which is not over ten minutes in coming."

SAMUEL DANE.

Hamilton, September 30th, 1846.

MANNING DODGE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee an Milch Cows and Heifers :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium one three year old heifer, which
is from a native cow and a Durham bull. She was calved May 31st,
1843, and brought a calf June 2d, 1846, which weighed twenty-six
lbs. per quarter when thirty-four days old. She has been kept in a
common pasture. When she first calved she gave sixteen quarts of
milk per day. She has now fallen away to twelve quarts per day,
owing to the shortness of feed.

Yours respectfully,

MANNING DODGE.
Ipswich, September 30th, 1846.

EBEN. G. BERRY^S STATEMENT.

To thi Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers :
Gentlemen, — The heifer which I offer for your inspection, was

ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE. 71

raised in Palermo, Waldo County, in the State of Maine, and was
purchased by me, from a drove, the last season. She is three years
and two months old, and weighs at the present time 760 lbs. Her
calf was sold the last of May, at four weeks old ; and the product of
her milk is as follows :

From June 1st to July 1st, 787 lbs. 8 oz.

" July 1st to Aug. 1st, 720 lbs.

" Aug. 1st to Sept. 1st, 660 lbs. 12 oz.

" Sept. 1st to Oct. 1st, 692 lbs. 4 oz.

Total, 2760 lbs. 8 oz.

In order to ascertain the quality of her milk, it was set for butter,

the three first weeks in June ; the result is as follows :

From June 1st — 1st week, 7 lbs. 11 oz.

2d week, 7 lbs. 9 oz.

To June 22d— 3d week, 7 lbs. 12 oz.

Total, 23 lbs.

Her keeping through the season, has been good pasturing, with the
addition of mown grass at night, until the first of September. She
was then fed with corn stalks, in common with the cows.

EBEN. G. BERRY.

North Danvers, October 1st, 1846.

ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE.

The Committee on Turning in Green Crops respectfully state,
that there have been no entries made on this subject. They there-
fore have concluded to make their report, by presenting some extracts
on the subject,* gathered from various sources, accompanied by some

* A Buckwheat crop was ploughed in. The increase of the wheat crop was more
than forty-nine per cent. ; that of the rye more than fifty-nine per cent. — JVorthamplon
Courier.

Manures cannot be conveniently carried to all parts of a large plantation; they should
therefore be applied to the fields near where they are made, and the more distant fields
must be enriched by green crops. It [Buckwheat] has therefore probably greater fa-
cilities for procuring nourishment from the atmosphere than most plants have. It has a

72 ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE.

observations, Avbich they hopo may not be altogether without in-
terest.

Josiab Little, Esq. of Belleville, a careful observer, a few years
since ploughed in a large green crop upon a piece of land containing
about five acres, and next year thinks he obtained fifteen bushels of
corn to the acre more than he otherwise would.

Several gentlemen have answered, upon enquiry, that the only
experience which they have on this subject, is the ploughing in of
the stubble upon English grain fields, after the weeds had got some
growth, and most or all who have tried it have supposed it a profitable
culture.

Moses Newell, Esq., thinks there is much to bo gained by plough-
ing green sward late in the spring after the grass has had time to
acquire some growth. He recommends that corn on such land,
should be planted as soon as it is broken up.

The Hon. D. P. King made a successful experiment in turning in
crops, a few years since. He used buckwheat. His report is not
at hand, or we Avould gladly present his statement.

Another gentleman in the County has for a period of some fifteen

rapid growth; six weeks in Massachusetts being long enough to bring it in full blossom,
when it should be ploughed in. — Albany Cultivator.

The practice of turning in green crops dates as far back as the time of the ancient
Romans; and is still continued throughout Italy, even in places where the dung of ani-
mals can be procured in abundance: and it is there thought that nothing tends more to
the improvement of the land than ploughing them in. — Library of Useful Knowledgt.

Plants, while growing, derive a portion of their food from the air, and being turned
in, so fur at least, add manure to the soil. But this is not all the benefit: weeds spring
up with the sown green crops, and are ploughed in with them, thus increasing the ma-
nure, and, at the same time, cleansing the ground for a harvest crop. But besides the
growing plants, the soil itself, under their shade, made light by the ploughing and har-
rowing, is also receiving a portion of the same fertilizing airs. — Fic/icring's Address,
Oct. 9, 1822.

The mode of enriching land by ploughing in green crops was practised by the Romans
eighteen hundred years ago, and is now in use in England, Italy and other parts of Eu-
rope. In this country the practice is very limited, though highly recommended by somo
of our agricultural writers. In this vicinity, the few attempts to recruit worn-out lands
in this way, which have come to our knowledge, have not been very successful and
have tended to discourage the practice. — Hamp. Gazette.

Ploughing in green crops is in fact only an improved method of hastening the process
pursued by nature herself, in the renovation of exhausted soils. By ploughing in a heavy
crop of clover, buckwheat or other grc(!ii substances, we return as much to the soil in
a single year as it would otherwise receive in many: and hence the practice of allow-

ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE. 73

?>r twenty years, nearly every season turned in crops upon fields of
different sizes and different soils, mostly however of a loose and sandj^
character, and with a result which encourages him still to continue
the practice. For about ten years he kept his garden, containing a
quarter of an acre, by this method in a rich and productive state,
with the addition of about a cord and a half of manure yearly. lie
had the weeds covered over at hoeing when this could be done, but
when this was inconvenient, they were carried with the small trim-
mings of the trees, grape and other vines, the foliage of vegetables
and other things of like character, to a place devoted to that use,
put into a pile and earth thrown over them, where they were suffered
to remain till they were suitable for use, Avhich was after the harvest in
autumn, or the ensuing spring. During this period, two crops were
taken from most of the garden ; and what most gardeners will know
how to appreciate, the soil, while it grew more productive, still re-
tained in degree the freshness of virgin earth, and gave to the vege-
tables that peculiar freshness and lively taste admired by all, but not
always attainable from lands long cultivated.

He has also brought a field of one acre or more into a productive

ing lands to rest after a aeries of cropping, as was once deemed necessary in England
and in this country, has been done away by every enlightened agriculturist in both.—
Gen. Farmer.

I think these green crops improved the land as much as a good dressing of manure,
and the comparative expense I estimate at less than one fourth as much to enrich my
land with green crops, as it would with manure. — William Buckminster.

We should suppose this season to be a very favorable one for ploughing in green
crops. Old and worn-out lands, that usually produce but little grass, are more richly
covered. Let this be ploughed in, and it will abundantly reward the fanner another
season, when it will be more wanted. — N. Y. Farmer, 1828.

I had a trench opened of sufficient length to receive six sets of potatoes; under three
of these sets I placed green cabbage leaves, but the other three had nothing but the
soil. When the crop was dug, the plants over the cabbage leaves yielded about double
the produce of the others. — J. D. Parks, Dartwood Nursery, 1834.

When the corn was about breast high he ploughed it under, affixing a chain to the
whiffletreea to break down the stalks. At the usual time he sowed Timothy seed, and
obtained a greater crop of grass than he ever got after clover, buckwheat or other green
crops. — Culti vator.

At the close of June, 1838, while the sorrel was in blossom, I ploughed it in imme-
diately after a heavy rain, and sowed upon the furrow one bushel of buckwheat per
acre. On the 6th and 7th of Augxist, immediately after a rain and while the buckwheat
was in blossom, that was also ploughed in. On the 13th of September, it was sown
with winter rye. The present season, the striking difference between this rye and that

10

T4 ON tlRMNU IN CROPS AS A MANURE.

state, almost exclusively by ploughing in crops, which, when he com--
menced, was about as thoroughly exhausted by continual cropping,
as one can well conceive. The method pursued has been to cultivate
two crops — one to be taken off, the other covered in. Rye, oats and
buckwheat have been the grains mostly used. One part of the field
is now improved as a nursery, and lately the other has been filled out
with peach and plum trees, designed for an orchard. These are in a
flourishing condition. On the orchard part, corn was planted this
year, with no other manure than a very small quantity put in the hill.
From the appearance of the stalks and the setting of the ears, a
good judge of such things thought there would be a yield of from
forty to fifty bushels to the acre, and though from the dryness of the
seasdn, the ears did not fill out entirely, there was still what should
be regarded as an encouraging harvest. Less than half the manure
has been used in producing the change, than would have been neces-
sary, had no other compensating process been adopted.

From these extracts, taken from various sources and from sources
entitled to credit, there appears to be a pretty general impression
that the use of crops as a manure, is a measure which may be re-

in the same neighborhood on land of better quality, was seen and remarked by several
persons, and some who have known the estate for more than forty years, say that they
never before saw such heavy rye on that part. — John Keely.

Among the many economical modes of producing geine, the ploughing in of vegeta-
ble matter has held a high rank. Nature teaches us to turn in the dried plant. Dried
leaves are her favorite morsels, and the very fact that nature takes the dried plant from
which to prepare the food of growing vegetables, should Have taught us, long ago, the
wisdom of ploughing in dry crops. The careful collecting and husbanding of dried
leaves, their superior efficacy in forming compost, bear witness to the facts stated in
your letter. — Samuel L. Dana.

Ploughing in of green crops as practised in the state of New York, is so economical
a mode of enriching the soil that I have often marveled that it is not practised to a much
greater extent in other places. Allow me to recommend the spreading of a coat of
lime previous to ploughing in. If the slovenly farmer who allows his weeds to grow
up unmolested and to cover his fields, would, instead of this, plough them under, after
a few repetitions of this, he would be surprised at the increased fertility of the soil,
and save the labor of carting manure from a distance. — Jxmius in the JV. Y. Farmer.

Powerful as are the effects of green crops ploughed in, it is the experience of some
practical men that one crop allowed to perfect itself and die where it grew, and then
turned in dry, is superior to three turned in green. The whole result is explained by
the fact that dry plants give more geine than green. Green plants ferment; dry plants
decay: a large portion escapes in fermentation, as gas and more volatile products are
formed than during decay. — Dana's Muck Manual.

ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE. 75

sorted to, with advantage to the agricultural interest. To us, this
opinion seems to correspond with the general laws of the material
world. God certainly intended that the face of nature should be re-
newed from year to year — that the hills and vallies should, at every
returning season, put on their beautiful garments. More than this,
instead of a retrogade or stationary condition, it is evidently the mind
of the Creator that there should be an advancement — that every suc-
cessive development should be more perfect than the one that pre-
ceded it. The glory of the latter temple must be greater than that
of the first. If nothing comes in to stay the natural course which
God has established, there will be, in the productions of each suc-
ceeding year, something more than the mere reiteration of the one
that precedes it. The appi-opriate energies which God has given to
all parts of his works Avill work Avith increasing and extending efficien-
cy, as his purposes go on. The crop that falls and decays upon the
earth will more than restore its exhausted strength. The history of
the world justifies this representation. The extracts we have made,
sustain it in its application to the subject before us, and the more
thorough the investigation and the wider the enquiry, the more per-
fect Avill be the conviction that God has so arranged his works in the
material as in the spiritual world, that there may be constant and ob-
servable advancement. The glory of the moon shall become as the
glory of the sun, and the glory of the sun as the glory of seven
days.

From various statements, and from our own observation, we are of
the opinion that the laws of the natural world will be best met, and
in consequence the most encouraging results follow, by confining the
green crop operation to land comparatively of a sandy and loose soil,
and leave the clayey and stiff soils to the enriching and softening in-
fluence of the product of the stables and yards where the flocks are
folded. Many reasons present themselves to confirm us in this be-
lief. We shall mention only two, and leave those without enlarging
upon them. The first is, that vegetables will ferment much more
readily and powerfully in sandy and loose soils, than in those of a stiff
character, and therefore produce greater chemical changes, and in con-
sequence prepare a greater portion of nourishment for the crop that
may come after. The second is, they will thus bring into more ac-
tive operation the electrical fluid, a most powerful agent in carrying
forward vegetable growth. And it may be added, both of these ob-

76 ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE.

jects will be more fully accomplished if a very light covering is drawn
over the embedded crop, than if it be buried deep in the earth. The
field referred to above, has been cultivated almost exclusively with a
plough drawn by one horse.

There seems to be a difference in the opinions of those who have
written, and perhaps of those who have made personal trial of this
method of cultivation, whether it is best to cover the crop when green
or suffer it to remain till ripe and after it has become dry, then to
turn the furrow upon it. It is the opinion of your Committee that
neither should be adopted as a universal practice. On sandy and
dry lands, we must think that the crops turned in when green will
work the greatest benefit. On clay and stiff lands, the dry may do
as well. The season of the year when the work is done, to justify a
little variety. In the midst of summer, the crops should be used
when green ; late in the fall, it may do as well when it is dry. There
13 one serious objection, which will often operate against working the
crop when matured and dry : in most instances the year will be con-
sumed by the process ; while, with the other practice, a crop can be
raised the same season to be gathered into the store-house or barn.
One argument used in favor of dry crops, that it is following out the
order of nature, where we see the ripened fruit and the seared leaf,
falling to the ground and mixing again with the earth from which they
were nourished, and in their own decay, originate the material for the
renovation of the beauties and glory of the coming season, might be
regarded as sound, if a simple renovation of the faded year was all
which God intended to effect by the works he is performing in the
earth. But he has other ends to answer, and therefore, if the leaf
or plant should loose something of its enriching qualities as it drew
near the faded autumn, it may not be spoken of as having failed even
in part of the great object which God had in giving life and growth.

In order to account, in a manner at all satisfactory, for all the
phenomena connected with tliis subject, the Committee feel obliged
to resort to the opinion that there is in living plants what may be
called a self-providing power — a vegetable, or if the term be better
liked, a chemical potency ; by which, in their urgency, they can
transform materials, not before calculated to give them nourishment
or support, into food suitable for them to feed upon ; — that they can
gather for themselves manna in a vegetable wilderness and draw their
water from the flinty rock. The manner in which plants, under the

ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE. 7T

most unpiromising circumstances, do live and thrive, is often highly
interesting, often truly astonishing, and upon any other principle than
that just mentioned, not easy to be accounted for. To this princi-
ple, too, may we not safely refer many of those great changes which
have often taken place during a long process of cultivation, each suc-
cessive year producing some changes, which, being carried forward
by the successive crops, at length have resulted in a most entire and
important alteration, in consequence of which vegetables and fruits
grow with luxuriance, where formerly the greatest labor and atten-
tion were required to secure to them even a sickly existence ?

Plants do more than simply provide for themselves ; they act as
it were prospectively, lay up nourishment for those that may come
after them. Having seed in themselves, they put up in store for
those that are likely to proceed from them. If one crop has been
faithfully returned to the earth whence it grew up, the next will com^
into existence with an increased means of food suited to its nourish-
ment. And because there is much which is common in the elements
on which vegetables subsist, should seed of a different kind from that
of the preceding year be used, the coming plant would enter upon the-
harvest already gathered to its hand and enjoy the means of a more
vigorous growth because served with the stores gathered by a former-
generation. Even upon the supposition, credited we believe by most,
that a single ingredient necessary to the best development of a par-
ticular place may be used up by its long repeated production, it doea
not certainly follow that the general means of vegetable life, may not
at the same time have been accumulating. Were there no other
means then, of increasing the productive power of a given soil than
a constant tillage and a restoration in such forms as could best be
done of what had been taken from it, no one need doubt but that by
a careful and scientific cultivation a wilderness might be turned into
a fruitful field.

Notwithstanding a very general belief of the advantage to be gain-
ed by the kind of culture under consideration, and also the evident
support which the general laws of the material universe give to it, the
Committee are sensibly struck with the fact, that the method has been
tried but by comparatively few in the County. The same observation
may be extended to the Commonwealth, and indeed to the nation at
large, and that even of those who have once or twice triedit and re-
ported favorably as to the result, almost none have repeated the ex-

78 ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE.

periment, certainly have not Introduced it into their settled modes of
farmino-. That land may be thus enriched and at a moderate expense,
is credited by many, but their faith has not become strong and con-
trolling enough, nor operative enough, to produce much action. The
truth needs still to be held up, the subject presented in a more bright-
enin"" form, the convictions to be made deeper, the benefits more
tangible. It is a subject of great and general interest. Its princi-
ples apply Avith equal adaptation to the smallest garden and the lar-
gest farm. Its utility is founded in the general and unchanging laws
of the material and vegetable universe. In many places it opens
almost the only hope that large portions of the earth, and -syhat is
more immediately the concern of the Society, large portions of this
County, now unsightly because unproductive, will soon, if ever, be
clothed with verdure and present to the eyes of a grateful and en-
lightened community a harvest sufficiently full to take away hunger
and want even from the poor.

As it respects the expense of this mode of cultivation, every one
can calculate the amount with sufficient accuracy for all practical
purposes. The expense of the seed vised, and the expense of sowing
and ploughing, is the whole. Your Committee, however, think that
the expense of ploughing should not be reckoned in, as it is most
certain that there is not hardly a field in the whole County that
would not, by an increased yield, more than pay for an additional
ploughing without any reference to a green crop to be turned in.

In the okoice of the kind of grain to be used in this mode of cul-
ture, there seems to be but little choice. That kind which from the
character of the soil or season of the year, is likely to yield the
greatest amount of vegetable material, should be taken. Buckwheat
seems to have been the kind more generally used, and perhaps with
good reason. Col. Benson, of Bradford, succeeded well with English
or white mustard. His lot is of a clayey character.

Too high an estimate cannot be put upon the investigations of sci-
ence, especially those of chemistry, as a means of helping forward the
af^ricultural interest of the community, yet it cannot be denied that
there is many times a discrepancy between the theories which science
has formed and the results of experiments made in conformity with
them. This fact should not however disparage the importance of
such scie|itific investigation. Demonstration enough has been given
of their utility. The only inference that should be drawn from the

ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE. i\i

fact is, that to whatever extent investigations have been pushed, there
still remains a •wide and rich field which has not yet been travelled
over — much land in the world of knowledge untaken. "VYe may be
permitted to add that the discrepancy referred to, calls, in a special
manner to deeper investigation of the physiology of plants, and more
especially to the assimilating and changing operations wrought upon
surrounding materials, by the wonderful powers with which life and
growth appear to have endued them.

A single remark more : the subject, in its several bearings, affords a
happy illustration of the ways of God to man. Here we see how he
has connected effort with supply, knowledge with success in business ;
how he encourages an examination of his own works by the high en-
joyments which such an investigation must give to a rational soul, and
because men are backward to regard the operations of his hands, he
has invited them to it by the inceasing prosperity they may obtain
thereby. The visible world, in all its bearings, is wonderfully fitted
to the necessities of our race. A right occupancy of it leads directly^
to the development of the physical and mental powers,~while a need-
ful attention to the business and labor which his wants make impera-
tive, operates as a most powerful help to man in forming his heart
and life aright.

Respectfully submitted,

GARDNER B. PERRY, Chairman.
Bradford, December 3d, 1846.

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LIST 01*

PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES

AWARDED IN 1846.

\

PLOUGHING — DOUBLE TEAMS.

Daniel P. King, of Danvers, 1st premium,
Edwin Upton, Salem, 2d "

Philip Marsh, Danvers, 3d "

John G. Walcut, " 4th "

PLOUGHING — SINGLE TEAMS.

Joseph C. Putnam, Danvdrs, 1st premium, -
Moses Pettingill, Topsfield, 2d "
Jacob P. Goodale, Danvers, 3d " -

Farnham SpofFord, Andover, 4th " •

PLOUGHING — HORSE TEAMS.

Jacob Brown, Ipswich, 1st premium,

C. A. Stetson, Lynn, 2d " - ■

Seth Holden, Salem, 8d «

WORKING OXEN.
John Hathaway, Danvers, 1st premium,
Jacob Galucia, Salem, 2d "
Joseph Horton, Ipswich, 3d "
B. W. Crowninshield, Topsfield, gratuity,

STEERS — 2 YEARS OLD.

Benjamin Poore, West Newbury, 1st premium,

FAT CATTLE.

Joseph TownCj Topsfield, gratuity,

BULLS.

J. H. Coggshall, Lynn, 2d premium,
John Mason, Salem, 3d "

* Colman's European .Agriculture.

11

$10 00

- 8 00

6 00

- 4 00

8 00

- 6 00

4 00

- 2 00

.8 00

- 6 00

4 00

- 10 00

7 00

- 5 00

«

6 00

- 10 00

6 00

- 4 00

82 PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES.

MILCH COWS.

Warren Averill, Ipswich, 1st premium, - ■ - - 10 00

Samuel Soule, Lymi, 2d " .... 7 00

James Marsh, Danvers, 3d " - - - - 5 00

Samuel Dane, Hamilton, 4th " . . . . #

HEIFERS — IN MILK.

Manning Dodge, Ipswich, 1st premium, - - - 7 00
Ebenezer G. Berrj, Danvers, 2d " - - - - 5 00

HEIFERS — NOT IN MILK.

Benjamin Poore, West Newbury, gratuity, - - - 3 00

Ebenezer Butterfield, Saugus, " - - - 2 00

SHEEP.

William Parker, Saugus, Cosset and Lambs, gratuity, - 1 00

JUNE BUTTER.

Jonathan Berry, Middleton, 1st premium, - - - 10 00

Ezra Dodge, Wenham, 2d " - - - 8 00

SEPTEMBER BUTTER.

Allen W. Dodge, Hamilton, 1st premium, - - - 10 00

George W. Dodge, Wenham, 2d " ... 8 00

Jonathan Berry, Middleton, 3d " ... 6 00

John W. Cole, Topsfield, 4th " ... *

IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL IMPLEJIENTS.
Jas. Porter, Lynn, Harness to prevent cows sucking themselves, 3 00

MANAGEMENT OF FARMS.

Jonas Holt, Andover, 2d premium, - - - 20 00

RECLAIMED MEADOW LAND.

James Marsh, Danvers, 1st premium, - - - 15 00

NURSERIES OF FRUIT TREES.

Ephraim Woods, Salem, 1st premium, - - - 10 00

Wilham G. Lake, Topsfield, 2d " - - - - 8 00

James B. Cole, Beverly, 3d " ... f

BEAN CROP.

C. H. Holmes, Topsfield, gratuity, - - - - 5 00

FRUITS.

B. Manning, 2 00

John M. Ives, 2 00

Joseph S. Cabot, 2 00

Otis Johnson, 2 00

* Colman's European Agriculture. + Washington's Letters on Agriculture.

PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES. 83

Ebenezer Browne, $1 50

G. W. Oliver, . - 1 00

J- Oliver, 1 00

M. Pettingill, 1 00

A. Dodge, 1 00

R. Mudge, 1 00

J. S. Sanderson, 75

J. Webster, 75

H. A. Breed, 75

W. G. Lake, 75

Andrews Breed, 50

J. B. Johnson, 50

E. Johnson, 50

Nathan Breed, 50

Dr. Nje, 50

Alfred Peabodj, 50

J. Ober, 50

Samuel Putnam, ........ 25

E. F. Dodge, - 25

E. Neal, 25

C. D. Holmes, 25

R. Johnson, 25

Isaac Childs 25

D. N. Breed, - 25

J. B. Gould, - 25

Joseph Breed, 25

Cyrus Hoten, 25

Samuel Tufts, 25

D. Moulton, 25

J- Berry, 25

J. Daley, 25

J. Alley, 3d, 25

J. Marsh, 25

F. Tudor, 25

J. Tuttle, 25

Isaiah Breed, 25

William Preston, 25

J. Brown, 25

Josiah Newhall, 25

84 PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES.

FLOWERS.

Mr. West, Salem, Pyramidal Boquet,

Miss Bowler, do.

do.

Miss Brown, do.

do.

Miss Eames,

do.

Miss Ingalls,

do.

Miss Connor, Pyramid of Flowers,

Mrs. B. Mudge, do.

do.

Mrs. S. Newliall, do.

do.

Miss S. R. Ives, do.

do.

Mrs. Parsons, do.

do.

VEGETABLES.

L. Wait, Ipswich,

-

Abel Burnham, Essex,

- - _

N. D. Chase, Lynn,

T -

"VYilliam Coggshall,

-

Josiah Newhall,

r

Jonas Holt,

r -

AYilliam Abbott,

- -

Albert Hill,

- - -

William Mansfield,

-

Winthrop Newhall,

T - -

Frederic Needham,

7

Samuel Putnam,

- - -

William Osborne,

- -

J. P. Woodman,

r - -

William P. Carlton,

'

RUGS AND MATS.

Mrs. Nancy Bailey, Beverly, 1st premium,

Anna Chamberlain, " 2d "

Mrs, W. Butler, Newburyport, gratuity,
Mrs. D. B. Oliver, " "

Mrs. Hannah P. Berry, Danvers, "

Mrs. T. I. Pratt, Lynn, "

CARPETING.

Perlcy Tapley, Danvers, Stair Carpet, 1st premium,

Sally E. Sheldon, Beverly, do. gratuity,

Perley Tapley, Danvers, Ingrain Carpets, 1st premium,

100

50

60

50

50

50

50

25

25

25

1 00

1 00

50

50

60

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

8 00

2 00

1 00

1 00

100

1 00

8 00

100

5 00

PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES. 85

Mi'3. John Pearson, Newbury, Rag Carpet, 2d premium, $3 00
Mrs. Latty Pease, Salem, QQ years of age, Rag Carpet, gratuity, 1 00

COUNTERPANES.

Mrs. S. J. Ireson, Lynn, 1st premium, - - •• 4 00

Mrs. Saralr J. Barry, " 2d " . - . 2 00

Miss Lucy B. Newhall, gratuity, - - - 1 00

Harriet A. Goodrich, Lynn, " - - - 1 00

M. E. Johnson, u u - - - 1 00

A young lady of Salem, Counterpane, gratuity, - - 1 00

Miss Matilda Osgood, Salisbury, Knit Quilt, gratuity, 1 00

CLOTH AND HOSIERY,

Miss Judith Pickett, Beverly, 87 years old. Knit Gloves, gratuity, 1 00

Sarah S. Bradstreet, 4 years old. Woollen Hose, " 1 00

BOOTS AND SHOES.

Samuel P. SpofFord, Brogans, 1st premium, - - 3 OO

W. S. Horner, do. 2d " - - - 2 00

Amos Gould, Thick Boots, 1st " - - 3 00

Waldo Thompson, do. 2d « - - . 2 00

J. Wait & Sons, Calf Shin Boots, 1st premium, - - 4 00

Charles Dickinson, do. do. 2d " - - 2 00

Thomas P. Richardson, Gaiter Boots, gratuity, - .- 1 00

Harrison Newhall, do. Shoes, " - - 1 00

N. A. Breed, Child's Boots, " , - 1 00

N. A. Breed, do. Shoes, « - - 50

N. A. Breed, Boy's Pumps, " - - 1 00

Nathan Kimball, Gaiter Boots, " - - 1 00

Nathan Kimball, Satin Slips, " - - 1 00

Nathan Kimball, Patent Leather Slips, " - - 1 00

Moses Spoftbrd, Shoe Strings, " - - 50

MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES.

Barry & Bigclow, Lynn, House Papers, - - - - 3 00

Smith k Chamberlain, Salem, Jewelry, - - - 2 00

Thomas Tennet, Newburj^port, Surveying Protractors, - 2 00

Mrs. D. Farrington, Lynn, Chair Covering, - 50

James F. Nourse, aged 9 years, Lynn, Lamp Mats, - - 50

Miss E. n. Whitney, Danvers, Lamp Mat, - - 25

Sarah E. Lummus, Ipswich, Work Bag, - - 25
Jos. A. Potter, aged 8 years, Salem, Artificial Fruit & Flowers, 1 00

SQ PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES.

S. H. Moore, Lynn, Centre Table Basket, - - $0 75

Joseph Edwards, Lynn, Tailor's Crayons, - - 50

Miss A, L. Nourse, Beverly, Chair Covering, - - 75

Laura S. Dodge, Hamilton, Travelling Bag, - - 50

Mrs. Twisden, 88 years old, Lynn, Cotton Shirt, - - 50

Louisa Lander, Danvers, Crayon Drawings, - - 75

Maria L. Fowler, " Wrought Fire Screen, - - 25

Susan M. Perley, Georgetown, Travelling Bag, - - 25

Henry Moulton, Salem, Large Baskets, - - 50

Theophilus N. Breed, Lynn, Shoemakers' and other Tools, 2 00

George Hastings, Georgetown, Polished Steel Garden Rake, 25

David Stiles, Middleton, Horse Shoes, _ . - 50

S. Oliver, Boy's Rockaway Coach, - - - 1 00

Sarah Ellen Hale, 11 years old, Salem, Lamp Mat, - 60

Susan D. Breed, Lynn, Lamp Mats and Ottomans, - - 1 00

Miss M. J. Roundy, Beverly, do. wrought with beads, - 1 00

Lydia Lamboard, Lynn, Lamp Mat and Flowers, - - 50

Eliza J. Brown, " Crayon Drawings, - - 50

Sarah F. Bradstreet, 4 years old, Beverly, Worsted Purse, 50

Adaline B. Ames, Lynn, Table Covering, - - - 50

Susan Perley, aged 11 years, Georgetown, Table Covering, 2 00

Mary R. Kimball, Salem, Sofa Pillows, - _ - 50

Miss W. H. Allen, Manchester, Fire Screens, - . - 1 00

Mrs. Isaac Newhall, Lynn, Tabourctt, - _ - 50

Mrs. Margaret IL Felt, Salem, Tabourett, - - - 25

Mrs. Cox, Salem, fine specimen of Worsted Work, - 50

Miss Almira P. Perley, North Danvers, Ottomans, - - 50

$381 50

ALLEN W. DODGE, Secretary.

Hamilton, December 4th, 1846.

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY,

CHOSEN OCTOBER 1, 1846.

JOHN W. PROCTOR, of Danvers, President.
DANIEL ADAMS. Jr., of Newbury, 1
SOLOMON LOW, of Boxforcl, I ... „ . , ,

ASA T. NEWHALL, of Lynnfielcl, \ ^''^ "^ residents.
ROYAL A MERRIM, of Topsfield, j

WILLIAM SUTTON, of Salem, Treasurer.

ALLEN W. DODGE, of Hamilton, Secretary.

TRUSTEES.

Lewis Allen,
Jedediah H. Barker,
Jacob Brown,
Hobart Clark,
Wm. N. Cleaveland,
Jeremiah Colman,
Andrew Dodge,
James H. Duncan,
Nathaniel Felton,
Moses French,
George Hood,
Joseph Howe,
Frederic Howes,

Danvers.

Andover.

Ipswich.

Andover.

Topsfield.

Newburyport.

Wenham.

Haverhill.

Danvers.

Salisbury.

Lynn.

Methuen.

Salem.

John M. Ives,
Josiah Kimball,
Joseph Kittredge,
Daniel P. King,
Jolm Marland,
Moses Newell,
Josiah Newhall,
Asa Nelson,
Andrew Nichols,
John Northend,
Gardner B. Perry,
Dean Robinson,
Horace Ware,

Salem.
Boxford.
Andover.
Danvers.
Andover.
W. Newbury.
Lynnfield.
Georgetown.
Danvers.
Newbury.
Bradford.
W. Newbury.
Marblehead.

Joseph Brown,
Jonas Holt,
Ebenezer Brown,
John Perkins,

MEMBERS ADMITTED IN 1846.

Danvers.
Andover.
Lynn.
Lynnfield.

Moses P. Atwood,
Moses L. Atkinson,
John P. Webber,
Richard P. Waters,

Bradford.
Merrimack.
Beverly.
Beverly.

ICPAny citizen of the County may become a member of the Society, by paying
to the Treasurer three dollars. All ordained Ministers of the Gospel who reside within
the County, are admitted honorary members of the Society, Members are not liable
to any assessment. Each member is entitled to a copy of the Transactions of the So-
ciety.

PREMIUMS OFFERED

BY THE

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,

FOR

184T.

I. MANAGEMENT OF FARMS.

For the most extensive, valuable and economical improvements in
the cultivation and management of an entire farm, with all its ap-
pendages, within the last^"ye years,

1st premium, - - - twentj-j&ve dollars.

2d premium, .... twenty dollars.

3d premium, - - - ten dollars.

|[^ The Trustees have varied their statement of premiums offered
for entire farms, in the hope of increasing the number of competitors.
They have also determined to admit as competitors, all farms within
the County, whether large or small, for which i\\Q first premium has
not been awarded within seven years. A detailed statement of the
management and produce will be expected by the 15th of November.

Notice of intention to claim these premiums must be given to the
Secretary on or before the 20th of June.

The Committee will visit such farms as may bo entered, in July
and September.

It DAIRY.

1. For the best produce of butter on any farm within the County
of Essex, from the 1st of June to the 9th of July, inclusive, in the
present year, a sample not less than twenty-five pounds to be ex-
hibited, with a particular statement of the number of cows, quantity
of butter, method of making and preserving it, «fcc., &c.,

1st premium, - - - ten dollars.

2d premium, - - . . eight dollars.

3d premium, - - - six dollars.

4th premium, - - Colman's European Agriculture.

PREMIUMS OFFERED. 89

2. For the best produce of butter on any farm within the County
of Essex, in the four months next following the 20th of May, the
present year, a sample of not less than twenty-five pounds to be ex-
hibited— quantity as well as quality to be taken into view ; with a
full account of the manner of feeding the cows, and the general
management of the milk and butter,

1st premium, ... ten dollars.

2d premium, - - ■ eight dollars.

3d premium, ... six dollars.

4th premium, - - Colman's European Agriculture.

Note. — It will be observed that these premiums are offered for
the best produce on the farms, and not simply for the best specimen
exhibited. Claimants will therefore bo required to be particular in
keeping an account, and preparing a statement of the entire produce,
within the times mentioned.

III. TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE.

For the most satisfactory experiment of turning in crops as a ma-
nure, either green or dry, on not less than one acre of land, a de-
tailed account of the whole process to be given in writing,

1st premium, ... ten dollars.

2d premium, ... * five dollars.

IV. FOREST TREES.

1. For the best plantation of either of the following species of
forest trees, viz: white oak, yellow oak, locust, birch, white ash, ma-
ple or walnut, not less than three years old, and not less than ono
thousand trees, .... twenty dollars.

2. For the best do. do. do. not less than six hundred trees,

ten dollars.

Note. — For an explanation of these premiums, see remarks in
former years.

V. IRRIGATION.

For the most satisfactory experiment for increasing the crops, upon
not less than one acre of land, by irrigation, with a detailed account
of the manner, expense, and benefits produced, twelve dollars.

For the second best, - - - ten dollars.

12

00 PREMIUMS OFFERED.

VI. BIPROVING WET MEADOW OR SWAMP LANDS.

For the best conducted experiment in reclaiming -wet meadow or
Bwamp lands, on not less than one acre, the course of management
and the produce, &c., for a period of two years, at least, to be de«
tailed, with a statement of all incidental expense, twenty dollars.

For the second best, ... fifteen dollars.

For the third best, .... ten dollars.

For the fourth best, - Colman's European Agriculture.

VII. PLOUGHING.

1. Double Teams. — For the best performance in ploughing, at
least one sixth of an acre, seven inches deep, ten dollars.

For the second best, - - - eight dollars.

For the third best, .... six dollars.
For the fourth best, - - • four dollars.

2. Single Teams. — For the best performance in ploughing, at
least one eighth of an acre, six inches deep, eight dollars.

For the second best, • - - six dollars.

For the third best, .... four dollars.
For the fourth best, - - - two dollars.

3. Horse Teams. — For the best performance in ploughing, with
horses, ..... eight dollars.

For the second best, - - - six dollars.

Foi the third best, - - - four dollars.

For the fourth best, - - - two dollars.

4. Sub-soil Ploughing. — For the best performance in sub-soil
ploughing, .... ten dollars.

For the second best, - Colman's European Agriculture.

Note. — A team consisting of a horse and one pair of oxen will be
considered a double team. No team or plough which has taken a
premium of this Society will be entitled to another, except of a
higher grade. The competitors for these premiums, must be the
owners of the team, and the same must be entered in the name of
the owner. Those who intend to be competitors, must give notice to
the Secretary, or his agent, on or before the Monday next previous
to the Exhibition,

PREMIUMS OFFERED. 91

VIII. EXPERIMENTS IN SUB-SOIL PLOUGHING.

For the most satisfactory experiment on not less than one acre of
lan'l, of the efifect of sub-soil ploughing, to be determined by the
difference of the value of the crops raised on equal portions of equal*
ly manured land of equal quality, one half of which, having been
sub-soil ploughed, the other half ploughed in the usual manner.
Statements of the depth of ploughing in each instance, together
with all the particulari of culture, required,

1st premium, .... ten dollars.

2d premium, - - • eight dollars.

IX. IMPROVEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

To the person who shall exhibit at the show any new or improved
agricultural implement, the invention being his own, which shall, in
the opinion of the Trustees, merit a reward, a premium shall be
given, not exceeding ten dollars.

X. COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS, AS FOOD FOR

CATTLE.

1. For the most satisfactory experiment upon a stock of cattle,
not less than four in number, in ascertaining the relative value of tho
different kinds of fodder used, with a statement in detail of the
quantity and value of the same, as compared with English hay, th«
experiment to be made in the three winter months,

1st premium, - - - fifteen dollars.

2d premium, - - - - ten dollars.

2. For the most satisfactory experiment, proving the comparativo
value of the crop of cultivated grasses, cut at different periods of
their growth, whether they be worth more or less for feeding or fat«
tening cattle, cut in the blossom, or when the seed is fully formed, or
when fully ripe, taking into vicAV the effect of cutting these grasses
at the different periods above mentioned, on the land itself and on
subsequent crops, .... fiifteen dollars.

These premiums are offered, to be paid whenever a meritorious
claim is presented ; 8»nd will be continued until awarded.

XI. EXPERIMENTS ON MANURES.
1. For an exa«t and satisfactory experiment in the preparation

92 PREMIUMS OFFERED.

and application of manures, either animal, vegetable or mineral, first
premium, . . . . . fifteen dollars.

2d premium, .... ten dollars.

3d premium, - Colman's European Agriculture.

XII. CULTIVATION OF WHEAT, RYE, OATS, BARLEY,
INDIAN CORN, &c.

' 1. For the best conducted experiment of Wheat, not less than
twenty bushels to the acre, on not less than one acre, eight dollars.

2. For the host conducted experiment of Bi/e, not less than thirty
bushels to the acre, on not less than one acre of land, eight dollars.

3. For the best conducted experiment of Oats, not less than fifty
bushels to the acre, on not less than one acre of land, eight dollairs.

4. For the best conducted experiment of Barley, not less than
forty bushels to the acre, on not legs than one acre of land, eight
dollars.

5. For the best conducted experiment of Indian Corn, not less
than eighty bushels to the acre, on not less than one acre of land,
eight dollars.

6. For the best conducted experiment in raising a mixed crop of
Corn and Potatoes, or mixed grain, and not less in value than eighty
bushels of corn, on not less than one acre of land, eight dollars.

7. For the best conducted experiment of White Beans, on not
less than one half acre of land, eight dollars.

XIII. FATTENING CATTLE AND SWINE.

For the most satisfactory experiment in feeding cattle or swine,
with a statement in detail, of the process and the result,

1st premium, .... ten dollars.

2d premium, ..... five dollars.

XIV. ROOT CULTURE.

For the best conducted experiment in raising Sugar Beets, six dollars.
For the best conducted experiment in raising Carrots, six dollars.
For the best conducted experiment in raising -Parsnips, six dollars.
For the best conducted experiment in raising Ruta Baga, six dollars.
For the best conducted experiment in raising Mangel Wortzel, six
dollars.

I

PREMIUMS OFFERED. 93

For the best conducted experiment in raising Onions, six dollars.

Raised on not less than one half acre of land, and the quantity of
the crops to be ascertained by Aveight.

f[^ Claimants for all the above premiums, will be required to
give a statement of the previous condition of the land, the compara-
tive value of the land, the value of labor and manure applied, the
produce, the manner of preparing the ground, the seed used, the
harvesting, &c., including all the details in relation to the crops ; the
same to be forwarded to the Secretary, previous to the 15th of No-
vember.

XV. ANIMALS,

TO BE PRODUCED AT THE EXHIBITION, ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEM-
BER 29th, 1847.

TO BE ENTERED IN THE NAME OF THEIR PROPER OWNERS — WHO MUST HAVE
HAD THEM SIX MONTHS BEFORE EXHIBITION.

FAT CATTLE.

For the best pair of oxen, fatted within the County, regard being
had to the mam^r of feeding and the expense thereof, fifteen dollars.
For the best ox, do. do. - - - ten dollars.

For the second best, - - - eight dollai's.

For the third best, - - • five dollars.

BULLS.

For the best bull, not less than one year old, on satisfactory assur-
ance being given that he shall be kept for use in the County, at least
nine months from the day of exliibition, • eight dollars.

For the second best, .... six dollars.

For the third best, - - - four dollars.

MILCH COWS.

For the best milch cow, not less than three, nor more than ten
years old, with satisfactory evidence as to the quantity and quality
of her milk and the manner in which she has been fed, ten dollars.

For the second best, - - - seven dollars.

For the third best, - - - - five dollars.

For the fourth best, - Colman's European Agriculture.

HEIFERS.

For the best heifer that has been in milk three months or more,

94 PREMIUMS OFFERED.

with satisfactory evidence as to the quantity and quality of her
milk, ..... seven dollars.

For the second best, - ■>• • five dollars.

For the best two year old heifer, - five dollars.

For the second best, ... three dollars.

For the best yearling heifer, - - five dollars.

For the second best, - - - three dollars.

WORKING OXEN.

For the best pair of working oxen, not over seven years old, taking
into view their size, power and training, - ten dollars.

For the second best, - - - seven dollars.

For the third best, - - - five dollars.

Note. — In testing the power of working cattle, four years old or
more, the load is not to exceed two tons; under four years old, it is
to be one ton.

STEERS.

For the best pair of three year old steers, do. seven dollars.

For the second best, - - - five dollars.

For the best pair of two year old steers, - six dollars.

For the second best, - - - four dollars.

For the best pair of yearling steers, - four dollars.

For the second best, ... two dollars.

COLTS.

For the best four year old colt, raised within the County,

ten dollars.
For the best three year old do. do. - eight dollars.

For the best two year old do. do. - - six dollars.

For the best yearling do. do. ♦ - four dollars.

SWINE.

For the best boar, - - - five dollars.

For the second best, - - - two dollars.

For the best breeding sow, • - five dollars.

For the second best, - - . three dollars.

For the best litter of weaned pigs, not less than/oitr, from two to
six months old, .... gix dollars.

For the second best, - . . three dollars.

For the best weaned pig, from two to six months old, four dollars.
For the second best, - - - two dollars.

PREMIUMS OFFERED. 95

SHEEP.

If any sheep are entered, they will receive such premium as the
Committee may recommend to be awarded.

Note. — All animals that come more than ten miles, whether teams
for ploughing, or animals entered for premiums or exhibition, will be
fed the night previous to the exhibition, at the expense of the Society.

XVI. FRUIT TREES.

For the best nursery of fruit trees, not less than five hundred in
number, raised from the seed, and one or more years old from the
bud or graft, first premium, - - - ten dollars.

2d premium, .... eight dollars.

8d premium, - "Washington's Letters on Agriculture.

For the best apple orchard, not less than seventy-five trees, which
shall have been planted or set out since the year 1845, and shall be
in the best thriving state in 1849, first premium, ten dollars.

2d premium, .... eight dollars.

3d premium, .... four dollars.

For the best engrafted or budded pear trees, not less than twenty-
five trees, set out since the year 1845, and in the best thriving state
in the autumn of 1849, first premium, - ten dollars.

2d premium, .... five dollars.

For the best peach orchard, not less than fifty trees, set out since
the year 1845, and Avhich shall be in the best thriving state in the
autumn of 1847, first premium, - - ten dollars.

2d premium, .... fiy© dollars.

XVII. CRANBERRIES,

For the best experiment on the cultivation of the cranberry, on not
less than half an acre of land, the quantity, quality and expense of
culture being taken into consideration, to be paid in 1847, 1848 and
1849, ..... fifteen dollars.

For the best experiment do. on not less than one quarter of an
acre of land, .... ten dollars.

For the best do. do. on not less than two rods of land, five dollars.

XVIII. EXTERMINATING WEEDS.

For the best practical experiment on exterminating wood waxen,

96 PREMIUMS OFFERED.

{genista tlnctorla,') Canada thistles, and other weeds or plants de-
structive to the value of pasture lands, - fifteen dollars.
For the second best, - - - ten dollars.

Xrx. DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

For the best piece of carpeting, a yard wide, and not less than
twenty yards to be exhibited, - - five dollars.

For the second best do. - - - three dollars.

For the best piece of stair carpeting, not less than twenty yards to
be exhibited, .... three dollars.

For the best straw or grass bonnet, - five dollars.

For the second best do. - - - three dollars.

For the best wrought hearth rug, having regard both to the quality
of the work and the expense of the material, three dollars.

For the second best do. - - - two dollars.

For the best piece of woollen cloth, seven-eighths of a yard wide,
and twenty yards in quantity, - - five dollars.

For the second best do. - - three dollars.

For the best piece of flannel, a yard wide, and twenty yards in
quantity, . . ^ . . four dollars.

For the second best do. • - two dollars.

For the best wrought wooUeti hose, not less than four pair,

two dollars.

For the second best do. -^ - one dollar.

For men's best half hose, not less than four pair, one dollar.

For the best silk hose, not less than three pair, two dollars.

For the best piece of linen cloth, not less than twenty yards,

four dollars.

For the second best do. - - two dollars.

For the best piece of linen diaper, not less than twenty yards,

four dollars.

For the second best do. - - two dollars.

For the best wrought counterpane, having regard to the quality
and expense of the materials, - - ^ four dollars.

For the second best do. - * two dollars.

For the best specimen of wrought lace, * three dollars.

For the second best do. - - two dollars.

For the best specimen of Work performed by a child under twelve
years of age, exhibiting industry and ingenuity, three dollars.

PREMIUMS OFFERED. 97

For the second best do. - - two dollars.

For the best pair of thick boots, - - three dollars.

For the second best do. - - two dollars.

For the best pair of calf-skin thin boots, - four dollars.

For the se-^ond best do. - - two dollars.

For the best pair of thick brogan shoes, - two dollars.

For the best pair of calf-skin shoes, - two dollars.

For the best pair of ladies' walking shoes, - two dollars.

For the best pair of ladies' kid or morocco slippers, one dollar.

For the best specimen of shell combs, not less than one dozen,

five dollars.

For the best specimen of horn combs, not less than one dozen,

three dollars.

And should other articles of domestic manufacture be exhibited,
worthy of attention, a proper notice will be taken of them, and suit-
able gratuities awarded. The whole amount not to exced one hun-
dred dollars. But no premium or gratuity will he awarded for any
article manufactured previously to the last Exhibition of the Society.

XX. FRUITS AND FLOWERS.

Convenient rooms will be provided for the exliibition of fruits and
flowers, and committees will be appointed to examine and report on
such as may be presented. Whoever may present, is requested to
furnish a minute in writing, of the name of the owner, and descrip-
tion of the article presented. The committees will be instructed to
recommend such gratuities as the articles may seem to merit, not
exceeding in amount the sum of fifty dollars, by the committee on
fruit ; and seven copies of Washington's Letters on Agriculture, by
the committee on flowers.

XXL ESSAYS.

For any essay on any of the above subjects for which premiums
are offered, which may be considered by the Trustees worthy of pub-
lication, .... ten dollars.

GENERAL REMARKS.

All claims for premiums, to be awarded on the day of exhibition,

98 PREMIUMS OFFERED.

must be entered with the Secretary of the Society, or his agent, on
or before 9 o'clock, A.M., of that day.

All other claims for premiums, must be handed or forwarded to
the Secretary, in writing.

All premiums awarded, the payment of which is not demanded of
the Treasurer within one year from the day of the exhibition, will be
considered as given to increase the funds of the Society.

No animal or object for which a premium has heretofore been
awarded by the Society, will be entitled to another premium, unless
it be of a higher order, or for qualities different from those for which
the former premiums were awarded.

No person will be entitled to receive a premium, unless he com-
plies with the conditions on which the premiums are offered; and
gives notice as required, of his intention to claim the same.

No gratuities will be awarded, except for domestic manufactures
and for fruits and flowers, unless specially ordered by the Trustees.

In regard to all subjects for which premiums are offered, it is to
be distincly understood, that the Trustees reserve to themselves the
right of judging of the quality of the animal or article offered; and
that no premiums will be awarded, unless the objects of them are of
a decidedly superior quality.

By order of the Trustees,

ALLEN W. DODGE, Secretary.

January, 1847.

INDEX.

Mr. Newell's Address, - - -

Original Hymn by G. Lunt, Esq.,
Report on PJoughing with Double Teams,
Report on Ploughing with Single Teams,
Report on Ploughing with Horse Teams,
Report on Swine, _ _ _ _

Report on Meadow and Swamp Land,

Statement of James Marsh,

Letter of E. M. Stone,

Statement of Samuel C. Pitman,
Report on Farms, _ _ _

Statement of Jonas Holt,
Report on Steers, . _ - -

Report on Bulls, _ _ _ _

Report on Fat Cattle, _ _ -

Report on the Dairy, _ _ - -

Statement of Jonathan Berry,

Statement of Ezra Dodge,

Statement of Allen W. Dodge,

Statement of George W. Dodge,

Statement of John K. Cole,
Report on Working Oxen, . . _

Report on Fruits, Flowers and Vegetables,
Report oh Fruit Trees, _ _ _

Report on Agricultural Implements,
Communication on the Uses of Salt in Cultivation,
Report on Grain Crops, _ _ _

Statement of C. H. Holmes,
Reports on Domestic Manufactures,
Report on Milch Cows and Heifers,
■ Statement of Warren Averill,

Statement of Samuel Sonle,

Statement of James Marsh,

Statement of Samuel Dane,

Statement of Manning Dodge,

Statement of E. G. Berry,
Essay on turning in crops as a manure,
Treasurer's Statement. _ . _

List of Premiums and Gratuities, 1846,
Officers of the Society, _ - -

Members admitted in 1846,
Premiums oifered for 1847, . _ -

3

to 17

19

21

to 23

24

to 25

25 to 26

26

to 31

31

to 33

33 to 34

35

to 37

37

to 38

39

40 to 41

41

42

43

43 to 44

44

44

45

45

46

47

48

to 49

50

to 52

53

to 55

55

to 57

57

58

to 59

59

to 63

63

to 68

68

69

69

70

70

71

71

to 79

80

81

to 86

87

87

88

to 98

TRANSACTIONS

ESSEX AGEICULTURAL

SOCIETY,

FOR

1847.

PUBLISHED BI ORDER OF TIE SOCIETY.
DECEMBER, 184T.

DANVERS :

PRINTED AT THE COURIER OFFICE.

1847.

MR, PAYSON'S ADDRESS.

Mr. President,

We somewhere read of a Roman citizen, whose income from a
small farm and garden, greatly exceeded that of his neighbors from
their ample possessions. Envious of his prosperity, they brought
this accusation against him — that by Sorcery and Witchcraft, he
had transported the fertility and increase of his neighbor's fields into
his own. A peremptory summons called him before the assembled
tribes, and his defence is a noble commentary upon the character of
an honest, manly, independent farmer. Placing in full view of the
people, his plough and other implements of agriculture — his plump,
well-fed oxen and his daughter — not an improved woman — the lady
tiiii. ia,;:.:'")n manufactures — but a woman in shape and feature such
83 she was made by her God — neatly clad in garments which her
cv,. 'S had wrought, he turned to the assembled tribes, and

thus ressed them. "Behold ! my Masters, the sorceries, the
cbaru' nd the only enchantments which I use. My own daily
toil, my early rising and late sitting up, the painful sweat which I
endure, these I am not able to present to your view. I cannot
l^vmg them with me into this assembly." When the people had
ueard this, they unanimously pronounced him "Not Guilty."

We meet to-day, to celebrate the twenty-ninth Anniversary of our
.'r the purpose of whose existence, is to encourage and pro-

mote the same sorcery, for the practice of which, that old Roman
came near answering with his life. He who has practiced these en-
chantments with the most success, is the man whom to-day we most
delight to honor. Proud as die County of Essex may be of her
prosperous industry in the work-shop, the manufactory, or upon the
ocean — which under the guidance of intelligence and sound morali-

4 MR. PAYSON S ADDRESS.

ty, with the blessing of Heaven, caO, out of New England, no-
where find its parallel, much more occasion for pride would she
have were all her farmers in the same degree guilty as was Cresicus
the Roman ; for of all the employments in which men engage, none
is more profitable to the community, more dignified or honorable in
itself, or so well calculated to insure health and happiness to the
individual, as that primitive and divine occupation — the culture of
the earth. "Replenish the earth and subdue it," was the first
command of the Almighty to man, and doubly grateful is the culti*
vated earth for the labor which man bestows upon her. She repays
him ten-fold for his toil, and at the same time rewards him with
strength, health and vigor. It has been said that "few politicians are
half so useful members of a Commonwealth as an honest farmer, who
by skillfully draining, fencing, manuring and planting, has increased
the intrinsic value of a piece of land, and thereby done a perpetual
service to his country."

But the importance of Agriculture, sometimes over-rated by prej*
udiced tninds, is a self-evident truth. I cannot, however, avoid al-
lusion to an illustration which has been painfully forced upon the
mind of every man during the past year.

A little more than two hundred years ago, a small bitter root was
discovered on the coast of ChiU. From this worthless root, cultivation
produced the Potato. Improved as it may have been, as late as the
eighteenth century — a hundred years after its first introduction — En-
glish writers speak of it as comparatively valueless. Yet the partial
failure of this crop in a small part of the world, has produced an amount
of suffering, how uncertain in continuance — how incalculable in ex
tent. While it has in some measure developed the vast agricultural
resources of the United States, it shows better than any thing else, the
importance of that branch of industry to the state, and may well cause
reflecting men to consider whether this, of all the arts, does not the
most deserve encouragement and support.

From the commencement of our Society, custom has made an
address, in some way connected with the subject of Agriculture, a
part of this day's exercises. Upon former occasions, we have had
age to counsel, eloquence to persuade, learning to instruct, or the
sound wisdom of practical experience to convince.

Qualified but poorly in any respect, the fact that the invitation to
address you was given unanimously, was the strong reason which

MR. PAYSON S ADDRESS. 5

made me presumptuous enough to accept it. It is gratifjing to a
man's pride, to suppose that his friends have a good opinion of him,
"whether he deserves it or not. Now to those who expect "to hear
some new thing," I have only to say, save your ears for another oc-
casion. If by a remai-k of mine, any man is induced to make two
blades of gr<;3s grow where but one grew before, I shall have done
some service and will be content.

On the annual return of this day here and elsewhere, the great
Improvements in modern Agriculture have been frequently made an
interesting topic of discourse. Thirty years have indeed wrought
wonderful changes in farming as in everything else. It is also true,
in nothing else has change been effected with so much difficulty. Ig-
norance and obstinacy have always sneered at improvement Nor have
innovations in agriculture had these alone to contend with, but blind er-
ror^ which "like the adder stoppeth her ears and will not listen to the
voice of the charmer, charm he never so wisely," has always stood in
their way. It has been said that "error, when she retraces her foot-
steps, has farther to go before she can arrive at truth than ignorance;"
but the way which she takes to get out of the heads of some farmers, is
the crookedest road, that it ever entered into the imagination of man
to conceive. Why, if the best iron plough of this day, had been
presented to a farmer thirty years ago, he would as soon have told
the assessors that he was not taxed high enough, as to have used it.
But though old c-,,}rstition is in its grave and many an ancient
prejudice lie? buried beside it, the race is not quite extinct.

ShouV .,he genin A America, in time to come, beget a second Wal-
ter S' Li — alth-:^Q we may not introduce the mother of Cuddie Hard-
ri^ _,'*' as a representative of the character of New England yeomanry
.1 this nil. ^eenth century, still he will find many like a servant of the
ia,'ue I'iAe of Bedford, of whom it is said, that when ploughing with his
'^'ir iiorses yoked at full length, the Duke left his carriage and zeal-
as to do him a service, yoked the horses two abreast, held the
plough himself, and explained to him the advantage of this new
method. The answer of the man was characteristic of the profes-

*"Your leddy-ship and the steward hae been pleased to propose, that my son Cuddie
suld work in the barn wi a new fangled machine for dighting the corn frae the chaff,
thus impiously thwarting the will of Divine Providence, by raising the wind for your
leddy-ship's ain particular use by human airt, instead of soliciting it by prayer, or wait-
ing patiently for whatever dispensation of vvindProvidence is pleased to send upon
the sheeling hill." Old Mortality.

6 MR. payson's address.

sion — the ready answer which prejudice suggests to ignorance, — that
such a plan might answer Avith his Grace, but was too expensive for
him.

But the fact that great improvement has been made and is ma-
hing, is of more importance to our present purpose. Men have
found out, that, if he who plants an oak, looks forward to future
ages and plants for posterity ; that he who plants a fruit-tree does it
for himself as well as for those who come after him ; to graft an apple
tree is better than to suffer it to grow wild ; that manures are quite
as efficacious when properly composted as when used fresh from the
barn-yard ; that sixty bushels of corn to the acre are more profitable
than thirty ; that to sow grass with grain in the spring and have four-
fifths of it destroyed, is not so well as to sow it by itself in the au-
tumn and get two or three tons of hay to the acre the next season ;
that repeated, shallow skimmings of the surface soil is not good
ploughing ; and that to pass a roller over fields sown with grain or
grass is better than to leave them in Indian hills. Some of them
have learned that gravelly knolls and sandy highlands are not the
only soils which pay for cultivation ; but that our rich peat bottoms,
covered with underbrush, weeds and water-grass, which have been
abandoned to the caprices of nature ever since the ark rested on
Mount Ararat, do in reality possess intrinsic value.

These deep meadows, which send forth from their dark bosoms the
chilling dampness of disease and death, adding to the coldness and
poverty of the adjoining highlands, by their unhealthy evaporations,
seem to be so placed by him who made the world to say to man in
stronger language than words, that labor properly applied shall prove
a blessing rather than a curse. There they lie, side by side, scat-
tered all over the County, the bog exuberant with unwholes-ome
vegetation, the highland with its stinted growth of scanty herbage",
both soils worthless and unprofitable, but each of them rich in all
the elements of fertility which the other requires. Let the farmer
do what a benignant nature encourages him to do, and these poor
soils of New England which under bleak influences are fostered into a
sickly fertility, Avill be quickened into almost spontaneous luxuriance.

But to enumerate all the im^irovements which have been made in
agriculture for the last half century would take too much time. One^
not only an improvement in itself, but the basis of all other improve-
ments must not be omitted, and that is the diffusion of agricultural

MR. payson's address. 7

knowledge by tlie Newspaper Press. Slowly, silently, almost by
stealth, without the knowledge of the man himself, this mighty engine
undermines old prejudices, and has taught the farmer that however in-
dependent he may be, he is not so much so, as that the experience of
others will not profit him. Most of us have become willing to seek
directions, even if they are contained in a hooh. We are becoming
more like liberal, free-born and aspiring men.

Yet after all, agricultural improvement is in its infancy, and to
nurture its youth and rear it to manhood, has been left to us, and to
those who are to come after us. To direct how this shall be done is
a difficult task. I shall however, upon two or three of the most im-
portant questions connected with the subject, venture to give an opin-
ion, always premising that if I am wrong, I will, when convinced of
my error, despite the shame of acknowleging it, and with all my
heart most readily embrace a different opinion.

All will agree, that the basis of improvement lies in a more thor-
ough tillage. Now one great hindrance to this, is the strong and
universal tendency among farmers to OAvn and cultivate too much
land. I am well aware that I tread on disputed ground, and that
there are those among us whose opinions, we are ready, and ivith good
reason^ to esteem almost as oracles, who "have no sympathy with
this ^:*nall farm theory." But with due deference to their opinions
Fill y I not start with this fact, that the case so commonly occurs as
to make it a general rule, that our very large farms are very poorly
cul'ivated ? To the point which I have in view, we mean the apo-
logue of the vine-dresser, who had two daughters and a vineyard.
When his oldest daughter married, he gave her a third part of his
'■' -iyard for a marriage portion, notwithstanding which, he had the

le quantity of fruit as before. When his youngest daughter was

rried, he gave her half of what remained, still the produce of his
v;aeyard was undiminished. The secret was simply this, that the
more thorough tillage which he was enabled to give to the remaining
third part, trippled his produce, while at the same time it reduced the
cost of cultivation. Now he that cultivates the most land, or pro-
duces the greatest crop, is not the best farmer, but he that can do it
with the least expense. In Massachusetts the high price of labor is
an insuperable objection to large farms. As it is, men must not only
not be idle, but must at all times, and under all circumstances work
to the best advantange, or the proceeds of their labor will not pay

8 MR. patson's address.

their wages. Upon large farms, numerous and long lines of fence
are to be kept in repair, taxes are to be looked after, work cannot
be so economically done, because much of it is at a distance, and a
large number of laborers must of necessity be employed, who to use
an old adage, if they are not very carefully looked after, will be likely
to drink out of the broad end of the tunnel, and hold the little one
to their employer. I must not be understood to say that no man can
profitable/ manage a large farm here. All rules have their excep-
tions. But I do say, that there are very few Bonapartes in agricul-
ture, and that the great body of us are fit only to serve in the ranks.

It is doubtful indeed, if these large farms are the most profitable
anywhere ; for in countries where the cost of labor is almost nominal,
small farms are said to produce the largest income. Stretching along
at the foot of the Alps, those ever memorable mountains, whose lofty
summits, white with eternal snows, reach far above the clouds — the
birth-place of the glacier and the avalanche — is that province of Italy,
which has been often called the garden of Europe. Its inhabitants
are farmers, and very few farms contain more than seventy-five acres,
yet the best authority asserts that these small farms bring more to
market than the large ones, and that there is no country in the world
which can dispose of so large a portion of its productions as Pied-
mont. True the soil is rich, deep, if you please, alluvial. The cli-
mate is moist, and the situation of the land makes it susceptible of
being easily submitted to irrigation. After all, the main-spring of
this abundant fertility is thorough tillage, which consists only on small
farms.

We have not the same natural advantages, but the deficiency can
be partially supplied by hberal manuring. Without this, you may
plough the soil and subsoil, eradicate every noxious weed, studiously
watch the progress of infant vegetation, and not get half a crop. And
not only must we manure liberally, but our manures must be adapted
to the different soils and different crops.

Here, most certainly, there is a wide field for improvement. The
Chinese are said to be familiar not only with the relative value and
efficacy of manures, but to understand and apply without loss, that
which is best fitted to stimulate and support each kind of plant.
With us, agi'icultural chemistry has made rapid advances within a
few years. Yet in practice, I question very much, whether the an-
cients were not better cultivators of the soil than we are. "What

MR. patson's address. 9

are the elements of good tillage, says Cato, the oldest Roman Teach-
er of Agriculture ? ^To plough. What is the second ? To plough.
The third is to manure. Study to have a large dung-hill, says he,
keep your compost carefully, when you carry it out, scatter it and pul-
verise it." This was advice given one hundred and fifty years be-
fore the Christian era, yet many of us are apt to regard composting
as a new discovery, and we probably should never have thought it
■worth trying, if some modern humbugging agent had not coaxed us
to pay for a patent right to make it. Subsequent writers advise the
cultivator "not to carry out more manure than the laborers can cover
with the soil the same day, as exposure to the sun does it great injury,
and they tell us that the farmers of that day collected their manure
and stored it in covered pits, so as to check the escape of the drain-
age." How many farmers in the County, leave their manure ex-
posed to sun, and air and rain, for half the year ! Are there not
some who Avill tell you that it is improved by the operation ?

One powerful fertilizer, little thought of, and less cared for, must, I
am satisfied, sooner or later come into general use, and that is liquid
manure. Now, it is not considered worth the pains of saving, but its
value is ascertained beyond question. Take for instance the house
plant, which your wife, or your daughter rears with care. Water it
with a solution of Guano, no matter whether brought from some dis-
tant island of the sea, or more cheaply obtained from the floor of your
pigeon-house — and what is the effect ? At once it stands more erect,
its leaves enlarge and assume a deeper hue, and what may have been
just now, but a sickly nondescript, seemingly out of season and
out of place, puts on the beauty and vigor of natural and luxuriant
growth. On a large scale, apply it to your grass-lands, and what
will be the result ? Do you say this is mere supposition, and that a
grain of experience is worth all the speculation in the world ? Mark
that spot of ground which is blessed with the drainings of a barn-
yard. It may be, in common parlance, the coldest spot in the field.
There the grass, as if the recent snow had given it life, starts earliest
in spring, there it is clothed with the deepest green, and there the
scythe of the mower finds the thickest and heaviest grass. The af-
termath nearly equals the first Crop, and the cattle if suflered to
do so, feed latest upon it in the Autumn. This is no matter of specu-

2

10 MR. payson's address.

lation — but it becomes an instructive fact. In Flanders,* and when
-we speak of Flemish farmers, we speak of men worthy of imitation,
this species of manure is relied on more than any other, and in
China, where every town has its sworn broker expressly for the
purposa of examining night soil it forms a fourth part of all the mar
nure used.

Yet notwithstanding its known value, a great majority of us suffer
it to run to waste, and in the largest public establishment! in the
County of Essex, until recently if not now, this great element of fer-
tility, has been suffered to escape into the sea.

An eloquent Eaglish writer says, if the kitchen-garden husbandry
of Flanders could be substituted in our plains and the terraced cul-
ture of Tuscany in our hills, for the present system of agriculture,
the produce of the British Islands would at once be doubled and af-
ford ample subsistence for twice the number of its present inhabi-
tants. If old England be capable of so great improvement, where
in the scale of progress does New England stand ?

Another matter worth a moments attention is the Feeding of
Stock. A Southern gentleman, when about to commence farming,
was led to inquire of an experienced neighbor, what was the best
mode of making corn. ^'■Keep your work-horses fat,^^ was the reply.
Experience proved to him who made the inquiry, that this hint com-
prehended every thing connected with good cultivation, although
neither of them knew at the time, that Cato had said two thousand
years ago, that the secret of farming consists in feeding well.

Large sums of money have been spent by individuals and societies,
to improve our breeds of cattle. The best foreign varieties have
been made available to the man of the most limited means. Far be
it from me to say a word to discourage this laudable enterprise, which
has already effected much good and is destined to do much more, but
when the merits of foreign varieties have been blazoned abroad, and
the inferiority of our native breed carefully exaggerated, I have some-
times thought that the sin of its owner was laid at the door of the
brute beast. Feed our cattle as they should be fed, and except sym-
metry of form, and a notable pedigree, what advantage Itas this import-
ed stock over them ? Do they make better oxen ? Universal opin-

*The recent manure of a single cow, is valued in Flanders at ten dollars per year,
t House of Correction, &c., at Ipswich.

MR. PAYSON'S address. 11

ion has long ago settled this point against them. Are they better
cows ? It is generally conceded that the Durham short horns are
not. Some indeed talk learnedly in their favor, but it is very much
on the same principle that an imported dandy with neither "wit, nor
words nor Avorth," makes a greater impression in some circles, than
he, who possesses all that the other lacks, but was so unfortunate as to
spring up in a country, where all men are said to be born equal. But
no matter whether you have Durhams, Devons or Ayrshires, so long
as they are not well fed and cared for, you will have no better
cattle, than that ill-favored native stock, which in many places, like
the lean kine of Pharaoh, seem to be forsaken of God, and abused
by man. Particularly is it the case among those men who for dis-
tinction's sake, may be called salt-hay farmers, — and not inappro-
priately so termed — for if there is any vegetable product upon which
they set their hearts more than another, it is the unreclaimed salt
natural growth of unreclaimed salt marsh.

Those of us who come within this class, make no improvement,
and can make none. Our farms except perhaps a few acres about
our dweUings, diminish in value. We plant but little, for although
the ocean is upon one side of us, and rich peat bogs on the other,
both ready to furnish an inexhaustible supply, we have little manure.
We deny our cattle the benefit of scanty litter, for there is nothing
in the shape of fodder, that cattle fed on salt-hay will not greedily
devour. Our meadows capable of being easily reclaimed, and made
as fertile almost as the prairies of the West, remain as they were a
hundred years ago. Every year the unchecked clumps of bushes
and briars are making greater inroads upon our open pasture lands.
Stone walls carefully built by our ancestors, which time has
shattered, are hastily and slovenly bolstered up to answer the demands
of the present day, while the worthless shrubs which hedge them in,
are preserved as a sort of heir-loom for the benefit of posterity. The
time best suited for reclaiming our fresh meadows, for collecting ma-
nures, and for the general improvement of our lands is neglected.
Still we are not idle, but in doors and out, at this season labor is un-
profitably increased. The dawn of day finds us three, five or ten miles
from home, engaged in our favorite business. And why do we turn
night into day? Not from choice but necessity. For be it known,

12 MR. patson's address.

that a blade of Damascus will not cut this nutritive salt-grass, unless it
is moistened by the rain or the dew. Here we toil, until the approach-
ing frost compels us to gather in the scanty harvest. We are obliged to
sell the best of our products, to meet our expenses. Our horses and
working cattle eat up the better portion of what is left, while our
half-starved cows and other stock get the poor remainder, always
thankful, if perchance a lock of decent fodder comes within their
reach. The consequence is, our new milch-cows with scarcely flesh
enough to prevent the skin from adhering to the bone, are worth but
little more in the Spring than they were in the Autumn, Our ma-
nure heaps are no larger than they were the previous year. We can
neither cultivate more land nor to better advantage ; the result of all
our labor is, that by going the same round from year to year, we can
barely get enough to keep soul and body together, and never find
time to advance one step in the path of improvement. We are con-
tent to imitate the example of the elder Laird of Dumbiedikes, whoso
dying charge to his son you will all recollect, — "Jock, when ye hae
naething else to do, ye may be aye sticking in a tree ; it will be
growing, Jock, when ye're sleeping. My father tauld me sae, forty
years sin' but I ne'er fand time to mind him."

Were I to pursue the subject farther, I should weary your pa-
tience and encroach upon the business of the day. The object of
our Society as I have said, is to promote agricultural improvement.
Its philanthrophic founders have done much in the cause, but they
are fast passing away. Within a few weeks, one of their number
who for some time presided over its affairs, alike zealous in the pro-
motion of agriculture, as distinguished in his profession, has gone to
his final rest. When such men die, not only are families and friends
bereaved, but community suifers a great loss. A shadow of gloom
comes over us when we recollect that those eminent social qualities
which render the relations of life agreeable, and which Dr. Joseph
Kittredge possessed in so remarkable a degree, have gone from
among us. Let those who come up to fill these vacant places, remem-
ber that the art of Agriculture must progress. In the United States,
she is sooner or later destined to reach the highest point of improve-
ment. Great beyond those of any people upon earth, are the privi-
leges enjoyed by the American Farmer, for the exclusive, absolute,

MR. PAYSON^S ADDRESS. 13

uncontrolled proprietorship of the soil is his. He has no occasion for
political distinction. The vices of cities he puts far awaj from hira.
The success of his crops with the blessing of God, depends solely
on his ^Yell directed, honest industry.

"VVlio are tlie tru!)' great ?
Minions of pomp and state
Where the crowd bow ?
Give us hard hands and free,
Ciilturers of field and tree,
Epst friends of liberty.
God save the plough."

The fnllowing Porrecti<ms in the Address have been made by the author. —
Page 4th, line 3d, Cresinus forCresicus. Page 5th, line 27th, Headrigg for Ilard-
risg- P'<gR 6th, line Slh, insert that before to. Page 7th, line 14th, read despise
instead of despite; line 25th, read is instead of we mean; 27tii line, insert was before
married. Page 8th, line, 25tli, read tvith mslead of on.

ORIGINAL HYMN,

■WRITTEN FOR THE

anniversary of the essex agricultural society,
By Alonzo Lewis, Esq.

We thank thee, God of harvest-home ! for what thy love bestows.
For all the varied providence that from thy bounty flows ;
We thank thee for the vernal rains that fertilized the ground.
We praise the for the genial sun that all man's labor crowned.

We thank thee, God of harvest-home ! for all our wealth of grain,
For the tall wheat, whose waving mass like ocean filled the plain ;
We thank thee for the fruitfu.l store of bright and yellow corn ,
Whose golden heaps luxuriant our fertile fields adorn.

We thank thee, God of harvest-home ! for all thy fruit so fair ;
The apple with its yellow cheek, the ripe and mellow pear ;
The downy peach, the luscious plum, the purple-clustered vine ;
And the fair show of radiant flowers that in our gardens shine.

We thank thee, God of harvest home- ! for more than we may tell ;
We thank thee for the fragrant hay that fills our barns so well ;
We praise thee for the precious gifts that make our harvest feast,
And the choice store of healthful roots, sweet food for man and beast.

We praise thee, God of harvest-home ! that while in other lands
Pale famine stalks, and sweeps away their fever-stricken bands,
Onr homes are blest with health and love, with plenty and with joy,
While social and domestic peace yields bliss without alloy.

We bless thee, God of harvest-home ! for all that we partake ;
Then let our hearts with gratitude, their hymn of praise awake ;
And when, our day of labor past, death's harvest-hour shall come.
May all our souls, like ripened fruitbe safely gathered home.

REPORTS, &c.

The Committee of the Essex Agricultural Society appointed to
examin'^ ' ^ specimens of the Stock of the Massachusetts Society for
promoti igriculture, Report:

By tlie kindness of Elias Phinney Esq., of Lexington, a gentle-
man equally distinguished for his skill and enterprise as a farmer, and
his pubHc spirit as a citizen, seven animals of the stock of the State
Society were present at the show, and commanded the admiration of
all who are judges of fine stock. The thanks of the Society are due
to Mr. Phinney for this ready compliance with the request of some
of the Trustees, to give our farmers an opportunity to see for them-
selves the excellence of this stock ; and as it is understood to be the
intention of the Trustees of the State Society, as soon as the animals
are of suitable age, to distribute them among the several county So-
cieties, it is hoped that more attention will be given to raising animals
of an improved breed in our own county. Some of our farmers
might be surprised to learn that the average yield of their cows does
not exceed three or four quarts daily, taking the year through. With
proper care and management, this yield, it is thought might be doub-
led. The breed for milch cows best adapted to the climate and feed
of this state, is thought to be the Ayrshire. Besides being deep
milkers, they are known to be hardy, mild tempered and docile ; they
are cheaply kept, and fatten readily when not in milk. In Great
Britain they have given an average of ten or eleven quarts per day
through the year.

Besides the Ayrshire, several animals of the North Devon stock
were exhibited ; this breed has been long celebrated as beautiful in
the highest degree. For the dairy, they are not equal to the Avr-

3

18 ON PLOUGHING.

shire, but in the union of the qualities of milking, fattening and work-
ing, they are not surpassed by any other breed. They have a quick-
ness of motion which few horses can exceed.

We sometimes hear of cows of native origin which are great milk-
ers, but little pains have heretofore been taken to preserve the breed ;
by crossing with the imported stock and their descendants, much may
be done in time, to improve the character of our neat stock ; it is
with this purpose the Trustees of the State Society have, with much
expense of time and money, imported the choicest animals of the
Ayrshire and North D3von breeds. It has sometimes been question-
ed whether stock can be profitably raised in this county ; there can
be no doubt that if stock is to be raised, the best breed and the best
animals should be selected.

Respectfully submitted,

DANIEL P. KING,

JOHN W. PROCTOR,
WILLIAM SUTTON.

Lynn, September 29th, 1847.

ON PLOUGHING WITH DOUBLE TEAMS.

The Committee on Ploughing with Double Teams (consisting of
Daniel Adams of Newbury, Josiah Newhall of Lynnfield, Jonathan
King of Danvers, John Whittredge of Hamilton, and Rufus Wy-
man of Salem,) have attended to that duty and Report:

That twelve teams were entered, — all of which appeared upon the
ground, and ploughed the lots assigned them, being one-sixth of an
acre each. The lots were drawn, and the work performed as follows,
viz:
No. 1. to John Washburn of Lynn,

2. to Phillip Marsh of Danvers,

3. to Elias Clough of Lynn,

4. to John Newhall of Lynn,

5. to Wm. R. Putnam, of Danvers,

6. to B. W. Crowningshield, of Topsfield

7. to Joseph Goodridge, of West Newbury,

8. to Francis Dodge, of Danvers,

9. to Elijah Pope, of Danvers,

time 30 minutes.

u

31

a

28 "

n

33 "

n

46 "

ii

47 "

^"

39 "

u

36

il

34 "

ON PLOUGHINa. 19

No 10. to Moses H. Poor, of West Newbury time 40 minutes.

" 11. to Ira Worcester, of Ipswich, " 29 "

" 12. to Richard S. Fay, of Lynn " 34 "

Eight of the ploughs were Ruggles, Nourse & Masons, Eagle No.
25; two Sward B. same manufacturers; one Prouty's improved centre
draft No. 33; one Prouty's No. 26.

The work was extremely well done, taking into consideration the
situation of the land, being quite low and fiat, and the heavy rains
made a part of the land very soft. In one or two lots some parts
were under water. We think that on no former occasion have we
seen the ploughing done so well as on the present, except in turning
the last furrow in two or three lots, which was not quite as perfect as
might have been.

The teams were required to plough seven inches deep. The ave-
rage width of the furrows was a little less than twelve inches, and
the average time of performance was about tliirty-six minutes.

The Committee would have been happy, had it been in their power
to have awarded more premiums, as the work was so well done, that
others perhaps might have been as deserving of a premium, or near-
ly so, as those to whom they were awarded. The Committee would
suggest, as the competition in the ploughing match, for several years
has been so great, whether it would not be better to add to the number
of premiums, making six or more, even if no higher sum is appropiated.
But would it not be better to make an addition to the amount usually
appropriated for this purpose ?

Most of the lands were ploughed so nearly alike, that it was rather
difficult to decide upon the premiums, but after a full and particular
examination of every lot, the Committee unanimously recommend
that the premiums be awarded as follows:
To lot No. 3. first premium, $10. — Elias Clough, sward plough, 18.

" " 4. second " 8.— J. Newhall, Prouty'simp'd 33.*

" " 6. third " 6.— B. W. Crowningshield, plough,

Eagle, 25.

" " 7. fourth premium 4. — J. Goodridge, plough Eagle, 25.
By order of the Committee,

DANIEL ADAMS, Chairman.

Lynn, September 29th, 1847.

*We have been requested by Mr. Newhall to say that he is particularly pleased with
the operations of this plough, and thinks it is one of the best he has ever seen. We
are glad to hear so favorable au account of our friend Prouty's ploughs.

20 ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS.

ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS.

The Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers, report : —

That the number of Cows and Heifers was unusually large, and
they were apparently of a very superior quality.

After much deliberation, the Committee agreed to award the pre.
miums as follows :

To Abner Newhall, of Lynn, for his cow, 8 years old, the first
premium of $10.

To A. Brackett Lord, of Beverly, for his cow, 8 years old, the
second premium of $7.

To Samuel King, of Danvers, for his cow, 7 years old, the third
premium of $5.

To John Stone, of Marblehead, for his stared cow, 9 years old, the
fourth premium of Colman's European Agriculture.

There were other cows exhibited, which deserve particular notice,
viz : A cow by Albert Johnson, of Lynn, a very excellent cow,
though somewhat advanced in years, no statement.

A cow by John Alley, 3d, of Lynn. This cow was entered prin-
cipally on account of the excellent quahcy and quantity of butter
made from her.

Two large and fine cows by George Hood, of Lynn, neither in
milk at this time. All these added much to the beauty of the exhi-
bition of cows.

E. G. Berry, of Danvers, exhibited two very fine three years old
Heifers ; and one two years old, now forward with calf. Of which,
a statement is given of the produce of those in milk, which was very
large for cows of that age.

Jacob Newhall, of Saugus, exhibited his fine black heifer, three
years old, with a calf by her side twenty-two days old. It would
have given the Committee pleasure to have had Mr. Newhall's
heifer brought in competition with others, could ho have stated the
produce of her milk the present season, but they had no means of
judging of this, but from the appearance of the very fine calf by her
side.

Only one milch heifer was entered for premium, which was by
Robert Kimball, of Ipswich, but the Committee did not feel them-
selves justified in awarding a premium on this, as no statement was
given as to the quantity and (iuaUt_y of the milk she produced.

ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS. 21

Charles W. Lord, of Beverly, also presented for inspection a fine
cow, 5 years old.

John Marsh, of Danvers, entered for premium, a very fine cow,
7 years old, of native breed, and raised by himself; had he been
able to have given the Committee an account of the whole product
of her milk .hrough the season, without relying on estimates and
averages, this cow might possibly have come in competition with the
best that were exhibited.

For two year old heifers, they award the first premium of five
dollars to Samuel C. Pitman, of Lynn ; and the second premium of
three dollars to Eben King, of Danvers.

For yearling heifers, the first premium of five dollars, to Samuel
C. Pitman, of Lynn, and the second premium of three dollars, to
Robert Kimball, of Ipswich.

Your Committtee, in awarding these premiums, have endeavoured,
as far as was practicable, to carry out, what they considered the
views of the Trustees, and of the Society, by aiming to reward the
skill of the owners of cows and heifers, in training and keeping
them, in the best and most economical manner, rather than to reward
them for their good fortune in being able to find and purchase those
already trained, and expensively fed by others. For this reason,
where there were two animals equally balanced as to merit, the one
purchased, and the other raised and trained by the claimant himself,
they thought it their duty to give the preference to the latter.

It is important that the best breeds of cows should be sought, and
no less important that they should be properly trained up and well
fed. All may well know that one good cow is worth much moro
than two ordinary ones, and even cows of good breeds have often
been ruined by improper management while young, they, like some
of the human race, frequently contract vicious habits in early life ;
they sometimes learn to be unruly by being in bad company, or en-
closed with bad fences ; they often early learn to push with the
horns, and become uneasy and troublesome to milk ; they should be
carefully and gently used ; they will, thus used, better give down
their milk ; for this reason, the gentle female hand is often much
more appropriate for this purpose than that of the opposite sex.
Cows should be milked quick, and milked clean, or they will soon
shrink in their milk, and the best, thus, reduced to ordinary cows.
Our female friends will pardon us fur saying, that it is considered one

22 ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFEKS.

of the most valuable accomplishments among the females of the far-
mer's family, to be well learned to milk the cows, as well as to be
able to perform the more delicate employments of the parlor, and
other domestic duties.

All which is Respectfully submitted.

For the Committee,

TEMPLE CUTLER.
Lynn, September 29th, 1847.

ABNER NEWHALL'S SATEMENT.

To the Committee ou Milch Cows and Heifers :

Gentlemen, — The cow which I offer for premium is eight years
old, she had her last calf December 1st, 1846, which was killed De-
cember 7th, 1846, — her time for another calf was the 8th, of De-
cember next, but by some accident she lost it in August. She has
given milk as follows :

From December 7th, 1846 to the present time, I have kept an ac-
count of her milk by weighing night and morning, below is the result :

From

I December 7th to 31st,

888^

January

1st to 31st,

1323^

February

1st to 28th,

1107^

March

1st to 31st,

1096^

April

1st to 30th,

9621

May

1st to 31st,

941^

June

1st to 30th,

9971

July

1st to 31st,

9251

August

1st to 31st,

707^

Sept.

1st to 27th,

651

96011 " or
S840.^ quarts of Milk.

For keeping, during the winter, in addition to hay, I fed her with
carrots to the amount of twenty-five bushels, and I also gave her four
bags of shorts, during the Summer she has nothing but grass, and
rather short feed.

ABNER NEWHALL.

Lynn, September 28th, 1847.

ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS. 2^

A. B. LORD'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers :

Gentlemen, — The Cow I offer for exhibition and premium, is
eight years old. She calved the 22d of June and has given milk as ^
follows :

From June 25th to July 25th, 1205 pounds.
" July 25th to Aug. 25th, 1166 "
" Aug. 25th to Sept. 25th. 1126 "

Total, 3497 lbs.

"We have made 96 lbs. butter in three months, besides the milk for
the family of five persons, and supplying her calf two months. Also
sold her morning's mess four times. We have made 31 lbs. butter
from September 1st to the 25th. She has not been dry for eight-
een months. Her keeping has been poor grass-feed and two quarts
of shorts a day, since August 15th.

A. B. LORD.
Beverly, September 28th, 1847.

SAMUEL KING'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers :

Gentlemen, — I exhibit for premium my red cow, 7 years old..
She was reared by me from a native cow of superior qualities, which
was driven to a Durham short horn. She gave last year, on ordina-
ry fall keep, without any grain, from the time her calf was taken
from her in September to the first of December, (after which no
account was kept,) from thirteen to fourteen quarts of milk per day.
Her milk is of superior quality but as I sell it at this season of the
year its properties for butter have not been tested. She is
perfectly gentle and orderly about fence , and will remain quiet with-
out company. She has with her a calf two weeks old.

SAMUEL KING.

Danvers, September 29th, 1847.

24 ON MILCH COWS AND HEIFERS.

JOHN STONE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers :

Gentlemen, — I offer for your examination my starred cow of na-
tive breed nine years old ; she calved the 9th day of May, and the
calf was sold on the 29th, of the same month.

From the 1st to the 20th of June inclusive, she gave 311 quarts

of milk, being a fraction over fifteen quarts and a pint per day. One

week in June her milk was kept separate, and we made from it,

13] lbs of good butter.

Her keeping until the 1st of August, was good pasture only.

Through the month of August she was fed with green corn-fodder.

From the first to the twentieth of September she had good pasture

only.

She has never had meal; has always been kept well in the winter
season on English hay, corn fodder, and some kind of roots.

She has always been perfectly healthy, and has been owned by me
six years.

JOHN STONE.

Marblehead September 28th, 1847.

EBEN G. BERRY'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers :

Gentlemen, — I ofier for your inspection two, three years old heif-
ers, in milk ; also one two years old heifer, that will be m milk, about
the 5th, of November next.

One heifer has been in nulk eleven months.
The product of her milk in the month of June,
" " " " at the present time, per, day,

" " " " 28 lbs. yields 1 lb. of butter.

The other heifer, has been in milk seven months.
The product of her milk in the month of June,
" " " " at the present time, per day,

" " " " 2bl lbs. yields 1 lb. of butter.

Their keeping through the season, has been good pasturing, with
the addition of green-corn fodder, raised for that purpose, and fed to
them at night.

EBEN G. BERRY.
North Danvers, September 29th, 1847.

752 lbs.

17i "

862Jlbs.

20 "

ON PLOUGHING. 25

SAMUEL C. PITMAN'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows and Heifers.

Gentlemen, — The Heifers that I exhibit at the show, are one
full blood Hereford two years and six months old, and one seven-
eighths Ayrshire seventeen months old.

The Ayrshire I raised myself from a Heifer purchased from Dan-
iel "Webster. The Hereford was purchased in western New York
by Mr. Stetson, when six months old. They have neither had any
extra care or feed.

I find the Ayrshire do much better in our pastures than even our
natives, and so far as I have had experience, they are fine milkers.
I have one full blood Ayshire cow seven years old, which gave milk
sixteen months. Never more than sixteen quarts per day. But
gave five quarts per day at the end of the sixteen months, and only
two weeks previous to her calving.

This without extra feed, I call doing well.

SAMUEL. C. PITMAN.

Lynn, September 29th, 1847.

ON PLOUGHING WITH SINGLE TEAMS.

The committe on ploughing with single teams report as follows :
Eight teams were entered, and all appeared on the ploughing field,
and performed the work assigned them in a manner giving much credit
to all engaged in it. The teams were most of them uncommonly fine,
and under most perfect discipline. The lots were marked out with
the plough, each containing thirty two rods, but were of unequal
lengths. The number of furrows ploughed in each lot could not
therefore be taken into the account, in awarding the premiums. The
land was flat, but little elevated above the level of the tide. The soil
a black loam free from stones, and a fine ploughing field had it been
dry as usual at this season, but the late rains had rendered it wet,
and some lots much more so than others, not giving an equal chance
to all to perform their work equally well with the same power and
skill. The lots to be ploughed were assigned by lot, each containing
thirty two rods and were ploughed as follows :

26 ON PLOUGHING.

No. 1. Daniel Roberts, Lynn, G. W. Winslovr, plougliman,

time 40 minutes.
No. 2. Farnham Spofford, Andover, E. G. Hadley, ploughman,

time 64 minutes.
No. 3. John G. Walcot, Ljrnn, himself, ploughman,

time 53 minutes.
No. 4. Philip Marsh, Danvers, himself, ploughman,

time 64 minu,te&.
No. 5. Wm. R. Putnam, Danvers, himself, ploughman,

time 47 minutes.
No. 6. Joseph C. Putnam, Danvers, himself, ploughman,

time, 48 minutes^
No. 7. Moses Pettingel, Topsfield, George Pettingel, ploughman^
time could not be kept, his plough broke, finished with another plough.^
No. 8. John Marland, Andover, Henry Drew, ploughman,

time 53 minutes.^
The work was all done very well, and had the lots been of equal
goodness, the committee are willing to believe it possible, that some
of the premiums might have been differently awarded. The com-
mittee gave close attention to the work while under operation, and
after a careful examination of the land when finished, and endeavor-
ing to take into the account all the attendant circumstances, they unan"

mously award the premiums as follows :

To Daniel Roberts, of Lynn, 1st premium, $8.

To William R. Putnam, of Danvers, 2d " 6.

To John G. Walcott, of Danvers, 3d " 4.

To John Marland, of Andover, 4th " 2.

Lots No. 6 and 7 were probably as well ploughed as some which
had a premium, except the last furrow which was very imperfectly
done. Number 2 was wet and somewhat uneven, probably not giv-
ing an equal chance. All the ploughs used were of the manufacture
of Ruggles, Nourse & Mason's, Eagle No. 2 except No. 7, which had
Eagle, No 25, and No. 8 had an old plough without a name.
All which is respectfully submitted.

For the Committee, by

DEAN ROBINSON.

Lynn, September 29th, 1847.

ON PLOUGHING. 27

ON PLOUGHING WITH HORSE TEAMS.
The Committee on Ploughing with Horse Teams (present — Thos.
E. Payson, Soloman Low, Gideon R. Lucy, Paul D. Patch and Os-
good Loring) would say, that they have never before seen the Plough-
ing with Horses so well done as at this ploughing match. Eight
teams were entered for premium, and the work was well done by all.
Upon a careful examination of the work they have awarded,
To John Dow, of Ipswich, 1st premium, $8.

To John Marland, of Andover, 2d premium, 6.
To John Grout of Danvers, 8d premium, 4.
To Josiah Crosby of Andover, 4th premium, 2.
For the Committee,

THOMAS E. PAYSON.
Xynn, September 29th, 1847.

ON SUB-SOIL PLOUGHING.

The appointment of a committee, by the Trustees, "on subsoil
ploughing and its effects" clearly indicates on their part, a desire to ac-
quire information on this interesting subject, rather than a confidence
i"n their ability to communicate it.

Perhaps there is no branch of agricultural labor, about which so
little is experimentally known among us. Our oldest experts have
scarcely had^yg years experience ; — and very few, more than one or
two years.

We could readily select from English publications what is there
said in relation to sub-soil ploughing, where it seems to be deemed al-
most indispensable to improved cultivation ; but this is not the kind
of information sought in our Reports. We want the actual results
on our own soil. We want our practical farmers, so far to try the
experiments themselves, as to determine whether or not it will be for
their advantage to continue the use of this instrument.

This has not yet been done by the farmers of Essex. Their subsoil
ploughs, like their go-to-meeting clothes, are kept for special occa-
sions. They are not yet naturalized. They have not yet secured

28 ON PLOUGHING.

the entire confidence of their owners. There is a jealousy respect-
ing them. There is an apprehension, that the material which is
started by their deep 'penetration, is not altogether well adapted to
the growth of plants.

We have solicited and urged experiments on this subject ; but
with meagre practical results. We scarcely know the individual in
the County, who has subsoiled half a dozen acres in a year. We
have many farmers who have hundreds of acres well adapted to this
operation, but they are slow to apply it. And even those who have
done something at it, have not so matured their labors, as to be
ready and willing to speak of them.

It should be remembered, that in conducting an experiment of this
kind, it is not essential that it should be a successful one. If it is but
judiciously managed, it may be quite as useful, if it demonstrates
what is to be avoided, as well as what is to be sought. This practice
of subsoiling is so extensive in other places, and has so much of plau-
sibility connected with its theory, that it certainly commends itself to
the favorable reception of all Avho are not entirely wedded to old no-
tions and old practices. For ourselves, we do not pretend to speak
of its good effects, from our own observation. But we have heard of
the benefits accruing from its use, in so many ways, from those whom
we have always found worthy of confidence, in other things, that we
are disposed to give credit to their testimony in this.

Among those who have proved their faith by their works, in this
matter, there is no one more conspicuous than E. Phinney, Esq., of
Lexington, whose views in relation to it were given in a note ap-
pended to an address published in 1844, in the Transactions of the
Society for that year. We have renewedly inquired of him, his
views at the present time, and think we cannot, in any other manner,
so well instruct the farmers of our County, as by appending his let-
ter to this Eeport.

The Committee had the pleasure of witnessing, on the day of the
Exhibition at Lynn, a very successful experiment with the subsoil
plough, by Mr. Ira Worcester, of Ipswich. The plough was new,
made by Ruggles & Co., of medium size, with a single flange. The
soil was a dark rich mould on top, with a gravelly subsoil, free of
fixed stones. The sod was turned by the power of one pair of cattle,
to the depth of six inches. The subsoil plough was drawn by three

ON PLOUGHING. 29

horses, and completely stirred and loosened 7iine inches deeper ; so
that it could be penetrated with a cane, as readily as could a chest
of meal. Every one who saw it, was astonished at the ease with
which the plough was held, and the perfection of the work accom-
plished by it. This work left the same material on the surface of the
ground, as was before the ploughing. For all those crops where the
fibres of the plants have a tendency to descend more than six inches
(and we scarcely know any that do not) such a preparation of the
soil must unquestionably be serviceable. We can scarcely conceive
of a case, where it will be considered prejudicial.

The Committee take pleasure in awarding the premium of ten dol-
lars to Mr. Worcester, for his enterprise in exhibiting this experi-
ment.

And they also express their thanks to Mr. Nourse, the intelHgent
maker of the plough, for his politeness in explaining its structure and
operations. Messrs. Ruggles, Nourse & Co., by their improved im-
plements, and their accommodating disposition, have made a deci-
dedly favorable impression on the minds of the Farmers of Essex
County. For the Committee,

J. W. PROCTOR.

Lynn, Sept. 29, 1847.

Lowell, Sept. 24, 1849.
Dear Sir : — The opinions which I expressed to you some years
ago on the effect of subsoiling, I have had no reasons to change.
Every experiment I have made has invariably strengthened my con-
victions of the great utility of the subsoil plough. It is now more than
twenty years since the first introduction of this important imple-
ment in English husbandry, and I now recollect no instance of the
expression of a doubt of the advantages to be derived from its use ;
so far from this, it is not uncommon at this time, in that country, for
landlords to expend six or seven thousand dollars in suubsoiling a
single farm ; and tenants are not unwilling to pay an increased rent,
equal to the interest on the outlay. In that country not only soils too
dry, but those too wet are considered as benefitted by this process.
When there is a deficiency of moisture, it gives the roots of the

80 ON PLOUGHING.

plant the means of penetrating deeper in search of moisture, when
there is a rednndancj, it is believed to furnish a means of absorbing
or drawing oflF the excess of moisture.

I readily grant that the effect produced by the use of the subsoil
plough on soils of different textures, may vary. On a stiff clay,
and particularly one that is very moist, the effect is less permanent.
The tendency of the several parts in a soil of this character to reu-
nite, is so strong, and the effect of subsoiling of so short duration, I
will allow it may be of doubtful expediency.

But in our hard New England soils, with our hot New England
summers, so subject to severe droughts, at a season when our crops,
particularly what are called our root crops, require the greatest sup-
ply of moisture, there cannot be, it would seem tome, a doubt, among
farmers of a reflecting mind, as to the great benefits to their crops
of the use of the subsoil Plough. It furnishes in my opinion an al-
most sure and certain means of counteracting the injurious effects
of our sometimes severe droughts. The reasons would seem too
obvious to need recital. The deep trench opened by the subsoil
plough forms a receptacle for the surplus water that falls upon the
surface at one season of the year, when it is retained to supply the
deficiency at another. The "under crust" which is formed in long
cultivated fields, at the depth from the surface at which it has usual-
ly been ploughed, has in most soils become as impenetrable by roots
of plants, as the highway which has been travelled over, for a like
number of years. The increase of crops in consequence of subsoil-
ing has never with me been less than twenty-five per cent. The
supply of rains for the present season has been so abundant that the
difference in the yield upon lands subsoiled and those not subsoiled,
could not be supposed to be so great on grounds naturally dry, as in
some of the past dry seasons ; and yet on a dry loomy soil, with a
hard gravelly subsoil, one part of which was subsoiled and the other
not, planted with the chenango potato, I have recently gathered four
bushels from each of the subsoiled rows, while from the rows not
subsoiled, planted side by side, and cultured and manured, in
other respects, precisely similar to the subsoiled rows, I have tak-
en but three bushels. There is a difference of twenty-five per cent
in quantity, and such was the improved quality and appearance of
those on the subsoiled part of the field, that they actually sold in
the market for twenty-five per cent more than the others.

ON PLOUGHING. 81

I could adduce numerous instances, in this and other countries, to
shoAv the unquestionable result of subsoiling, but I consider the
question too well settled to admit of doubt. I should as soon think
of producing evidence that the light of the sun was necessary to
bring forward and mature the fruits of the earth.
With great respect, I am dear sir,

Your Obt. Servt.

E. PHINNEY.
To J. W. Proctor, Esq.,

West Newbury, November 16th, 1847.
My dear sir: — You enquire for my experience in subsoil ploughing,
which is but small, and the little I have is without those nice and ac-
curate observations necessary to speak with entire confidence on the
subject. Some of the land on Pipe Stave Hill, has a very hard sub-
soil, composed of clay, gravel and small stones. I purchased a plough
of Ruggles, Nourse & Mason two years ago, and have used it on all my
ploughed land since. My custom has been to follow the sward plough
with the sub-soil, both of which stirs the earth twenty inches, leaving
the land much lighter, and much easier worked and cultivated after
the ploughing. The labor of ploughing I consider double. One
fact is settled with me from my small experience, which is, that I
have a full compensation for the extra labor of ploughing, in the sa-
ving of labor in after cultivation, if planted with corn or potatoes, the
land being much lighter for sub-soiling, harrows better, and the plant-
ing and of course the hoeing is much easier. I appropriated this
season an acre of land for a more careful experiment ; sub-soiled one
half, manured and otherwise cultivated alike, I was fully satisfied of
the fact above stated. The crop of potatoes was a failure from dis-
ease, therefore I could not judge of the produce, whether increased
by sub-soiling, or not. I shall continue to use my sub-soil plough on this-
hard pan, notwithstanding the opinion of some, that the earth soon be-
comes more compact from being stirred. I judge it will be lighter for
one season at least, and of course give the roots a better chance to ex-
tend. On light land I have tried sub-soiling but do not see much

32

ON WORKING OXEN.

benefit in any way. I use my plough with great saving of labor in
my garden, and in land designed for tap roots. I shall endeavor to
make more careful observations in future cultivation and may soon
have an oppportnnity to judge of its effects on the grass crop, as
some of my land subsoiled is now sowed down- to grass.
Yours, very truly,

DEAN ROBINSON.

To J. W. Proctor, Esq.

WORKING OXEN.

The Committee on Working Oxen have attended to the duty as-
signed them, and Report : '

That twelve pair of working oxen were entered for premium, by
the following persons :

of Danvers,

Elijah Pope,
Samuel Brown,
Francis Dodge,
Wm. R. Putnam,
Philip Marsh,
Richard S. Fay,
Daniel Roberts,
E. Redington Mudge,

of Lynn,

one pair, 6 years old,
« 4 a

" 5 "
two pair, drawed but one.
did not appear.

one pair, 7 years old.

did not appear,
one pair, 7 years old.

a 5 a

Moses Pettingill, of Topsfield,

B. W. Crowninshield, "

Ira Worcester, of Ipswich,

John Marland, of Andover,

The power and movement of the cattle were tried with a load of

5000 lbs. in a wagon weighing 1800 lbs. — total 6800 lbs. As before

stated, only eight pair of them were tried, and one pair was excluded

from their not being entered according to a vote of the Society, not

entitling their owner to competition for the premiums. After duly

considering the action, size and strength of the other seven pair, with

reference to their respective ages, the Committee award

To Elijah Pope, of Danvers, the first premium, $10
To Ira Worcester, of Ipswich, the second " 7

To Francis Dodge, of Danvers, the third " 5

ON ROOT CULTURE. 3d

The pair of fine cattle belonging to John Marland, of Andover,
did their work remarkably well. The Committee regret that they
could not give them a premium. The most of them did well — so well
as to render it rather difficult to decide which did best.
Respectfully submitted,

JACOB BROWN, Chairman.
Lynn, September 29, 1847.

ON FAT CATTLE.

The Committee on Fat Cattle having received the entry and state-
ment of Gideon R. Lucy, of Newbury, of one pair of fat oxen, and
of Daniel P. King, of Danvers, of three fat oxen, and having exam-
ined said oxen, respectfully recommend that the first premium of
fifteen dollars be awarded to Gideon R. Lucy, for his oxen as being
the best pair, and that the second premium of eight dollars, be award-
ed to Daniel P. King, for his red 9 years old oxen ; also that the
third premium of five dollars be awarded to Mr. King for his ox
seven years, all which is respectfully submitted.

ANDREW DODGE,
BENJ. WHEELER,
M. H. GREENLEAF,
JOSEPH AKERMAN.
Lynn, September 29, 1847.

ON ROOT CULTURE.

Notwithstanding the great variety of dishes displayed in our bill
of fare, the Committee on sitting down to their entertainment, found
themselves restricted to but one, — and this not of the most savory
odor. They found onions of the very best quality, — ^hashed, boiled
and stewed, — but still nothing but onions. They also found this
article, now for the first time brought forward. But being invited
guests, they felt it to be their duty civilly to partake, of what was
set before them. One of the committee gently asked for a few pota-
toes, an article never before among the missing, but was told that

84 ON ROOT CULTURE.

something worse than the Asiatic Cholera had come among them,
and that there was absolute apprehension of their being lost forever.
Inquiry was made, whether the Doctors had been consulted as to
the nature of the malady prevailing ; and it seemed they had from
all directions, without agreeing. On examining their prescriptions,
they appeared to be confusion confounded. The only thing they
hit upon as having a saving influence was salt, — and this, no two
agreed as to the manner of administering. As to the ratio7ials of
the disease, no one was prepared to speak with confidence. The
Committee were therefore, for a time at least, compelled to go with-
out their favorite, the potato.

They asked for beets, the blood heet, the sugar leet, and the mangel
wurtzel, — and they heard of their being still in existence, but few and
far between. Why it is, that this luxuriant and nutritious vegetable,
that a few years since threatened to supersede all others, is shoved
aside, they are not advised ; but certain it is, that the cultivation of
the beet is not increasing. We have heard of its being suspected
of engrossing all the nutriment within its reach, and of exhausting
and unfitting the soil for subsequent crops ; but whether these are
jealous aspersions or well founded characteristics, we are not at pres-
ent called upon to determine. More than once in our inquiries about
the growing of the onion, have we heard it averred that beets and
onions have no good fellowship with each other.

Not finding any beets presented, they next looked about for the
turnip, — the far famed Rata Baga, about which so much has been
said, and from which, so much has been expected. A few small
patches only could they hear of, and no one ready to speak their
praise. Their suspicion is, that even the Ruta Baga is viewed
with less favor than it heretofore has been. If this be so, they would
gladly have been informed of it. For information of crops that do
not succeed, maybe equally serviceable as of those that do. Though
we must admit, that we have never known a premium awarded, for
the failure of a crop. But your committee are sensible of the im-
propriety of passing judgment against those, who have had no
opportunity of being heard in their defence and therefore, they
forbear to express any opinion against the turnij) ; they only regret
that they could not have been favored with the taste of them.

When the committee sat down to their repast, they were not a lit-
tle annoyed with the apprehension, that it might be anything but

ON ROOT CULTURE. 35

agreeable, inasmuch as nothing but onions were then presented.
But the J were happy in being rehevecl of these apprehensions, before
it was too late, bj there being brought in several dishes of Carrots
well prepared, which on examination were found to be of the very
best quaUty. The beauty of the carrot, both when growing in the
field, and harvested in the cellar, have made it at all times, a favorite
vegetable in our estimation. This opinion of its excellence has in no
measure been weakened by the examination of the statements of the
successful cultivation by Mr. B. P. Ware of Marblehead, and Mr.H.
Bushby of Danvers. Both of these gentlemen, too diffident to come
forward with their claims, until they were certain they had something
w^orthy of presentation, have at the request of the committee, handed
in their accounts of culture, which are herewith submitted. Their
crops are remarkably good. Mr. Ware's crop, on nearly one acre, is
at the rate of thirty-five and a quarter tons to the acre. Mr. Bush-
by's crop on more tha half an acre, is at the rate of tliirty-two and
one-third tons to the acre. There may have been larger crops than
these ; but the largest that has heretofore come to our knowledge in
this County, was thirty-ttvo tons to the acre — and this on extraordi-
good land. Mr. Ware's land, situated on the borders of the ocean
at Marblehead, we know to be good : and so are his advantages for
dressing it, — of wiiich he made a liberal use — applying at the rate of
eiyht cords of manure to the acre. Mr. Bushby's land situated in
in the South-westerly part of Danvers, on Needham's plain ( so call-
ed) is of ordinary quality ; but for ten years past, has been under the
the care of most faithful cultivators. He applied manure at the rate
of five cords to the acre. Upon a careful examination of both their
statements, and taking into view all the attendant circumstances, the
committee regretted exceedingly that they could not have had an oppor-
tunity of viewing the crops while growing. The committee are aware
that the largest quantity of produce on the same quantity of land,
all other things being equal, is of course the most meritous claim.
They are also at the same time aware that premiums should be award-
ed, not so much for the quantity of produce, as for the skill appa-
rent in the production of it. In view of all these facts, the commit-
tee entertain 'a highly favorable opinion of both these claims, but are
not prepared to say which is the most worthy : and therefore think it
proper to divide the premium.

At the solicitation of the Committee, they have been kindly fa-

36 ON EOOT CULTURE.

vored by Mr. Daniel Osborn, Mr. John Peasleo, Mr. James P.
King, and Mr, Aaron C. Proctor, all of Danvers, vnth minute state-
ments of their metliods of cultivating onions, and of their products
the present year. These statements are herewith submitted.

In addition to the information thus derived, and in compliance
with the wish expressed at the time of their appointment, your com-
mittee have spared no pains, by personal examination of fields under
culture, through the season, and by inquiry of those best informed
on the subject, to become thoroughly acquainted with this branch of
culture. And although they do not wish or expect every owner of
land to become cultivators of onions ; nor do they beheve that all
have the skill, industry and perseverance necessary to success, if
they should attempt it ; still they are not aware of any other use of
land that affords a better reward for the labor applied, unless it may
be the cultivation of some fruits and garden vegetables, in the im-
mediate vicinity of large markets, such as strawberries, asparagus,
celleri/, &c. &c., for which the demand is limited; and which must
necessarily be distributed and consumed at the time.

Finding it impossible to condense within the reasonable limits of a
Report, our ideas on this subject, we have arranged them in the form
of "An Essay on the Cultivation of the Onion," and submitted it to
the examination of the Committee appointed to judge of such papers.

The general result of our inquiries is, that the average yield of
Onions in the town of Danvers the present year (where at least two
hundred acres have been cultivated) is One hundred and Eighty bar-
rels, or from four to five hundred bushels per acre. The average value,
for several successive years, has been one dollar per barrel. The pres-
ent year, the best kinds have commanded in the market, one dollar
and a quarter per barrel. The average cost of dressing and culti-
vating an acre of land with onions does not exceed seventy-five dol-
lars— leaving a net income for the use of the land, of at least one
hundred dollars per acre.

The Committee recommend that the Society's premium of six
dollars be awarded to Mr. John Peaslee, for his successful culture of
onions. And that a gratuity of three dollars each be given to Mr.
Daniel Osborn, Mr. Aaron C. Proctor, Mr. James P. King, Mr.
Benjamin P. Ware, and Mr. Henry Bushby, for their attention in
preparing their statements; and in the hope, that such persevering la-
borers and accurate observers will be disposed to become members of

ON ROOT CULTURE. 87

the Society. For it will be remembered that a large part of the
generation who founded the Society have past away ; and the re-
mainder are admonished that they will soon cease to be useful.
For the Committee,

J. W. PROCTOR.
Danvers, November 15th, 1847.

AARON C. PROCTOR'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Boot Culture :

Gentlemen, — At the request of my brother, I present a state-
ment of my cultivation of onions for five years past. I do this, not
pretending to any superior knowledge, for I am a novice in the busi-
ness ; nor to any extraordinary crops ; but to show by what steps I
have advanced ; and enable others to guard against my errors.

In 1843, 1 appropriated half an acre of flat land to this use. The
soil a sandy loam of fair quality. The land had been planted with
carrots and beets the preceding year. I put upon it two and a half
cords of stable manure, and a leach of ashes. Ploughed in the ma-
nure— ploughing about five inches deep. Wed twice thoroughly,
and once after haying. Raised two hundred and fifty bushels. On
the carrot ground, there was one-quarter part more onions, than on
the beet ground ; and they came forward earlier and fairer.

In 1844, 1 cultivated the same piece of ground, and applied about
the same manure. Wed twice, and used the onion hoe in clearing
the weeds ; found this to relieve the severity of the labor. Sold
from the lot three hundred bushels at half a dollar a bushel. One
quarter part of the lot was planted with seed that I purchased, that
came up badly, and yielded but little. At the second time weeding,
I sowed grass-seed on the land, which took well, and has continued
since to yield at least two tons to the acre.

In 1845, I took a piece of elevated ground, three-quarters of an
acre, rocky, hard land, strong, black soil, rather moist, and not for-
ward ; had been planted two years with corn, ordmary manuring, and
yielded about forty bushels to the acre. I split the hills and plough-
ed, as early as the ground would admit of its being done ; spread on

ob ON ROOT CULTURE.

seven cords of manure, and ploughed it in, then harrowed the land
thoroughly, spread on two leaches of ashes — these not fully covering
the land, I applied about thirty bushels of dry ashes ; then passed
over the land with a cultivator, harrowed it, bushed it, and raked it ,
spared no pains to place it in a good condition. Sowed about three
pounds of seed to the acre. Wed as heretofore. About one-eighth
part of the lot was cut of by the gruhh-worm — a very vexatious vis-
itor, and one that demands close squeezing. I gathered and sold two
two hundred and seventy bushels, at an average price of forty-five
cents. In the Autumn, I was particular to clear the land of all ref-
use material, believing this to be the most effectual way of avoiding
the troublesome visitor, of which I have spoken.

In 1846, about the first of May, I spread upon the land five cords
of stable manure, ploughed it in, harroAved, bushed and raked it.
Then sowed about four pounds of seed to the acre, — intending some
spare plants for the use of the worms. Let out the care of the field
and harvesting — allowing therefor, one-third of the crop. ]My pro-
portion was one hundred barrels fair onions, which sold for one dollar
a barrel ; and thirty-three bushels of small ones.

In 1847, I put upon the land four cords of muscle bed, costing
two and a half dollars a cord, and three cords of manure, worth four
dollars a cord ; ploughed in the dressing about the first of May.
Sowed seed at the rate of three pounds to the acre, which I purchased
of Mr. D. Buxton — the round, plump onion. Wed the first time
about the sixteenth of June, and finished weeding the second time,
the fourth of July. After this, was busily engaged in haying ; and
when I looked at mv onions, found the field completely covered with
parsley ; so that I was fearful the crop was spoiled. We immediate-
ly applied ourselves to pulling out the weeds, and taking them away
by cartloads. All parts of the field were essentially injured, by this
process and a severe wind that soon followed ; where the weeds were
first cleared, the crop was best. I selected, gathered and measured
ten rows together, which yielded four and one4ialf bushels to the
square rod — or at the rate of 720 bushels to the acre. Had it not
been for the weeds and the wind, I know no reason why the entire
lot would not have yielded in the same proportion. We have gath-
ered and sold four hundred bushels, and have a few remaining. I
have had eleven acres of other vegetables to take care of — fifty
acres of grass to mow, and the milk of twelve cows to distribute.

ON KOOT CULTUEE. 39

These facts I mention, as explaining the reason, why my onions did
not receive all proper care. Those who make it their special busi-
ness to attend to this crop can well have them in greater perfection.

I have 'spoken of using old ivell rotted manure. I presume green
manure from cattle, if it can be well mingled with the soil, will do
quite as well. Or better, as it has more strength. Where the onion
land is sloping or liable to wash, care should be taken to guard
against this by ploughing furrows about one rod apart.

I estimate the net income of my best half acre of onions, the
present year, to be not less than seventy-five dollars ; and for the
whole period I have raised them to be not less than fifty dollars a
year.

^ Respectfully submitted,

AAHON C. PROCTOR.
Danvers, October SOfch, 184T.

JOHN PEASLEE'S STATEMENT.

Sir, — At your request, I communicate the following facts relating
to my culture of Onions. I have about three acres of land cultivat-
ed with onions. Lot No. 1. on Wilson's Hill, west of Liberty St.
containing one acre and three quarters. Lot No. 2. on the opposite
side of the St. containing three quarters of an acre. Lot No. 3. situ-
ate in the field next adjoining easterly, containing half an acre.

Lot No. 1. has been cultivated with onions for fifteen years or
more. When I first began upon it, it was rough and full of large
stones. It had been manured but little for many years. For five
or six years I applied to it about five cords of muscle bed to the
acre, costing about two dollars per cord. Since then I have applied
about five cords of manure, principally from the stables, to the acre,
costing from four dollars to five dollars a cord. In the spring I
plough the land once, then harroAv it and bush it, and rake it so as to
make the surface finely pulverized, and free of all impediments to
the sowing of the seed. I use a machine for distributing the seed.
A man Avill sow two acres in» a day, after the land is properl}'- pre.
pared. I use about three pounds of seed to the acre. I raise my
own seed. It is estimated worth one dollar a pound. I am careful

40 ON ROOT CULTURE.

in solecliiag the host formed onions for seed. Great improvement
has been made in the quality witliin a few years, by care in the se-
lection of onions for seed. I usually weed them twice with care.
I now use a machine for the hoeing which moves on wheels, and di-
minishes the labor very much. A man with a machine will readily
hoc an acre in a day. The next process is the pulling and throwing
them into beds. When this is done, if the weather is fair they will
need to be turned once with a rake ; and then in about two weeks
after they are pulled, they will be in a condition to be gathered.
They are sorted by children. I have frequently known boys and
girls of ten years of age, sort fifty bushels in a day. The usual
allowance for this is one cent a basket. Lot No. 2. has been culti-
vated with the onion for about ten years. It is land of very good
quality. The crops on this was extraordinary good. Lot No. 3.
was never before cultivated with the onion. It is a hard, rocky
strong soil. The average quantity of manure on all the land was
about five cords to the acre. The land on which these crops were
raised, in its present condition, is worth about two hundred dollars
per acre. Care has been taken in years past to prevent the weeds
seeding upon the land ; and hence the labor of cultivation, has been
much lessened. Myself, and a boy about fifteen years old, have
done all the labor, excepting about twelve dollars worth hired by the
day. I have other lands and crops to attend to ; so that not so
much as half our time has been applied to the onions. Our crop
the present season amounts to nineteen hundred and eighty bushels
of onions, as fair as I have ever seen — with few small ones or skillions
to be thrown out. They now sell readily at half a dollar a bushel,
cash payment. Last winter they advanced to nearly double the au-
tumnal price.

I have given a statement of all my fields of onions, without any
selection of pieces, — the same having been cultivated without any
extra care, or intention of publication. We m Danvers thmk we
have made great improvements in the cultivation of this crop within
a few years, and have been willing to continue them among ourselves.
But still, I do not hesitate to state the facts just as they are, and if any
one is willing to follow this mode of cultivation, and work as hard as I
have done, I cannot doabt he will fini a fair reward for his labor.

JOHN PEASLEE.

Danvcrs, September 25th, 1847.

*" ON ROOT CULTURE. 41

JAMES P. KING'S STATEMENT.

Sir, — My cultivation of onions the present year has been, on a lot
of land, situate adjoining the Emerson farm containing one acre and
one third. In 1842 it was broke up and planted with corn. About
four cord of compost manure was then applied. It yielded about fifty
bushels to the acre. In 1843, 1 ploughed about nine inches deep, and
put on eighteen cartloads of stable manure, and planted carrots, and
raised twenty-one tons, which I sold on an average for eight dollars a
ton. In 1844, 1 ploughed about six inches deep, and applied about
five cords of manure, mostly from stable. I then obtained about
four hundred bushels of onions to the acre.

In 1845, I ploughed shallow, and put on about one hundred bush-
els of leached ashes, and four cords of stable manure, and obtained
about four hundred and twenty-five bushels to the acre.

In 1846, 1 put on two leaches of ashes, one hundred and eighty
bushels, and three cords of manure ; all costing twenty-five dollars ;
and obtained five hundred and sixty bushels of onions.

In 1847, I ploughed the land but once, applied two cords of mus-
cle bed, two leaches of ashes, and one and a half cords of manure ;
and obtained six hundred and fifty bushels. Until this year, I have
sown the flat onions; this year I sowed part flat and part round.
The flat yielded at the rate of four hundred and twenty bushels to the
acre. The round yielded at the rate of five hundred and thirty-three
bushels to the acre. No difference in the land or treatment. I
have used the machine for distributing the seed, and the onion hoe,
for clearing the weeds. They were wed twice thoroughly, and hoed
and wed the third time. I have been careful to clean all the weeds
and refuse material from the land in the autumn. My crop was se-
verely injured by the wind in the early part of August. Until this
wind came, they looked very large and promising. We thought the
injury amounted to one hundred bushels to the acre. The ground is
level, and a strong hard soil, rather rocky. My crop has sometimes
been affected with what we call the grub-ivorm. It is a dark colored
worm, about one and a half inches long, that eats oJ0f the plant close
to the ground. I have sometimes known them destroy the rows, sev-
eral feet in extent. They operate in the night time, and the only way
to prevent it, is to hunt for them, and destroy them. I have known
fields entirely destroyed by this worm.

My mode of management has been much the same as that of oth-

6

42 ON BOOT CIJLTURF^

er cultivators. As a dressing for onions, I give the preference to
well rotted stable manure,

JAMES P. KING.

Danvers, October 20 th, 1847.

DANIEL OSBORN'S STATEMENT.
To the Committee on Root Culture.

Gentlemen, — I offer for a premium a crop of onions, raised from
one acre and thirty-two rods of land, measuring eight hundred and
seventy bushels. Land worth two hundred dollars per acre ; dark
soil, western descent. A crop of onions has been taken from the
land, a number of years in succession, none of them, however, so
large as the one the present year. The manure which has been us-
ed is well rotted stable manure, worth four dollars and twenty-five
cents per cord at the stable. The land has been ploughed to a
depth just suflBcient to bury the dressing. Between the first and
middle of April of the present year, the land was manured, plough-
ed, and prepared as usual, and a few ounces less than three pounds
of seed sown to the acre. The usual method of hoeing with a ma-
chine and weeding by hand was pursued. The crop was harvested
by the twentieth of September, and carefully measured in a bushel
basket.

The statement of the expenditures is as follows :

Six cords of manure at $4,25 per cord.

Spreading manure, preparing and sowing.

Two and seven-eighths lbs of seed at $1 00 per lb,

Hoeing,

Weeding,

Harvesting,

Making an aggregate amount of, $60 3T

All of which is respectfully submitted.

DANIEL OSBORN.
Danvers, October 29th, 1847.

$25 50-

6 00

2 87

6 00

12 00

8 00

ON ROOT CULTURE. 4S

BENJAMIN P. WARE'S STATEMENT.
To the Committee on Boot Culture :

Gentlemen, — I offer for your consideration a crop of carrots rais-
ed upon land of a gravelly loam, on which was raised a crop of pota-
toes for two vears previous, from a dressing of compost made of barn
and sea manure, at the rate of six cords per acre each year.

In preparing the land for carrots last Spring, I first spread on a
compost made from meadow mud, dug in the August previous and
kelp (taken from the sea-shore during the Winter) in equal propor-
tions, the whole being thoroughly mixed and pulverized before spread-
ing, at the rate of eight cords per acre, which was well ploughed in,
and allowed to remain ten days, then the land was cultivated, with a
large ox cultivator, made upon a larger scale than those commonly
used with a horse, after which it was harrowed, and then dragged
with a common stone drag drawn sideways, which in some instances,
I thmk answers a better purpose than a roller; the seed was sown in
drills fourteen inches apart, at the rate of three quarters of a pound
per acre.

The carrots were hoed and wed twice during the season thor-
oughly, and the third time slightly, as no weeds had gone to seed for
two years previous, the process of weeding was much more easily ac-
complished, the crop was harvested by topping the carrots with a sharp
shovel as they stood in the ground, and then ploughed out, which is
a very expeditious method.

The weight of the crop was ascertained by digging, and throwing
the carrots in heaps, of six several rows, in different parts of the
piece without selection, and when dried, were weighed, the rows in
the whole piece were counted and multiplied by the mean weight of
one row resulting as follows ; upon 147 ici rods of land there were
grown, 32 tons, 965 lbs of carrots.

Respectfully,

BENJAMIN P. WARE.

-Marblehead, November 12th, 1847.

This certifies that I saw the above specified land measured, and the
carrots weighed, and can testify to the correctness of the statement.

THOMAS P. BARTLETT,

44 ON AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

HENRY BUSHBY'S STATEMENT.
To the Committee on Root Culture.

Gentlemen, — The field that I have cultivated with Carrots the
present year contains ninety-five rods.

It has been under cultivation for vegetables for a dozen years
past. It is a sandy loam, naturally rather a shallow soil. It has
been manured wth four to five cords to the acre. The last year I
raised on it sugar beets and sage. I planted carrots this year to
bring it into a condition for the raising of onions. I put about three
cords of green manure from our barn yard to the acre. Ploughed
it in about six inches, bush harrowed it, avoiding the use of the iron
harrow, so as not to bring the manure to the surface. Sowed the
seed about the 10th of May, by a drill machine, in rows, fourteen
inches apart, the lot was sixteen rods long, and contained 78 rows.
I sowed half a pound of seed of the short horn carrot. Wed them
twice. Pulled the carrots, without any use of shovel or spade. I
had six hundred and forty bushels, weighing sixty pounds to a bush-
el, making nineteen and one-fifth tons, valued at ^7 per ton, makmg
the gross produce ^138.

HENHYBUSIIBY.

Danvers, November 13th, 1847.

ON AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

The Committee on Improved Agricultural Implements Report :
That Messrs. Ruggles, Nourse and Mason, of Boston, exhibited
several highly finished and improved ploughs of theu" own manufac-
ture. Their ploughs have so often taken the premiums of our own
and other Agricultural Societies, and their merits are so generally
known, that it would be superfluous now to praise them. They also
exhibited a wnnowing machine, hay cutter, vegetable cutter, seed
sower, garden cultivator, and improved ox yokes, well deserving no-
tice. Among their other tools were very handsome specimens of
forks and hoes made by Panridge of Medfield, whose tools are
known to be the most substantial and durable articles of the kind in
the market.

ON HORSES AND COLTS. 46

The Committee award to Rugglcs, Nourse, and Mason, a
premium of $^0 00

To George L. Newcomb, of Salem, for Colburn's Metalic
Pump, manufactured by him, an excellent article, a
gratuity of 8 00

To E. Goss, of Salem, for a refrigerator on an improved

plan, a gratuity of 3 00

To J. & H. Hale, of Salem, for Crowell's Thermometer

Churn, a gatuity of 1 00

To Theophelus N. Breed, of Lynn, for several specimens of
improved grindstones, a gratuity of 1 00

Respectfully submitted,

For the Committee,

DANIEL P. KING.

Lynn, September, 29th, 1847;

ON HORSES AND COLTS.

Tlic Committee on Colts have examined those offered for premium
and Report :

That Horace Ware Jr., of Salem, is entitled to the first premium
of ten dollars, on his bay colt, four years old.

Josiah Crosby of Andover, is entitled to the second premium of
eight dollars, on his dark bay colt, three years old.

Nathan Dodge of Hamilton, is entitled to the third premium of
four dollars, on his bay colt, of fifteen months old.

John Jacobs of Dan vers, is entitled to the fourth premmm of four
dollars, on his bay colt, of seventeen months old.

Also, a gratuity of six dollars to Enoch Northend of Newbury,
for his two yearold colt.

For the Committee,

ANDREWS BREED, Jr.

Lynn, September 29th, 1847.

46 0]!^ SHEEP.

ON BULLS.

The Committee on Bulls Report :

That they have examined the five bulls entered for premium, and
do not think any of the animals worthy of the first premium.

They recommend that the second premium of six dollars be award-
ed to Allen W. Dodge, of Hamilton, for his white Durham bull, sev-
enteen months old. They do not like the color of this animal,
but as they consider him the best formed bull, they award the premi-
um as above.

The third premium of four dollars and a gratuity of Coleman'a
European Agriculture]to^Horace Ware, Jr., of Salem, for his native
bull, four years old.

A gratuity of two dollars to Howard Roberts, of Lynn,Tor his bull,
three and a half years old.

Your committee were much pleased with the Ayrshire and Devon
bulls, presented for exhibition only, by the Massachusetts AgriciJtu-
ral Society. I would recommend them to the attention of the farm-
ers of Essex County.

For the Committee,

J. H. COGGESHALL.

Lynn, September 29th, 1847.

ON SHEEP.

The Comnnttee on Sheep, Report :

That there was only one lot entered for Exhibition or premium,
Six yews and one buck, reported to be native breed, and a sample
of a flock of fifty-four.

They were from the farm of Mr. James Marsh of Danvers.
The entry is accompanied with a statement from him of his manner
of treatment, which we recommend should be published.

The sheep appeared in ordinary condition and of common size.
And it may be profitable stock for a part of his farm.

And this being the only lot entered, the Committee would recom-
mend a gratuity of five doUara to him, for his interest manifested
in bringing them to the show.

MOSES NEWELL.

Lynn, September 29th, 1847.

ON SHEEP.

4T

JAMES MARSH'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Sheep.

Gentlemen, — I present for premium 1 Buck and six native sheep
being a sample of my flock of fifty. In presenting which I offer a
few remarks. My attention to keeping sheep was first called up by
the state of my pastures, they being bushy and too rocky to plough
without too much expense, my cattle would not keep them down with,
out bemg kept too short. I found mowing did but little towards
subduing them. About seven years since I was induced to try
sheep by way of experiment in subduing bushes without much re-
gard to the profits of the sheep. I accordingly procured six, the
next year I increased my flock to fourteen, these I kept on a pas-
ture that would have about half kept a cow, the sheep did well, the
pasture did much better. I have since increased my flock to fifty
and intend still to increase it further. My method is to cut the bush-
es close and keep as many sheep as will keep them down, and each
year give them as many more as they will subdue in this way. I
have nearly destroyed all the barberry, blueberry, blackberry, and
raspberry bushes (and they were very plenty) in my pastures. The
above named bushes are favorite food for sheep they will not suffer
a green leaf to remain in their reach. My pasture where they have
run produces more than double the feed it did before.

The two past years I have been trying an experiment on about
twenty-five acres of land principally covered with wood-wax and
barberry bushes (entirely worthless for neat stock) which has ex-
ceeded my most sanguine expectations. Wliile the sheep have done
well, the wood-wax has decreased nearly one half, I thmk in a few
years it will entirely run out.

I am fully convinced that most of the old mossy, bushy pasture of
Essex County might be much improved by keeping sheep. My
method would be not to keep them with neat stock, but keep as many
sheep as the lot would pasture and change yearly or as often as
they performed their task of subduing bushes, the result would be a
large increase of feed the years following the sheep.

My manner of treatment is to see them often, give them salt about
once a week, keep them well sheltered from storms, and by a little
feed and kind words to keep them as gentle as possible so that I can
call my Avhole flock as far as they can hear my voice. They will do
well out as long as the ground is bare. I then yard them until

48 ON SWINE.

spring, never allowing them to ramble over 6eldg. I feed on mead-
ow and salt hay, and wood-wax until about yeaning, when they have
good hay, and some grain, giving them a liberal supply of roots
through the winter. My sheep thus far have much more than paid
for their summer keeping in the improvement of my pastures.

The prmcipal profit aside from the benefit to the pasture is the
lambs which for the three years past have been as follows, viz :

1845 3 00 per head.

1846 2 90 do
184T 2 80 do

The deduction the two last years being on account of some late
ones caused by changing some of my flock. The wool averages
about 1,00 per head.

Yours Respectfully,

JAMES MARSH.
Danvers, September 26th, 1847.

P. S. I have found the native sheep of a medium size the most
hardy and will bear short pastures much the best.

ON SWINE.

The Committee on Swine have attended to their duty and Report :

That four lots of swine were entered for premium, and after delib-
erate examination, they award the premiums as follows:
To Samuel C. Pitman, Lynn for his boar, Leicester breed, first

premium. $5 00

To Samuel C. Pitman, Lynn, breeding sow, same breed, first

premium. 5 00

To John Alley 3d, Lynn, " « " " second

premium. 3 00

To John Alley 3d, Lynn, litter of weaned pigs, first premium, 6 00
To Joseph M. Fuller, Lynn, " " " second " 4 00

To Israel Brown, Beverly, best weaned pig, 2 00

Hiram L. Newhall of Lynnfield, offered two very fine pigs, which
were too old to come within the rules of the Society.

For the Committee,

R. A. MERRIAM,

Lynn, September 59th, 1847.

ON FRUIT TREES. 49

ON PRUIT TREES.

The Committee on Nurseries of Fruit Trees, respectfully Re-
port:

That the number of nurseries entered for premium was four, viz ;
Wm. G. Lal-.e, Topsfield, James B. Cole, Beverly, Samuel C. Pit-
man, Lynn, and Charles F. Putnam, Salem. Annexed are the state-
ments of each of these gentlemen.

In view of all the circumstances your committee award,
To Wm. G. Lake, of Topsfield, the 1st premium of $10

To Charles F. Putnam, of Salem, the 2d " 8

To Samuel C. Pitman, of Lynn, the 3d " Wash-

ington's Letters on Agriculture.
Your committee also recommend a gratuity of four dollars to
James B. Cole, of Beverly.

Your Committee have also viewed two peach orchards, and have
concluded for various reasons not to award premiums for them.
For the Committee,

RICHARD P. WATERS.
North Beverly, November 10th, 1847.

WILLIAM G. LAKE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Fruit Tree :

GentlemejST, — The trees which I offer for your consideration, con-
sist of about fifteen hundred apple trees, from one to three years up-
on the bud, standing upon about one and a half acres of my nurse-
ry ground. The land was prepared in the following manner, viz ; a
part of it was ploughed, and planted with potatoes, and manured in the
usual manner, the other part of the land was manured and sowed
with the seed. I transplanted them out into nursery lands at one and
two years old from the seed, and budded the same season. Many of
the buds have made wood to the height of five and six feet the past
season. No manure has been put upon the land since they were set
out.

The peach orchard which I offer for your consideration, consists of
about four hundred and fifty trees, about two hundred and fifty of

50 ON FRUIT TREES.

them were set out last spring, and the balance, about two hundred
were sown, and budded upon the ground the year previous. Culti-
vation of the land same as with the apple trees.

W. G. LAKE.

Topsfield, September 20th, 1847.

JAMES B. COLE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Fruit Trees :

Gentlemen, — The part of my nursery to which I have called
your attention, is a lot of Apple trees, about three thousand, one and
two years from the bud, mostly two. When they were budded, they
were over three from the seed, two Avhen they were transplanted. In
the spring of IS^l, they were transplanted into rows four feet apart,
and from eight to ten inches from each other, care being taken to se-
lect those of uniform size. In August following, I budded them with
the best standard varieties, mostly winter fruit. The buds took well.
In the spring following, I topped them down within two inches of the
bud, which was set near the ground ; they have made wood very
rapidly ; a large portion of them have grown nine and ten and a half
feet high. The land was broken up in 1843, and planted with pota-
toes ; the soil is a light loam, eight to ten inches deep, on a fine grav-
elly bottom. I have manured it but once, and then to the amount of
three cords of stable manure to the acre. I cultivate the ground so
as to keep it free from weeds, light, and in good condition. My nur-
sery is located within ten rods of the stopping place of the Glouces-
ter Branch Rail Road, on Cabot street.

Yours, &c.

JAMES B. COLE.

Beverly, September 20th, 1847.

CHARLES F. PUTNAM'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Fruit Trees :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium the trees in my nursery at
Salem.

ON FRUIT TREES. 61

Twelve thousand pear trees, of one and two years growth from
the bud. The number of varieties exceed three hundred.

Fourteen thousand apple trees, of one, two and three years growth
from the bud. Varieties, seventy.

Three thousand peach tree, one years growth from the bud. Va-
rieties, eighty.

Twelve hundred cherry trees, of one and two years growth from
the bud. Varieties, forty.

One thousand plum trees, one and two years growth from the bud.
Varieties, thirty.

My soil is generally a loam with a gravelly bottom. The trees
were all raised by me from the seed.

Yours respectfully,

CHARLES F. PUTNAM.

Salem, September 28th, 1847.

SAMUEL C. PITMAN'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Fruit Trees:

Gentlemen, — Your attention hag been called more particularly
by me to examine my nursery as a whole — otherwise than any one
particular part or branch.

I have been engaged in the nursery business the past five years,
but have not confined my labors to any particular sort or kind of fruit
or tree. I have now between four and five acres of land in nursery,
with about one hundred thousand trees and shrubs, consisting of some
twenty thousand apple trees, in their different stages from the bud
up to three years old ; some five thousand pear, ditto ; also, some
thousands of peach, plum, cherry and quince trees, with a large
number of the difi"erent varieties of forest and ornamental trees.

The farm which I occupy being near the sea shore, I have found
great difficulty in getting trees from the interior, as well as those
from warmer latitudes, to live and grow with me — requiring some
three years (when they live) to get acclimated and give any en-
couragement of making decent trees. This difficulty induced me,
in the first instance, to grow my trees from the seed on my own farm
and hence my getting into the business.

52 ON CRANBERRIES.

I have no doubt but many trees are condemned by people as not
being sufficiently hardy to stand our climate, -which, if taken from
nurseries in their immediate neighborhood, or grown by them from
the seed, would succeed and do well.

I doubt if at any time there was ever more interest taken, or more
able minds employed on this subject, than at the present ; and it
would be superfluous in me even in giving a detailed statement Oi
my own manner and method of preparing my land, sowing my seed
and working my stocks, as it would be nothing new, merely reiter-
ating what has already been published many times, and can easily
be found in any of the Horticultural works of the day.

Yours, respectfully,

SAMUEL C. PITMAN.

Woodside, Lynn, September 21st, 1847.

ON CRANBERRIES.

The Committee on the subject of Cranberries offer the following,
Report :

There is but one claimant for the Society's premium offered, for the
best conducted experiment in the culture of the cranberry.

Probably the object of the Trustees in appointing a committee on
this subject, was cheifly to obtain and diffuse information, in relation
to this new department of Agricultural research. It was not to have
been expected perhaps, that the claimants would be numerous, when
it is recollected that generally, farmers are not among those much
given to change. It ought not to be so, but when an enterprise is
new, however plenteous the harvest is likely to be, the laborers are
apt for a time , to be few. And so indeed have the committee found it.
In the month of August, the chairman wrote to each member of the
committee, (Messrs. Nichols of Danvers, Haskell of Rockport, North-
end of Byfield, and Dole of Georgetown,) requesting them to collect
information in relation to the subject and forward it previous to the
twentieth of September. The fact that answers were received from
only one of these gentlemen, known to take an interest in Agricultu-

ON CRANBEBRIES. 53

ral Improvement ; from gentlemen favorably located too for obtaining
information, goes to confirm the belief that as yet, very little attention
has been bestowed upon the cultivation of this delicious fruit in the
county of Essex. A specimen of cranberries was exhibited at the
show in Lynn, raised by Abel Burnham of Essex, upon sixty four
rods of high lind. As his experiment however was not entered for
premium, probably no member of the committee has seen it.

The experiment of Capt. Winthrop Low of Essex, is one of great
interest. It establishes the fact, so far as it can be done in one year,
that cranberries may be raised in perfection, upon a dry upland soil,
without artificial watering or the use of loam. As Capt. Low's state-
ment however, will be published herewith, and as something in the
form of an Essay on this interesting subject will be attempted in
another place, no further remarks will be necessary in this report than
to state briefly, that the soil selected by Capt. Low was, most of it
a sandy loam. It was perfect Indian corn land. The soil is po-
rous, and would not retain water even if the ground were level.
But it must be remembered, that in no part of the field can the wa-
ter stand so as to keep the roots saturated any considerable time
together. A small rill of water indeed passes through the field,
but confined to a width not exceeding five feet, and usually not more
than one foot.

The running water is within about twenty-eight feet of one side of
the field, and from the row of cranberries next to the ditch back to
the side of the field the ground rises, on an average of the whole
distance, twenty-eight inches, being an inch to a foot. Here then,
clearly, water would run off freely. On the other side of the ditch,
the ground rises six feet and five inches in a distance of one hun-
dred and thirty-two feet, which goes to show that the vines do live
and grow without water, at least with no more than is needed for a
crop of corn or beans.

The altitudes were carefully taken by the undersigned, with a
spirit lever attachvid to an Engineer's Compass, having the teles-
cope and every fixture for accurate levelling.

As evidence of the completely upland nature of the soil, it may
be stated that a row of white beans was planted between every two
of cranberry vines, and although it has not been a good year for
white beans, Capt. Low has harvested nine bushels from the one
hundred and twenty rods, a fact, showing also, that the land is not

54 ON CRANBERRIES,

lost to the cultivator even the first year, mcleed that the bean crop
has defrayed a large part of the expense.

The cranberry vmes had put out runners in many cases from three
to four feet long, and have all the marks and numbers of health and
vigor. Sand was applied to about one half of the hills, but without
any apparent advantage whatever. The attention of the committee
was called particularly to this fact, because the experiments in Barn-
stable county seem to have been all made with sand, and it is there
thought and declared to be indispensable.

There was no artificial watering. The cranberry sods were taken
up, as appears by the statement below, on the 15th of May, and set
out on the 16th, 18th and 19th. The undersigned is informed by
Asa Lamson Esq., of Salem, that there Avas in that month,
(May) but two and seven-eighths inches of rain. It could not
have been the presence of water then, that caused every root with
out a single failure to live, and nearly every one to produce berries.

It should be borne in mind, however, by way of caution, that
there has been more wet weather during the last six months, than
the average of the previous four years, or indeed any one of them.
The whole quantity during the months of May, June July, Au-
gust, September and October last, is 25 3-4 inches ; while during
the same months in 1846, there was but 15 7-8 inches; though in
1845 the quantity was as great as this year, Avanting 2 1-2 inches.

It should be recollected too, that this is the first year, and what
the effect of the winter will be without the indispensable presence of
water, as the Yarmouth Register would say, remains to be seen.
At present, the vines flourish like a green bay tree, and this, per-
haps, is enough for the Committee to say. The fact that the roots
could be taken dripping from their native meadow bed, on the 15th
day of May, put into a cornfield soil, and then Avith nothing but
the rain of Heaven upon them, in five short months to take root
downward, and bear fruit upward, is most extraordinary. A spec-
imen of the fruit is with the Committee, and it appears to be as
good as the uncultivated fruit of the meadows. The quantity, as
will be seen by the statement below, is one bushel and thirteen
quarts. The land Avas carefully measured, by the undersigned,
and found to contain 120 rods. It ought to be added here that the
field exhibits a case of clean culture ; weeds and grass have both
yielded to the hoe.

ON CRANBERRIES. 55

The Committee think that Mr. Low is fairly entitled to the Socie-
ty's first premium of fifteen dollars.

Respectfully submitted.

DAVID CHOATE, Chairman.
Essex, Noi ember 10, 1847.

WINTHROl' LOW'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on C7'anherries :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium three quarters of an acre of
land, set with cranberry vines. The soil is of a sandy loam. In
November, 1816, it was ploughed. One half of the whole quantity
was turf ground, the other half had been planted with corn in drills
for two years. May 17, 1817, I furrowed the ground with a horse
plough in drills, five feet apart one way, two furrows to each drill.
On the turf part of the ground, I found it necessary to cut through
the turf in order to get a suitable depth for the cranberry sod. In
the drills were set 1267 sods, containing the cranberry vines ; the
average surface of the sod is nine by eleven inches, average thick-
ness four inches ; the sods were set four and a half feet apart in the
drills, let into the ground with a spade, level with the surface, care-
fully leveling the whole surface of the ground round the sod with a
hoe. I state for the information of others, the labor of setting on
the turf part of the ground was more than double, to setting on that
part which had been cultivated. I would therefore recommend to
plough and cultivate the ground one year before setting.
The whole expense was as follows :

Ploughing, $2

Cutting and hauling sods from the cranberry meadow, 6

Setting cranberry vines, 5

Cultivating and hoeing, 4

$17
In regard to the growth of the vine, they all appear to be alive,
and th^ runners have extended from one inch to three feet in every

56 02T FRUIT.

direction. Oct. 14, gathered from the vines one bushel and thir-
teen quarts.

Between the cranberry rows I planted the white-bush bean and
raised nine bushels.

WINTHROP LOW.

Essex, November 10, 1847.

ON FRUIT.

The Fruit Committee would respectfully Report :

That in this day's display of Fruits at the Town Hall, they are satis'
fied that it must have exceeded the expectations of the Society, there
being a greater variety shown than at any former exhibition, and
would compare if not exceed any other county society in the State.
There were sixty-four entries of fruit by the following individuals,
all without exception residents of the county. J. S. Cabot, John
Newhall, Cyrus Houghton, James M. Nye, C. F. Putnam, Robert
Manning, Timothy Hazeltine, Andrew Dodge, N. D. Chase, Josiah
Newhall, J. Sargent, Oliver Preston, Joseph Haines, F. Tudor,
Wm. G. Lake, Moses Pettingel, C. B. Holmes, Joseph M. Nye, D.
N. Breed, H. A. Breed, Andrews Breed, J. Dyer, S. B. Johnson,
Mark Healy, Ezra Johnson, Jonathan Buffam, John Trask, Joseph
P. Gould, James Oliver, James A. Breed, M. C. Pratt, Thomas
Townsend, M. Holmes, S. C. Pitman, Moody Andrews, Samuel
Hildreth, Benjamin Dupar, Sarah Howe, Calvin Stevens, J. M.
Ives, J. N. Saunderson, John Alley, 3d, E. B. Phillips, Abel Burn-
ham, Shadrach Ramsdale, J. N. Buffum, A. W. Dodge, Rufu3
Newhall, 2d, Eben. Brown, Otis Johnson, Josiah Lovett, 2d, George
Johnson, J. P. Oliver, Wm. Stearns and Erastus Ware.

It was gratifying to your Committee to observe so much interest
manifested by many of the visitors, as well as the contributors in the
cultivation of fruit. In the short time allowed your Committee for
the examination, they have endeavored to dispose of the gratuities
entrusted them, as the circumstances would allow, and unanimously
award the following :

To J. S. Cabot and Otis Johnson, three dollars each ; to R.

ON FLOWERS. 57

Manning and J. M. Ives, two dollars each ; to Eben. Brown, F.
Tudor, Moses Pettingel, W. G. Lake, Andrew Dodge, William
Stearns and N. D. Chase, one dollar and fifty cents each ; to J. N.
Saunderson, J. N. Buffum, Josiah Lovett, 2d, E. R. Mudge, J. P.
OUver, H. A. Breed, J. B. Johnson, C. F. Putnam, James M. Nyo
and James Oliver, one dollar each ; to Josiah Newhall, seventy-five
cents.

To S. C. Pitman, Sarah Howe, George Johnson, C. B. Holmes,
J. N. Nye, Andrews Breed, Mark Healy, Ezra Johnson, John
Newhall, Cyrus Houghton, M...C. Pratt, Timothy Hazeltine and
Erastus Ware, each one copy of the "New England Book of
Fruits."

For the Committee,

JOHN M. lYES.

ON FLOWERS.

The Committee on Flowers, not having had time to prepare a
report, would simply recommend the following gratuities :

To Ehza J. Brown, Boquet, dried grasses, |1 00

To Mrs. E. R. Mudge, Boquets of Dahlias, 75

To Mary E. Chase, " " Grasses, 75

To Mrs. E. Mills, " " " 75

To Harriet C. Skinner, Wreath of Flowers, 50

To Mrs. Dyar, Pyramid of Flowers, 50

To Susan S. Ingalls, Boquet of Grasses, 50

To Mrs. George Atkinson, " " " 50

To Mrs. Philip Chase, " " " 60

To W. D. Chamberlain, " " " 60

To Otis Johnson, Basket of Flowers, 50

To Mrs. E. N. Mann, Preserved Flowers, 50

To Mrs. Peter Silver, Dahlias, large variety, 50

To Mrs. James M. Nye, Flowers and Trimming, 50

To Mrs. Delnow, " " 60

To Miss Lambert, " " 50

To Miss Haddock, " " ^ 50

68 ON FARMS.

To Miss Rebecca M. Gilson, Bocpiet and Dahlias, 25

To Mrs. S. J. Ireson, " " 25'

To Miss Betsey Conner, " " 25

To Miss Martha Wing, " " . 25

To John Gibben Jr., " " 25

To Mrs. S. H. Parsons, " « 25

To James Oliver, Dahlias, 25

To N. D. Chase, « 25

To Mrs. Youania Newhall, " 25

To D. C. Baker, " Washington's Letters on

Agriculture.

To Stephen OHver, Jr., " " "

Agriculture.
To Mrs. R. A. Bowler, Flowers and Trimmings, Washington's

Letters on Agriculture.

T. J. BOWLER, 1
E. R. MUDGE, [ Committee.
PETER SILVER, J
Lynn> September 29th, 1847.

ON FARMS.

The Committee on Farms, Report :

That the only farm offered for a premium for the management of
farms, was that of IMr. Daniel Pilsbury, of West Newbur}' . At the
invitation of Mr. Pilsbury, your committee visited his farm in July
last, and had the satisfaction of learning from him his mode of culti-
vation, and of witnessing some improvements he had made. The
farm consists of a hundred and fifteen acres, and for a particular
account of the farm its different divisions, soils, cultivation, products
and improvements, the committee would refer to the account which
follows, given by Mr. Pilsbury to the committee. Mr. Pilsbury has
been on the farm nine years, and the committee think he is entitled
to considerable commendation for what he has done and for the im-
provement made on his farm. More especially when it is considered
that it is chiefly the work of his o^Yn hands, and that all the labor hir-
ed on his farm was but from sixty to one hundred dollars annually.

ON FARMS. 69

Mr. Pilsburj seems to have been particularly successful in the
management of his apple trees, and to have been well paid for his
labor. The amount received for apples is stated to be from three
hundred to seven hundred dollars a year on an average. This the
committee think must be the most profitable product of the farm and
furnishes muca encouragement for the cultivation of an orchard.

There is much room for further improvements on Mr. Pilsbury's
farm, and the reclaiming of his meadow land is but little more than
begun. Considering the present condition of agriculture in the
county of Essex, and the intention of the Trustees in offering premi-
ums, the committee are of opinion, that Mr. Pilsbury's farm, though,
it exhibits instances of improvement and good management very
creditable under the circumstances to its owner, yet does not come
within the ?■ description of farms for which a premium was contem-
plated.

The committee would however recommend to the Trustees, a gra-
tuity of ten dollars to Mr. Pilsbury.

Respectfully submitted,

FREDERICK HOWES,
LEWIS ALLEN,
DAVID CIIOATE,
GARDNER B.PERRY,
THOMAS E. PAYSON.
Nov. 15th, 1847.

DANIEL PILLSBURY'S STATEMENT.

Totlie Committee on Farms :

Gentlemen, — My farm consists of one hundred and fifteen acres,
viz ; twenty-four acres of mowing, forty acres pasturing, about twen-
ty-five acres rough upland, mowing and tillage, nine acres tillage and
sixteen upland mowing, eighteen acres meadow mowing and thirty-
two woodland, alders and other young wood, all of it meadow.

The meadow mowing is all in the same condition, in which I found
it eight years ago, with the exception of about three and a quarter
acres. One acre I have ploughed and planted with potatoes the pros-

60 ON FARMS.

ent season, but owing to the wet weather, I have not yet sowed it to
grass. One other acre I have ploughed, smoothed and raised upon
it the following crops, viz : one hundred and fifty bushels of potatoes
and sowed with grass-seed in the fall ; the first year it yielded twen-
ty-one hundred of herds-grass and red-top, the second, twenty-five
hundred. In the fall of the last named year, I hauled on the land
about twenty loads of loam, and spread it ; the third year I had from
it thirty-two hundred, and this year twenty-eight hundred. Upon
another acre and a quarter, I cut all the surface over with a hassock
knife, let the turf dry, piled and burned it, and spread the ashes, be-
sides hauling thirty loads of loam, and spreading it upon the same.
Last year it yielded thirty-five hundred, and this year about forty
hundred, mostly of blue-grass hay.

My stock at the present time consists of four oxen, five cows and
a bull, one horse and one three year old colt. I raise about thirty-four
tons of hay, from one hundred to one hundred and fifty bushels of corn
yearly, besides from fifty to one hundred bushels of oats, and some
rye. Also, two hundred to three hundred and fifty bushels of po-
tatoes.

My orchard contains one hundred and sixty-five trees, but they are
not all in bearing. (There are three hundred and twenty on my
farm.) The quantity of apples raised since I have been on my farm
is as follows :

First

year,

55 barrels,

Second

((

150

ii

Third

ii

150

ii

Fourth

a

848

a

Fifth

ii

48

a

Sixth

u

297

((

Seventh

ii

35T

((

Eighth

ii.

45

ii

Ninth

it

240

a

All of which I have sold, except what were needed for family use,
at a price varying from seventy-five cents to two dollars and a half
per barrel. I trim my trees every year. I pastured my orchard
with sheep, until three years since, when I ploughed it. The second
and third years after coming to the place I scraped and whiftwashed
the trees, and did the same this year.

I make about one hundred and twenty loads of manure annually.

ON THE DAIRY. 61

I put about twenty loads of swamp muck in the barn-yard in the fall,
where it remains until the following fall, when I spread a part on the
land which I then lay down to grass. The balance, with my winter
and hog manure, I spread on my planting land, and either plough, or
harrow it in. On land newly broke up, I prefer harrowing to turning
under the furiow.

I have hired from sixty to one hundred dollars of labor a year, ex
cept the first year. I have built over and moved about one hundred
and fifty rods of wall. I have also built about thirty rods of post and
rail fence, and there are one hundred fifty rods of ditch that serve
for fence, one half of which I have re-opened myself.

DANIEL PILSBURY.

West Newbury, Sept 28th, 1847.

ON THE DAIRY.

The committee were highly gratified to witness the contiuued in
terest and improvement which is manifested in this very important
part of domestic duty in this county ; and though many of our farm-
ers' wives and daughters are entitled to much credit for the neat-
ness, good taste, and skill which they have evinced in the management
of the dairy, the committee are of opinion that there is yet room for
much improvement in this branch of industry. Doubtless, many of
the fair manufacturers of butter are more competent to give instruc-
tive suggestions respecting it than your committee are, yet the place
they occupy will be a sufficient apology for a few remarks upon a
business in which this county, and almost every individual in the
county, is interested. It is a trite adage that "nothing is worth do-
ing that is not worth well doing." If this maxim will hold good
any where, it will in butter making. Like Jeremiah's figs, the good
is very good, but the bad too bad to be eaten.

Many bestow seven-eighths of the time, care, and labor, in produc.
ing an article which is worthless for the table, which it would require
to make butter which would do honor to any farmer's wife in the
county, and to this society too if it were exhibited at our annual fair.

One of the greatest errors of butter-makers is thought to be that
of suffering the butter-milk to remain incorporated with the butter.
Butter which is not thoroughly wrought well, if not kept extremely

62 ON THE DAIRY.

cold, soon becomes rancid, find as rancid butter is often found, ■where
there is no want of salt, we attribute it mainly to this cause. The
remedy is a little more patient labor.

It is of great importance that cream should be at the right tempera-
ture when churned. It is not uncommon in summer to hear the dairy
maid say, "the butter has come white and soft." This we believe
is commonly in consequence of churning cream when it is too warm.
Cream can be easily brought to a proper temperature by bringing
the vessels which contain it, in contact with ice, hanging them in a
well, or putting them in a cold spring from 12 to 24 hours before
churning. Any one who has not witnessed the advantage of cooling
cream before churning in warm weather, will be surprised at the
result.

One other practical fault is salting butter "to tastes" which are
much more liable to vary than weights. One of the samples for the
best product of butter presented for examination was too salt and
therefore did not receive the premium it would otherwise have been
entitled too. Too salt however is not a very censurable fault, as the
objection to butter of this kind can be obviated by using the pre-
caution that a good old lady once suggested to a clergyman, who
complained at her table that her butter was too salt. "Pat the less
of it in your mouth at a time" was her ready reply. One ounce of
salt to a pound of butter from the churn is in ordinary cases suffi-
cient. Butter designed to be kept in a warm cellar will require more
salt than if kept in an ice house or cold cellar. Weighing will not
preclude the necessity of exercising judgement ; it is only an assist
ant. If the butter maker should err in salting, let it be on the safe
side, for we know of no apology to offer for a deficiency in salting or
working butter. It soon becomes rancid, and is as revolting to the
taste, as the scolding epithets, or angry looks of the fair manufactur-
er would be to the eye or ear.

The Committee award the Society's premiums as follows :
For the best produce of June butter ;
To John Stone, of Marblehead, 1st premium, $10

To Jonathan Berry, of Middleton, 2d " 8

To Jonas Holt, of Andover, od " 6

To Allen W. Dodge, of Hamilton, 4th " Colman's

European Agriculture.
For the best produce in four months, from May 20th.

ON THE DAIRY. 63

To Abram B. Lord, of Beverly, 1st premium,
To G. W. Dodge, of Wenham, 2d " 8

To Allen W. Dodge, of Hamilton, 3d « 6

To Jonas Holt, of Andover, 4th " Colman's

European Agriculture.
Fifteen samples of butter were presented for premium. Tbe state-
ment accompanying three of the samples was not such as the rules
of the Society require.

Eor the Committee,

DAVID S. CALDWELL,
Byfield, October 1st, 1847.

JOHN STONE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I present one pot of June butter, containing 251b3.
being a specimen of 168\ lbs. made from the first of June to the
ninth of July inclusive, from three cows of native breed.

Their feed was good pasture only.

Process of Making. The milk is strained into tin pans and
kept in a cool cellar. After the cream is sufficiently risen, it is skim-
med off and kept in a stone pot, and the pot is kept in a tub of ice
water to keep it cool until we are ready to churn. We churn once a
week. The buttermilk is worked out by hand, and the butter salted
with ground rock salt, an ounce of salt to a pound.

The pot of butter here exliibited, had two ounces of loaf sugar and
one ounce of saltpetre added to preserve it.

JOHN STONE.

Marblehead, September 28th, 1847.

JONATHAN BERRY'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy :
Gentlemen, — I present for your inspection, one pot of June but-

64 ON THE DAIRY.

ter, containing twenty-seven lbs., being a specimen of two hundred
and twenty-four lbs., made between the first of June, and the ninth
of July. Also, two boxes of September butter, containing twenty-
five lbs., being a specimen of six hundred and eighty-two pounds
from six cows and two heifers, made between the twentieth of May,
and twenty-fifth of September, besides using three quarts of milk per
day.

Their feed has been common pasture until August, since that time
green corn fodder and fall feed.

Process of making, — The milk is strained into tin pans, where it
stands from forty-eight to seventy-two hours ; it is then skimmed, and
the cream put into pails and set in a vault prepared for the purpose.
Churn once a week ; the butter-milk is worked out by hand, and the
butter salted to suit the taste.

JONATHAN BERRY.

Middleton, September 28th, 1847.

JONAS HOLT'S STATEMENT.
To the Committee on the Dairy.

Gentlemen, — I present for your inspection, one pot of June but-
ter, containing thirty-two lbs., being a specimen of one hundred and
twenty-seven lbs., made between the first of June and ninth of July,
from three cows. Also, two boxes of September butter, containing
twenty-seven lbs., being a specimen of four hundred and ten pounds
made between the first of June and twenty-seventh of September,
from the same cows until the twentieth of July, at which time one more
cow was added, so that from the twentieth of July to the twenty-
seventh of September, I have used the milk of four cows for making
butter.

There feed has been common pasture, until August fifteenth, since
that time green corn fodder once a day, raised for that purpose.

Process of making,— ThQ milk is strained into tin pans, where it
stands from forty-eight to sixty hours ; it is then skimmed and the
cream put into stone pots, which are set on the cellar bottom, the
whole being stirred as often as any cream is added.

We churn once a week, the butter is first washed in cold water, and

ON THE DAIRY. 65

then thoroughly worked by hand, and salted with one ounce of rock
salt to the pound, the following day it is again worked over and
weighed, when it is fit for use.

JONAS HOLT.

Andover, September 28th, 1847.

ALLEN W. DODGE'S STATEMENT.

To the Qommittee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I offer for your inspection one pot of June butter,
containing 25 lbs, being a sample of 425 lbs, the produce of thirteen
cows from the Ist of June to the 9th of July. Also, one box con-
taining 26 lbs. of September butter, being a sample of 1236 lbs.
made between the 20th of May and the 20th of September, from
the same number of cows. Besides making this amount of butter,
we have used in the family, milk equal to the produce of one cow.

The feed of the cows has been common pasture only, until the
middle of August, and since that time they have had the run of a
few mowing lots and been fed once a day with green corn fodder.

Process of making. — The milk is strained into tin pans and placed
in a cool cellar, where it stands till the cream is sufficiently risen.
It is then skimmed, and the cream placed in warm weather in a well
about 24 hours before churning, to cool. Churn once a week. The
butter milk is worked out by hand, and the butter salted to suit the
taste, with about one ounce of salt to the pound.

ALLEN W. DODGE.

Hamilton, September 25, 184T.

ABRAM. B. LORD'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — The pot of butter I offer for inspection, was made
from the milk of one cow, from the first to the twenty-fifth of the

Q6 ON THE DAIRY.

present month, containing 311bs., being a specimen of 961bs., made
in three months from the twenty-fifth of June. The cow went to
pasture the twentieth of May, from which time she began to increase
her milk till she calved.

We have used from one to three quarts of milk a day in the fam-
ily until September first, and then only one. Also, have supplied
her calf two months, and sold four messes of milk. The cow has
been in milk eighteen months. Her food a very poor pasture, with
two quarts of shorts a day since August fifteenth.

Process of making. The milk is strained into tin pans, stands
from thirty-six to forty-eight hours, is skimmed, and the cream put
in a pot, and stirred once a day. We have churned part of the time
once, and part twice a week. When the the butter is formed, the but-
ter-milk is drawn off, and the butter is washed twice with cold water
and salted to suit the taste.

Yours respectfully,

ABEAM. B. LORD.

Beverly, September 28th, 1847.

G. W. DODGE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I present for your inspection one pot of June but-
ter, containing 25 lbs, being a specimen of 170 lbs. made between
the first of June and the ninth of July ; also, 2 boxes of September
butter, containing 30 lbs., being a specimen of 475 lbs. made be-
tween the twentieth of May and the twenty-eighth of September, from
six cows, the night's milk of one of them being used in the family
through the whole season. The feed of the cows until about the
first of August was pasturing only, and that very poor ; since that
time they have been fed liberally, night and morning, in the stable,
with green corn fodder.

Process of making. Until this season, we have tried to skim our
milk while perfectly sweet, under the impression that sweet butter
could not be made from sour cream ; but this season we have let the
milk stand, until slightly changed. By so doing, we think we ob-

ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE. 67

tain more butter, and we cannot perceive but that it is as good. It
also comes much clearer. A little salt is put in the cream pail, and
the cream stirred at every addition, which we think prevents the
cream from becoming bitter. The butter milk is separated from the
butter by thorough working with the hands, no water ever being
used for that purpose ; the butter is then salted with one ounce of
salt to the pound ; after about 24 hours it is again worked. Nothing
but salt is added to either th e June or September butter j the June
butter is put down in layers of 5 lbs., and salt sprinkled upon each
layer ; the pot is then covered closely from the air, and placed upon
the bottom of the dairy cellar.

Yours, respectfully,

G. W. DODGE.

Wenham, September 29, 1847.

ON TURNING IN GREEN CROPS FOR MANURE.

This subject is one of interest, and deserves the mature considera-
tion of the agricultural community. The plan of renovating lands
by turning in green crops, though not new, has not, so far as I am
advised, been extensively practised in IMassachusetts. In Essex
County a few experiments have been made, and these with various
success. In some parts of our country, the results of experiments
have been all that the best farmers could reasonably wish. Worn
out lands, favorable to the use of plaster, have, by a succession of
clover, rye or buckwheat crops, been entirely renovated, at compara-
tively small expense. In other parts, while results have been en-
couraging, and in the main, satisfactory, they have not equalled the
glowing descriptions published by the entirely successful. These dif-
ferent experiences are to be attributed, probably, to the difference in
soil, location, climate, &c.

I have conversed with many of the most intelligent farmers in New
England on this subject, and they uniformly agree that green crops
will prove valuable to clayey soils, by rendering them more friable,
as well as retentive of moisture, and to light sandy soils, by impart-
ing to them properties of which they are deficient. But they as uni-

68 ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE.

formly doubt the utility of this process of enriching poor lands, if a
dressing of manure is required to produce the green crop, or if, by
the process, the lands must lie idle until the succeeding season. They
think that unless a green crop can be produced without manure, the
high cost of that article will render this system of renovation too ex-
pensive. From all I can learn, however, I incline to the opinion, that
the green crop system will be found useful for lands on which plaster
can be successfully used in the place of manure. For other soils, it
may not answer. More experiments Avill furnish a surer basis of de-
cision. These, on a small scale, I trust will be made" by the farmers
of Essex County,

As no statements of experiment were handed in at our late ann-
versary, I found myself at the close of that unusually interesting
day, entirely in the dark as to the doings and opinions of prac-
tical farmers touching the matter of green crops ; and unwilling to
make that fact the chief or only matter of my report, I requested
my colleagues. Dr. Nichols, of Danvers, and Henry Osgood Esq., of
Andover, to furnish me with their views on the subject. With this
request, they have kindly complied, and I take great pleasure in
transmitting for publication in the Society's Transactions, the experi-
ments and opinions of those gentlemen.

Respectfully submitted,

EDWm M. STONE, Chairman.

Beverly, October 25th, 1847.

Danvers, Oct. 15, 1847.

Dear Sir : — On the subject of turning in green or drij crops to
fertilize tillage lands, I have a few facts to state, and an opinion to
express :

1st. I once had as much corn fodder, — that is, as many corn
stalks, as would grow without manure, — at least five or six tons to
the acre, carefully cut and covered by the soil in the month of Sep-
tember, and the result was, no benefit to the land, the loss of the
crop ploughed in, and half the crop of corn planted thereon the suc-
ceeding year !

ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE. 6 9

Did the buried crop then really injure the soil ? Perhaps not. I
account for the last named loss to the fear I had of losing much of
the fertilizing quahtj of the rich mass, which I supposed was rotting
below, should I turn it up by the plough, and expose it to the sun
and air by so doing, and consequently planting the corn on manure
ill holes, withoi t ploughing the land at all, presuming, mistaken man
as I was, that the roots of the corn would find no difficulty in per-
meanting a soil so rich and sjjongy, as I supposed that must be. But
in reality the soil was neither rich nor spongy. The stalks, instead
o-f rotting, had fermented and been converted chiefly into Alcohol
and vinegar. The former flying off" by evaporation, and the latter
uniting with the alkaline or feruginous earths — forming salts less
fertilizing, perhaps, than their bases as they existed in the soil pre-
vious to their union with the acid. Whatever theory on this subject
we may adopt, I presume it will be generally admitted that alcohol
and vinegar are poor — very poor food for animals or vegetables.
And consequently, such vegetables as produce these most abundant-
ly,— those containing much sugar — such as corn stalks, especially
when green — are not the best article for the purpose under consider-
ation. Buck-wheat and clover are probably better.

Hon. Daniel P. King, who a few years since obtained, I think,
the Society's premium, for an experiment with buck-wheat turned
in as manure, is decidedly of the opinion that it is not an economical
method of renovating lands, — this turning under green crops, — un-
less it be to thus use the weeds which grow often so luxuriantly on
stubles ; and the crop intended to be benefitted be sown — winter rye
for example — at the same time.

The opininion which I would express, is, that it cannot be good
economy in the County of Essex, to endeavor to fertilize lands in
this manner.

Some of the reasons for this opinion follow :

1st. One year's rent of the land is lost.

2d. The cost of seed and labor would procure and apply com-
post manure enough to insure a better crop the present season, and
benefit the land for a longer term than any crop raised on the ground
without manure and ploughed in, will ensure the next season. Com-
post^manurers will get their reward one year sooner than the turn-
ing-in-green-crop farmers. Let us suppose a case : A. buys a farm,
the soil naturally good, but run out by neglect and bad husbandry.

70 ON TURNING IN CROPS AS A MANURE.

There are plenty of such farms to be found. He goes to work on
the green-crop feritlizing plan, and expends in seed, laboi, &c., $500,
and puts his whole crop under the soil. Income 0. Account of
farm Dr. to cash and int. $530.

B. buys at the same time a similar fai^m, lays out in compost and
labor $500, and obtains a crop worth $580. In the spring follow-
ing his account will stand :

Farm Dr. to cash and int. $500 00

Farm Cr. by crops, 530 00

Second year, A. lays out in labor, &c., $500, seed $530— $1030.
In the spring following his account will stand :
Farm Dr. to cash, $1066 80

Farm Cr. by crops, 1360 80 to equal B.'s porfits.

Second year, B. lays out in labor $500. His account in the
spring will stand :

Farm Dr. to cash, $530 00

Farm Cr. by crops, 800 00 gain $300,

Will A. get so much more than B. the second year. I think not.

I think that B. will get the largest crop the second year. But in

this I may be mistaken ; but so long as good materials for compost

can be easily obtained, I think we should do nothing to divert the

attention of the farmers of Essex from the "powers of mud," as a

regenerator of worn out tillage lands. The fact that there has been

no claimants for the premiums offered for the best experiment of

ploughing in green or dry crops — premiums, which would defray all

the expenses of the experiment, and leave all the betterment of the

land as clear gain, speaks loudly the opinion of practical farmers on
this subject.

Yours, respectfully,

ANDREW NICHOLS.

To Rev. E. M. Stone.

Andover, October 11th, 1847.

Dear Sir : — With regard to ploughing in green or dry crops for
manure, my experience is rather limited. I have a field containing
5 acres, lying about one mile from the house, (ratlier too far to carry

ON DOMESTtC MANUFACTURES. 71

manure as high as wages have been) the soil of which is naturally
very good. One half of this field was sowed with winter rye annually,
the stubble was ploughed in after haying, and the land ploughed the
next June, and often again before sowing. The crop of rye growing
less, I sowed one half the field with buckwheat ; when it was fully in
blossom ploughed it in, taking due care to cover it well, sowed with
winter sye. The crop I think did not exceed eighteen bushels. My
impression is, this exceeded a very little, the crop produced on that
part where I did not plough in a green crop. Beheving the returns
did not remunerate for the labor bestowed, I have discontinued the
practice of raising rye in this way.

As far as I can learn, the practice of ploughing in green crops is
not attended to by the farmers in me neighborhood.

With great esteem, I am &c.,

HENRY OSGOOD.

To Rev. E. M. Stone.

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

The Committee to whom was assigned the duty of examining and
reporting upon Rugs, Counterpanes and Carpets, award the
following premiums and gratuities, viz :
Mrs. Mary Josephs, of Salem, 70 years old. Rag Rug, a

gratuity of $1 00

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Norton, of Hamilton, Rag Rug, 1st prem. 3 00
Mrs. Emma E. Parris, of Beverly, Rag Rug, 2d prem. 2 00

Dorcas Gallucia, of Salem, aged 67 years, 3 Rag Rugs, one

made in 13 days, and one in 14, gratuity, 1 00

Mehitable S. Tuck, of Beverly, Rag Rug, gratuity, 1 50

Gilbert Tapley, of Danvers, Yarn Rug, gratuity, 1 00

Miss Abby P. Smith, of Beverly, gratuity, 50

L. A. Butman, of Beverly, Yarn and Rug, gratuity, 1 00

Mrs. Lydia Breed, of Lynn, gratuity, 50

Mrs. Mary A. Ross, of Danvers, Rag Rug, gratuity, 1 00

"^2 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Maria E. Johnson, of Lynn, Patch Quilt, one finished at 82

years of age, the other at 9, 2d prem. 2 00

Mrs. Charlotte Spinney, of Lynn, Patch Quilt, gratuity, 1 00
Mrs. Mary Coats, of Lynn, 60 years old, Counterpane,

gratuity, 1 00

Mehitable H. Alley, of Lynn, a Patch Quilt, containing 2897

pieces, gratuity, 50

Miss Jane H. Hill, of Lynn, Counterpane, gratuity, 50

A. P. Goodrich, of Lynn, aged 5 years and 5 months, Patch

Quilt, gratuity, 50

Stephen Osborn, of Salem, a lad under 10 years of age,

Patch Quilt, gratuity, 50

L. H. Lombard, of Lynn, a Patch Quilt, containing 2750

pieces, gratuity, 60

Sarah Ellen Smith, of West Newbury, Patch Quilt, begun

at 3J years of age and finished at 6, gratuity, 50

Martha J. Nelson, of Georgetown, 8 years of age, Patch

Quilt, gratuity, 60

Mary E. Taylor, of Lynn, Patch Quilt, gratuity, 50

Gilbert Tapley, for the best piece of Carpeting, 2d prem. 3 00

Gilbert Tapley, for the best piece of Stair Carpeting, prem. 3 00

THOMAS B. NEWALL,
CHARLES B. HOLMES,
N. H. P. IRESON.

Lynn, September 29, 1847.

The committee on manufactures of Hosiery and CiiOTH recomr
mend the following awards :

Sarah S. Bradstreet, Beverly, Open work Cotton Hose, grat. 50
Mrs. Abigail Tarbell, " aged 93 years, 4pr. of Hose, grat. 1 00
Mrs. Abigail Nye, Salisbury, " 94 " Ipr. of CliiLd's

Woolen Hose, gratuity, 60

Micajah N. Goodridge, 7 years old, 2 pr. of Mittens, grat. 25
Mrs. James King, Danvers, 5 pr. of Woolen Half Hose, prem. 1 00
Mrs. James King, do 4 pr. of Woolen Hose, " 2 00

60

gratuity,

50

((

60

a

25

li

25

((

50

« 1

00

" 1

00

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 73

Elizabeth P. Woodbury, Beverly, 2 pr. Merino and 2 pr.

Worsted Hose, gratuity, 1 00

Mrs. Tufts, Salem, Knit Cotton Quilt and Window Curtains,

gratuity,
Harriet Ellen Stone, Lynn, 10 years old, Tidy,
Caroline H. I*erry, Danvers, 1 pair of Ottomans,
Caroline E. Curtis, Lynn, Lamp Stand,
Margaret C. Merrill, Metliuen, 1 pair of Ottomans,
Dorcas A. Merrill, " Ottoman,

Lydia M. English, Beverly, Sofa Pillow,
Elizabeth Foster, Andover, Table Cover,
M. E. Hodges, Salem, 12 years old, Patch-work Cradle Quilt,

gratuity, 1 00

Mrs. Ashby, Newburyport, Stand Cover, velvet and silk pieces,

gratuity, 50

Mrs. Lucy Smith, Ipswich, Cloth Table Cover, gratuity, 1 00
Miss Charlotte FHnt, Danvers, Patch-work Quilt, " 50

Miss Bradstreet, Newburyport, Silk Sofa Covering, of small

pieces, gratuity, 1 00

Caroline M. Spinney, Lynn, Knit Window Curtains, grat. 50

The Committee regret, that the ladies of Essex have not, the
past year, given more attention to their knitting work. The few
samples of hosiery exhibited induce the Committee to urge the la-
dies to pay more attention to this important branch of industry.

G. W. MUDGE,

FRANCIS SCOTT.

Lynn, September 29, 1847.

The Committee on Leather and Articles manufactured
THEREFROM, beg leave to Report, that they have awarded the fol-
lowing premiums and gratuities :

Wm. H. Jewett, of Ipswich, Thick Boots, 1st premium, $3 00

Amos Gould, Wenham, Thick Boots, 2d prem. 2 00

Wm. H. Jewett, Ipswich, Calf Boots, 1st prem. 4 00

10

74 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Amo3 Gould, Wenham, Calf Boots, 2d prem. 2 00

Samuel P. rfpofford, Georgetown, Best Brogans, prem. 2 00
Eleazer Parrott, Lynn, Best Pair Lady's Walking Shoes,

premium, 2 00

Christopher Robinson, Lynn, Best Pair Lady's Slips, prem. 1 00

Reuben Johnson, Lynn, Congress Boots, gratuity, 1 00

Wm. Peabody, Topsfield, Boys Brogans, gratuity, 50

E. N. Pike, Lynn, Carriage Harness, gratuity, 2 00

For the Committee,

A. D. WAITE, Chairman.

The Committee on Manufactures of Metals, Fancy Work,
AND Miscellaneous Articles remark that the exhibition in their
department was highly satisfactory — and award the following gra-
tuities :

A. & J. C. Batchelder, Lynn, specimens of Woolen and Silk

Dyeing, $3 00

Aaron L. Holder, Lynn, Bottles of Cologne, 60

Lucy E. Estes, Lynn, Moss Vase, 25

J. F. Nourse, Lynn, aged 11, Card Basket, 25

Herbert L. Hollis, Lynn, aged 13, Card Basket, 25

Susan P. Boynton, Lynn, Painting Water Colors, 50

Mrs. Jane C. Damon, Lynn, Vases Worsted Flowers, 50

Mehitable C. Damon, Lynn, Pencil Drawing, 25

Mercy T. Damon, Lynn, Pencil Drawing, 25

Miss Clark, Lynn, Oil Painting, 50

Miss Clark, Lynn, Imitation Chinese Table, 50

Raphael W. Pratt, Lynn, Shoe Blacking, 1 00

Alvin H. Hildreth, Lynn, Oil Painting, 1 00
Miss Hannah N. Brown, Salem, Crewel Work Chair Cover, 1 00

Samuel Sylvester, West Newbury, Wrought Horn Combs, 1 00
Hezekiah Dwinnel, Danvers, (New Mills) Carved Letter Sign, 1 00

Wm. A Chamberlain, Lynn, Soap Stone Shoulder Sticks, 1 00

Susan M. Newhall, Saugus, Lamp Mat, 25

Mary R. Kimball, Lynn, Sofa Pillow, 50

ON GRAIN CROPS. 76

Mrs. S. J. Ireson, Lynn, Velvet Table Cover, 1 00

Dr. J. L. Allen, Lynn, Dental Specimens, 1 00

Smith & Chamberlain, Case Jewelry, 1 50

E. T. Brigham, Lynn, Daguerreotype Minatures, 1 00

Julia A. D. Mullen, Lynn, aged 12, Cricket, 25

Mrs. Mary C. Smith, Lynn, Miniature Easy Chair, 25

Eliza N. Small, Danvers, Ladies' Gaiter Boots, 26
Nathan Lakeman, Danvers, aged 13, Embroidered Sofa Cushion, 60

Lydia A. Tapley, Danvers, Crayon Drawings, 25

Mary P. Tapley, Danvers, Crayon Draw ings, 26

Avis Keene, Lynn, Pressed Moss, 60

Herbert Porter, Danvers, aged 8, Card Basket, 26

Eliza A. Nichols, Lynnfield, Card Basket, 25

Abba Allen, Manchester, Fancy Chair, 1 00

Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Decker, Manchester, Table Screen, 26

Sophia Dodge, Wenham, Lamp Stand, 26

Sarah L. Farrar, Hamilton, aged 11, Travelling Bag, 60

Samuel Mansfield, Lynn, Hats, 1 00

Mrs. James B. Davis, Wax Flowers, 60

Joseph Homan & Co. Lynn, Large Last, 1 00

Helen M. Stone, Beverly, Crayon Sketches, 1 00
Bespectfully submitted,

JAMES R. NEWHALL, Chairman.
Lynn, September 29th, 1847.

ON GRAIN CROPS.

The Committee on Grain crops Report :

Two entries for premium on Indian Corn.

One by John Woodbury, of Lynn. It seems by the certificate of
the surveyor who measured the lot, that the land belongs to Jepthah
P. Woodbury.

The quantity raised on little more than an acre, is seventy-six and
a half bushels, as per certificate.

The quantity to entitle the claimant to a premium is limited by the
Trustees to not less than eighty bushels to the acre.

76 OS GRAIN CROPS.

Therefore the committee do not consider this entry as coming with-
in the rule for a premium.

The other entry was by Moses Pettingill, of Topsfield. It appears
by the certificate accompanying the entry, that he raised eighty-eight
bushels on an acre.

There does not appear to be anything out of the ordinary mode of
cultivation, save the keeping the surface of the ground flat, and sow
ing grass seed at the last hoeing.

The corn crop was not probably affected in any way by sowing the
grass seed.

Whether this mode of seeding down ground to grass, is preferable
to any other, the committee are not prepared to say.

Leaving the surface flat is probably preferable to drawing up the
earth high around the corn.

The roots of the corn running off" from the stalk will be better se-
cured from drought, and will find more nourishment from the manure
in the soil if left flat, than if that manure and mould is piled up acound
the stalk, and also the roots to cover themselves are forced deep be-
tween the hills into the subsoil where no manure has been applied, and
repeated experiments have shown that the corn stands equally well
without hilling. The stalk when considerably grown throws out from
four to six or eight roots near the surface of the ground, whether the
corn is hilled high or not. These brace roots get far firmer hold on
the flat surface, than on the hill, for that is loose and constantly wash-
ing down.

The committee consider the corn crop of Mr. Pettingill an extrar
ordinary one, considering the quantity of manure applied to the land,
being as per statement, only five cords. The year previous the same
quantity of manure was used for a like crop, and he judged seventy-
five bushels was obtained. It is not stated what condition the land
was in when broken up.

The committee would recommend that the first premium of eight
dollars be awarded to Moses Pettingill of Topsfield, for his crop of
corn, and that the statement of his mode of cultivation be published.

MOSES NEWELL, Chairman.

Lynn, September, 29th, 1847.

I

ON GRAIN CROPS. 77

MOSES PETTINGILL'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Grrain Crops.

Gentlmen, — I offer for premium a crop of Indian Corn obtain-
ed from one acre of land, and measuring eighty-eight bushels. The
land was a dark loam, with a subsoil of yellow loam mixed with gravel.
The corn which I planted, is the large eight rowed yellow kind, the
same which I exhibited at Lynn, for two years past. The ground
was ploughed in September, 1845, cross-ploughed the first of May,
1846, with the Eagle plough. No. 25, ten inches in depth, two inches
in depth was then broken up. The ground was planted with corn in

1846, with five cords of manure to the acre, and in the opinion of
good judges, it was estimated that there was seventy-five bushels of
corn to the acre. The Indian hills were split and harrowed in May

1847, and four cords of manure from the barn-cellar was spread on
the ground, and ploughed in seven inches in depth, and furrowed
three feet one way, and four feet the other ; one cord of fine hog
manure was put in the hills. The ground was planted on the eigh-
teenth and nineteenth of May. It received two hoeings, at each
time the cultivator was used, the land was kept level, at the last time
of hoeing, grass seed was sowed. The seventeenth and eighteenth
of November it was cut up and harvested.

Expenses of the Crop.

The Land I value at $90 00

Interest of the land, 5 40

Five cords of manure, at $6, 30 00

Heaving manure, 1 00

Ploughing, harrowing and furrowing, 4 00

Putting out manure, 2 00

Dropping and covering the seed, 2 00

Cultivating and hoeing twice, 6 00

Toping the stalks, 1 00

Harvesting and husking, 4 00

$54 40
Value of crops, &c,,

Half the manure, $15 00

Eighty-eight bushels of com, 88 00

Three tons of fodder, 24 00

127 00

T8 ON FOREST TREES.

From which deduct expenses of crop, 54 40

Net profit, $72 60

MOSES PETTINGILL.

Topsfieldj November 26th, 1847.

I Moses E. Pettingill measured the above corn, and testify that
the number of bushels as within stated 88, was raised from an acre
of ground. MOSES E. PETTINGILL.

This may certify that I measured and staked off the above men-
tioned acre of ground. SAMUEL CUMMINGS.

CULTIVATION OF FOREST TREES.

By the Revised Statutes, chap. 42, sec. 6, it is provided, that
*'Every agricultural society which shall receive the bounty of the
State, shall offer, annually, such premiums and encouragement, for
ihe 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."

Prompted by this Statute provision, as well as by the generous
donation of Richard S. Fay, Esq., on the same subject, herewith
published, we wish renewedly to call the attention of the farmers of
the County, to this interesting subject. In some of the early num-
bers of the Society's publications, will be found useful instruction
on this subject, from the pen of Mr. Pickering, who was always
full to overflowing with all kinds of useful instruction. But as these
numbers may nor be readily at command, we have solicited from
several gentlemen best able to instruct, such remarks as seemed to
them most appropriate ; and have been favored with full and inter-
esting replies.

Linmere, Sept. 25th, 1847.
Dear Sir : — I regret that my engagements elsewhere, prevents "my
attending the Agricultural fair on the twenty-ninth at Lynn. I wish

ON FOREST TREES. 79

through you to propose a prize to be offered by the association under
their rules of one hundred dollars, the money to be furnished by me, for
the best plantation of oaks of not less than one acre ; the prevailing
species to consist of the white and the black or yellow oak, to be
grown from the acorn planted this autumn or in the spring. On
land not now under tillage or in mowing. The prize to be awarded
in 1852, and the money in the meantime to be placed at interest for
the benefit of the successful competitor. Notice to be given by each
person intending to compete for the prize, stating the locality of the
land, that it may be viewed and registered.

I name a small sum, and a small piece of Land, in order to bring it
within reach of every farmer's son whose father has — and what farm-
er has not ? an acre of idle and unprofitable land. It will require
no great expenditure of time, and no money to enable any person to
plant out an acre, and the advantage to the person so doing, would
far exceed the labor bestowed, even if an unsuccesful competitor.
Should there be ten or more entries for this year, I pledge myself to
renew the prize for the next ten years, upon the same terms.
With much regard.

Very truly Yours.

RICHARD S. FAY.

P. S. I had intended to furnish some rules to be observed in ma-
king oak plantations, but they are so conflicting as laid down by dif-
ferent planters, that I have concluded it will be best for every one to
follow out their own ideas upon the subject, referring them however
to Emerson on Trees, Shrubs, &c., for some rules extracted from
London's great work. I cannot help cautioning against planting the
acorn too deep, an inch in depth is enough for any of our native
acorns. R. S. F.

To B. T. Reed, Esq.,

Boston, Nov. 6, 184T.
Dear Sir: — It gives me great pleasure to learn, from your favor
of the third, that an interest has begun to be felt in the cultivation
of the best of our forest trees. Mr. Fay is taking the right course

80 ON FOREST TREES.

to foster and stimulate a taste for cultivation. Many persons would
be glad to attempt cultivation if they could afford the expense ; and
the prospect of gaining the premium, will be sufficient to induce
them to make the attempt. He has also, I think wisely, proposed
the premiums in terms so general as to leave the shaping the particu-
lar conditions to practical agriculturists.

I am sorry that my want of experience in agriculture will prevent
me from giving any suggestions of practical value.

There are two distinct objects to be regarded in the cultivation of
forest trees, their pecuniary value as fuel and timber, and their use
as ornaments, screens and shades. The cultivation in the two cases
must be quite different. Yet I suppose the first steps must in all
cases be the same. In our hard and barren soil, the land on which
the seed was sown, or the young trees planted, must, for many years,
be cultivated, while the plants are growing, in order that they may
make any show at all even in twenty years. They will doubtless grow
without cultivation, but very slowly. If an open pasture or newly
cleared land should be taken, the process must be very different in
the two cases. In an old, open, uncultivated pasture, the soil and
subsoil are usually very hard, presenting great obstacles to the pene-
tration of the roots. In this case, the ground must be ploughed and
subsoil ploughed, that it may be opened and loosened, to the depth of
two feet. After the acorns are sown, or the trees planted the plough
can go only between the rows leaving the subsoil beneath the rows
unmoved. This shows the necessity of getting the ground in proper
condition before the operation of sowing or planting begins.

The best kinds of oak are those of the white oak group ; viz : the
common white oak, the swamp white oak, both of them common in
Essex county, the over-cup oak and the mossy-cup, the latter to be
found in Berkshire ; the stem-fruited, and the vessile-fruited which
grow readily in our climate, and the chesnut oak, found north and
south of us, and the Rocky Mountain oak, found in rocky hills, in
several parts of the state. The wood of all these eight is of great
value, as fuel and for timber uses. The next group is the red oak
group, containing the black or yellow-barked oak, the scarlet oak,
the pin oak, and the two varieties of the red, called the red and the
grey. The black and the scarlet are common in Essex county, and
are valuable and very beautiful. The pin oak is found farther south,
but would I think, grow readily here. The red oak is a rapid grow-

ON FOREST TREES. 81

er, and a beautiful tree, but the least valuable of the oaks for fuel
or timber. There is one species of the live oak group, I mean the
willow oak, which grows so luxuriantly in the states but little south
of this, that I have no doubt that it would grow here.

The time for sowing the acorns is in the autumn, immediately after
they have fallen from the tree. It is very difficult to keep the acorns
through the winter, and it is necessary only, when they are to be
transported to a distance. They should be placed just below the sur-
face. The plants must for some years be kept free from weeds. I
suppose the most profitable way of doing this is that practiced in the
peach-orchards in New Jersey which are for some years covered with
crops of beans, potatoes, or something else suitable to the soil.

The first acre, sown or planted as a nursery, will bear plants enough
for many acres of forest. As they grow larger they may be thinned
out and transplanted ; and when too large for that, may be gradually
thinned for poles or for fael. I suppose that either for ornament or
for timber forest, it would be a great advantage to continue to culti-
vate between the trees until they case so deep a shade that nothing
would profitably grow.

If recently cleared forest land is to be restored to forest, ploughing
may be necessary, but probably not subsoil ploughing, as the roots
will have kept the ground open and porous by their own penetration.
The thing to be principally regarded is the character of the previ-
ous growth. Land ought not to be chosen which has already been
covered with oaks, unless the cultivator is willing to go to the ex-
pense of trenching to the depth of two or three feet, to bring to the
surface unused, virgin soil.

It would be well to cultivate all the different species, as different
species are adapted to different situations ; the swamp oak and mossy
cup to moist land, the rock chesnut to dry, rocky hills, the red to
sandy, the white to clayey, the black and the scarlet to hard and
hungry soils.

Perhaps it would be well to interpret "oaks" as including the oak
family, and thus taking in the beech and chesnut ; the former for its
beauty as a tree near dwelling houses, the latter for its great rapidity
of growth, and for its value as fencing and building stuff.

As the terms of the trust to the Agricultural Society are so gen-
eral, perhaps it would be well to give an opportunity to those
who wished to save time by forming plantations of trees already

11

82 ON FOREST TREES.

pretty well grown. This seems to be desirable ; as the growth of
all forest trees, for the first few years, is excessively slow, and as,
with the same expenditure, many times as many trees may be raised
in the nursery, as will be left to cover the ground in a productive for-
est or for ornament.

It would seem very desirable to make experiments upon creating
forests in situations not susceptible of cultivation, as on the hills in
Lynn and in some other parts of Essex County. With this purpose,
the acorns may be deposited amongst the bushes, or amongst the
stones, slightly covered, and in quantities sufficient to allow for the
depredations of squirrels and mice. The principal item of expense in
this case, would be the fencing of the lot until the young trees should
have risen out of the reach of cattle and sheep. I have no doubt
that many acres now worth very little for pasture, and nothing for
any other purpose, might, in a few years, be restored to forest, to the
great increase of the value of the land and to the shelter and orna-
ment of the surrounding country. The oaks best suited to this ob-
ject are those of the chesnut-oak division, particularly the rock-ches-
nut oak, the white oak, and the black and scarlet, the beech and the
chesnut would grow in this way, and, still better, the birches. Pine
and larches might be introduced on the same ground which would have
the effect of protecting the oaks while young ; and, if the oak-forest
promise well, might, as it came on, be cut down.

I know not that you will find these desultory suggestions of any
value. If they should be thought so, it will give me pleasure to have
contributed, however humbly, to so excellent an object.

Respectfully yours,

GEORGE B. EMERSON.
To J. W. Proctor, Esq.

Pembroke, Dec. 2d, 1847.
Dear Sir : — On the subject of your inquiry, it is not in my power
to give so full information as may be desired. My experience in
the propagation of forest trees has been confined chiefly to the pine

ON FOREST TREES. 83

and birch families, which are best adapted to our soils. The oaks
have been planted to a much more limited extent. Acorns should be
gathered about the middle of October, and planted immediately, a
few days drying will often prevent them from ever vegetating. In
planting there should be a very light covering with earth. It is be-
lieved to be best to plant-on land recently ploughed, and some culti-
vation among the young trees will greatly promote the growth of
them. A man in Bristol County, about fifty years ago planted a field
somewhat exhausted, with acorns ; when the young trees were two or
three inches high, he ploughed and hoed as in a field of Indian corn;
the trees grew to the astonishment of the whole neighborhood, and in
less than forty years were ripe for the axe. About a century since
there was an experiment in this town in planting the white oak for
ship timber, the success of which ought to have encouraged frequent
repetition. The^grove was in cutting for timber thirty years since,
and a man between seventy and eighty years old, told me, that in
his boyhood he assisted in planting those trees. It is not to the ex-
isting generation, so hopeless an undertaking, as some would repre-
sent it, to plant forest trees even those of slow growth. I recollect
measuring the circumference of an oak tree in AVest Newbury, the
acorn of which was planted by Benjamin Poore, who is yet compara-
tively a young man, and think it measured twenty-seven inches ; it
was a well proportioned handsome tree ; had he planted at the same
time fifteen acres of similar soil, it would have become before now an
inexhaustible wood-lot for the use of one family. The gentleman
who has made the donation to your society, possibly may
be regarded by some as an air-castle builder, but if the association
are faithful in carrying out his views, of which there is no doubt, it
will in less than thirty years appear that he has been the efficient in-
strument in raisinar into the air multitudes of beautiful and useful
trees, and thus meeting what will ere long become a pressing want in
the community.

Respectfully,

Your Obt. Servt.

MORRILL ALLEN.
To JoHN^W. Proctor, Esq.

84 REPORT ON ESSAYS.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ESSAYS.

The Committee on Essays, Report:
That thej have received and carefully examined five Essays on diff-
erent subjects offered for the premium. They regret that there has
been no competition on the same subject. The committee have there-
fore had the more difficult task to estimate each Essay by its own in-
trinsic merits — to ask themselves this question, does this Essay fur-
nish information not before generally known to the Farmers of Essex
County, of sufficient value to justify the expeiicViture, (the premium
and cost of printing) which must be incurred if published ? Before
answering this question it became necessary to consider what Essays
under consideration should be ? The answer to this last question is
obviously this. They should be manuals containing all the necessa-
ry information to enable the inexperienced to cultivate and manage
successfully whatever may be the subject of the Essay. Tried by
this standard the Essay by the President of tliis Society, John W.
Proctor, on the "cultivation of onions" comes nearly up to our ideal
model of what it should be.

David Choate's Essay on the culture of Cranberries, although not
all that could be desired, contains perhaps as much information as
could be expected from any one in the present state of this new and
certainly important enterprize. The cultivation of the Cranberry is
yet in its infancy. More experiments and longer time, to prove the
durability of success, are wanting. We see no good reason why the
Cranberries may not be as much improved as Strawberries have been
by culture, and that ere long either on high and dry, or on low and
wet grounds they will be largely cultivated and add no inconsidera-
ble amount to the wealth of Essex County.

W. D. Northend, in his Essay on the Pear Tree, discusses in a
manner highly creditable to himself and instructive to cultivators,
another too much neglected source of wealth and comfort, to this
community. The best varieties of the pear, which are successfully
cultivated in our midst, are certainly among the most delicious fruit
the earth produces. And such, every farmer, with a little labor, can
in a few years have in abundance. It is true that som.e young trees
will die, (and what animal or vegetable will not die ?) But let no
cultivator be discouraged by his losses. Let him try again, and if
one tree in twenty only should live and flourish, he will bo well re-
warded for his perseverance.

REPORT ON ESSAYS. 85

There are now pear trees in Danvers, and probably in other parts
of the County also, which have contributed to the nourishment and
gustatory pleasure of numerous individuals of the present and past
venerations, for more than two centuries. We allude to the Endi-
cott pear tree, and the Hawthorne, or Prince pear tree, on the
Nichols* Farm in North Danvers. The planters of these trees con-
ferred an amount of happiness on mankind, of inappreciable value.
Who will go and do likewise ?

The Essay, by Rev. G. B. Perry, on the cultivation of the oak and
other forest trees, is a valuable and seasonable offering to those who
intend to become competitors for the Fay-premium offered by the So-
ciety, and all philanthropic farmers who are willing to do something
for posterity, and at the same time erect a monument to their own
memories that may prove more durable than brass.

The Committee recommend to the trustees that there be paid to
John W. Proctor, Pvev. Gardner B. Perry, David Choate, William
D. Northend, and John M. Ives, a premium of ten dollars each, for
their several Essays, and that the same be published.

Per order, ANDREW NICHOLS.

*The body of this tree, still remaining, is over nine feet in circumference, and there
is traditionary testimony that it is a sucker from a pear tree, formerly on the Haw-
thorne Farm, Salem.

AN ESSAY

ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE ONION,

BY JOHN W. PROCTOR,
OCTOBER., 1847.

The culture of onions has increased so much, •within a few years,
in this vicinity, that it has become one of the staple products of the
, County. In the town of Danvers, more money is realized from the
sale of the onion, than any other product of the soil. Products of
so much value, and commanding so much attention, are fit subjects of
inquiry ; and if there be any facts relating to their cultivation not
generally known, it may be useful to have them brought forward.

In making these inquiries, our attention has been directed almost
entirely to practical cultivators, without reference to scientific treati-
ses. Our intention being to tell their story, as near as possible, in
their own way.

We shall treat of the subject in the following order:

1. The preparation of the land.

2. The manure best adapted to promote the growth.

3. The raising and planting of the seed.

4. The care necessary to be applied while growing.

6. The blights and injuries to which the crop may be liable.

6. The time and manner of harvesting.

1. As to the preparation of the land.

Differing from most other crops, the onion grows well, on the same
land for an indefinite number of years. Instances of continued ap-
propriation of the same pieces of land to the growing of onions, for
ten, fifteen, twenty, and even thirty years have come to our knowl-
edge. It is the opinion of many that the crop is better, after the
land has been thus used a few years, than at first. Whether this
arises from any influence of the crop upon the soil, or is the effect
of continued dressing of manures, we have no means of determining.
This is certain that the quaUties of the soil necessary for the produc-
tion of good crops are notjexhausted by continued cultivation.

Rarely, if ever, have we known the onion sowed upon the turf
when first turned over. It is usual to subdue and pulverize the soil,
by the cultivation of corn, or some other crop. Not unfrequently

ESSAY ON ONIONS. 87

the first year with corn, the second with carrots, and afterwards with
onions. It is important, before the seed is sown, that the surface
be mellow, finely pulverized, and clear of stones or other impedi-
ments, to the free and unobstructed use of the machine for this pur-
pose. The finer and more uniformly mellow the surface is made,
the better. Shallow ploughing, say from four to six inches deep, is
usually practised. Once ploughing only in the spring, and frequent
harrowings, are practiced. Before the ploughing the dressing is
usually spread upon the surface of the field, so as to be covered, or
intermixed in the furrow. The mingling and subdivision of it, is
effected by the use of the harrow.

Whether it would not be advantageous occasionally, to stir the
land to the full depth of the soil, is a point on which there is a dif-
ference of opinion ; most of the cultivators inclining to the use of
shallow ploughing only. There are some facts tending to show,
that occasional deep stirring of the soil, does no harm to the onion
crop, but on the contrary is decidedly beneficial. As for instance,
onions do better where carrots have grown the year preceding, than
after any other crop. The carrot necessarily starts the soil to the
depth of ten or twelve inches. Possibly there may be some other
influence upon the soil from the plant itself. Our belief is, that the
thorough and deep stirring of it, is the principal preparatory benefit.

2. The manure best adapted to promote ihe growth.

Any strong manure, well rotted and finely subdivided will answer.
But the general impression seems to be, that manure from stables,
where the horses are freely fed with grain, is the best ; and that it
should be at least one year old, because it will not be sufficiently
rotten in a less time. All agree that the dressing for the land should
be kept near the surface, well mixed, and as fine as possible.
Though we have seen the present year, a very superior grovrth of
onions, where green manure from the barn-yard was applied in the
spring ; but particular pains were taken to subdivide and intermingle
it with the soil ; and to bush-harrow the land so thoroughly, that very
little of the manure was exposed upon the surface.

Muscle-bed is frequently used upon onion land. A portion of this
is deemed by some almost indispensable. We have known the contin-
ued use for half a dozen years in succession, even without other ma-
nures, with a continuation of fair crops ; but the general impression
is, that it will not do to repeat the application of muscle-bed many

88 ESSAY ON ONIONS;

years in succession. The effect being to harden the land, and make too
much of a crust about the surface. Without question the effect of the
muscle-bed is congenial to the growth of the onion, giving those who
live in the vicinit}^ of rivers where it is found, a special advantage
over those who are remote from it.

Leached ashes are also a valuable manure in the cultivation of the
onion ; more so when leached than before. All kinds of ashes are ad-
vantageously applied on onion land.

Compost manure made of meadow mud and droppings from the
cattle, we have known advantageously applied on onion fields ; but
we have many doubts as to this being the best application of this kind
of manure. A more lively and quickly operating manure is better
for the onion ; one that will give them an early start, and advance
them as fast as possible, in the first part of the season. The ut-
most vigilance and activity is used by our cultivators in getting their
land ready, at an early period of the season, for the reception of the
seed. It is the first field labor of the Spring. The use of compost
manure will depend much upon the constituents of the soil with which
it is mixed. If the soil be a sandy loam, with a porous subsoil, the
compost will do tolerably well ; but if it be a black soil, with a clayey
subsoil, such as are most of the lands where onions are raised in this
vicinity, stable manure, or muscle bed^ or leached ashes, or a mix-
ture of these, will be a better application. The quantity ordinarily
applied annually, is from four to five cords to the acre. Whatever
is applied, should be generously applied. It will be vain to expect
full crops of onions, without full manuring. When the manure is
collected, it is benefitted much by a free application of elhoiv grease
in its preparation. The cultivator of the onion must work early and
late, and in good earnest. Nothing short of forcible a,nd persevering
labor will answer. No man who is afraid of soiling his hands or the
knees of his trowsers will do to engage in this business. Close work
at the proper time, is the only sure guarantee of a good crop.

3. The raising and planting of the seed.

In relation to the onion, as well as all other vegetables, much
care is necessary in the selection of the plants for seed, and the cul-
tivation ot the seed. By the application of this care, the character
of the article raised may be modified, almost at pleasure. Until
within a very few years, the fiat onion^ hollow about the stem, has
been preferred. The thinner the handsomer. But it is now under-

ESSAY ON ONIONS. 89

stood, that the round, thick, plump onion is preferable in many re-
spects. It is thought to yield better, and weigh heavier. It is
found to have a decided preference in the market, commanding
ten p>er cent more in price. By selecting those of most desirable
form, which ripen the earliest, and carefully setting them for seed,
where they will not be exposed to the impregnation of the baser sorts,
the quality has been materially changed and improved. These pecu-
liarities in the onion were first noticed in this vicinity by Mr. Daniel
Buxton. He was careful to select in the field before the crop was
gathered, such onions as he preferred, and to preserve them for seed.

By so doing, the seed which he raised soon acquired a character
superior to any other. Many of those who had been accustomed to
raise their own seed in the ordinary way, laid it aside, and purchased
seed raised by Mr. Buxton, and found their account in so doing.
There are three varieties of the onion raised in this vicinity. The
Silver-skin, the Red, and the White onion. The Silver-skin is the
predominant species, and more cultivated than all others. The Red
is pi'eferred by some, — sells better in some foreign max'kets, but does
not yield so abundantly. The White onion yields as well as either of
the others, is milder and preferable for immediate use ; it will not keep
as well, and is not fit for exportation ; which is the principal use made
of our onions.

The common drill machine is used for the distribution of the seed.
This admits of regulation, so as to scatter it more or less thick ; and
in this there is room for the application of sound judgement. The
usual quantity sown is about three pounds to an acre. As a general
rule, we should say, one pound of good seed was the proper quantity for
a quarter of an acre of land of good quality well prepared. It is de-
sirable to have the seed planted as thick as they will grow fairly, both
to secure a full crop, and prevent the onion growing too large. On
ions from one to two inches in diameter being preferred to those of a
larger size. The skilful cultivator carefully looks after all these little
incidents relating to his crop.

4. The care necessary to be applied while growing.

Much of the success of the crop depends on this care. At first
the plant is extremely tender, and requires to be handled with much
caution. Any derangement of the fibres or roots of the young plant,
is attended with prejudicial consequences. Much attention is neces-
sary to prevent weeds gaining the ascendancy ; and in eradicating the

12

90 ESSAY ON ONIONS.

weeds. Want of due care in this is often the cause of failure of a
crop. We have known the present season, a highly promising crop
to be injured twenty per cent at least, by permitting the weeds to re-
main unnoticed one week too long. This is especially true when
there has been a want of due care in preventing the scattering of the
seeds of the weeds on the land in the years preceding. Care should
be taken, both that no weeds shall ripen their seed upon the land,
and that no weed seed shall be found in the manure. In this respect
warm stable manure, muscle bed and ashes have a decided superiori-
ty over all other manures. Perhaps there is no plant more liable to
be injured by weeds than the onion. The fibres it sends out are very
numerous, minute, and tender ; any fracture of any of these necessa-
rily impairs the perfection of the plant. When the land is in proper
condition, two careful weedings are all that may be necessary. The
rest of the stirring of the ground that may be required to promote
the growth, can be done with the onion Jioe; an instrument, specially
constructed for the purpose, moving on wheels, and adapted to the
width of the rows. This hoe was invented by Mr. Joseph Bushby
of Danvers, an intelligent and successful cultivator of garden vege
tables, about twenty-five years since ; and was used by himself and
neighbors only for about ten years. It has now come into general
use, and saves much of back-aching labor. The usual distance be-
tween the rows is fourteen inches. This can be varied according to
the quality and condition of the soil. Keeping the ground well stir-
red, loose and free of weeds, greatly facilitates the bottoming of the
onion. There is no plant that will better reward diligent care in the
cultivation. The entire difference between a bountiful crop, and nO'
crop at all, often depends on this. The old maxim, "a stitch in time
saves nine" applies with great force in raising onions.

6. The blights and injuries to which the crop may be subject.

So far as we have observed, this crop is as certain as any other
that is cultivated. We know that onions will not grow without
a reasonable proportion of heat and moisture ; buc we have
rarely, if ever known, an entire failure of the crop, where due dili-
gence has been used. There are occasionally blights, the causes of
which we have not learned. The more prominent will be noticed.

Sometimes we have seen the plant covered with a small insect or
louse, that gives the top a white or Hght colored aspect, and stops
and stints the growth. These make their ajpearance about the

ESSAY ON ONIONS. 91

time the bottoming commences. We have heard their appearance
charged to the use of muscle-bed, — but whether they are hmited to
land on which muscle-bed has been used, we cannot say. We think
not. We think they are natural associates of the plant. The effect
of them is to diminish the quantity, but not to materially injure the
quality of the vegetable.

The crop is sometimes injured by a blue mould that gathers on the
tops, occasioned by fogs, or an excess of moisture from frequent and
long continued rains.

There is a ivorm or maggot, occasionally found upon the onion
plant, in the early stages of its growth, causing it to turn yellow and
die. This insect will be found in the bulb, originating from eggs laid
upon the leaves, by a small ash colored fly, the scientific name of
which is said to be Antliomyia ceparum (See Transactions of the N.
Y. State Agr. Soc. for 1843, page 135.) It comes to maturity in
less than a month ; so that there may be several generations in the
course of the season. Their appeance in this vicinity is rare. Pul-
verized charcoal and fire have beenTound the most effectual remedies,
against the ravages of this class of depredators.

The most annoying enemy of the onion, is the cut worm, or grub
worm. It probably is the same described by Dr. Harris, in his Re-
port on the Insects of Mass. injurious to vegetation, page 324,
there called ^^Agrotis devastator." And in the 1st vol. of Silli-
man's Jour, of Science, ^^Phaloena noctua devastator;''^ though Dr.
Harris does not mention the onio7i as among the plants upon which
it feeds ; probably considering it, like tobacco as too noisome to be
used by any decently civilized being. They are said "to seek
their food in the night, or in cloudy weather, and retire before sun-
rise into the ground, or beneath stones or any substance which can
shelter them from the rays of the sun ; here they remain coiled up
during the day, except while devouring their food, which they drag
into their places of concealment." The remedy for these worms,
suggested by our cultivators, corresponds nearly with that proposed
by IVIi-. Foote of Berkshire, "ifo catch them and pull their teeth
out.'''' This being effectually done to all, their operations will be
of a limited character. When this is omitted, we have sometimes
known whole fields almost entirely cut down by these rapacious de-
vourers. They sweep clean where they go, not suffering even the
weeds or any other herbage to flourish. They are more frequently

8*2 ESSAY ON ONIONS.

found on old ground than on new ; and particularly where the ground
has been covered during the winter with chichweed or oilier vegeta-
ble substance, on which the eggs from which they originate may
have been deposited. Hence a benefit of clearing the ground of
all vegetable matter or other obstructions, in the Autumn after the
crop is gathered. This clearing also facilitates the early planting in
the Spring. Autumnal ploughing, as it exposes the soil more fully
to the action of the frost, and disarranges all abodes for the winter
made by insects, may have a tendency to diminish their number.

6. The time and manner of harvesting.

When the tops begin to wither and fall, then it is usual to start
the onions from their bed and throw them together in rows, say eight
or ten growing rows into one. After they have lain thus about one
week, they are stirred and turned with a rake, and in about one
week more, when the ground is dry, and the weather fair, they are
gathered up by cart loads and taken to the barn. Here they are
sorted and cleared of refuse leaves, and then they are in a condition
to be bunched or barreled.

It should be remarked, that a large part of the labor of weeding.,
gathering and sorting the onion, can be performed by children from
ten to sixteen years of age. Boys of this age, when properly in-
structed, will do about as much as men. They are more nimble and
can come at the Avork with greater facility. The sorting of the onion
is frequently done by girls as well as by boys. From three to jive
dollars a week, at one cent a basket, are usually earned by them
during the period of harvesting — which includes the months of Sep-
tember and October. After the crop is taken off, if the surface is
sloping, it is useful to plough furrows about one rod apart, to keep
the surface from washing. Unless this is done, all the herbage being
gone, much of the soil will be likely to be misplaced, by the melting
of snows and running of water in the Spring.

The inquiry arises, whether the growth of the onion is limited to
soils of particular character, or whether it can be cultivated upon
any good soil, with proper attention. We know that there is a pop-
ular impression, that there are but few places in which the onion
can be cultivated advantageously. So far as our own observation has
extended, this impression is m a great measure erroneous. Like ev-
ery other plant, the onion grows best on very good soils, in very good
condition. But we have known very fair crops, on plain, light land,

ESSAY ON ONIONS. 90

after the same was well saturated Avith manure^ muscle led or ashes.
A good substratum must be laid before a good crop can be expected ;
and this being done, a crop maj be expected on almost any soil, that
will support other vegetables.

If we were asked, what course is best to be pursued with land, on
which onions have never been raised, to bring it into a condition for
a successful cultivation of the crop ; we should saj, begin by plough-
ing to the full depth of the nutritive soil, and during the first and
second years, thoroughly subdue and mellow the soil by the cultiva-
tion of crops of corn and carrots, with liberal dressings of manure ;
then thoroughly incorporate with the soil a dressing of strong ma-
nure, and muscle bed, just covering this dressing ; then harrow the
surface thoroughly, and clear it of all roots, weeds, or other obstruc-
tions ; then apply a coating of lively, well rotted manure to the sur-
face and bush harrow it ; and then it will be in a condition to receive
the seed, which is to be inserted as soon as the opening of the Spring
will admit of its being done.

We are aware that we make the raising of the onion dependant
upon severe labor and vigilant attention. We know that it can-
not be successfully done without these. But it is not labor lost.
No cultivation, within our observation, better repays for the labor
and incidental expenses. We have known, the present season, acres
that have yielded their owners, a net income of more than two hun.
dred dollars; and we know that a man with two boys, can well attend
to half a dozen acres of such cultivation. Surely, when as at pres-
ent, there is no limit to the demand for the article, and a ready cash
market, those who have acy^es and are willing to labor, need not be
in want of a fair compensation for their labor.

As samples of the present years produce in the town of Danvers,
we state the following; that have come under our notice.

Names.
John Peaslee,

Acres.
3

Produce.
1980 bushels.

Daniel Osborn & Son,

1\

870 "

James P. King,

1\

660 "

Aaron C. Proctor,
E. & D. Buxton,

6J

600 "
2750

Henry Bushby,
Joseph Bushby,

4
3

2000
1500

Yielding an average of more than 500 bushels to the acre.

AN ESSAY

ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE OAK, AND OTHER
FOREST TREES,

BY G. B. PERRY.

Our "Good Commonwealth," -with a wise and liberal forethought
for the prosperity and comfort of after generations, has by her con-
stituted authorities, offered through the County Agricultural Socie-
ties, liberal rewards to encourage and extend the cultivation of the
•oak and some other kinds of the forest trees. So far as I have
knowledge, these offers have been followed with very Umited success.
Either from real or imaginary difficulties attendant upon forest culti-
vation, very few in this, and it is believed in other counties, have
made any extended effo rts either to raise the trees for their own ben-
efit, or to entitle themselves to the premiums. These difficulties I
have supposed, and still suppose, are more imaginary than real,
■while at the same time they are operating very hurtfuUy in regard
to a great public and private injury.

Recently, Richard S. Fay, Esq. of Lynn, in a spirit of a wise and
noble spirited citizen, has made a generous gift to the Society in this
county, in the hope the society being enabled to offer still greater in-
ducements, might be instrumental of turning the attention of some
of the citizens to this important subject. Wishing as far as may be
to help forward an undertaking so closely connected as I believe this to
be, with the best interest of the County and State, I have concluded to
embody a few observations embracing either thoughts that may have
occurred to my mind, or facts that may have fallen under my obser-
vation. These I submit to the Officers of the Society, to be disposed
of as they Avill.

As the offer of R. S. Fay Esq., is confined to the producing of
the oak, I shall restrict myself to its cultivation, if not exclusively,
at least very nearly so.

Before I proceed I will introduce a remark that may be of service
to those about to engage in this matter, Avhich is, that in very few
of the cultivated or forest trees is the hybridizing process so preva-
lent as with the oak. To such an extent does this manifest itself,
that I have no recollection of having been with a man into any field

ESSAY ON FOREST TREES. 95

or forest covered with this tree, however extensive and particular
his previous observations miglit have been, who did not discover
trees possessing some peculiarities which he had not observed before,
peculiarities which if not great enough to constitute a new species,
were enough to attract notice and interest the feelings of those who
delight in the wonderful and varied w )rks of God.

Practically this observation will show that in selecting seed, where
a particular kind of tree is especially desired, that the acorns should
be taken from bearers which stand at a considerable remove from
others, or at least from lots where those alone prevail, which in char-
acter are like those it is wished to raise.

Taking into consideration the character of the soil in most parts of
this county, and the probable use to which those who shall reap the
field which we sow, may wish to devote the produce, I am inclined to
believe that good economy, and good taste unite in recommending
that the chief attention should be confined to the cultivation of the
white, grey, yellow and black species. These have each their pecu-
liar properties, fitting them for special uses, and each one for a ser-
vice which the others Avill not so well answer. While together they
meet most of the necessities which the other kinds growing freely in
this climate would be able to supply. Other kinds may be raised as
matters of taste, a pleasing variety would thus be given to our scen-
ery, audit is beheved in doing this, profit and pleasure would be found
to result from the same enterprize.

Two important questions present themselves here, on the right
answer to which depends in no small degree the success of this en-
terprise.

The first is, ought the acorns to be planted in the nursery, or in
open ground. In the fall, or in the spring.

The second. How shall the young trees be cultivated and
trained.

In respect to the inquiry whether the acorns should be planted in
the open ground or in the nursery, there exists a difference of opin-
ion among those who have enjoyed the best means of information,
whether we consider the extent of their inquiries or the results of
their own experiments. The same is true in relation to fall and
spring planting. I ayiII here introduce some extracts bearing
upon these subjects, as also some which refer to the expediency of
cutting down the tops of young trees in order to encoui-age a more

96 ESSAY ON FOREST TREES.

vigorous growth, and other particulars connected with the subject
generally.

I have concluded to present these statements in one body, think-
ing upon the whole that the end for which they are produced, would
be most fully answered, and that any reference which it was wished
to make to them, would be more easily effected.

EXTRACTS,

What is the best time to sow acorns ? and how may they be best preserved till
sown? are questions which admit perhaps of considerable difference of opinion. No
doubt, nature seems to dictate that the acorns should be committed to the ground as
soon ns they are perfectly ripe; for they will ofien begin to sprout even before they
fall trom the tree. But then, if sown immediately in autumn, they run great risk of
being devoured by birds, mice, and other vermin; wliile on the other hand, if kept
till towards spring, and in too dry a state, many will perish : and, again, if in a moist
one many more will sprout out to a considerable length and thus (as it is supposed)
exhaust their strength by premature vegetation. From an experiment made this year
quite accidentally, it would seem that neither the late sowing nor the sprouting of the
acorns is at all prejudicial to the future growth of the young plants. — Gardener's
Magazine.

Evelyn says, thitsowing acorns, &c., in iho autumn, appears to be the most natu-
ral method; but the destruction made by the field mouse, both at the time of sowing
and during the winter, has induced many genilemen to prefer the spring sowing to the
autumnal one. — JV. E. Farmer.

Oak coppices are made in France by sowing the acorns in the fall of the year along
with wheat or rye, or some other winter crop. The acorns are sowed broadcast, as
the grain that is sowed along with them. By the time that the grain comes off the
ground, the oaks get to be '.wo or three inches high, and are then allowed to grow
into a coppice. — N. E. Farmer.

I wish that all gentlemen thought on the coming scarcity of oak timber as I do,
they would not walk through their farms, withoui a pocket full of acorns to drop in
the hedge-side, and then let them take their chance. — Lord ColUngiuood.

South, a practical planter says, that any oak in a good soil and situation, will in
seventy-five years, from the acorn, contain a ton of timber, or a load and a half o f
square timber. The same oak at 150 years of age, will contain about eight tons of
timber, or twelve loads of square timber. — N. E. Farmer.

The author of the Agricultural Report of Scotland says : "Trees may be raised by
sowing seed on the spot where they are to grow." Mr. Miller says : 'Oaks are bes
produced from the acorns in the places where the trees are to remain, because those
which are transplanted will not grow to so large a size nor remain so long sound. In
removing any tree, some injury must be done to the fibrous roots, and especially to the
tap root, and the oflener the tree is removed the greater will be the injury.

In this respect, a tree which is permitted to grow in its original site, has an advan-
fgo over thi) transplanted tree. Some writers, however, maintain that two or three
times transplanting a tree is necessary to give it a fair start. Every root and fibre, they
say, which is cut oflT in order to transplant a treg is succeeded by several root? and
fibres, the number of vegetable mouths by which the plant procures food from the soil:

ESSAY ON FOREST TREES. 97

is thus increased, nn<l a moio rapid nnd vigorous f^rowth is the conscqusnce. The
acorns for planting onKs should bn taken from the largest and most thrifty trees. They
should ho. gathered as soon as they fill in tlio autumn, and kept in a box of sand till
spring. Then open them and plant such as have sprouted, allowing them no time to
dry.

Bradford, Nov 30th. 1847.
There is but one difficulty in raising oaks. Like all larg'^ seeds they are apt
to rot if planted in Autumn. The best metliod is, to put ihem into boxes with dtrt
intermixed, and let them freeze very hard; place them in a cold, shady place, and
cover them with straw, quite thick. They should be kept frozen to prevent rot, until
the ground is well settled. A hole in the ground, on the north side of a building, would
be the best place.
There is no difficulty in transplanting them.

Respectfully Yours,

WILLIAM HALL.

Mr. Hall is a very successful cultivator of trees. A man as certainly intended for
that business, as was the late worthy Mr. Manning. G, b. p.

This plan, Mr. Allen says in a subsequent communication, he carried out and
much to his satisfaction. Young and vigorous shoots were soon thrown out, which in
a few weeks become as tall as those which he cut off. Good shaped aud much more
thrifty.

Again, after several unsuccessful trials in planting (seeds of forest trees) on sward
land, I have ceased repeating them. I plough in June or July where 1 intend to
plant.— il/, Allen.

Cur forefathers did not, so far as we are aware, plant forest trees for our benefit,
they did not aniicipate probably that our supply would so soon be likely to fail us; but
they planted fruit trees for oar henedt; and from common justice, to say nothing of
benevolence, we ought, as we can anticipate their wants to plant for the benefit of pos-
terity.—i*'. G. Fesseaden.

The growth of oaks from the acorn is at first extremely slow. Whoever undertakes
thus to rear a forest, must exercise long patience and labor, as all philanthropists do
for the boncfil of those who will live after him.

Young trees from acorns are apt to be shrubby and ill shaped. None of mine ap-
pear as though they would grow to sightly aud valuable trees. Some of them have
been planted five years, and do not exceed fifteen inches in height. My present in-
tention is to cut them down to the ground about the first of next May. — M. Allen.

The best time for planting any kind of forest trees, I snppose, is at the season
when the seed is matured and naturally falls on the earth, in the months of October
or November. Some writers recommend the spring as preferable, but it is presumed
no other advantage can attend spring planting than something of greater security
against the devouring jaws of vermin. — M. Allen.

A writer in the New England Farmer, who styles himself "An Observer of Na-
ture," says that the white oak adapts itse.lf to almost any soil, is of fine appearince,
and the repute in which its timber is held is too well known to require comment. It
grows moderately fast, and in ordinary sitautions it attains a diameter of sx or eight
inches in twenty years.

The same writer observes that ornamental forest trees can be introduced with ad-

13

98 ESSAY ON FOREST TREES.

vantage and profit in belts for the protection of gardens, orchards and dwellings frosi
noxious winds. And in these undertakings, with a little attention, beauty aud econo-
my can be combined.

Among the trees which ho says can be thus introduced, is the oak.

In the fall of 1834, I planted between one and two bushels of white oak acorns,
in rows ten feet apart, made by ploughing a furrow, but from acorns, not a single tree
came up. I presume the early frost of that year killed the acorns before they were
ripe. — N. Webster.

A.Nichols, M. D. of Danvers, whose extensive scientific enquiries and nice prac-
tical observations, give great importance to his opinion, thinks that the oak trees
cannot be removed from the nursery to the open lot, without discouraging loss and
would therefore recommend field planting.

The second question is in respect to the treatment of the young
trees For many years, and to a very great extent, after the culti-
vation of the forest trees began to attract some attention in this coun-
ty, there seems to have prevailed an opinion, that they flourished
best where the earth was not moved around them, that in fact all
attempts at cultivation with plough, harrow, spade or hoe, was con-
trary to the laws of nature, and they would be very hurtful, if not
absolutely destructive. I have often heard statements to this effect
made, and have several documgnts to the same effect, from those
whose opinion on the subject is entitled to high consideration, and the
impression upon my mind is, that the same opinion to some extent is still
entertained. This opinion it is thought, may have had its rise from ex-
periments unhappily made, growing most hkely from the want of
a proper regard to the fact, that most trees standing near together,
the roots run very near the surface. The culture was too deep, and
many of the roots were either actually cut off, or much injured in the
operation. But whatever may have given rise to this opinion, or
may still give prevalency to it, there are are so many facts before the
public of a different result as to justify the belief that when right
culture is bestowed the happy fruits of labor will show themselves as
fully among tlie wild trees of the forest, as in the reclaimed ones
of the orchard.

In the cultivation of the oak so far as the moving and loosening
the soil is concerned, care must be taken not to injure the roots.
In trimming, it should be remembered that it is an increase of tim-
ber, and not as in an orchard, a crop of apples which should be con-
sulted.

When a seedling oak springs up, whether from an acorn acci-
dentally falling upon the ground, or placed there by the hand of

ESSAY ON FOREST TREES. 99

man, it will for the first year appear very weak, and seem rather
inch ned to spread itself out like a creeping vine upon the earth,
than to lift itself toward the higher regions. Few whose minds have
never been instructed on the subject, would be forward to believe
that from such beginnings, such great results were likely to follow.
That this fragile plant should grow to be the giant of the wood !
Such, however, are the mighty workings of those innate principles
which are calle d the laws of the material world. In cultivation, it
becomes of practical importance whether this apparently feeble
plant should be suffered to remain till it gathers strength to raise
itself upward, or after it has spread out its roots to a considerable
extent, and become thereby able to collect a considerable nourish-
ment, it may not be wiser to cut it down near the earth, under the
expectation justified by many experiments, that it would send out a
sprout, which, under these circumstances, would rise up straight
and soon attain a greater length even than the original stock that
had been taken away. The principal reason urged by those who
disapprove of this cutting down, is the alleged fact that sprouts
will never or rarely attain the size to which the original stock would
acquire, nor would they be so compact, strong or enduring. When
the sprouts spring from the stumps or roots of large trees, there
can, I apprehend, be little doubt of the validity of this objection,
so that if timber is the mark looked forward to, it probably must be
unwise to depend on a growth sprung up from the bottom of large
trees. If fuel for the fire is the result sought, the objection has
less weight, if we feel any regard should be paid to it. It is very
likely, indeed, in most instances, that from the great rapidity of
growth, that more would be gained fro m the increase in bulk than
lost in the want of solidity. In the present case, however, if the
cutting process be adopted, the tree is so small and bears so small a
proportion to the size of a fully developed tree, I must think the
objection has but little force, were it true, as this supposes it to
be, that the first shooting out of the tree did actually as time ad-
vances, rise up from its recumbent state and stretch its head heav-
enward. My own belief is, however, that this is seldom the case.
From what observation I have been able to make, I am convinced
that the top first thrown out does almost universally die either be-
fore or after a new sprout from near the earth starts forth, and that
this process of natm'e is only seconded by art when the top of the

100 ESSAY ON FOREST TREES

seedling oak, Avhotlier in the fickl or in the nursery, is taken away
to facilitate a better shaped and more vigorous growth. I have wit-
nessed this process in multiplied instances, not only in the oak but in
many other forest trees. Very few exceptions, it is apprehended,
can be found among the young seedlings which spring in the shade,
produced from whatever cause, and not many even in highly culti-
vated nurseries, even where the young plant stands fully exposed to
the biightness of day. I have raised a great many forest trees of
different kinds. I have in my nurseries but few which I supposed
would not be improved by removing the top after having attained
the age of three or four years. I have sometimes judged it neces-
sary to subject them to a second, and in some instances to a third
process. And I cannot believe from present appearances, that those
who in the future will be benefitted by them, will find in consequence
of thiS that they have lost in the compactness of the wood, strength
or durability. I ^ wish a fair experiment could be made. In this
way the question can only be fully settled. I know well that it must
require many years for a plantation put out for this purpose to ma-
-ture. More years indeed than any of the present generation
may hve to enjoy, or to labor, but there will come other and many
generations, who would be great gainers from such an establishment,
who without our forethought, would be left nearly, or quite as uncer-
tain as Ave are, and who coukl no more see the results of their own
efforts, than we of the present, can of ours. As things are, the
fathers must labor, and their children, or children's children must
reap the benefits of their labor.

How long it takes an oak to reach its ordinary growth, I do not
know that there are enough well attested facts, certainly I have them
not in my possession, to justify me to speak with definiteness. The
subject is an important and interesting one, and there is scarcely reason
to doubt that should one devote a little time, he might obtain much
useful information. There must be man^ trees of no inconsiderable
age and size in the county, whose springing *up must be known and
remembered by the aged of the present generation, or handed down
from the generations before their days. The society in my appre
hension, could hardly do a better service, than by some pecuniary
consideration to encourage justifiable enquiry. It would be of great
advantage in their present interesting operations. One fact I will
venture to state, proving a personal knowledge' of the trees, and of

ESSAY ON FOREST TREES. 101

their age, from information by the gentleman on whose property they
stood. In this instance there are four yellow oak trees standing
nearly in a row. The two outside ones being about twenty feet
apart. They stand on the side of a hill, sella san'Sy loam, — are
forty years old. The largest is estimated to contain two feet or more
of wood, the other not so much.

I have as proposed, collected and brought together these state-
ments, they are all of them from sources which entitle them to the
respectful consideration of all who wish for information on the sub-
ject concerning which they speak. The inference which ought to
be drawn from them, may be a question of some doubt. It cer-
tainly is likely to be of some perplexity to those who are about for
the first time to engage in tree cultivation, and may well raise some
doubts in the minds of those who have entertained confidence that
they had certainly found out the best way. It will not be my pur-
pose at this time, to go into a compaiuson of the actual superiority
of one or the other of them, though I am willing to state it as my
opinion, that in a large portion of cases in this county where it is
proposed to cultivate any number of what are rightly called the king
of the woods, that it will be effected with a less expense of labor, and
in a shorter space of time, by cultivating the trees in nurseries, "and
keepmg them there till they are six or more years old, before they
are transferred to an open lot. I think it not unlikely, that in many
instances they would be kept with advantage in the nursery till they
had attained to the age of ten years, and even more. I am inclined
also to the belief, that the spring is a better season than the fall to
plant the seed. I -will just add, that in most instances the seed is
likely to be covered too deeply.

Or an inference which I think may be fairly draAvn from the
authorities embodied is this, that it is by no means so difficult to pro-
duce and bring forward the young, plant as has been generally be-
lieved. We are not shut up to one course, various times and man-
ners of planting have been successfal, and the rules of different man-
ners of cultivation have given equal satisfaction. Oak trees then
can be raised, and they should therefore be raised, because many
would be benefitted thereby.

Of the general fitness of our soil to the production of the oak
in its full size, and greatest strength, we have pleasing demonstra-
tion in the majestic oaks which still remain scattered over most of

102 ESSAY ON FOREST TREES.

the county, as well as in the safety with which our majestic ships
built of our wood, and fashioned by the wise craftiness of our own
men, have resisted, and out-lived the mighty lifting up of the ocean-
wave*

The object which the society is pursuing, and which the worthy
individual referred to above, is so generously helping to carry out,
is one of great interest. I hope these efforts may be successful. It
is an enterprise connected with more and wider results then at first
thought are likely to be supposed. The mildness of our climate, the
purity of the air we breathe, the life and freshness of our water, the
plentifulness of refreshing showers, the fulness of the out-gushing
springs, the beauty of our scenery, the number and variety of the
beautiful songsters of the woods, the facility of raising many of the
tenjier plants, flowers and fruits, the perfection even of the apples,
pe^ars and peaches, which in addition to the pleasure we derive
from a rational use of them, are becoming an article of so extensive
a traffic, and a means of so much wealth, are all to a lesser or great-
er extent, connected with the success of this enterprise. From these
sources a most abundant reward would be obtained for all the money
and labor expended in carrying it out, were no returns to be expect-
ed from the growth of the trees themselves. If we value there-
fore the wealth or happiness of those who may come after us, or re-
gard the estimation in which we shall be held by those, whose gratified
feelings, and kind remembrance we wish to secure, we cantake no more
wise and sure course, than to cover our hills, ornament our plains, and
fill our valleys with a rich proportion, and pleasing varieties of the
forest trees. Mixing those that put forth their freshness in the
spring, with those which by their evergreen foliage, mantaln in win-
ter season, a pleasing contrast with the whiteness of the drifting
snow. With such an inheritance handed down to them, our chil-
dren's children made glad by the glory and beauty which they see
around, will say that we their fathers, were a wise and understand-
ing people.

AN ESSAY

ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE PEAR,

BY W. D. NORTHEND.

184T.

There is no tree in this Country more worthy of cultivation, or
which better repays the labor and expense of rearing than the pear
tree. The fruit is delicious, and in better demand in the market,
than any other grown on our soil. The superior varieties of this fruit
which have been introduced into the country within the past thirty
years from Europe, and especially from Belgium, which Downing calls
the Eden of the pear tree, have been Avidely distributed and extensive-
ly cultivated, so that their scions or stocks budded with them, may
be obtained at very little expense.

The pear tree was not a native of this country, but was imported
from Europe; yet there is, probably, no soil or climate in the world,
excepting in Belgium, better suited for its growth, than is to be found
in most sections of the United States. Downing, in his Horticultu-
ralist mentions as an instance of the state of the market for pears,
that a single grower and dealer sold in New York city in two years
past, $2000 worth of this fruit at nearly $12 per barrel. But the
climate and soil in this region is little if any less congenial to the
growth of the pear tree than that of New York. The gardens in and
about Boston, abound with all the varieties of this most excellent fruit
which is cultivated with complete success, and in tliis county there
is perhaps more attention at the present time paid to its cultivation ,
than in any county of its size in New England. The extensive and
valuable nurseries of this fruit in the neighborhood of Salem, have
been long and very favorably known among pear growers, and more
recently, large nurseries have been planted in West Newbury, Tops-
field and Hamilton, and very large numbers of young trees sold in ev-
ery town in the county ; and it is easy to anticipate that in a very few
years this fruit will become more abundant, and our farmers reap
rich harvests from their pear orchards. The cultivation of the pear
tree, rightly understood, is extremely simple, and with a judicious selec-
tion of soil and location, and proper attention after the trees are trans-
planted from the nursery, they become as hardy, and bear as certain
crops as the apple.

104 ESSAY ON PEAR TREES.

If any one expects to be successful in growing pears by merely
turning up the sod, and forcing the roots of a young pear tree under
it, and then leaving it to bring itself up, he will probably be disap-
pointed in the results. It is universally acknowledged by fruit grow-
ers that trees need cultivation as much as root crops, and that it is
as important to keep down grasses and weeds around their roots, as
around the roots of the corn or potatoe. If any one expects good
fruit, he mast be willing to labor for it, — to select his soil with care,
prepare it for the young tree, and cultivate the ground under the
tree whilst growing. The Earth is a generous mother only to the
industrious. The experience of fruit growers in this country has
been ably and faithfully collated by Downing in his admirable work
on "Fruits and fruit trees of America," and in the numbers of his
Horticulturalist,* and very little additional information can be given,
except in the application of his theories to the growth of the pear in
this vicinity. Some of his suggestions may require slight modifica-
tions on account of the difference between the climate in Massachu-
setts, and New Jersey, or New York, yet very little that is new or
original can be expected upon the subject.

Stocks for the Fear. The different stocks used for the cultiva-
tion of the pear, are the quince, white thorn, ash and pear, or free
stock. The quince and free stock are most common, although on the
ash the pear grows well, and is less liable to be injured by the frost
in the spring as the sap rises later. The quince stock answers well
for a very small garden, or when the cultivator wishes to obtain a
great variety, and but few of a kind, as the tree is always a dwarf,
but in large gardens the free stock is generally preferred. The
quince is short lived, not usually bearing more than ten or twelve
years, and is subject to attacks from the borer. Of free stocks, seed-
lings are much to be preferred to suckers. The latter are generally
deficient in roots, are longer in getting started, are less healthy,
and will when growing, throw up suckers from the rf)ots.

Seeds from natural pears are more sure to vegetate, and produce
hardier stocks than those from grafted fruit. It is important also,
to select the seeds of large pears, as the stocks from them are more
thrifty, than those from the seeds of small ones. A friend informs

* "The Horticulturalist and Journal of rural art and rural taste, edited by A. J.
Downing. Published by Luther Tucker at Albany, N. Y., and by Joseph Brcck &
Co ., Boston." It is a monthly periodical, well worihy encouragement.

ESSAY ON PEAR TREES. 105

me, that several years since, he planted a seed bed, one half with
seeds of small, and the other half with seeds of large pears, the soil
in each part of the bed being of equal richness, and that the result
was, the first year the trees from seeds of large pears were thrifty
and grew well, while those from seeds of small pears were puny
and stinted, and that a decided difference in the growth of the trees
could be distinctly seen during the whole time they were in the nur-
sery.

The seed bed for pears should be in a rich soil, which should be
trenched to the depth of fourteen to eighteen inches, and the sub-
soil well mixed with rich compost. The seed should be sown in the
Autumn, in wide drills from two to three feet apart, to allow the
passage of the cultivator between them. The next summer, the
young trees should be thinned out, so that they shall not stand near-
er than two to three inches to each other. The ensuing autumn, the
trees should be covered with coarse stable manure, six inches deep,
or with evergreen boughs. This covering should remain till the
last of April or first of May. Young trees are not injured, as is
sometimes supposed, by severe cold in winter, but by the frequent
freezing and thawing of the ground, in an early spring. They are
sometimes, when not protected, thrown entirely out of the ground
in the spring, even when the tap roots are as long or longer than the
tree itself, and whe n thrown out in this manner, the slightest frost
is fatal to them. Hon. A. W. Dodge, of Hamilton, reared a nursery
of young pear trees with great success, several years since, without
protecting them in any manner the first winter. But I am inclined to
beUeve that their preservation was to be attributed to the propitious
season, rather than to their favorable location. A friend of mine some
four years since planted a seed bed in a most favorable situation, and
left the trees without any protection the first winter. The result was,
that they were all thrown out of the ground and killed by the action
of the frost in the spring. The reason that pear trees are thrown
out by the frost more easily than any others is, that the first year
they have no lateral roots to resist the action of the frost. They
have but one straight tap root. The apple and other fruit trees
throw out lateral roots the first year, which fasten the trees to the soil
so that they cannot be thrown out by the frost. The second year the
trees will need no protection, as by that time they throw out lateral
roots. The second spring the trees should be transplanted from the

13

106 ESSAY ON PEAR TREES.

seed-bed and set out in rows, in the nursery. If the soil is good,
they should be budded during the second and third years of their
growth, and for this purpose the month of August is preferable.

Soil and preparation of it for transplanting. A good loam, on a
dry and loose subsoil, is the best for the cultivation of the pear. Eleva-
ted vspots are preferable, and in this climate a southern exposure is
always to be chosen. Heavy, rich soils, with hard pan beneath, are
unfavorable for the pear. A rich soil tends to force the wood of the
tree into a very luxuriant growth at the expense of the fruit, and
the wood made on such soils is frequently a late growth, unripe when
attacked by the frost in Autumn, and liable to be killed by the frozen
sap blight ; and when covering a clayey subsoil, usually retains an un-
due amount of moisture, which is very injurious to the roots of the
tree. Some recommend, on such lands, to dig a large hole into the
subsoil, and fill it with properly prepared earth. But this is evidently
injudicious, for a complete basin is by that means created, without
any outlet, and all the evils of constant moisture and rich soil will
follow. The wood of the tree will be forced, and the roots decay in
consequence of such treatment. Pear roots need moisture, but it is
injurious for the water to remain and stagnate about them. The sub-
soil should be of such character as to allow it to drain off readily.
For this reason the slope of a hill is preferred for standard trees.
The subsoil which is best for the pear is seldom covered with a loam
strong enough even for the pear, consequently the land should be
properly manured and cultivated before the trees are planted. The
best manures for this purpose are muck, meadow-mud, or muscle-bed
"well pulverized ; other manures well composted will answer where
the above mentioned cannot be readily obtained. Where the soil is
very Ught and dry, a top dressing of clay is very beneficial. The ma-
nure should be well rotted and incorporated into the soil before the
pear trees are planted.

Transplantiyig , and best time for doing it. Having selected the
spot for pear trees, and prepared the soil for their reception, the next
process is the transplanting of the trees. This is usually done when
the trees are from two to three years on the bud. Pears grafted on
free stocks, should be sot out in gardens from fifteen to twenty feet
apart, and in orchards, from twenty to twenty-five feet, to allow suffi-
cient room for the growth of the branches and nourishment for the
roots. Pears grafted on the quince stock or thorn, may be set out

ESSAY ON PEAR TREES. 107

■within eight or ten feet of each other. In planting the tree, a hole
should first be made from twelve to twenty inches deep, depending
upon the character of the subsoil, and of width sufficient to embrace
all the roots without turning them in. The roots of the tree to be
planted should be carefully examined, and all defective or bruised
ones cut off smoothly, and the tap root, if long, should be severed.
The tree should then be carefully inserted in the hole, and good fine
loam carefully packed in around the roots, care being taken to press the
earth under the roots so as to leave no vacuum The roots should be
spread out horizontally, and great care taken to cover with very fine
earth the little fibres from the roots which are essential to the nour
ishment of the tree. The tree should not be shaken or pressed down
after the dirt is filled in around it, as the effect is to injure and break
off the fibres. No manure should be put into the hole with the roots,
as in dry weather it heats and burns the roots so as to cause the tree to
blight. Care also should be taken not to set the tree too deep, as it is
oftentimes fatal. The depth of the nursery is generally sufficient.
After the tree is set out, particularly if done in the autumn, the earth
should be pressed down around it gently, and the tree surrounded,
to a height of twelve or fifteen inches, with a conical mound of earth.
The mound serves better than stakes to support the tree, and is also
a protection against the frost. The earth should remain until the tree
gets firmly rooted, when it may be levelled down. It is always inju-
rious to leave the earth in the autumn so as to form a basin around
the trunk of the tree for the water to collect in and freeze. Trees
are very frequently winter killed by being so left.

There seems to be a diversity of opinion among pear growers, as
to the best season of the year for transplanting pear trees. Some
prefer the autumn, while many prefer the spring. Downing prefers
the autumn for light and loose soils, and the spring for heavier land.
His view is, that trees set out in the fall get rooted before winter, and
are some weeks more forward in the spring. These views are more
suited to the climate of New York and New Jersey, than of Massa-
chusetts. For I apprehend the experience of pear growers in
this region will show that the tree when set out in the fall does not
put out any new roots before the winter sets in. Manning in his
work on trees, says, "The impression that fibres will form in the
autumn from newly set trees, is common, but I have never witnessed
it." Cold weather sets in in this State so soon after the leaves fall

ESSAY ON PEAR TREES. 108

that tliere is no time for the trees to get started. Another objection
to fall planting is that the trees not taking root are more liable to get
disturbed in their places by the storms and high winds than -when set
out in the Spring. If transplanted in autumn it should be done aa
soon as the trees shed their leaves freely.

Treatment after transplanting. A pear tree needs cultivation af-
ter it is set out. The ground should be kept open and mellow, and
until the tree has been set out six to eight years at the least, the
ground should not be laid down to grass, and then not more than on^
or two years at a time. The best way to enrich the soil about
the roots of the tree, is to cover the surface of the ground aroun d
the trunk with manure in the autumn, which will serve as a protec-
tion against the frost in the winter, and the liquid which leaches from
it into the ground will afford proper nouri shment for the roots, and in
the spring to spade the manure into the ground. This should be
done every year. It is better to do it regularly, than to give it an
occasional heavy manuring. If the tree should be too luxuriant, it
is well to lay bare the roots two or three weeks in the fall, and with
a sharp instrument to cut off the tap root. Air-slacked lime or
ashes applied to the soil promotes the growth of fruit spurs and
buds. The pear tree needs but very little pruning except when the
branches become diseased.

Diseases of Pear Trees. — The principle diseases to which pear
trees are subject are insect blight and the frozen sap blight. The
insect blight shows itself in June and July. The end of the branch
suddenly turns brown and in a few days black and hard. The in.
sect which causes this is called the scolytus pyri. It is a species of
beetle not more than one tenth of an inch in length. It deposits its
eggs in July and August in or near the bud. The ensuing season
the insect perforates toward the centre of the branch and causes the
blight. The remedy for this is to cut off and burn the branch some
inches below the blighted portion. The symptoms of t\iQ frozen sap
blight are, the appearance of a thick clammy sap upon incision of the
bark of the tree in spring or autumn, and the appearance in spring
and early summer of shrivelled and black portions of bark on the
branches. The disease is caused by the winter setting in before the
wood of the pear tree is ripe. The vessels being full are frozen and
thawed with the change of the temperature and the vitality of the
sap is lost and instead of performing its usual functions in promoting

ESSAY ON PEAR TREES. 109

the growth of the tree, becomes transformed into a slow poison.
When the sap rises in the spring the poisoned sap becomes mixed
with it and is carried to the various branches of the tree and causes
the effects described. The remedy for it is to cut off the affected
branches as soon as the blight appears. Downing recommends
whitewashing the trunk and branches of the tree in the fall as a pre.
ventive against this disease. Whitewash reflects the rays of the sun-
and prevents the rapid thawing of the bark which causes the blight.
There is however but little to be apprehended with us from the fro.
zen sap blight except to trees planted in rich and damp soils and it
is only to trees planted in such positions that the preventive will bo
useful. In light soils the wood ripens sufficiently early to be out of
the way of the frost. In addition to the diseases named, the leaves
of the pear tree are subject in July and August to attacks of th e
slug worm. These may be easily destroyed by applying a mixture of
whale oil soap and water to the leaves, or by throwing wood ashes on
them in damp weather. Ives in his excellent work on fruit trees
makes mention of an insect which he calls coccus, which attaches it-
self to, and sometimes covers the bark, for which he recommends a
strong solution of whale oil soap and water, applied with a stiff
brush.

Crathering the Fruit. — Summer and Fall pears should with very
few exceptions be gathered before they are fully ripe, and allowed to
mature in the house. Some extensive growers have apartments fit-
ted up with shelves expressly for this purpose. Most superior varie-
ties if permitted to ripen on the trees, become dry and insipid.
Another advantage of gathering them before maturity is that they
ripen gradually and are a longer time in eating. The fruit and
trees are also prevented from injury from storms and high winds by
this method. Winter pears should be allowed to remain on the tree
as long as possible without danger of injury from the frost, and when
gathered should be carefully packed and kept in a dry place.

Varieties of the Pear. The varieties of the pear are almost end-
less. New kinds are obtained by crossing, and in the garden of the
Horticultural society at London, more than seven hundred kinds
have been proved. Most of these originated in Belgium, although
some of the finest, such as the Seckle, the Dix, Buffum's, Dearborn's
seedling and Andrew's pears, originated in this country. Many of
the Belgian pears which have been cultivated with great success in that

110 ESSAY ON PEAR TREES.

country, liave not been fully tested with us. The soil and climate
have considerable effect upon the quality of the pear. Varieties
which in one soil and climate are superior, in another are secondary.
And of the pears which have been fully tested, it is impossible to
select a limited number which may be recommended as decidedly su-
perior, as the tastes of different individuals differ very much in regard
to this fruit. In conversation with a nursery-man in Salem some
weeks since, upon the comparative excellence of the different varie-
ties, he stated that of the many varieties in his nursery, he consid-
ered the Bartlett the most inferior. Many others entertain the same
opinion of this most popular and excellent fruit. This difference of
opinion is shown in the replies made by different nurserymen to the
enquiries which have been made at different times through the Horti-
cultural papers as to the best varieties for a small garden. There
are very few whcagree upon a selection. The best way for a per-
son to decide upon a selection is to try for himself the different va-
rieties and select according to his taste.

We can only hope, in conclusion that the farmers and gardeners
of Essex connty will turn their attention more to the cultivation of
the pear. By a very little labor any one who has a small spot of
ground can supply himself with an abundance of this most delicious
fruit, and there is no crop that can be raised which will be a better
or surer source of income to the cultivator.

AN ESSAY

ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE CRANBERRY,

BY DAVID CHOATE.

Although Cranberries have grown upon the wild vines in Barn-
stable County so long, that, in the language of the law, the mem-
ory of man runneth not to the contrary, the cultivation of this deli-
cious fruit opens a neiv field of enterprise to the Agriculturist. The
names, it is true, of a few individuals in Dennis and Yarmouth,
who are said to have paid attention to the subject some twenty years
ago, are given in the Agricultural papers ; but probably the number
was small indeed. The early volumes of the New England Farmer,
even when conducted by the far reaching Fessenden, appear to be
silent upon the subject. The word Cranberry, whether relating to
the cultivated or wild kind, does not occur in Varlo's Husbandry,
published in 1785, nor in Deane's New England Farmer, in 1795 ;
neither is it to be found in Nicholson's Farmer's Assistant, a valuable
work published as late as 1820. Other acids were substituted for
the table, and cranberries have not unfrequently been a drug in the
market at a dollar or even fifty cents a bushel. Indeed, of so little
consequence is the culture of this fruit, considered ever since, that
town Assessors, in reporting full statements of fruits and other escu-
lent vegetables, agreeably to an order of the Legislature, though
they can sometimes find room for even the diminutive and short
"whortleberry," and are known actually to have returned "ten
pounds of hops," as indication of the industry of the town, find no
room for Cranberries ; and it does not appear from the returns that
more than 125 bushels have been groAvn in the entire Common-
wealth. And this withholding of information on the part of those
who are able to furnish it, presents not a greater obstacle in furnish-
ing out a chapter on the subject, than the singular conflict of opin-
ions among those who do speak and write. Let any one sit down to
the purpose of preparing himself to cultivate cranberries, especially
upon high land, shaping his plans according to the newspaper arti-
cles upon the subject, as they have appeared for a few years past,
and he will probably find the whole subject appearing much as Dr.
Johnson found the English language, when he took his first survey
of it, "copious without order, and energetic without rules." Choice

112 ESSAY ON THE CRANBERRY.

is to be made out of "boundless variety," and errors are to be detect-
ed without any settled test. If any action of our County Society shall
prove effectual in eliciting information, positive, definite, reliable in-
formation in relation to it, it will render an essential service.

That it would be for the interest of our farmers, who have low or
meadow land capable of being flowed occasionally with water, to cul-
tivate cranberries cannot admit of a doubt ; because in such situa-
tions, even under an administration of "slovenly neglect," they
often yield in abundance. It may be, indeed, that the demand at
present, is not urgent. It may be that they are sometimes hawked
about the country at one dollar a bushel. And what if it sometimes
is so ? An increase of the supply will increase the demand, even at
an augmentation of the price. Hitherto, apples have filled a large
share of the department which rightfully belongs to the cranberry,
because in the country, every family has, or may easily have an
orchard or at least a tree ; while few, even now, for a moment en-
tertain the idea that the dehcious fruit of which we are speaking,
can be grown upon any land fit for an orchard, in far less time than
an apple tree possibly can, with the great advantage of being sub-
ject to no borer, canker worm or catterpillar. For these reasons it
is, that cranberries are not usually found upon the list of family ar-
ticles which must he had : and accordingly they may have often been
offered, Avithout finding sale.

Is the Cranberry capable of being transferred from low, wet land,
to that which is high and dry ?

And would it be a profitable crop npon high land ?

These are questions which it is proposed to consider at some length.
And as regards the first inquiry, before noticing experiments re-
cently made, and which may succeed or may finally fail, it may be
well to ascertain what opinions have been entertained among the learn-
ed on subjects analagous to this. Have any theories ever been ad-
vanced among scientific men, irrespective of this question, which
would make it probable that any vegetable could be subjected to a
transition so violent as that from wet to dry, and not only survive
it, but triumph over it ? This is material, because many minds,
believing it subversive of nature's laws, calmly conclude that the
few cases of supposed success are accidental, out of course, and
upon the regular recurrence of which no one could calculate with the
slightest safety.

ESSAY ON THE CRANBERRY. 113

[Here the manuscript contains quotations at considerable length
from various authorities, to prove, which they do successfully, that
many trees and other plants which naturally grow only in wet and
peaty soils, have been successfully cultivated on high and even dry
'grounds, and both the quality and productiveness thereby improved,
and the inference legitimately drawn therefrom is, that there is
nothing impossible — nay nothing improbable in the supposed fact,
previous to any experiments, that the cranberry may be removed to
upland soils and there grow luxuriantly, bearing more abundantly
fruit of more excellent quality.]

These quotations are from Turner's Letters on Sacred History,
pages 91, 95 and 157 ; J. Smith's Introduction to Botany, page
95th ; Dr. Walker ; the London Encyclopaedia, article on Garden-
ing ; Dr. Underhill, Patent Office Reports, 1845, page 431 ; which
on account of their length, and the unusual quantity of matter for
the pamphlet, are by the consent of the author omitted.

The Albany Cultivator, vol. 9, page 93, informs us, on the au-
thority of Loudon, that Sir Joseph Banks, who obtained the cran-
berry from America, raised on a square of eighteen feet, three and
a half bushels, equal to 460 bushels to the acre ; and the Boston
Cultivator informs us, that it was in the garden of Sir Joseph that
the berries grew. Nothing is said of the use of water. The infer-
ence is as fair that it was not used as that it was.

Mr. Cole, of the Boston Cultivator, April 5, 1845, remarks as
follows : "We have seen cranberries flourish well on land that was
sufficiently dry to produce good potatoes ; the soil a black loam."

In the Cultivator of Sept. 13, 1845, Mr. Cole observes: "As
we have had so many inquiries on the cultivation of the cranberry,
and as they usually grow in wet ground, we lately noticed particu-
larly a spot that was remarkable for an abundance of excellent fruit,
by the side of a piece of water, which was on good tillage land.
On examimng the soil, 'we found that it was a dark sandy loam, and
we are informed that beneath a few inches of the dark loam, was a
white sand."

The Patent Office Report, for 1845, pp. 430 and 431, contains a
discussion in the New York Farmer's Club, during which Gen.
Chandler presented cranberry plants "with their great crop of fruit,
&c.," raised by Mr. Sullivan Bates, of Beilingham, Mass. He
stated that "it was produced by his new method, transplanting

15

114 ESSAY ON THE CRANBERRY.

from loio grounds to high. "His success," said Oen. C, "was?
complete ; he gathered from one acre about four hundred bushels of
cranberries in one season.''^ The Chairman spoke of an experiment
of his own. He sai4 ho "took from swamps on Gen. Johnson's
place, some cranberry plants, and planted them on ground eighty
or a hundred feet above the swamp ; they thrived, and the fruit
was so close together, that one could hardly put the finger in, with
out touching the cranberries.^^ He afterwards remarked that the
soil was loamy and that he "watered them well." It does not ap-
pear whether he tried any without watering, but boasts of "not
losing ten out of the one hundred and fifty plants." It Avill be in-
teresting to know the fact, that in the experiment made by Capt.
Low, of Essex, although he set out near thirteen hundred plants,
(on soils,) yet without any artificial watering, he lost not one.

Thus much for the published accounts that have come to hand.
An intelligent gentleman from South Hadley, Mr. Ripley, states
orally, that for ten years (the time of his residence in that town) he
has been famihan? with a spot of cranberries, growing upon a dry,
hungry knoll of sandy loam, bearing plentifully every other year,
and some every year. He remarked that when the soil had been a
little broken, the runners were more vigorous and in better bearing
than when the sward was firm. Mr. R. also states that Mr. Robert
Brainard, of the same town, transplanted cranberry sods from the
meadow into his tillage laud in June last, (1847) and they have al-
ready produced the full grown cranberry. He is so gratified and
surprised at this result, that he intends to enlarge his lot without de-
lay. As evidence of the nature of the soil, Mr. Ripley states that
Indian corn was growing in the same field, and potatoes directly
along side."

Abel Burnham, of Essex, exhibited at the cattle show in Lynn,
in September last, a handsome specim en of cranberries, raised up-
on sixty-four rods of high land, — land which is well known to have
been formerly cultivated with Indian corn. As evidence of the har-
dy and almost indestructible nature of this plant, it is said by per-
sons upon whom the utmost reliance may be placed, that in one case
at least, the cranberry vine appears to grow in a bed of the purest
gravel.

The last case of which it is proposed to speak, though others are
by no means wanting, is that of the experiment of Capt. Winthrap

ESSAY ON THE CRANBERRY. 115

Low, of Essex, a report of Avhich, accompanied bj his statement,
will be found in another part of the Transactions for this year. The
sods were taken dripping from the meadow in the month of May, of
the present year, and within a day or two were set in a soil of sandy
loam, a part of 3''ellow appearance, and a smaller part being dark.
Capt. L. used no water at all about the plants, and though the quan-
tity of rain in May was small, (two and seven-eighths inches only,)
yet every vine lived, and as appears from the report and statement,
nearly every hill produced berries. The amount of rain during the
six months beginning with May, has indeed been greater than usual,
viz: twenty-five and three-eighths inches; in 18-16, for the same
months it being but fifteen and seven-eighths inches ; in 1845, twen-
ty-two and seven-eighths ; in 1844, tAventy-one and three -quarters ;
and in 1843, nineteen and three-quarters inches. But the soil is not
retentive of moisture, and the two or three extra inches of rain the
present year could have made but little difference on that account.
The ground always appears dry in a few hours after a shower, a faci
accounted for partly by the porosity of the soil, and partly by the
surface itself, which is descending, at the rate of six and one half
feet in eight rods. Water could not long stand upon any part of
that land, and the whole experiment is a grand triumph over suppos-
ed impossibilities. It is true the vines have not yet had a trial of
even a single year. But if the difiicult stage of taking root is pas-
sed ; if the plant ' has sought and found its proper aliment, if in
short it has in its new and strange situation already taken root down
ward and borne fruit upward, what other greater difficulty can there
be? It is believed there is none.

It is not to be forgotten that the foregoing facts are in singular
contrast with nearly all that has been written and published upon the
subject of cranberry culture. The Yarmouth Register seems to lead
oBF, and coming from Barnstable county, where the Halls, the Hal-
lets and the Thatchers have so long been sowing and reaping, its au-
thority seems to be unquestioned. What mode does the "Register*'
recommend ? As quoted in the Pat. OflF. Rep. before referred to,
this authority says, "the cranberry will live and grow in compara-
tively dry soils, but ivlll not hear fruit unless its roots are immersed
in ivater all the year:' Again, ^Hhere must he an abundant siq^ply
of water all the year:'' again, "the ground must be saturated with
water;" and again, ''in a selection of a situation for his cranberry

116 ESSAY ON THE CRANBERRY.

yard, the cultivator must observe first, whether the soil is of a loose,
porous character, easily permeable to water; and second whether
there will be an abundant supply of water in the driest season." If
this is the true mode of cranberry culture, then probably it has seen
its glory. But what have been the results under the water system,
and,. what upon the opposite one ?

The New England Farmer for 1832, page 348 informs us that
Mr. Hall of Barnstable who "has been engaged for twenty years in
the cultivation of the cranberry, had averaged seventy bushels per
acre for ten years, and some seasons had had one hundred bushels.'*
There the roots Were undoubtedly kept "saturated with water,*' be-
cause to give "an abundant supply of water" is the universal prac-
tice in that county ; and yet the maximium quantity is "one hun-
dred bushels per acre;" while Sir Joseph Banks, in his garden, of
course without extra water, produced 460 bushels to the acre ; and
the chairman of the New York Farmer's'club gave it as his opinion,
after his experiment upon land "eighty to one hundred feet above
the swamp," that five hundred dollars might be obtained for a full
crop of an acre;" Mr. Bates of Bellingham having gathered "four
hundred bushels from an acre in a season, the plants had been trans-
planted from low grounds to high." *

So far then as the experiments have proceeded it is a most grati-
fying fact that the cheapest mode of cultivation proves to be the most
productive. If the Barnstable theory is wrong therefore, it is high
time the public mind were disabused. That this fruit will bear so
great, so violent a change of situations without damage, nay with ab-
solute improvement, is remarkable, is astonishing truly ; but if it be
true that it will, then surely we ought to know it and have the bene-
fit of it.

There is one other item in the Barnstable mode of culture which
requires attention. It is the use of sand. The Yarmouth Regis-
ter is as full and positive in relation to this as it was respecting wa-

* James N. Lovell gives the Barnstable County Agricultural Society a state-
ment of his mode of cultivating cranberries. He says, that in 1844 he set out cran-
berries on what had been a cedar swamp, covered over with beach sand. They have
done well, and the average yield the past season, was a bushel and a half to the
square rod, or 240 to the acre. Ho kept the land flooded with water till the 15th of
April, each year. He speaks of a worm that has sometimes attacked the vines, and
to destroy which, he recommends sowing on them salt or ashes about the middle of
July, while wet with dew, at the rate of a bushel to 40 rods.

ESSAY ON THE CRANBERRY. 117

ter, and insists that there must be "from four to six inches of sand," —
"cover the surface with beach sand" — "if not, with any sand that
does not contain loam, or surface soil." It is possible that the vines
grow in spite of it, rather than in consequence of it. Sir Joseph
Banks says nothing of it; the New York club never heard of it,
judging from the reported cases. Mr. Cole was once told that in a
certain case there was some, l)ut that it was under the loam or sur-
face soil, a thing to be excluded at Barnstable altogether. There
was none near the vines at South Hadley, as Mr. Ripley declared,
that town being some sixty miles from the sea. Capt. Low in his lot
used sand on a part of it, having been led to it, by the public prints,
but there is no perceptible difference in the appearance of the vines
where it was used and where not. The inference is therefore irre-
sistible, that sand is not indispensable certainly, and probably not
necessary at all.

But it is time to consider the second inquiry, viz : whether it
would be profitable to cultivate cranberries upon high land, and it
cannot take much time to answer it. If the minimium quantity
with Mr. Hall was seventy bushels per acre, and j\Ir. Bates has eas-
ily procured four hundred bushels, and if according to Mr. Coles,
two hundred bushels is a medium crop, what other vegetable at even
one dollar a bushel begins to compare with it for profit ? For it
must be recollected that no manure is necessary from beginning to
end, and after the vines once cover the ground (and this appears to
be in from three to five years,) no farther labor is necessary other
than that of gathering the berries, and that at an expense of about
twenty cents per bushel. All cultivators however lay it down as
important that the cattle should be kept off, and not allowed to tram-
ple upon them. Here there will necessarily be a loss of fall feed,
necessary to be taken into the account in making up the bill of profit
and loss.

It may be properly stated too on the authority of Mr. Worth, a
member of the New York club, that "the cranberry of Russia is lar-
iger than that of England, but both of them are scarcely half the
size of those raised by Mr. Bates, procured by transplanting from
low grounds to high, and of much inferior flavor." If Mr. Worth is
accurate in this statement, and there is no known reason for doubting
it, it is not extravagant to suppose that even foreign markets may
open for the American Cranberry. Might it not have been a

118 ESSAY ON THE CRANBERRY.

l)elief in the superiority of the American to that of the English,
that led Sir Joseph Banks to procure the former for his garden
culture ?

But without anticipating any conjectured market abroad, there is
no reason to believe that the home demand can be at present fully
met. Let the public but once know that a supply of this delicious
berry can be always and easily had, aye and be as easily cultivated
as the apple itself, if not more so, and the demand Avould soon outrun
the supply. Most families are compelled to rely for half the year up-
on apples for sauce and pies, and the pickled cucumber, indigestible
and dangerous as it is, and often thrown away as it always ought to
be, is retained upon the farmers' table, merely because it is the only
thing of the kind known that can be kept through the year ; while
the voluptuary adds "Spanish Olives," "Walnut Ketchup" and what
not, more indigestible and dangerous still. What an opportunity to
bring forward and substantiate the pure acid of the cranberry ! For
culinary purposes it must be cheaper. Apples are held to be unfit
for pie or sauce till every element of the natural flavor almost is de-
stroyed or neutralized by the rose water and the spice. But give to
cranberries the quantum sufficit of one single thing, "sweet cane,"
and they never tire. The amount of acid in a single bushel is not
to be overlooked, and the augmented amount especially, when diluted
for the taste. When these and other familiar facts are considered,
the value and advantage of the fruit in question begins to be felt and
known.

Let as many then as will, go forth, "weeping," if they must, but
go forth bearing seed, and I can but think that in due season they
will return bringing their sheaves with them. The number of those
who will continue to doubt whether tl^e vines will "outlive the first
year or two," or who will wait to know whether they will survive the
winter without having "their roots saturated in water," will always
be so large, that the enterprising will find an open field and fair play.

Our country consumes eighteen thousand dollars worth of foreign
fruit a year ; and of the single spice called pepper, we use a good
three million dollars worth a year. With such facts as these before
us, can any one for a moment fear an over-supply of the fruit, the
cultivation of which it has been the object of this essaj to recommend.

AN ESSAY

ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE APPLE^

BY JOHN M. IVES.

1847.

The apple is imcloubtedlj the most valuable fruit of temperate^
climates, and in no part of the world does it succeed better than ia
our own New England. There are not to be found finer varieties
than have been produced in Massachusetts. Such are the "Bald-
win," "Hubbardston Nonsuch," "Minister," "Porter," "Lyscom,"
"Williams' Favorite," "Roxburj Russet," "Ben of Reading," and
the "Mother."

This fruit is unquestionably the most profitable , as well as easiest
of culture for the farmer. The earliness of some varieties, and the
long keeping properties of others, render the apple one of the
choicest gifts of nature. One of the first and most successful cul-
tivators of this fruit in our country, was William Coxe, of BurHng-
ton, in New Jersey, who had in his orchard some thirty years since
upward of one hundred sorts ; many of these trees are now in a
thrifty state, particularly those that were engrafted upon suckers.
We have for some time been convinced that sticJcers make good
stocks ; and the above in relation to Coxe's Orchards of the Apple,
(as we were informed during a recent visit to Burlington ;) seems to
corroborate this. The roots of suckers are more inclined to take a
horizontal direction than seedHngs, which are apt to extend down-
wards into a cold sub-soil. Leibig's, the great Agricultural chem-
ist, leading principle is, that the carbon of plants is chiefly derived
from the atmosphere ; which suggests the importance of admitting
arr to the roots of plants, by inviting them to the surface. The sup-
ply of suckers, however, is so limited, as at least one half of those
taken from around trees, have not sufficient roots, and many of
them crooked stems, we must propagate from seed ; usually obtained
from the pomace of the cider mill.

Sowing seed. The seed must be sown in autumn, in drills in well

pulverized soil; keeping the surface loose and free from weeds. In

1 the spring of the second season, as early as the weather will admit,

we select the largest of one year's growth, take them up, shorten

their tap-roots, and then plant them out in nursery rows, one foot

120 ESSAY ON THE APPLE.

apart, and three feet between the rows. The following autumn, we
generally bud all these within three inches of the ground. This is
usually done in September, and generally succeeds best when per-
formed in cloudy weather, or in the morning or evening ; for the
great power of the mid-day sun is apt to dry and shrink the cuttings
and buds.

Budding. In selecting buds they should be taken from well ripen-
ed shoots, and not from immature ones that frequently start from,
and nearthe centre of the tree. Cut off the unripe buds upon the
extreme end of the shoot, leaving only those that are smooth and
well developed ; and also the leaves, leaving about one half of the
leaf stem, for the convenience of inserting the buds. Then take
strands of bass, or Russia matting, soaked in water to render it pli?i-
ble ; make an upright incision with a sharp knife in the bark, of one
and a half inches long, and at the top of this, a cross cut which
will form a T ; take off a bud from your scion with a portion of
the wood attached, raise the bark upon your tree with a smooth piece
of bone, ivory or hard wood, inserting the bud, and then tie the strip
of matting firmly across the top and bottom of the bud. In about
three weeks after these are budded you will see whether they are ta-
ken by their plumpness. If they are shrivelled, you can then ordi-
narily re-bud, as the bark in young and thrifty seedlings will usually
peel through the month of September and often into October. If
the buds are well united and the tree has swelled or the ligature
seems to be cutting the stock, it must be removed. When the bud-
ding has been performed late, we occasionally let the bandage remain
until the following spring.

Cutting the Stock. In the ensuing spring as soon as the buds com-
mence swelling, we head down the stock with a sloping cut within two
inches of the bud ; if the tree makes a strong growth during the
early part of the season we then on the last of July or first of Au-
gust cut off the remaining wood close to the budded shoot. We in
common with nearly all cultivators bud all nursery trees in prefer-
ence, considering it better in every respect, producing a much stron-
ger growth.

In budding, great care should be taken in raising the bark for the
insertion of the bud, that the camhrium be not injured, this camhri-
um is a secretion between the wood and bark.

Side shoots 7iot to be removed. With young trees it has been the

ESSAY ON THE APPLE. 121

practice of some, to trim off the laterals or side shoots, which causes
the trees to make a slender and weeping top ; these shoots should
not bo taken off while the trees are young and thrifty ; the trunk will
not grow so fast in circumference by divesting them of their leaves
or side branches.

Preparation of Land. In the preparation of land for raising
seedling fruit trees, we have found that by following nature in her
mode of enriching soil by the use of vegetable substances, such as
muck, peat-earth, leaf-mould and ashes, to be the best dressing for
the growth of fruit trees. These we should recommend to be com-
posted with barn-yard manure ; hog manure unless well decomposed,
we consider as deleterious to fruit trees ; air-slacked lime on the gen-
erahty of our soils is beneficial, particularly for the pear tree. Old
pasture land is better for fruit trees, than that which has been long
under the plough, merely because it is less exhausted, and consequent-
ly contains more of that decomposed vegetable matter which is so
pecuHarly fitted to be the food of trees.

Planting out. Apple trees from the nursery are planted out at
two and three years from the bud. In setting these whether seedling
or sucker stock, they should not be placed deeper in the ground than
they originally stood in the nursery ; or if the soil is a deep and
moist loam one inch higher; for we believe that deep planting of the
apple tree is a serious evil, and many of the disappointments of the
fruit grower, may be traced to this cause ; it is better to draw up the
earth around the tree in the form of a small hillock, than to place
them too deep. In shallow planting, the roots will have a horizon-
tal direction given to them, which they will afterwards retain.

Season for Planting. Respecting the best season for transplant-
ing the apple tree, Ave have as is most generally practiced in our vi-
cinity, set them in the spring ; but we find no objection to autumn
planting, provided the soil is dry ; the fall rains settles the earth
closer to the roots ; but when the soil is clayey and the weather damp
or wet at planting time, it gets into a state of puddle and rots the
roots in winter, and unless the weather is dry in autumn, it had bet-
ter be deferred until the early spring.

Watering neivly set Trees. The practice of watering newly set
trees after they are planted, by pouring buckets of water around
them is a bad practice, for besides settling away the soil from the
roots, it often by being thus poured upon the surface runs into a paste,

16

122 ESSAY ON THE APPLE.

which hardens by the sun into a cake, obstructing the free entrance
of the atmosphere into the soil, without which no plant will thrive.
Mulching, (so called,) which is done by placing coarse manure or
litter around a tree, will preserve the moisture, and is a much better
practice than surface waterings.

Soil ^c, for an Orchard. The soil best adapted for an apple
orchard, as well as the situation and aspect for the trees is not so
easy to determine, as we cannot set down rules that will not meet
with exceptions ; but of this we feel confident, that deep rich soils in
sheltered situations are not as some suppose the most proper for the
apple ; for we find that this tree succeeds well in shallow loam, the
young wood is always of more moderate growth, and better ripened,
than when their roots strike deep into the ground.

Position of an Orchard. The situation of an orchard should
neither be in the bottom of a narrow valley, nor on the top of an ex-
posed hill ; in the first, the bearing wood is rarely so well ripened,
and in the second, they are too much exposed to winds ; the most de-
sirable site, is the side of a hill which slopes to the South or South
west . In planting out an orchard of standard apple trees they
should be placed in rows ranging from North to South, or as near to
these points as may be ; the distance of the rows apart should be
forty feet, and the spaces from tree to tree, in the rows, should not
be less than from twenty to twenty-five feet. The holes, for the re-
ception of the trees ought to be circles or squares, of not less than
six feet over ; the trees should not be permitted to be grass bound,
but the grass or sod dug out as far as the extent of their branches
during their whole growth. It is not well to raise a crop of tap-root-
ed vegetables in an orchard ; the onion is probably the least iujuri-
ous in a young or newly set orchard ; white beans we find the least ex-
hausting to raise between our nursery rows of young fruit trees.

Pruning. In pruning the apple tree we have found the spring
the most favorable, soon after the swelling of the buds, the sap
then being in motion, the wounds soon heal over ; if this is done in
the fall or winter months, the trees are apt to crack or canker. Ev-
ery limb taken off should be cut close to the main stem, and provid-
ed the limb is large, a composition of tar and red ochre, or burgundy
pitch and beeswax well incorporated, be spread upon the end to
keep out air and moisture. The great principle to be attended to in
pruning apple trees, is to cut out all dead, diseased, or useless branch-

ESSAY ON THE APPLE. 123

es 5.t their base, and thinning others, so that the sun and air may pen-
etrate to Qiot throagJi) every part of the tree. Few people have
confidence enough to do this effectually ; but they may be assured
that they would have more and better fruit, were they to retain only
one half the number of branches which in general at present exist in
most orchards.

Injurious Insects, Aphides. The insects which injure our fruit
trees are various, as well as the methods devised for their extirpation.
The genus of Aphis or green fly which is often found upon the succu-
lent shoots of young apple trees, and which injures their growth; we
think that the best preventative operation is that of good culture.
Autumn ploughing also, exposing the larvae to the frosts of winter,
and the moderate use of salt is destructive to this insect. OurcuUo.
The most pernicious enemy however to the apple is the curculio,
which in a chrysalis state passes the winter in the earth ; from thence
emerging at about the time the blossoms appear, and depositing its
egg in the apple, these eggs produce small maggots which exist in the
fruit, causing it to drop prematurely. The best method we arc ac-
quainted with to destroy or lessen its ravages, is to give the ground a
top-dressing of coarse salt early in April around each tree to the
spread or extent of its branches, and also to gather up the fruit that
drops dally ; by this course, a check is put to there ravages.

Canker Worm. The canker worm is another troublesome insect
to our apple trees, they are not however so common here of late years
as formerly, they appear some seasons in abundance, and then years
will elapse before we are again troubled with them ; various methods
have been adopted for their destruction, some apply strips of cloth
bound around the body of the tree, smeared over with tar to prevent
the ascent of the female or grub, but as they move up in the fall, and
even in warm days in the winter, as well as in the spring, this is an
uncertain as well as a tedious process ; this insect enters the ground
near the trunk or body of the tree, rurely if ever beyond the spread
of the branches ; by applying lime, ashes and salt, dug in around the
trees in September and October tends greatly to lessen their ravages.

Caterpillar. The caterpillar is another enemy to our apple or-
chards, weaving their nests in the forks of the branches ; if suffered
to remain, they grow and multiply greatly, injuring the trees by de-
stroying the leaves which are so essential to their health and growth ;
various modes have been adopted for their destruction, Mr. PcH's

124 tSSAY ON THE AlPPLfi.

practice is to "touch their nests with a sponge attached to the end
of a pole, and dipped in strong spirits of ammonia ; the sponge is
turned slowly round in the nests, and every insect coming in con-
tact will be instantly killed." They may be destroyed by the well
known circular brush, invented by the late Col. Pickering. We
have found the most effectual way of destroying this pest upon small
trees, if begun in time, is to strip them off with the hand, and
crush them under the foot ; as they do not leave their nests until late
in the morning and return again about four or five in the afternooUj
we embrace the opportunity of visiting them at home.

The Apple Borer. The apple and quince tree borer is another
insect, which is net, however, so common as the caterpillar or canker
worm ; it is a large, fleshy grub, which enters the tree near the
ground where the bark is tender, girdling the stem ; we have never
seen but one instance of the insect on our premises ; this was upon
a quince tree, which was destroyed by thrusting a flexible wire into
the hole. A mound of ashes or lime around the trees, is said by
Downing to prevent the attack of the apple borer.

Coccus or Bark Lome. The apple tree, when young, is apt to
be infested with an insect called the Bark lease or coccus, which are
so near the color of the bark, and adhere so closely, as to be almost
imperceptible ; these are easily destroyed by a strong mixture of soft
Boap and hot water applied with a brush to the bark.

Ashes. These various insects are kept down greatly by the use
of ashes as a top-dressing of the soil ; it is also one of the best ma-
nures for trees. Mr. Bridgman says that in England "a good far-
mer would dispense with his barn rather than be destitute of an ash
house ; I have known (says he) farmers to supply the cottagers with
as much peat as they could burn, on condition of their saving them
the ashes, and there are others that will keep men under pay through-
out the year, burning peat, for the same purpose."

Keeping Apples. As regards the best method of keeping winter
apples, opinions are various. In Europe, they usually spread their
fruit after gathering it, on a floor to sweat, previous to their final
packing, which is then placed in sand, sawdust, chaff, charcoal dust
or peat earth. In this country, we find the practice of our most ex-
perienced growers is to gather the fruit by hand, and immediately
place them in tight flour barrels, shaking them gently while packing,
and then head them up tight : they are then placed in a cool, shady

ESSAY OX THE APPLE. 125

ftxposiire, under a shed exposed to the air, there to remain until it
becomes cold, freezing weather, when they are transferred to a cool
and dry cellar, placing the barrels on ilieir sides, and keeping the
cellar dark.

As a source of income, we believe that the apple can now be re-
lied upon either for our own markets, or for exportation ; the facili.
ties of communication by steamboats and railroads, opening new
markets for this wholesome fruit, while the prices obtained for the
finest sorts have not diminished, but advanced, should incite our far-
mers to plant out orchards of the apple. Mr. Pell, of Esopus, on
the Hudson river, who has an orchard of two thousand, bearing
Newtown Pippen Apples, gathered from the trees in one season, sev-
enteen hundred barrels of fruit, part of which were sold in New
York for four, and others in London for nine dollars per barrel.

In making a selection of Apples we should as far as is practicable,
endeavor to fix upon those which are found to suit our soil ; we have
heretofore remarked that many kinds which are good bearers Avhen
grown in sti'ong and moist soils, for example the Pickman Pippen, AVil-
liams' Favorite, Blue Permaine, Roxbury Russet and Ribstone Pip-
pen, are the reverse of this upon our own soil which is of a light
sandy loam ; while the Baldwin, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Yellow Bell-
flower, Danvers Winter Sweet, Minister and Fall Harvey grow and
bear well upon our grounds. The Baldwin and Hubdardston Non-
such seem to be at home in almost every variety of soils.

In a Report which was made to this society some years since, we
remarked that Apples originating on any given soil, will be generally
better than most of those which are introduced into it; citing the
Newtown Pippen, and Pennock's Red Winter, which are first rate
at the south where they originated, but when fi*uited in this lo-
cality, are found inferior to the Hubbardston Nonsuch, Baldwin and
some others. A close observer at the West (Rev. Mr. Beecher)
has recently observed "that the soil and climate so modify the flavor
and other qualities of the apple, that there is reason for behoving
that an apple originating on any given soil will be better than many
which are introduced into it, for though the apple is raised in al-
most every soil, yet it is probable that each variety affects a particu-
lar one, thus I perceive the most popular apple of New England are
natives; this to a considerable extent is true of the West."

Among the best varieties of Apples in Massachusetts are the

126 ESSAY ON THE APPLE.

^'Minister," and the "Mother," they are of recent origin, the first
named was raised in Rowley, and is a winter fruit, combining great
beauty, productiveness, large size, fine flavor, and late keeing prop-
erties. The other is a late fall apple of highest order ; it originated
in Bolton, and is a large oblong red fruit of excellent flavor and a
good bearer. No better evidence can be given of the congeniality
of the soil of our state for the Apple, than the natural production of
such fruit as the Baldwin, Minister, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Mother,
Roxbury Russet, Danvers Winter Sweet, Aunt Hannah, and the
Ben of Reading.

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OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY-

CHOSEN SEPTEMBER, 29 1847.

JOHN W. PROCTOR, of Danvers, Presiderd.

DANIEL ADAMS, Jr. of Newbury, ]

ASA T. NEWIIALL, of Lynnfield f y. p^^,,-^,^^,

DANIEL P. KING, of Danvers, ( ^ ^^^ -^resiaents.

RICHARD S. FAY, of Lynn, J

WILLIAM SUTTON, of Salem, Treasurer.

ALLEN W. DODGE, of Hamilton, Secretary/.

HONORARY TRUSTEES.

Frederick Howeg, Salem. l James II. Duncnn,

Ebenezer Mosely, Newburyport. '

Haverhill.

TRUSTEES.

Lewis Allen,

Danvers.

I Wingate Merrill,

Danvers.

John Alley, 3d,

Lynn.

E. R. Mudge,

Lynn.

Jacob Brown,

Ipswich.

Moses Newell,

W. Newbury

Jeremiah Coleman,

Newburyport.

Josiah Newhall,

Lynnfield.

Andrew Dodge,

Wenham.

Andrew Nichols,

Danvers.

George Hood,

Lynn.

John Northend,

Newbury.

Joseph Howe,

Methuen.

Thomas E. Payson,

Rowley.

John M, Ives,

Salem.

Gardner B. Perry,

Bradford.

Josiah Kimball,

Boxford.

Benjamin Porter,

Danvers.

Joseph Kntredge,

Andover.

Dean Robinson,

W. Newbury.

Elisha Mack,

Salem.

James Stevens,

Andover.

John IMarland,

Andover.

Horace Ware,

Marblehead.

Royal A. Merriani,

Topsfield.

1

MEMBERS ADM]

[TIED IN 1847.

Seth Kimball,

Bradford.

Daniel Osborn,

Danvers.

Eldred S. Barker,

Bradford.

James Marsh.

Danvers.

Joseph Kitlredge,

Andover.

Edward S. Mosely,

Newburyport.

Osgood Loring,

Andover.

John Pickering,

Salem.

Gideon R. Lucy,

Newbury.

Amos Smith,

W. Newbnry.

Alfred A. Abbott,

Danvers

Abraham D. Waite,

Ipswicn,

William D. Norlhend.

Danvers.

sCJ^Any citizen of the County may become a member of the Society, by paying to
the Treasurer three dollars. All ordained Ministers of the Gospel who reside within
the County, are admitted honorary members of the Society. Members are not liable
to any assessment. Each member is entitled to a copy of the Transactions of the So-
ciety.

LIST OF PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES

AWARDED IN 184T.

^10

00

8

00

6

00

4

00

8

00

6

00

4 00

2

00

8

00

6

00

4

00

2

00

PLOUGHING— DOUBLE TEAMS.

Eiias Clough, Lynn, 1st premium,

John Newhall, do 2d do

B. W. Crovvningshield, Topsfield, 3d do
J. Goodridge, West Newbury, 4th do

PLOUGHING— SINGLE TEAMS.

Daniel Roberts, Lynn, 1st premium,

William R. Putnam, Danvers, 2d do

John G. Walcott, do 3d do

John Marlnnd, 7\ndover, 4th do

PLOUGHING— HORSE TEAMS.

John Dow, Ipswich, 1st premium,

John Rlarland, Andover, 2d do

John Grout, Danvers, 3d do

Josiah Crosby, Andover, 4th do

SUBSOIL PLOUGHING.

Ira Worcester, Tpsvvich, 1st premium, 10 00

WOUKING OXEN.

Elijah Pope, Danvers, 1st premium,

Ira Worcester, Ipswich, 2d do

Francis Dodge, Danvers, 3d do

FAT CATTLE.

Gideon R. Lucy, Newbury, Is* premium,
Daniel P. King, Danvers, 2d do
Daniel P. King, do 3d do

MILCH COWS.

Abner Newhall, Lynn. 1st premium,

A. BracUett Lord, Beverly, 2d do

Samuel King, Danvers, 3d do

John Stone, Marblehead, 4th do

HEIFERS— TWO YEARS OLD.

Samuel C. Pitman, Lynn, Istpiemium,

Eben King, Danvers, 2d do

YEARLING HEIFERS.

Samuel C. Pitman, Lynn, 1st premium,
Robert Kimball, Ipswich, 2d do

BULLS.

Alien W. Dodge, Hamilton, 2d premium,
Horace W"nre, jr., Salem, 3d,

*Colman's European Agriculture.

17

10

00

7

00

5

00

15

00

8

00

5

00

10

00

7

00

5

00

*

5

00

3

00

5

00

3

00

6

00

4 00 &*

130 PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES.

Howard Roberts, Lynn, Gratuity 2 00

COLTS.

Horace Ware, Jr., Salem, premium, 10 00

Josiah Crosby, Andover, do 8 00

Nathan Dodge, Hamilton, do 4 00

Jolin Jacobs, Danvers, do 4 00

Enoch Northend, Newbury, Gratuity, 6 00

SWINE.

Samuel C. Pitmnn, Lynn, Boar, 1st premium,
Samuel C. Pitman, Lynn, Sow, 1st premium,

Johh Alley, 3d, Lynn, Sow, 2d do

John Alley, 3d, Lynn, Pigs, Ist do

Joseph M. Fuller, Lynn, Pigs, 1st do

Israel Brown, Beverly, 2d do

SHEEP.

James Marsh, Danvers, Gratuity,

JUNE BUTTER.

John Stone, Marblehead, 1st premium,

Jonathan Berry, Middleton, 2d do

Jonas Holt, Andover, 3d do

Allen W. Dodge, Hamilton, 4th do

SEPTEMBER BUTTER.

A. Brackett Lord, Beverly, 1st premium,

George W. Dodge, Wenham, 2d do

Allen W. Dodge, Hamilton, Sd do

Jonas Holt, Andover, 4th do

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

Ruggles, Nourse & Blason, Boston, premium,

George L. Newcomb, Salem, gratuity

E. Goss, Salem, do
J. & H. Hale, Salem, do

Theophilus N. Breed, Lynn, do

MANAGEMENT OF FARMS.

Daniel Pilsbury, West Newbury, gratuity

GRAIN CROPS.

Moses Pettingel; Topsfield, premium

ROOT CROPS.

John Peaslee, Danvers, premium

Daniel Osborn, Danvers. gratuity

James F. King, do

Aaron C. Proctor, Danvers, do

Benjamin P. Ware, Marblehead, do

Henry Bushby, Danvers, do

NURSERIES OF FRUIT TREES.

William G. Lake, Topsfield, 1st premium 10 00

*Colman'9 European Agriculture,

PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES.

131

l^liarles F. Putnam, Salein,
Samuel C, Pitman, Lynn,
James R. Cole, Beverly,

Winthrop Low, Essex,

2d premium
Sd do

gratuity

CRANBERRY CROP.

1st premium

FRUITS.

8 00

4 00

15 00

J. S. Cabot, Salem,

gratuity 3

00

C. F. Putnam, Salem,

gratuity

1 00

Otis Johnson, Lynn,

do

3

00

James M. Nye, Lynn,

do

1 00

Robert Manning, Salem,

do

2

00

James Oliver, Lynn,

do

1 00

John M. Ives, Salem,

do

2

00

J. 0. Newhall, Lynnfield

, do

75

Eben. Brown, Lynn,

do

50

S. C. Pitman, Lynn,

do

F. Tudor, Lynn.

do

50

Sarah Howe, Lynn,

do

Moses Pettingei, Topsfielc

, do

50

George Johnson, Lynn,

do

W. G. Lake, Topsfield,

do

50

C. B. Holmes, Lynn,

do

Andrew Dodge, Wenham,

do

50

J. N. Nye, Lynn,

do

William Stearns, Salem,

do

50

Andrews Breed, Lynn,

do

N. D. Chase, Lynn,

do

50

Mark Healey, Lynn,

do

J. N. Sanderson, Lynn,

do

00

Erza Johnson, Lynn,

do

J. N. Buffum, Lynn,

do

00

John Newhall. Lynn,

do

JosiahLovett, 2d. Beverly,

do

00

Cyrus Houghton, Lynn,

do

E R. Mudge, Lynn,

do

00

M. 0. Pratt, Lynn,

do

J. P.Oliver, Lynn,

do

00

Timothy Hazaltine, Lynn,

do

H. A. Breed, Lynn,

do

00

Erastus Ware, Marblehead, do

J. B. Johnson, Lynn,

do

00

FLOWERS.

Eliza S. Brown,

jratuity

, 3

00

Miss Lambert,

gratuity

50

Mrs. E. R. Mudge,

do

75

Miss Haddock,

do'

60

Mary E. Chase,

do

75

D. C. Baker,

do

*

Mrs. E. Mills,

do

75

Stephen Oliver, jr.,

do

*

Harriet E. SUinnei,

do

50

R. A. Bowler,

do

•

Mrs. Dyar,

do

50

Rebecca M. Gilson,

do

25

Susan S. Ingalls,

do

50

Mrs. S. J. Ircson,

;do

25

Mrs. George Atkinson,

do

50

Betsy Conner,

do

25

Mrs. Phillip Chase,

do

50

Martha Wing,

do

25

Mrs. Wm. D. Chamberlain, do

50

John Gibbens,

do

25

Otis Johnson,

do

50

Mrs. S. H. Parsons,

do

25

Mrs.E. N. Mann,

do

50

James Oliver,

do

25

Mrs. Peter Silver,

do

50

N. D. Chase,

do

25

Mrs. Jas. M. Nye,

do

50

Mrs. Youania Newhall,

do

25

Mrs. Delnow,

do

50

RUGS.

Elizabeth R. Norton, Hamilton,

1st

premium,

§3 00

Emma E. Parris, Beverly

2d

do

2 00

Mary Josephs, Sa'.em,

gratuity,

1 00

Dorcas Galeucia, Salem,

do

1 00

Meh liable S. Tuck, Bevei

ly,

do

1 50

•Washington's Letters on Agriculture. tN. E. Book of Fruits.

132 PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES.

Gilbert Tapley, Daiivers, gratuity I 00

Abbey P. Smith, Beverly, do 50

L. A. Butman, do do 1 00

Mrs. Lydia Breed, Lynn, do 50

BIrs. Mary A. Rosi. Danvtsrs, do 1 00

COUNTERPANES.

Maria E. Johnson, Lynn, 2d premium,

Charlotte Spinney, do gratuity,

Mrs. Mary Coats, do do

Mehitable H. Alley, Lynn-, do

Mrs. .TaneH. Holt, Lynn, do

A. P. Goodrich, Lynn, do

Stephen Osborn, Salem, do

L. H. Lombard, Lynn, do

Sarah Ellen Smith, W. Newbury, do

Martha .J Nelson, Georgetown, do

Mary E. Taylor, Lvnn, do

CARPETING.

Gilbert Tapley, Dauvers, 1st premium,
Gilbert Tapley, do 2d do

HOSE.

Mrs. James King, Danvers, 1st premium,

Mrs. Jiunes King, do 2d do

Sarah S. Bradstreet, Beverly, gratuity,
Abigail Tarbell, do do

Abigail Nye, Salisbury, do

Micajah N. Goodridge, do

Elizabeth P. Woodbury, Beverly, do

WROUGHT QUILTS.

Mrs. Tufts, Salem, gratuity,

M. E. Hodges, Salem, do

Charlotte Flint, Danvers, do

BOOTS AND SHOES.

William H. Jewett, Ipswich, 1st premium

Amos Gould, VV^enhara, 2d do

William H. Jewett, Ipswich, 1st do

Amos Gould, Wenham, 2d do

Sumner P. Spofford, Georgetown, 1st do

Eleazer Parrot, Lynn, 1st do

Christopher Robinson, Lynn, Ist do

Reuben Johnson, Lynn, gratuity
William Peabody, Topsfield, do

MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES.

E. N. Pike, Lynn, gratuity
Harriet Ellen Stone, Lynn, do

Caroline H. Perry, Uanvers, do

Caroline E. Curtis, Lynn, do

Margaret C. Merrill, Mothuen, do

3

00

2

00

3

00

2

00

3

00

2

"0

1

00

1

00

50

2

00

50

50

25

25

PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES.

133

Dorcas A. Merrill, Methuen, do

Lydia M. English, Beverly do

Elizabeth Foster, Andover, do

Mrs. Ashby, Newburyport, do

Mrs. Lucy Smith, Ipswich, do

Miss Bradstreet, Newburyport, do

Caroline M. Spinney, Lynn, do

A. & J. C. Batchekler, Lynn, do

Aaron L. Holden, Lynn, do

Lucy E. Estes, Lynn, do

J. F. Nourso, Lynn, do

Herbert L. Hollis, Lynn, do

Susan P. Boynton, Lynn, do

Mrs. Jane C. Damon, Lynn, do

Mehitable C. Damon, Lynn, do

Mercy T. Damon. Lynn, do

Miss Clark, Lynn, do

Raphael W. Pratt, Lynn, do

Alvin II. Hildreth, Lynn, do

Hannah H. Blown, Salem, do

Samuel Sylvester, W. Newbury, do

Hezekiah Dwinnel, Danvers, do

William D. Chamberlain, Lynn, do

Susan M. Newhall, Saugus, do

Mary R. Kimball, Lynn, do

Mrs. S. J. Ireson,Lynn, do

Dr. J. L. Allen, Lynn, do

Smith & Chamberlain, Salen), do

E. T. Brigham, Lynn, do

Julia A, D.Mullen, Lynn, do

Mrs. MaryB. Sini'.h, Lynn, do

Eliza N. Small, Daovers, do

Nathan Lakeman, Danvers, do

Lydia A . Tapley, Danvers, do

Mary P. Tapley, Danvers, do

Avis Keene, Lynn, do

Herbert Porter, Danvers. do

Eliza A. Niohols, Lynnfield, do

Abba Allen, Manchester, do

Mrs. Wm. Decker, Manchester, do

Sophia Dodge, Wenham, do

Sarah L. Farrar, Hamilton, do

Samuel Mansfield, Lynn, do

Mrs. James B. Davi3,|_Lynn. do

Joseph Iloman &, Co. do

Helen M. Stone, Beverly, do

AGRICULTURAL ESSAYS.

John W. Proctor, Danvers,
Gardner B. Perry, Bradford,

1 00

1 00

50

1 00

1 00

50

3 00

50

25

25

25

50

50

25

25

50

1 00

1 00

1 00

1 00

1 00

1 00

25

50

1 00

1 00

1 50

1 00

25

25

25

50

25

25

50

25

25

1 00

25

25

50

1 00

50

1 00

1 00

10 00

10 00

134 ON PREMIUMS OFFERED.

David Choate, Essex, 10 00

William D Northend, Danvers, 10 00

John M. Ives, Salem, 10 00

Total, 562 75

ALLEN W. DODGE, Seoretary.
Hamilton, December 22d, 1847.

PREMIUMS OFFERED.

The list of premiums offered for 1848, will be found in the print-
ed show bills. They are nearly the same as those of former years,
with an addition of one hundred dollars premium on Forest Trees,
the donation of Richard S. Fay Esq., and one of the same amount
on neat stock, the donation of Charles A. Stetson Esq.

The exhibition of the Society will be held at Lynn, on THURS-
DAY the twenty-eighth of September next. j
-_ • !

Errata. Page 46, line 25, for yewh read ewes. Page 71, for syi'. read rye, and j
line 12, for »ze read my. Page 79, line 27, for 7>o.7^o?j read Loudon. Page 111, (
line 20, after i/i."ri insert lived. Page 114, line 14, for so «'/.? read sr^r/s. Page 118, j
line 33, insert hundred after eightetn. Page 120, line 37, for canibrium read cam- I
bium.

INDEX.

Mr. Payson'9 Addresp, - - . - .

Original Hymx, by Ai.onzo Lewis, Esq.,

Report on Stock of the Massachusetts Society for promoting Agriculture,
Report on I'loijffhing with Double Teams, ...
Report on iMilch Uows and Heifers, ....

Statement of Abner Newhall, ...

Statement of A. B. Lord, ....

Statement of Samuel King, - - . .

Statement of John Stone, ....

Statement of Eben G. Berry, ...

Statement of Samuel C Pitman, ....
Report on Ploughing with Single Teams,

Report on Ploughing with Horse Teams, ...

Report on Sub-soil Ploughino-, ....

Letter of E. Phinney, ' .....

Letter of Dean Robmson, ....

Report on Working Oxen. .....

Report OQ Fat Cattle, .....

Report on Root Culture, .....

Statement of Aaron C. Proctor, - . .

Statement of John Peasloe, ....

Siavcment of James P. King,

Statement of Daniel Osborn, ....

Statement of Benjamin P. Ware,

Statement of Henry Bushby, ....

Report on Agricultural Implements, ...

Report on Horses and Colts, .....
Report on Bulls, _ . . . .

Report on Sheep, ......

Statement of James Marsh. ....

Report on Swine. ......

Report on Fruit Trees. .....

Statement of William G. Lake, ....

Statement of James B Cole, ....

Statement of Charles P. Putnam,

Statement of Samuel C. Pitman, ...

Report on Cranberries, .....

Statement of VVinthrop Low, . . -

Report on Fruit, . . .

Repnrt oi> Flowers, .....

Report on Farms, ......

Statement of Daniel Pilsbury, ...

Report on the Dairy.. ......

Statement of John Stone, - - . .

Statement of Jonathan Berry, ....

Statement of Jonas Holt, ....

Statement ef Alien W. Dodge, ....

Statement of Abram B. Lord, ...

, Statement of G. W. Dodge, ....

Report on turning in Green Crops for Blanure,

Letter of Andrew JMichols, ....

I Letter of Henry Osgood ....

I Reports on Domestic Manufactures, ....

Report on Grain Crops, .....

Statement of Moses Petlingill, - - . .

I Remarks on Cultivatiou of Forest Trees, ...

Letter of Richard S. F.ay, - - . .

Letter of George B. Emerson, ...

Letter of Morriil AlloM, - - . . .

Report of Committee on Essays, ....
Essay on the Cultivation of the Onion, ....
Essay on the Cultivation of Forest Trees, - . .

|Essav on the (Cultivation of the Pear, ....
jEssay on the Cultivation of the Cranberry, ...
'Essay on the Cultivation of the Apple, • - . .

[rreasurer's Statement, - - " .

Officers of the Society, - . . . _

jMembers admitted in 1S47, - - . ' . '

(List of Premiums and Gratuities awarded, 1847,

3

to 13

1 ''i

n

to 13

18

to 19

20

to 22

23

2:i

24

24

25

25

to 26

27

27 to 29

29

to 31

31

to 32

32

to 33

33

33

to 37

37

to 39

39

to 40

41

to 42

42

4^

44

44 to 45

45

46

45

47 to 48

48

49

49

to 60

50

.50

to 51

51

to 62

62

to 55

55

to 56

66

to 57

57

to 68

58

to 59

59

to 61

61

to 63

63

63 to 64

64

to 65

65

65 to 66

66

to 67

67

to 68

68

to 70

70

to 71

71

to 75

75 to 76

77

to 78

78

7R to 79

79 to 82

82

to 83

84

to 85

86

to 94

94 to 102

10.3

to HO

111 tohS

119 to 126

127

128

128

129 to 1.34

1

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL

SOCIETY,

FOR

1848.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY.
DECEMBER 1848.

DANVERS :

PRINTED AT TIIK COURIER OFFICE.

1848.

\

ADDRESS

EY
JOSIAH NEWHALL,

Mil. President and Gentlemen,

The revolving!; seasons havinij; brouorht U3 to anotlier anmver-
sary of our Society, and to the ingathering of the fruits .of the earth,
and the faith of man reposed in the divine promise "that seed-time
and harvest shall not fail," having again been realized ; it becomes
us as intelligent but dependent beings, assembled in this temple do-
voted to the service of the Most High, to offer to Him the sincerest
gratitude of our hearts, for the numerous blessings of the passing
year.

The wants of man's physical nature are constantly pressing upon
him. It is an imperative law of his being, that food be taken for
the sustenance of life. Hence it was that the progenitor of our
race was placed in a garden, and directed "to dress it and to keep it."

The cultivation of the earth then, is the great temporal concern
of man; — connected with which, comes strength of body, peace of
mind, and the consciousness that we are treading a path marked out
by Infinite Wisdom.

Although agriculture has been attended to with more or less suc-
cess from the primitive ages, still, it has not attained to that exact-
ness as a science, which an interest of such magnitude requires.

In by-gone ages the minds of men have been diverted from this
natural and peaceful pursuit by wars waged by ambition and fanat-
acisra, and what was gained to the cause in one age may have been
lost in another. But the dawn of a brighter day has opened upon
us. As the light of knowledge beams upon the minds of men, what
before was considered fortuitous will be reduced to a certainty, and
we may permit ourselves to entertain the pleasing anticipation, that
the art of agriculture will be reduced to much exactness as a sci-
ence. This great pursuit lies at the foundation of all national pros-

4 MR. newhall's address.

perlty and liappluess, and without it no other professions can long
continue to liourish.

The object of our society is the promotion of this great interest
of the community, and it must afford pleasure to all to witness the
growing regard with which it is viewed : to see the most intelligent
men of other professions, and the greatest men of our country, and
of the world, lending their influence in aid thereof. In a retrospec-
tive view, we look with gratitude to those excellent men whose wis-
dom and forecast laid the foundation of an institution which has done
and is still doing so much for the welfare of the farming interest.
It must be a source of gratulation to all, to witness the influence
which this Society has exerted on the agriculture and horticulture
of the county. Many tracts of wet and at certain seasons, of sub-
merged grounds which were of little or no value, have been thor-
oughly drained and made capable of cultivation, at an expense Avhich
two or three crops have fully remunerated ; and the land now is
among the most valuable in the county for agricultural purposes.
More attention has been given to the preparation and use of com-
post manures. Better animals have been reared, and more atten-
tion given to their keeping. Greater care has been bestowed upon
the cultivation of fruit, — old trees have been renovated and convert-
ed to valuable varieties. Young trees of every description which
flourish in our climate, have been planted. Nurseries of fruit trees
have been reared and cultivated with much care, and every desira-
ble variety of these, as well as ornamental trees, can be obtained by
those Avanting such for orchards or ornament, which are far better
adapted to this region than such as are brought from a warmer
clime. In many places the streets have been adorned by the plant-
ing of shade trees, and a taste for improvement is everywhere appa-
"rent.

But a few years since under the old system of agriculture, farm-
ers became discouraged, believing that the land had become ex-
hausted, that its cultivation would no longer afford a living, much
less a profit, and some saw no alternative but a removal to the fer-
tile prairies of the West, a land indeed productive, but prolific to emi-
grants from the East, of diseases which far more than counterbal-
ance the rich harvest which may there be gathered. The complaint
is frequently reiterated that farming affords but little profit ; that
not much more than a living can be obtained. This in many cases

MR. NEWJIALL'S address. ^

is but too true ; but an examination into tlie mode by which the
business hitherto has generally been conducted will explain the reason.
Every man knows that to encourage the growth of an animal, he must
supply it with food, and to make it profitable ho must supply it liberal-
ly. Between the animal and vegetable kingdom there is a striking a-
nalogy ; although the difference between a sentient and a vegetable
being is great, still in relation to food and growth, hfe and death, there
is much similarity. Withhold food from either and death is the conse-
(^uence. A man might as well hope to rear his domestic animals
with food barely sufficient to keep them alive and expect them to be
profitable, as to attempt to grow rich harvests, -without supplying,
where needed, the necessary food for the growth of his plants.

Farming may be so conducted as to be made profitable, or merely
to aiford a living, or to run out the farm. Taking the land as it av-
erages in the state, this depends more on the farmer than on the
soil. The man who makes no provision for the raising of his crops,
cannot reasonably expect any. Agriculture, like all other business,
to be made profitable must be conducted with some method as well
energy. What would be thought of the merchant, who should neg-
lect to load his ships, and let them lay deteriorating at his wharf,
or send them to sea half loaded or manned, and Avithout funds for a
return cargo ; or the manufacturer, who should run his machinery
without system or order, and let it stand still upon every trivial oc-
casion, while the pay of his operatives was going on ? Would not
such a course bring irretrievable ruin ? And can the result be
more favorable to the farmer, who, though possessing hundreds of
acres of land upon which he is annually paying taxes, and who
makes no ade(|uate provision for the cultivation or improvement of
which, with the exception of a few acres, and that cultivated in
such a manner as not to afford a compensating return for the labor
bestowed. Although the soil in some parts of the county is grav-
elly or sandy, still it may be made to produce rich harvests. The
farmers have within their reach ample resources to convert theii^
lands to a state of great fertility. The farmers of no section of the
state are more highly favored in this respect. On the eastern bor-
der of the county, the broad Atlantic rolls in upon the beaches her
fertilizing materials in great abundance. Upon the rocks between
high and low water, grow weeds, containing the elements of vegeta-
ble nutrition in a high degree. At some seasons of the year, a cer-

6 MB. NEWnALL's ADDRESS.

tain kind of fish may be taken along the shore, with seines, in great
quantities, and be made valuable in the formation of compost, or in
the direct application to the land. The bays and inlets along the
coast abound in beds of muscle, of great value ; and in different
sections of the county there are vast deposites of peat, amounting
in the aggregate, to many thousand acres. Providence seems to
have made ample provision by these bogs for the fertilization of the
soil for ages to come. While in tropical climates the decay of vege-
table matter is complete, and becomes resolved into its original ele-
ments, in this temperate region the process is less rapid, and in cer-
tain situations abounding with water, the decomposing process is ar
rested, and peat accumulates. In this situation it abounds with a-
cidity and is inert when applied as the food of plants. Within a few
years, peat lands were considered among the least valuable, having
been sold from five to ten dollars an acre, while their intrinsic value
is hundreds, nay, thousands of dollars for the purpose of manure ;
to say nothing of their value as an article of fuel, some of which is
but little inferior to coal. This substance to be rendered available
in agriculture, should be dug in the autumn and exposed to the
ameliorating influences of the atmosphere during the severity of the
winter. Farmers having barn cellars (and none should be without)
will find that by using this material largely under their stables, to
absorb the liquid and mix with the solid deposits of their animals,
they may double or triple the amount of their manure, and the quality
will be far better than that not protected from the wasting influence
of the elements. The whole may be well mixed and suffered to
ferment so far as to expel any remains of acidity and the whole mass
becomes equally valuable for all thin and gravelly soils as clear ani-
mal manure, and having a more permanent effect.

The great stumbling block in the way of agricultural improve-
ment has been the want of a knowledge of the vegetable economy,
of the structure and growth of plants. Did farmers fully realize the
indispensable necessity of supplying food to plants to promote their
growth, that they do to feed animals, we should immediately see the
cwmraencemcnt of an improved husbandry.

While many of the learned of every age have been engaged in
disputes upon questions of no practical importance, the science of
agi-iculturc has been greatly overlooked ; and though they have been

MR. newhall's address. 7

industrious in disseminating their views, they have been of little u-
tilitj to tho world.

Among tho ancient philosophers of Greece and Rome, while some
contended for the eternity and infinite divisibility of matter, others,
on the contrary, even went so far as to deny the existence of a ma-
terial world, and held that the existence of man consists of nothing
more than impressions and ideas. It is said of Pyrrho, one of those
8oi disant philosophers, that he carried these views to such an ex-
tent, and so far disbelieved the real existence of everything before
him, that precipices were nothing ; the points of swords and arrows
were nothing ; the wheel of a carriage that threatened to go over
his neck was nothing. Insomuch that his friends who were not
quite so far gone in philosophy, ttought it right to protect him
against the eflfects of his own principles, and either accompanied
him themselves, or set a keeper over him under the milder name of
a disciple. In modern times, views equally absurd and visionary
have been entertained by such men as Bishop Berkley, and Mr.
Hume, of England ; Des Cartes and others of France. And in our
own day, some of the follies of the ancient schools in connection with
infidelity, have been put forth under the imposing namo of tran-
scendentalism.

From a table containing the number of those celebrated in dif-
ferent branches of the arts and sciences, from the time of Orpheus
to that of Euclid ; or from the thirteenth to the second century be-
fore the Christian Era ; of eight hundred and sixty-three there ap-
pears to have been but twelve zoologist and agricultural writers.

It is thus seen that little comparative attention was paid to agri-
culture. Nevertheless, there is no occupation of man of a mere
temporal nature so full of interest. Although in the progress of
vegetation there is no new creation, still there is a power and ener-
gy at work which fills the mind with admiration ! How is vegeta-
tion produced ? How is the frame-work of plants built up, and of
what composed, is a question which must press upon the mind of
every man. In the darkness of ages past, this was a query which
could not be solved. The seed was seen to germinate, the leaves
to expand, the trunk to enlarge and the branches to extend them-
selves, till the seedling became a magnificent tree. The investiga-
tion into the laws of chemical science which is characteristic of the
present age, lifts the veil from this hitherto abstrucc and difficult

8 MR. newiiall's address.

.subject. Light now Bliines over pvimcval darkness, and the won-
drous economy of nature is revealed.

The intelligent farmer now regards the atmosphere as the vast
magazine and storehouse of those materials from which the organic
parts of all animal and vegetable life is or has been derived. He
sees by chemical light, the invisible carbonic acid elaborated and as-
similated to the different forms of being ; and he knows that from
the soil the inorganic portion of the vegetable frame is obtained.
And in the wondrous round of growth and decay he perceives that
nothing is lost on the dissolution of organized life; One portion re-
turns to the earth and the other to the atmosphere in the form of gas,
ready to enter into new combinations of animal and vegetable life.
Thus growth, decay and putrifaction are but links in that endless
chain of motion which presents itself to view, and in the language of
the poet —

"Look ronnrl the world ! behold the chain of love

Combining all below and all above.

See d3ing veget;il)les life sustain,

See life dissolving, vegetate again.

All forms that perish other forms supply,

(By turns we catch the vital breath and die.)

All served, all serving ; nothing stands alone ;

The c^iain holds oHj and vi'here it ends unknown."

All plants are built up of organic and inorganic materials. Their
organic portion consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.
When any vegetable is burned these organic substances disappear,
and become converted into invisible gas, while the inorganic por-
tions, which are derived from the soil, remain in the form of ashes.
For supplying the organic materials of plants, nature has made pro-
vision in the gases of the atmosphere, which the improvidence of
man can never destroy. But their inorganic portions, which are
contained in the soil, and which consist in part of lime, soda, potash,
magnesia, silicia, oxides, and sulfjhurets, he may so far exhaust as
to reduce the soil to a state of sterility.

It should be the object of every farmer to guard against this
great error, by returning annually to his cultivated grounds more
vegetable food than was taken off by the preceding crop. Where
the raising of hay is the principal object, the turning of the green
sward during the latter part of summer, once in four or five years,
and immediately seeding down to grass, with a dressing of compost,

MR. newhall's address. 9

is not only one of the best moans of obtaining good crops, but of
constantly improving the soil. This mode of culture is specially
recommended for all heavy soils that are vmprofitable under a hoed
crop.

The tendency in agriculture, when not conducted on scientific
principles, is to crop the soil till the diminished harvests pay little
more than the expense incurred. This has been the case in many
places cultivated during a long period.

Whatever may be the state of things in relation to some portions
of our country, we believe it to be a fact that in this densely peo-
pled region, capital invested in the cultivation of the earth if judic-
iously managed, will bring a sure and profitable return. The un-
wise and parsimonious course which has been pursued in cropping
the soil till it yielded but a slight return, has been the cause why
farming has been considered unprofitable and been neglected,
for pursuits far more uncertain. The miserable policy of taking
from the ground all that can be obtained, and returning nothing,
is sure, sooner or later, to end in poverty ; while a liberal return
and good cultivation ensures an ample reward. There are farm-
ers, or thuse so called, who 'consider every dollar expended for
manure as money irrecoverably gone, and go on to plough their
exhausted fields, to plant the seed, to cultivate and hoe the puny
plants, and in the Autumn gather a harvest which scarcely
pays the labor of cultivation. There are others, who go into the
business with a knowledge of their profession, expend a hundred dol-
lars per acre for enriching materials, and gather harvests which pay
twenty-five, or even fifty per cent on the outlay. Thus while the one
course is a mere caricatare on farming, the other presents the sub-
ject in its true fight, and demonstrates that the business, if conduct-
ed in a proper manner is as sure of a profitable return as capital
invested in most other pursuits.

Land ploughed to the depth of ten or twelve inches, and subsoil
ploughed if necessary, and well supphed with manure, will be much
less affected by drought. There is a remarkable fact mentioned by
Sprengel in relation to good culture, which if correct is of great
practical moment. He states that it has very frequently been ob-
served in Holsteln, that if on an extent of level ground sown with
corn, some fields be marled, and others left unmarled, the corn on
the latter portions will grow less luxuriantly and will yield a poorer

10 MR. newhall's address.

crop than if the whole had been unmarled. Hence he adds, if the
the occupier of the unmarled field would not have a succession of
poor crops, he must marl his lands also. On which professor John-
ston remarks ; — can it really be that nature thus rewards the diligent
and the improver ? Do the plants which grow in a soil in a higher
condition take from the air more than their due share of the carbon-
ic acid or other vegetable food it may contain, and leave to the ten-
ants of the poorer soil a less proportion than they might otherwise
draw from it ? How many interesting reflections does such a fact
as this suggest ! What new views does it disclose of the fostering
care of the great Contriver — of his kind encouragepnent of every
species of virtuous labor ? Can it fail to read to us a new and spec-
ial lesson on the benefits to be derived from the application of skill
and knowledge to the cultivation of the soil?"

The vital importance of agriculture in a national point of view
may be seen in the consequence of its neglect a few years since,
when a speculating mania seized the minds of the community, and
the cultivation of the earth was in a great measure neglected ; when
the regular harvests of the field were of too slow a growth, and yield-
ed too small a profit to satisfy the minds of those, who, blinded by
visions of golden harvests to be reaped in a single day, looked upon
agriculture as unworthy of a moment's regard ; — and the melancho-
ly spectacle presented itself of this immense and fertile country be-
ing under the necessity of importing bread from Europe ! Had
this mad career been persisted in, it is obvious that we must, as a
people, have rapidly descended the path of national ruin. But these
schemes have passed away "like the baseless fabric of a dream."
More just and sober views have succeeded and this great pursuit of
the nation has been prosperous.

According to the report of Mr. Burke, the Commissioner of Pa-
tents for the last year , the value of the grain crops and the great
agricultural staples of the country, amounts in round numbers to
eight hundred and thirty-eight millions of dollars. The value of the
products of orchards, gardens and nurseries is estimated at fifty-four
millions. The value of live stock, wool and dairy products amounts
to two hundred and fifty-two millions. The value of the products
of the woods and forests amounts to fifty-nine millions, — making a
total of more than one thousand, two hundred millions of dollars for
the products of the soil for a single year. From the same source I

MR. NEWHALL'S address. 11

give an estimate of the income of the other industrial classes. The
income of all the manufactures in the Union for the same year, is
estimated at five hundred millions of dollars. The profits of the
fisheries seventeen millions. The profits of trade and commerce at
twenty-three milions ; and of professions, rents, banks and money in-
stitutions, one hundred and forty five millions, — making a total of
seven hundred and eighty-five millions of dollars. By these esti-
mates the amount of the industry of the country for a single year
is one thousand nine hundred and eighty nine millions of dollars.
Of this immense sum nearly two-thirds is the produce of agriculture

Here is a lesson for those who have regarded agriculture as of
minor importance, and considered other pursuits of more conse-
quence , — and also to residents of our great commercial cities,
who, being accustomed to the noise and activity of those crowded
marts, have looked upon commerce as the great leading interest of
the Union. These estimates will correct such views and show that
although the interest in commerce is great, yet contrasted with that
of agriculture it is comparatively insignificant. The same amount
of income from trade and commerce as that of 1847, would not in
fifty years equal the estimates of the income of agriculture for that
year.

These extracts and comparisons are not made for the purpose of
undervaluing any of the great industrial pursuits of the country ;
far otherwise — for all the different professions are reciprocally bene-
ficial and go to swell the aggregate of national prosperity ; but for
the purpose of rescuing the profession of agriculture from the un-
just estimate it has held in the minds of some, and of presenting
the subject in its true light.

It is agriculture which enables us to receive and supply the
wants of those thousand of oppressed and destitute immigrants who
are annually seeking an asylum on our shores, from foreign op.
prcssion.

It was a successful agriculture which enabled us so recently to
send relief to the famished inhabitants of a transatlantic region, — not
only to supply them commercially, but to extend the hand of a na-
tion's charity.

What scene more touching than that, when the destitute inhabi-
tants of that distant land, hourly sinking to the grave for lack of
bread, saw in the distant horizon, through the mist of Death which

12 MR. i^ewiiall's address.

was fast gathering around their dying vision, the flag of the Repub-
lic approaching ; whose hostile appearance would now fill the great--
est nation with apprehension ; but on that occasion waving over a
national ship, divested of the thunders of war, and hastening on the
wings of the wind, deeply laden with the means of relief to suffer-
ing and dying humanity. Such a scene cannot be fully realized,
but by the rescued and grateful sufferers ; and will forever stand a
glorious memento of the gentle charities of the christian life to des-
titute humanity, though the billows of a mighty ocean intervened !

Of the various kinds of produce raised by the farmers of the
county, fruit may be considered the most profitable. Of the differ-
ent sorts which may be easily cultivated, the apple is undoubtedly
the most important. Its cultivation is daily becoming of more inter-
eit. Not only is the home market for this fruit increasing, but an
export demand increases with its cultivation. The great improve-
ments in physical science during the present century have given an
impetus to business vmknown before. By means of steam power the
distant parts of our extensive country have been brought comparative-
ly near, and even European markets have been brought within a fort-
night's sail. The great facilities thus afforded for the exportation of
articles of a perishable nature like the apple, and the high estimation
by foreigners of this fruit grown in the United States, Avill cause a de-
mand for exportation which will outrun the supply, unless more atten-
tion be paid to its cultivation.

The wild crab, the type of the cultivated apple is indigenous to
this continent ; still it is supposed that the origin of our cultivated
apple was extra-American. However this may be, it is certain that
this fruit flourishes a few degress on either side of the fortieth paral-
lel of latitude in this country with a degree of vigor unsurpassed.

In planting orchards an error is frequently committed by setting
the trees too near together. On good soil, suitable for an orchard,
and for one which is to be thoroughly cultivated, forty feet is
the least distai.ce at which they should be set. Great care should
be taken to select such varieties as are known to be productive
and of vigorous growth. There are many kinds of excellent qual-
ity but so unproductive as not to be fit for extensive cultivation.
Care should also be taken not to select varieties growing old
and declining. I very well know that different opinions arc en-
tertained in relation to the duration of vigorous existence of trees.

MR. newuall's address. 13

It is the belief of some that any given variety of fruit may be con-
tinued, and profitably cultivated indefinitely; and that the appa-
rent decline of some old varieties, is owing to the want of care and
good culture. This view of the subject I think must be erroneous,
and lead to disappointment and loss. In the first place proof to
demonstration of the decay of old fruit trees, is seen in specimens
"which have been growing in the county from its early settlement ;
many of which have entirely decayed. Scions from others which
have been grafted on thrifty seedling stocks, although they still live,
bear every mark of old age ; — while the under branches of the
young stocks upon which the old scions were inserted, annually pro-
duced a vigorous growth.

In the second place such a theory is unphilosophical and repug-
nant to natural laws. Throughout the whole system of organized
being we see an incipient existence, a full maturity, and a state of
decay, and finally, of death. There is nothing immortal "in this di-
urnal scene." If a man should tell you that he possessed an animal
that would never die, or that he, himself, would live forever, you
would consider him insane. Nature has made provision for the
continuance of species by seed ; and when it is stated that some of
the fruits now extant, were cultivated in the time of Julius Ciesar,
the highest probability exists that they are the reproduction from
seed of those ancient fruits ; and bearing so near a resemblance to
their parents as to be mistaken for the same.

Some have been deterred from planting fruit trees from a belle^
that it would take more time than one generation before they would
become productive, and that he who planted trees, planted
for posterity. While this should be one motive for so doing, the
young man who plants the apple tree and cultivates it well, will,
in a very few years receive an ample return. Trees of good
size when taken from the nursery and carefully set and properly
cared for, will produce a barrel of fruit each, in seven or eight years.

The cultivation of forest trees demands the consideration of every
land-holder. It is a subject connected with the true interest of the
county. W e trust that the increasing intelligence of our citizens,
encouraged by the premiums offered by this society, and by the very
liberal one offered by an intelligent citizen of Lynn,* for plantations

♦Richard S. Fay, Esi|.

14 MR. NEWn.Vr.L'S ADDRESS.

of the oak, ■will be the means of effecting an object so desirable.
Some portions of Europe have been converted to mei-e deserts, by
destroying the forests, — the sand being blown about like the waves
of the ocean ; and in some cases threatening to overwhelm and de-
stroy whole villages. In some parts of our county there is a great
deficiency of trees, while at the same time there are many tracts of
land which are unfit for cultivation, upon which trees would readily
flourish. The feed on much of the open pasture land would be in-
creased, as well as comfort afforded to the animals, by planting for-
ty or fifty trees of the yellow locust to the acre, the income from
which in a few years would equal the value of the land. Trees
protect a country from the force of winds, attract the moisture of
the atmosphere, prevent too great evaporation, and have a tendency
to promote the health of the inhabitants, as well as to add beauty
to the landscape. Says one, "there is nothing in the compass of
animated nature so interesting as trees. They speak a language to
the heart which none but a heart of utter insensibility can fail to
understand. It must be noticed by every observer that even the
"brute creation feel a veneration for trees. They form a part of al-
most every implement and every machine by which the genius of
man has taught him to lighten the labor of his hand. There is that
in a tree considered as an individual work of the Creator which
may well excite our attention and most amply reward our study."

Indian corn is worthy of more attention than is usually bestowed
upon it ; not only for the grain which it produces abundantly, but
for the large amount of fodder, when raised for that purpose. It
bears high culture, withstands the drought avcII, and produces more
to the acre than any other grain. An error is frequently commit-
ted in its cultivation by removing at the last hoeing the suckers
which spring from the root. The male blossoms on the main stock
under ordinary circumstances do not remain in vigor more than four
or five days, and frequently not so long. And this length of time
is only sufficient to fertilize the earliest ears, in which the female
blossoms come out first from the lowest grains and present them-
selves at the ends of the corrola or husk, and as they come out are
fertilized. Thus, they are daily presenting themselves until the whole
are fertilized. But if the heat of the weather, or other causes de-
stroy the male blossoms before the whole of the female blossoms ap-
pear, then if there be no suckers to supply the feitilizing powder, a

MR. newiial:/s address. 15

portion of the upper cnrl of the car will be v.ithout grain. To sup-
ply this deficiency, suckers successively spring up from the root, and
afford a supply of the fertilizing material for the cars that mav be
produced for two or three weeks after the main stock is dead. On
the male blossons from the suckers, therefore the greatness of the
crop very much depends.

In relation to the origin of the disease which has so disastrously
affected the potato plant, no satisfactory cause has yet been discov-
ered. Some facts having connection with the subject have come
under my observation. One is, that the disease is not continued
from one year to another by diseased tubers ; for plants which have
been grown from potatoes almost entirely decayed, have produced
healthy and sound crops. Another is, that new varieties produced
from the seed were even more affected by the rot than old varieties.
This, I think, goes to show that the malady must arise from some
other cause, than the long-continued cultivation of varieties, without
being renewed from seed.

The best means of insuring a healthy crop is to plant early sorts
early in the season. When we see whole fields struck down in the
short space of a day or two, whatever may be the pre-disposing
cause, we cannot but think the disease to be of atmosj)hcric influ-
ence. We may reas(?l'iably hope the malady will ere long pass a-
way, and the potatoe again flourish with its former vigor.

Aside from the disease, I would remark that the practice of plant-
ing the largest and over-ripened potatoes, has a tendency to enfee-
ble the plant and shorten the crop. While all seeds perfectly rip-
ened produce the best plants, it ought to be remembered that a po-
tato is not a seed. While therefore, "well ripened potatoes are the
finest for the table, they are the least fit to plant. A potato per-
fectly ripened has lost much of its vegetative power, and when
planted, sends up feeble shoots, and frequently produces a small
crop, whereas such as have not arrived at maturity in the autumn,
•when planted in the spring, come up strong and vigorous plants, and
produce large and better crops.

I would call the attention, and press upon the minds of young
men, — the farmers' sons, — the importance of knowledge, and that
knowledge which is indispensable to a successful prosecution of their
calling. They happily have opportunity for improvement during
the evenings of winter which young men who labor in mechanical

16 Ma. newrall's address.

pursuits arc often deprived of. The price of knowledge is labor.
Without study, the mind must remain barren, like a neglected gar-
den. If young men spend the long evenings of winter, so favorable
to stud}'-, at places of idle resort, in the hearing of profitless conver-
sation, they must necessarily grow up with little more information
than the ox which draws their plough. When such arrive at man-
hood, and you sec them in the distance, you suppose them to be
men, but it is only in appearance, for they have neglected to culti-
vate the mind, which raises man above the mere animal. Such is
the importance of knowledge, that young men should tremble at the
loss of a single hour !

For the encouragement of all who are "in pursuit of knowledge
under difficulties," let me remaik, that at the present day it is of
no practical importance whether they graduate from the halls of a
College or University, or from the attic of their own dwelling, pro-
vided they have acquired that knowledge of science, and of the
world, which shall enable them to discharge all of life's duties in a
proper manner. (It can be of no moment to such men in after Hfe
whether they carry in their pocket a parchment from some scientific
Institution, conforingupon them the honor of Doctor of Laws, if they
understand the natural laws and are able to act in accordance there-
with in the varied duties of life, there can be ifb greater proficient.)
The means of information are within the reach of all. Science is
no longer muffled and hid from the pubHc gaze. No people have
ever been so favored for the acquisition of knoAvledge. The com-
mon schools, those glorious institutions of New England are laying
the foundation for the highest attainments. Every boy, after hav-
ing become familiar with the elementary principles there taught, is
in a situation to improve himself in the various branches of science.
Chemistry is intimately connected with agriculture, and should en-
gage the attention of every young farmer. Zoology comes in for a
share of his attention. The habits of the insect tribes which often
commit greater ravages than the larger animals, should be under-
stood, the more effectually to guard against their depredations.
Botany, so useful and so interesting, should engage the earnest at-
tention of the young of both sexes. It has arrested the attention
of the observing of every age. The wisest of men, although the
cares of a splendid kingdom rested upon him, was intimately ac-
quainted with all plants from the graceful cedar which crowned the

MR. newhall's address. 17

hills of Lebanon, to the humble moss which invested the walls of Ju-
dea. And He, who was greater than Solomon remarked on the
glories of the lillies of the field.

The light which this science sheds upon the operations of nature
places within the reach of all, the means of improving the various
products of the earth, by the cross fertilization of the flowers of
plants of different varieties of the same species. The sexes of plants
which botany unfolds, and which gives man a controlling influence
over the vegetable kingdom, was, till recently, wholly unknown.
Lord Bacon, who wrote in the sixteenth century, and whose brilliant
mind seems to have had glimpses into futurity, says, in speaking of
the animal world, "we see that there are compound creatures, the
offspring of different varieties," and in relation to the vegetable
kingdom, he says, "The compounding or mixture of kinds in plants
is not found out ; which, nevertheless, if it be possible, is more at
command than that of living creatures ; wherefore, it were one of
the most notable experiments touching plants to find it out, for so
you may have great variety of new fruits and flowers yet unknown."
These suggestions of that great man have since been realized, and
to their practical effects we are indebted for some of the finest pro-
ductions of our gardens. With this controlling influence over the
vegetable kingdom* in our hands, what improvements may we not
anticipate in the future ?

As a taste for rural pursuits increases, may we not hope to see
all our waste lands and hill-tops covered with trees ? Our dwellings
and gardens enclosed by walls of evergreens ; and when the slavery
of fashion shall give place to just views of God and his works, — the
ladies will then desire a portion of such beautiful enclosures for the
formation of parterres, for the cultivation and study of flowers, —
those "smiles of God through his vegetable works."

The pursuit of agriculture is not only favorable to man's physi-
cal well-being, but is eminently conducive to the improvement of his
moral nature. The farmer is that favored being who is permitted
as it were to stand in the laboratory of the Infinite One. While
many of those engaged in other useful and important occupations
are necessarily confined within the narrow hmits of their study or
work-shop, his office or place of business is the vast temple of na-
ture. He seems, more than others, by his daily occupation, to be
admitted to nearer approaches to Him, whose humble co-operator

18 MR. newhall's address.

he is, in producing the means of sustaining Hfe. While the artist
and mechanic, by their skill and ingenuity, as they operate upon
dead matter, can produce results in accordance with their wishes, he
feels that, in dealing with the vital principle, without the direct
smiles of Heaven upon his labors, he can produce nothing. Whea
the rain is withheld, and the "heavens become as brass, and the
earth as iron," and vegetation seems to be perishing, how often is
his eye directed to the horizon, that perchance he may see, as did
the servant of the Prophet, a cloud rising, though not larger than a
man's hand, and giving promise of the needful blessing. He be-
holds therefore with the deepest interest the progress of vegetation
from the opening of the vernal season to the closing autumn. When
the mighty forces of nature are quiescent, he sees their silent ener-
gy in the beaming sun and the gentle zephyr. And in their awful
manifestations, he recognizes in the lightning's gleam, the glance of
that eye, whose all-pervading sight reads the unspoken language of
the heart ! And in the bursting thunder, and the fearful earth-
quake, he hears with awe, the accents of "the voice that shakes all
nature's frame."

The volume of nature is wide spread before him ; and whatever
may be the dogmas, which men may have derived from other sources,
respecting the character of the Creator, he here reads in this "elder
scripture" the impressive and all-subduing lesson that God is good.
That his paternal care is extended to every creature, and that all,
from man to the humblest insect, are the monuments of his exhaust-
less love.

With such exhibitions daily before him, and with a knowledge of
the divine economy in the natural system, where every thing chang-
es, but nothing is lost ; where from apparent annual death, arise
new forms of beauty and loveliness ; — the farmer, after a life well
spent in the pursuit originally assigned him, bows to the law of his
being, wraps his mantle about him, and lies down in the sleep of
death, with the most unshaken faith in the accordant lessons of na-
ture, and of revealed religion, that he shall awake in those celestial
scenes, the glories of which, "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard."

HINTS

FOR THE

CONSIDERATION OF THE TRUSTEES,

NOVEMBER, 1848.

By the President of the Society.

Thirty years having elapsed since the organization of the Society,
there is propriety in a retrospective glance, to ascertain what en-
couragement, if any, may be found for the guidance of our future
movements. In this way alone, can a profitable application of the
lessons of experience be made.

Among the objects that first arrest the attention, are the lessons
of instruction, from the first President of the Society, by whose en-
lightened enterprise it was founded. No one who did not witness
these can ever duly appreciate the obligations the Society are under
for his wisdom and perseverance. He entered the forests, as it
were, axe in hand, and cleared them for our use.

Conspicuous on the early pages of the Records, is an elaborate
report on the principles of Free Trade, as then advocated by the
dominant party in New England. This is adverted to, not for the
purpose of discussing the views then expressed, which were without
doubt honestly entertained, but which would probably be cautiously
assented to at the present time, but to draw therefrom a lesson of
instruction, against adopting with too much confidence, any opinions
on speculative subjects. If minds like his, clear and honest, could
be in error, how much more likely to be wrong are those of an in-
ferior order ? All topics of a party character should be scrupulously
avoided, in the management of an institution like this. Nor should
any theories be countenanced or approved, until tested by experi-
ment. If we would have our opinions of value, in the estimation of
others, we should be cautious in the expression of such opinions.

MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY.
The preservation of the ranks of our members has not received
that attention its importance demands. Previous to the first exhibi

20 HINTS TO THE TRUSTEES.

tion, at Topsfield, about seven hundred names were enrolled. Since
then, there have been additions annually, of such as voluntarily of-
fered themselves, — but not so many as have been lost by death and
removals. It is believed, that a careful revision of the list of num-
bers would show not more than five hundred names, if so many.
While the population of the County has nearly doubled, our mem-
bers have diminished almost one half. Ought this to be so ? Ought
not some measure to be adopted to save the edifice from crumbling
to ruins ? Is the object for which we associated of any less impor-
tance now than it was then ? Is there less public spirit among our
citizens now, than there was then ? Are they less able to encourage
an institution of the kind, or less intelligent in appreciating its ad-
vantages ? Few, we believe, will readily answer either of these in-
quiries affirmatively.

The continued liberality of the State, which has enabled the So-
ciety to offer our premiums annually, although to a limited extent,
and the adoption of a system of economy that has kept its expendi-
tures within the income, have had a tendency to prevent the enlist-
ing of new members. Especially, while those who were not mem-
bers, were permitted to enjoy equal privileges, in competing for pre-
miums, as those who were. If care had been taken to increase the
funds by the addition of seven hundred new members, who have come
upon the stage since our operations commenced, who would have
been ready to join, if properly solicited to do so, this addition could
have been advantageously? appropriated, in the new modes of im-
provement, that would have been brought forward.

In fact, those who have directed the concerns of the Society, have
always felt themselves constrained, not by the want of objects of
premium, but by the want of means to afiford them ; and b y the de-
sire to give permanency to the funds, that should enable the Society
to continue its operations, if perchance, anything should happen to
discontinue the Legislative bounty. But there is no reason to fear
any such discontinuance. Whatever party may be in power will
not presume any such thing. Among all the fanciful projects of
economy that have been agitated, we have never heard an intimation
of the expediency of withholding the bounty to agricultural socie-
ties. On the contrary, the appropriation has been very generally
approved ; and it remains with the farmers, themselves, to say,
when insiead of six hundred dollars annually, there shall be given

HINTS TO THE TRUSTEES. 21

one thousand dollars annually, to each of the societies. Is this a
visionary project? Could it not be done by a Uttle exertion? Ap-
point your agents to solicit subscribers. Let a memorial be pre-
sented to the Legislature, setting forth the benefits to accrue there-
from ; let the other societies in the Commonwealth be sohcited to
cooperate ; and three chances out of four, another year would
crown the enterprise with success. There is nothing like trying.
Something has been done for agriculture, but not so much as its rel-
ative importance demands. Who that remembers the eloquent re-
marks of the veteran advocate of the "plough, the loom and the an-
vil," at our late exhibition, was not forcibly impressed with the con-
viction that the farmers have been faithless to themselves ? Mer-
chants and manufacturers do not act thus, when their interests need
support. Let us summon to our aid a portion of that public spirit
which characterized a Pickering, and a Saltonstall, names that
will ever be remembered with respect in the history of our Society,
and the work will be more than half accomplished. If farmers
would be true to themselves, others would be true to them. If they
will not, who can they blame but themselves ? "He that provideth
not for his own," as hath been truly said, "is worse than an infidel."

PLACE OF EXHIBITION.

The places of exhibition, have been among the most exciting top-
ics that have engaged the attention. This was peculiarly so, for
several of the first years. There seemed to be a very general im-
pression, that it was desirable to have some central position perma-
nently estabUshed ; but none such could be agreed on, affording gen-
eral satisfaction. Of late, since the facihties of communication
from all parts of the County have multiplied to such an extent, that
any citizen of the County can readily be at the place of exhibition,
at nine o'clock in the morning, the inquiry is not so much, where it
shall be, as what are the conveniences offered, and what kind of co-
operation will be found in the place proposed ?

Having been at Lynn for three years last past, with success un-
paralleled, owing, in a great measure, to the active cooperation of
several enterprising and liberal citizens there, the time has come,
when a change of position will probably be thought expedient. This
is a subject to be acted on by the Trustees, at this time. Our suc-
cess depends much upon the decision that may be made.

22 HINTS TO THE TRUSTEES.

Wherever we go, it will be best to continue more than one year.
No place should be chosen, where the people of the place are not
ready to cooperate and lend a helping hand. The advantages that
will accrue to the immediate neighborhood, if not to the individuals
who may be the most active, will justify such assistance. Without
this, it is impossible to have a successful exhibition.

Since military displays have been laid aside, agricultural exhibi-
tions have served to interest and amuse the public. {Something of
the kind seems to be absolutely indispensable. We know of nothing
that better combines the agreeable with the useful, than these exhi-
bitions, when properly regulated. But, we protest most distinctly,
against their being misused as theatres of dissipation, as has some-
times been witnessed, even in our own County.

AGRICULTURAL LIBRARIES.

The establishment of an Agricultural Library, for the use of
those who may be desirous of availing themselves of this medium of
instruction, is a topic worthy the particular attention of the Trustees.
Such libraries have been established by other societies with great
beneiSt. Many volumes are annually issuing from the press, abound-
ing in information, that would be perused by many with interest, if
they could be commanded. What better use could be made of a
small portion of our income, say fifty, or even one hundred dollars
annually, than to lay the foundation of such a library ? If it had
been commenced twenty years ago, and only five and twenty vol-
umes had been annually added, the collection would now have been
respectable. Let it be begun, and without doubt, there will be
found many, who will readily lend a helping hand. Set the ball in
motion, and moisten it by exertion, and it will accumulate by every
revolution. We are not of the number who would rely entirely up-
on book knowledge, but we think that man is far from being wise,
even in the consideration of agricultural subjects, who discards the
use of books entirely. Books, when properly prepared, place at
our command the essence of the practical observations of centuries.
Some may hesitate about the place of deposite or position of the Li-
brary. This should be no obstacle in the way. Get it, and enough
will be found to take care of it ; and more, to read it. For the
young man, it is indispensable ; for the old man, it will be found
highly useful.

HINTS TO THE TKUSTEES 28

CULTIVATION OF ENTIRE FARMS.

Whoever examines our Transactions for information, will find it
best condensed, in the statements of the cultivation of entire farms,
and the reports thereon. This should stimulate to renewed efforts to
revive these premiums. Not simply the offer of them, but the
bringing forward of claims to merit them. There is scarcely a town
in the County, that could not annually present the statement of the
cultivation of some farm, that would be a source of useful instruc-
tion. If this information cannot be secured in the manner hereto-
fore practiced, let it be done as in the Counties of Plj'mouth or Mid-
dlesex, by a viewing committee, who will seek out what is interest-
ing, and not wait the tardy movement of the diffident cultivator.
There are many, who will readily communicate, when solicited, who
will not come forward of their own motion. Among these, three
times out of four, is real merit most likely to be found.

We are somewhat flattered, when we see references to what has-
been done by our Society, in obtaining and diffusing information ;
but have we not reason to be more mortified, when we reflect upon
what we know has been left undone ? I appeal to your candory
gentlemen, who should know the state of agriculture in the County,
whether this is not so ? Is there any one of you, for example, who
can, with any confidence, answer the inquiry. What proportion of
the bread stuffs consumed in the County, is raised in the County ?
I ask each of you, without consultation with others, to give me your
opinion on this question. Hand in your ballots, if you please. Our
notions on these subjects are apt to be vague and indefinite. It
should be the aim of societies like this to correct them. The mer-
chant, Avho wishes to conduct his business with success, has his cor-
respondents in all directions, and understands from them the pros-
pect and the state of the market. Before he undertakes to forward
a cargo, he inquires whether it will be wanted, where it is to be
sent. Why should not the farmer do the same, before he undertakes
to plant his fields. True, he knows that a certain portion of pro-
duce will be needed for the consumption of his family, because his
father before him raised about this amount. But the man who is
ambitious of being considered an intelligent cultivator, should not
rest satisfied with this knowledge. Is it not possible to adopt a plan
of securing returns annually, from every town in the County, of such
statistical information, as when properly arranged, Avould be of great

24 HINTS TO THE TRUSTEES.

value ? Wlio can so properly undertake tins matter, as the Agricul-
tural Society of the County ? The State Society of New York re-
quire this of every County Society. The State Society of Massa-
chusetts, when under the guidance of a Lowell and other kindred
spirits, used to do something to encourage and enlighten the farmers
of the State. Since the County Societies have presumed to start
ahead, the State Society seems to have been stationary. Any one,
who sees what is doing, annually, in the State of New York, will be
satisfied that much remains to be done in Massachusetts. A review
of the State Agricultural Record, as compiled by our own faithful
and intelligent Secretary, will show that much remains to be done ;
and that new exertions are necessary, to enable us to keep pace with
the improvements of the age.

TRUSTEES' MEETINGS, &c.

Those who had the privilege of being present at the early meet-
inss of the Trustees, will remember the interest that was awakened
by the discussions that were introduced. Latterly, the meetings
have been so entirely occupied with the transaction of business, that
little or no time has been given to discussion. If the meetings could
be more frequent, with an understanding that gentlemen would come
prepared to communicate and receive instruction, the purposes of
the Society might be more fully accomplished. It need not be im-
perative upon all to attend ; let those who do come, bring with them
such kindred spirits as are among their associates, and the meetings
might be made a school for mutual instruction. Whatever is worth
doing at all, is always worthy of being well done. Bearing in mind,
that nothing can be accomplished that is not commenced, I have
ventured to propose the foregoing considerations, to be acted on or
not, as may be deemed expedient. If any or all of them shall be
found worthy the attention of the Board, at this or any subsequent
meeting, I shall feel that I have, in some measure, contributed to
the advancement of the interests of the Society.

Perhaps, it may be deemed expedient, to appoint Committees on
the principal topics suggested, viz. : the next place of exhibition,
the increase of members, the formation of a library, the selection of
subjects of premiums, the securing returns of statistical informa-
tion, &c., &c., with instructions to report at an adjournment of the
meetins.

REPORTS, &C.

REPORT ON FOREST TREES.

The Committee on Forest Trees regret that no competitors have
appeared to claim the premium offered by the Society. Notwith-
standing the liberal action of the State in relation to this subject,
the publication of Mr. Emerson's report and of numerous essays,
of late, upon the importance and profit of forest planting, there
does not appear to be any newly awakened action among the farmers
of Massachusetts. The acorns still fall unheeded from the few oaks
which remain, the pine cones still open themselves upon their boughs,
the wind blowing them where it listeth, the cattle are still allowed
to gain a scanty and hard subsistence by grazing over lands that na-
ture plants, but plants in vain. Shall this continue ? In the hope,
though almost a forlorn one, of arousing attention among the farm-
ers of Essex, upon this interesting matter, we propose to say a few
words about planting trees, or more properly speaking, making tim-
ber plantations from the seed.

We have not the space allowed us to enable us to descant upon
the pleasurable satisfaction to be taken in seeing one's trees growing
from year to year, adding new beauty to our estate, nor to enlarge
upon the inward content that fills the breast, as we behold woods of
our own planting springing up around us, for which those who suc-
ceed us will bless our memories, and which may afibrd the most pure
and unalloyed enjoyment to generations yet unborn. We shall con-
fine ourselves to the subject as a mere matter of thrift, and we shall
speak of a tree only in the light which the Laird of Dumbiedikes
viewed it. "Jock, Avhen ye hae nae thing else to do, ye maybe aye
sticking in a tree ; it will be growing, Jock, when ye're sleeping."
Before proceeding, however, more minutely with those considerations
which we hope will induce some few to attempt forest planting, we
wish to notice, and if possible, to overcome the^ objection that is al-
ways foremost, Avhen we press tree planting upon the notice of our
friends and neighbors. It is an objection more deeply felt than ex-

4

26 REPORT ON FOREST TREES.

pressed, because we are hardly willing to have so selfish a hindrance
appear in all its strength, and it is this. We are told, that it is a
species of improvement from which we ourselves cannot hope to
reap the benefit, since our lives are too short to witness the maturity
of trees of our own planting. This is a weak and selfish objection,
at the best, and it is false, too, in its premises. The fi^rst Duke,
John of Athol, for example, saw a British frigate built entirely of
Larch of his own planting. It will be seen, moreover, if we will exam-
ine a little into the subject, that the benefits commence at once in
the increased value given to the land planted. In another point of
view, as a provision for our children, how important planting be-
comes. There is no surer way of making a provision for one's chil-
dren, than by planting timber trees. The advantage of restoring
portions of our worn out-lands to wood, are also most important to
New England welfare. We are every year developing more highly
the mechanical arts, and in their progress, wood, in various forms
and for numerous purposes, is required. Our lands have been al-
ready stripped of the most valuable kinds, for these purposes, and
no measures are being taken for a new supply. They have been
pastured upon and exposed to our cold and piercing winds, until, in
many cases, the power of vegetation is nearly lost. Now, who can
not foresee a prospect for an increased demand and value for every
species of wood that grows ? Do we not perceive this enhancement
from year to year ?

We come now to such data as we have been able to obtain from
practical persons, as to the profit and loss of planting; and we shall
commence with those furnished by the English and Scotch planters,
who have made planting the business of a life-time, in a country
where planting forest trees has been practised for centuries. And
first, we shall extract from the Transactions of the Highland Soci-
ety, a slight notice of the Larch, a tree which has been found to
agree singularly well with our bleakest and most hungry soils.

*'Larch will supply ship-timber at a great height above the region
of the oak ; and while a 74 gun-ship will require the oak timber of
75 acres, it will not require more than ten acres of larch ; the trees
in both cases being sixty-eight years old. The larch, instead of in-
juring the pasture under it, impi^ves it. The late Duke of Athol,
planted in the last year of his Hfe, 6500 acres of mountain ground
solely with larch, which in the course of 72 years from the time of

REPORT ON FOREST TREES. " 27

planting, will be a forest of timber fit for the building of the largest
class of ships in Her Majesty's navy. It will have been thinned out
to 400 trees per acre. Each tree will contain, at the least, 50 cubic
feet, or one load of timber, which at the low price of one shilling per
cubic foot, only half its present value, will give X 1,000 per acre,
or in all, a sum of .£6,500,000 sterling. Besides this, there will
have been a return of X7 per acre, from the thinnings, after de-
ducting all expense of thinning and the original outlay of planting.
Further still, the land on which the larch is planted, is not worth
above ninepence or one shilling per acre, yearly rent. After the
thinnings of the last thirty years, it will be worth ten shillings per
acre, by the improvement of the pasturage."

Montieth, an experienced timber planter and appraiser of timber
land, gives the following statement of the profit of an oak plantation
for twenty years, on one hundred acres of land, worth five dollars
per acre, yearly rent, and I have placed the estimate in dollars, in-
stead of pounds sterling.

If the proprietor, he says, plants 100 acres of ground, the trees
being four feet distant from each other, each acre will contain 3422
plants.

Plants and planting per acre, $30, $3000 00

Rent of land for 10 years, at $5 per acre, 5000 00

Interest on rent, 1125 00

Expenses of thinning, pruning and trimming, for 10 years,

at $5 per acre, 5000 0 0

Total expenditure, $14,125 00

Deduct produce of 1000 trees, thinned from each acre,
1st 10 years, at $10 per acre, $1000 00

Deduct value of 2422 trees per acre,

remaining, at $37 50 per acre, 3750 00 4,750 00

9,375 00

Balance at the end of 10 years, 9,375 00

Expense of thinning and pruning, for 2d 10 years, at $10

per acre, 2000 00

Rent of land for same period, at $5 per acre, per annum, 6000 00

28 REPORT ON FOREST TREES.

Interest on do., 1125 00

Int. on $9,375, old balance for 10 years 4685 00

Total outlay for 20 years, $22,185 00

Deduct produce of 1000 trees thinned out from eacli acre,

at 12J cents per tree, at $125 per acre, 12,500 00

Deduct for enhancement of value, during the last 10 years

of 1422 trees per acre, remaining at $160 per acre, 16,000 00

28,500 00
Leaving an actual profit, after paying rent, interest and

expenses, of 6315 00

Up to this period, the comparative gain is small, but the same

calculation continued for 10 years more, will show a profit of

$118,335 00, and the end of forty years from the time of planting,

the round sum of $205,000 00.

These calculations, as Montieth remarks, may to those who have
paid no attention to the subject, excite wonder, if not doubt, but in
making them, he says he 'has been careful to lessen rather than to
exaggerate the profits.

The following facts, given in the Encyclopedia Brittania, of Art
and Agriculture, confirm Mr. Monteith. Mr. Pavier, in the 4th vol. of
the Bath papers, computes the value of fifty acres of oak timber, in
one hundred years, to be $60,000, and Evelyn calculates 1000
acres of oak in 150 years, at no less than at three million and three
hundred thousand dollars. Both these writers, who are of known
authority, made their calculations at a period when the timber was
of less value than at the time of Montieth's calculation, by at least
one half.

Let us hear what Mr. Low, in his valuable work, "Landed Prop-
erty and the Economy of States," says. "The planter has been
characterized as the most disinterested of men, because he labors
for posterity. The claim of the planter to this distinction may be
questioned, although he may enjoy the thought that the workman-
ship of his hands will not perish with him. Like every one who la-
bors from choice, the planter experiences gratification in his pursuit.
The little tree which he places in the ground, quickly becomes a
part of the landscape around ; and thus the taste is gratified, almost
as soon as the work is done. In a few years more, his woods yield

REPORT ON FOREST TREES.

29

shelter from the winds and thus increase the value of the lands
around^ while it is rarely beyond the expectation of human life to
look for a direct profit from the wood as it advances to maturity.
To expend capital on planting, indeed is merely to lay out a fund to
increase at interest, and often at a high rate of interest. Let it be
supposed that a wood requires 60 years to reach the age of good
timber ; that the land is worth one dollar per acre* of yearly rent in
its original state ; and that the expense of planting and inclosing it
is twenty-five dollars per acre. Then rating money at 5 per cent,
supposing it to increase at compound interest, the amount will be
found by calculation, for 60 years together with the assumed yearly
rent of one dollar per acre for the same period, to be nine hundred
dollars per acre. ISo that if the wood be worth that sum, it will re-
turn the capital, interest and rent. But the sum of $900 per acre,
would be very small, including the progressive thinnings made dur-
ing the period for timber of even the least valuable kinds, of 60
years standing, and therefore, it will be seen that wood may yield a
high return on the capital expended.

It will be seen in all the estimates of profits of forest plantation in
England, a considerable item of cost is the annual rent of land, va-
rying from five dollars to one shilling per acre ; another large item
is fencing and inclosing. James Brown, in a work of much utility
and excellence upon this subject, makes the cost of fencing one half
the expense. In the planting which we propose to the farmers of
Essex, we shall make no account of these items of expense in Eng-
land, because the lands which we shall recommend are those that
have been used as pastures and fields, worn out by poor cultivation,
which are almost universally fenced or walled, and which are hardly
worth in themselves the walls that inclose them. They possess no
yearly value, to be placed among the items of expense in forest cul-
ture, although we shall allow interest upon one that we shall assume.
With these premises, we now propose to urge upon every farmer
in the County, to take any worn out field, huckleberry pasture, or
other waste land, and to convert it into a wood plantation, whether of
birch, larch, pines, oak, ash or maple, or all combined. And we
will endeavor to give a fair statement of the transaction, valuing
his own time and attention at the highest market price for farm labor.
In the first place, it must be observed, that in the estimates of

* In this extract, pounds and shillings are converted into dollars.

30 REPORT ON FOREST TREES.

the cost, we assume the work to be well done ; for, unless it be so,
it had better not be attempted. Merely putting an acorn in the
ground, or any number of acorns, is not forest planting. They will
germinate, undoubtedly, but they will remain of no value after they
have come up for many years, unless something more is done. It
would be as unwise to plant a field of acorns, without preparing that
field, as to sow corn or potatoes without ploughing, manuring and af-
ter cultivating the ground. We shall, in another place, speak more
particularly of this ; we speak of it now, lest our estimates should
appear high. So in calculating the value of the product, we assume
a rapid production, such as care and cultivation alone will give, and
not such as springs up from unassisted nature. We will now sup-
pose that a farmer has a ten acre lot upon his farm, which has run to
waste, or for which he has no profitable use. We offer to his con-
sideration, as the most productive employment of this lot, its conver-
sion to a wood lot ; and as an inducement for him to attempt it, we
state to him the cost of an oak plantation, and its profit and loss for
forty years, as follows:

Cost of planting, including ploughing, harrowing, mar
nuring and keeping fence or wall in order, at $25
per acre, |250 00

Thinning, pruning and weeding, for ten years, at |3
'per acre, annually, 300 00

Interest for ten years, assuming the land to be worth

$15 per acre, 270 00

Whole cost at the end of ten years, 820 00

For the next ten years, the thinnings will fully pay for
the cutting and other slight attention. We will
therefore add to the above, at the end of the 2d ten
years, interest upon interest. &c., &,c., 492 00

$1312 00

At the end of twenty years, if the labor which has
been charged for, has been faithfully performed,
there will remain, say 1000 trees to an acre, of the
average height of 30 feet, worth at least 30 cents

REPORT ON FOREST TREES. 31

each, or $300 per acre, $3000 00

Deduct the cost up to the expiration of this period, 1312 00

And there remains a profit of $1688 00

after paying interest and expenses.

For the next twenty years, the cost of thinning, -which
is the only expense, ■vvill be more than balanced by
the increase in value of the wood cut, at 30 cents
per tree, over that valuation. During that time,
the trees will have been thinned to about 400 trees
per acre, which is about the number of timber trees
that can be grown to full size. These trees would
be worth for fuel merely, as they stand, at least $5
per tree, any where in Essex County, or $2000
per acre. The account then would stand, at the
end of forty years, thus :

Profit at the end of 20 years, 1,688 00

400 trees per acre, at thd end of 40 years, at $5

per tree, 20,000 00

$21,688 00

Less previous value given on same, at 30 cents per

tree, remaining, 1,200 00

$20,488 00

"Which sum, large as it may appear, shows the smallest profit to
be anticipated from an oak plantation of ten acres, upon suitable
land, of a medium quality, at the expiration of forty years from the
time of planting.

On a poor dry rocky soil, the Scotch larch would offer as marked
a profit. Its wood is almost indestructible, and the rapidity of its
growth is astonishing. Though similar to the American larch or
hackmatack in appearance, it is totally opposite in habit, the latter
flourishing only in wet humid soils, and the former in soils of a dry
and gravelly nature. The seed can be imported through Messrs.
Hovey & Co., of Boston, or seedhng plants can be obtained, at a
very low cost, say from one to three dollars per thousand, according
to size.

32 REPORT ON FOREST TREES.

We shall now conclude our remarks with a few directions for pre-
paring the land and making the plantation, taking an oak plantation
for an example. The first step is to prepare the ground, by plough-
ing and harrowing it, as it should be done for corn or potatoes. A
light dressing of manure, ashes or lime, should be laid on, and
ploughed or harrowed into the soil. This being done, the land is
ready to receive the seed, which may be sown as soon as gathered
from the trees, or kept in dry sand until spring, if the field is likely
to be infested with mice or squirrels. To allow for this and failures
in seed, we recommend planting five or six acorns in a circular form,
just as one Avould plant corn or potatoes in hills, making the diame-
ter of the circle at least one foot — the spaces or hills being three or
four feet apart ; and the work is done, for the present, so far as the
future oaks are concerned. It seems to be generally conceded,
however, that oaks do better if sheltered by other small trees, set
out or sown before the acorns are planted. In England, the Scotch
fir, resembling our pitch pine, and the Scotch larch are used. We
do not attach quite so much importance to this auxiliary planting,
as seems to be given to it in England, though it is of advantage,
without doubt, as sheltering the young plants. We think the planter
will find great advantage in sowing broadcast the birch seed, at the
rate of two quarts to the acre, after ploughing and before harrow-
ing, as it is a quick grower, readily removed, and of value when it
becomes necessary to make severe thinnings — and we are satisfied
that this is sufficient. If the planter wishes to make a mixed plan-
tation of oaks, pines, birch, ash and maple, he can sow them all
broadcast and harrow them in, except the acorn, which, if it is to
remain as the principal crop, had better be planted as before di-
rected. We have thus given, in a cursory manner, the most proper
mode, in our opinion, to secure a profitable return to the forest
planter. We have adopted, out of many plans that planters follow,
the one which upon the whole seems best adapted to us, and it has
this advantage, if the assertion by some Avriters be true, that a trans-
planted tree makes less valuable timber, that the trees start up,
grow and mature without transplanting. It may be, however, that
a farmer cannot in any one or two seasons get his field ready for
planting, and at the same time, he is unwilling to lose the inter-
ven-ng time entirely. In such a case, he has only to sow his acorns
in a small bed of good soil in the autumn, and allow them to remain

REPORT ON FOREST TREES. 33

there for one or two years, wlien he can place them in their future
resting-place. In doing so, he can sow them as thickly as he would
peas, in quadruple rows, a foot or so apart and an inch deep.

And here it may be well to remark, that great care should be
used in selecting not only the acorns of valuable species of oaks, but
also from large and vigorous trees. The care used in this respect,
will amply repay the trouble. Of the species of oaks to be recom-
mended, of course the white oak stands first, and in good soils it
grows rapidly. We wish, however, without excluding any but the
red oak, which is useless as a timber ti;ee, to call the attention of our
farmers to the Chesnut and Rock Chesnut Oak, the latter of Avhich
grows upon the poorer soils. We think these oaks have not received
the attention they deserve, both for their beauty, as well as for their
value as timber. They resemble more than any of our oaks, the
best English oak, and we predict that the time will come, when they
will stand side by side, at least in reputation, with the white oak.

In the estimate which we have given of the result of an oak plan-
tation, we are aware that the profit seems too large to comport with
our common experience of the value of land covered with wood.
But it must be borne in mind, that the land of this nature, which we
are in the habit of valuing, is of the natural growth, and most fre-
quently the growth from the stump of a previous forest. We must
also recollect that the wood lands which we are accustomed to look
upon, have never received care and attention, more especially in
thinning at proper intervals. To cultivate a wood plantation suc-
cessfully, requires the same degree of care and attention in thinning
out, as an onion, carrot or beet bed. If the trees are left to strug-
gle with each other for the mastery, the vanquished will die, while
the victors will suffer severely from the effects of the struggle. We
shall therefore say a few words upon this subject, although we write
under a painful sense that we are becoming tedious. The objects
to be attained by thinning, is so to regulate the distance of the
plants, that they will not interfere with each other's growth ; and for
this purpose, it is necessary that each plant has sufficient space of
ground and air for the spread of its roots and branches, proportion-
ate to its size at any given stage of its growth. To accomplish this
properly, requires constant attention. It is highly injurious to thin
so much at one time as to leave the trees remaining exposed to a
greatly increased degree of heat and cold , as Mr. J. Brown re-

34 REPORT ON FOREST TREES.

marks, it is like suddenly removing the plantation a fcAv degrees
farther north or south. So it is equally injudicious to allow the
plants to become crowded and interlaced, as thereby they exclude
too much the light and air and serve to weaken each other. In rear-
ing a plantation for timber, the approved rule for hard wood trees is,
to have a space between each tree equal to half its height ; and for
resinous trees, a space equal to one third the height ; and this should
be kept in view from the moment that thinnings commence. The
period when these thinnings should begin must depend upon the for-
wardness of the trees. If acorns are planted in circles such as we
have recommended, they can remain so for two or three years ; the
weaker ones can then be carefully drawn out, so as not to disturb
those that are to remain, until the plants shall stand three or four
feet apart. In the course of seven or eight years, the remaining
plants should have attained the height of ten or twelve feet, when
the first moderate thinning should take place, and ever after, the
rule we have laid down should be carefully followed.

We have thus, in as brief manner as in our power, presented our
views upon the important, though neglected subject of arbori-
culture, endeavoring to give them in a practical form, so far as they
have gone. "We should like to go farther, and to do all in our pow-
er to dispel the common illusion that it takes more than one life-time'
to grow a tree. We can, however, do no more than to present the
following table of the actual, as well as comparative growth of a
variety of trees from the time of planting, until they had made
twenty years' growth. The plantation covered six acres in extent,
consisting principally of a swampy meadow upon a gravelly soil.

Lombardy Poplar,

Abele,

Plane,

Acacia,

Elm,

Chesnut,

White Pine,

Spruce,

Larch,

No account is here given of the oak, but Louden and other

Average
feet in height

60 to 80

50 to 70

50 to 60

50 to 60

40 to 60

30 to 50

30 to 50

30 to 50

50 to 60

Average
circumference,
feel. inch.

4

8

4

6

3

6

2

4

3

6

2

9

2

5

2

2

3

10

REPORT ON IpiUIT TREES. S5

writers give the average of its growth, upon a medium soil, as from
80 to 50 feet, in the same period. The above table is an account
of English growth, but it corresponds perfectly with the results of
our own observation and experience in Massachusetts. We have
quoted this table as an incentive to tree planting. Even if we are
indisposed to recreate the forests which have been wasted, we may
some of us bt induced to adorn the road sides near our dwellings
with trees. As they grow in size from year to year, they creep into
our hearts' best affections. Our associations become connected with
them ; our children grow up with them and learn to love them, and
our children's children may enjoy their shade and gambol beneath
them. Indeed, as compared with the life of man, the trees which
he plants soon assumes a superiority over him. From his tender
nursing, it springs into existence and becomes his shelter and his
protection, and will continue to shelter succeeding generations long
after he is gone and forgotten. The tree under which Washington
stood, when he first drew his sword to take command of the army at
Cambridge, is still vigorous and flourishing as ever, while all of that
gallant band of patriots have passed away.

For the Committee,

RICHARD S. FAY, Chairman.

ON FRUIT TREES.

The Committee on Fruit Trees have to report that two entries
only have been made for premiums. One by S. C. Pitman of Lynn,
and one by Wm. G. Lake, of Topsfield, whose statements in relation
to their respective Nurseries are annexed. By referring to those
statements it will be seen that the entry of Mr. Pitman, is for his
whole Nursery, that of Mr. Lake for "three thousand, one hundred
and seventy-eight Baldwin apple trees, standing on twenty-three
and one quarter square rods of land," being in fact but a small part
of an extensive Nursery, on another portion of which he received
the first premium of the society last year. The committee feel
somewhat embarrassed how to proceed in awarding the premiums in
this case. They are awarded for the "best Nursery of trees;" un
der this, can any thing less than the whole Nursery be offered? If

36 REPORT. 0|f FRUIT TREES.

SO, how is it possible to make a comparisoQ of a selected part of one
Nursery with the whole of another ? Had there not been a differ-
ence of practice heretofore, which has given a different practical
construction, it would seem as if nothing less than an entire Nursery
could be offered for premium. In the course of our visits to the
other Nurseries, we have found that the reason why no other entries
were made, was, on account of the umvillingness of those possessing
large Nurseries to come into competition — not with smaller ones —
but with select portions of other Nurseries.

The Committee were much pleased with the appearance of Mr.
Lake's trees, showing a vigorous, healthy growth, with the exception
of the leaf not being entirely free from lice. Mr. Pitman's trees,
especially his apples and pears, were likewise remarkably healthy
and vigorous, the leaf fresh and green, showing, w^e think, in a very
favorable light, the permanent advantage of bone manure, in the
cultivation of young trees. If our old orchards could receive a lit-
tle attention by cleaning and manuring with ashes and bone, or with
either, we believe they would amply repay the trouble and ex-
pense of the application. Many of our farmers have yet to learn
that it is much cheaper and easier to renovate an old orchard, intro-
ducing by grafting, all new and valuable varieties of fruit, than to
make a new one by planting young trees, and it is to be hoped, now
that apples are becoming a large article of export, that more atten-
tion will be given to this matter. There is hardly an old apple tree
in Essex county, that might not be resuscitated and brought into full
bearing in four years, by a little labor and expense.

In conclusion, the Committee would recommend that the first pre-
mium be awarded to Samuel C. Pitman, and that for the reasons
before suggested, no other premiums be awarded.

For the Committee,

R. S. FAY, Chairman.

i

SAMUEL C. PITMAN'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Fruit Trees :

Gentlemen, — The trees in my nursery, to which I would call
your particular attention, are some five thousand apple, in one lot,

REPORT ON FRUIT TREES. 37

two years from the seed and one from the bud, consisting of nearly
equal parts of the following varieties : — Baldwin, R. I. Greening,
Northern Spy, Porter, William's Favorite, Epes' Sweeting and Fall
Harvest. They have made a straight and average growth of nearly
four feet — very few of the buds having failed.

Also, about three thousand apple, two and three years from the
bud, consisting of the following varieties : — Gravenstein, Porter,
Kilham Hill, Fall Pippin, Baldwin, R. I. Greening, &c.

Also, about three thousand pear trees, two years from the seed
and one from the bud, consisting of Louis Bon de Jersey, Bartlett,
Flemish Beauty, Nopoleon, &c.

My land is mostly a gravelly loam, manured four years ago with
crushed bone, at the rate of twenty-five bushels to the acre, with a
slight dressing of barn yard manure, when the trees were set in the
rows. The growth of my trees have not been extraordinary, but
uniform and healthy.

Respectfully yours,

SAMUEL C. PITMAN.

Upper Swampscot, Lynn, September 29th, 1848.

WM.G. LAKtyS STATEMENT.

To the Committee, on Fruit Trees :

Gentlemen, — I offer for the Society premium three thousand one
hundred and seventy-eight Baldwin apple trees, standing on twenty-
three and one quarter square rods of land. These trees are two
years old from the seed, and one only from the bud. The heighth
will average from 83 to 4 feet, this being the entire growth of this
season.

The land on which these trees stand, was prepared in the follow-
ing manner, viz. : — In the year 1844, it was broken up, and planted
with potatoes, it then being well manured. In 1845, a crop of seed-
ling pear and apple trees, was raised. In 1846, the trees were set
in nurseries in rows, when one year old. In 1847, they were bud-
ded, being- two years old from the seed. There has been no manure
applied to this land since the potatoes were planted in 1844, except

38 REPORT ON GRAIN CROPS.

less than one cord of compost manure, composed of three parts sea
weed and one part stable manure, spread between the rows.

Yours respectfully,

WM. G. LAKE.

Topsfield, Sept 27, 1848.

ON GRAIN CROPS.

The Committee on Grain Crops have attended to that duty, and
Report :

That only one entry has been made for raising Grain, and that by
Mr. John Hathaway, of Danvers, for a crop of winter rye, of an
extraordinary yield. Mr. Hathaway's statement is very full as to
his manner of manuring, preparing and cultivating his lands for the
previous crops, and also for the present crop of winter rye. It will
be seen that he has raised on one and a quarter of an acre of land
55 bushels, equal to 44 bushels to the acre. This is the largest crop
of rye, to the acre,. that has come within the knowledge of the Com-
mittee.

As Mr. Hathaway has spared no pains in preparing his land for a
good crop, the Committee are happy to find that he has been am-
ply paid for his labor by reaping an abundant harvest, and recom-
mend the premium of eight dollars be paid to him for his crop of
winter rye.

His crop of summer rye is also a very large yield, 45 bushels on
one and a half acres of land, which would entitle him to a premium.
As, however, but one premium is offered by the Society, they can-
not recommend any for this crop.

The Committee would recommend that farmers give more atten-
tion to the raising of this grain ; it not only gives a large yield of
grain, but the straw is valuable, generally about 100 lbs. to one
bushel of rye, and will always command a high price and ready mar-
ket. Another advantage is, that being sown in the autumn, after
other crops are taken from the land, grass seed may be sown at the
same time, and it is the opinion of the Committee that it is the best
grain with which to lay down land to grass.

The Committee regret that no other crops of grain have been en-

ON GRAIN CROPS. S'9

4

tered for a premium. One piece of oats, of a very large yield,
came within the observation of the Committee, but was not duly-
entered.

Respectfully submitted,

JAMES STEVENS, Chairman.

Salem, November 16, 1848.

JOHN HATHAWAY'S STATEMENT

To the Committee on Cfrain Crops :

Gentlemen, — I present for your consideration a crop of winter
rye, raised on the town farm in Danvers, on a field containing about
one and a quarter acres of land. This land is a light loam, some
part of it gravelly. In 1845, the field yielded one small load of hay.
In 1846, it was ploughed, planted with corn, and yielded a good
crop, say from 50 to 60 bushels to the acre. The manure used was
such as is made in our hog-pen from meadow mud and slaughter-
house ofial. We put a full shovel full to the hill. In 1847, we
spread about five cords of like manure upon the land, and planted
the lot with potatoes. We used four oxen and a large plough, and
ploughed at least eight inches deep. The crop of potatoes was
large and of very good quality. Before the 20th of September, we
dug them. We then ploughed with four oxen, as before, harrowed
it, then sowed l^ths bushels of rye, and harrowed it in. This was
done on the 25th of September. The crop advanced through the
season in a most promising manner, and was harvested about the
middle of July in the best possible condition. We obtained from^
this field 55 bushels of sound grain. We also raised on another lot,
of one and a half acres, forty-five bushels of spring rye.

It will be remembered, that the soil of this farm is of ordinary
quality, compared with the soil on most other farms in town. The
improvements on it have been chiefly owing to the increase and ap-
plication of manure.

JOHN HATHAAVAY.

Danvers, August 31, 1848.

I certify that I have measured the land on which grew the winter

40 ON ROOT OROPS.

rye above described, and found it to contain one and a quarter
acres. I also saw the grain and consider it of superior quality.

JOHN W. PROCTOR.

ON ROOT CROPS.

The Society offered 36 dollars, in the aggregate, for the "best
conducted experiment" in raising the following roots, viz. : Sugar
Beets, Carrots, Parsnips, Ruta Baga, Mangel Wurtzel and Onions.
No entries were made on any of the above roots, except onions.

There were two entries for the premium on onions ; one by Aaron
C. Proctor, of Danvers, who raised 480 bushels to the acre, which
was not much above the ordinary yield.

The other entry was by John Peaslee, also of Danvers. It ap-
pears by his certificate that he raised on one half acre 411 bushels,
being at the rate of 822 bushels per acre, which the Committee
considered a yield entirely unparallclled in the history of the onion
crop.

The Committee recommend that the Society's premium of six
dollars be awarded to John Peaslee, for his successful cultivation of
onions.

The Committee regret that there was no entry of claims on the
other roots for which premium were offered, as each of them is of
the greatest importance to every farmer for feeding hts stock.

JOHN STONE, JR. Chairman.

JOHN PEASLEE' S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Root Crojos :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium a crop of onions raised from
one half acre of land, measuring four hundred and eleven bushels.
Land worth two hundred dollars per acre ; yellow loam. Southern
descent. A crop of onions was taken from the land the year pre-
vious ; not so good, however, as those of the present year. The
manure used was well rotted stable manure, which cost four dollars
per cord. The land was ploughed to a depth sufficient to bury the
dressing. About the middle of April of the present year, the land

ON ROOT CROPS. 41

was manured, plonghed, and prepared as usual, and one pound and
a half of seed sown. The usual method of hoeing with a machine,
and weeding by hand was pursued. The crop was harvested about
the last of the month of September, and carefully measured in a
bushel basket. Annexed is a statement of the expenses of the
crop, as nearly as can be ascertained :

STATEMENT OF EXPENSES.

Three cords of manure, at $4 per cord, $12 00

One and a half pounds of seed, at $2 per lb. 3 00

Remaining expenses, 10 00

Whole amount, $25 00

JOHN PEASLEE.

Danvers, November 15th, 1848.

AARON C. PROCTOR'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Root Culture :
Gentlemen, — Having called your attention the last year, to my

cultivation o^ onions, and stated the facts in relation thereto, as they
had then come to my knowledge, I now submit the following as my
experience the present season. I continued the cultivation on the
same ground. I used similar manures, in all, about six cords to an
acre, ploughed and harrowed thoroughly ; cleared away all refuse
material ; and sowed the seed as early in the spring as the land
could be prepared. I was particular to keep down the weeds. I
found the plants thinner than I intended they should be, and was
apprehensive that the crop would fall short, on this account. The
season has not been favorable for the growth of this plant, though
mine continued to flourish and grow longer than many other lots that
I noticed. Perhaps this was owing to their being thin. They ob-
tained a good size, and were of as fair quality as I ever raised. I
obtained from one acre of the ground four hundred and eighty
bushels, as measured and delivered in the market. The value at
the time I sold them was $1 33 a barrel ; they have since com-
manded a higher price.

One fact I noticed this and the last year; where my onions grew,
may be worthy of remark, as illustrating the effects of subsoil plough-

42 ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OP CROPS.

ing. Three years since, about half of the plane land, where the
onions grew, was subsoiled eight inches below the ordinary plough-
ing; the other half was not. In all other respects, the land was
manured and treated alike. The crop was decidedly better on the
part that was subsoiled, than on the part that was not. I am not
able to state with precision how much better, but should judge it to
he h'om fifteen to twenty per cent. At the time I used the subsoil
plough, it was the better to prepare the land for a crop of carrots,
without any expectation of a beneficial influence upon the onions. I
state the facts as observed, and presume the improved crop was the
consequence of the subsoil ploughing. I have not used a plough of
this description sufficiently, to speak with confidence of its general
utility ; but from what I have witnessed, cannot doubt it may be used
on some kinds of soil to great advantage.

One other fact I observed on my field of onions, which may be
worth mentioning. When I procured the muscle bed, a part of it I
spread directly upon the land, and a part I distributed in heaps, and
after it laid through the winter, caused it to be spread. Where these
heaps laid, could be distinctly seen through the season, and the crop
was much less, than around them. Possibly, too much salt had
■ mingled with the soil ; whatever may have been the cause, the ef-
fect was prejudicial. The extraordinary crop of onions the last year
induced many to engage in the cultivation the present. Many fields
have fallen short of expectation nearly one half. My own has done
well. Though had the season been a favorable one, I cannot doubt
that the crop would have been one quarter part more. The demand
for the onion has thus far been commensurate with the supply ; and
I see no reason to hesitate in the beUef, that it will continue to be
one of the most advantageous crops that can be cultivated.

AARON C. PROCTOR.

Danvers, October, 1848.

ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS, &c.
The Committee on the "comparative value of crops as food for
cattle," regret that it isnot in their power to award the liberal pre-
miums offered. These offers have been before the public for several

ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS. 43

years, without awakening that attention in the minds of cultivators
their importance demands. When we take into view the fac.t, that
so large a portion of the time of the farmer, both in summer and
winter, is occupied in securing or distributing the food of his cattle ;
it cannot be otherwise than a matter of deep interest, to regulate
this labor to the best advantage. If therefore, by any suggestions
in our power to offer, valuable information may be elicited or dissemi-
nated, we shall, in part at least, have discharged our duty. If we can
be so fortunate, as to induce any one to undertake a series of accurate
experiments, to test the truth or fallacy of our conjectures, an im-
portant point will be gained. We are fully sensible that facts, de-
rived from a continued series of observations are wanting on this
subject. We are surprized that those most interested in these mat-
ters should be willing to remain so imperfectly informed, as are
a large proportion of the farming community.

Unglisk Hay is proposed as the test of the comparative value
of the other articles used. This is so generally used, so valuable,
and of so uniform a character that it may well have this distinction.
Tabular statements, from time to time, have been published, varying
with the experience of those who framed them, giving general
views, approximating without doubt to correctness. One of this
kind can be found in the Report of the Commissioner of Patents for
1843, page 120, from which an abstract was taken in our Transac-
tions for 1844, page 33. But we are not quite satisfied, for in-
stance, with being informed that 275 pounds of green stalks of In-
dian corn are equal to 100 lbs of hay, or that 21 pounds of green
corn fodder, equals one pound of hay. We want to know something
further about it. We want to know, for example, how this kind of
feed will operate on a stock of milch cows, by increasing the quan-
tity or improving the quality of their milk. In the vicinity of a
■dense population, the supplying the market with milk is one of the
best applications of the produce of the farm. Many expedients are
adopted, to furnish food, when the ordinary supplies are cut off; as
when the pasture lands are parched with drought, in August and
September. Perhaps no one auxiliary has come into more general
use, than green corn stalks, cultivated for this purpose, after the
crop q[ gi-a^s has been gathered. Why is this done ? Has any one
made certain the fact, by experiment, that this kind of feed does
actually increase the quantity of milk, to any considerable extent ?

44 ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS.

The experience of some of the Committee In distributing several
tons of this kind of fodder to a flock of thirty or forty cows, daily,
for several successive years, during the season of its production, has
left great doubts of its value ; especially in increasing the quantity
of milk. This crop is abundant and very easily grown. It is readily
and greedily devoured by the animal. It may be used advantage-
ously to save the pastures from being too closely fed. But if the
produce of the animals is not essentially increased by the feed, then
the labor of growing, gathering and distributing, is in a great meas-
ure lost. We will not presume to speak positively, for we have not
made those careful observations necessary to warrant this ; but so far
as we have observed, in superintending one of the largest milk farms
in the vicinity of Salem, (the Pickman farm, so called) our impres-
sions are that much less benefit is derived from this kind of feed,
than is usually ascribed to it. Some benefit may accrue from the
cultivation of corn in this manner, by the aid it afibrds in pulverizing
the soil, and better fitting it for the crop the ensuing season ; espe-
cially if a dressing of manure is applied at the time of planting, and
well harrowed in. Vigilant attention will thus enable the tenant of
a few acres, to realize two crops, where but one ordinarily grows.

In expressing a quere as to the expediency of cultivating Indian
corn, to be used green^ for the soiling or feeding of cattle, it is done
more to aAvaken attention to the subject, than because of confidence
in our present impressions. We are aware of the recommendations
that have been given to this crop, in our own publications, and by
those whose opinions we regard as of the highest authority. To be
consistent, therefore, it is proper to advert to these, until the
question shall be definitely settled by well conducted experiments.
In remarks upon premiums offered for soiling in 1823, Col. Pickering
observes, that "Indian corn will be well grown for soiling by the mid-
dle of July, and will continue green and in full sap until the last of
August. In order to continue a supply of this rich green food, to
which probably no other vegetable of our country is equal, especially
for milch cows, pieces of land may be planted in succession, so that
some may be in full sap to the last of September." The same dis-
tinguished practical observer remarks, in the last communication he
made to the Society, Sept. 25, 1828 :

"The great value of Indian corn stalks, in their green state, for
feeding cattle, milch cows especially, I have before mentioned," al-

ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS. 45

ludiiig unquestionably to the quotation before liiade. "That which
is planted early, for this use, will be ready for cutting just when, in
our common summers, the pastures begin to fail." ''To have this
fodder, through the season, in its green and most juicy state, it
should be planted at different times ; so that the latest planted,
should attain its proper growth by the middle of September, and
continue till the frosts appear, usually about the first of October."
The observations of Mr. Ware and others, who have cultivated and
used this vegetable to such an extent, for several years, is the basis
on which our queries as to its superior value are founded. We con-
sider this one of the most interesting subjects for further experiments
now open to cultivators ; and hope by the remarks we have made to
awaken attention to the same. Nothing can be lost by such experi-
ments ; they bring with them their own reward. The products are
sure to yield a liberal indemnity, for all investments, cither of labor
or of dressing with manure.

Carrots and Beets are cultivated to some extent to help out the
feed of our animals. Is there any one of our farmers who can an-
swer with confidence, which of these is most worthy of cultivation ?
Satisfactory experiments to determine this would be of great value.
We have used them both, to some extent, and will state such im-
pressions as have arisen from this use. We have found the sugar
■beet one of the very best vegetables for the production of milk ; far
superior to the carrot — which is thought by some to be the very best
of feed for milch cows. We have found the carrot better for fatten-
ing than for increasing the milk of animals. We speak of the sugar
beet, in preference to the blood beet, because it grows more abun*
dantly. There are other considerations to be taken into view, in de-
termining which of these vegetables is most worthy of cultivation, as
well as the effect on the animals fed by them. We have found the
carrot to yield the most, and to leave the land in the best condition,
especially for the succeeding crop. Almost all other crops will grow
well after the carrot ; few will grow well after the beet. The car-
rot will grow well successively, year after year ; the beet will not.
The carrot requires less manure than the beet. What kind of crop,
therefore, it will be most judicious to plant, will depend upon the
combined consideration of the quality of the article groAvn ; the labor
and expense of growing ; and the contemplated future use of the
land. In our remarks upon the comparative cultivation of the beet

46 ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS.

and carrot, we do not intend to speak with that confidence, which
should be a rule for others ; all we intend is, to induce others, if pos-
sible, to make such observations, as will relieve them from the un-
certainty under which we labor. So far as our observation has ex-
tended, the cultivation of these vegetables has been diminishing, as
a food for animals, of late. But whether this is because of the labor
incident to the cultivation, or because the animals can otherwise be
more advantageously fed, we are unable to say. Did the growers of
these plants rightly understand their own interests, they -would find
that while they are gathering up facts to enable them successfully to
sustain a claim for the premiums offered, they are acquiring that kind
of information which will enable them ever afterwards to proceed in
their cultivation with confidence.

Ruta Baga^ English Turni2ys, Parsnips and Potatoes have each
been cultivated as food for animals ; and each had their admirers and
advocates, especially the potato. We remember when it was thought
the potato would supersede the use of most other crops. That it
was the very best of feed for fattening and milking purposes. But
the glory of the potato has departed, at least until the nature of the
malady that now affects it can be discovered ; it being difficult to
secure enongh for the use of man, — not to speak of beasts. We
have heard extravagant enconiums on the turnip, particularly the
Ruta Baga ; and seen crops beautiful and abundant. When it
was first introduced, it was cried up as the one thing needful, to the
farmer. Is there any one ready to endorse this opinion, at this
time ?

Of the Parsnip^ as a food for animals, we can only speak theo-
retically, not having known this vegetable to have been cultivated or
used for this purpose, to any considerable extent. Why it has not been
we are unable to determine. Judging from its growth as a garden veg-
etable, it may be grown with equal ease and abundance as the beet or
carrot ; and we should presume its nutritive qualities were not in-
ferior to either of these. We speak of it, not to recommend it any
farther, than as a fair subject for experiment.

A review of the opinions that have prevailed, in relation to the
cultivation of vegetables for the use of animals, should make us cau-
tious in our preference, and more discriminating and observing of all
the circumstances, that may have a bearing upon the result. This
is the kind of information sought to be elicited by the premiums of"

ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS. 47

fered. For this reason do we make these commentaries, in the hope
of drawing out this information. We feel that it is what the farmer
ought to know, and what, it is in his power to know, if he will but
take the requisite pains to acquire the knowledge.

Indian Corn has long been a cherished and valued crop in New
England. No other crop has as yet been found, that will in all re-
spects fill its place. Others yielding a more bountiful harvest to the
acre, can be named ; but where is the farmer, relying on his own ex-
perience, who wants to have his oxen in good condition for the butch-
er's stall in the spring, who would be willing to trust them without
the use of a portion of Indian meal ? or where is the farmer who has
not found a few quarts of Indian meal to be beneficially distributed
to his cows, about the time of their lying in ? These are notions we
acquired when young, among old school farmers ; and, although we
have never gone into a nice calculation of the economy of growing
Indian Corn, we believe it will be a longtime before Yankee farmers
will be persuaded to abandon its cultivation. Certainly not, while
children love Johnny cakes as we used to love them. Our impres-
sions are, that a mixture of feed is preferable to any one kind ex-
clusively. English hay should be the basis, and Indian Corn the
first accompaniment. All the vegetables named may be advantage-
ously used, when combined with Indian meal. No stock can be fed,
in the most successful manner, without a fair portion of this indispen-
sable ingredient. It is to the animal, what steam power is to the
traveller, the most certain means of going ahead.

Some farmers are of the opinion, that the fodder procured from
the corn field, "will nearly pay for the labor of growing and gathering
the crop. If this be so, and an average of fftij husliels to the acre
can be secured by fair manuring of the land, the farmer who culti-
vates ten acres of corn, will find it a very pretty appendage to his
crops, at the close of the harvest.

Whatever may be the kind of food used for the feeding of cattle,
of this we feel confident, that it should not be sparingly used. Feed
full, or not at all is our motto. It is the worst possible economy to
scrimp the feed of cattle, or to attempt to impose upon them a kind
of food of ordinary or mean quality. How much time is annually-
wasted in gathering in the coarser grasses from the meadows and
forcing them down the gullets of animals, when their knees have
hardly strength sufficient to support their emaciated bodies. If such

48 ON THE DAIRY.

kind of feed is to be used at all, it should be chopped and mixed
■with something nutritive, so that the animal may strengthen and
thrive thereby. lie that withholds from his beasts any portion of a
full and generous feed, whatever may be the use he contemplates to
make of them, in the same proportion diminishes his own income.

November 15, 1848.

J. W. PROCTOR, ]

H. WARE, Jr. [ Committee.

JOSEPH HOW.

ON THE DAIRY.

The Committee on the Dairy make the following Report :

There were but four entries of butter for premium the present
year, and one of these not coming within the rules of the Society,
your Committee did not feel themselves at liberty to award to it any
one of the premiums at their disposal, although the butter was of
very fair quality, and would have received the favorable notice of
the Committee, had the rules of the Society been observed. Your
Committee therefore recommend that premiums be awarded as fol-
lows, viz. :

For June butter, the first premium of ten dollars, to Charles P.
Preston, of Danvers. The second premium of eight dollars, to
Benjamin Boynton, of Andover.

For September butter, the first premium of ten dollars to Nathan-
iel Felton, of Danvers, the second premium of eight dollars, to
Charles P. Preston, of Danvers, and the third premium of six dol-
lars, to Benjamin Boynton, of Andover.

There was also presented to the notice of the Committee, a very
fine specimen of new milk cheese, by William Marshall, of Essex,
three offered as a sample of 100 cheeses, made the past season,
weighing in the aggregate 3000 lbs. There being no premium for
cheese offered by the Society the present year, your Committee re-
commend a gratuity of eight dollars.

Respectfully submitted for the Committee,

LEWIS ALLEN.

ON THE DAIRY. 49

CHARLES P. I'RESTON'S STATEMENT.
To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I present for your inspection one pot of June but-
ter, containing twenty -nine lbs., being a specimen of two hundred
and eighty-nine lbs. made between the 1st of June and 9th of July,
from the milk of seven cows and a two year old heifer.

Also, two boxes of September buiter, containing 29 lbs. being a
sample of 793 lbs. made between the 20th of May and the 27th of
September, from the same cows.

Their feed has been common pasture, until the 6th of August ;
since that time, green corn fodder once a day.

Process of making. — The milk is strained into tin pans, and
placed in a cool cellar, where it stands from thirty-six to forty-eight
hours, according to the weather. It is then skimmed, and the
cream is put into stone jars and set in a vault made for that purpose
Churn once a week. The butter milk is worked out thoroughly, and
the butter is salted by an ounce of ground rock salt to the lb.

CHARLES P. PRESTON.

Danvers, September 27, 1848.

BENJAMIN BOYNTON'S STATEMENT.
To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I present as a specimen of June butter, a jar of
28 lbs., being a sample of 117 lbs. of the same month. This but-
ter was made from the milk of four (native breed) cows ; their feed
in winter being corn fodder, straw and meadow hay, the forepart of
the winter, and four weeks before they come in, a mixture of English
and meadow, and after they come in, English hay only ; in summer,
pasturing only.

Process of maJcing. — The milk is strained into tin pans, and
stands about forty-eight hours. The cream is then taken off and
put into a tin cream pail and kept until it is ready to be churned,
which is twice a week ; and after the butter has come, it is salted
with 7 ounces of salt to 8 lbs. of butter, and worked over twice
when it is ready for use. We use the dash churn.

Also, a jar of September butter. The process of making, the

50 ON THE DAIRY.

same as the June butter. Since June, we have made 313 lbs. but-
ter and 190 lbs. four meal cheese. Since August 10th, -we have
fed our cows on fodder corn.

We have an ice cellar, and since July, we have had ice in our
milk cellar more or less, which has kept it about the temperature of
62 degrees. This keeps the milk a greater length of time. Twelve
hours before churning, we set our cream pail on ice, to cool the
cream, which always produces hard butter.

Yours respectfully,

BENJAMIN BOYNTON.

Andover, September 26, 1848.

NATHANIEL FELiON'S STATEMENT.
To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I offer for your inspection three boxes of Septem-
ber butter, containing 27 lbs., being a sample of 768 lbs. made be-
tween the 20th of INIay and the 20th of September. I milked seven
cows till the 10th of August, since then, 8. The feed was common
pasturing till the middle of August; after that, they had cornstalks
once a day, till the first of September ; since then, twice a day.
We have used milk for nine in the family, and sold two gallons a
week.

Process of maJcing. — The milk is strained into tin pans ; it stands
from thirty-six to forty-eight hours in a cool cellar, when the cream
is taken off, put into tin pails and stirred every day. We churn
once a week ; during the warmest weather, the cream is placed in
the well about twelve hours before churning. After it is churned,
the buttermilk is thoroughly worked out, and the butter is salted to
the taste, (about an ounce to a pound.) After standing about an
hour, it is again worked and weighed, each pound separately.

NATHANIEL FELTON.
Danvers, September 27, 1848.

ON THE DAIRY. 61

WILLIAM MARSHALL'S STATEMENT.

To the Coynmittee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium a specimen (about 100 lbs.)
of new milk cheese, made upon my farm at Hog Island, in the town
of Essex. I have had the milk of fifteen cows through the season.
We began to make new milk cheese exclusively, (or nearly so) about
the middle of May last, and with the exception of a few days, have
made one cheese a day, of about 30 pounds weighty up to the 3d of
September. The whole number is 101, and the whole weight, about
3000 lbs.

Our method has been, to take the cream off of the night's milk,
every morning, then to warm the milk, and when brought to the
temperature of new milk, to put all the cream into it again, and add
the morning's milk, while warm. Our reason for not warming the
cream, is to avoid the oily appearance which it always takes on be-
ing warmed. The milk at night is strained into tubs, which saves
the trouble and expense of milk pans. I never put coloring matter
of any kind into the cheese or upon the outside. A cotton cloth is
sewed round every cheese, on taking it from the press. We keep
them in the press forty-eight hours, during which time they are
turned twice. After going on to the shelves, they are turned every
day, and rubbed with fat of some kind. We use the fine salt that
usually comes in bags of about 25 lbs. each, and put a pint wine
measure, into every cheese of 30 pounds weight. The quantity of
rennet is always such as to have the curd form and be ready to
break up in about three quarters of an hour after it is put in. The
rennet is allowed to soak about twenty-four hours before use. We

find that one fourth part more rennet is necessary for new milk
cheese than for other cheese. We use the common lever press.

The cows have a change of feed by going about two weeks in

each pasture. They have had no fall feed, no roots or meal, nothing

but pasture grass.

WILLIAM MARSHALL.

Essex, September 27, 1848.

52 ON FATTENING CATTLE AND SWINE.

ON FATTENING CATTLE AND SWINE.

There has been no application for premium, the present year, for
fattening cattle or swine. In the County of Essex, there is but
little stock raised and fattened expressly for the butcher, as it is not
considered profitable. Considerable stock must necessarily be fat-
tened ; old cattle must be turned off and young ones take their
places. Some farmers have made it profitable by purchasing cattle
in the spring, putting them into a good pasture, and selling them to
the butcher in the latter part of summer, or early in autumn, before
the droves come in from the country, as they then command a high-
er price than later in the season. But this cannot be done success-
fully, unless the pastures are very good, which is not generally the
case. Cattle should always be kept in good flesh for several reasons.
Cows will give more milk, and of better quality. Oxen will perform
more labor. Should a leg be broken, or some other accident hap-
pen, they will not be a total loss. Or, should beef be unusually
high, they can easily be prepared for the butcher. Besides, it is
much pleasanter seeing the stalls filled with fat, smooth cattle, than
those like Pharaoh's lean kine. And that cattle may be kept in
good flesh, pastures should not be overstocked, and when the feed
grows short, as it usuallv does in the latter part of summer and au-
tumn, they should be fed on green corn or something else raised for
the purpose.

Much attention should be paid to feeding cattle in the winter.
They should also be well watered and kept warm. It is better to
keep them in the barn for the most part of the time, in extreme cold
weather, than to leave them out shivering behind the fence.

If they are designed for beef in the spring, and are as fleshy in
the fall as they should be, by giving them a few roots or a little meal,
with good hay and careful attention, they can be made good beef.
A few years ago, I commenced raising ruta baga and beets for fatten-
ing cattle. I had good success, and considered them a profitable
crop. Soon, however, they began to depreciate ; the ruta baga
rotted in the field ; now I consider them an uncertain crop and have
discontinued to cultivate them. I am also of the opinion that the
profit of fattening cattle in winter is rather small, especially to those
farmers who have a market near for their hay.

In regard to fattening swine, as the potato crop has failed, I know
of nothing better than corn meal ; although apples, roots and vegeta-

63

ON FATTENING CATTLE AND SWiNE.

bles may be used in the summer and fall to some extent. Swine
should be kept well, and the sooner they are fattened the better. A
pig that will weigh 300 pounds when ten months old, is more profita-
ble, than if kept until it is fifteen months old, to weigh the same.
That swine may thrive well, they should be fed regularly. I mean
about the sam.e time every day. When the time arrives that they
are usually fed, they will be squealing at the trough ; or if they are
of more quiet disposition, they will be looking with intense anxiety
for their usual repast. Remaining in this situation, they will not
thrive so well as when they are regularly fed, and return quietly ta
their nest. They should also have a warm place to eat and sleep.
Although they like to wallow in the mire, still they like a warm bed.
The question is often asked, is it profitable to raise pork ? or how
the price of pork should compare with corn, that the pork may pay
for the feed, and the manure for the trouble ?

In about one year, I raised about 5000 pounds of pork, and kept
an account of what the swine eat. They were kept mostly on corn
meal, with some apples and potatoes in the fall. The food was
mostly cooked. Reckoning the corn at 75 cents per bushel, the po-
tatoes, apples, and what they received from the dairy, at what I
supposed they were worth when compared with corn, the pork cost
about seven and a half cents per pound, ofisetting the manure against
the labor. The swine were of a good kind, and did well.

In regard to cooking meal for swin^, there are diflferent opinions.
I tried an experiment in 1841, which was pubHshed in the Transac-
tions of the Society for that year. The result was iu favor of un-
cooked meal. But as many farmers have a different opinion, I wish
further experiments might be made upon the subject.

Since making the above statements, a communication has been
received from Francis Dodge, of Danvers, the object of which is to
show the expense of raising pork. The Committee consider it not to
come within the rules of the Society for premium, but recommend
that five dollars, as a gratuity, be paid Mr. Dodge for the informa-
tion he has submitted.

JOSEPH HOW, Chairman.
Salem, November 17, 1848.

54 ON FATTENING CATTLE AND SWINE.

FRANCIS DODGE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Fattening Cattle and Swine : *

Gentlemen, — Believing it might be of some advantage to the
farmers of Essex County to know the actual cost of fattening swine,
I herewith submit an account of the cost and keeping of seven.
Thej were bought from a drove on the 21th of April, 1848. Their
whole weight at that time was 925 lbs., for which seven cents per lb.
"was paid. Their respective weights were as follows :

No,

Vgh

t when bought.

Time when killed.

Wght when killed.

Net gain.

Days kept.

1

110

Sept. 25

253

143

154

2

140

Oct. 17

283

143

176

3

130

" 17

334

204

176

4

131

Nov. 6

281

150

196

5

116

Nov. 6

314

198

196

6

146

Nov. 8

339

193

198

7

152

Nov. 8

374

222

198

925 2178 1253 1294

The cost of food was as follows :

68 bushels of Corn, at 53 cts.,

30 " damaged do., at 35 cts.,

50 " Corn, at 65 cts.,

8 " Meal at 65 cts..

$36 04

10 50

32 50

5 20

$84 24

64 75

Add cost of pigs,

Total cost, $148 99

We have then the cost of pigs, amounting to one hundred forty
eight dollars ninety-nine cents against 2178 lbs. of pork, at Ql cents-
perlb., (at which price it was sold) amounting to one hundred forty
one dollars, fifty-seven cents, leaving a balance against the pigs of
seven dollars and forty-two cents. These pigs were fed three times
a day on meal and water, and properly cared for in every respect ;
and in similar circumstances it is but fair to expect the same results,
and shall we from these results conclude that pork cannot be fat-
tened in Essex County without loss ? I think it cannot, when the
farmer purchases his pigs in the spring at a high price, and his corn
at any price, though it may be the lowest market price, looking en-

ON FAT CATTLE AND SWINE. 65^

tirely for his return to the market value of his hogs. But there is
another return, in the shape of manure, that will repay him for all
the trouble he has, and richly too, if proper care has been taken to
throw them occasionally a load of mud, soil, or something of the
kind, which they convert into the best and richest of manures. I
am convinced, that it would be better and more profitable for the
farmer to raisu his own pigs, and not give the pi-ofit to the drover.
Certainly if he cannot afford to fatten and sell pork at 62 cents per
lb., he cannot afford to buy pigs alive for 7 cents per lb.

FRANCIS DODGE.

Danvers, November 13, 1848.

ON FAT CATTLE.

The Committee on Fat Cattle have attended to the duty assigned
them, and submit the following Report :

There were entered for premium two pair of oxen, two odd oxen,
and two cows, and we recommend that there be paid to
Perley Goodale, of Danvers, for one pair of oxen, 1st prem. $15 00
Nathaniel Felton, " " " gratuity 6 00

David S. Caldwell, of Byfield, one odd ox, 1st prem. 10 00

Jedediah H. Barker, of Andover, one odd ox, 2d prem. 8 00

Jedediah Farnham, " one cow, 1st prem. 8 00

John C. Dennis, of Marblehead, " gratuity 2 00

1

WINGATE MERRILL,

GREEN PAGE,

RICHARD TENNEY, j^ Committee.

WILLIAM FRIEND,

JOHN D. CROSS.

ON SWINE.

The Committee on Swine, report that the following entries for pre-
miums received the attention of the Committee, viz :

One from Joseph Horton, of Ipswich, of a breeding sow, and six
weaned pigs four months old.

One from Samuel C. Pitman, of Lynn, of four pigs five and a half
months old, Leicestershire breed.

One from Samuel Hawkes, of Saugus, of two pigs three months old.

56

ON SWINE.

One from John Alley, 3d, of Lynn, of a breeding sow and nine
weaned pigs nearly six months old.

One from Richard Adams, of Newbury, of a boar six months old.

One from Horace "Ware, Jr., of Salem, of a boar one year old.

The pigs of Mr. Horton, of Ipswich, were large of the age. Their
legs and noses too long and their bodies too long for the thickness.

The pigs of Samuel C. Pitman, of Lynn, of the Leicestershire
breed, partook somewhat of the above properties, which the Com-
mittee consider a failing, especially if designed for slaughtering
young.

No statement accompanied the entry of this lot, and no one was
at hand to inform the Committee how they had been fed. They may
be a valuable breed of hogs.

The two pigs of Samuel Hawkes, of Saugus, were not subject to
the objections intimated as existing in the two former described lots.
They were very perfect models of the short thick compact breed of
swine, and would in former times rank as the Byfield breed.

The lot of John Alley, 3d, of Lynn, Avere in high condition. The
sow was very fat, and the pigs with I think two exceptions, (caused
by disease,) fine thrifty animals. We understand by Mr. AUej/ that
the sow, as well as the pigs, were designed for slaughter this autumn.

The boar of Richard Adams, of Newbury, is said by him to be
from a Byfield sow, and a Suffolk Boar of William Bartlett, of New-
buryport. From the appearance of the boar we consider the above a
first rate cross, he being a very perfect animal of his kind.

The boar of Horace Ware, Jr. of Salem, was not accompanied
with any statement of his breed, or the manner of his feeding, but
simply his age, being one year. The Committee consider him a fair
animal, and nothing more.

For weaned pigs, the Committee recommend, that the first pre-
mium of $6 be awarded to John Alley, 3d, of Lynn. And if in the
opinion of the Trustees, a premium for a breeding sow should be
awarded for one intended for immediate slaughter, then we award
to him the first premium of $5 for his breeding sow.

The second premium for weaned pigs of $3, we award to Joseph
Horton, of Ipswich.

We award to Richard Adams, of Newbury, the first premium
of $5, for his boar, and to Horace Ware, Jr., of Salem, the second
premium of $3.

ON COLtS. 57

We also award to Samuel Hawkes the first premium of $4 for
his white pig, under that rule of the Society offering a premium for
a less number than four.

MOSES NEWELL, Chairman.

ON COLTS.

The Committee on Colts, Report :

A larger number of horses were entered for premium, the pres-
ent year, than usual, and the exhibition spoke well for the good taste
and care of our farmers in this valuable and important department
of their stock.

There were fifteen colts entered for the inspection of the Com-
mittee ; although the number was large, there were but few among
them which do not deserve a favorable notice.

The Committee award the premiums and gratuities as follows, viz. :
To Josiah Crosby, of Andover, for his four year old colt,

the first premium of $10 00

Jo Jacob Earnum, of Andover, for his three year old colt,

the second premium of 8 00

To Richard Dodge, of Wenham, for his two year old colt,

the third premium of 6 00

To John G. Walcott, of Danvers, for his one year old colt,

the fourth premium of 4 00

To Elnathan Dodge, of Beverly, for his three year old colt,

a gratuity of 2 00

To Richard Hawkes, of Saugus, for his three year old colt,

a gratuity of 2 00

To Joseph Kittredge, of Andover, for his two year old colt,

a gratuity of 3 00

To John Danforth, of Lynnfield, for his one year old colt,

a gratuity of 2 00

ANDREWS BREED, Chairman.
Lynn, September 28, 1848.

58 ON SHEEP AND BULLS.

ON SHEEP.

The Committee on Sheep beg leave to Report :

That two entries have been made, one by Elijah Pope, of Dan-
vers, of four sheep and five lambs, of native breed, and a lot of one
sheep, with her four lambs at the same birth, of the Cape of Good
Hope breed, by Jesse Sheldon, of Beverly.

Mr. Pope's sheep are of good size and well fleeced, and although
there is nothing very superior about them, still as your Committee
beUeve that the keeping of sheep ought to be encouraged, and that
on any ordinary farm in the County a small lot of sheep may be
kept with little or no detriment to the other stock, they recommend
that a premium of five dollars be awarded to Mr. Pope, and of four
dollars to Mr. Sheldon.

For the Committee,

'ASA T. NEWHALL.

ON BULLS.

The Committee on Bulls have attended to their duty, and in the
absence of the Chairman, ask leave to Report :

That there were entered for premium nine bulls, most of which
were part or full imported breeds of Ayrshire, Durham and Devon-
shire breed. A fine native bull-calf was presented by Henry Poor, of
Andover, which your Committee thought worthy of notice, although
not entered for premium on account of his age,

Your Committee are of the opinion that we have the elements of
the best stock (if there were sufficient pains taken to preserve the
best blood, to raise stock from) which can be found anywhere, and
would earnestly invite the attention of the farmers of Essex County
to the selection of such animals as have suitable marks, for breed-
ers, in order to improve the breed of our native stock, instead of im-
porting foreign breeds.

But as it is, your Committee have awarded to Hazen Ayres, of
Salem, the first premium of seven dollars, for his bull two years and
eight months old.

To Orin Putnam, of Danvers, the second premium of six dollars,
for his bull two years and six months old.

I

ON WORKING OXEN. 59

Thomas E. Payson, of Rowley, the third premium of five dollars,
for his bull, three years old, this autumn.

To Josiah Crosby, of Andover, the fourth premium of four dol-
lars, for his bull, half Devon and half Ayrshire, two years and four
months old.

To Richard Potter, of Ipswich, the fifth premium of three dollars,
for his native bull, thirteen months old.

Your Committee regret that so few native bulls were presented,
and hope in future that there will be more.

For the Committee,

JONAS HOLT.

ON WORKING OXEN.

The Committee on Working Oxen have attended to the duty as-
signed them, and Report :

That seventeen pair of working oxen, and two pair of three year
old steers, were entered for premium, by the following persons :

Francis Dodge,

of Danvers,

two pair,

6 yeai

Jonathan Berry,

of Middleton,

one pair.

5

Nathaniel Felton,

of Danvers,

((

6

Oriu Putnam,

u

a

7

Richard Dodge,

of Wenham,

u

7

Joseph Horton,

of Ipswich,

li

5

J. Osgood Loring,

of Andover,

a

7

B. W. Crowninshield

, of Topsfield,

ii

6

Mark A. Davis,

of Danvers,

two pair.

5 &4

Ehjah Clough,

of Lynn,

one pair,

5

Moses Pettingill,

of Topsfield,

a

7

Joseph Kittredgc,

of Andover,

u

5

Ira Worcester,

of Ipswich

u

5

Perley Goodale,

of Danvers,

a

THREE YEARS OLD STEfiRS.

One pair by Elijah Pope, of Danvers.

" by William Foster, of Andover.
The power and movement of the cattle were tried with a load of

60

ON STEERS.

6000 lbs. in a wagon weighing 1800 lbs. ; total 6800. Fifteen
pair were tried, and one pair was excluded, on account of their not
being entered in the owner's name. After duly considering the ac-
tion, size and strength, and ages, the Committee award :
To Mark H. Davis, of Danvers, the first premium

of Middleton,

of Ipswich,

of Danvers,

To Jonathan Berry,
To Ira Worcester,
To Orin Putnam,
To Francis Dodge,
To Mark H. Davis,

the second
the third
the fourth
the fifth
the sisth

They also award for three year old steers :

To William Foster, of Andover, the first premium,

To Elijah Pope, of Danvers,

the second
1

JOHN NEWHALL,
JOHN DORR,
WILLIAM OSBORN, [
F. ALLEY, I

AMOS SMITH. j

Committee.

ON STEERS.

The Committee on Steers have examined the stock of this de-
scription entered for premium, and Report :

That William Foster, of Andover, exhibited one pair three year
old steers.

Jacob Farnum, of Andover, two pair, three years old, and three
pair, two years old.

Jedediah H. Barker, of Andover, one pair, seventeen months old.

David S. Caldwell, of Byfield, one pair, one year old last spring.

John B. Jenkins, of Andover, one pair, three years old.

Daniel Hoyt, of Haverhill, one pair, three years old.

There were also two other pair shown to the Committee, and en-
tered as four year old steers; one pair, by Benjamin Poore, Indian
Hill farm, West Newbury, and the other pair, by Jacob Farnum, of
Andover.

The above described stock was of fair quality, and some pairs
were considered by the Committee very superior, particularly a pair
from Daniel Hoyt, of Haverhill.

ON HEIFERS. 61

The ten cattle, from the farm of Jacob Farnum, of Andover, al.
though not large, were well formed animals, and well matched.

The four year old cattle, from the Indian Hill farm, would com-
pare well with any cattle at that age, but are not considered as com-
ing in competition with three year olds, and not entitled to premium
under any rule of the Society, unless entered as fat or working cattle.

For three year old steers, the Committee award :

The first premium, of seven dollars, to Daniel Hoyt, of Haverhill.

The second premium, of six dollars, to John B . Jenkins, of Andover.

The third premium, of four dollars, to WiUiam Foster, of Andover,

For two year old steers, the Committee award the first , second,
and third premiums, of six, four and three dollars, to Jacob Farnum.
of Andover.

For yearling steers, the Committee award : •

The first premium, of four dollars, to David S. Caldwell, of Byfield.

The second premium, of three dollars, to Jedediah H. Barker, of
Andover-

' MOSES NEWELL, Chairman.

ON HEIFERS.

The Committee on Heifers, Report, as follows :
The number of entries were eighteen. All the animals were
native, and various crosses with native, and Durham, and Ayrshire
breeds.

The number of premiums at the disposal of :he Committee, was
twelve, and in amount, fifty dollars. And they were divided into
three classes :

First class. Heifers in milk, three months or more.
Second " " two years old.

Third " " yearlings.

The Committee are of opinion that the exhibition of heifers, as a
whole, was not equal to what might have been expected, taking into
the account the liberal amount of premiums, the ease and convenience
with which this stock is brought to our exhibitions, and the profit to
the farmer in raising this kind of stock. At the present prices of
stock, no part of the farmer's profits would be better than raising of
cattle for labor and for the purposes of the dairy, if due care be
taken in selecting the best calves.

62 ON HEIFERS.

The heifers in milk were good. Samples of butter were exhibited
to the Committee, which was of fine'o^uality. The statement of the
claimants will accompany the report-of the Committee.

The heifers not in milk, were generally in high flesh, and many
were very handsome animals. But the Committee felt that their
duty required them to examine with reference to their qualities as
milkers, of which it is, undoubtedly, very difficult to judge from ap-
pearance, with certainty.

After as careful examination as time would permit, the Committee
agree unanimously to award to the claimants, for the first class :
To David S. Caldwell, of Byfield^ the first premium of $7 00

To Ammi Smith, of Hamilton, the second "
To Eben Putnam, of Danvers, the third "

SECOND CLASS.

To John Low, of Lynn, the first premium of
To Moses Newell, of West Newbury, the second premium of
To Joseph T. Haskell, of Beverly, the third ^ "

To Josiah Crosby, of Andover, the fourth "

THIRD CLASS.

To Francis Dodge, of Danvers, the first premium of
To Richard P. Waters, of Beverly, the second "
To David S. Caldwell, of Byfield, the third "
To Richard Hawkes, of Saugus, the fourth *'

A heifer calf, nine months old, was entered by Col. Poor, of the
Indian Hill Farm, for which he would have well deserved a premi-
um, had any premium been offered for such animals. It well sus-
tained the character of his stock, which have so often taken tha pre-
miums at our cattle shows.

A very large and handsome two year old heifer was entered by
Dr. Kittredge, of Andover, which attracted the attention of the
Committee, but upon a more close examination, they judged her
marks for beef were more fully developed than for a milker.

Respectfully submitted,

DEAN ROBINSON, Chairman.

Lynn, September 28, 1848.

5 00

4 00

5 00

4 00

3 00

2 00

5 00

4 00

3 00

2 00

ON HEIFERS. 63

DAVID S. CALDWELL'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Heifers :

Gentlemen, — I offer for prpmlum a two yecir old heifer, of half
native and half Durham breed. She calved June 19. ller calf
was large, and at first I took about five quarts of milk per day from
it, gradually allowing it more, till it was three weeks old ; at that
time the calf was fat, for a calf of the age. I then allowed it to
take as much milk as it would, and it soon sickened, which was prob-
ably owing to the richness of the milk. It was sick more than a
week, and at five weeks old I sold it to the butcher, and it weighed
18 lbs. per quarter. At that time she gave ten quarts of milk per
day. The 11th inst. she gave 7 quarts per day, and we made six
lbs. of butter from her in one week. Her keeping has been such as
young cattle usually receive in the vicinity of the marshes ; salt
hay, corn fodder, and straw, in winter, and common pasture in sum-
mer ; she has been yarded nights, the two past summers. Her flesh
will indicate her keeping. She has had green corn stalks for four
weeks past.

D. S. CALDWELL.

Byfield, Sept. 28, 1848.

AMMf SMITH'S STATEMENT.
To the Committee on Heifers :

I offer for premium, two heifers, raised by myself, a pied heifer,
and a red one. The pied heifer is of the native breed, three years
old, in March last. She had her first calf, February 2d, 1848, and
I sold the calf Feb. 26th, (24 days old,) for five dollars.

The amount ofher milk from March 1st to 31st, was

" April 1st to 30th,

" May 1st to 31st,

" June 1st to 30th,

« July 1st to 31st,

" Aug. 1st to 31st,

" Sept. 1st to 15th,

Total, 4280

lbs. oz.

545 4

542 6

604 8

757 1
805 7

714 2

312 0

64 ON HEIFERS.

The red heifer is from a half blood Ayrshire cow, by a short
horned Durham bull ; both of which I brought from Alexandria,
D. C. She was four years old in August. She had her first calf,
April 28th, 1848, and I sold the calf. May 25th, (27 days old,
weight 146 lbs.) for $5 84.

The amount of her milk from May 25th to 30th, was

lbs. oz.

119 4

a a

June 1st to 31st,

708 6

{I u

July 1st to 31st,

819 5

« u

Aug. 1st to 31s;,

644 4

it a

Sept 1st to 15th,

288 8

Total, 2579 \l

As I keep only these two cows, and use the milk for the usual
wants of two famihes, from them, I cannot give a statement of the
butter through the season ; but I had the milk kept separate for one
week in May, and the butter churned from it in that week, was as
follows :

From the pied cow 1 lb. butter to 284 lbs. milk.

From the red cow, 1 lb. butter to 31 lbs milk.

Their keeping through the winter, was common meadow hay, and
herdsgrass and clover, in about equal quantities. During the sum-
mer, until about the first of August, they had nothing but pasture
feed, and not the best of that. For about four weeks from the first
of August, I fed them at night, on corn fodder planted for that pur-
pose, in addition to the pasture feed, then the pasture gave out en-
tirely, and I have kept them on top stalks ever since.

AMMI SMITH.

Hamilton, September 16th, 1848.

I

EBEN PUTNAM'S STATEMENT.
To the Committee on Heifers :

Gentlemen, — I offer for your notice a heifer, which I selected
from a drove about the middle of November last. Her keeping
through the winter, until her calving, was common hay and corn
fodder. She calved February 25th. The first week I took from the
calf half of the milk, the second week a quarter, after that I let the

ON MILCH COWS. 65

calf have all it would take. At four weeks old, I sold the calf for
seven dollars ; it weighed 20 pounds the quarter. From the time of
calving, her feed has been good English hay, with one quart of In-
dian meal a day, which has been continued except a few weeks at
the height of the feed. Through the summer she has been in a
good pasture, with other cows, and has been fed with green corn
stalks, at nigh:, since the middle of July.

The second week in June her milk yielded 8 lbs. of butter, of the
first quality ; she then gave ten to twelve quarts of milk per day.
Her milk was set four days last week and produced 4 lbs. butter, a
sample of which may be seen to-day by the Committee. She gives
at this time about 8 quarts per day.

EBEN PUTNAM.

North Danvers, September 28th, 1848.

ON

MILOH COWS.

— '-rv*

The Committee on I^.Iilch Cows recommend

the awardin

g of tbe

Society's premiums, as follows :

To Joseph Kittredge,

of Andover.

1st premium.

$10

To John Allen,

of Lynn,

2d

9

To Sylvanus Newhall,

of "

3d

8

To A. B. Lord,

of Beverly

4th

7

To John Marsh,

of Danvers,

5th

6

To Joseph Allen,

of Lynn,

6th

6

To Abner Newhall,

a

7th

4

To George F. Lord,
The additional number (

)f premiums, 1

8th
;his ve

ar, offered

3
on milch

cows, by the Society, was a sufncient inducement to bring to the
fair an unusual number of competitors. The display of milch cows,
in point of number and superiority, was highly gratifying. Your
Committee were in possession of written statements, where neither
cows nor owners could be found to answer to them. "We saw sev-
eral superior looking cows on the common, near the pens, but could
find no keepers, and could not identify them by any of the written

statements in our possession. If they were brought to the show and

. 9

66 ON MILCH COWS.

entered for premiums, it is matter of regret that they could not have
been accommodated with pens. Other cows were exhibited, whose
appearance made a favorable impression on the Committee ; but the
statements which accompanied them were so deficient that they
could not be entitled to premiums under the rules of the Society.

Considering the number and variety of cows, their different quali-
ties, their relative value, and the cow best adapted to our climate,
keeping, and wants, we think that the short time allowed to decide
upon the claims of the numerous applicants for premiums, will be a
sufficient apology, if we have in the judgment of any others com-
mitted any errors in recommending the Society's premiums. We
endeavored to arrive at just conclusions, and were unanimous in our
decisions. The many necessaries and luxuries of life, and the sources
of industry and income which directly or indirectly receive their ori-
gin from the cow, place her among the invaluable blessings with
which a beneficent Providence has favored us. To improve the
cow so as to produce better milkers, with form, size, and constitution
best adapted to our fare and climate, should be the studious solici-
tude of all engaged in rearing neat stock. How this can be best
effected, experienced and intelligent men differ in opinion. Here
the chairman of your Committee will venture a few remarks, and
for which he is alone responsible.

Having more than twenty years since, introduced the Durham
short horns into my stock, and subsequently other approved breeds,
I can speak from experie nee ; and although three of the best cows I
have ever owned were of the cross breed, yet I think, on the whole,
the milking qualities of my stock has not thereby been improved. If
there have been exceptions, I have found in the aggregate the Dur-
hams give less milk than the natives, in proportion to the food they
consume, and their milk is of a poorer quality. I much prefer the
half blood Durhams to the natives for oxen ; they are of better
form, larger size, and faster travellers. The objections brought
against them by some, that they possess constitutions not adapted to
our hard climate, I have not yet from experience or observation
found correct. I have seen them severely tested in the log swamp
in winter ; on the farm and road in summer, for a period of six
years, and at the age of ten years fatted, and have never known
their equals that were of the native breed. If the Durhams are not
the better milkers, they are better for the stock grower, and should

ON MILCH COWS. 67

be encouraged in proportion as that branch of husbandry should be en-
couraged in the County. Whether the improved short horns have,
or have not received, in this County, the premiums they were justly
entitled to, I do not here pretend to say ; but I do say, that I pre-
fer a good animal to a favorite pedigree. Those that would derive
a good profit from the cow, must give her good keeping, as a
large portion oi the nourishment she takes is necessary to supply the
natural waste of the body ; if she has no more than is necessary for
that supply, all you get in milk you loose in flesh, and lose the keep-
ing of your cows. How to keep a cow so as to derive the greatest
profit, is a matter of importance to those engaged in this occupation.
Much depends on the feed, and as much on the manner of feeding
and sheltering. The oftener you feed, the less waste of fodder and
the better the cow will thrive. In this, every one must be governed
by circumstances, taking into account the value of the time of the
feeder, the number of cows to be fed, &c. Any one accustomed to
milking in winter, has often noticed how greatly the quantity of
milk has diminished, in severe cold weather. This proves the im-
portance of warm barns ; and dry beds are also necessary. Abridge
her comforts and you diminish her milk, and no one will say that
she is as comfortable if she hes with her sides soaked in urine as she
would be if she had a dry bed. An intelligent farmer who keeps a
large stock of cattle, recently told me that he was in the habit of
spreading thatch upon his grass land, and for every ton of thatch
he got an additional ton of English hay. Straw, thatch, and dam-
aged salt hay are abundant in most parts of the County, and if used
for cattle to lie upon, and saturated with urine, their value for ma-
nure would be greatly increased. Who would not prefer coarse
fare and good lodging to a sumptuous supper and a cold wet bed ?

If cows have animal feeling, judge of their wants by your own.
Kind treatment is of the first importance. Many good cows are
made worthless to their detulant managers, from abusive treatment.
The cow, from fear, or pain, on account of soreness of the udder or
teats, is often unquiet when milked, and being tied by the neck and
having no other means of defence, kicks, to rid herself of her un-
comfortable companion. This not unfrequently induces the intelli-
gent and reasoning milker to retaliate with harsh words and heavy
blows, reasoning, no doubt, (if reasoning at all,) that by so doing,
she may be persuaded that she is in no danger of harm, while under

68 ON MILCII COWS.

such a protector. The stupid animal, not appreciating the argu-
ment, again resorts to her only defence, and the milker again re-
sumes his argument with more powerful appeals to her sides, and for
a time she is spoiled from downright stupidity. But which is the
more stupid, which the more rational or the more brutal, the cow or
the milker, no one will for a moment hesitate to decide. Such cows
can, nineteen cases in twenty, be reclaimed in a few weeks, by kind
words and gentle treatment. Here I say what I know from experi-
ence. Having for more than ten years been in the habit of pur-
chasing such cows, when offered for a few dollars less than would oth-
erwise have been their value. I have within a few years bought two
kicking cows, and both are now gentle milkers. That all cows are
equally docile, I do not pretend to say. It is far otherwise. Some
cows require much caressing, such as currying, feeding from the
hand, &c., before they can at all times be approached without show-
ing signs of fear. It is a well known fact, that animals of the most
ferocious character are trained to dwell harmoniously together. If
lions and tigers may be tamed, how little, comparatively, is the skill
required to tame the most gentle domestic animals.

Our climate is well adapted to the health of the cow, and with
proper care, there is but little loss to the owners from disease. Yet
her diseases should be known and attended to. Nature must be the
principal agent in effecting a cure. Comfortable shelter and appro-
priate food, are in most cases the best prescriptions.

Kespectfully submitted,

D. S. CALDWELL, Chairman.

Byfield, October 1st, 1848.

JOSEPH KITTREDGE'S STATE "VIENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium, my cow, Fairface, No. 2.
She is six years old, of mixed breed. She calved on the first day
of June last. Her calf, a heifer, was taken from her the third of
June, and her milk weighed, night and morning, for 30 days. She
gave from the third of June, to the third of July, 1291 lbs. of milk,

ON MILCH cows. 69

or an average of 4830 lbs. a day. By measuring her milk, I ascer-
tained that a quart of it weighed 2*^ lbs., which makes her average
yield per day, IS^^* quarts. I commenced weighing her milk again
on the fifteenth of September, and weighed it for one week. She
gave 185 lbs. — 264 lbs. per day — 11 quarts and a fraction. Her
feed through this time, has been common pasture, with five or six
other cows, and her necessary travel has been four miles "a ^^y*
She has never eaten any grain. Her winter keeping is very ordi-
nary. She is expected to calve again on the 21th of March, and
will give milk to within three weeks of calving. Her milk is of the
first quality. Ten pounds of butter were made from her in one
week, and some of her milk used for other purposes.

JOSEPH KITTREDGE.

North Andover, September 27th, 1848.

SYLVANUS NEWHALL'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen, — The cow I offer for premium is eight years old,
November next. She had her last calf on the 30th of March. I
have tested her properties of milk for butter, and kept a correct ac-
count of the number of pounds of milk she gave for thirty days, from
May 27th to 25th of June. She gave in that thirty days 1255] lbs. ;
43 ounces of her milk measures a quart, making an average of 15
quarts and a pint for each day. I sold three pints, (with what was
used in my family) each day ; from what remained, 422 quarts, I
churned 5Gi lbs. of first rate butter. Reckoning the 45 quarts sold
to have yielded in the same ratio, it will make a total of 621 lbs. for
the above mentioned thirty days, 756 quarts of milk producing a
pound of butter, a little rising two pounds per day. The butter was
not weighed till after two thorough workings with the hands, the last
working being done the second day after churning. The two suc-
ceeding months, I kept an account of the weight of the butter only.
From June 2Gth to July 31st, 501 lbs., used and sold 2 quarts per-
dav, equal to 591? lbs. for 36 days. In the month of August, I
churned 32 lbs. and sold and used 2 quarts per day, equal to lOA lbs.
Twenty-four days of this month's (September) milk, I churned

70 ■ ON MILCH COWS.

24i Ibg. of butter, and sold and used 3 pints per day, equal to 30
lbs. of butter ; 121 days of milk gives 192^2 lbs. of butter. This
cow, I suppose, has some Durham blood in her ; she is from Mr. Al-
bert Johnson's cow, which obtained a premium a few years since,
and was one year old when I purchased her. She is kind and gen-
tle. Her pasture was good ; 15 quarts of meal was given her during
the first 30 days.

SYLVANUS NEWHALL.

Lynn, September 27th, 1848.

A. B. LORD'S STATEMENT,

To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen, — The cow I offer for premium, is nine years old.
She had her last calf August 21st, 1848, which went away Septem-
ber 2d. The amount of milk for one year, to June 25th, 1848, was
8767 lbs. Previous to her calving, Ave made from May 9th, to July
20th, 6I2 lbs. butter, and also supplied the family and sold 80 quarts
of milk. From July 20th to September 2d, the family and calf took
all the milk. From September 2d to 25th, have made from her 26
lbs. butter, and in all, 872 lbs. this season. Her feed in winter was
English and meadow hay, with ten bashels carrots, and eight of tur-
nips ; in summer, grass, with some corn fodder since she calved.

A. B. LORD.

Beverly, September 28, 1848.

JOHN MARSH'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium my white face cow, which I
raised from native breed. She was eight years old the first day of
July. She calved, the present year, the 27th day of May, having
been dry only 28 days. Her calf was sold the last day of June, and
we have kept an account of her milk, by weighing, as follows :
From July 1st to 31st, 31 days, 1262 pounds.

ON MILOH OOWS. 71

From Aug. 1st to 31st, 31 days, 1012 pounds.

From Sept 1st to 27th, 27 '* 912 "

89 days. 3186 pounds.

Averaging d5ll lbs. per day.

The first week in July, we kept her milk separate for butter. She
gave 306 lbs. of milk, from which we made 15 lbs. of butter, being
an average of 201 lbs. of milk to one of butter.

Her keeping, during the winter, was meadow hay, straw and
corn fodder ; in the spring, she had English hay, till the calf was
taken off. Since the first of July, she has had one quart of meal
per day, and common pasturing, till the severe drought, when she
was given hay.

I send, as a sample, a box of seven lbs. of butter, made from her
milk.

Last year, we weighed her milk for one week, at the first and last
of the season, and by averaging it, made it very nearly as much as
the present year.

JOSEPH MARSH.
Danvers, September 27th, 1848.

JOSEPH ALLEN'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen, — The cow owned by me, and presented for premi-
um, is eight years old. I have kept an account of her milk, and
from April 28th to Sept 28th, the present year, she had given 2405
quarts.

JOHN ALLEN.

Lynn, September 28th, 1848.

ABNER NEWHALL'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows :
Gentlemen, — The cow which I offer for premium is nine years

72 ON MILCH COWS.

old, (or, possibly ten.) She calved on the 16th of April last. The
calf was taken from her on the 24th of the same month. Her time
for another calf is the 19th day of February next. She has given
milk, as follows:

From April 25th to the present time, I have kept an account of
her milk, by weighing, night and morning. Below is the result :
From April 25th to 30th, 268 pounds.

From May 1st to 31st, 12811" "

From June 1st to 30th, 1308^ "

From July 1st to 31st, 1217,'

From August 1st to 31st, 1156 '

From September 1st to 26th, 890,

61221 pounds.

Making 2448 fo quarts, 15 loo quarts per day.

Her keeping has been good hay up to the 12th of May, since
which it has been grass, (and a part of the time the feed was short,)
with the addition of wheat bran half of the time.

ABNER NEWHALL.

Lynn, September 27th, 1848.

G. F. LORD'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium my cow, ten years old. She
has given the following quantity of milk, from November 27 th, 1847,
to September 28th, 1848, viz. : 5662 lbs., or 2384 quarts, reckon-
ing at 2 lbs. 6 ounces per quart.

Amount of milk sold, 2000 quarts, at 5 cents per quart, |100.
Her feed during winter was clover hay, of an inferior quality, and 1
peck of carrots per day. In summer, pasture feed. She will calve
previous to the middle of November.

G. F. LORD.

Beverly, September 28, 1848.

[The statement of Mr, John Allen did not come to hand in season to be inserted!

ON PLOUGHING WITH DOUBLE TEAMS. 73

ON PLOUGHING WITH DOUBLE TEAMS.

The Committee on ploughing with double teams, present Jacob
Brown, Thomas E. Payson, Wilham Johnson Jr., Tristram Little,
and Horace Ware, Jr., Report :

That sixteen entries were made, by the following persons : — Fran-
cis Dodge, Dinvers. Richard S. Jacques, Newbury. Nath'l
Felton, Danvers. Orin Putnam, Danvers. Richard Dodge, Wen-
ham. Joseph Horton, Ipswich. James Marsh, Danvers. Joseph
Kittredge, Andover. B. W. Crowninshield, Topsfield. William
Sutton, Salem. John Newhall, Lynn. Daniel Roberts, Lynn.
John Washburn, Lynn. Elias Clough, Lynn. Moses H. Poor,
West Newbury, and Ira Worcester, Ipswich.

The time occupied by the different teams in performing the work,
varied from twenty-five to forty minutes. With one or two excep-
tions, the work was remarkably well done. In fact, the Committee
believe that at no previous exhibition, have there been so many
teams, all doing their work so well, and so nearly alike. This being
the case, it was a very hard task to award four premiums to the
proper persons. If there had been three times the number of pre-
miums, the Committee would have taken great pleasure in awarding
them all, for there was at least that number of deserving competi-
tors. The lands of some of the competitors were very bad to plough,
and plough well. Particularly was this the case on the low part of
the land, the nature of the ground making it necessary to plough too
deep or too shallow, and thus very much retarding or destroying the
work. The Committee would venture to recommend, that a larger
number of premiums be offered for ploughing with double teams.
It is the team generally used for ploughing grass land in this County,
and there are usually quite as many entries as can be well acommo-
dated on the ground selected for ploughing. The Committee found
it exceedingly difficult to satisfy their own minds, as to whom the
premiums should be given, but after a great deal of examination and
consultation they have awarded the premiums as follows :

To Moses H. Poor, of West Newbury, the first premium of $10
To Richard Dodge, of Wenham, the second premium of 8

To John Washburn, of Lynn, the third premium of 6

To Ira Worcester, of Ipswich, the fourth premium of 4

For the Committee,

JACOB BROWN, Chairman.
in

74 ON PLOUGHING WITH SINGLE TEAMS.

ON PLOUGHING WITH SINGLE TEAMS.

The Committee on Plougliing -with Single Teams, consisting of An-
drew Dodge, of Wenham, Samuel C. Pitman, of Lynn, Benjamin
Porter, of Danvers, Francis Ingalls, of Andover, and Hazen Ayers,
of Salem, respectfully Report :

That eight teams were entered, six only appearing on the ground
as competitors for premiums, viz. : Francis Dodge, Elijah Pope,
and Mark H. Davis, all of Danvers ; Moses Pettingill, of Topsfield ;
J. Osgood Loring, of Andover ; and John Northend, of Byfield.
The land for plougliing was marked off in lots of about one sixth of
an acre each, and numbered from one to about thirty ; those assigned
to the single teams were from nineteen to twenty-four inclusive, and
were drawn and ploughed as follows, viz. :

Lot

No. 19

was drawn by

Mark H. Davis,

and ploughed in

46 minutes,

, 32 furrows.

No. 20

Francis Dodge,

.48

38 "

No. 21

John Northend,

48

35 "

No. 22

J. Osgood Loring,

46

33 «

No. 23

Elijah Pope,

40

35 «

No. 24

Moses Pettingill,

44

33 «

The Committee, after the most careful examination they were
able to make, both while the teams were ploughing, and after they bad
left the ground, would state that in their opinion, the ploughing, as
a whole, was done in a neat and workmanlike manner, and highly
creditable to all those engaged in its performance. And they rec-
ommend that the premiums be awarded as follows, viz. :

The 1st premium of $8, to Elijah Pope, of Danvers,
« 2d " $6, to Francis Dodge, "

And that the 3d and 4th premiums be divided equally, between
Moses Pettingill, of Topsfield, and John Northend, of Byfield, that
is, $3 to each of them.

The plough, belonging to Elijah Pope, which obtained the first
premium, was Eagle, No. 9, manufactured by Ruggles, Nourse &
Co., and a large majority of all the ploughs we saw on that day,
were of the same manufactory.

For the Committee,

ANDREW DODGE.

December 12th, 1848.

ON FARMS. 75

ON PLOUGHING WITH HORSE TEAMS.

The Committee on ploughing with Horse Teams, Report :
That five teams were entered for premium, four of which appeared
upon the ground. Three of them performed their work very finely,
and it was with some diflficulty that the Committee could decide to
whom the premiums should be awarded. But after careful exami-
nation, they awarded the premiums as follows, viz. :

To William G. Brown, of Ipswich, the first premium of $8 00
To John G. Walcott, of Danvers, the second premium of 6 00
To John Dorr, of Ipswich, the third premium of 4 00

John Grout, of Danvers, appeared upon the field with one horse,
of large size. He commenced his work very well, but probably ow-
ing to the encroachments of the spectators, caused by inefficiency of
Tolice, he became unmanageable, and was obliged to be taken from
the field.

For the Committee,

J. KITTREDGE.

ON FARMS.

The Committee on Farms, (present T E. Payson, Samuel C.
Pitman, Lewis Allen, and Jonas Holt,) Report :

That two farms were entered for premium, lying at two extremes
of the County, — one in Methuen, the other in Lynn, near the line of
Saugus. But they were not so far remote from each other in place,
as they were in the character of their soil, and in their whole general
appearance. The one in Methuen, entered by Leverett Bradley?
is upon the Merrimack, and stretches along nearly a mile upon the
bank of the river. The soil is inclining to sand. Probably there is
not a rock upen the whole of it too large to be turned ont by the
plough. The accompanying statement of Mr. Bradley shows what
it was a few years ago, and what it now is. Probably no farm in the
County was more attractive in its appearance than was this, when
your Committee visited it in July. About seventy acres of grass in
one body, which, in the opinion of the Committee, would produce
two tons of hay per acre, on the average, and fifty acres of rye, at
that time ready for the harvest, adjoining, which could all be seen
distinctly from Mr. Bradley's house, without a tree, a shrub, or a

76 ON FARMS.

stone, to intercept the view, is a sight, rarely to be met with in the
State, and probably in the County, has no parallel. Indeed, very
few farms can be found anywhere, which, for beauty of location, can
equal this. Your Committee are of opinion, that Mr. Bradley, in
the management of his farm, understands and applies the principle of
the old Latin Poet, which next to manuring, is most important to the
farmer :

"What every soil will bear, and what refuse,
This Corn, that vines more kindly doth produce.
Young trees tlirive best, here there grass freely grows,
And odorous saffron, Tinolus bestows."

The farm in Lynn, belonging to Henry B. Newhall, furnishes
complete proof of the fact that it is much better for the farmer to
clear new land at home in New England, than to go abroad to do it.
That part of Mr. Newhall's farm now under cultivation, containing
about fifteen acres, was bought by him, something less than ten
years ago, for $20 per acre. At that time, it was all covered with
a moderate growth of wood, which seemed to spring up out of the
crevices in the rocks, the lofai being apparently full of them. The
sale of the wood paid for the land, for fencing it most substantially,
for cutting and marketing, and left a small surplus in its favor — Mr.
Newhall did not say how much. His statement shows how many
rocks he has taken from the land, and to what account he has turned
them, and he has "a few more of the same sort left." It also shows
what produce he has taken from his land, and at what expense. He
has set out about five hundred apple trees, and the soil being ad-
mirably adapted for their growth, they appear in a most thrifty con-
dition. Mr. Newhall's experiment shows what enterprise well di-
rected, is able to accomplish, and furnishes an example which it may
be well for many of us to study and imitate. Literally he has made
the wilderness to bud and blossom as the rose, and at the same time
— which is a most important element in the matter — has been putting
money into his pocket, instead of paying it out. But Mr. Newhall
is just beginning. If he goes on as he has begun, he will in a few
years have one of the most productive and profitable farms in the
County. Mr. Newhall has a store in Lynn, which accounts for the
prices he has set against some articles of produce.

The Committee think the farm of Mr. Bradley entitled to the first
premium, and therefore recommend that the first premium of twenty-
five dollars be awarded to him.

ON FARMS. 77

They also recommend that the third premium of ten dollars, be
awarded to Henry B. Newhall, of Lynn.

For the Committee,

T. E. PAYSON.

LEVERETT BRADLEY'S STATEMENT,

To the Committee on Farm,8 :

Gentlemen, — The farm which I offer for premium, contains in
all about 200 acres. Twenty-five acres, or thereabouts, are now
covered with trees and bushes, which I have not attempted to clear.
The remaining 175 acres are now in Pasture, Mowing and Tillage,
very nearly in the following proportions, excepting about two acres
covered by the buildings, enclosed as yards, &c. to wit : 70 acres
Mowing, 50 Rye, 50 Pasture, 3 Potatoes. It is five years, since I
commenced any improvements. At that time, the whole quantity of
hay cut upon the entire farm did not exceed forty tons. Of this, a
large proportion was meadow grass and of a poor quality. About 15
acres had been kept clear, for the purpose of tillage. The remain-
der of the 175 acres was covered with wood and bushes, in a great
measure, there being some open land among them, which was used
for pasture, — 20 acres, at least, of what is now mowing, would have
been considered almost worthless. I have this year about 70 acres
in mowing, which has averaged two tons of hay per ad^e. The qual-
ity of the hay you can determine, from what you saw of it in July.
About 30 of this 70 acres of grass land, is a reclaimed bog. It has
cost me about $40 per acre, to bring the remainder of my grass
land into the state which you saw it in, as you made the examination
of the Farm. I have gained about 25 tons of hay per year, for four
years, and as much in quality as quantity, over the hay formerly cut.

The rye on my 50 acres, averaged 20 bushels per acre. This land
I seeded down to grass, and intend it for pasture another year. The
crop of rye and the straw will pay for the labor of reducing the land
to a state of cultivation, and for seeding it to grass. The 50 acres
in pasture, I intend to seed in the same manner another year, with
rye and grass and alternate from year to year, feeding one year and
cropping with rye the next, and I think that I can thereby keep the
land up to its present condition. Most of my rye land, as you per-

78 ON FARMS.

ceived, was pretty full of stumps, which gives you an idea of its for-
mer state. The wood which I have taken from it, has paid me about
$1000 above all expenses. My 3 acres of potatoes gave me an aver-
age yield of about 75 bushels per acre.

There were about 300 old apple trees upon the farm, all of which
have been grafted anew. In addition, I have had put down within
the last and the previous year, 1000 apple trees and about 300 peach
trees. The produce of my old trees was about 15 barrels, this year.

Formerly, I have kept some 20 cows, and sold the milk, a market
for which is furnished by the new town of Lawrence. This year, I
have no dairy, except for private use — my stock consisting of 8 oxen,
4 horses, and a few small cattle.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LEVERETT BRADLEY.

HENRY B. NKWHALL'S STATEMENT.*

To the Committee on Farms :

COST OF LAND.

160 acres, at $20 00 per acra, $320 00

Cost of walling land, 110 00

m

Wood cut and sold.

$600 00

Cost of cutting and teaming.

150 00

STONES TAKEN FROM

SAID land;

Laid in cellar wall,

28,000 ft.

" in wells.

5,000 ft.

" out on landing,

2,600 ft.

$430 00

450 00

35,000 feet.
Laid in stone wall, 400 rods.

CROPS.

1844.

First year. 300 bush. Potatoos, at 60 cts. $180 00

ON FARMS. 79

1845,

Second year. 350 bush. Potatoes, at 80 cts. $280 00
" 100 bush. Rye, at $1 12i, 108 00

" 60 bush. Turnips, at 20 cts. 12 00

" 20 doz. Cabbages, at 75 cts. 15 00

" 2100 lbs. Marrow Squash, at 3 cts. 63 00

1846.

Third year. 10 tons of Hay, at $20 00, $200 00

160 bush. Corn, at $1 00 160 00

50 doz. Cabbages, at 75 cts. 87 50

70 bush. Turnips, at 20 cts. 14 00

1056 lbs. Marrow Squash, at 3 cts. 31 68

65 bush Onions, at 60 cts. 39 00

800 bush. Potatoes, at $1 00, 300 00

1847.

Fourth year. 200 bush. Potatoes, at $1, $200 00

" 60 bush Onions, at 75 cts. 45 00

" 45 bush. Turnips, at 20 cts. 9 00

" 60 doz. Cabbages, at 75 cts. 45 00

" 175 bush. Corn, at $1, 175 00

" 14 tons of Hay, at $18, 252 00

Crops will be this year, about the same as last year.
Apple trees, 550 were set from one to four years,

478 00

782 18

726 00

$2166 18
Expense of labor, seed and manures, 1200 00

$966 18

H. B. NEWHALL.

November, 1848.

*Tlie prices annexed to many of the articles in this statement, do not correspond
■with those which the Committee were able to command in the markets which thejr
attended.

80 ON IMPROVmO WET LANDS.

ON IMPROVING WET MEADOWS AND SWAMP LANDS.

The Committee on Improved Meadows and Swamp Lands, Report:

That there have been four entries of claims for premiums the past
year, and they have been examined by the Committee in the follow-
ing order, viz, :

A lot of D. R. Merriam, of Topsfield, on the 10th of July. One
entered by Leverett Bradley, of Methuen, visited by a part of the
Committee on the 20th of July, and by another part, on the 12th of
October. One entered by Stephen Osborn, of Danvers, and another
Iby Richard Dodge, of Wenham, both visited on the 3 1st of August.

Your Committee finding an evidently increasing desire among the
farmers of Essex for the improvement of this kind of land, felt it
their duty to make minute examinations of such as they were called
to visit.

After mature deliberation, the Committee recommend the premi-
ums to be given as follows, viz. :

To Leverett Bradley, of Methuen, the first premium of $20 00
To Stephen Osborn, of Danvers, the second premium of 15 00

To Richard Dodge, of Wenham, the third premium of 10 00

To R. A. Merriam, of Topsfield, the fourth premium of Coleman's

European Agriculture.

The Committee would state that the land of Dr. Merriam, which
was part of a sunken swamp, and part plain meadow, would have stood
more prominent, had it not been encountered by several powerful
competitors. His land was well drained with good and sufiicient
ditches ; it seemed as if it had been formerly encumbered with stag-
nant waters ; and as it was neither springy, nor surrounded by
springs, marginal ditches were not required. His method of merely
spreading the mud from the intermediate spaces between ditches,
and the expensive mode of spreading summer dung, or even com-
post, (if coarse gravel or loam could have been obtained,) would not
be so highly approved by those who have experienced the good effects
of the latter on meadow lands. He yet thinks well of gravelling, and
recommends it, with only smoothing the surface. Many good farm-
ers are still of opinion, that both ploughing, (where it is practicable)
and gravelling, are important. The Dr. has given us a descrip-
tion of a hassock hoe, used by him ; there are other instruments
for the purpose, that have been much approved ; yet this may be
best for some parts of the work.

ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS- 81

The situation of Mr. Bradley's land is in a very gentle swale, ex-
tending towards the Merrimack river, with a main ditch which he has
dug wide and deep through the centre, and with cross ditches on
either side leading to the same. It is naturally a rich alluvion ; but
the Committee can give Mr. Bradley no credit for the bounties of
Nature, yet they cheerfully award to him much credit for the man-
agement of the great agricultural enterprise in which he is engaged.
Thirty acres in a body, of well improved meadow land, producing
for several years in succession, two and a half tons to the acre, is
seldom seen. Sufficient evidence of this produce, we had, not only
from one of our Committee, who visited it in July, while the crop
was standing, and who remarked, that this extensive tract "of fine
English grass growing, would dehght the eyes of the beholder."
But at the last visit, we availed ourselves of the testimony of the
very intelligent Committee on Farms, who were present at that time,
and to whom we were indebted for many just remarks. All testified
their belief, that such was the uniform produce. Before the last
visit, the devouring element of fire had deprived Mr. Bradley and
ourselves, of examining the quality of the hay, and him of his large
barn and all its contents of grain and hay.

The Committee were also much pleased with all Mr. Bradley's
improvements, opening to view delightful prospects on the banks of
the Merrimack. But we were more particularly interested in his
wet meadow improvements. At the head of the swale, we observed
a lot of several acres of shaking meadow, recently improved, which
evidently bore his best grass, and adjoining a quagmire worthless
swamp, which was a sample of his land before he commenced opera-
tions. On this improved lot, he had smoothed ofi" the stumps so
close as not to interfere with the scythe, thus saving the expense of
digging them out, which seemsd perfectly to answer all purposes.
The Committee regret, however, that Mr. Bradley had not given a
more detailed account in his statement, of his whole process, and
"of all incidental expenses." About five acres, as he has stated,
he ploughed and seeded without any gravel ; this, it seemed evident
by the stubble, was the least productive, and of poorer quality of
grass, than on the other parts.

Mr. Osborn, having favored us with so full a statement, it will be

^unnecessary for the Committee to comment here so much at large.

He seems to have proceeded according to the present most approved

11

82 ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS.

methods, by thoroughly ditching and thoroughly gravelling. His is
a lot of apparently poor land, formerly allotted as a parsonage, ad-
joining the village of South Danvers ; his meadow surrounded by
sharp rocky knolls. He has favored us with a carefully executed
plan of his very ingenious method of ploughing by means of a running
tackle, or snatch block, which may easily be applied in ploughing
very soft and wet meadows. We saw a sample of Mr. Osbom's hay
from his reclaimed meadow, and pronounce it of the first quality.

Mr. Richard Dodge, of Wenham, having also given a full, and
somewhat detailed statement of his process, his expenses, and the
produce of his land for several years, we are satisfied, from a care-
ful examination, of the correctness of his statement in all particulars.
And we would not omit to mention his worthy example of enterprise,
industry and perseverance.

Respectfully submitted, for the Committee,

TEMPLE CUTLER, Chairman.

LEVERETT BRADLET'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Reclaimed Meadows :

Gentlemen, — I ofier for premium a meadow, containing about
30 acres. The soil, as you observed on inspection, is inclining to :
peat, and varies from 2 to 10 feet in depth. On some parts of it, \
3 or 4 feet below the surface, logs abound. Previous to the year i;
1842, the produce of the open part of it was a coarse meadow grass. |
About one third part of it was covered with bushes, and during the i
entire year, except perhaps a very short time in summer, water stood
upon the whole of it. i

In the year 1842, 1 commenced my improvements. Between that li
year and the year 1846, 1 have dug upwards of 1000 rods of ditches, f
My main ditch is about 100 rods in length, bl feet wide at the sur-
face, and through its whole length dug to the hard pan at bottom.
The other ditches average 22 or 3 feet in width at the surface ; all
dug to the pan. The clearings of the ditches furnish the best mate* ij I
rial for compost, and without any admixture, make a very good top- \
dressing. About 5 acres of the meadow was ploughed and seeded
without any gravel spread upon the surface. The remaining 25 '

ON RECLAIMING WET LAlsvo. 83

acres were not ploughed, but gravel was spread on the surface to
the depth of about 3 inches. My estimate of the cost of the land —
including its original value, cost of labor and seed — is $100 per
acre. I mean its original value and the cost of all improvement.

The first year, I have usually cut about half a ton per acre. The
second year, I top-dress with about 10 carts full to the acre of a
compost, the principal ingredient of which is sand. The second
year, I have cut generally 21 tons per acre. I think it better to
top-dress, as above stated, once in two years.

This season, the crop, as the Commiitee observed before it was
cut, averaged 21 tons to the acre.

LEVERETT BRADLEY.

Methuen, October 23d, 1848.

STEPHEN OSBORN'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Meadow and Swamp Lands :

The lot of land to which I ask the attention of the Committee,
contains about five acres, of which about an acre and a quarter is"
meadow. In 1844 I cut oflF the bushes and small trees. This was
done at the time of the summer solstice, — the latter part of June,
from which time the roots began to decay, and with some few excep-
■ tions, they never again sent forth their sprouts. I selected this pe-
' riod of the year for the purpose, by the advice of an intelligent and
observing farmer, now removed to Worcester county, who had cut
bashes from his own land, at a similar time and with the same suc-
cess.

In 1845, I opened the main ditch through the centre of the lot
and commenced ploughing. Although the season was very dry, the
meadow was too wet and soft to allow cattle to travel over it, and I
was obliged to resort to an expedient which I will attempt to de-
scribe with the aid of a rough sketch on paper, which I send with
this statement. I attached a block with a single pulley, to the trees on
the upland, near the edge of the meadow, through which one end of
a rope, communicated with alight plough, on the opposite side of the
low ground, while the other was attached to the draft chain of a pair
I of cattle who were driven on the upland, a course at right angles

Bi . ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS.

■with that of the furrows, After the. first five or six furrows, the
block was placed the proper distance from the tree to make a second
series of furrows, the block being secured in its new position, by a
strong bar, set in the ground. The block was thus removed ita
proper distance for each successive series of furrows until the land
was ploughed, the plough being each time drawn by hand, back to
the opposite side of the meadow. I may here remark that the land
may be back-furrowed into beds by securing the block on the oppo-
site side and ploughing in that direction. During the ploughing, the
Wd was so wet that the water followed the plough in the furrow.
As to the comparative cost of this method of ploughing, the Com-
mittee will be able to judge from the fact, that the work was done in
three days and a half, with one pair of cattle, two men and a boy.
After ploughing I cut cross ditches on each side, communicating
with the main drain ; I then removed the gravel from the upland
in wheel-barrows to the meadow, to the depth of about three inches.
As the land was a soft quag-mire, boards were laid over it, on which
to wheel the gravel. In the following winter I dressed the land with
a compost of anthracite coal ashes, soil, waste lime, &c., from tan-
neries, the whole being well saturated with soap-boiler's spent ley.
In the spring of 1846 I sowed it with one and half bushels red
top, one and a half pecks herds grass, and two pounds clover, and
cut that year two tons of English hay, of good quality. In 1847,
the same lot of one acre and a quarter of land, yielded four tons.

This year, 1848, the yield from the same land has been four tons
220 lbs. of English hay, equal to upland.
The expenses and yield of the reclaimed land were as follows :

Ploughing $14 18

Ditching and gravelhng, 18 00

Compost, 7 50

Grass Seed, 3 39

CROPS.

1846—2 tons Hay at $16

1847—4

1848—4^ " at 12, (sold from the field,)

145 32
Deduct $4 per ton for making, 40 00

Income for three years, $105 32

43 07

32 00
64 00
49 32

ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS. 85

The above is a correct statement of mj treatment of low and wet
I land with its results. Should the committee require further partic-
ulars they will be cheerfully given.

I ought to have stated that the plough used had a circular cutter
il attached to the roller, which did much to facihtate the work. The
I soil or bog before ploughing, was from two to six feet in depth, rest-
j ing on a hard sub-soil of sandy clay. Since ditching and gravelling,
l' the bog has settled a foot or more. The land was of little or no
value before draining. The ditches which I have covered, operate
so well, that I intend to cover the remainder. I filled the bottom of
r the ditch with small stones, te a gradual descent from the margin to
1 the main ditch. I then placed two rows of larger stones down the
;. centre of the ditch, and covered them with the flattest that I
j; could select, and then covered the whole with currier's leather shav-
i ings, these being about a foot below the surface of the ground.

,; STEPHEN OSBORN, Jr.

I Danvers, Sept. 20, 1848.

RICHARD DODGE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Meadows and Swamp Lands :

Gentlemen, — The piece of reclaimed wet meadow which I pre-
sent for the consideration of the Committee, containing about two
acres and three quarters, was in 1838 a sunken quagmire, almost
entirely worthless, except for some small fuel, such as alders, blue-
berry bushes, brambles and grape vines, and except occasionally a
tree. This piece of ground is one part, which you agreed with me
in estimating at one and a half acres mowing ground, and one and
a quarter acres on the south side of the large ditch, now in corn
and potatoes. The last mentioned lot contained 30 cords of good
wood, which I cut off and sold.

In the fall of 1838, it being dry, I burnt over the whole swamp,
clearing up as soon as the fire was out, all stum ps and roots that re-
mained unburned. The fire had burnt out many holes, as this peat
soil was loose and deep, and many of these holes I will say a foot or
a foot and a half deep. I then smoothed off all the humps, broken
roots, &c., filling up all the burnt holes, making the meadow

86 ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS.

smooth. This clearing up was only upon the one and a half acres
now in moving. The whole was then well drained by making three
large and deep ditches lengthwise, one through the centre, be-
tween the present mowing and tillage lots, and one on each side.
These ditches were three feet or more deep, 4 feet wide at the top
and three at the bottom. Also a wide ditch across the lower end.
The fuel I obtained from the stumps has paid, I think, all the ex
pense of getting them out, as men had made the offer to do this
work for the fuel. I therefore consider my expenses as paid up to
the spring of 1843, except that of hauling on and spreading about
two inches of sandy loam and gravel from an adjoining pit, over the
greatest part of the one and a half acres. The remainder I covered
afterwards and harrowed and smoothed the whole in the best manner
I could, and then planted three fourths of an acre with potatoes,
without any manure. The ashes from the burning and the loam
I valued much. Roans, long reds and chenangoes were plant-
ed and at harvesting 12 hills made a bushel throughout. Cross
ditches were made from the marginal to the main ditch, with the
plough, and by clearing them out with the hoe.

Two years from the commencement I finished the remainder of
the one and a half acres in the same manner, using no manure until
the third year, when I put four cords on the whole, having obtained
in each year about the same value in crops of corn and potatoes as at
first. These crops even more than paid all expenses to 1843. I
then hauled in the winter of 1842, a common top dressing of sandy
loam and laid the whole down to grass, sowing a peck of herds grass
and half a bushel red top, per acre, after ploughing and harrowing
well.

Produce of the one and a half acres for six years.

1843—3 tons first

i crop

at $15 00 per ton

J

$45 00

1844—5 "

u

2 do. 2d crop, at

$14 00

98 00

1845 5 "

((

2 do. "

14 00,

98 00

1846 5 "

il

2 do. "

18 00,

126 00

1847—5 "

u

13 50,

67 50

1848-4' <»

il

33 1-

2 tons. Sold for

9 50,

42 50

Whole number.

$477 00

Expense of seed

l, harvesting, ^c,

60 00

Net amount for six years, $417 00

ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS. 87

By careful examination, I find the whole cost of reclam ation did
not exceed sixty dollars per acre.

The corn on the one and a quarter acres is estimated at sixty
bushels per acre, and of the potatoes already dug 20 hills made a
bushel. This lot was managed much in the same manner as the
one described. It has been planted three years ; the smallest crop
the present year. Sandy loam was put on the part planted with
corn.

Thus it will be seen tkat a large crop of hay has been raised six
years in succession, without any additional top-dressing of any kind,
and only four cords of manure, which was put on at the commence-
ment. I consider the loam and gravel of more value for such grass
land, than manure, if applied as a top-dressing.

RICHARD DODGE.

Wenham, Sept 27, 1848.

R. A. MERRIAM'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Reclaimed Meadow and Swamp Lands:
Gentlemen, — I offer for your inspection and for premium, if you
should think worthy of one, about four acres of partly meadow and
partly swamp land, which in the course of six years I have been de-
voting some attention to, for the purpose of reclaiming it from a nearly
useless state. I began about six years ago, (after my neighbor be-
low me had opened a thorough water-course) by ditching and covering
the intermediate spaces with the mud that was thrown out. These-
ditches were cut from the main one to the shore, about thirty feet
apart, wide and deep enough to afford a perfect covering for the spa-
ces between. After levelling and smoothing, I sowed hayseed, &c.,
raked it in, about a peck of herds grass and one bushel of red top
seed to the acre. Without any other preparation, I cut from one
to two tons of English grass to the acre. The quantity of grass
lessened in the course of a year or two and I then spread on about
five cords of compost manure to the acre in the fall, which increased
the amount of hay to between two and three tons to the acre, and
most of the meadow that I have worked upon is now in this state.
But the piece to which I have invited your attention and which I

88 ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS.

pointed out to you, on your visit in July, about a week before the
grass was cut, consisted mostly of bushes, from four to ten feet
high, high blueberries, alder and swamp sumac or dogwood. This
piece, containing about one and a quarter acres, was reclaimed by
cutting and burning the bushes on the ground. On a part, the
whole surface was removed, piled in heaps two years ago last
spring, and in the fall burned. On another part the surface only was
smoothed, removing the stumps and rubbish from the ground. I
sowed the usual quantity of hay seed over the whole, and raked it in
with an iron rake. I found it a little more difficult to get the seed
to take where the surface was not disturbed, and a natural grass,
called bluejoint, taken the place.

In 1847 I cut from the one and a quarter acres, about two tons
of hay, mostly herds grass and red top. xifter haying, I put upon
this acre and a quarter, about five cords of summer manure ; this
year, 1848, I cut from four to five tons of good English hay, not dif-
fering in amount from what you estimated it at.

The roots and fuel taken from this land were worth about fifteen
dollars. The cost, over and above upland tillage ground, may be
fairly estimated at between twenty and thirty dollars, varying a lit-
tle on different lands. On some small portions I have spread about
two inches of coarse gravel, after sowing the hayseed, T he cost of
this method will be about the same ; and I am inclined to the opinion
that this is the better method of reclaiming bog meadow land , where
bushes do not cover the ground.

Where you intend to cover with gravel, the hassocks and all
prominences should be first removed, and as even a surface left as
possible ; then sow the hay seed and cover with about two inches of
gravel. The gravelly portions of my meadow seemed to stand any
weather better than the portion that was not gravelled.

For removing hassock, &c., I have used a hoe, constructed some-
what in the shape of a carpenter's adze, made of steel-plate, with the
eye welded on the part near it, and riveted down the centre with
two good rivets. The hoe should be about nine inches deep, and a-
bout six inches of cutting surface, ground in the same manner as a
carpenter's adze. This tool may be so tempered as to take a very
keen edge and may weigh about three and a half pounds and may be
a little curved from the eye to the edge, the eye one and a half in-
ches in diameter. Such an instrument will take off a root as big

ON AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 89

as a mans' wrist, and bear pretty rough usage. It will be perceived
that it will be necessary to get oflF all the bushes, roots, hassocks,
&c., that are intended to be removed, before applying any gravel,
since sharp tools cannot be used after the gravel is applied.

It will be observed that I have tried four different ways of reclaim-
ing lands, viz : digging ditches, so as to cover the meadow with
their contents, removing and burning the surface, together with the
rubbish — spreading the ashes, — removing only the hassocks and
prominences, and removing the surface and applying gravel.

The first I should not pursue again. I would only dig ditches
enough to drain the land which should consist of one main ditch, and
cross ones from the shore, to the main ditch, sufficient to carry oflf
the water.

I think well of gravelling meadow lands, and if a favorable time
is taken, swamp lands may be seeded down without removing the
surface except the prominences.

All these lands will require a top dressing, once in two or three
years. I have not tried breaking up a second time, but were in-
clined to the opinion that they may remain a long time productive
with occasional dressings. We are frequently inquired of how deep
the mud is ? no matter how deep, mine is from six inches to ten feet
deep, and, I know no difference. My lands are not springy ; it
may be necessary where they are to dig a narrow ditch along the
shore, in addition to the main and cross ditches, but it would be very
much in the way when the shore is not spongy.

I would not advise any one to depend too much upon precepts, on
this subject, every intelligent farmer will learn more by one or two
trials, than from all that has been written upon the subject.

R. A. MERRIAM.

Topsfield, Sept. 27th, 1848.

ON AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

The Committee on Improved Agricultural Implements, have very
little to Report upon :

I There was presented to the Committee, one ox yoke, made by a
lad IT years old, a farmer by profession, John Whipple, of Hamil-

12

90 ON AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

ton, which was thought by the Committee, to be a very good, sub-
stantial article, and well fitted for the use intended and for which
the maker was entitled to a gratuity of $1 00.

Quite a variety of agricultural implements were presented, by
Parker & White, of Boston, such as ploughs, straw cutters, ther
mometer churns, ox yokes, flails, hoes and corn shellers, which were
very perfectly finished, and very much approved of by the Com-
mittee ; but inasmuch as there were no special Improvements on
former years, unless in the more perfect finish, it was not thought
warrantable to give a premium. The Committee thought them en-
titled to a gratuity of $3 00 for the pains they had taken to

bring these implements, and the addition which they made to the
Show.

We hope they will continue to add to our shows by the exhibition
of such finished and perfect implements. It will probably be as
much for their own interests as for ours. There are many, in the
community, who have no other opportunity of witnessing the modern
improvements in agricultural implements.

Clinton's corn-sheller was thought to be some improvement on other
machines of the kind, and the Committee would like to have had
further opportunity to test its merits ; it attracted considerable at-
tention.

The ox yoke exhibited by Parker & White was much admired, ,
having the advantage of a clasp, instead of a staple, which was ■
thought to possess many advantages over the staple ; among them, .
was the greater strength given to the yoke, and that of readily giving ^
the weaker ox the advantage over his fellow. This yoke required 1
but one set of holes for the bows, and was leaded, which effectually >;
secures the necks of the oxen from chafing. ;

One word more, in connexion with the yoke of the farmer lad, li
Is it not desirable for young farmers to cultivate the taste and dispo-
sition, which all have, in a greater or less extent, to use mechanical
tools ? In the course of a farmer's life, he has frequent calls to re-
pair, and make some of the less complicated tools for his use. He ■
has some advantages, which ought not to be lost.

In the first place, he has the timber always at hand ; he knows
the quality required, and ought to be acquainted with the material-ii
itself. He has some leisure hours, rainy days, &c. In some parts
of the country, the proper mechanic is not at hand, and it would re-

ON FRUITS. 91

quire more time and expense than ought to be spared, and more
delay.

It requires but little skill to put a tooth into a rake, some more to
put a leg into a wheelbarrow, but both ought to be done, instead of
throwing the rake aside, or going a mile or two, to a wheel-wright's,
with the wheelbarrow. The time saved, therefore, aside from the ex-
pense, will more than compensate for any imperfection of the work.

For the Committee,

R. A. MERRIAM.

Lynn, September 27th, 1848.

ON FRUITS.

The Committee on Fruits, Report :

The exhibition of to-day, both in variety and size, has much sur-
^passed those of former years. The beauty and size of the apples is
owing, no doubt, to the assistance rendered to the cultivator, by nu-
merous insects, in removing the surperfluous fruit ; and thus not on-
ly benefiting the tree, but also improving that which remains. The
ifact that the Pears from that venerable tree, perhaps the first import-
ed from Europe, (I allude to the Endicott) which were for some
■time considered of superior quality, convinces us at once of the
;great advance of Horticulture in the now existing varieties, vastly
superior, indigenous to our own country, without reference to the
■great numbers from abroad. The same may be said in regard to the
apple ; for in the year 1630, when John Winthrop with his company
of planters reached Charlestown, they found the first orchard in
Massachusetts owned by William Blackstone, where originated the
Yellow-Sweeting, which, says Hopkins, "is the richest and most de-
licious of any fruit." (this is supposed to be the High-top Sweeting
of our day.) It is needless to add how much has since been accom-
plished in the culture of this wholesome and valuable fruit ; but not.
withstanding so much has been done, there still remains much to be
learned in regard to the effect of soil, exposure, and temperature, up-
on the different qualities and varieties of fruit.

Your committee would briefly say, that it was hardly possible in

92 ON FRUITS.

the time allotted them, to particularize each variety of fruit, but that
choice specimens were shown from the following contributors, viz :

Samuel C. Pitman, Jas. M. Nye, Charles Robinson, Andrews
Breed, Jona. Buffum, B. J. Phillips, Otis Johnson, John B. John,
son, George Johnson, Mark Healey, Thomas Bowler, Jacob Puring-
ton, Reuben Johnson, Peter Silver, Shadrack Ramsdell, S. D. Cross?
H. A. Breed, E. R. Tebbets, Phillip Chase, E. Brown, E. R. Mudge,
D. N, Breed, Aug. T. Wellman, Goold Brown, Eben Neal, Thomas
Robinson, Ezra Johnson, and Perry Newhall, all from Lynn. F. H.
Wade, John Gould and Abram Waite, of Ipswich. Ezra Cleaves
and Emerson Shaw, of Beverly. Jacob P. Goodale of Dan vers.
Moses Pettingel, Wm. G. Lake and P. Bradstreet, of Topsfield.
Jas. H. Holmes, Robert Manning, Stephen Driver, Jr., Wm. Stearns,

C. T. Putnam and J. M. Ives, of Salem. Dr. Daniel Wardwell of
Andover. Josiah Newhall, of Lynnfield. Jona. Fowler, of Salis-
bury. Andrew Dodge, of Weuham. Henry Vandine, of Cam-
bridgeport.

The following gratuities are recommended by your Committee :
To Otis Johnson, Wm. G. Lake, J. L. Holmes, Ebenezer Brown,
Robert Manning, Ezra Cleaves, Stephen Driver, Jr., Chas. F. Put-
nam and J. M. Ives, two dollars each ; to H. A. Breed, Andrew
Dodge and Wm. Stearns, one dollar each ; to Moses Pettingill and
Andrew Lackey, one dollar and fifty cents each ; to Jas. N. Buifum,

D. N. Breed, E. R. Mudge und Geo. Johnson, Washington's Letters
on Agriculture ; J. B. Johnson, Mark Healey and Joseph M. Nye
seventy-five cents each ; J. N. Nye, Andrews Breed, Peter Silver,
James P. Oliver, Josiah Newhall, Abram Waite and Samuel Pitman
fifty cents each ; to Chas. Robinson, Aug. T. Wellman, Jas. Marsh,
M. C. Pratt, Jona. Bufium, B. J. Phillips, Philip Chase, Jacob Good* 1
ale, E. R. Tebbets, Winthrop Newhall, Reuben Johnson, Jacob Pur- 1
ington, Samuel Boyce, Eben Neal, T. H. Wade, Joseph Adams,
Thomas Robinson, Jona. Berry, C. B. Holmes, Elizabeth Page, Josh-
ua Buxton, John Gould and Jona. Fow ler, twenty-five cents each.

For the Committee,

JOHN M. IVES.

Lynn, Sept. 27, 1848.

ON FLOWERS AND MANUFACTURES. 93

ON FLOWERS.

The Committee on Flowers, Repor t :

That there be awarded the following gratuities :
For tastefully arranged boquets of grasses, to Miss E. J. Brown, a
copy of Washington's Letters on Agriculture ; Wm. Frazer, Wm.

I D. Chamberlain, Mrs. N. Bowler, John Knights, Mrs. Wm. H. At-

j kinson, Mrs. R. Ingalls, and Mrs. E. R. Mudge, 50 cents each ;

' Mrs. L. M. Atwell, Willard F. Oliver, Geo. Bowler, Eben. Hilton,
Clara A. Oliver, Mrs. S. Atkinson, Miss Kimball, Wm. F. Mills,
C. F. Mills, J. A. Mills, M. J. Mudge, Mrs. J. L. Shorey, Abigail

I Alley, Susan S. Ligalls, 25 cents each. For boquets of fresh flow-

! ers, dahlias, &c. : Mrs. Francis Patnam, James H. Holmes, Mrs.

i S. A. Silver, Mrs. E. R. Mudge and Wm. Ashby. 50 cents each ;

[ Eunice B. Boyce, Adaline B. Emes, Mrs. S. Atkinson, Miss Hoag,
Alice Connor, D. C. Baker, John Alley, 3d, Mrs. Parsons, Miss
Tucker, Miss Haddock, Mrs. Jas. M. Nye, Miss R. Kimball, Miss
E. Kimball, Miss Jaques, and Miss F. Ballard, 25 cents each.
John Knights and Mrs. W. H. Atkinson, 25 cents each, for a pyra
mid of thistles.

All of which, is respectfully submitted.

THOMAS J. BOWLER, 1

E. R. MUDGE,

PETER SILVER, ! ^ .,,

HENRY WHEATLAND, | Committee.

D. C. BAKER, I

FRANCIS PUTNAM. J

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

The Committee on Counterpanes, Carpets and Rugs, rec-
ommend the following premiums and gratuities :
Mrs. D. G. Payson, of Rowley, for her knit Counterpane,

the first premium, $4 00

Mrs. Elizabeth C. Green, of Ipswich, for silk Patchwork

Quilt, containing 3267 pieces, the second premium, 2 00

Mrs. Abigail B. Breed, of Lynn, for her knit Bed Spread,

gratuity, 1 00

94 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Lydia A. Breed, of Lynn, for her knit Bed Spread, gratuity, 1 00
Mary A. Webber, of Lynn, for her knit Bed Spread, gratuity, 1 00
Mrs. A. Gr. Sheldon, of Beverly, Patchwork Quilt, gratuity, 50
Mrs. M. Reynolds, of Salem, Woollen Quilt, gratuity, 1 00

Mrs. 'Betsey Hunt, of Newburyport, an old lady 89 years old,

and a cripple for 12 years. Quilted Quilt, gratuity, 60

Mrs. W. Cross, of Danvers, Patch Quilt, 60

Maria E. Johnson, of Lynn, 10 years old, for Patch Quilt,

made between schools in six weeks, gratuity, 60

Harriet E. Stocker, of Beverly, a girl not yet 6 years old,

Patch Quilt, 60

Mrs. Lith Lufkln, of Lynn, Patch Quilt, 50

Hannah P. Alley, of Lynn, for Patch Quilt, containing 6930

pieces, gratuity, 50

Mrs. George Spinney, Saugus, Patch Quilt, gratuity, 25

Mrs. Sarah J. Giflford, of Middleton, for Patch Quilt, contain-
ing 1750 pieces, 25
Miss Caroline A. Neal, of Salem, 12 years old, for Patch

Quilt, containing 1081 squares, 25 !

Mary E. Fletcher, of Beverly, aged 9 years, for Patch

Quilt, containing 2130 pieces, 25

Mrs. Mary Newhall, of Lynn, Patch Quilt, 25 ']

Master A. P. Goodridge, 6 years and 3 months old, for

Patch Quilt, made between schools in 7 months, 25 ■

Lydia M. Alley, of Lynn, for Album Quilt, 25 ;

There were 30 quilts exhibited — 29 were new, and one was pre-
sented for examination by an old lady of this town, to whom a gra- j
tuity was given last year.

But two carpets were offered for premium. One a list carpet, j
cost of the material, $3 00, by Mrs. Edna Little, of Newbury, to
whom we recommend a gratuity of $1 00. The other, a large rug
mat, or carpet, by Mrs. David Stiles, of Middleton, 14 feet in di-
ameter, a gratuity of $1 00.

There were 32 rugs exhibited, and the Committee recommend jj
that there be' awarded :

To Sarah P. Wheeler, of Salem, 2 Rag Rugs, 1st premium, $3 00
Catharine C. Smith, of Lynn, Braided Rug, 2d premium, 2 00
Hannah E. Cleaves, of Beverly, 2 Rag and Jam Rugs, gra-
tuity, 60 ,

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 95

Harriet Goodhue, of Beverly, Rag Rug, gratuity 50

Mrs. W. Cross, of Danvers, Braided Mat, gratuity, 60

Frances E. Cross, of Beverly, Rag Mat, gratuity, 50

Miss A P. Burnham, of Essex, Rug, gratuity, 60

Sarah S. Jevvett, of Lynn, Rug, gratuity, 50

Mrs. Anna C. Fester, of Beverly, Rag and Jam Rug, gratuity, 25

Elvira Plummer, of Newbury, Braided Rag Mat, gratuity, 25
Hannah F. Wade, of Ipswich, Rag and Jam Rug, cost of

material 85 cents, gratuity, 25

Mary Jewett Lynn, aged 82 years. Braided Mat, gratuity, 25

B. W. Allen, of Beverly, Braided Rug, gratuity, 25

M. S. Tuck, of Beverly, Jam and Rag Rug, gratuity, 25

Abigail J. Hall, of Beverly, Rag Rug, gratuity, 25

Miss Hannah Cutler, of Hamilton, Rug, gratuity, 25

For the Committee,

THOMAS B. NEWHALL.

The Committee on Manufactures of Cloth and Hosiery recom-
mend the following premiums and gratuities :
Mrs. Betsey King, Danvers, 4 pr. Woollen Stockings,

Iscprem. |2 00

Mrs. R. M. Jacobs, do 6 do do gratuity, 1 00

Mary R. Kimball, Salem, 3 do do do 1 00

Mrs. Houghton, do Stockings, do 50

Jerusha Rhodes, Lynn, 94 years of age, do do 50

Mary A. Lord, Wrought Woolen Table Cover, do 1 00

E. M. Sawyer, South Danvers, do do do 50

Mrs. H. T. Gerrish, Newbury, Knit Table Cover, do 50

Miss. M. Gerrish, do Wrought Lace Veil do 50

B. Wilson, Woollen Gloves, do 50

, Mrs. John Conant, Hamilton, 1 pr. Dog's Hair Gloves, do 50

The specimen of 17 pieces of prints from the Essex Printing Com-
pany, were very fine. The styles were chaste, and the colors rich
and well brought out. The Committee believing that it is the inten
tion of the Society, to offer its premiums only for articles exclusively
of domestic manufactures, recommend that the thanks of the Socie-

96 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

ty be presenteu this Company, for their beautiful contributions to the
Show in this department. The show of Hosiery was not as large as
we had hoped to see, but the specimens exhibited were very good.
The Dog's Hair Gloves were to the Committee a novelty. They
would respectfully suggest to those who think it important to have
one or more of the cannine race in their families, the economy of ob-
taining that species where "fleece" can be turned to so good ac-
count.

For the Committee,

A. N. CLARK.

The Committee on Leather and Articles manufactured there-
from, beg leave to Report that they have awarded the following
premiums and gratuities ;
J. F. Foss, Lynn, for a case of Boots, one pair of Cork Sole,

and two prs. Sewed Leather Boots, 1st premium, $7 00

Jacob Dickinson, Georgetown, Thick Boots, 1st prem. 3 00

Amos Gould, Wenham, Jack Boots, 2d do 2 00

J. T. Smith, Ipswich, Pegged Calf Boots, 2d do 2 00

J. P. SpofFord, Georgetown, Crailed Bottom Brogans, prem. 2 00
Jos. Caldwell, Wenham, Congress Downings, gratuity, 1 50

Mrs. L. G. Ashton, Lynn, 4 pr. Infant Shoes, do 1 00

Ehza A. Small, Danvers, Bound Gaiter Uppers, do 50

Clarrisa E. Whipple, Hamilton, 2 years 7 months old, stitch-
ed Brogan Quarter, gratuity, 50
J. H. Valpey, Lynn, Hats and Caps, gratuity, 3 00
Souther Blaney, do Lining and Roan Morocco Skins, do 2 00
Alley, Tapley & Co. do Morocco Skins, gratuity, 3 00
George French, Andover, Harness, do 3 00
The Committee regret to find so little interest manifested in this
department, and so very few specimens exhibited.

S. DRIVER, Jr.
GEORGE J. TENNEY.

The Committee on Manufactures of Metals, Fancy Work,
AND Miscellaneous Articles, Report that there was quite aa

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 97

good a display as on any former occasion. They were particularly
gratified to find that more attention seems to have been directed to
the manufacture of articles really useful, than those exclusively or-
namental. The following is a list of the gratuities awarded :
Wm. A. Atwell, Lynn, aged 11, Miniature Yiew of Lynn

Common, $1 00

Ellen M. Arrington, Lynn, Moss House, 50

Lydia Rhodes, Lynn, Moss House, 60

Jesse L. Atwell, Lynn, Miniature Circular Centre Table, 25
A Young Lady of Salem, Crewel Work, "Young Lord's First

Pride," 25

Susan Dearborn, Lynn, aged 13, Tabouret, 25

Julia A. MuUiken, Lynn, aged 12, Tabouret, 25

Lucy W. Smith, Lynn, Tabouret, 50

Mrs. A. S. Halen, Lynn, Tabouret, 25

Caroline Buffum, Lynn, Lamp Mat, 25

Mary A. Dodge, Wenham, Tabouret, 25

Helen Jones, Lynn, aged 11, Work Bag, 25

Mrs. S. G. Ashton, Jr., Lynn, Silk Chain Cushion, 25

Mrs. H. B. Groves, Salem, Crewel Work, 50
Eliza Proctor, Lynn, aged 14, Vase Tissue Paper

Flowers, 25

Hiram Andrews, Salem, Wooden Flower Vase, 25
Beulah W. Brown, Lynn, Book Pressed Ocean Moss, 1 00

AHce E. Johnson, Lynn, Knit Cap, 50
Jane Nichols, Salem, Bag, &c., knit from American

Silk, 50

Mrs. W. B. Hanners, Lynn, Vases Wax Flowers, 75

Mrs. Josiah Bennett, Lynn, Moss Flowers, 25

Mrs. Ambrose Talbot, Lynn, Bead Work Bag, 25

Mrs. Lydia Tewksbury, Lynn, Shell Monument, 25

Miss Lydia Lewis, Lynn, Lamp Mat, 25

George Richardson, Lynn, Vase Tissue Paper Flowers, 25

Martha Richardson, Lynn, Lace Collar and Bead Bag, 25
Mary R. Kimball, Lynn, Traveling Bag, wrought between

school hours, 25
Sarah F. Tuck, Beverly, aged 10, Needle Book, Bead

Purse, &c. 25

M. S. Tuck, Beverly, Housewife and Needle Books, 25

13

98 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Caroline Felton, Salem, Bead Bag, 25

Ellen F. Cleves, Beverly, Housewife, &c. 60
Mrs. Robert Rantoul, jr., Beverly, Knit Jacket and

Mantle, 75

James H. Nourse, Lynn, aged 14, Crayon Drawing, 25

L. P. Lewis, Lynn, Painting and Crayon Drawings, 50

Wm. Ramsdell, Salem, Wire Cage, 75

Miss Mary H. Lee, Manchester, Carpet Bag, 25

J. Stanwood Dodge, Manchester, Work Box^ 50

Augusta Hill, Salem, Cushion, 25

Wm. Wiggin, Lynn, Shoulder Stick, 25

Fitz Elbridge & Co. Lynn, Cake, 1 00

Mrs. Balch, Newburyport, Box of Tidies, 50
Mrs. Wm. B. Banners, Lynn, Wrought Worsted Easy

Chair, 1 00

Harrietta Proctor, West Danvers, Bead Bag, 25

Mrs. Porter, Hamilton Falls, aged 95, Needle Book, 25

Mrs. Avis Keene, Lynn, Specimens Pressed Tea Moss^ 75

H. A. Smith, Lynn, Penmanship, 25

Miss E. J. Brown, Lynn, Crayon Drawings, 60

Theophilus N. Breed, Lynn, Specimens Hard Ware, 2 00

Almira Mason, Salisbury, Painted Window Shades, 1 00

H. Dwinnel, Danvers, Carved Letter Signs, 75

Miss Ladd, Lynn, Tissue Paper Flowers, 50

A. T. Goodwin, Lynn, Lasts, 1 00

Mrs. Alpea A. Pratt, Lynn, Worsted Shoes, 25

Mrs. Worcester, Salem, Hair Work, 50

Susan Boynton, Lynn, Crayon Drawings, 50

Susan Boynton, Lynn, Vase Tissue Paper Flowers, 25

George D. Varney, Newbury, Surveying Apparatus, 1 50

Miss Mary A. Putnam, Salem, Crewel Work Picture, 25
Mrs. Asby, Newburyport, Crewel Work Picture, Lamp Screen,

Moss Work, and Tidy, 1 00
F. S. Colburn, Ipswich, Model Steam Engine, made while an

Apprentice, 1 50

A. B. Lord, Beverly, Horse Shoes, '^^

Lucy B. ^Weston, Lynn, Tabouret, 50
Miss Eliza C. Hudson, Lynn, aged 14, Vase Tissue Paper

Flowers, 25

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Miss Susan M. Phillips, Ljrni, Vase Tissue Paper Flowers,

Mrs. Sarah L. Streeter. Salem, Cushions,

John F. Tjler, Salem, aged 4o, Patch Work Quilt,

FITCH POOL,
HENRY A. BREED,
SAMUEL ADAMS,
WILLIAM ARCHER, Jr.
EBENEZER BROWN,
JAMES R. NEWHALL,
CHARLES MERRITT,
EZRA W. MUDGE.

99

25
25
25

► Commmittee.

AN ESSAY

ON DESTROYING WEEDS.

BY ANDREW NICHOLS.

The best and most economical means of destroying weeds, shrubs,
bushes, briars and all the tribe of plants out of place, which voluntarily
seize on our cultivated and uncultivated lands, stealing the fertilizing
properties of the soil and manures, — greatly adding to the toils of
the farmer, or lessening the products of his labor and his lands, — is
a subject of the highest interest to all interested — and who is not ?
in improvements of Agriculture.

Weeds are either

Annual, springing from seeds or bulbs, and existing one season
only.

Biennial, produced from seed, requiring two years to perfect them
and dying the second year.

Perennial, the root living an indefinite number of years, while the
top dies annually.

And Shruhhy, where both root and top, at least some part of the
growth above ground, lives through the winters of several years.

In order to ascertain the best means of destroying each, the nat-
ural history of each, not only of each class, but of each individual
species, must be carefully studied. The seed of some of them, it is
well known, will lie dormant in the ground for years, till it is stirred for
cultivation. Others never trouble us in tillage operations, but prove
injurious in grazing and grass lands alone. The most common an-
nuals that infect our tillage grounds, such as Roman Wormwood,
Pigweed, Charlock, &c., can be subdued only by the most thorough
weeding of the grounds tilled, for a series of years, in no one of which
must these plants be allowed to ripen seed on the premises. To
young farmers who till their own acres, we would say, declare a war
ef utter extirmination against the whole race of annual weeds. And
although the extra labor may not be fully repaid by the increased
crops of a few of the first years, you will be great gainers in the
end, if you spend your lives, or many years, on the same homestead.
Biennials must be treated in nearly the same manner.

ESSAY ON DESTROYING WEEDS. 101

Perennials, such as spread by their roots as well as by seed, re-
quire a somewhat different treatment. One of the most troublesome
of these, the one most difficult to exterminate, is the dog grass, or
whitch grass, (Tricticum-repens.) Ploughing late in the fall, and ex-
posing the roots to frost as much as possible, shading the grounds
well by planting corn or other crops very thick, and frequent hoe-
ings, so as to deprive the plants of the benefit of light and air, will
do much towards destroying this tillage evil. A resolute farmer,
who gives no quarter to his enemies, will soon destroy this under-
ground creeping foe.

The Canada thistle, and the slipper, as it is sometimes called,
toad flax, (Antirrhinum Linaria) must never be allowed to go to
seed or enjoy the light of the sun. Either head them as soon as
they peep out of the ground, or cover them with litter, cheap hay,
or other rubbish. Roots canuot live long in summer, unless their tops
find light and air. For perennials, injurious to pasture lands, and
grass crops in mowing lands, such as white weed, butter cups. Flea
bane, (Erigeron Philadelphicum,) Ribwort, (Plantago Lancecolata,)
&c., occasionally tilling the lands, and high manuring, seem to be
the best remedies.

Of the Perennials, approaching shrubs so nearly as to make the
definition of shrub applicable to them, yet so unlike shrubs as to be
readily mistaken for plants that die down to the ground annually,
the most troublesome in the southern part of the County, in and
about Salem, Lynn and Danvers, especially, is the Woodwaxen,
(Genista Tinetoria.) This plant greatly enriches the soil, although
it allows nothing else to grow thereon ; and where it gets possession
of land that can be ploughed easily, it does not diminish its value.
But it is the ruin of rocky pastures. The Woodwaxen is a tap^root-
ed plant, giving out shoots only from its crown. Cut off this crown
with a hoe, or otherwise, an inch or two below the surface of the
earth, and the root perishes. It produces abundance of seed, but it
does not seem to remain long in the ground, like some other seeds,
in a dormant, but living state, capable of vegetating under favorable
_ influences. Hence ground once thoroughly cleared of it, is very ea-
sily kept clear of its occupancy. It may also be easily smothered
by covering it in the summer season, for a few weeks, with hay, or
any thing that will keep from it light and air. About three tons of
meadow hay, for example, will, from experiment made by myself, be

102 ESSAY ON DESTROYING WEEDS.

sufficient to kill an acre of woodwax. The hay may be taken off af-
ter a few weeks and used for litter, with but little diminution of its
value. I should recommend this as the most economical method of
destroying it in rocky lands that cannot be ploughed. The usual
practice of burning it in the fall, winter or spring, docs no good and
should be discontinued. Burning it in a dry and hot day in sum-
mer, when it is in bloom, will kill -the greater part of it. But this
cannot be done where it has been burned in the spring or fall pre-
vious. There is a wild kind of clover, zigzag clover, (trifolium
medium,) which grows in this vicinity, which will overpower and
root out the woodwaxen. This fact can be verified by spots of
ground in Dan vers, where these two tap rooted plants have, sown by
Nature, contended for the mastery, and where the clover is victo-
rious. This, however, is where grazing animals have had no access.
In pastures where cattle are allowed to feed, the clover would prob-
ably be eaten and subdued. I have never known this clover sown
for this purpose. With a little labor, the seed might be obtained,
and the fact stated is, I think, well worthy the attention of those
who have woodwaxen to destroy. Another means of destroying this
troublesome plant is pasturing sheep upon it. To do this effectually,
the pasture must be overstocked and the sheep be kept hungry.
They will then eat up and destroy every spear of it, and if properly
managed, kept alive and ready to be fattened on better forage.

Another shrub, or vine, far more difficult to subdue and equally
ruinous to pasture lands, is the blackberry vine. This cannot be
destroyed by ordinary tillage. On one of my paternal acres, I have
noticed the present year blackberry vines growing on a spot where
I have known them to be for more than fifty years, notwithstanding
the field has been alternately under culture or in grass during the
whole of that period. Every piece of root left in the ground, and
they run far below the reach of the plough, will send up shoots to
the surface, which, if allowed to run themselves there, will live on
indefinitely. The plan of smothering this plant, I have never seen
tried, but can have no doubt it would prove effectual if continued a
sufficient length of time. From its greater tenacity of life, longer
time and a more careful watching and covering, it would probably
be necessary than for some other plants. Sheep will destroy it
pastured thereon in the same manner they do woodwaxen.

The keeping of sheep, for the purpose in part of keeping pastures

ESSAY ON DESTROYING WEEDS. 103

free from blackberry vine, and other bushes, weeds, &c., is not at-
tentively enough considered by the farmers of this county. Asa T.
Newhall, Esq. remarks, "that as many sheep as horned cattle may
be kept in the same pastures, and both will thrive equally as well as
they would were one kind of stock only kept therein, and the in-
crease of briars and other bushes at the same time prevented.
Pastures in which Lamb-kill (Kalmia) grows, ought perhaps to be
excepted. Sheep also will destroy all seedling pines and other young
forest trees, and of course whereever it is desirable to convert pas-
ture lands into woodlands they should not be kept therein. But
"wherever clean unshaded grazing lands are coveted, keep sheep in
the same pastures with horses and horned cattle. But fences are
not generally sufficient for this purpose, it may be said. Yankees
are seldom at loss for expedients. Might not the sheep be so cos-
seted with cows that they would not leave them? And in many
cases improving the fences so as to make them sheep-proof would be
good husbandry. And if the worst method must be resorted to, fet-
ter them rather than not keep them at all.

Huckleberry bushes, Lamb Kill, (Kalmia Angustifolia) Bay-ber-
ry, and other small shrubs, which so frequently get possession of the
most fertile, but rocky portions of Pasture lands, cannot be economi-
cally destroyed outright unless they also can be smothered. To kill
these bushes, and at the same time make these rocky places, pro-
ductive and valuable, the best method is to plant them thickly with
trees. The locust, willow, and white birch, and larch, would in a few
years, amply compensate the owner for the rent of the land, and
outlay upon it by its increased value. The locust, and birch
are best on dry lands — the willow and larch for springy and low ra-
vines. Other forest trees, such as the red maple, swamp, white oak,
and black birch, would do well, mixed with trees of a more rapid
growth and earlier maturity. Whenever the trees become sufficient-
ly large, and dense, to exclude the direct rays of the sun, the under
brush will die out.

Some patches of most valuable soil in this County, are
suffered to remain overrun with the Sweet Flag (Acouis Calamus.)
This plant, although the root is of some value as a medicine, is usu-
ally worthless to the farmer. It is therefore, an object of some im-
portance, to destroy it. This will be most easily accomplished, by
mowing it in the month of July, leaving the usually abundant crop

104 ESSAY ON DESTROYING WEEDS.

on the ground, to which should be added coarse meadow hay, or oth-
er suitable article, in sufficient quantity to completely smother it, care
being taken to cut down every spear that penetrates through the
covering

The Eerns, where they cannot be subdued by the plough, should
be treated in the same manner, although to do this, would be dif-
ficult in some cases, on account of the unevenness of the ground on
which they grow. The tall Fern (Osmunda Cinnamomea) grows
in bunches, the roots of which compactly woven together, elevates
the soil into hills, like the old fashioned hills made around Indian
corn, leaving deep holes and channels between them. To cover this
plant, therefore, deep enough to smother it, would require many tons
of hay to the acre. Whoever contemplates the destroying of use-
less shrubs and other plants on his lands, must study for himself the
peculiarities of their natures, location, and all the accompanying cir-
cumstances, of the kind of land, its value when redeemed, and the
cheapest method of effecting the object. Over and above the pecuni-
ary recompense, always worthy of consideration, there is ofte a
noble pride, an exalted ambition more worthy the admiration of the
world, than that which inspires the conqueror of nations, which
prompts the proprietor to wage a war of extermination on these veg-
etable invaders of his territories. The indulgence of this ambition,
wherever pecuniary means will justify it, often as effectually weeds
out of the mind, low thoughts and groveling desires as out of fields
and pastures, the worthless intruders which have been the subject
of these remarks.

AN ESSAY

ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AGRICULTURAL LIBRA-
RIES, BY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

BY ALLEN W. DODGE.

Among the measuras adopted by agricultural societies to promote
the objects fur which thej are instituted, it is not a little remarka-
ble that agricultural libraries should have been so generally over-
looked. That they are within the legitimate province of these so-
cieties, so that a small portion of their funds might be annually ap:
propriated for their establishment and increase, can hardly be ques-
tioned. The only subject for consideration would seem to be, whether
the benefits to be derived from such Ubraries, would justify the ex-
penditure.

It may be said, in the first place, in favor of this enterprise, it
will disseminate agricultural knowledge. The object of these asso-
ciations is to advance the cause of agriculture. To this end, pre-
miums are olfered to induce experiments to ascertain things un-
known or doubtful, and to excite greater skill in the execution of
what is already well understood. The results, as recorded in the
Transactions of this Society, are justly deemed as one of its best
features, and as giving it a reputation of no ordinary distinction. It
is because it thus contributes to the fund of agricultural knowledge,
that its labors are so highly appreciated. It so much, then, is done
by this Society in diffusing its own knowledge among others, may it
not confer an equal benefit on its own members by procuring knowl-
edge from abroad, to be circulated at home ? There is propably a
vast amount of agricultural information now lost to the reading farm-
ers of the County, for no other reason than that they have not the
means to obtain it. Cheap as are books, they cost a large sum in
the aggregate, larger than most farmers can afford ; and for this
reason they have often to deny themselves the advantages to be de-
rived from them. If this be true, would not this Society and kin-
dred associations discharge their high trust, with a wise and liberal
"forecast, by laying the foundation of a library to supply, free of cost,

this demand for agricultural reading.

14

106 ESSAY ON AGRICULTURAL LIBRARIES.

Such a library would be useful because, in the second place, hy
furnishing the means for reading, it would serve to increase the
number of reading men in the agricultural community. It is now
too late a day, when so many agricultural newspapers are taken and
read, to urge the importance of having all farmers, especially young
farmers, well informed on all subjects that come within the sphere
of their occupation. The time is fast coming, if it has not already
come, when every farmer should be acquainted with something be-
yond the practical routine of his own cultivation ; when, to be an
intelligent farmer, he should be able to give a reason for this and
that process by which he obtains different results ; to understand
processes different from his own and to be able to compare them with
his own ; and indeed to survey, if not the whole domain of agricul-
tural skill in this and in other countries, at least some of the more
striking parts of it, and to draw from such a survey useful sugges-
tions for his own practice.

Besides this advantage, the mere exercise of the mental faculties
derived from agricultural reading, is of itself almost a sufficient rea-
son in its favor. The farmer should keep his mind, as well as his
plough, bright by use ; and how can he use it to more profit than
by reading the thoughts of those who have written well on subjects
connected with his own occupation ? It furnishes not merely an in-
nocent, but an intellectual employment for the long winter even-
ings, when, if not thus employed, time is too often passed listlessly
and unprofitably. What better guaranty can we have than such a
library affords, that this Society shall hereafter be able to enlist in
its ranks[the services of intelligent farmers to direct its manage-
ment and to sustain, by its reports, the fair fame transmitted to it
by a Pickering, a Coleman, and otljer well read farmers.

In the third place, such a library would give permanency, "a
local habitation and a name," to much of the agricultural literature
of the day, which, however valuable, soon disappears and is almost
lost beyond recovery. As an instance in point, it may be stated
that the greatest difficulty was recently experienced in procuring a
complete set of this Society's Transactions, for the purpose of hav-
ing them bound in volumes for the use of the Society. Such a set
is now obtained, but the task would be almost hopeless to procure
another, pamphlet by pamphlet, one from this source and another
from that, without any clue to guide in the search. The volumes of

ESSAY ON AGRrCULTURAL LIBRARIES. 107

the Transactions of other agricultural societies, particularly those of
the Massachusetts and of the Now York State Societies, are very
difficult of access. The New England Farmer, enriched as its
pages are, by the copious pens of Fessenden and of Lowell, "will in
a few years be extant only in the libraries of a few reading men.
Now if these and kindred publications, with works of foreign author-
ship, such as Low's Practical Agriculture and Stephens' Book of
the Farm, could be placed in such a depository, we should be always
sure of their preservation, and we could lay hands upon them just
where and when we wanted. As references, such works are often
needed, and it is of no small consequence to be able to command
them.

In the fourth place, such a library would be a public benefit from
the fact that nothing; of the kind exists araonnr us. If one wishes
to consult books on theology, law, or medicine, or on the natural
sciences, there are abundant sources of information on these subjects.
There are libraries in the County devoted to these special subjects.
But where are the fountains of knowledsfe to which the student of
agriculture may repair, to quench his thirst? They are not to be
f jund here, and he must content himself with the supply that reaches
him weekly through the agricultural newspapers, and from the an-
nual Sowings of the Society's volume of Transactions, including per-
haps, the little rills that percolate through the pages of the Old
Farmer's Almanac. Is it not a reproach to farmers that, as a class,
they are not more alive to the importance of supplying this defi-
ciency of the means of information on their own peculiar business ?
The means — the books — exist and are to be had ; but where are
they to be found in any number collected together and accessible
to all ?

Much of late has been said in speech and in print, in legislative
halls and agricultural assemblies, of the importance of establishing
agricultural schools. The attempts, however, which have been made
to found them, have hitherto in this County proved abortive, and to
some minds, they appear to be uncalled for, or at least of doubtful
utility. Without expressing an opinion of their feasibility, if prop-
erly organized, or of their usefulness, if rightly conducted ; I would
ask if the want, which such schools are intended to supply, a more
thorough education in the principles and practice of agriculture,
might not in part be supplied by agricultural libraries ? The young

108 ESSAY ON AGRICULTURAL LIBRARIES.

man labors in the field — his mind is inquisitive — give him the proper
instractors, whether books or professors, and he will obtain the de-
sired information. Where there is a will, there is a way, and most
true is this of an ardent mind in the pursuit of knowledge. To such
a mind, open the doors of your library, and you open to it the re-
sources of wisdom and experience, of theory and science, in matters
of agriculture, for which now it may knock and knock in vain at the
door of any and every other library in the Coimty.

As connected with county agricultural societies, a library will,
it is believed, be a new feature, and if the reasons here adduced in
fa-vor of it are conclusive, a bright and useful feature. It will be
an advance upon what has already been done by these institutions,
in exciting a laudable spirit of enterprise, and high achievement in
the cause of agriculture. Complaints are sometimes made — and
from high authorities — that agricultural societies have accomplished
their mission — that premiums for large crops and fat animals, are
rewards only for doing that which has time and again already been
done ; and that thus little progress in agricultural knowledge and
skill, is in fact made by means of these societies. The opinion that
agricultural societies have done all the good they can do, even by
the contiimafice of the oiTer of the old premiums, may be justly ques-
tioned, for the reason that but a small part of our farmers have yefc
reached the point, when they could be successful competitors for
these premiums. In the meantime, why not avail ourselves of other
means of progress, simultaneously with the offer of premiums ? Why
not advance a step beyond the ordinary instrumentalities, by estab-
lishing a library of useful works on agriculture ? Not only would
this be a new vantage ground gained, but it would open the way for
further progress. By enlarging the sources of knowledge, and, as
is presumable, knowledge itself, among the farming community,
would it not lead necessarily and directly to a higher standard of
excellence in agricultural skill, and to earnest and intelligent efforts
to attain to it ? If, as the poet says,

To know ourselves diseased, is half the cure ;
.30, to learn our deiiciences in agriculture by careful study, not only
tof the skill and success of other farmers, but of the processes by
■which their results was obtained, and the reasons of such processes,
would surely teach us the folly of old errors, and the means of cor-
T&ctmn: them.

ESSAY ON AGRICULTURAL LIBRARIES. 109

Objections may doubtless be raised to the establisliing of such libra-
ries as are here contemplated. Some of them have been glanced at,
and attempted to be answered, in the preceding pages. There are
but two others that occur to mc as having any great weight. And
first it may Be said that such libraries, if designed to instruct young
farmers, will entirely fail of their object ; that agriculture, being a
practical art, rmst be learned by actual practice ; and, to learn it
well, books can never be substituted in the place of personal obser-
vation and experience. The truth of this latter opinion is fully ad-
mitted ; bat it may well be questioned, whether as guides in under-
standing the various objects and operations of agriculture, books may
not afford to beginners the most valuable assistance. "Books on
farming," says Stephens in his Book of the Farm, "to be really ser-
viceable to the learner, ought not to constitute the arena on which to
study farming — the field being the best place for perceiving the fit-
ness of labor, to the purposes it is designed to attain — but as moni-
tors for indicating the best modes of management, and showing the
way of learning those modes most easily. By these, the practice of
experienced farmers might be communicated and recommended to
beginners. By consulting those which had been purposely written
for their guidance, while they themselves were carefully observing the
operations of the farm, the iuiport of labors — wliich are often intri-
cate, always protracted over considerable portions of time, and
necessarily separated from each other — would be acquired in a short-
er time, than if left to be discovered by the sagacity of beginners."

It may also be said in answer to this objection, that those who con-
sult agricultural books, while their minds are plastic and their habits
forming, will be far more likely to improve upon the practice of their
fathers, than if they only followed them in their routine of husban-
dry. It is well known with what facility a young man adopts as the
best, tlie modes of farming that are practised on the homestead, and
•with what pertinacity he adheres to them in all after life. H once it
is that farmers, as a clajs, are so slow not merely to make innova-
tions, but to adopt real improvements. The fault is not that they
follow the ways of their fathers, but that they follow them blindfold,
and with a sort of undeviating exactness, amounting to veneration.
To the youth who is ambitious to attempt nothing beyond what his
progenitors have accomplished the old care-ruts worn by them through
long ireaeratiaus, are vastlv safe and convenient to travel in. But it

ilO ESSAr ON AQRICULTaRAL LIBRARIES.

is believed that in farming, as in other pursuits, something new and
valuable -VYill from time to time be discovered. And it is by enquir-
ing minds and enterprising hands, that these discoveries and improve-
ments are to be effected. "Why then should not our young farmers
have the facilities for the exercise of their ingenuity — the incentivea
to rouse them to exertion, and the guides to direct their pathway to
excellence ? For this purpose agricultural journals and newspapers
are efficient helps ; but they are not the only helps, nor do they
treat so fullj^ on the various subjects connected with agriculture, as
may often be desired. To the investigation of some of these sub-
jects, men competent to the task have devoted the labor of years,
and have given to the public the results of their labors in invaluable
treatises. Let such treatises be accessible to the young farmer who
is disposed to study them, and the good effects will hereafter be wit-
nessed in carrying into practice the new and useful suggestions to be
gleaned from them.

It may be objected, secondly, to the establishment of libraries by
agricultural societies, that the benefits proposed to be derived from
them proceed on the ground that a large part of those already en-
gaged in farming will avail themselves of them, while there will be
in fact but a comparatively small number. The objection is doubt-
less entitled to consideration, but the only way in which it can be
properly tested, is by actual experiment. It is the same objection
that has been oiten urged against the forming of agricultural socie-
ties themselves, where none before existed ; and as often, nearly, as
these societies have been organized, the objection has vanished, like
mist before the sun. The aversion of experienced farmers to con-
sult books on agriculture, is unquestionably most prevalent ; and
equally true is it that it will continue to exist so long as no syste-
matic effort is attempted to overcome it. The best works on agri-
culture and subjects connected with it, must be placed within their
easy reach, and they invited to make a free use of them. Our own
Commonwealth has done something te the accomplishment of this
object, by causing reports on some of these subjects to be prepared
by competent hands and distributed throughout her boundaries.
And yet how small a proportion of her farmers have ever examined
one of the most valuable of these reports, the report, by Dr. Har-
ris, on the Insects of Massachusetts injurious to vegetation ? Is it
not in part because it has never found its way into their hands ?

ESSAY ON AGRICULTURAL LIBRARIES. Ill

And would not a library, like that here contemplated, be the means
of conveying this, as well as other valuable works, to many farmers,
who would not otherwise be able to obtain them ?

But should only a few farmers repair to your library, what then ?
Is it not worth the expense to give to these few the means of infor-
mation ? Will these men, men of reading and reflecting habits, be
likely to hoard up the knowledge they thus acquire ; or will they
not rather dispense to others the information derived from this
source, either by conversation or the example of an improved hus-
bandry ? It is thus that most of the improvements in farming make
their way into general use ; not by any new idea, suddenly promul-
gated and as suddenly adopted, but gradually and almost impercep-
tibly, as they are commended to others by the successful practice of
a few intelligent and enterprising men. Place in every farming com-
munity but one reading, reflecting and go-ahead farmer, a Buel or a
-Phinney, and the influence of his superior knowledge as developed
by his husbandry, will show itself after a time among its whole farm-
ing population. If then the advantages of these libraries should be
in the first instance, shared only by a few, it would not necessarily
constitute a sufficient objection to their establishment.

A small number of books, judiciously selected, would suffice for a
beginning, and it would soon be ascertained whether or not an in-
crease were demanded. Let the experiment be fairly made ; let the
farmers know that it is for their special use and enjoyment ; let them
know that it requires no competition, nor the winning of a premium
to share in its benefits; that it is free to every member of the society,
«,nd to all alike ; — and then it will appear whether there are farmers
who have a taste for reading, and a desire for the acquisition of
knowledge, and who can find the time, however pressing their labors,
for this agreeable and profitable employment.

AN ESSAY

ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF WET MEADOWS AND
SWAMP LANDS.

BY TEMPLE CUTLER.

Perceiving that the Trustees take a very lively interest in the re-
clamation of Wet Meadows, and Swamp Lands,, I am induced to
attempt to give ray aid to this laudable enterprise. It is a subject
that should call forth the attention of practical farmers, for there is
none which holds out to them, individually, more certain prospects
of ample returns for money and labor expended. It should, also,
command the attention of our scientific agriculturists, to show us the
qualities of the component parts of such soils, and of the proper in-
gredients to mix A\ith them to bring their latent valuable qualities
into action.

Such lands, to which the adjoining and surrounding uplands have
been for ages tributary, by the washing of every rain and melting
snow, abound in this County, and yet remain waste lands, and al-
most totally unproductive. Every little tributary rivulet carries to
thom some of the topdressings that may have been applied to these
uplands by the hand of man, as well as by nature, . and there they
remain sunken in these bogs ; and the art of man is required to bring
their rich and valuable qualities into action, and make them produc-
tive.

The first great and important point to be attended to, is thorough
draining ; this is the great desideratum, — no one may expect com-
plete success in attempting to reclaim wet, or bog meadows, or
swamps, without first sufficiently draining them ; and unless this is
practicable, no one should with confidence attempt the enterprise.
It is on this point many have failed of success. They may, indeed,
for one or two years, obtain a tolerable crop, but land not fully
drained, even with all its topdressings of gravel, of loam, of soil, or
of good manure, will soon go back to its natural state, producing lit-
tle besides its natural wild grasses, and will be entirely unfit for any
kind of cultivation. The first great object then should be to ascer-
tain if the land in view can be drained ; and according to my obser-

ESSAY ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS. 118

vation, there is not in our County much land, that may not be well
drained, if right measures are taken; but the draining of some pie-
ces of meadow is far more expensive than others^ and this should be
the first item of expense, to be taken into the calculation, and in
general the first operation to be performed.

Much of the land I refer to, which abounds in our County, and
many other parts of the state, are runs, or narrow strips of land in
vales, where water seems to ooze along, and by stealth saturates the
ground, and forms a quagmire which must be drained before any
other operations can be performed. If there is a fall sufficient for
water to run, no one need hesitate to commence the operation of
draining. The soil is generally of a kind of loose peat, to the depth
of from two to many feet. If the growth is trees, they are not
thrifty while it remains flowed, or in its quagmire state, and such
land is not profitable for a growth of fuel ; the trees must be taken
ofi" root and branch, and this is more easily performed on peat ground
than some may be aware. The roots of some kinds of trees, and
generally all kinds on such land, do not run deep, but spread on
the surface. Cutting off a few roots at a distance from the body by
a stroke or two of the axe, and affixing a rope near the top to sway
them over, one man cutting such roots as seem to hold on, in a few
moments a tree may be brought to the ground, with a thin sheet of
the top of the soil turned up. The tree may then be easily man-
aged, and freed from most of the soil attached to the roots. Some
practice cutting the trees down near the ground, and then removing
the stumps by various ingenious expedients, or with machines made
for that purpose. But I believe the former the most expeditious, and
cheapest method, where the soil is suitable for its performance, al-
though laboring men enough may be found, who will clear sueh
grounds of all'the stumps and roots, for the fuel they make. When
the ground to be reclaimed is covered with bushes and briars, not
worth saving for fuel, the ground should be burnt over and all humps
and hassocks smoothed off, and when the meadow is drained, and in
dry weather, piled and burnt to ashes, and the ashes spread on the
ground, which is one of the best of top dressings.

To perform the work of draining, dig a large ditch in the centre,
or lowest part of the meadow, beginning at the lower end, where
there must be an outlet for the water. This ditch, should be about
four feet wide at the top, and about two feet at the bottom, dug down

15

114 ESSAY ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS.

to the hard pan, which in such land is generally from two to four or
jBve feet deep, and composed of hard sand, often inclining to clay,
which is impervious to water. This is the great conductor of all
water from the land, or is a reservoir to hold it, where the descent
is so small as not to carry it all immediately off. Then cross ditches
made shoal and narrow, tapering to the bottom, about four rods, and
sometimes only two rods apart, (where the springs are abundant,)
running crossway to the main ditch. In most instances, and where
the cold springs flow in from the upland, marginal ditches (between
the meadow and upland) are required, and absolutely necessary to
take off this water, and of more importance than any of the ditches.
But where the water from the hill sides comes only on the surface of
the ground, it runs over the meadow, and makes an irrigation that
enriches it, greatly promoting the growth of the grass. It will often
be seen, that in the shallow cross ditches, where water runs in them
from the upland, forming an irrigation, a thick set grass, called blue
grass, grows in abundance, and is an excellent kind. In some in-
stances, deep ditches should be interspersed among the cross ditches
to take off the occasional springs ; these ditches, if convenient,
should be stoned up and covered. These cross ditches, form beds,
which should be raised in the centre between them, by throwing the
mud from the ditches and sides into the middle, or if ploughed, com-
mence in the centre and back farrow to the sides, which will raise it
sufficiently.

If such a meadow as I have described could bo ploughed, it
would be best so to manage, and to plant it with potatoes or corn, or
sow it with rye, and grass seed at the same time, or lay it down,
sowing grass seed alone, in dry weather in August, or September,
which I think better than to sow later, as the crop of grass will be
far more abundant the following season ; or, it may be sowed late in
the fall, and even in the next spring very early, but I think the
chance by the last methods is by no means so favorable. But before
any thing of this is done, a top dressing of coarse gravel of the
depth of two inches will be necessary, and will have an astonishing
effect. Sand will answer the purpose, and loam is better than mere
sand, but gravel better than either. A top dressing of lime, or
ashes on the gravel or sand, I think may well pay the expense, or a
compost with lime still better. Yet the effects of mere gravel or
sand, I think would astonish any one who has not before experienced

ESSAY ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS. 115

the trial of it, producing an abundant crop of grass. The sand, or
gravel, seems to correct some acidity incident to such soils, or they
supply some principle wanting to them. The precise manner in
which these substances act upon the peat soils, and the exact prin-
ciples each contain, we will not stop now to enquire ; let chemists
detsrmine these points, but suffice it to say, experience has shown
these importani results.

It will be perceived, that I rely more on the tests of experience
than on theory, but in many instances the one will corroborate the
other. Experience has shown that sand, gravel, lime, ashes, &c.,
.. are absolutely necessary to produce fertility on peat lands ; it is
shown as well in hoed crops, as in those lands laid down to grass.
These peat lands, well drained, and made smooth by cutting off the
protuberances, or humps, and covered with gravel, say 150 loads to
the acre, will produce, if sowed, more grass and hold out longer,
than that laid down after a hoed crop, and being also well ploughed,
with the sward well rotted, where no gravel has been spread. It
seems by these results, that the theory proves true, that the alkalies
supplied by the substances I have mentioned, render the peat soil
almost a bed of manure.

I wish to call the attention of our practical farmers particularly
to this subject. I should wish them to ascertain, by actual experi-
ment, the true value of those peat lands, now almost wholly unpro-
ductive ; I mean not those peat lands suitable for the digging of
peat for fuel, such as is firmly bound together by fibres, and make
good fuel, for such land, in most localities in our County, will readily
sell at two dollars per square rod ; and the top being thrown in,
where the peat is taken out, will produce in a short time more than
double its former value in coarse fodder. I wish them to convince
themselves, that they have no lands of comparative value with these,
which are often the rich depository of the wash of their other lands.
Experiments may first be tried on a very small scale. Many farm-
ers now yearly haul a few cart loads of soil or loam on to some bog
near the house, for a garden, and I have never seen any garden
Spots more productive, bearing the drought better than upland, and
good, even in wet seasons, for vines or roots, for culinary purposes.

I have spoken of the various ingredients for spreading on wet
lands or peat meadows, such as sand, loam, gravel, &c., as possess-
ing fertilizing qualities, but perhaps they do not, properly speaking,

116 ESSAY ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS.

enrich, for these depositories are riches of themselves, and the appli-
cations mentioned, may only correct some acidity, or render the land
more retentive of moisture ; however this may be, they give powers
of production. And it is well known, from various experiments, that
such lands do, in some instances, continue to produce from two to
three tons of good hay to the acre, without additional top dressing,
for six years ; there are few instances, I think, of uplands doing
this. It is also an encouraging circumstance to any who fear, (on i
the score of expense,) to experiment on the improvement of these
meadows and swamp lands, that we have within our knowledge sev-
eral instances, where the first crop has amply paid the whole expense
of the operation of reclaiming.

If I have succeeded in showing the true, or supposed value of
the kinds of wet meadows and swamps referred to, it remains for
me to attempt to show the best methods of managing them after
draining. Some think best to dig over the land, throwing out the
stumps, which it has been found may be done at an expense of from
twenty to thirty dollars per acre. But it is found in numerous in-
stances, that the stumps, for fuel, will well pay all the expense of
throwing them out. If, then, the expense of getting out the stumps
is thus cancelled, and the expense of digging over amounts to twenty
dollars or more per acre, it would undoubtedly be much cheaper to
plough the ground when practicable, by attaching a pair of Avheels
to the plough, to remedy the difficulty of driving the off oxen in the
furrow, which would be miry, and thus bringing the oxen on to the
swarded and harder part of the meadow. Where all parts of the
ground have been found too soft for oxen to travel, some ingenious
men have contrived the method of fastening a strong rope to the
plough, running to the upland, or hard edge of the meadow, and
passing through a running tackle, and driving the oxen at right an-
gles with the furrows. The ground I find may be thus ploughed
with more expedition than one at first would suppose ; the plough
will run with a roller attached, or even with onl}' a rolling cutter,
without going too deep. Undoubtedly many other expedients which
yankec ingenuity could suggest, may be adopted. But there are
many tracts of such meadow, which are already free from bushes and
trees, where there would be no need of inverting the sod. In such
cases, after the land is well drained by main, cross and marginal
ditches, it may be covered with one inch only of coarse gravel,

ESSAr ON RECLAIMING WET LAND3. 117

"wlilcli may be hauled on in the leisure of winter, (when'the meadow
is also hard with frost,) and spread the following summer, and which
will take about 150 loads to the acre, costing as some have found,
about ten dollars. Then may be spread on a light top dressing of
ashes, or compost manure, costing perhaps as much more. This
land may then be sowed down to grass in September, with the usual
quantity of seed used on uplands, viz. : one peck of herds-grass,
and one bushel of red-top, costing probably $1 75, making there-
fore the expense of $21 75. We know of instances of land, thus
managed, producing for several years more than two tons to the
acre, without farther top dressing. Peat meadow land, thus man-
aged, I have always found to give good crops of good hay, much
longer with top dressing, than similar lands well ploughed and
planted, well manured in the hole, rotted and laid down, without the
sand or gravel. This seems to amount to something like conclusive
evidence of the great value of these substances on peat lands.

I have spoken hitherto mostly of loose peat lands, for it is with
those I have been most conversant. But the field in which we are
now engaged, is exceedingly extensive, opening to view a great va-
riety of soils susceptible of great improvements, varying in their
texture and composition, and as I have before intimaied, composed
much of nutritive and decayed vegetable and animal substances.
The process by which they maybe reclaimed, must be varied accord-
ing to the substances composing them. Where clay predominates,
sand is one of the best ingredients to mix with it. Where sand or
gravel prevails, some substances having the adhesive qualities of clay
would be best. In some soils that are well drained, and not flowed
at any season, compost, and even barn manure may be used to ad-
vantage. But I have come to the conclusion, that on most swamp
lands, or meadows, manures are not necessary, but the cheaper arti-
cles I have mentioned, such as gravel, &c., are not only more eco-
Domical, but actually better. Improvements hjjjaring and hwniing
the surface have been attempted in our County with good success,
and although so much resorted to in foreign countries, yet has not
extensively been practiced here. Such as have undertaken this
process have raised fine crops. Some instances of improvements
have been seen, where the expenses have exceeded the value of
them, in dollars and cents, yet the fancy of the owner may have

118 ESSAY ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS.

been gratified, and the outlay not grudged. Yet, I think it would
be wise in those who are to get their living by farming, to exercise
their best judgment in this matter, and adopt such methods as will
be likely to insure a profitable return. If they make application of
theoretic rules, let them examine carefully the component parts of
the soil on which they propose to act : the depth and the vegetable
materials of which it is composed ; the character of the waters
which flow on it, and even the nature of the subsoil. It will not bo
expected that any one can, by anticipation, lay down specific gen-
eral rules to direct, in all cases, the proper mode of management to
be adopted in reclaiming wet meadows ; so numerous are the vary-
ing circumstances on which we must depend. Yet one unvarying
rule must be observed. The land must be well drained and the
ditches continued to be kept open and clear. Occasional top dress-
ings must be applied of such substances as have been found to prove
most successful. Thus managed, I would aver, that such lands may
be kept in good heart much longer, and produce more abundant
crops, at far less expense, than uplands generally.

It is a matter of congratulation, that a very increased attention
is being paid, ef late, in our County, to this subject. A larger num-
ber of claims for premiums have been entered this year than usual,
and I humbly believe, still farther encouragement would be expedi-
ent. It is well known to the Trustees, and the Essex Agricultural
Society generally, that many thousand acres of meadow and svyamp
lands still here remain in their primitive state. But we are still ig-
norant of the precise extent, and of the various qualities of these
lands. If a scientific and practical survey of the meadows and
swamps of the County, could be instituted, as has been hitherto pro-
posed in able reports on the improvement of such lands ; could the
Society do better than by some such means to investigate this sub'
ject ? Able agriculturalists in former years, have entered into the
spirit of the subject. It was the theme and object of the Hon. Tim-
othy Pickering, the first President of our Society, — a man, eminent
in the councils of the nation, yet a practical farmer, who knew well
the theory of reclaiming waste lands, and whose active mind was .
ever on the alert to seek out expedients to improve wet meadows.

Having attempted to treat on this subject, as much as possible, in
a practical view, there remains various considerations of a general
nature, that may be urged in its favor. Among these, the health

ESSAY ON RECLAIMING WET LANDS. 119

of the farmer's family and of theneighborhood, is not of minor im-
portance. The draining and otherwise improving of wet lands, adds
much to the salubrity of the surrounding air, and thus renders a
I summer's residence in towns in the vicinity of populous cities more
' agreeable for men of business, and of leisure, who would purchase
estates, thereby enhancing the value of lands in such towns. I
1 know of instances of evident improvement in the health of families,
I residing near lands that have been reclaimed. The fact, too, that
the raising of more grain, more vegetables, more hay, &c., enhances
the capital of the whole State or County, and that more people are
fed, and made comfortable, by means of such improvements, is also
a matter worthy of consideration.

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OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.

CHOSEN SEPTEMBER 27, 1848.

► Vice Presidents,

JOHN W. PROCTOR, of Danvers, President.

DANIEL ADAMS, Newbury,

ASA T. NEWHALL, Lynnfield,

DANIEL P. KING, Danvers,

RICHARD S. FAY, Lynn,

WILLIAM SUTTON, Salem, Treasurer.

ALLEN W. DODGE, Hamilton, Secretary.

Frederick Howes, Salem. ) James H. Duncan,

Ebenezer Mosely. Newburyport.

Haverhill.

TRtTSTEES,

Lewis Allen,

Danvers.

Wingate Merrill,

Danvers.

John Alley 3d,

I.ynn.

E. R. Mudgp,

Lynn.

Jacob Brown,

Ipswich.

Moses Newell,

West Newbury.

David Choiite,

Essex.

Josiah Newhall,

Lynnfield.

Jeremiah Coleman,

Newburyport.

Andrew Nichols,

Danvers.

Andrew Dodge,

Wen ham.

John Norlhend,

Newbury.

George Hood,

Lynn

Thomas E. Payson,

Rowley.

Jos(;ph How,

Methuen.

Gardner B. Perry,

Bradlord.

John M. Ives.

Salem.

Benjamin Porter,

Danvers.

Josiah Liule,

Newbury.

Dean Robinson,

West Newbury

Josiah Kimball,

Boxford.

James Stevens,

Andover.

Joseph Kiiredge,

Andover.

John Stone, Jr.

]Marblehead.

Elisiia Mack.

Salem.

Horace Ware, Jr.

Salem.

Royal A. JVlerriam,

Topsfield.

Richard P. Waters,

Beverly.

V

MEMBERS ADM

ITTED IN 1848.

Richard S. Fay,

Lynn.

George French,

Lvnn.

Ira P. Brown,

do

Levereit Bradley,

Methuen.

Henry B. Newhall,

do

John Tenney,

do

Ezra Baker,

do

Washington Gage,

do

E. R. Mudse,

do

John Low,

do

Ezra R. Tibbets,

do

Choate Burnham,

Hamilton.

Charles Blerritt,

do

John Whittredge,

do

Nall-an D. Chase,

do

John Stone, Jr.

Marblehead.

Mark Healy,

do

Benjamin P. Ware,

do

Daniel C. Baker,

do

Ben. Perley Poore,

West Newbury

John Washburn,

do

Moses Smith,
Ifi

do

122

MEMBERS ADMITTED.

Jiimea M. Prescott, Andover.
IJhrislopher P. Jaqueth, do
George L. Davis, do

Fitz William Rogers, do

Natha:iie,l Peters, do

Moody B. Abbott, do

Edwin M. Stone.
John G. Walcott,
Andrew Mansfield, Jr.
Jonathan Berry,
John K. Cole,
Richard Dodge,

Beverly.
Dan vers.
Lvnnfield.
Mid die ton.
TopsfielJ.
Wenham.

Note. — A large proportion of these members have been admitted since the an-
nual meeting, and will be credited in the next annual account.

LIST OF PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES

AWARDED IN 1848.

.■PLOUGHING— DOUBLE TEAMS.

Moses H. Poor, West Newbury, 1st premium,

Richard Dodge, Wenliam, 2d do

John Washburn, Lynn, 3d do

Ira Worcester, Ipswich, 4th do

PLOUGHING— SINGLE TEAMS.

Elijah Pope, Danvers, 1st premium,

Francis Dodge, do 2d do

John Northend, Newbury, 3d do ) j- • j j
Moses Pettingill, Topsfield, 4th do \ ^^^^^^^

PLOUGHING-.HORSE TEAMS.

William G. Brown, IpsAvich, 1st premium,
John G. Walcott, Danvers, 2d do
John Dorr, Ipswich, 3d do

WORKING OXEN.
Mark H. Davis, Danvers, 1st premium,

Jona. Berry, Mid die ton,

2d

do

Ira Worcester, Ipswich,

3d

do

Grin Putnam, Danvers,

4th

do

Francis Dodge, Danvers,

5th

do

Mark Davis, Danvers,

6th

do

AVORKING STEERS

William Foster, Andover, 1st premium,
Elijah Pope, Danvers, 2d do

FAT CATTLE.
Perley Goodale, Danvers, 1st premium,
Nathaniel Felton, " gratuity,

David S. Caldwell, Newbury, 1st premium,
Jedediah H. Barker, Andover, 2d "
Jedediah Farnum, Andover, 1st "
John C. Dennis, Marblehead, gratuity,

BULLS.
Hazen Ayer, Salem, 1st premium,

Orin Putnam, Danvers, 2d do

$10 00

8 00

6 00

4 00

8 00

6 00

3 00

3 00

8 00

6 00

4 00

10 00

8 00

7 00

6 00

o 00

4 00

7 00

6 00

15 OO

6 00

10 00

8 00

8 00

2 00

7 00

6 00

4th

do

6th

do

6th

do

7th

do

8th

do

6

00

4

00

3 00

10

00

9 00

8

00

7

00

6

00

5

00

4

00

3

00

124 PREMIUMS AWARDED.

Thomas E. Payson, Rowley, 3d premium,
Josiah Crosby, Andover, 4th do

Richard Potter, Ipswich, 5th do

MILCH COWS.
Joseph Kittredge, Andover, 1st premium,
John Allen, Lynn, 2d do

Silvanus Newhall, Lynn, v 3d do
A. B. Lord, Beverly,
John Marsh, Danvers,
Joseph Allen, Lynn,
Abner Newhall, Lynn,
George F. Lord,

MILCH HEIFERS,
David S. Caldwell, Newbury, 1st premium, 7 00

Ammi Smith, Hamilton, 2d do 6 00

Eben Putnam, Danvers, 3d do 6 00

TWO YEARS OLD HEIFERS.
John Low, Lynn, 1st premium,

Moses Newell, West Newbury, 2d do
James T. Haskell, Beverly, 3d do

Josiah Crosby, Andover, 4th do

YEARLING HEIFERS.
Francis Dodge, Danvers, 1st premium,

Richard P. Waters, Beverly, 2d do

David S. Caldwell, Newbury, 3d do
Richard Hawkes, Saugus, 4th do

THREE YEARS OLD STEERS.
Daniel Hoyt, Haverhill, 1st premium,
John B. Jenkins, Andover, 2d do
WiUiam Foster, Andover, 3d do

TWO YEARS OLD STEERS.
Jacob Farnham, Andover, 1st premium,
" " " 2d do

« " " 3d do

YEARLING STEERS.
David S. Caldwell, Newbury, 1st premium,
Jedediah H. Barker, Andover, 2d do

COLTS.
Josiah Crosby, Andover, premium, 10 00

5

00

4

00

3

50

2

00

6

00

4

00

3

00

2

00

7

00

6

00

4

CO

6

00

4

00

3

00

4 00

3

00

PREMIUMS AWARDED. 125

Jacob Farnham, Andover, premium,

Richard Dodge, Wenham, do

John G. Walcott, Danvers, do

Elnathan Dodge, Beverly, gratuity.

Richard Hawkes, Saugus, do

Joseph Kittredge, Andover, do

John Danforth, Lynnfield, do

SWINE.
Richard Adams, Newbury, 1st premium,
Horace Ware, Jr., Salem, 2d do
John Alley, 3d, Lynn, 1st do

" " " 1st do

Joseph Horton, IpsAvich, 2d do

Samuel Hawkes, Saugus, 1st do

SHEEP.
Elijah Pope, Danvers, premium,
Jesse Sheldon, Beverly, do

JUNE BUTTER.
Charles P. Preston, Danvers, 1st premium,
Benjamin Boynton, Andover, 2d do

SEPTEMBER BUTTER.
Nathaniel Felton, Danvers, 1st premium,
Charles P. Preston, Danvers, 2d do
Benjamin Boynton, Andover, 3d do

CHEESE.
William Marshall, Essex, premium, 8 00

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.
Tarker & White, Boston, gratuity,
John Whipple, Hamilton, do

MANAGEMENT OF FARMS.
' Leverett Bradley, Methuen, 1st premium,
Henry B. Newhall, Lynn, 3d do

RECLAIMED MEADOWS.
Leverett Bradley, Methuen, 1st premium,
Stephen Osborn, Danvers, 2d do
Richard Dodge, Wenham, 3d do
Royal A. Merriam, Topsfield, 4th do *

GRAIN CROP.
John Hathaway, Danvers, premium, 8 00

*Colman's European Agriculture.

8

00

6

00

4

GO

2

00

2

00

3

00

2

00

0

00

3

00

5

00

6

00

3

00

4 00

5

00

4

00

10 00

8

00

10

00

8

00

6

00

3

00

1

00

25

00

10

00

20

00

15

00

10 00

126 PREMIUMS AWARDED.

ROOT CROP.
John Peaslee, Danvers, premium,

FATTENING SWINE.

Francis Dodge, Danvers, gratuity,

NURSERY OF FRUIT TREES.
Samuel C. Pitman, Ljnn, 1st premium,

AGRICULTURAL ESSAYS.
Andrew Nichols, Danvers, premium,
Temple Cutler, Hamilton, do

Allen W. Dodge, Hamilton, do

Bj the Committee on Fruits,
do do Flowers,

do do Rugs, Carpets, and Counterpanes,

do do Cloth and Hosiery,

do do Metallic and Fancy Articles,

do do Leather, and Articles of Leather,

Total, $741 25

ALLEN W. DODGE, Secretary.
Hamilton, December 26th, 1848.

6 00

6 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

35 50

13 75

27 25

8 50

32 75

30 50

PREMIUMS OFFERED.

The list of premiums offered for 1849, will be found in the printed
show bills. They are nearly the same as those of former years,
with an addition of one hundred dollars premium on Forest Trees,
the donation of Richard S. Fay, Esq.

The Exhibition of the Society will be held at Salem, on THURS-
DAY, the twenty -seventh of September next.

INDEX.

Mr. Newhall's Address, -
Hints for the Consideration of the Trustees
Report on Forest Trees,
" " Fruit Trees,
Statement of Samuel C. Pitman,
" " William G. Lake, -
Report on Grain Crops,

Statement of John Hathaway,
Report on Root Crops,

Statementof John PeasTee,

" " Aaron C. Proctor,

Report on Comparative Value of Crops,
" " the Dairy,

Statement of Charles P. Preston, -
" " Benjamin Boynton,
" " Nathaniel Felton,
" " William Marshall,
Report on Fattenincr Cattle and Swine,

Statement of Francis Dodge, -
I Report on Fat Cattle,

" " Swine, ...
" Colts,
I •' " Bulls,
I " " Working Oxen,
' •• " Steers,
" Heifers,
Statement o[ D. S. Caldwell,
" " Ammi Smith,
" " Eben Putnam,
Report on Milch Cows,

Statement of Joseph Kittredge,
" " Sylvanus Newhall,

•' A. B. Lord,
" '• John Marsh,
" " John Allen.

" Abner Newhall.
•' G. F. Lord, -
Report on Ploughing Double Teams,
" " " Single Teams,

'• " " Horse Teams,

Report on Farms, ...

Statement of Leverett Bradley,

" Henry B. Newhall, -
Report on Improved Meadows,
Statement of L. Bradley,

" " Stephen Osborn, ir.,
" " Richard Dodge, ^ -
" R. A. Merriam -

3 to 19
19 to 25
25 to 35

35 to 36

36 to 37

37 to 88

38 to 39

39
40

40 to 41

41 to 42

42 to 48

48
49

49 to 50
50
51

52 to 53

54 to 55

55

55 to 57

57

58 to 59

59 to 60

60 to 61

61 to 62

63

63 to 64

64 to 65

65 to 68

68 to 69

69 to 70

70

70 to 71

71

71 to 72

72
73
74
75
75 to 77

77 to 78

78 to 79
. 80 TO 82

82 to 83
. 83 to 85

85 to 87
. 87 to 89

128

INDEX.

Report on Agricultural Implements,
" " Fruits.
" " Flowers,

" " Domestic Manufactures,
" " Cloth and Hosiery,
" *' Boots and Shoes,
" " Fancy Work.

Essay on Destroying Weeds,
" " Agricultural Libraries,
" " Improving Meadow Lands,

Treasurer's Statement,

Officers of the Society,

Members admitted in 1848,

Premiums Awarded in 1848,

Index, - - - ■

89 to 90

- 91 10 92

93

- 93 to 95
9b to 96

96

96 to 99

100 to 104

105 to 112

112 to 119

120

121

121 to 123

123 to 127

127 to 128

TRANSACTIONS

OF

THE ESSEX

AGKICULTURAL SOCIETY,

FOR 1849.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY.
DECEMBER, 1849.

BOSTON :

PRINTED BY GEORGE R. CARLTON.
1849.

ADDRESS

BY ASA T. NEWHALL

Mr. President and Gentlemen:

Another annual revolution of the seasons has brought uS
together to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of our society. Our
present prosperous condition as a society, and the abundant crops of
our early, and the prospect of the later harvest, not^rithstanding
the severity of the drought for a short season, demands from us the
tribute of grateful acknowledgment to the beneficent Author of all
our mercies, who has caused his sun to shine and his rain to descend
upon our fields and meadows, blessing and rewarding the labors of
the husbandman.

The great degree of health that has prevailed amongst us the
present season, when many of our neighboring towns and cities have
been visited by one of the most alarming and fatal diseases known
in our world, calls upon us to ascribe thanksgiving and praise to the
great Preserver of man, who holds in his hands the keys of life and
of death.

But while it is fit and proper that we should rejoice in the smiles
of a kind Providence, that has permitted so many of our members
to meet on this occasion, for mutual congratulations, for the success
which has attended the efforts of our society, for the promotion of
agricultural improvements, and to exchange our views, and to com-
municate to one another the result of different modes of farming,
we feel most deeply impressed with the loss we have sustained by
the recent death of one of our most learned and useful members.

It is known to all of you, that since the last meeting of the board
of trustees of this association, it has pleased the All-wise Disposer
of events to remove by death hira who had engaged, previous to his
leaving for Europe, to address us on this occasion — the Rev. Henry
Coleman — a man long endeared to us all by his many amiable quali-
ties, social disposition, and exemplary virtues ; and held in especial
regard and esteem by us, for his generous exertions and highly vU-
uable services in that cause whose advancement and prosperity we

4 MR. NEWfiALL'S ADDRESS.

are now assembled to encourage. I am aware that it will not be
expected that I should attempt his eulogy. That sacred task belongs
to other and abler pens — to those better qualified, by similarity of
talents and pursuits, to set forth in worthy phrase, and just discrim-
ination, the eminent endowments, exalted faculties, and distinguished
qualities of his mind and heart. But in justice to your feelings and
my owriy I could not pass by, unexpressed, the sincere tribute of
affection and respectful regard which is present in our thoughts, and
swelling in all our bosoms, towards one so truly beloved while living
amongst us, and so deeply lamented now taken from us by the cold
hand of death. Had I the ability, here is not the time or the place
to dwell upon the innumerable and unrecorded acts of domestic kind-
ness and cordiality in the private circle of his family love and en-
dearment. There, in that sacred retreat, the heart's bitterness can
be known only to those who feel it. And aught, save our sympathies
in their bereavement, and our prayers for their solace and comfort,
might seem intrusion. Those wounded hearts we would fervently
commend to the soothlngs of time, and the sublime consolations of
our holy religion. Neither would I presume to enter the elevated
walks of his peculiar profession. His brethren in the ministry, in
the pulpit and by the press, are bearing their united testimony to his
rare endowments, and eminent qualifications for his high and holy
calling in the ministry. In the broad field of his exertions and
achievements for the promotion of agriculture and its kindred arts,
both in this country and in Europe, his own publications will be a
lasting memorial of his diligence and talents, while they will associate
his name with the benefactors of our race, and carry it down in
grateful remembrance to all coming generations.

As a friend, a neighbor, a citizen, and a farmer, Mr. Coleman
was very generally known, highly esteemed, and sincerely beloved
by the inhabitants of the County of Essex ; and more especially by
the members of this association, whose festival has here assembled
us together. To his extensive knowledge, practical skill, zealous
interest and indefatigable exertions, in the cause of agriculture, in
its different branches, this society is deeply indebted for its existence
and success.

By conversation, by advice, by example and by his pen, he con-
tributed, and effectively, to its influence and prosperity, while he
remained one of us ; and the most painful feeling now pervading

MR. newhall's address. 5

our hearts, and saddening our spirits, is, that we shall see his face
no more, nor hear his voice in our assemblies, and anniversaries.

He is not here to-day to instruct and edify us, by his eloquence,
or his experience. Ho will meet us no more on earth forever. His
work is accomplished, his labors are ended, he is gone as we trust to
the enjoyment of a higher life in a better world.

We have alsu been recently called to grieve, for the loss of one of
the most intelligent and efficient farmers in the county of Middlesex;
the Hon. Elias Phinney, of Lexington.

Mr. Phinney as a practical farmer, and one who made farming a
creditable business, had no superior, if he had his equal, in the
Commonwealth. He has done much to improve our stock of neat
cattle and swine. By his kind attention, as the agent of the Massa-
chusetts Society for the promotion of Agriculture, we now have in
our County, a fine Ayershire animal for the improvement of our
Dairy stock, in relation to which he has been quite solicitous that our
good farmers in Essex County should give the experiment a fair trial.

He has left to the agricultural community a rich legacy in his
communications of experiments, and success in farming. But he
also is gone to the land of his fathers, from whence no traveller re-
turns.

But "we a little longer stay," and we must turn our minds to the
duties and labors that now devolve upon us, however humble the lot
or hmited the talents assigned us by the great Proprietor of our
lives, who requires us to be faithful in the occupation of what he
bestows, and will not hold us answerable for that which we have not
received.

I most deeply regret that some one of the many learned as well
as experienced farmers among us, had not been selected, to have
supplied the place of our deceased brother, instead of myself. For
when I take a retrospective view of the doings of the Society for the
last thirty years, and consider who have preceded me — the Picker-
ings the Saltonstalls, and other learned and eminent men, I am con-
vinced that anything that I may offer you, will be like a barley
cake after wheat loaves. But having put my hand to ihb plough, I
cannot look back ; I must therefore turn my furrow as best I may.

The agriculture of the County of Essex, and of our state, for some
two or three generations after our fathers secured titles to their
farma, had erected their buildings and cleared a field for grain and

6 MR. newhall's address.

vegetables, set out orchards and cut away the beaver dams, that
flowed many of our meadow lands, on which they afterwards raised
fodder for their cattle, remained about the same.

It is true they improved their homesteads, by erecting better
buildings and better fences, but the sons would plough the same, and
generally only the same fields that had been ploughed by their fa-
thers ; and not being acquainted with the proper mode of cultiva-
ting the soil, so as to have continued its productiveness, very little
improvement was made in farming. It was thought that only a few
patches of the land in our county could ever be made into productive
and profitable farms. When we take a look among the farms of the
county, and find so large a proportion of them composed of gravel
knolls, sand banks, sunken swamps, and wet meadows, (the process
of reclamation at that time being unknown,) we have no good rea-
Bon to condemn their judgment.

It is only about half a century since the first efforts were made to
increase our crops of hay by reclaiming wet meadows, and carrying
on to our dry gravel lands what was taken from the ditches to drain
them. Forty seven years ago this month, a young man in my
neighborhood, commenced the improvement of a piece of sunken
meadow and swamp land, by draining, and wheeling on gravel and
sand, from four to six inches deep. The neighbors unitedly sneered
at the undertaking, and some of them inquired of his father wheth-
er he permitted his son to trade and do business for himself. The
son, however, having succeeded by the third year to raise six tons
of timothy and foxtail, on two acres, called upon a son of one who
had ridiculed the undertaking, to assist in harvesting the crop. His
father on being made acquainted with the result of the experiment,
sent one of his younger sons into a swamp and kept him there dur-
ing his minority. But it was many years before much was done in
this branch of improvement; most of our farmers thought that land
that could not be ploughed could not be improved.

Some pieces of meadow land of shallow soil, where the plough
would run to or near to the hard pan beneath, were cultivated, and
made productive of rich grasses, for one or two years only ; for al-
though they were sufficiently ditched to take the water from the soil
above the hard pan, the subsoil would retain the water so long be-
fore it found its way to the drains, rendering the earth at the bottom
of the roots of the grass so cold as to reproduce the natural grasses

MR. newhall's address. 7

in two or three years, unless it was constantly warmed with manure^
But by using the subsoil plough, breaking up and loosening the soil
to a greater depth, the draining may be facilitated.

Our wet meadows and swamps where the mud or peat is from two
to ten feet in depth, if capable of being drained at a reasonable ex-
pense are of much greater value for reclamation, than those of a
shallow soil; as by sinking the ditches to a proper depth, they may
easily be made as dry as may be desirable, for the growth of grain
vegetables and grasses.

These lands of deep soil, are mostly incapable of being ploughed
at the commencement of improvement, and it is bad policy so to do
where they will admit of it. The most economical mode to be
adopted as far as my experience enables me to speak, is to clear the
surface of grasses and bushes, and cover with sand or gravel, suffic-
ient to kill the native growth of vegetation; then manure, and sow
with rye and grass if in the autumn, or with oats and grass if in the
spring or summer ; for if the grain fails, the roots of the rye or oats
will strengthen the surface, and aid the grass in getting root.

These lands improved in manner aforesaid, without ploughing,
continue productive without any additional expense, much longer than
those which have been ploughed ; the decomposition of the original
growth which has been covered by the top-dressing, furnishing food
for the cultivated grasses. By an experiment I made some twenty
years since, by the above mode, on one acre, I obtained good crops
of hay for eight years in succession, without any dressing ; the
nintli season, the crop was some less than a ton ; it was then plough-
ed in the fall of that year, and planted the first day of the following
June. The sand and peat had become well mixed, Avas very mel-
low and easy to till. The acre produced fifty bushels of corn — hav-
ing one row of potatoes around the margin. The next year it pro-
duced about forty bushels of barley.

We have an abundance of these lands as yet, in a state of nature,
which if reclaimed and rendered as productive as they might be, and
our dry lands sufficiently manured from our peat meadows, and
swamps, few if any parts of the state, of the same area, would prO'
duce more good hay than our own county.

Our salt marshes which have been a reliable source for stock fod-
der, have within a few years been thought less of than formerly.
The cattle fed upon the hay grown from them have been represented

8 MR. NEWHALL*S ADDRESS.

by a gentleman who stands high in our society, as the successors of
Pharaoh's lean kine. The loss of its reputation, as good fodder for
cattle has been owing, in my opinion, to its having been fed out be-
fore it was fully cured. It was formerly the custom to let our low
marsh hay lie in swarth from six to eight days, to make. Recently
it has, and I think with more economy, been put up, the weather
permitting, in less than half that time, for it is much better to be
cured in stacks, than spread upon the marsh, after it is sufficiently
dry to keep ; but it requires longer time for making. The low
marsh hay is not fully made, until it is six months or a year old. If
fed out when green, to cows, the milk will taste of it ; if to working
cattle it will weaken them ; but when kept till fully cured, it y^l]]
make good butter, and support the ox at the plough.

As cattle require a portion of salt, and will not thrive well with-
out it, the cheapest and easiest way of supplying them is to feed
more or less with this hay, which will furnish food with the salt.
Every farm, within a reasonable distance, ought to contain a piece of
these lands.

Our marsh lands have been very much improved by ditching ; but
the improvement has been attributed to draining, which is generally
considered one and the same thing, though very different as respects
the effects on salt marshes. By recommending the draining of
marshes to improve them, it cannot be expected that those whose
lands are already too dry, would think of draining, when, in fact, the
high and dryest parts of the marsh are most benefitted by ditch-
ing ; — as the ditches are filled, or partly so, twice in twenty four
hours by the tide, which cools and moistens the dry parts, and ren-
ders them productive, increasing the crops more than four-fold.

Although we have doubled, if not trebled, our crops of hay, our
pastures have deteriorated. Perhaps not more than half the stock
is now pastured in the county, certainly not in this section of it, that
there was fifty years ago. This diminution of pasturage is attribut-
able to various causes. In some parts of the county, portions of the
pasture lands have been converted into house lots, gardens, and til-
lage. On many of our pastures the ancient oaks and other forest
trees, which were reserved by our fathers for shade and ornament,
and were the natural defence of the surface against the scorching
and exhausting rays of our summer sun, have been removed.

MR. newhall's address. 9

j Another, and perhaps the greatest cause of the cleterloration of

! these lands is owing to our farmers generally having abandoned the

keeping of sheep, which are the best gleaners of pastures, after other

• stock ; readily feeding upon bushes, vines, briars and other foul
^ growth that is left by other stock, and which will increase and soon run

out a pasture, if left to the occupancy of the cow and horse, without
I the intervention oi sheep or the plough. I am confident that sheep,
' equal to half the number of cows, maybe kept in the same pastures

without detriment to the cows, by letting the sheep follow the cows
\ from pasture to pasture ; and there is no mode which has been re
: commended for exterminating wood waxen and other noxious weeds,
' that destroy all valuable growth of vegetation, that can be adopted

for this purpose, attended with so little expense, or perhaps I may
! say with any profit, as that of feeding with sheep. If the surface
' is cleared by mowing or burnin^? or both, and fully pastured with
■ sheep, and if so highly stocked as to require some extra feed, the
! better. In three years the land will be entirely cleared, the soil
I enriched and fit for the plough, where it is not too rocky, and where
I it is, it will make good dairy pastures.

I A very considerable portion of these lands, in this part of our
( county, have been permitted, and in some instances encouraged, to
' grow over to wood, which, owing to the rocks and roughness'^of the
; surface being unfit for cultivation, is probably for the interest of the
; owners, and certainly no detriment to the public, for wood and tim-
\ ber are diminishing in quantity very fast; and the invention of

steam will hasten the fulfilment of the Miller prophecy— the burning
. up of the world, or at least the combustible parts of it.
; Some twenty or thirty years since, geologists made a survey, and

exammed the coal mines in England, who reported that in their

• opmion, there was coal sufficient at the then present consumption to
1 supply the country for two centuries. The increase of its consump-
} tion since has been very great. If the calculation then made is at

all to be depended upon, there will not be a coal left in that country
one hundred years hence ; and it is easily perceived, considering

i t^ie vast quantities now consumed, that if the whole island of Great
Britain were coal, it would take but a few centuries to burn it down

I to high water mark.

I Our pastures might be very much improved, undoubtedly, by
j planting forest trees upon them of different kinds, accordin^^ to the
I nature of the soil. 9

10 MR. newiiall's address.

On our dry, gravelly and sandy soils the locust thrives well ; and
as they absorb the dew that falls upon them, they do not decrease^
but rather increase the moisture of the soil, and the dropping of the
foliage, especially the blossoms, which are very rich, greatly increases
the fertility of the land. A plantation of these trees upon any of
our dry pasture lands of twelve or fifteen years growth, will more
than double the feed, and in the course of thirty years the timber
and wood will be worth at least one hundred dollars per acre. In
making this assertion I speak advisedly, and am ready to prove the
facts by a grove I have raised from the seed, and planted out within
that time. The grass that grows under the locust is very sweet, and
readily eaten by cows or horses.

The expense of raising a nursery of these trees is trifling ; the
seed germinates well, if the earth is properly prepared ; but as ours
is colder than their native climate, it is necessary to use some artifi-
cial heat. Soaking the seed in warm water will answer the pur-
pose, but a better method is to warm the soil by a fire on the surface
either before or after sowing.

The willow on low marshy lands will rather improve the grass than
otherwise, and afibrd a large quantity of wood, it being of rapid
growth.

Very little has been done in this County about planting forest
trees until recently , and I am happy to know that enterprising gen-
tlemen are now making experiments by planting groves of many
kinds of our native as well as foreign varieties. On most of the
farms in our County there are patches of waste land that might be
profitably appropriated to the growing of wood, and by planting trees
on the sides of our highways, much valuable wood might be raised,
our thoroughfares ornamented and the public benefitted.

Very much has been done in aid of the cultivation of our farms,
by the great improvement made in the working tools of our pro-
fession.

The plough has been brought to a very great degree of perfection
and our farming implements generally, at the present day, are so
much better adapted for the cultivation and harvesting our crops,
that a much greater amount of labor can be performed, with less
expense of muscular strength, than formerly.

Our crops of corn, grain, and vegetables have been greatly in-
creased by the improved mode of cultivation, which has in a great

MR. KEWHALL'S address. 11

degree been the fruits of our agricultural societies by collecting and
disseminating the results of experiments.

The greatest deficiency of good husbandry of our fields of grain
and vegetables, is in peraiitting the weeds to grow and seed the lat-
ter part of the season. The great length of time required to har-
vest and secure fodder for our cattle during our long winters, and
which generall} employs all hands in the hay field, permits the
weeds to get ahead of the hoe and cultivator, and assert the suprem-
acy, so that many will be discouraged, and give up the contest, as
described by the following anecdote.

An aged farmer in the town of Lynn, had a potatoe patch, some
two miles from the homestead, and deferring to hoe at the proper
time, at last harnessed his horse, took his plough, apparatus, and
boy into his cart, and went to the field, for the purpose of ploughing
among his potatoes ; after unharnessing his horse and unloading his
plough, he deliberately walked around the field, carefully inspected
it, but returned, harnessed his horse, reloaded his plough, and tak-
ing a serious look over the field, with along sigh, says, "I wish thee
well, but I cannot help thee," and returned home. It would be
better in many instances to plough in the crop with the weeds, than
to permit them to ripen, and shed their seed for a future crop.

As long ago as eighteen hundred twenty-one, premiums were
offered for mixed crops of Indian corn, potatoes and bush beans ; or
any two of them to make a mixed crop, planted in alternate rows
or hills. But one premium, I believe, has been claimed, which
was for a crop of corn and potatoes planted in alternate rows ;
the experiment made at that time, by measurement of land and
produce, showed that the mixed crop yielded some nineteen pet
cent more, than that which was planted separately. The corn and
potatoes planted in this way are mutual helps to each other ; the
potatoes shading the roots of the corn and protecting it from the ef-
fects of drought, and the corn, in the months of July and August,
screening the potatoes from the rays of the sun. The crops planted
in this way, adding the value of potatoes in corn, yielding from
eighty to one hundred bushels per acre.

The crop of corn will be increased by mixing a few grains of a
later than the principal kind you plant, as the stocks of the later
kind will furnish seed for the late silks of the earlier kinds.

12 MR. neaviiall'b address.

A piece I planted with fifteen different kinds, mixed, yielded a
bushel aud six quarts on half an acre, more than that planted with
one kind only, and weighed two pounds more to the bushel.

But notwithstanding these experiments were made and reported
•with the doings of the Society, some six years ago, but few I be-
lieve have tried them ; for our farmers, whatever may be their re-
ligious or political creeds, are, as farmers, all conservatives; and
their extreme cautiousness generally prevents their adopting any
well tested experiment, until they can see grey hairs upon it.*

It has generally been thought by farmers, that the ripest corn and
potatoes were the best for seed. But so far as my observation goes,
corn gathered soon after it is out of the milk, and is but partially
glazed, will vegetate and come up, about two days earlier than that
which is fully ripened in the field ; and as the most critical time for
the growing plant is while it lies buried in the earth, the sooner it is
up, the less danger in case of storms and wet weather.

Potatoes, to raise seed, should be planted late in the season, that
their growth may be checked by the frost before they are ripe ; as
the unripe potatoes will produce an earlier and more abundant crop
than those fully ripened.

The reports we have had upon manures, the process of making
composts, and the different materials adapted for the purpose, the
different kinds of manure, and their adaptedness to different soils,
leave but little further to be said upon the subject ; except per-
haps in their application.

After the old mode of manuring in the hill, was succeeded by
ploughing and turning it under the furrow, we thought we had se-
cured it from waste, by evaporation, although applied in a coarse state;
but in this I am confident we were mistaken. There is no mode by
which manure may be applied to land, in a coarse, unbroken state,
and be preserved from waste, either by ploughing or harrowing.

* Since tliis Address was delivered I have found in the Memoirs of tlie Philadelphia Society for
promoting Agriculture, a communication from John Lorrain, Esq., stating experiments made by
liim on mixed crops of Indian corn and potatoes. He says, '"he has frequently plajited Indian corn
in single rows, eight leet asunder, and dropped single corn two feet distant I'roni each other in rows
so as to stand in single plants ; when the corn was ridged, potatoes were planted in the clearing
out furrows which were filled with rotted diuig, and closed by two furrows, backed over llic pota-
toes by the plough. I have had repeatedly forty to fifty bushels of shelled corn, and one hundred
to one hundred and fifty bushels of potatoes, to the acre. In weigh, tlhe crop always exceeded the
best corn cultivated in the common M-ay. This mode was suggested to nie by General Wajuinc-
lo.N, who told nie he had great success in it.'

MR. newhall's address. 13

The scarcity and piice of manure renders it all important to the far-
mer, that it should be applied, so as to receive the fullest benefit
from it. In order to do this, the land should be ploughed, harrowed,
and rolled, until it is of fine tilth, and the manure should be made
fine, the finer the better ; spread, ploughed or harro^Yed in, when it
will be immediately incorporated with the soil, and the crops receive
the full benefit cf it.

Orcharding, which had been for a great number of years, almost
entirely neglected, has for the last twenty or thirty years generally
received its full share of the farmer's attention. Sixty years ago
there were many old orchards ; but very few had been planted for a
number of years previous to that time, and there were very few nur-
series in the county, except such as had grown up where the pomace
from the cider mills had been deposited in heaps. About this time,
when planting out apple orchards recommenced, these wild nurser-
ies furnished almost exclusively, the young plants, which after hav-
ing been set in orchards for a number of years, were some of them
engrafted from old trees, which bore the best fruit we then had ;
but most of the scions being taken from old trees, or old varieties
the fruit of the young orchards generally bore the marks of old age,
and some of them continued to bear but a few years, although set on
young and vigorous stocks. Some varieties are wholly extinct. Of
the Nourse's Sweeting, so called, which were plenty in this market
about sixty years ago, not one is to be found, although many young
trees were engrafted with this variety about that time.

We cannot prolong the existence of any particular kind of fruit,
by engrafting from old on to young trees, beyond the natural life
of the original tree, or the time it would cease to bear fruit by old
age, if Uving. We must go back to the seed for a new generation.
If I am correct, the importance of budding or engrafting our nur-
series from new varieties must be apparent, as an orchard of a vari-
ety that is not more than twenty or thirty years old, will last seventy
or eighty years longer, than one of a variety of an hundred years
old, two hundred years being considered the age of the apple tree.
I am aware that there are many who will smile at the idea that a
scion taken from an old and placed upon a young tree, continues to
number its years. They say that its age is renewed as soon as it is
supported by the sap of the young tree— that it has no affinity to the
j old tree. If so, why is not the fruit changed ? If the scion, when

14 MR. newhall's address.

transmitted to the young stock, does not retain the identity of its
nature and species, how could it produce the same fruit of the parent
tree ?

Mr. President, if the doctrine be true that by budding or ingraft-
ing from older to younger trees, any species of fruit may be perpetu-
ated through all time, then the fatal apple that grew in the garden of
Eden, by the same process might have been transmitted to us, and
our wives might have been plucking the fruit, and giving it to their
husbands.

But it cannot be so. We might as Avell undertake to renew the
age of an old cow by turning her into a new pasture, as the age of
any species of frmt by ingrafting from old to young trees. It is true
that if the cow was better fed her hair might look more sleek and
glossy, but it would not diminish a wrinkle upon her horns.

There is no branch of farming or orcharding where greater im-
provement has been made than in garden fruits and vegetables.
Where a quarter of a century since, in passing over the county we
might see occasionally a solitary pear tree in the front yard, and a
peach tree at the back door^ we now see beautiful gardens of deli-
cious fruit, ornamented with a great variety of flowers ; — one flower
only being absent, and that the most precious and delightful in crea-
tion— lovely woman ; for our ladies seem to have forgotten or to dis-
regard the fact that in the first garden ever planted on earth, the
woman was placed with the man " to dress and to keep it."

The scarcity of good pasturing in our county renders it unprofita-
ble for the raising of stock. It may, however, be for the interest
of farmers generally to raise enough for their own use, as by select-
ing their best calves, the stock may be improved ; and it requires
about as much care and labor to wont and acclimate, stock bought
from the droves, as to rear them. Our milch cows have been very
much improved by crossing with imported breeds, and we have some
of the native breeds that are very superior.

The exhibition of swine to-day^ an animal inferior to none in our
country for food, and almost the only one that a poor man can afford
to keep, its rapid growth and early maturity soon refunding the out-
lay of raising, shows us what may and what has been done by select-
ing and crossing the best of different breeds. They seem to have
exchanged their long snouts and crooked S})ines for broad backs and
deep side^.

iiR. newiiall's address. 15

The variety of tlie feathered tribe at the exhibition to-day, the
cages of fowls, ducks, turkeys and geese, promise -well for a rich
thanksgiving dinner.

Having passed in a cursory manner over our fields and pastures,
through our orchards and gardens, and noticed the improved condi-
tion of our domestic animals, I am reminded of an anecdote of the
late venerable Timothy Pickering. Something more than twenty
years since, I had the honor of being associated with him, on the
committee for visiting farms offered for premium. One of the farms
•we visited was that of Col. Newell, of West Newbury. After we
had been over the farm, and had seen the different animals, Mr.
Pickering remarked to Col. Newell that having seen all he had to
show out of doors, we had better go in and see what the stock was
in the house, where we found some fine specimens of the old Anglo-
Saxon race, whose ancestor came from England in sixteen hundred
and thirty, and settled in Lynn.

As a commendable zeal is manifested by our farmers to improve
the different races of animals that perish, perhaps it may not be
amiss to refer to those, "one of whom is of more value than many
sparrows, yea, than the cattle upon a thousand hills." And to inquire
whether we are pursuing a course of education with our children best
adapted for the happiness, prosperity and durability of our poster-
ity. Reference has frequently been made in addresses to our society
of the propriety and the utiUty of educating our sons for farmers ;
but that of our daughters has rarely been mentioned, although the
future condition of our posterity depends more upon the physical
education of our females than upon all other circumstances. The
employments of farmers' daughters generally, until within some
twenty or thirty years, was well calculated to ensure a robust consti-
tution and a vigorous mind ; but circumstances beyond our control
have laid away the healthful spinning wheel and loom into the ar-
chives of the garret or some untenanted outhouse, and the dairy and
housework Lave very generally been assigned to hired help, as by
our present course of education our daughters must attend school
from the ag3 of four to sixteen, eighteen, or twenty years. Fifty
years ago the education of the minds of farmers' daughters was al-
most wholly neglected, while their occupations were such as to ensure
bodily health and vigor. But the course and object of education
within a few years past has been almost entirely changed. The great

16 MR. newhall's address.

object now seems to be to cultivate, adorn and beautify the mind,
to the utter neglect of the growth and strength of their physical
powers. " The one ought to be done and the other not left undone."
Many of the young ladies who graduate at our seminaries of learn-
ing return to their paternal homes, pale, emaciated and enfeebled by
constant mental exertion and neglect of physical exercise, so that
they are unfit fer wives and mothers, and incapacitated to perform
the duties and enjoy the pleasures and comforts of after life.

The history of the early training, educational pursuits and indus-
trial habits of the illustrious women, who have been the mothers of
the presidents, governors and other great men of our country, might
furnish an interesting subject of inquiry for the matron, the precep-
tress and the governess. I am satisfied that the result would be,
that generally they were what is called in common parlance, working
■women. The consequence to posterity of parents being inured to
hard labor is manifest in the case of the Israelites sojourning in
Egypt. They continued there four hundred years, and were subject
to hard labor during that time ; but they increased so much faster
than did the Egyptians, that the King and his court were alarmed,
and caused the male children of the Israelites to be slain to prevent
the catastrophe they feared. But notwithstanding all their precau-
tion, a son of an Israelitish bondwoman, led old Pharaoh and his host
into the sea, and there they were drowned. Although our posterity
may escape a watery grave, unless a different course be adopted in
reference to the physical education of our children, especially our
daughters, they will most assuredly be overwhelmed by the physical
powers, the mental vigor, and moral courage of the posterity of those
who are now our servants.

As there is nothing appertaining to this world about which parents
manifest so much solicitude as the prosperity and happiness of their
descendants — no hope or desire so strong for any future earthly
blessing as that their children and children's children should keep
the inheritance they leave to them, and live near their graves, may
we not most devoutly hope that the physical, mental and moral edu-
cation of our children and their descendants will be such as to enable
them to defend their rights and perpetuate the liberties of their
country, and to possess, occupy and enjoy the lands that have been
moistened with the tears, the sweat, and the blood of our fathers ?

REPOETS. &c.

I. REPORT ON DAIRY PRODUCTS.

The Committee* on Dairy products were gratified to find so many
entries, and such fine specimens of butter. The parcels were enter-
ed as required, by the numbers only, and were examined without
any knowledge of the persons by whom they were made. The seve-
ral parcels of June butter were first compared with each other, and
the several parcels of September butter likewise. After the opinion
of the committee was made up, upon the specimens presented, the
several statements were examined and compared. Although there
was found to be important differences in the quantities produced in
different statements, still there was no sufficient reason to vary the
awards as made upon the quality. Some of the statements were
found to be not in strict conformity with the conditions on which the
premiums were offered; but no material variations were noticed in those
of the successful claimants. That no injustice may be done to any
claimant, the statements will be published as presented, in conne( tio i
with the Report. They have been carefully scrutinized, and such of
their characteristics as are worthy of special remark will be particu-
larly noticed ; — not for the purpose of censuring any one, but in the
hope of instructing those who are willing to learn.

The processes of keeping the milk and of making the butter, are so
nearly alike, that it would seein all of the claimants had been taught
in the same school. It is not strange that this should be so, as they
knew before whom their lesson was to be recited. Those modes
which had been found most successful in years past, would be most
likely to be imitated.

It should be remembered that our premiums are offered "/or tlie
best produce on the farm,'' and not simply for the best specimens ex-
hibited.

* John W. Proctor, ofDaiivers, Joseph S. Cabot, ol Salem, Eliphalet Emery, of West NewLiary,
David S. Caldwell, of Byfield, Jedediah H. Barker, of Audover. The three last named gentlemen
only examined the specimens ; indispensable engagements necessarily occupying the attention ot
the others

18' ON THE DAIRY.

It is expected of tiie claimants to state distinctly the amount pro-
duced in the month of June ; and also in the four months next fol-
lowing the 20th of May. It is highly important that all the par-
ticulars in the management, from the first milking of the cow, to the
moulding of the butter for the market, should be carefully noted.
If tliese facts could be presented in a Journal form, so that the feed
of each week, and the produce of each week, could be distinctly seen
and compared, it would be a source of much instruction.

The design of requiring statements for particular periods of time,
is, that all statements should have reference to the same period, so
that they may with propriety be compared together. If for instance
one person takes fifty days from May 20 to July 10, and another
14 days, from June 10 to June 24, there can be no fair comparison
between the two. We can easily conceive of such an arrangement
of the pastures, and of the feed of the cows, for a period of fourteen
days, as would show a very difibrent result fi'om what could be pro-
duced \n fifty days. These facts are adverted to, because some of
the statements are made in this manner. We want no forced state-
ments ; — we care not how good tiiey may be ; but we want them
in the ordinary way ; we want to see the whole truth, without any
artificial appliances, We do not want to meet the dairymaid in the
parlor, arrayed in her silks and ruffles ; — but we want to meet her
in the dairy room, with a smiling countenance, clean hands, and a
neat apron, ready to show how the cream is daily taken off, and how
the butter ia daily taken care of.

There are many facts in relation to the making of butter, of great
importance to be distinctly noted. Instance, from some we learn
that the quantity of butter is materially influenced by the manner of
milking the cows ; — by being careful entirely to exhaust the bag at
each milking ; — one pint at the close, being said to be of as much
value as/<9wr at the commencement*

It is presumed that there is a certain point of time, after the milk
has been set, when the cream can be severed from the milk to the
best advantage. We have looked through the statements to ascer-
tain when this is. We find them varying from twenty-four to seven-

*We are reminded of the adrokuess of a slirewd fellow on a dairy farm in this viciniij-, wlio
was taught his early lessons among the Shakers, in a village of N. H. ; who being perniitled to
lake two quarts of niilk daily, for Uie use of his own family, used to take his pail, aiid go round,
after the cows had been milked, and strip out his two quarts. After understanding the diflercnt
btuter-mnking qualilies of milk, taken at different stages ol milking, it was not difficult to find a
reason Ibi the movement ol' this sliaker-umght manager.

ON THE DAIKY. 19

tj-'-two hours ; — about as definite as the size of a piece of chalk.
What is wanted, is a rule for the guidance of those who shall under-
take to manage the business without having had experience. With-
out doubt many of these successful butter-makers, have the right rule
in their mitid, — but have never yet so defined it as to bo able to con-
vey it to others. The probability is, the longer the cream remains the
more there wil'. be of it ; but may it not remain so long as to impair
the quality of the butter ? This may depend much upon the char-
acter of the place where and the vessels in which it is set. Nearly
all speak of setting the milk in tin p>ans ; — how deep it shall be,
whether two, four or six inches, they do not say. All concur in as-
signing a clean, airy and cool place for the milk to be set in ; and
all concur in approving of entire cleanliness in all the departments.

What shall be done with the cream after it is collected ? Some
place it in a bucket in the well ; others in pots, in vaults constructed
for the purpose. The best position we have noticed, is to have n
neat apartment excavated below the ordinary cellar, and there to
keep it, until the convenient time for churning. This should be as
often as a sufficient quantity is accumulated, to be churned to ad-
vantage. The kind of churn, and the temperature of the cream :at
the time of churning, are both to be considered. It is said a tem-
perature from GOo to 65o is the most favorable. If this be so., it
should always be brought to this temperature, before the agitation of
the cream is commenced. Crowell's Thermometer Churn is con-
structed with special reference to this point. It also professes to
promote a proper circulation of the air, at the time of churning.
Whether this air movement is fanciful or real, I leave to wiser chem-
ical heads than my own. The quality as well as the quantity of th'O
butter depends much upon the churning process. When dog days
come on, we have frequently heard complaints that the cream was
bewitched and the butter would not come ; when in truth the fault
was not in the cream, but in those who managed it.

Many of these little things which a skilful manager of a dairy is ac.
customed to observe and practice, and which are thought too trifling
to be noticed, may in fact constitute the real differences between the
making of good and ordinary butter. That such differences do exist,
we see exemplified every week. Take for instance, in any of our
towns, two farmers, situate side by side, on lands similar; you will
find one of these going into market on Saturday, with butter, soft

20 ON THE DAIRY.

and greasy, with small particles of butter-milk oozing out of it ; while
the butter of the other is in neatly formed lumps, hard and regular,
of a bright yellow color; the one is slowly sold for a sJdlling &
pound — when the other readily commands a sMlling and a half —
from purchasers much better satisfied with their bargains. Why this
difference in price, unless it be in the management of the dairy ?
One of these farmers will be able to thrive and flourish, with paint-
ed buildings, and neatlj'- arranged fences ; — while the other will have
his windows stuffed with rags, and his fences going to ruin.

It is not enough for claimants to say in their statements, that
about an ounce of salt is applied to each pound of butter ; or that it
Avas salted to suit the taste. Such expressions afford no rule for the
instruction of others. Tastes may vary as much as hands in weight,
or feet in measurement, and the word about has too much of the
quality of india rubber to fasten anything. For example, in the
statements before us, there is a variance in the quantity of salt used
of one half — say from three fourths of an ounce to one and a half
ounces to the pound. We are aware that there may be differences
in the quality of the salt, and that the condition in which the butter
cowzes, may at sometimes require more salt than at others; and
consequently that the judgment of the persons working it is to be
exercised ; but still we think it is in their power to define, how this
judgment is to be applied ; and this is the very thing we want to be
informed about. These little peculiarities which enable good dairy-
maids to present the nicest of butter.

On looking over the statements presented, several difiiculties occur
ia instituting a comparison. Some speak of cows only ; others of
coivs and heifers. Some speak of old cows ; others of young coivs.
What the fair proportion is Avhich a heifer bears to a cow, we have no
certain means of determining ; but for convenience sake, we assume
that three heifers the first season in milk, may be reckoned equal to
two coivs. We are also embarrassed by the fact, that different fami-
lies may consume very different quantities of milk and cream in the
family. Ordinarily we expect to find on a well regulated New
England farm, a man and Avife, five children, a man servant, a maid
servant, and a boy to drive the cows, &c., — tenin number, for whose
use the milk of one cow at least shuold be appropriated. There may
1)0 variances from this. There may be bachelors who take care of
their own dairies, — but such care will never be considered as a rcc-

ON THE DAIRY.

21

ommcndation for premium. Although their butter maybe siceet in
the churn, ten chances to one, it will be rancid, before it comes to the
table.

Another embarrassment, and one that should be remedied by the
Trustees themselves, is in the variances of time for which the state-
ments are made. Some we notice from May 20th, to July 6th.
Some from Jure 1st to July 9th. Some from May 20th to Sept.
25th. Some for 14 days only in June — periods that cannot accu-
rately be compared with each other. Such statements not only vary
from the rule prescribed, but they present also insuperable difficulties
in the way of just estimates. We have been thus particular in enu-
merating these, that claimants may understand, if they would expect
others to judge rigidly of their claims, they mnsthegin right in their
statements. It is not enough for them to say, that the offer of the
premium is not made exactly as it should be ; when they present
their claims, they assent to the propriety of the offer.

We present in a Tabular form, an abstract of the several state-
ments, supplying deficiencies by the best guesses (exercising our
privilege as Yankees) in our power to make.

No.

Name.

Residents.

Cows.

June, av.
lo a cow.

4 moiith.s av.
to a oow.

Total

1

JOHN STOM:, Jr.,

Murblelicad.

4

45 lbs.

155 lbs.

620 lbs

2

DANIKL PUTNAM,

Dauvcrs.

6

30 "

190 "

720 "

3

ELIJAH POPE,

"

4

28 "

111 "

444 "

4

CHAREES P. PRESTON,

'•

7

30 '•

112 "

78 1 "

T)

(iEOR(;E PEARSON,

Saugiis.

6

30 '■

109 "

G.54 "

()

NATHANIEL FELTON,

Uanvers. ]

S

■i-2 "

110,5 lbs.

884 ■'

7

JONATHAN BERRY,

MiikUelon.

s

30 "

07,8 "

790 "

j^

DUNCAN IMcNAUGHTON,

Byfiekl.

5

'J.5 ■'

91.5 ''

490 "

!)

JOHN PRESTON,

Dauvers

4

L't) '■

91,5 "

300 "

l(t

NATHAN D. HAWKS,

Lyimfield.

4

23 "

85 "

340 ■'

This shows an average product of one pound to a cow daily ,
through the month of June, and seven eighths of a pound daily to a
cow, for the four months from May 21th to September 24th.

When the extraordinary drought of the months of August and
September are taken into view, as also the family consumption of
milk before adverted to, it is but fair to say, that the statements pre-
sented the present season, give evidence of a production of one pound
of butter daily for each cow, for the four best months of the season.

IIow this will compare with former years is not distinctly in mind.
We remember when the Society first commenced their offer of
premiums. Col. Jesse Putnam was successful in obtaining the first
premium, and that his cows aveiaged a produce of two hundred

«9

ON THE DAIIIY.

pounds each in a period of six months. This was thought a largff
product, and was accounted for by the extraordinary feed of tlie
cows ; the Col. being a man not accustomed to leave anything he
undertook half finished. We have known some of the present claim-
ants, with whom we have been acquainted as such for nearly tMrtT/
7/ears, to present statements of a produce of eight pounds of butter
a week to each cow for a number of successive weeks. These were
among the best products, in the natural ivay^ that we have known.
We have often heard of cows that yielded two pounds of butter a
day, and more, but we have never known a herd of such cows, or
any considerable number together, that would do it. without using a
feed for them that would " cost more than it came to." If such
can be found, Ave should consider attention to such a stock one of
the best modes of using a farm.*

There is so much time misspent and labor lost in the making of
poor butter, that we feel it to be an imperative duty to endeavor to
impress the minds of farmers and of their wives and daughters, with
the importance of giving heed to this subject. There are some things
in relation to it so well settled as to be universally known by all
those who have any knowledge in the matter. There are others on
which there remain great differences of opinion and variance of prac-
tice. As for instance, in the statements before us, we find some of
the makers of butter apply cold water freely to the butter, both be-
fore it is taken from the churn and afterwards : "to aid in extract-
ing the butter milk and to harden the butter," as they say. Others
bring it into form without the use of water, and say that its use im-
pairs the flavor, and essentially injures the quality of the butter.
How shall it be determined which of these is right ? This is a prac-

* In the Society's Traiiisactions for 1834, pages 75 to 78, will be found an enumeration of cows
most remarkable for their produce of butter. W^e refer to this with more satisfaction at the pres-
ent time, because, it was compiled by that eminent friend of the farmer, a]id especially the
Essex farmer, the late Hexky Colman, whose iiidel'aligable exertions for their inslrnclion, too
goon extinguished his light in a foreign land.

Whoever shall undertake to note the progress of American Agriculture, will find much reliable
and truly practical intelligence to have proceeded from his pen. Next to Col. Pickeri.ng is this
Society indebted to Mr. Cohnan, for most valuable instruction. AVe know not how a belter ser-
vice could be rendered the Massachusetts farmer, than by a compilation of the Aprictdliiral
papers tliat have proceeded from the pens of Pickerikg, Lowell, Colman, and I'uinney, (who
have now ceased from their labor.-;.) with appropriate annotations. May we not hope in this ugu
of Agrictdtural enterprise, when the Allens, the Lincolns, the Wildekj, and the BucKt-NGit.iMs,
are nobly aiming to be foremost in doing good, that this medium of doing it, will not be entirely
overlooked. ''Blessed arc they who have labored to do good .; their works shall follow them."' If
this be not Scripture, it might well be.

ON THE DAIRY. 2S

tical question, applicable to every churning ; quite too important
therefore to be left in doubt. Probably most persons do as their
mothers used to do, without inquiry whether there is any better
mode of proceeding. In an intelligent article upon this subject, from'
one of the most successful makers of butter in this county, (see
Transactions for 1840, p. 72,) we find this sentence : — "More de-
pends on this thun any part of the process in making good butter.
If our dairy women would apply double the labor to half the quantity
of butter, and thereby thoroughly remove all particles of buttermilk,
this one half would be worth more than the whole in the condition it
is usually sent to the market."*

The churning process is an essential part of the making of butter.
At our request, Mr. Felton, who has for several years obtained the
first premium on butter, has annexed to his statement an account of
his mode of churning. We looked in vain through the several state-
ments for information on this point. If it be true as it is said to be,
that some kinds of churns will bring the butter In one half the time,,
with less than half the labor that others require, this Is a fact of
great importance in determining the best mode of making butter.

We have heard of many improved churns, but have seen none, the
structure and principles of which better correspond with our ideas of
utility, than Crowell's Patent Thermometer Churn. We cannot sa
well express the idea we wish to convey, as in the letter annexed,
from a gentleman, himself expert in all the arts of butter-maklng.f

* I am informed by a lady, wlio was instructed by her mother, who for a period tlie memory of
man runneth not to the contrary, had the reputation of making tlie very best of butter, tlial sha
never applied cold water or any other water to the butter after it was churned. She considered
such application injurious ; — especially if the butter was intended to be put down as she said, —
that is, to be preserved for future use. That it would not keep so well when soaked in water ;
was not so fine flavored ; and was more likely to become rancid. Perhaps my respect for this lady,
' (who is my mother) influences my opinions, nevertheless there are hundreds, in Salem and vicinity
' who for years used tlieir butter, when they had vigor to \vork it, who will bear testimony that no
more reliable authority could be cited. In a matter of this kind I should place more confidence in
the practical experience of a sensible woman, than in all the chemical analyses of all the Davys,
and Leibig"s combined.

tDKAR Sir, — I have u;^ed the " Thermometer Churn" this season, and have been nnich pleased
with it. It possesses a decided advantage in the spring and autumn, when the cream is generally
i so cold as to be a long time in forming butter in other churns, as by filling the space between the
zinc and the outer side of the churn with hot water, the cream may be ea.sily brought to the pro-
per temperatiu-e for chunu'ng. In warm weather, however, I do not think much is to be gained by
: filling this space with cold water, as the cream should be suiliciently cooled before it is put into the
I churn ; and if it is not, it could hardly be done by cold water in the short time generally occnpied
I ia chuniin*. Still, in warm weather, I have fovind ihal the Thermometer Churn will bring the

24 ON THE DAIRY,

Mr. Howard, of the Albany Cultivator, authority second to none
other in the country, says, "according to our experience the best
butter is not produced by a very sliort nor a very long period in
churning. If it is churned too quick, the separation is not complete,
and the butter besides being less rich, is deficient in quantity ; if the
process is continued too long, the butter is likely to be oily. We think
our best butter-makers would decide that churning for ordinary quan-
tities, say from ten to twenty pounds, should occupy from thirty to
ffty minutes." This corresponds entirely with the opinion express-
ed by Mrs. Nathaniel Felton, who said "she did not want the butter
to come in less than thirty minutes ; it is not so good when it comes
in a shorter time."

We are informed by some of those who have been most successful
in the management of their dairies, that they look more to the quali-
ty of the milk given by the cow, than the quantity ; and in selecting
their cows to be kept for this purpose, they choose only those which
give milk adapted to the purpose. It is unquestionably true that one
quart of milk from some cows, will yield as much or more butter
than two quarts from others. In selecting cows therefore, the qual-
ity of their milk should be tested, either by making butter from it,
or by the use of a lactometer^ which shows the comparative thickness
of cream that will rise on similar quantities of milk. Mr. Holbert,
an experienced farmer of N. Y. state, says : "I find by churning
the milk separate, that one of my best cows will make as much but-
ter as three of my poorest cows, giving the same quantity of milk."

butter ill much less time than any other I liave ever used ; ami this, I think, may be owing to tlie
form of the slats of the dasher. These have a wide and flat surface, obviously producing more
agitation of the cream than the round slats of Gait's churn and of Kendall's churn. On one occa-
sion, I have churned thirty quarts of cream into butter in eleven minutes iiv the Thermometer
Churn, though it ordinarily takes a longer time, an average at least of half an hour; and a shorter
time than this I do not think desirable.

It is claimed for some of the lately invented churns, the Atmospheric Churn, for example, that
they will produce butter in four or five minutes ; but I think it is very questionable whether in so
.short a time all llie butter can be extracted from a given quantity of cream, or the butter can be ol
the best quality. What to me seems the greatest desideratum in churns is, some improvement in
the application of the moving power, by which the amount, or rather tlie severity of labor may be
lessened in churning. As it is now, it is work, and often hard work too, for an able bodied man.
But if a Churn could be made to work so easily tliat a boy could operate it without fatigue for three
or four successive churnings, it is evident that a great gain would be made in the expenditure of
labor. '■ Blessings on the man who invented sleep I'' exclaimed the renowned Sancho Pajiza
and eqtial ble.ssiiigs have I often been inclined to invoke for the individual wlio would make churn-
ing easy. Very rcspectlully, yours,

Hamilton, Oct. 33, 1849. ALLEN W. DODGE.-

ON THE DAIRY. 2o

We have heard the same thing substantially from dairy woraeu
themselves. Let those cows which abound In quafitlti/ onlt/, be
turned over to those who care only for filling their measures ; and
let those that afford substance as well as show be kept to supply the
churn.

But one parcel of cheese was presented to the Committee. This
was such as to leave no hesitation as to the propriety of awarding
the premium offered. If our recollection is right, a similar state of
facts occurred the last year. Why it is that the farmers of Essex
are so indifferent as to be unwilling to present their claims, for this
branch of the products of the dairy, we are unable to Imagine. It
cannot be that they have discontinued the making of cheese, for this
will never happen while people have an inclination to use it. That it
is still used, every well furnished table bears testimony. That those
farmers who live in the immediate vicinity of a ready market for
milk or butter can turn it to better account than to make it into
cheese, we have no doubt ; but when two pounds of good cheese will
readily command as much money as one pound of well-preserved
butter, we think there are many farms on the sea shore and on the
banks of the Merrimack, where their milk will bo most advantage-
ously used for the making of cheese. We remember to have seen
splendid collections of cheese made in West Newbury and Andover ;
and if such are now there, Ave can only regret that they are not
brought forward. Farmers should remember that they owe some-
thing to the public as well as to themselves ; and that they have not
done their whole duty when they have simply pocketed the money
offered as premiums. The design of these Exhibitions Is to present
a fair specimen of the products of the County ; and every one who
has a spark of patriotism in his breast, should be willing to lend a
helping hand. I wish those good women who labor and tug day af-
ter day in turning and rubbing their cheeses, would occasionally jog
the elbows of their husbands, and urge them to go ahead in the way of
their duty. Every man who loves his wife as he ought to do, will
be proud to exhibit the products of her industry. If they will not,
let the women themselves, do as others we could name have credi-
tably done, exhibit their own cheeses with their own hands. What
more interesting part of the exhibition could there be, than to have the
products of a dozen dairies, under the superintendence of the ladies
themselves, ready to explain how they were made ?

2G ON OHE DAIRY.

On looking over the statements we were struck with the fact, that
but two of the cows were of foreign breeds, (so called) viz : — Mr.
M'cnaughton's of Bjfield, whose produce was the seventh in quantity.
These two were Durhams ; there were no Ayrshires, no Devons —
unless our natives may claim affinity thereto. Why it is that the farm-
ers ©f Essex are so slow in introducing these classes of animals, we are
unable to determine. Specimens of them have been among us on the
farms of Parsons, Derby, Poore and others for years, and many efforts
have been made to make known their superiority ; but still the real
hard hands do not take hold of them. On whose judgment, then,
shall we rely, the gentlemen farmers, or the operative farmers ?
The theory of one recommends the Durhams and the Ayrshires for
the dairy, as being the greatest producers ; i\iQ practice of the other,
adopts the natives. We leave this to be decided by those of more
experience than ourselves. We are willing to prove all, and hold
on upon the best.

One general remark must close what we have to offer on this sub-
ject ; and our commentaries upon the statements particularly, must
be appended to each.

The premiums are offered, not so much for the superior quality of
the article presented y as for the superior process by which it is made
so, that others may go and do likewise.

We recommend the premiums to be awarded as follows : —

FOR JUNE BUTTER.

To Nathaniel Felton, of Danvers, first premium,. - - $10-
John Preston, of Danvers, second premium, ... 8

Elijah Pope, of Danvers, third premium, ... g

FOR SEPTEMBER BUTTER.

To Charles P. Preston, of Danvers, first premium, - - $10
Jonathan Berry, of Middleton, second premium, - - 8

Nathaniel Felton, of Danvers, third premium, - - 6

FOR CHEESE.

To David Choate, of Essex, first premium, - - - $8

• ** In behalf of the Committee,

J. W. PROCTOR, Chairman.
Danvers, October 25, 1849.

Note. — Here, we cannot forbear a brief narrative of facts that came within our own observation
About ten years since, a gentleman possessed of means abundant for the making- of experiments,
but who then liad no practical knowledge of farming whatever, came into possession of a fine farm

ON THE DAIRY.

27

in a region famous for its dairy products. He started off to make butter, with an assurance that he
would astonish the natives. He was fully versed in all the learning- of the '"Herd Book" — could
give a minute detail of the genealogy of the most celebrated cows for many generations. The
Oakes Cow, the Nourse Cow, that yielded near twenty pounds of butter per week, were but pig-
mies in his estimation — pretty good of the kind, to be sure — but then they were nothing but na-
tives. He was going to gather a herd that would show what could be done. He would not
accept as a gift a cow that would yield less than two pounds of butter per day. Accordingly,
he purchased his cows according to their parentage, paying from $100 to $200 for each animal, and
began his operations. He employed expert foreigners to superintend his concern. At first he did
not succeed, because his place for setting the milk was not constructed according to rule exactly. A
change was made in this. Then things did not go quite right, and he thought it might be, becauge
his dairy woman was not acquainted with the usages of the neighborhood ; and so he struggled on
for several months, changing this and altering that, scarcely making butter enough for the consump-
tion of his own family; and what he did make, of the most ordinary quality. And to complete the
farce of visionary fanning by a gentleman, he called upon one of his better experienced neighbors
"to bring him some butter fit to be eat," for, said he, "some how or other, our folks can't get the
knack of making it."

Butter made in Orange County, New York, has the highest reputation in the market — so much
so, that most New York butter passes under that name. Here the milk is churned, and not the
cream. It is said "to give a peculiar firmness and fineness of texture, and wax-like appearance
when it is fractured, which butter made by churning the cream seldom or never has."' The art of
making Oranbe County Butter is said to be in the women, and not in the cows or pastures —
you take a good dairymaid from there, and she will make equally good butter, hundreds of miles
distant. In churning the milk, it takes about one quarter part more to produce a pound of but-
ter, than it does when the cream is severed from the milk.

On examining the products of Mr. Hall's Dairy, of Chemung Co., who took the first premium in
the N. Y. State Society, 1846, we find 19 cows yielded 3169 lbs. of butter, in one hundred eighty
days, or about 16S lbs. to a cow. In the same time, our fifty-six cows yielded 9174 pounds of but-
ler, or 164 lbs. to a cow. This comes so nearly up to the products of N. Y. State, that we are sat-
isfied our farmers, by proper attention to selecting their cows for the dairy, can, if tliey will, do as
well as the best. Let them apply their true Yankee tact in this matter, and they may challenge
ithe world.

Note. As a matter of curious information, we have collected in a condensed form, the products
of several of the most extraordinary cows in Massachusetts, that have come to our knowledge.

Date.

Name.

Place.

Weekly

Length of

produce.

time.

1S2G.

Oakes Cow, . - - -

Dauvers.

16 lbs.

16 weeks.

18-24.

Nourse Cow, - - . .

'■

14 "

16 "

1823.

Sanderson Cow, - - -

Walt ham.

14 "

16 "

1630.

Homer's Cow, - - - -

Bedford.

14 "

12

1S30.

Hazeltine Cow, - - -

Haverhill.

14 "

12

1830.

Barrett Cow, - . - -

Northampton.

15 "

12 "

1S45.

Buxton Cow, . - - -

Dan vers.

16 "

13 "

The.se cows show a product of more than two pounds per day. eacli, for a period of three months.
We think it would be difficult to ocUecl together such a herd.

STATEMENTS.

JOHN 6TOISE, JR'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Dairy:

Gentlemen, — I present for jour examination 2G ponnds of but-
ter, being a sample of 220 pounds, made from the mjlk of four cows,
in thirty-nine days, from the 1st of June to the 9th of July. Dur-
ing this time, we sold eight quarts of cream, and used one quart of
milk a day in the family. We have ascertained that nine quarts of
our milk yields one pound of butter, and that one quart of cream wili
make a pound of butter ; consequently the produce of the four cows,
in thirty-nine days, was equal to 232 lbs., or one and a half pounds
a day to each cow. Finding that our milk could be used to better
advantage, than in the making of butter, after the 20th of July we-
discontinued making ; and therefore I cannot give an accoun-t of
butter made in September. From the quantity of milk given by the
cows in September, I am of the opinion that eight pounds of butter
a week to each cow, could then have been made. Our cows had
pasture feed only. Our pasture contains between four and five acres,
gravelly bottom, has been ploughed and well cultivated. I have
taken pains to select cows of good quality for butter-making. Three
of my cows I obtained from Mr. Daniel Buxton, Jr. of Danvers, a
man who has and does every thing in the best manner. The mother
of this stock was remarkable for her milking properties. They are
of the breed called Buffalo, without horns, and above the middUng
size. Two ot them have not done bo well this season as formerly ;
and I attribute it to their having been confined too closely during
the winter. The old cow became farrow, and was killed at the age
of thirteen years, weighing dressed 600 lbs. I have several young
animals of this stock. I am thus particular in stating these facts,
because I consider them of the first importance in an attempt to
establish a good dairy — a point at which I have been aiming for
years.

Process of Mak'mg,'—The milk is strained into tin pans and set
in a cool cellar, when the cream is sufficiently risen it is taken off

ON THE DAIllV. 29

and placed in stone pots. We churned twice a week this season.
The butter milk is worked out by hand, without the application of
any water, and salted with an ounce of ground rock salt to a pound.

JOHN STONE, Jr.

Marblchead, Sept. 26, 1849.

KicMARKs. — Knowing, as we do, the attention given by Stone to his dairy, we were quite snr-
prisoil wlioii wo learned his butter hud not found favoii witli those who tastkd. But on ("iirther
inquiry, it appeared to them to be baacid, and of course not wortliy ol' premium. Subsequent
examination has satisfied us, that this character was confined to the uppek layer only, and that
the butler was ol" prime quality when first made. We hope Mr. Stone, or his lady, will look
well to this department another .season ; and if lie contiimes to make twenty per cent more than
any other, as he has done this season, we can a.sstire him that his efforts will be rewarded. We
have ventured to estimate the whole amount that could have been made during the I'our months
at f>-20 pounds. We find that the same quantity of his milk yields ten per cei^t more butter than is
yielded on Mr. Putnam's larm — which stands in the first class for dairy products.

Our curiosity being awakened by the account given by Mr. Stone, of his cows, we liavc learn-
ed on inquiry that the mother of this .stock was purchased b}" Mr. James AVilsoii, from a drove
about twenty years since. Proving to be an excellent cow, her calves were raised and distributed
in the neighborhood ; and have uniformly been of superior qua' Many of them, by reason of

aiisoeiating with strangers, have lost their peculiarity of wanting iiorns, but still have good bags,
well filled. Eight quarts of milk from these cows have produced a pound of butter ; and when
well I'ed, they have yielded sixteen quarts of milk per day. How important is it, when a person
wants to have a good dairy, and can iind a cow ol' this description, that her offspring should be
reared. It is equally important, also, to take care with what animals .she comes in contact ; be-
cause the character of her offspring will depend very much on the company she keeps, ^^'e are
fully persuaded that the milking properties depend quite as much upon the male pakent. as the

FE.MALE

DANIKL PUTNAM'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Dairy :

Gbntlemen : — A firkin containing 27 pounds of June butter, a
specimen of 94 pounds, made from the milk of six cows, in two
weeks, averaging 7 5-6 pounds per week for each cow, is forwarded
for your taste and judgment'

For some days the milk was carefully measured at the time of
straining, and it was found to require ten rjuarts of milk to make
one pound of butter.

The process of making you have known in previous years, and I
will merely say, that tin pans are used — cream is kept in large tin
pails ; churned twice a week ; the butter is much rinsed in cold wa-
ter, and one ounce of salt is allowed to each pound of butter ; the
cellar is airy and cool.

30 ON THE DAIRY.

The chief requisitions in butter-making are kno^vn to be, the free
and faithful use of soap and hot water in the cleansing of the vessels
used, and the separation of the butter-milk from the butter after
churning, with the hands ; how far we may have been successful in
the sample before you, remains, (in part at least) for your decision.

The feed of the cows at the time the butter was made, was noth-
ing more than a common pasture.

Very respectfully yours,

DANIEL PUTNAM.

Danvers, Sept. 26, 1849.

Remarks. — On looking over this statement, we are pleased witli the particularity and distinct-
ness with which facts are presented ; — although the time of fovrteen days is not the tkuk time
to have been taken — and the quantity made during the four months not specified, as we should liked
to have had it. We were quite surprised when we fomid that, by the tasting process,. Mr Put-
nam's butter had not secured favor ; and can only explain it upon the maxim "that the best may
miss it sometimes." We certainly know that Mrs. Putnam and her daughters have often been
successful in presenting the very best of butter. Our respect for their management of the dairy is
equal to that of any other. We perceive that they apply water in getting out the buttermilk —
possibly this may explain why their butter fell behind the butter of those, to which no water was
applied ; and possibly the fault may have been in the imperfect taste of the judges, of which their
statement has a slight indication of fearful apprehension.

ELIJAH POPE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Dairy:

Gentlemen, — I offer for your inspection, a jar of June butter,
containing 25 pounds, being a specimen of 127 pounds, made from
the milk of four cows, from the Itt of June to the 5th of July.

Also, three boxes of September butter, containing 22 pounds, be-
ing a sample of 445 pounds, made between the 24th of May, and
24th of September, from the same cows, with the addition of the
milk of a two year old heifer, since the 23d of June.

Their feed has been common pasture, until the 20th of August,
since that time, green corn fodder once a day.

Process of maJcing. — The milk is strained into tin pans, it stands
in a cool cellar, from 36 to 48 hours, when the cream is taken off,
put into tin pails, and stirred every day.

We churn once a week. During the warmest weather the cream
is placed in the well, from twelve to twenty-four hours before churn-

ON THE DAIRY. 31

ing. After it is churned the buttermilk is thoroughly worked out,
and the butter is salted with 3-4 of an ounce of ground rock salt to
thfc pound. After standing six hours, it is again worked and weigh-
ed, each pound separately.

ELIJAH POPE.

Danvers, Sept 2Gth, 1849.

Rkmaeks. We notice that Mr. Pope presenled iwenty-tvvo potuids only of September
butter, when there should have been twenty-five ; but as tlie fact would never have been known,
if it had not been so written in the statement, — it is not considered a material variation. Some of
the committee thought the taste of this butter indicated that it must have been made since June ;
but the Committee did not feel at liberty to assume any fact to be different from the statement with-
out some evidence to sustain the assumption.

CHARLES P. PRESTON'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Dairy :

Gentlemen : — I offer for your examination one pot of June but-
ter containing 27 pounds — being a specimen of 288 pounds made
between the first of June and the 9th of July, from the milk of five
cows, and four heifers three years old — all of native breed.

Also, two boxes of September butter, containing 28 pounds — a
sample of 786 pounds made between the 20th of May and 24th of
September, from the milk of the same cows.

The cows have had common pasture feed until the 1st of August,
when we commenced feeding with corn fodder, once a day.

Process of making. — The milk is strained into tin pans, and plac-
ed in the cellar, where it stands from twenty-four to thirty-six hours;
it is then skimmed and the cream put in stone jars, and set in a
vault made for the purpose. Churn twice a week. We are very
particular to work every particle of the butter-milk out, and salt
with one ounce of rock salt to the pound.

CHAS. P. PRESTON.
North Danvers, Sept. 25, 1849.

Remarks. Mr. Preston's statement shows an intelligent apprehension of the principles upon
which the premiums were offered, and successful nianfigement of his dairy. He again finds hiaa-
self among the fortunate claimants.

32 ON THE DAIKY.

GEORGF. rEARSON'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Dairy:

Gentlemen : — I present for your inspection, one pot of June
butter, containing 29 pounds, being a specimen of 2G0 pounds, made
between the first of June and the 9th of July, from the milk ot four
cows, and three three years old heifers, with the addition of one cow
after the first of July.

Also, one pot of September butter, containing thirty pounds, being
a specimen of 652 pounds, made between May 20th and Sept, 20i;h,
from the same cows. Their feed has been common pasture, till the
middle of August. They have been fed with green corn once a day,
till September, then fall feed to the present time.

Process of making. — The milk is strahiedinto tin pans, and plac-
ed in a milk room, where it stands from twenty-four to forty-eight
hours, according to the weather, and then it is skimmed and the-
cream is put in tin pails and placed in a well, and there remains till
churned. Churn twice a week. The butter-milk is worked out
thoroughly, and the butter is salted by one ounce of ground rock
salt to the pound.

GEORGE PEARSON.

Saugus, Sept. 25th, 1849.

Remarks. In Mr. Pearson, the Commiltee were pleased to find a new claimant, from a new
lown. The products show a dairy well managed. In quantity he has done ahnost a.s well as the
best. He must be aware that he has to contend with those who have had much ixp.rienee, and
to ensure success, the utmost vigilance and care is nece.ssary.

We observe that Mr. Pearson as well as several of tlie otlicr claimants, when the drought cami)
on supplied their cows with green corn indder, planted for this purpose. A practice so common
must have some meaning in it. We notice it particularly, because a question has been made by
some, whether this kind of feed is favorable to the production of milk. It could be demonstralftd,
by chemical analysis, that there are no buuer making qualities in green corn : still so long as must
of our good farmers continue to cultivate and use it for this purpose, we shaU be inclined to ro-
gpccl their use, more than our own arguments. In mailers agricultural, practical experience is the
"one thing needful."

NATHANIKL FELTOiVS STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen :— I present for your examination 26 pounds of but-
ter, made m June, and 27 pounds of butter made in September, as
samples of 884 pounds, made from the milk of eight cows and a

ON THU' DA IKY. 33

heifer, iti four months, from tho 24th of May to the 24th of Septem-
jer. One of the cows has been in milk thirteen months. We have
ased milk in the family for ten persons, and regularly sold two gal-
lons on each Saturday. Annexed is a statement of the quantity
made each week. The cows had common pasture feed until the
middle of August, then for a fortnight T gave them shorts, and con-
tinued to feed them with corn fodder while their feed was short in
the pasture. I consider good pasture feed, with good spring water,
the very best supply for the making of good butter. "When this fails
I supply the vacancy with other things, that can be obtained with
least inconvenience.

Process of makinj.—^Th.e milk is strained into tin pans, and plac-
ed in a cool cellar, where it stands from thirty-six to forty-eight
hours, when the cream is taken off, put into pails, and stirred daily.
We churn once a week. During the warmest weather the cream is
hung in the well, about twelve hours before churning. After the
butter comes, the first thing to be done is to work out the buttermilk.
This is done by hand, without the application of any water — believ-
ing such application to be no benefit, and in some respects injurious.
About one ounce of best salt is usually applied to a pound, varying
in some measure according to the condition of the butter, to be de-
termined by the taste of the person working it. After standing about
one hour, it is worked over a second time, and then weighed each
pound separately. The .June butter was preserved by the applica-
tion of a strong brine, made of common fine salt. I consider that I
have used about the milk of eight cows through the season, for the
making of butter, and that their average yield has been about one
pound of battel' a day to each cow* I find a great difference in the
milk of different cows, in the making of butter ; and in selecting
cows for this purpose, make a point of ascertaining their butter-mak-
ing quahties, by actual experiment with their milk.

Danvers, Sept. 26th, 1849. NATHANIEL FELTON,

♦WEEKLY ACCOUNT OF BUTTER MADE.
May 24tli, 40 pounds. August 2cl, 40 jiounds.

'• 31st, 50

"

" 9th, 40

June "tli, 50

(<

" 16th 42

((

'; 14th, 07

'!

" 25th 41

«

" '■ilsu 55

(1

" 30th 43

"

" 28th. 50

It

Sept, 6th, 42

u

July 5tli, 58

"

" 18th, 41

"

'• I-2th, 52

"

" 20th, 42

"

" 10th, 45

■'

" 24th, 35

it.

" 26th. 45

Amouut

ng

to

884

pounds.

KiSD op CllVR>

J-!

;d,-

—I ase

the

4aine

churn I liave u.sed lor l\voiii\ -hve

yanr.s or more

5

84 ox THE DAIRY.

JONATHAN BERRYS STATEMENT.

To the Committee on the Dairy :

Gentlemen : — I present for your examination 2G pounds of but-
ter, made in June, and 28 pounds of butter made in September, as
samples of 790 pounds, made from the milk of six cows and three
heifers, in four months next following the 20th of May.

My cows averaged one pound a day each, through the month of
June, and about seven-eighths of a pound each through the season.
Previous to the middle of August, they had common pasture feed
only. After that they were supplied with green corn, and permitted
to go on our mowing ground.

Our milk is strained into tin pans, and permitted to stand from
forty-eight to seventy-two hours, until the cream is fully risen ; then
it is put into pails, covered, and set in a cool vault prepared for the
purpose. We usually churn once a week. The butter-milk is work-
ed out by hand ; and about one ounce of salt is applied to a pound.
Our cows are of native breed, and gathered without particular care
in their selection.

JONATHAN BERRY.

Middleton, Sept. 20, 1849.

Remarks. — The committee were gratified again to meet Mr. Berry among the competitors.
Our friends of Dan vers have so long been accustomed to go ahead with their claims for butter"
that we are pleased to find there are those in other towns who can begin to compete with the best
of them. We shall be pleased to have specimens exhibited from every town in the county.

is made in the form of a barrel, holding about 24 gallons, has a crank at the end, attached to a
frame-work within, that revolves and agitates the cream. In this, there may be made 40 pounds
of butter at a churning. It usually takes from 30 minutes to an hour to bring the butter. I
have tried several of the new patterns of churns. Have found none that works so well as our old
one. It has no patent name, but it has so long been accustomed to make good butter, that it ha»
never yet failed to do so. There may be better forms of churns, but I am content to let well
enough alone, — having long since ascertained, that every alteration proposed, by interested specu-
lators, is not an improvement.

ON THE DAIRY. 35

DUNCAN McNAUGHTONS STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Dairy :

The sample presented is one wood box, of 25 pounds, made ia
June, 1849. Milked five cows ; made 121 lbs. in all. The cows were
three natives and two Durhams, kept in a very ordinary pasture.

Method of making. — The milk was strained iato tin pails, and
kept in a dairy. cellar made for the purpose. The milk stands three
days before it is skimmed, and the cream stands three days, (stirring
it every day,) in a stone jar, before it is churned. Churn every
third day. The butter is taken from the butter-milk, and worked
through three watei-s, taken cool from the spring, until the butter-
milk is entirely removed, then it is well salted and remains one day,
when it is worked over again, working out all the extra salt, and
made into pound lumps. The churn is soaked and cooled with cold
water from the spring before the cream is put into it.

Lot No. 2. — The sample is twentj^-five pounds made this present
month. Milked six cows and made 79 pounds from the 1st to the
22d of this month. The cows were three native and three Durham,
kept principally in the same ordinary pasture, with a feed of corn
fodder every evening. The care of the milk, the method of making
the butter is the same as No. 1, except that now the milk stands
four days before it is skimmed, and the cream stands four days in
the jar before it is churned. Churn every fourth day.

DUNCAN McNAUGHTON.

Byfield, Sept. 26th, 1849.

ReMakks. — This statement is not in exact conformity with the conditions on which the premi-
ums are offered. One remark we would make is, inasmuch as Mr. M. appears to have been free
ill the appUcation of cold water to his butter — its quality was not improved thereby. From all
we can learn, our impression is very strong that such application is not beneficial. If any one en-
tertains a different opinion, we hope next year they will exhibit a parcel of June [butter, purified
with water, that shall be worthy of the first premium. Until this is done, \\c think the chances will
be iu favor of the butter, to which no water is applied.

36 ON THE DAIRY.

JOHN PRESTON'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Dairy :

Gentlemen, — I offer for your inspection, one jar of June butter,
containing 26 1-2 pounds, it being a sample of 171 pounds, made
between the 20th day of May and the 9th day of July, and of
365 3-4 lbs. made between the 20th day of May and the 24:th day
of September.

I have milked four cows, all of native breed. One nine years old,
two four years old, and one three years old. I have used in the
family about four quarts of milk per day.

Their keeping has been common pasture, with corn fodder once a
day since the middle of August.

Process of Making. — The milk is strained into tin pans, and set
on the bottom of a cool cellar, where it remains from twenty-four to
thirty -six hours. The cream is put in stone pots. We churn once
a week. The buttermilk is thoroughly worked out, and the butter
is salted with one ounce of rock salt to the pound.

JOHN PRESTON.

North Danvers, Sept. 27, 1849.

NATHAN D HAWKESS STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Dairy:

Gentlemen, — I offer for your inspection a box of September but-
ter, containing 9 pounds, being a sample of 340 pounds, made be-
tween the 25th of May and the 25th of September. I milked four
cows. Their feed was common pasture until the middle of August.
After that, they had corn fodder once a day.

Process of diaking, — The milk is strained into tin pans. It

stands from thirty-six to forty-eight hours, according to the weather.

The cream is then taken off and put in earthen jars, and kept until

ready for churning, which is once a week. After the butter has

come, it is salted with an ounce of salt to a pound, and worked over

twice, when it is ready for use. The milk is kept in an airy room

above ground.

NATHAN D. HAWKES.

Lynnfield, Sept. 27, 1349.

Remarks. — We are happy to recognize in Mr. Hawkes a claimant from a town tliat ha.s never
before come forward. It will be seen ihai the quantity presented by him was not surh es ihe rules

ON THE DAIRY. 37

DAViD CHOATES STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Dairy:

Gentlemen : — I offer for your inspection, 66 1-2 pounds of new
milk cheese, being a sample of 800 pounds made between the 1st
day of June and the 1st of August last. We had seven cows in
milk during that time. After the 10th of August we milked nine.

The whole produce of the dairy has been as follows, viz: — 800
pounds new milk cheese, as above, and 44 pounds of four meal do.,
with a small quantity of an inferior kind. Also, 219 pounds of but-
ter. The butter has been chiefly made since the 1st of August.

The farm is situated upon Hog Island, so called, in this town, and
has suffered from drought and from grasshoppers beyond any former
year. The cows had no feed besides what they found in the pas-
ture, until about the 10th of September, after which time they were
occasionally let into the mowing grounds a few hours in the day.
All the cows are of native breed, except one of the two which we
began to milk about the 10th of August. This cow has had a quart
of meal a day for ten or twelve days past only.

The whole number of new milk cheeses made is fifty-five. In
making the first twenty-three, the night's milk was made blood warm,
after taking off the cream in the morning ; after which, the milk of
both night and morning, with the cream of the night milk, was put
together, and the rennet put in as usual, at the rate of half a pint
to eight pails of milk. The other thirty -two cheeses were managed
somewhat differently. A curd was made of the night's milk imme-
diately after drawing it. This was left to drain through the night,
and was mixed with the curd of the next morning. The quantity of
rennet was the same as before, and the salt in both cases was a tea-
cup full of the ground rock salt to a cheese of about fifteen pounds
weight. We press from twenty-four to thirty hours. Milk has beeu
used freely in the family through the summer, say about five quarts
a day.

DAVID CHOATE.

Essex, Sept. 26, 1849.

of the Society required to eiitille him to enter into the competition. We hope he will learn wis-
dom by practice, and persevere until he succeeds. We want our neig^hbors to share in the bcnefiia
of the Society, and to show that ihey are worthy of them.

38 ON THE DAIRY.

A NEIGHBOR'S STATEMENT.

The foHo'wing letter, from a son of Essex, whose dairy products the
present season, have commanded tl.o first premium in a neigh-
boring county, m\\ commend itsolf to favor ; although the diffidence
of t!ie author \Yill not suffer his name to be used.

3Ii/ dear Sir, — I have twelve cows, mostly of the common na-
tive stock. There are among them, however, hvins, said by the
late Elias Phinney, Esq., to be of the Swinley, Ayrshire breed,
and one of the North Devon breed. Three are old cows, two
are heifers, one of which is just three years old, and has raised
one calf last year, and one this ; the other is two years old, and
made the second week in September, five and a half pounds of butter.
These heifers Avere raised upon my own farm. The first was taken
from the coav when five weeks old, and fed immediately upon hay and
water, without ever being learned to drink milk, or in any way chang-
ing her food, except by the addition of roots occasionally, until the
next Summer, when sho was sent to pasture. Her first calf was
dropped when she was twenty-two months old. The other heifer was
taken from the cow when five weeks old, and sent immediately to pas-
ture. The calves of both are now in pasture, and promise well un-
der similar treatment.

From the 20th of May to the 10th of August, six cows were pas-
tured at home and milked. One of these calved early in December,
and one in January last. Since that time, three more have been ad-
ded to the number kept at home, and three remain dry, at pas-
ture, away from home. They all have good pasture and an ample
supply of running water.

In June, from the milk of six cows, we made 198 pounds butter.
In July the severe drought had nearly destroyed the feed, and the
quantity of butter was diminished. During the Autumn, the feed
has been very good, and we have had the milk of nine cows, and from
the whole we have made since the 2od of May, 1019 lbs. butter. The
number of persons in my family has never been less than 14, and
for many weeks during the summer, it has been 18, and we have used
milk and cream at all times freely.

Our milk is strained into tin pans, and allowed to stand from'86 to
48 hours, in a cool, darkened room on the first floor of the house;
except in August, when it is kept in a cellar, under a wing of the

ON THE DAIRY. 39

house. The cream is taken off into tin pails ; is salted a little, and
stirred every day.

We churn twice each week during the summer. Before churning,
the cream stands upon ice for twelve hours or more. After churning,
the butter-milk is thoroughly Avorked out by the hand, and the butter
is salted to suit the taste. The day following, the butter is worked
over again and prepared for the market.

In laying down butter for the winter, we use stone jars. After
packing it down very closely, we sprinkle salt and loaf sugar, between
each layer of butter. In this way our butter has kept perfectly sweet
through the season.

It should be mentioned, that during parts of July and August, the
cows that were milked, had in addition to the pasture, green corn
fodder ; or in the place of that, Indian meal and shorts, equally mix-
ed, in proportion of two quarts to each cow daily. And the same
quantity of the same grain has been given to them during the last
half of September, and of October.

The management of the dairy has, in consequence of the sickness
of my wife, been wholly confided to my daughter the present year.
Previous, she had had no particular training for this branch of house-
wifery. She engaged in it with alacrity, and her own health has
been benefitted by the occupation.

You will, I trust, pardon the suggestion to one holding your offi-
cial position, that it should be made a special object of our agricul-
tural societies, to interest and awaken the attention of the female part
of the community — perhaps by associating ladies in the examination
of such articles as they are best competent to judge of ; and by
making the exhibition of such articles a distinct department of the
annual fair. Or perhaps, by offering a premium for the rearing of
fowls, — the cultivation of flowers, vegetables, or fruit trees, — or the
keeping of bees, and such like. The dairy, needlework, knitting,
&c. belong of course to them. But I would bring them into more
active employment, in the open air. One of the best conducted
dairy establishments in this town, where five or six cows are kept, is
wlioUij taken care of by two females, a widow and her daughter.
Mothers have much to do with the training of their sons to a love of,
and an intelligent preparation for, a farmer's life. It is from their
interest in, and their skilful management of, the labors which belong

40 ON THE BATRY.

ahiefly to them, upon, a farm, that their sons learn to love, and to
practice Avith success, the business of farming.

I have cheerfully complied with your request, in malting these
suggestions, and hope that you, by embracing the facts in some com-
munication of your own, may lead others to do better than I have
done.

October 30, 1849.

Remarks. — Having witnessed, in the month of June, the sldlful
management of the dairy, referred to in the foregoing letter, and
being impressed with the importance of encouraging young ladies to
do, what their mothers alone have been accustomed to do, that they
themselves, when their turn comes, may be qualified to go ahead, I
solicited this communication. It adds much to the facts before stated.
Particularly it shows to some extent, at least, what may be expected
of the Ayrshires and Devons, I saw the animals, and have no
doubt of the correctness of Mr. Phinney's opinion. I wish he could
have lived to have done them justice. I was struck with the appear-
ance of the young stock, on this farm, and have no doubt that the
good sense of my friend who manages it, although he came into the
field at the eleventh liour, will demonstrate that he nobly earns his
reward. His suggestions, as to the expediency of encouraging fe-
males to come forward and take parts in our exhibitions, are worthy
of regard. Universally they are admitted to constitute the letter
half of society ; why should they not then have an equal chance
to show themselves, and the work of their hands ? Is there any
one whose delicacy would be offended by such a sight ? Let
such remain at home. It would be a pity to expose nerves so nicely
tuned. Ten chances to one, that the fastidiousness, that would
object to a female taking part in an Agricultural Exhibition, would
often be found appurtenant to that class of personages who are said
" to strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.''

The buffalo or hornless cows, spoken of in Statement No. 1, by
Mr. Stone, are there considered as natives. This is not strictly cor-
rect. I hope to be able to give a more distinct account of this class
of animals on a subsequent page.

J. W. P.

ON PLOUGHING WITH DOUBLE TEAMS.

The Committee* on Ploughing with Double Teams, having attend-
ed to that duty, Report ;

Tnat twelve teams were entered, only eight of which appeared on
the ground and competed for the premiums. Four when called
were wanting. The lots for lands were drawn as follows :

No 1, to John__^ Washburn, of Lynn.

No. 2, to Richard S. Bray of Newbury.

No. 3, to Nathaniel Fclton, and Nathan Tapley, of Danvers.

No. 4, to William Foster of Andovcr.

No. 5, to Franklin Alley, of Marblehead.

No. G, to Moses Pettingill, of Topsfield.

No. 7, to Daniel Putnam, of Danvers.

No. 8, to Stephen C. Thurlow, of West Newbury.

The ground was plain grass sward — lots 300 feet by 30.

The work by all the teams was remarkably well done, and It was
with much difficulty that the Committee were able to decide upon
the comparative merits and skill Avith which it was performed. Af-
ter careful examination and deliberation, they have decided to rec-
ommend the following awards :

First premium of eight dollars, to Daniel Putnam of Danvers.
Work performed in 29 minutes, with 22 furrows. Plough, Ruggles,
Nourse & Mason.

Second premium of eight dollars, to John Washburn, of Lynn.
Work performed in 30 minutes, with 24 furrows. This lot was about
three feet wider than the others. Plough R. N. and M.

Ihird premium of six dollars to Richard S. Bray, of Newbury.
Work performed in 27 minutes with 20 furrows. Plough R. N.
and M.

Fourth premium of four dollars to Franklin Alley, of j\Larblchead;
work performed in thirty minutes with 23 furrows. Plough, R. N.
and M.

^Jaines Stevens, of Aiidover ; Moses II. Poor, of AVest Newbury; Moses PcUiiigill, of Tops-
ifield; Richard T. Jacques, of Newbury; Elias Clougli, of Lyim; Benjamin Scott, of Salem ;
AVilliain Marshall, Jr. of Essex.

42 ON PLOUGHING.

The work was performed with less whipping and goading than is
usual at our ploughing matches, much to the satisfaction of the Com-
mittee, and setting an example which they could wish might be fol-
lowed in the ploughing fields generally, throughout the county.

The attention of the Committee was called to the operation of
'^Bartlett^s Patent Double Plough.'^ The work was witnessed with
much interest. As it was to the Committee an entire new thing,
they wanted further opportunity to examine it. Accordingly, the
Chairman, President, and some of the Trustees, with other gentle-
men, spent several hours the next day, in witnessing the operation
of these ploughs. The result of this trial as communicated by one
of the gentlemen present, is adopted, as expressive of the opinion of
the Committee, so far as the Chairman is permitted to speak, in their
behalf. It is as follows :

For the Committee,

JAMES STEVENS, Chairman.
North Andover, Oct. 17,1849,

Dear Sir, — Cheerfully do I state my impressions on witnessing
the operations of " Bartlett's double plough," — premising, that I
make no pretension to skill in the use of the plough, other than what
I have learned by observation, and a deep interest in the subject.

There were three sizes of the plough presented ; each of which
was used for the purposes designed. The grass land was on the
same field, where the other plowing was done— a deep rich soil, that
had borne a large burden of grass, and was closely matted with the
roots of the grass. The land was Isvel and entirely free of stones —
rather dry, except the moisture of the slight rain of the evening
previous. The largest size were drawn by three yoke of cattle,
and guaged to cut furrows, each, nine inches deep, and sixteen inches
wide. This work was perfectly well done, and the furrow slice laid
as accurately as with a single plough. The team had to labor in a
manner that could not long be continued. It was an experiment in
plowing not adapted to common use. There can be no objection to
the furrow being cut of this depth — but two furrows nine or ten

ON PLOCGHING. 43

iQclies wide, ^YOuld be much better than one, fourteen or sixteen
inches wide. I do not approve of the practice of cutting wide
furrows, and laying them entirely flat. The English practice of
cutting narrow furrows — just so wide as they can be fairly turned,
has many reasons in its favor. If the double ijlough can he used to
tarn the furrows in this way ^ and double the number of furroios
can be made in the same ground i/n the same time, even though no
more land ivill be broken, much wiU be gained by its use.

The middle size ploughs were moved by two yoke of cattle.
They were guaged to cut the furrows thirteen inches wide and seven
inches deep. This work was done without any extra effort, in a
manner that could be continued. I could not see that the work
was not done equally well, as that by the team along side, attached
to single ploughs. Without doubt, more power was required to do
the work ; but how much more, I had no means of determining.
I feel confident, jiot twice as much. The labor of one man, at
least, was saved in the operation. "With this work we were entirely
satisfied-.

This and the size smaller were operated in old ground also, and
the work was perfectly well don.'. In the ploughing of this kind of
land, where the whole power of the team is not required, I know
of no reason why nearly double the work cannot be done, in about
the same time. The ploughing done b}^ these ploughs surpassed our
expectations. The furrows were cut with greater uniformity, one of
thein necessarily being true without deviation, — one plough in a
measure guiding and controlling the movements of the other. They
were guided as easily as a single plough ; — in fact, they would move
for rods together without any guidance. How these " Siamese
ploughs" will operate in rough and stony land, I had no opportu-
nity to witness, and therefore express no opinion. So far as I have
seen their operation, I am pleased with it. The only difficulty no-
ticed in the operation of these ploughs, was at the end of the fur-
rows,— the taking out and setting in again. This appeared to re-
quire an extra effort on the part of the ploughman ; — the skill of an
efficient and experienced hand. It appeared to be something that a
boy, or a weak man, could not readily do. If this be so, it must be
obviated, or it will constitute a serious objection to their ordinary use.
It is not enough that they can be advantageously exhibited at a
''Cattle Show ;" they should also operate freely when no one is look-
ing on.

44 ON PLOUGHING.

One gentleman remarked, "If these ploughs shall be found useful
in practice here, thej will probably be of much greater value in the
extensive fields of the southern and western states ; as any number
of ploughs may be connected on the same principle. Perhaps the
application of steam power to move them in large plain fields, may
hereafter be found practicable and useful."

The invention is an ingenious one, and worthy of approbation.
I have heard of double ploughs, but never before saw their move-
ment. It is the best combination for the purpose I have known.
I feel greatly obliged to the gentlemen for favoring our community
•with an opportunity to witness their operation, and think them wor-
thy of thorough trial ; — and hope some of our enterprising farmers
will, before our next Exhibition, give them such a trial.

ON PLOUGHING WITH SINGLE TEAMS.

The Committee* on Ploughing with Single Teams Report :

That seven entries were made, as follows : —

Hobart Clark, of Andover,

Henry Poor, of Andover,

J. Osgood Loring, of Andover,

Seth Holden, of Danvers,

Elijah Pope, of Danvers,

Benjamin P. Ware, of Marblehead.

Only five of the teams appeared on the field. The land appro-
priated for the purpose was a tough grass sward, in a rich soil, free
of stones or other obstructions. It was laid out in lots thirty feet
wide and three hundred feet long, with side furrows cut. The
ploughing was required to be done at least six inches deep, and
without a driver. All the teams but one did their work as required.
One team ploughed handsome, but not so deep as required. The
committee did not feel at liberty to look at this work, as coming into
the competition, as it was not done in conformity with the conditions
on which the premiums were offered. Whatever may be the opinion
of competitors of the propriety of these conditions, if they enter,
understanding them, they are bound to regard them, for the time be-

* William Sutton of Salem — Farnum Spofford of Amio\cr — Horace Ware Jr. of Marblehead—
KeiiilaU Osl'cni aiul James P. King of Danvers.

ON PLOUGHING. 45

ing. The work was done by the several teams, in time varying from
thirty-six to forty-one minutes ; and with an average of twenty-two
furrows, being a width of fourteen inches for the furrow slice.

As to the award of the first and fourth premiums, the committee
bad no question. As to the second and third, they were divided in
opinion. Their final award was as follows, viz :

To Hobart Ciark, of Andover, first premium, - - $8
To Benj. P. Ware, of Marblehead, second premium, - 6
To Elijah Pope, of Danvers, third premium, - - 4

To Henry Poor, of Andover, fourth premium, - - 2
The land was similar to that ploughed by the double teams ; only
the furrows were not cut so deep, by about two inches. The work
of the double teams was completed in thirty minutes, being three-
fourths of the time occupied by the single teams. A fair question
arises, which of these kinds of ploughing is most worthy of being used
on the farm ? The fact that there has been, almost every year,
twice as many double as single teams on the field, seems to indicate
that the proprietors themselves have an inclination for the use of
double teams. The committee are not unmindful, that it is contend-
ed by some, that one pair of cattle is sufficient to do ordinary plough-
ing ; and that six inches depth is as good as more. They have here-
tofore been inclined to this opinion ; and have attempted cultivation
in this manner. But they are satisfied from their own observation,
that it is best to employ at least two pair of cattle in turning grass
land, and in the first ploughing of ground that has been cultivated ;
and that the furrows should be cut from eight to tivelve incites deep,
where the soil will admit of it.

The advantages accruing from deep ploughing will more than
counterbalance the additional expense. One of these is, where the
land is sidling, it will not wash near as much. The earth having
been stirred deep, the rain will settle down, and not run off, as in
shallow ploughing. Deep ploughing increases the quantity of soil
to be used by the growing crop ; especially if the land is properly
manured — and there is no use in attempting cultivation without lib-
eral manuring, The maxim, "Once well done, better than twice
poorly" — applies with peculiar force to the cultivation of our fields.
The committee have ventured these suggestions, because they
have witnessed a difierent opinion gaining ground, in some of our
, most intelligent agricultural districts ; and because on their own

46 ON PLOU'tilllKG.

farms, they have found the practice of ploughing with single teams
not worthy of being continued. They therefore hope the time will
be far distant, when our Agricultural Societies shall discontinue the
practice of offering premiums to encourage the use of double teams.
Of double teams they approve ; — of double plouc^hs* they will speak,
when they have tried them.

For the Committee,

W. SUTTON, Chairman.

ON PLOUGHING WITH HORSE TEAMS.

The Cumraitteef on ploughing with Horse Teams, Report :

Three were entered and upon the field. Lots of Land 300 feet
by i^O — similar to those assigned to the ox teams.

William G. Brown, of Ipswich, did his work by 22 furrows, in
32 minutes, awarded the first premium, $8 GO

Joseph Whittredge of Hamilton, did his work by 22 furrows, in
S8 minutes, awarded the second premium, $G 00

John Dorr, of Ipswich, did his work by 22 furrows, in 29 minutes,
and awarded the third premium, |;4 00

For the Committee,

SAM'L C. PITMAN, Chairman.
Salem, Sept. 27, 1849.

Remarks. The offer of premiums for plowhing with Horse Teams, has been continued for a
number of years. Generally there have been claimants enough to take the premiums and no
more. Coimnittees have been content to stale the awards made, and no more. In this we think
they have failed to do their whole duty. We want to know ths comparative advantages or disad-
vantages of the use of dilferent kind of ti-anis. If horses are the best animals to be i;sed fcr plcw

* In this observation, we are confident no unkind reflection is intended upon double ploughs.
All that is intended is, let there be a fair chance to show their utility : — let us see by their actual
use, whether they will be pref^^rred. Such is the tendency, of late, to cry up new things, that we
hardly knowjeven on what kind of soil we stand — much less what kind of ploughs are best to turn
it. The man who makes two blades of grass to grow, where but one grew before, has long been
hailed as a public benefactor. Much more then, should the man be greeted, M'ho can contrive to
turn two furrows, by the same power usually required for one.

I.Samnel C Piimiin, of Lynn ; Andrew Mansfield, of Lynnfield ; Hazen Aycr, of Salcin, Gideon
R. Lucy, ofAewbiiry ; \VilIi;;m R. Foslcr. of Aiidovcr ; Sctli Ilcldcn. of Pwuvcrs.

ON U0Mr,3TIC MANUFAOTrRES. 4T

ing we waul to know it. The usages of our furiU'Ts are very liule in iavor of the use oi horse-
team;s. But it may be, because ihey do uot rightly uuderstaud their comparative vaUie. As lots
similar were assigned to all the teams on the field, on this occasion, it may be inierestiug: to com-
pare their work, viz :

Double teams in 30 minutes, 22 furrows, 8 inches deep,

Single teams, in 40 '' 22 " 6 "

Horse teams, ni 33 " 22 " 6 "

This is the average result of operations. Supposing the furrow slice of each to have been laid
equally well, which woik is to be preferred ? This is an inquiry that we .should like to have seen,
discussed by the Committee who were entrusted with the care of it. When half a dozen experts
are called upon to spend their time in examining a particular kind of work, we want the 1 enefit of
their concentrated judgment. No fault is found with what they did, we only regret that a part of
their duty was left undone. But we forbear to enlarge on a topic, on which we do not feel suffic-
iently informed to express an opinion. We hope thsoe suggestions will elicit the desired inlbrma-
tion. From each Committee a full Report is expected. Care should be taken that these able and
willing to make such Reports, should be selected for the purpose.

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

The Committee on Counterpanes, Carpets and Rugs, Report :
Among the many ways in which Genius manifests itself to the
world, the converting of cheap materials, or such as would otherwise
be thrown away as useless, into useful and ornamental articles, for
household consumption, such as rugs, counterpanes and mats is, not
the least praiseworthy. To fabricate a substantial and beautiful rug
calls into exercise not only the hands, but some of tl e higher facul-
ties of the mind also. On such we often see maped out some of the
distinguished traits in the character of the fair manufacturer, disclos-
ing her taste, her appreciation and love of the beautiful, order and
color ; her patience, perseverance and ideas of domestic economy.

A Hearth Rug should be in keeping with the quiet, — "the ineifa-
ble coziness of one's own fireside." Fighting dogs and cats, race
horses at full speed, or other animals rampant, should never be seen
pictured there. But the innocent lamb and other domestic animals,
couched or in attitudes expressive of Peace, Harmony or Love.
There also, may be represented flowers, buds and the foliage of
plants. But a correct taste should here we think follow Nature,
and never exhibit the magnificent p?eony attached to a pumpkin-

, vine, or the peaceful dahlia, growing on a cabbage stump. As a
general rule we should recommend the im.itation of real flowers and
leaves instead of inventing such as Nature never produced. Let

I those who think they can improve on her models try to change for

48 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES,

the better the shape of a leaf — a leaf of any plant or tree whatever,
by clipping it with scissors. The next most important study for ar-
tists, (and successful manufacturers of rugs are worthy to be ranked
as such,) is the choice oi a color for the back-ground, and the man-
agement of light and shade. The color of the back ground should
be such as will contrast well and give relief to all the colors in the
figures. And it should ever be rememberd that the sun never
shines on the opposite sides of a tree, plant or blossom at the same
time, and no picture can possess much merit, in the shading of
which this fact has been disregarded.

Governed in some measure by these views, your Committee Re-
port that the show of rugs and braided mats was very superior.

So numerous were the articles presented, and so many of nearly
equal beauty and other valuable qualities, that the Committee had
much difficulty in deciding, their respective claims to notice, the
premiums offered, and gratuities merited. The time allowed for ex-
amination was so short that it was impossible to compare each with
all in a satisfactory manner. They cannot therefore suppose that
they have done full justice to all the claimants. They were obliged
to be satisfied with doing as well as they could, under existing cir-
cumstances. Reserving therefore some hints for the Trustees, sug
gested by their experience on this occasion, in regard to the man-
agement of this part of the exhibition in future, your Committee rec-
ommend the following premiums and gratuities.

Per order of the Committee,

ANDREW NICHOLS, Chairman.

Danvers, September 27, 1849.

The Committee recommend the premiums and gratuities to be
awarded as follows, viz :

COUNTERPANES.

Helen M. Snell, Beverly, Knit Counterpane of 1,500,000 stitches,
first premium, S'i 00

Margaret Healey, Salem, Knit Counterpane of 1,500,000

stitches, second premium, 2 00

R. Coburn, of Ipswich, Knit Counterpane, gratuity,

50

Mrs. Horace Bickford, of Newburyport, Silk Counterpane, 1 00
Mary A. Buflfum, of Salem, Counterpane, 50

Mrs. H. West, of Haverhill, ^ do., 50

ox UUMESTIC MANUFACTUKES. 4ll>

Elizabeth C. Green, Ipswich, Counterpane, 60

Mary Pillsbury, West Newbury, two do. 60

Augusta Lamson, Salem, do. 60

Eliza A. Innis, do. do. 25

Mrs. White, do. do. 25

Mrs. Hannah Connerj Newburyport, do. 25

Sarah E. Lakeman, Salem, do. 25

Sarah H. B. Cogswell, Essex, do. 25

Mrs. H. Gerrish, Newbury, do. 25

Louisa Norwood, Beverly, do. 25

Elizabeth T. Poor, West Newbury, Quilt, 25

Caroline B. Safford, Salem, Cradle Quilt, 25

CARPETINGS.

There were no articles in this department which the Committee
thought within the rules of the Society, which require twenty yards
to be exhibited. They recommend the following gratuities :

Abigail Webb, Salisbury, Carpet, 60

Mary Upton, Salem, Stair Carpet, 60

Runs

Esther VV^oodbury, Hamilton, 1st premium, 3 00

Elizabeth Knowlton, Beverly, 2d do. 2 00

Mrs. Stephen Dodge, Wenham, gratuity, 1 00

Lucy Nutter, Essex, do 75

S. A. Carlton, Danvers, do 50

A. Putnam, do do 50

Abigail Webb, Salisbury, do 50

Nancy Baily, Beverly, do 60

Caroline Choate, Essex, do 60

Elizabeth R. Merrill, Salem, do 25

P. P. Wallis, Danvers, do 26

Mrs. Sargent, Salem, do 25

Harriet Smith, Beverly, do 60

Mary Higbee, Salem, do 25

A. S. Wyman, do. do 25

Edith Buruham, Essex, do 25

Hannah S. Colby, Salem, do 25

M. 0. Goldbury, Beverly, do 25

Susanna Burnhara, Essex, do 26
7

50 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

BRAIDED MATS.

S. Mills, Salem, gratuity, 50

Sophia E. Forbes, Danvers, three mats, gratuity, 50

Mary Hutchinson, Middleton, do 50

Mehitable Trask, Danvers, two mats, do 50

• Harriet P. Kimball, do do 25

Sarah Mann, Salem, do 25

E. N. Mann, do clo 25

Abby C. Berry, do do 25

For the Committee,

ANDREW NICHOLS,
Salem, Sept. 27, 1849. Chairman.

The Committee on the Manufacture of Cloth and Hosiery, sub-
mit the following awards, viz :

Mrs. Joshua Ballard, Andover, twenty yards Table Linen, 1st
premium, 4 00

Eusebia Armstrong, Lynn, Wrought Cradle Blanket, gratuity, 1 00
Nancy Standley, Beverly, (blind) Woolen Hose, do. 1 00

Mary P. Buxton, Danvers, 3 pairs ladies Hose, do 50

Elizabeth P. Woodbury, Beverly, 4 pairs Hose, do 50

J. A. Putnam, Danvers, 3 pairs Hose, wrought, do 25

L. W. Goodrich, do. 1 pair Unbleached Wrought Cotton

Hose, gratuity, 25

E. A. Cleaveland, Byfield, 1 pair open-worked Cotton Hose,

gratuity, 25

Mary W. Batchelder, Lynn, six pair Hose, gratuity, 25

Ruth Trask, Beverly, aged 89 years, 1 pair Hose, 25

For the Committee,

Salem, Sept 27, 1849. JOHN HOBBS.

The Committee on Leather and Articles manufactureo
THEREFROM, beg leave to Report :
That they regret to see such a limited number of articles present-

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 51

€(1 this year m a department which is so intimately connected with
our understanding, it being the largest manufacturing business in
the county, if not the state. Indeed it would appear as if the shoe-
maker, so far as relates to our Annual Exhibition, neither bristled
nor tvax^d warm in this cause, but that he had come to his end, or
at least lost his awl. But we hope in future years to see a larger
display of the specimens of the Boot and Shoe manufactures of Old
Essex — such as are worthy of the reputation of her shoemakers, and
such as we know that if they attempt it, they can exhibit.

The following gratuities are recommended to be awarded :
Sumner C. SpofFord, Georgetown, 1 pair mining brogans, $2 00
J. W. Monill, do., 1 pair copper nailed do. 1 50

Jacob Dickinson, do, 3 pairs Boots, 6 00

Eliza A Small, Danvers, 1 pair gaiter boot uppers, 60

Sarah B. Whipple, Hamilton, 6 pair kid uppers, 25

Sarah B. Kilham, Danvers, 5 pair brogan uppers, fitted, 50

Richard Tenney, Georgetown, leather shoe strings, 1 00

E. A. Whipple, Hamilton, 10 pair Brogans, fitted, 25

One pair of brogans, presented by Samuel Putnam, of Danvers,
were manufactured by a slave in the Penitentiary, in Virginia,
thirty years since. By these, the contrast is most forcibly illustrat-
ed between slave labor and free labor ; and until the chains of the
oppressor are broken, we must continue to be in advance in all our
mechanical pursuits.

STEPHEN DRIVER, Chairman.

Salem, Sept. 27, 1849.

ON FANCY ARTICLES.

The Committee* on Articles, not included in the duties of other
Committees, regret that they were deprived of the services of
their Chairman, who was absent at the time in a neighboring State.
They, however, attended to the duty assigned them, so far as they
could do it within their limited time. It was with a feeling of some
discouragement, that they found, on entering the Hall, such a vari-

Fituh Poole o( Danvers, Moses Hale of Ne^vburyl■lOl>, and Choate Buriiham of Hamilton.

62 ON DOMSSTIC MANUFACTURES.

ety of articles submitted to their examination ; and they felt strongly
the difficulties of a proper discrimination by which to make a just
award to the contributors.

Among the articles exhibited was one, which, although by the rule
of the Society not entitled to premium or gratuity, yet from the
associations connected with it, the Committee deem worthy of more
than a passing notice. This was a lady's Cloak and Hood a century
and a quarter old ! It is made of scarlet cloth, of a superior fine-
ness for that period, and is in perfect preservation. This venerable
garment could not fail of exciting much interest, not only for its
value as an ancient relic, but from the associations it must naturally
excite in the mind of the visitor. On viewing such a relic, we are
at once led to contemplate the changes which have taken place in
the world since its existence. This veritable Red Riding Hood was
doubtles worn in a former age by some blooming maiden, and was a
familiar object in the streets, churches and dwellings of this City of
Peace. Could she but now come back to us, and resume her ancient
guise, with what interest would she witness the bright and active
scenes of this joyous gala-day ! With what astonishment W'Ould she
observe the moving throngs, the gay scenes, and crowded streets of
this home of her youth ! What strange sights would meet her eyes
in the altered architecture of the buildings, the change of localities,
and the quaint dresses of the people ! How sadly would she miss
the people, the customs, and the attire of her own palmy days ! —
Where, she would ask, are the dashing belles, with their high head-
dresses and hoop petticoats, who, on their wooden heeled shoes, once
walked these pavements ? How would she be perplexed to find the
uses of half the articles in this hall ! As a liege subject of King
George II., she would naturally inquire after the Royal Family, and
wish to know the present condition of the Colony of Massachusetts
Bay. After hearing her expressions of surprise at the political
changes of the country, let us conduct her to the interior of one of
our dwellings. She is struck with surprise at the odd appearance
and richness of the furniture, and at the same time puzzled to know
the uses of many of the articles. Instead of the well sanded floors,
she finds them covered with carpets. She finds an equable warmth
through the house, but sees no fire, and the mystery is only solved
when she feels a gush of warm air rise from an aperture in the floor.
A young miss sits on a stool before a strange looking machine, where

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 53

she is pounding "Jim Crow ;" and our friend kindly suggests to her
that she would make better music on a spinning wheel, but she is
informed that this household implement no longer exists. She goes
into the kitchen, where, instead of the ample open fire-place, with
its logs of green wood and crackling faggots, she sees an iron stove
or cooking range, the fire of which is supplied with fragments of a
kind of black stone, and she wonders how they contrive to make it
burn. She wishes to light a lamp, and asks for a tinder box. They
take a Uttle stick and rub it on the wall, and forth comes ^re. To
her this is a greater mystery than was the lamp of Aladdin in the
days of her fairy worship, and she starts back with afiVight.

She is informed that the people of this generation are accustomed
to travel twenty miles an hour without horses, in carriages propelled
by boiling water, and she is of course incredulous. We conduct her
to the rail road, to see the cars come in from the East. She mutely
watches the long train as it winds its way in the distance, wreathed
in a black cloud of smoke. Now the iron horse comes prancing along
with apparently increasing swiftness, and then with loud snorting
and neighing, plunges with all his load of human freight into the bow-
els of the earth beneath the city ! We, who have so long been fa-
miliar with this noble triumph of modern science and skill, will not
wonder at her astonishment as she gazes into the smoky cavern where
the train disappeared. We now tell her that by the same agency,
ships cross the Atlantic in ten days, and she is better prepared to
believe it. She asks if the letter post is despatched from Salem
oftener than once a week, and we inform her that messages may be
sent every hour to Washington, and an answer returned, while she is
walking from Beverly bridge to Chestnut street. " Washington ! —
Beverly bridge ! — Chestnut street !" she exclaims — she never had
heard the names before. In fact, Ave had entirely forgotten that these
localities had no existence in her day. She listens with surprise and
delight to accounts of the great discoveries in Astronomy, by which
llerschell, the Asteroids, Neptune, and a host of Satelites and Com-
ets have been added to the family of our solar system. She hears
not only of those, and other modern discoveries, but of the rapid
diffusion of knowledge among the people, by means of the newspaper
and periodical press, and cheap postage.

She had heard nothing of the art of amputating limbs without
i pain, of miking portraits by sunshine, of firing guns without flint or

64 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

gunpowder, or of the art of exhibiting the characters of persons by
feeling of the head, instead ol" watching the conduct. She. was la-
mentably ignorant of Allopathy, Homeopathy, and Hydropathy — of
QVanscendentalism, Millerism anil Mesmerism — and had never in her
life heard of a Yankee baker, an omnibus, or a baby-jumper !

Let us not too hastily pity her for her ignorance of the really val-
uable discoveries and improvements of our age, but ask ourselves if
they have not been attended with something of physical and mental
efleminacy, which sometimes accompanies a high civilization, and
whether we have as much of that stern adherence to principle and
honest integrity, which formed so large an ingredient in the charac-
ters of our forefathers.

We now take an unceremonious and perhaps ungallant leave of
our fair friend in the red riding cloak and hood, and with some fears
that some may censure us, thinking our remarks in this connection
partake more of fancy than fact. To such we can only say that we
beg them to remember that we are a Committee on Fancy Articles.

In the dazzhng display of a multitude of articles of beautiful
handiwork, the Committee were much embarrassed in coming to
a satisfactory decision, partly from the uncertain amount of
means placed at their disposal. They were also embarrassed by
the frequent difficulty of deciding between two or more articles
of equal merit, so that they often found themselves in the un-
fortunate position of that famous donkey who starved himself, to
death between two stacks of hay, being utterly unable to decide
which was the best. The committee in many cases escaped
from this dilemma, by giving the same amount of gratuity to loth
articles. Had they not been wisely Hmited by the rules of the Soci-
ety, they would have been tempted to fill all the bead purses of the
fair contributors, and been willing to do the same with the numerous
family of work bags and boxes, travelling bags and card baskets,
which trraced the exhibition. The committee remarked that most of
the articles submitted to them were the product o^ female taste and
skill, which they were compelled to admit were far in advance of the
7naU. The committee are here reminded of another source of em-
barrassment, by which they were greatly annoyed, and which they
think will compel the Society to appoint a committee of ladies to take
charge of this department of the exhibition. This annoyance occur-

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 55

red by our ignorance of the names and uses of many of the articles
exhibited. Many of these were portions of the dress and ornaments
of the female toilet, about which, as became us, we knew absolutely
nothing, and of which no dictionary or encyclopedia could enlighten
us. Even when we knew both the name and proper use of the arti-
cle,— a muslin cap, for instance — it was placing us in an awkward
position to be obliged to decide on its merit^^ without first trying
it on. There would be serious objections to this mode of proceeding,
not only from its obvious impropriety, but if a committee of mem-
bers of the Society should so far forget their proper dignity as to put
on the habiliments of the other sex, even for the innocent purpose of
deciding on their quality, it might provoke a species of retaliation,
which would most surely result in their abject submission.

The Committee beg leave to recommend to the Society the follow-
ing articles as worthy of the premiums and gratuities severally an-
nexed to them.

For the best specimen of work performed by a child under 12 years
of age, exhibiting industry aud ingenuity, to Miss Maria E.
Kimball, two Wrought Cushions, of Crewel Work, 1st pre-
mium, , $3 00
For the second best specimen, to Miss M. S, Preston. 7 years
I old, Emery Toilet Cushion and Basket, 2d premium, 2 00
For the best specimen of Lace Work, to Mrs. J. Hodges, first
I premium, 3 00

GRATUITIES.

To Miss A. R. E. Sweetser, 12 years of age, for a Wrought
Tarboret, crewel work, very beautiful, 2 00

Master Allen Dodge Bailey, under 12 years of age, exhibited a
miniature Panorama, constructed on the principle of the
large moving Dioramas, with a Drop Scene, showing great
skill and ingenuity for a lad of that age, 2 00

A Work Box, painted by Mrs. E. C. Wheeler, in imitation
of inlaid work — very beautiful, 1 00

Two splendid Cushions, of satin and velvet, finely wrought, by
Mrs, John I. Baker, of Beverly, 2 00

Three Crickets, elegantly wrought by Miss L. W. D. Ordway, 1 00

One finely wrought Cricket, by Lucy A. Smith, Salem, 50

One pair of handsome Crickets, by C. C. Buffum, of Salem, 50

56 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

Miss Felton, of Salem, presented a fine Wrought Cricket, of

velvet and satin, 50

One Wrought Seated Chair, hy Eliza Chamberlain, of Salem, 50
One ditto, very fine, by Martha A. Foster, of Beverly, 50

One ditto, also very fine, by Miss Baldwin, of Salem, 50

One ditto, very neatly wrought, by Henrietta P. Allen, of Man-
chester, 50
Specimens of Mineralogy, very neatly formed in the shape of a

Pyramid, by Miss Mudge of Lynn, 1 00

Shell Pyramid, by Miss Susan E. Magoun, 50

One pair Crewel Lamp Mats and one single, very fine, by S

H. E. Cogswell, of Essex, 50

One Lamp Mat, very beautiful, by Miss M, A. Brown, 60

One ditto, by Miss Helen M. Snell, of Beverly, very neat and
well wrought, 50

There were also elegant Lamp Mats presented by the following
persons, to which the Committee would be pleased to bestow gratui
ties, if the means at their disposal would admit of it : — L. Neal, one
mat ; C. P. Kimball, aged eight years, one ; F. B. AVoodbury, of
Newbury port, one pair ; L. A. Luscorab, of Salem, one ; Charles
P. Luscomb, one ; Mrs. Pulsifer, one ; Mrs. G. D. Clark, of Salem,
one ; Mary Russell, of Salem, one ; Lizzie P. Newhall, four ; and
others perhaps equally worthy of notice.

One Toilet Cushion, by Phebe B. Perry, of Bradford, extra fine and
beautiful, 60

One Toilet Cushion, by M. S. Preston, aged 7, 25

One do by Harriet M. Dean, aged 9 years, 25

Others were presented by G. D, Clark, of Salem, Mrs. Adams, of
Salem, Mrs. Hutchinson and Jane M. Dyer, all very beautiful.
Of Card Baskets there was a great variety, but all cannot be
distinctly noticed. One by Elizabeth Browning, made of
rice and sealing wax, 25

Others were also very neat, by Frances A. Henderson. Two of
crewel work by Samuel Goodhue. One of glass, by Catherine C.
Hutchinson. One of bead work, by G. Barton.
One embroidered Muslin Cap, made in two days, of materials

costing 40 cents — by S. H. B. Osgood, of Essex, 25

One wrought stool covering, very fine, by E. R. Sherman,
13 years old, 25

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 67

One Bead Bag and Purse, very beautiful, by Miss C. Goodridge, of
Danvers, 25

Other Bead Work, very fine, in Purses and Bags, were offered
by J. S. Parrott, of Lynn, Mrs. J. L. Tillson, and Judith H. Lam-
son, of Beverly, to whom the committee regret they cannot bestow
gratuities, for want of means.

Of other Fanoy articles, very beautiful displays of Baskets, con"
taining Flowers made from fish scales and marine shells ; also a Pic-
ture Frame of Moss, were offered by Miss Morgan, of Salem, 1 50
Baskets of Sea Mosses, very tastefully arranged, and beautiful,

by M. M. Nichols, 1 00

Artificial Flowerp, by Miss Carolina Stiles, of Middleton, 60

A Shell Cottage, by Mrs A. Batchelder, of Lynn, 50

Strawberry Emery Cushions, very neat imitation, by Miss A.

Roberts, of Salem, 60

Nine yards of Cotton Fringe, very nice, by Mrs, Henry F. Lee,

of Manchester, 50

Knit Travelling Bag, by Mrs. Jane Pago, of Danvers, 77 years

of age, very well done, 50

Wrought Travelling Bag, a superior article, by Elizabeth M.
West, of Salem, 50

A red Cloak and Hood, of ancient style and make, 125 years
old, by Mrs. Israel Ward, of Salem. This is an interesting relic of
olden time, and attracted much attention ; but not having been
wrought since the last exhibition of the Society, cannot, under the
rules thereof, receive any gratuity.

A very pretty Moss Basket, by J. Barton, of Salem, 50

A Chair and Table Covering, most superbly wrought, by M. M.

Nichols, 1 00

Braided Hair Work, Silk Fringe, and Buttons of Sewing Cot-
ton, by Mary T. Goodhue, of Salem, very fine articles, 50
An Ivory Jagger Knife and File, made on a whaling voyage,
by Mr. Wm. B. Carroll, of Beverly, a curious and unique article,
shewing much ingenuity and skill.

One pair of Fancy Wrought Slippers, very fine, by Elizabeth M.
West, and another pair of beautiful pattern, by Mrs. Henry Chase,
• of Salem.

I Tidy, by Miss J, L. Parrott, of Lynn, and two ditto, by L. H. B.
Cogswell, of Essex — all very superior.

58 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

One Ottoman, in form of a box, covered with fragments of kid, very
ingenious and serviceable, b}'- Carolne E. Neal, of Salem, 50

Mrs. Mary Flanders, of Newburyport, offered three Card Bas-
kets of Cloves : two Lamp Mats, by a girl of 10 years ; one
little Chair of Silk, and two bunches of Flowers in crewel
work, 1 00

D. Stiles, Jr. of Middleton, exhibited specimens of Horse Shoes,
of very neat workmanship and superior finish, 1 00

Lard Candles, of superior quality, were exhibited from the factory

of C. Smith & Son, of Salem.

Pickles and Pickle Vinegar, from S. Symonds, Salem. The vin.

egar is colourless, and very strong and pure, and the pickles put up

in good style.

A fine exhibition of Perfumery and Extracts of Ginger, put up

very neatly, was made by G. Barton, of Salem.

A Combination Lock, of very ingenious construction, was offered

to the inspection of the Committee, which seems to be absolutely

burglar proof. It is called Butterworth's Patent Combination Lock.
Among the Fancy Articles were " three White Mice," presented

by some person unknown. They were very lively animals, but as no

premium is offered by the Society for this kind of stock, the com.

mittee took no other notice of them than to "see how they ran."

All of which is respectfully submitted by your Committee.

FPICtl POOLE,

CHOATE BURNHAM,

MOSES HALE,
Salem, Sept. 27. 1849.

ON FRUITS.

The Committee on Fruits would respectfully Report :
The exhibition of Fruits, at the Annual Show of the Society, at
the Franklin Hall, was superior to any former one, in numbers, al-
though the Apples were not so fine in specimens as in previous sea-
sons, as fruit had been so generally cut off in this section. It ex-
ceeded however the expectations of the Society. The show of native

ON FRUITS. 69

Grapes was fine, and the fruit committee had a fine opportunity to
to test the merits of the several varieties. The " Mammoth Grape"
of Mr. Carter, of Lowell, was found to be in flavor inferior to the
variety of Rev. Mr. Perry, of Bradford, and decidedly so, in com.
parison with that of Mr. John Adams, of Newbury, the latter of
which the committee considered the best variety in flavor, and as the
finest native "Essex County Grape," they have as yet seen. There
were seventy contributors of Fruit, being one third more than
at any former Annual Exhibition. The " Mammoth Grape," so
called, by Mr. Carter, who introduced this sort here the past
season, closely resembles a variety which we saw, some six or eight
years since, at the farm of the late Mr. Abel Nichols, in North Dan-
vers. The berries were large, nearly round, and of a dark amber
or light brown color, skin thick, and pulp firm. The generous pre-
mium oftered by our Society, for a native grape which " shall ripen
in our county, in the open air and in common exposures, from six to
eight weeks earlier than the Isabella, and of as good quality,^^ hav.
ing produced so good a beginning as we observed at the Hall on
Thursday, we trust that such a desideratum may yet be obtained.
The grape from Mr. Adams, although the best of the foxy flavored
New England variety, has that peculiar unpleasant flavor in some
degree, in this otherwise good grape.

We feel obliged to some few contributors from Somerville and
North Reading, for their fine fruit, but were under the necessity of
precluding them from the gratuities, as being out of the county.

There were seventy entries of fruit upon the tables, from which
the Committee, with some difficulty, awarded the following gratuities :
Moses Pettingill, of Topsfield, Stephen Driver, Jr. of Salem, Messrs.

Lakes, of Topsfield, John Adams, of Newbury, Moses French,

of Salisbury, ^2 00 each

Ezra Cleaves, of Beverly, A. D. Rogers, of Saleui, E. Emmer-

ton, of Salem, A. Lackey, Jr. of Marblchead, 1 50 "

James Upton, J. S. Ives, J. M. Ives, W. C.Barton, of Salem,

H. Poor of Andover, G. B. Perry, of Bradford, 1 00 "

D. Roberts, W. D. Pickman, W. Stearns, E. B. Perkins, of

Salem, 75 "

B. P. Ware of Marblehead, D. Putnam of Danvers, Dr. Tor-

rey of Beverly, J. H. Phippen, Winthrop Sargent, J. A.

Goldthwait, F. Putnam, of Salem, E. II. Mudgc, Sally New-

60 ON VEGETALLES.

hall of Lynn, B. Sjmonds of Danvers, Jonathan Berry of
Middleton, G. Wilson of Marblehead, G. W. Gage of Methu-
eu, W. Ashley of Newburyport, 60 each

John Stevens uf Andover, F. Dodge of Danvers, D. Adams of
Newbury, G. D. Phippen, John Nichols, N. Kelly, Eben.
Dodge, J. A. Dodge, Joel Bowker, of Salem, 0. Tittle of
Beverly, G. W. Chase of Amesbury, J. H. Downing of
Lynn, 25 each

For the Committee,

JOHN M. IVES, Chairman.
Salem, Sept. 27, 1849.

ON VEGETABLES.

The Committee on Vegetables have attended to the duty assign-
ed them, and Report the following gratuities, viz :

B. Titcomb of Haverhill, 15 varieties of seedling Potatoes, $3 00

J. M. Ives of Salem, collection of Vegetables, 1 00

James Upton of do.. Onions, 25

S. B. Nichols of do., first and second crop of Potatoes, 50

J. Bradstreet of Danvers, Seedling Potatoes, 60

Adam Nesmith of Beverly, 3 varieties Seedling Potatoes, 1 00

N. S. Thissel of Beverly, Cabbage, 25

John Trow of Hamilton, Squashes, 25

George H. Batchelder, do. 25

Jas. Ropes of Salem, Barker Potatoes, very fine, 50

W. D. Pickman of Salem, variety of Vegetables, 50

G. A. Fairfield of do: Blood Beets, 25

Francis Dodge of Danvers, California Squash, 25

do. do. do. Seed Corn, 50

H. Poor of Andover, samples of Wheat, Barley and Corn, 1 00

Moses Pettingill of Topsfield, Seedling Potatoes, 50

do. do. do. Corn, 25
Daniel P. King of Danvers, Calico Corn and Egyptian Corn, 50

ON FLOWERS. 61

Abel Burnbam of Essex, Seedling Potatoes, black Sea Wbeat
and Corn, 75

E. Griffin of Newburvport, Louis Pliilippe Squashes, to appear-
ance very fine, 1 00

For the Committee,

HORACE WARE, Jr.
WM. OSBORN.

Salem, Sept. 27, 1849.

ON FLOWERS.

Within the past few years, Horticultural Societies have been or-
ganized in several towns or cities of this commonwealth, and have,
at stated periods, had exhibitions of fruits and flowers. Many of
tha county agricultural Societies have likewise made arrangements
for exhibitions of a similar character, during the time of holding their
annual fairs, at those places where the horticultaral part of the exhi-
bition is not under the direction of a society more especially devoted
to these objects.

These exhibitions have beerx well sustained, and form a very im-
portant feature of these interesting festivals. The halls are always
thronged with crowds of visitors, who are attracted thither by the
display of the fine fruit and beautiful flowers that are tastefully ar-
ranged on the stands and tables.

Much good has resulted from these shows — a growing taste is rap-
idly spreading, and an increased attention is evidently given to the
cultivation of these the choicest of Flora's and Pomona's treasures,
throughout our community, particularly in the vicinity of our large
toAvns and cities. These latter places are undoubtedly the great cen-
tres from which will radiate in all directions whatever tends to exert
an influence on society.

Your committee recommend that this society should encourage the
diffusion of this taste, and should not cease their exertions until ev-
ery cottage in our county shall be surrounded with its parterre of
beautiful flowers, and its gardens and orchards well stocked with the
choicest fruit trees, This can be effected with trivial labor or expense

62 ON FLOWERS.

on the part of the farmers — a few days occupied by them in the
spring to put the grounds in a suitable condition, and a small ex-
penditure for the seeds, plants, &c. are the only necessary outlay '
the principal part of the labor afterwards will be cheerfully borne by
that portion of the family who are not occupied with the more labori.
ous duties of the farm. This will not only tend to make home pleas-
ant and agreeable — thereby cultivating a more social feeling among
the several members, but often can be made a source of profit. A
few dollars and a little time spent occasionally in this manner, will
greatly enhance the value of the estate, and render the same more
desirable to purchasers.

Every one in selecting a place of residence in the country, would
prefer to procure one that has a neatly arranged garden, with its
patches of green, borders of flowers, clumps of shrubbery, shade
trees — and last, though not least, thrifty orchards — than one of those
neglected and cheerless spots, that too often greet us as we journey
throughout the country.

This season, the Essex Institute omitted their annual exhibition of
Fruits and Flowers, and directed their influence towards rendering
the one held under the auspices of this society the more attractive
and interesting.

The lovely flowers of spring — the more fragrant and attractive
ones of summer — have passed and gone ; and they are replaced by
the more sombre, yet in some respects, more showy flowers of
autumn — these, with a few exceptions, are all that remain to grace
our stands and to decorate our tables at these annual exhibitions.
Of these, the most conspicuous is the Dahlia. This flower, so infin- <
ite in its variety, is a great favorite with our gardeners and amateurs,
on account of its furnishing in abundance at this season of the year
a lon<^ succession of blooms. Fine specimens were exhibited by Abiel '
Wales of Beverly ; Hazen Messer of Methuen ; Miss Susan H.
Ropes, F. Putnam, John W. Downing, Thorp Fisher, Eben Buswell,
George Driver and S. Webb — all of Salem.

Francis Putnam of Salem, exhibited many and choice varieties of
those beautiful Roses, the Noisettes, Teas, China, Bourbons and Hy-
brid Perpetuals. This last class of Roses are perfectly hardy, and
are obtained by hpbridiration between the common June and China
Roses. They are deserving of a more general cultivation, in conse-
(lucnce of being perpetual bloomers, and ornamenting the gardens

ON FLOWERS. 63

with a continual succession of these favorite flowers during the latter
part of summer and autumn. Their appearance in the parterre
contrasts strangely, though pleasingly, with the autumnal flowers ;
and is continually reminding us of the last roses of summer linger-
ing in the lap of autumn.

William Weeks of Salem, presented a collection of Chinese As-
ters, Stocks, Panjies, &c. Stephen Driver, Jr. of Salem, large and
very beautiful specimens of Coxcombs in pots ; William D. Pickman
of Salem, exhibited a beautiful pyramidal Bouquet of Cut Flowers —
also fine and large specimens of Coxcombs in pots. Bouquets of Cut
Flowers from Miss E. R. Mudge of Lynn ; G. W. Gage of Methu-
en ; F. H. Wade of Ipswich ; Miss C. Andrews, Miss R. S. Ives,
Miss S. H. Ropes — all of Salem. F. Lamson of Salem, exhibited
a plant of Salvia Splendeus : Josiah Hay ward of Salem, a plant of
Cactus Specioslssimus in fruit.

Several large and very beautiful Bouquets, composed of dry
grasses, mosses, Gnaphaliums, &c. &c. made into various fanciful
shapes, were contributed by Mrs. W. H. Atkinson, Miss S. J. At-
kinson, Miss Lydia C. Atkinson, Miss E. L. Delano and N. Bowles,
all of Lynn ; N. B. Harris and Miss E. Mann of Salem ; and Miss
Susan B. Shove of Danvers.

A very fine Thistle Bouquet, from Mrs. W. H. Atkinson of Lynn.
j Your Committee have awarded gratuities for Flowers to the fol-
, lowing individuals :

! To Abiel Wales of Beverly, for Dahlias, 75

■ To John W. Downing of Salem, for Dahlias, 75

To Thorp Fisher do do 75

To George Driver, do do 75

To Eben Buswcll, do do 75

To Miss Susan II. Ropes, do do 60

: To Hazen Messor of Methuen, do 25

To Francis Putnam of Salem, for Roses, 1 00

To William Weeks of do for Asters. &c. 50

To Stephen Driver, Jr. of Salem, for Coxcombs, 50

To W. D. Pickman, of do for Bouquets, &c. 1 00

' To Miss Sarah H. Ropes, of do for do 50

To Miss E. R. Mudge of Lynn, do 75

,To G. W. Gage of Methuen, do 37 1-2

To F. H. Warle of Ipswich, do 50

6-4 ON FAT CATTLE AND WORKING OXEN,

To Miss R. S. Ives, of Salem, boquet.

To Miss C. Andrews, do do

To Mrs. W. H. Atkinson, of Lynn, for a thistle and grass

Boquet,
To N. Bowles, of Lynn, grass Boquet,

To N. B. Harris, of Salem, do

To Miss S, J. Atkinson, of Lynn, do
Miss Lydia C. Atkinson, of do,, do.
To Miss Susan B. Shove, of Danvers, do.
To Miss E. L. Delano, of Lynn, do.
To Miss E. Mann, of Salem, do.

Respectfully submitted.

HENRY WHEATLAND,

For the Committee on Flowers.
Salem, Sept. 27, 1849.

50

37 i-2

1 25

75

75

60

50

50

50

37 1-2

ON FAT CATTLE.

The Committee on Fat Cattle, Report :

That there were seven entries for premium, and after a full ex-
amination, they have awarded

First premium to James A. Putnam, of Danvers. $10 00

Second do to Richard Knight, of Newbury, 8 00

Third do to Joseph Kittrcdge, of Andover.. 5 00

For the Committtee,

JOHN NORTHEND.

Salem, Sept 27, 1849,

ON WORKING OXEN.

The Committee on Working Oxen Report :
That twenty yoke of Cattle were offered for premium, most of
•which did their work very well.

The Committee have made the following award of premiums :
To Jonathan Berry, of Middlcton, the 1st premium, 10 00

ON BULLS.

66

William Foster, of North Audover, the 2d premium, $8 00

John Washburn, of Lynn, the 3d premium. ^ 00

William Sutton, of Salem, the 4th premium, 4 00

Respectfully submitted by

J. KITTUEDGE, for Committee.
Salem, Sept. 27, 1849.

ON BULLS.

The Committee* on Bulls respectfully Report :
Twelve Bulls were entered for premium, but only eleven were
found on the ground by your committee. These they carefully ex-
amined, and made up a very favorable opinion of the merits of sev-
eral animals, other than those to which they awarded the premiums.
There was no difference of opinion as to Avhich should be given the
first premium. But whicli was best entitled to the others, was a
matter not so easily and readily to be determined ; and in coming to
the final result, the committee felt very far from entire confidence in
the correctness of their judgment. When the merits of different
claimants are very nearly balanced, the right or wrong decision of
the question of superiority, is almost of necessity an accident, and
in giving the preference to one, another must be passed by, which
in some one point or more, may be his superior. After due deliber-
ation, however, it was concluded that the yearling Bull of Henry
Poor, of Andover, was entitled to the first premium of $7 00

The Bull of Samuel Thompson, of Haverhill, two years old, to

the second, 6 00

And the yearling North Devon Bull of Joseph Kittredge, of
Andover, to the third, 5 00

Naturally and intimately associated with our report, is the subject
of "improving the Breed of Cattle." A remark or two upon that
subject may be neither uninteresting nor out of place. The import-
ance of a more thorough knowledge, of clearer ideas upon it than
we now have, is apparent to every body. In fact, no such thing as

♦Presant, T. E. Paysoii, George French, Joshua Lc Newhall, Samuel H. Green, and benjamin
P Ware.

9

66 ON BULLS.

breeding stock as an art, is known among as ; and the man •who has
the credit of being a stock-raiser, generally gets it because he has a
greater number of half starved calves than his neighbors, and in
whose stock there are as many varieties of shape and color, as there
were in the stock of Jacob, when he separated from his father-in-law.
Every imported bull, that happens to come in his neighborhood, no
matter what his blood, nor what the blood of his cow — is crossed
with his stock. Now although crossing in any way is preferable to
breeding in and in, yet this indiscriminate crossing will never, to any
extent, improve our stock. If we get a good cow, it is the result of
accident — mere chance. Experience so far, has shown that import-
ations from abroad, and the crossing with them, have in no way ben-
efitted our milch cows. They may have furnished us better oxen in
some respects ; but they have not yet helped us to any more butter
and cheese.

Your committee are of opinion, that the only successful mode of
improving our stock, is by a judicious, systematic, enlightened at-
tempt, Avhich has for its basis the native stock of the country. And
it is only by an enlarged view of this, or any other matter connected
with nature, that we can arrive at the truth. The advantage of
crossing has been spoken of; but let it be remembered, that if you
expect good from it, you must bring together animals, not nearly re-
lated, but of the same breed. Nature is uniform in her operations.
"Wild animals of a particular breed are generally of the same shape
and color. Flowers resemble each other. But by man's interven-
tion, the beast, the bird, the flower, are made to assume new colors
and forms. If these changes are of value, they must be the result
of sound judgment, enlarged views, enlightened experience, and a
complete knowledge of the principles upon which nature operates.

Until these are attained, you may spend money, you may import
stock, you may offer premiums, and no more benefit be derived from
it, than has been from what has been done by this and other societies
for the last thirty years. We have no better cows now than we had
then — we have no larger proportion of them — and in our breeding,
whether or not the calf which we raise, will make a good cow, or be
good for nothing, is all mere chance.

The State Society have, with a zeal worth_y of imitation, in most
respects, made efforts to improve the stock of the country. But has
that zeal been entirely according to knowledge ? Can they put their

ON BULLS. 67

finger on any point, and say, in this respect at least we have made
some progess ? It may be that your committee have not full knowl-
edge on this subject ; but we are satisfied that if the stock " which
boasts of a long line of ancestry of the purest and most approved
breeds," and is not tainted with a drop of " ignoble blood," is not
more productive, so far as the dairy is concerned, than it is generally
reported to bj, it is better adapted to a royal than a republican ter-
ritory. In conclusion, we hesitate not to say, that we have tlie ele-
ments of as good milch cows, as there are any where, and that if
men who have the means, will apply science and enlightened judg-
ment to their developement, instead of going abroad for cows, we
can furnish better of our o\Yn, than can be found elsewhere in the
wide world.

For the Committee,

T. E. PAYSON.

Salem, Sept. 2T, 1849.

HENRY POORS STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Bulls :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium a Bull, eighteen mouths old,
weighing 1052 pounds. He is the third calf from a cow having pro-
duced a heifer for which $100 was offered when three years old.
His origin is partly of the Vaughn stock, imported, and scattered on
the Kennebeck river, many years since, which has been crossed par.
tially by the Durham, mixing the two with the native breed, and pro-
ducing the best stock driven to our market, as all dealers will attest.

He probably is more of the native than any other blood ; hence I
call him the " New England," as being appropriate to his pedigree,
and in harmony with my views of the value of Native American
Stock.

He has been kept on ordinary pasture feed ; his growth has been
about twelve pounds a week, as we have weighed him from time to
time ; but he has never been forced in his growth. During the sea-
son, be has served about twenty cows.

Respectfully, H. POOR.

North Andover,- Sept. 26, 1819.

68 ox MILCU COAVS.

ON MILCH COWS.

The Committee on Milch Cows make the following Report :

Seven Cows were entered for premium, and as many more for ex-
hibition. The milk of all the cows entered for premium was sold as
taken from them, only one having any definite statement of the qualr
ty of her milk. The cow of Horatio Bodge, of Danvers, gave an
average of fourteen quarts per day, from June 1st to Sept. 27th.
And from the milk was made, in one week, fourteen pounds eight
ounces of butter.

The committee were of opinion that she was more than ten years
old ; therefore, by the rules of the Society, she could not be entitled
to a premium. Two others were excluded for the same reason.
Ebenezer Rogers, of Rowley, entered an Ayrshire cow, with a calf
one week old. No statement of the quantity of her milk accompa.
nied her. She was therefore not entitled to a premium.

Of the cows entered for exhibition only, were two fine looking ani-
mals belonging to Daniel Buxton, Jr. of Danvers. Their docile appear,
ance, good form and color, and right proportions for milking quahties,
particularly attracted the attention of the committee. There were
no better looking animals of the kind in the pens.

After a careful examination of all the cows entered for premiums,
and of the statements accompanying them, the committee were of
opinion that no statement in regard to the quantity and quality of
the milk, came fully up to the rules of the society, and that uo one
was entitled to the first premium.

They award the second premium of 9 dollars to Wingate Merrill,
of Danvers.

The third, of 8 dollars, to Enoch Page, of Danvers.

And the fourth, of 7 dollars, to Frederick Burnham, of Manches-
ter.

Respectfully submitted, for the Committee,

DEAN ROBINSON, Chairman.
Salem, Sept. 27tb, 1849.

WINGATE MERRILL'S STATEMENT,

To the Committee on Milch Cou's :
Gentlemen, — The cow I offer for premium is eight or nine years
old. I have owned her two and a half years. Her calf was killed

ON MILCH COWS. 69

the 13th day of June, Avhen twenty four days old — was fat, and
weighed 112 pounds, dressed.

I have kept an account of her milk, as follows : — from June 13th
to July 13th. 80 days^ 1380 lbs. Average per day, 46 lbs.

From July 3th to Sept. 27th, 76 dajs, 3040 lbs. Average per
day, 40 lbs. Bhe gives 39 lbs. a day now.

Her feed has been common pasture, with three other cows. She
Las been milked between four and five o'clock all summer, and has
remained in the barn at niglit, with a foddering of hay. She has
had no grain of any kind. I set the milk for butter one day, and
made from it 2 pounds 2 ounces.

WINGATE MERRILL.

Danvers, Sept. 27th, 1849.

ENOCH PAGES STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Coivs :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium one native cow, 4 'years old.
Her milk, for the last twenty days, has weighed 738 lbs., making
13 3-4 quarts per day. She had a calf the middle of July last.

ENOCH PAGE.

Danvers, Sept. 26, 1849.

FREDERIC BURNHAMS STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen, — The cow which I enter for premium, is seven years
old, and has been owned by me over a year. She calved the 17th
of March last, and will have her next calf the first of March next.
She gives her milk till the time of calving. At the height of feed,
for three weeks in June, she gave an average of 15 1-2 quarts per
day. Previously to that time and since, her average yield has been
thirteen quarts per day. Last year, I sold from her, besides what I
used in the family, $105 worth of milk, at 4 cents per quart, from
May 20th to Nov. 20th ; and at 5 cents the rest of the year. The
calf I so\d at ^5 25. She has been pastured with another cow this

70 ON HEIFERS.

season, in two fields, containing less than two acres, that have not
been under plough for ten years. Excepting a fortnight's feed else-
where, and a little fodder from the garden, this has been all her feed-

FREDERIC BURNHAM.

Manchester, Sept. 21, 1849.

ON HEIFERS.

The Committee on Heifers respectfully Report :
The number of Heifers offered for premium is uncommonly large,
being about forty. So many good animals were presented, that the
Committee have had some difficulty in deciding exactly upon their
respective merits. They believe however they have done justice in
awarding the following premiums.
For Heifers in milk, 3 months or more, first premium to

Hiram L. Roberts, Beverly, $7 00

Second premium to Richard Hawkes, Saugus, |6 00

Third premium to Stephen Whitmore, Jr., Salem, 5 00

For two years old Heifers, 1st premium to A. B. Lord, Beverly, 5 00
Second premium to J. T. Haskell, Beverly, 4 00

Third premium to Isaac Stanley, do. 3 00

For Yearling Heifers, first premium to Benjamin Kidder,

Saugus, 4 00

Second premium to John Stone, Jr., Marblehead, 3 00

Third premium, to John Reynolds, Andover, 2 00

For the Committee,

JOHN ALLEY, 3d, Chairman.
Salem, Sept. 27, 1849.

HIRAM L. ROBERTS'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen — The heifer that I offer for your inspection was pur-
chased by me in November, 1838, and was three years old in April
following, and brought her first calf February 16th, 1849. Her feed

ON STEERS. tl

up to the time of her calvhig, was meadow hay only, after that Eng-
lish hay. Her calf was sold when three weeks and three days old ;
she then gave eleven quarts of milk per day. She went to pasture
May 19th, and had no hay afterwards, and was what good farmers
would call in very poor flesh. She was fed with one quart of corn
meal per day, ibr seven successive days only, after being turned to
pasture. The first fourteen days in June she produced 15 pounds
of butter, besides sufficient milk and cream for the use of a family of
five persons. The third week in June her milk measured 85 quarts,
given in seven successive days, and produced 10 pounds of butter,
churning from the cream. After that time no correct account was
kept of her milk or butter, until September 16th, when her milk was
again measured for seven successive days. It measured 64 quarts
and produced 7 1-2 pounds of butter, once worked over and salted,
her feed being a mowing field, that she had been in about two
months, containing about 3 1-2 acres.

HIRAM L. ROBERTS.
Beverly, Sept. 26th, 1849.

ON STEERS.

The Committee on Steers have directed me to Report :

Three entries for two year old Steers, — one pair by John Porter,
of Beverly ; one by David S. Caldwell, of Byficld ; and one by Jed-
ediah H. Barker, of Andover.

There were two pair of yearling Steers, — one by Moses Pettingill,
of Topsfield, and one by Joshua Goodridge, of Salem.

They have agreed to award the first premium of $6 to David S.
Caldwell, for his two year old Steers, and the second premium of
$4 to Jedediah H. Barker.

For yearling Steers, they award the first premium of $4 to Josh-
ua Goodridge, and the second premium of $3 to Moses Pettingill.

For the Committee,

MOSES NEWELL.
Salem, Sept. 27, 1849,

w

72 ON COLTS.

ON COLTS.

The Committee on Colts having attended to their duty, Report :

Twenty-four Colts were entered for premium, from one to four
years old. Some were not in the pens, and others had no attendants
to show them, or give any account of their training or pedigree.

As there were but four premiums to be distributed, one to the best
Colt of each class respectively, they recommend the following award,
viz ;

For the best four years old Colt, to Rufus Pray, of Newbury, $10 00
For the best three years old do., to Baily Loring, of Andover, 8 00
For the best two years old do., to Nathaniel Boardman, of

Danvers, 6 00

For the best yearling Colt, to Samuel Tucker, of Hamilton, 4 00

We cannot leave the interesting subject of the horse, without a
word or two upon the importance of this animal to the public ; of en-
couraging the raising of the best kind, and the best mode of training.

Of all our domestic animals, the horse stands in the foremost rank.
Although steam and railroads have lessened the necessity of his aid,
they have not lessened his value in the market, or the pleasure
which he still affords to those not so much bent on business and gold,
as amusement and healthy exercise.

The labors of the horse seem to be changing from year to year,
and have in some degree been mitigated. If we look back but a few
years we find him travelling the bark-mill from morning till night,
and before the invention of steam engines and railroads, he was des-
tined to perform the very arduous labors of the stage coach, in the
duties of which, from high feeding and hard driving, he was soon
worn out. But the modern application of steam, seems to be sent
in mercy for his relief. If steam has not entirely superceded the
use of the horse for the work, it has certainly very much curtailed
the requirement of this kind of labor. He is now mostly used for
pleasure riding, and short excursions, requiring the cultivation of
different features and qualities than those heretofore demanded.
Speed and activity are the qualities sought for now, in place of
strength of body and limb, which are better fitted for the draft.

The horse is susceptible of the most perfect training, and can be
made to know your wishes almost before they are expressed, and pos-
sessing great activity and strength, when properly encouraged, will

ON COLTS. 73

use them to the utmost of his power. The attachment of the horse
to his master is well known, and a reciprocity of feeling between the
horse and his keeper is frequently very great ; but we are sorry to
know he is sometimes most grossly and wantonly abused.

The horse though, when kindly treated, will manifest great attach*
ment and perfect obedience, submitting to severe labors, will some-
times exhibit great and provoking obstinacy. This leads to cruelty,
and sometimes unmerciful beating.

From experience and observation, we are fully satisfied that whip-
ping only increases the difficulty, and makes him more obstinate.
Although it is somewhat difficult to command one's temper when the
horse, knowing your wishes, persists in refusing to obey, still I am
satisfied that kindness will sooner bring him to obedience, than an
opposite course of treatment.

When in full health and plight, he will be as fond of moving for-
ward as you are to have him do so. A little patience is much better
than the whip. We once asked a horse dealer how we should man-
age a contrary horse ? He replied, " Never let him know but that
he behaves just as you want to have him."

Horses are often made vicious in breaking, as it is called, and in
training, svhen young, by bad management. In breaking colts into
the harness, they should never know that they can break away.
When convenient, the younger you begin with them the better. Ac-
custom them gradually to the halter and harness.

The halter, in the first place,^should be so strong that they cannot
break it when made fast to a substantial post. They will seldom try
its strength more than once or twice ; and the same with any part
of a harness. If they find they can break a halter, it is seldom
forgotten, and becomes a very vicious habit. After two years old,
they may be placed by the side of a steady horse, and afterwards in
a light carriage, followed up every day for some little length of time.
In shoeing the first time, be sure you get a good strong smith, that
will hold the foot as long as he wishes ; not too long at first, least he
should be weary. Horses are not unfrequently very troublesome
through life by a fault in first shoeing.

The signs of a good road horse, and for speed are, a small head,
a short back, and flat legs. Something may be known by the coun-
tenance, which cannot well be described. A bright full eye, wide

nostrils, and a projecting wide forehead, may be considered some of
10

74 ON COLTS.

the signs of courage and long wind. The color of horses depends
somewhat upon fancy ; but bay, dapplegray and black are the most
preferred in our county.

The three greatest and most common faults to which horses are
liable, are stumbling, kicking and shying. We know of no remedy
for the first. The second may be avoided by using him to the har-
ness about his haunches and head, when out of the carriage, and
when he can do no mischief. Shying may be quite benefitted, if not
cured, by stopping and moving slowly by the object, instead of urg-
ing the horse to breast it at once.

The Arabian breed of horses are attracting some attention in our
county. They have not yet come to years quite sufficient for use.
They promise speed, courage, dociUty, and an exemption from most
of the principal faults of road horses.

The growing of this kind of stock in our county Is, at the present
time, receiving great attention, if we may judge from the number
at the show. We believe it to be as profitable as any other stock,
as very few horses, at four years old, are worth less than from 75 to
100 dollars. The demand and the value have not lessened, but
rather increased, since the introduction of railroads.

Now let us bespeak for this noble animal kind treatment, good
keeping, and light burthens. With such gentle usage, the horse will
hve and serve you faithfully for twenty-five, forty, and even fifty
years. Do not maim or disfigure him by the ci'uel practice of prick-
ing, nicking, or even cutting off a single hair, which the author of
nature has furnished him with, for his special accommodation. And
good taste will require, that in his natural garb and form, he actually
shows the best, and is the most comfortable to himself. Curry and
groom him every day, and give him a blanket and a warm stable in
cold weather, and clean straw to lie on. Talk to, and with him, for
he will soon understand your language, and manifest signs of recog-
nition, or the tenor, at least, of your words.

Horses like to be petted, and words of encouragement, we will
again repeat, are better under all circumstances, than the whip.

For the Committee,

R. A. MERRIAM.

Salem, Sept. 27, 1849,

ON SWINE. 75

ON SWINE.

The Committee on Swine having attended to the duties assigned
them, Report :

The whole number of Swine entered for premium, was sixteen,
viz:

One Boar, by Thomas E. Payson, of Rowley.

One do. 9 1-2 months old, (full blood supposed,) by William
G. Lake, of Topsfield.

One do. by Joseph Kittredge, of Andover.

One Pig, sixteen weeks old, by T. E. Haskell, of Beverly.

One do. by Henry Poor, of Andover.

One do. by Hiram L. Newhall, of Lynnfield.

One Breeding Sow, three years old, and five Weaned Pigs, five
months, twenty-seven days old, by Hiram L. Newhall, of Lynnfield.

Two Weaned Pigs, five months old, by Thomas G. Dodge, of
Newburyport.

Two do. do. thirteen weeks old, by Peter Obear of Beverly.

One do. do. by John Stone, Jr., of Marblehead.

Your Committee having examined the animals presented to their
notice, with as much care as the short time allowed them would ad-
mit, have awarded the following premiums, viz :
To William G. Lake, of Topsfield, for his Suffolk Boar,

the first premium of $5 00

To Joseph Kittredge, of Andover, the second premium of 3 00
To Hiram L. Newhall, of Lynnfield, for the best breeding

sow, the first premium of 5 00

To Hiram L. Newhall, of Lynnfield, for the best litter of

Weaned pigs, the first premium of 6 00

To Thomas G. Dodge, of Newburyport, for the best Wean-
ed Pig, the first premium of 4 00
To John Stone, Jr., of Marblehead, for a Weaned Pig,

(Chester breed) the second premium of 2 00

Your Committee regret that there were but two premiums for each
class of animals at their disposal, as it was not easy to discriminate
between animals so nearly alike.

For the Committtee,

Salem, Sept 27, 1849. LEWIS ALLEN.

TS

ON SWINK.

LETTER FROM LEWIS Al-LEN Esq.

Danvers, Nov. 17, 1849.
Dear Sir: — According to promise, I now send you the result of
mj experiment of keeping Swine, the past season, for the purpose of
increasing the manure heap, which is as follows, viz :

On the 13th of April last, I bought ten pigs, and on the 23d five,
making fifteen in all. Their average weight was 144 pounds, mak-
ing 2160 lbs., at 6 cents, ^129 60
I fed them on dry corn and water principally ; occasion-
ally I gave them shorts and water, and the waste from
the house, which was a small item, as we make butter
only for family use.
I fed to them 220 bushels of corn, for which I paid,
delivered, $130 00
and 30 bushels of shorts at 23cts., 6 90

$186 90

$266 60
I sold them in September for 7 cents per pound, the pur-
chaser paying for killing. Commenced killing them on
the 19th September, but owing to the warm weather,
did not kill them all until the 17th of October. The
fifteen weighed when dressed 3951 lbs, at 7 cts. per lb., $276 57

Profit, $10 07

Now for the manure heap. In the first place I will tell you what
they had to work upon, and the kind of place to work in. I fenced
off a yard adjoining my barn, about eighteen by fifty feet, so con-
structed that I could drive in at one end and out at the other with
a team and plough it, or cart in materials, as occasion required. I
ploughed up the soil in the yard, and when the hogs had made it
rich and worked up fine, I then covered the yard to the depth of ten
or twelve inches with meadow mud or peat. When this was well
incorporated with the soil and manure and become soft, I spread ov-
er it a quantity of coarse stable manure, and when this became well
mi.\ed, added mud and manure as before, until I used three cords of
manure, for which I paid $4 00 per cord.
I estimate the quantity of manure made, full one cord for
each hog, say 15 cords, which is worth at least, $4 50
per cord, $67 50

ON SHEEP AND FATTENING CATTLE AND SWINE. 77

Credit three cords stable manure at $4 00 per cord, $12 00

$55 60
Profit on Pork, 10 07

Making |65 57

which I get for feeding, interest on outlay, carting, materials, &c.
I do not know of any way that I can obtain the same quantity of
manure any cheaper than by the process above mentioned. If you
can inform me of any better mode of increasing this most important
article to the farmer, you will greatly oblige

Tours respectfully,

LEWIS ALLEN.

To Allen W. Dodge, Esq.

ON SHEEP.

The Committee on Sheep ask leave to Repokt :

That only one entry was made in this department, viz : that of
seven sheep and two lambs, by Joseph Kittredge, of Andover, On
examination, they found the lot to consist, as they judged, of six
sheep and seven very fine lambs. Some of the sheep were, in the
opinion of the committee, excellent, and the others of fair quality.
Taking the lambs with the sheep, which the committee felt author-
ized to do, they found a sufficient number of very fine animals to
entitle Dr. Kittredge to the first premium of seven dollars ; and they
recommend that it be so awarded.

For the Committee.

ANDREW DODGE.

Salem, Sept. 27, 1849.

ON FATTENING CATTLE AND SWINE.

The Committee appointed to report on the best method of fatten-
ing Cattle and Swine, would offer the following as their views on the

78 ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS.

subject — (the present year there has been no application for pre-
mium) :

Select the best formed cattle, from five to eight years old, of quiet
disposition and good appetite, inclining to fatten. After the spring
work is over, commence giving them the best pasturage during the
summer, also the best fail feed until they come to the barn ; then
feed them with good hay and Indian meal, at first from one to two
quarts per day, gradually increasing till six or eight quarts are given,
until they are slaughtered, or about fifteen bushels of meal to each
animal. This process furnishes the largest weight, the best quality
of beef, commanding the highest price in the market, and at the
present prices, a profit to the owner.

Also, with respect to fattening swine — select those weighing about
100 pounds, which will cost about $5 00 each, purchasing corn at
the common rates. Keep them in a large roomy yard, with a good
supply of loam from the road-side and muck from the swamp, giving
them a dry room to lodge in. Feed them with three quarts of corn
per day for one year. This will give 400 pounds of good pork, which
has usually paid for all the corn and the first cost of the animal ;
and what is taken from the yard will pay well for all the labor which
has been expended.

For the Committee.

JEREMIAH COLMAN.

Newburyport, Nov. 9, 1849.

ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS, &c.

Report of the Committee on Compartive Value of Crops as Food
for Cattle :

It may again be said, as it has been in former years, that there
has been no application for premium on this important subject.

I am aware that it is somewhat difficult on this, as on many other
subjects in regard to farming, for a person to try an experiment
which will be fully satisfactory to himself, there are also many causes
operating, and which must be taken into the account. This, how-
ever, should not deter us from trying experiments, for it is the only
way to get correct inforuuiiion.

ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS. 79

The committee last year (of which I was a member) expressed
some doubts as to the value of green corn stalks as food for milch
cows. This has led to careful observation, and some experiments on
the subject.

In consequence of the dry weather, and increasing the number of
my cows, the feed in my pasture was unusually short. About the
middle of August I commenced feeding with English hay, in addi-
tion to the feed of the pasture. I weighed the milk of four cows for
three successive weeks. The first week they were all fed on bay.
The second week, two were fed on hay, the other two on green corn
stalks. The third week, those that had previously been fed on hay,
were fed on corn stalks, and those that had been fed on corn stalks
were fed on hay. The hay used was cue early, and of superior quality.
Some of the cows were more fond of hay than stalks, and others were
more fond of stalks than hay. Having carefully observed the man-
ner of their eating, (as I did not weigh their food,) and the weight
of their milk, I came to the conclusion that they would produce about
the same quantity of milk.

Now if it is a fact that hay and green corn stalks produce about
the same quantity of milk, the question naturally arises, on which
can they be kept the cheapest ? If farmers commence feeding on
their English hay, immediately after it is cut, and feed on it mostly
through the fall, it would make a heavy draft on their hay, and I
think in many cases it would be exhausted, before pasturing time
the next season. Corn can be easily cultivated and will produce
abundantly, and I think may be fed on cheaper than hay.

Green second crop is very good to produce milk ; but this it will
not do to rely upon, for it can be produced only on land that is in a
high state of cultivation, and on that to much extent, only in favora-
ble seasons.

There is still another question which should be considered, which
is, the kind of feed which has the best effect on the animal. If a
certain kind of food will produce the same quantity of milk, and also
tend, to some extent, to fatten the animal, it Increases the value of
that kind of food. Every thing considered, I know of nothing so
good for food for milch cows in the latter part of summer and autumn
as green corn stalks.

It is desirable, however, that further experiments may be tried,
not only in summer and autumn, but wi)iter feeding also — whether

-80 ON COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS.

roots are tlie most profitable, and if so, what kind ; if meal, what
kind and how used, whether in cut feed, or otherwise.

Another experiment has been tried by Mr. Daniel Merrill, 2d, of
Methuen. The result, as he informed me, was in favor of the corn.
The hay used was tolerably good, but not of superior quality.

I believe the prevailing opinion in our vicinity, among those that
have cultivated corn the most extensively, is in accordance with my
own, and as I have stated.

Another subjsct on which the Society has offered a liberal premi-
um, is to ascertain the most suitable time for cutting hay. It would
be rather difficult for a person to try an experiment which would be
satisfactory to himself, much more to make a statement that would
be satisfactory to others. There is so much difference in grass that
it is difficult to make a rule that will apply in all cases.

Heavy grass should be cue earlier than light. I think that Herds
grass that is a heavy burden, and coarse, if it is to be fed to horses,
should be cut when it is full in the blossom ; if it is designed for
cattle, especially for milch cows, it should be cut somewhat earlier.
If it stands until out of the blossom, and the seed nearly full, it is
hard ; it has not that sweet smell, and if the cattle could speak, I
think they would say, it has not that sweet taste that it has when
cut early. I think the hay will be as heavy if cut when full in the
blossom, as when it stands kter.

If the grass is fine, with a mixture of red top or fine clover, it will
do to stand a little longer.

Clover also, I think should be cut when it is full in the blossom,
and if it is heavy and badly lodged, it should be cut earlier.

The quality of the hay, I think, depends much on the weather
previous to cutting, as well as the weather in the haying season, and
the manner of curing. A long season of wet weather immediately
preceeding the cutting of the hay, injures its quaUty. Berries ripened
in wet weather are not so sweet as when ripened in dry weather.
Apples or peaches that grow in the shade are not of so good flavor as
those that grow in the sun.

Grass cut when it is rather green, if a long season of wet weather
precedes, may not be as good as grass cut some later, providing a
considerable season of dry weather precedes cutting, and the differ-
ence may be owing to the weather and not to being cut later in the
season.

ON FRUIT TREES. 81

I think it is not uncommon for farmers on this, as well as on

many other subjects in regard to farming, to embrace erroneous

opinions, attributing certain results to some other than the true

cause*

JOSEPH HOW, Chairman.

Methuen, Nov. 19, 1819.

ON FRUIT TREES.

Many of our farmers have, in former years, realized large returns
from fruit orchards ; even a few trees sometimes producing more
profit to the owners, than all the other products of their farms.

In later years fruit orchards have become more numerous, and
probably the returns from them have not been so large as formerly,
from the fact that the cultivation has been so much extended as to
increase the supply to equal or nearly equal the demand.

Now, but very few of the products of the soil are more remunera-
tive than that of fruit trees ; and in proportion to the labor required,
after fruit orchards have reached a bearing state, we do not recollect
of any branch of agriculture that pays so v>'ell, as a well cultivated
orchard.

Amongst us, there is now more uncertainty of producing fair fruit,
than formerly. The reasons why are not in all cases obvious ; and
it may be well to oifer inducements to careful, observing, intelligent
fi'uit growers, to discover the causes and ascertain the remedies of
imperfection in fruits.

Our attention has been called, this year, to the fact that apples,
in considerable quantities have been transported from the interior of
Maine, in some cases, from places many miles from railroad or water
cummunication, to the City of Boston. These apples we understand
have been taken at 'prices fully satisfactory to the grower, and an
instance has been communicated to us in which the owner of an or-
chard has this year received more for his fruit, than he paid for the
orchard a few years since.

Apple growers in more northern regions have the advantage of
us at present, in the fairness of their fruit ; this may not long con-
tinue ; as with the extent of cultivation the difficulties are apt to
increase. H

82 ON FRUIT TREES.

If we can ascertain the remedies for the various causes of imper-
fection in our fruits, we shall probably find our climate and soil as
well adapted to the raising of most of the staple fruits in perfection
as any in this favored country ; and interest will induce us to furnish
not only a sufficiency for our own community, but largely for expor-
tiation.

The Committee were disappointed in not having opportunity offic-
ally to look over more of the orchards of Essex county ; but one or-
chard, that of Daniel Adams of Newbury, being offered for exam-
ination.

This orchard the Committee examined on the 26th of September,
and were much gratified with its appearance. The arrangement was
good ; the trees in a healthy and flourishing state, of vigorous growth
and were creditable to the cultivator, whose statement gives in a
somewhat particular manner his treatment of the orchard through-
out.

The Committee recommend that the first premium on apple or-
ehards be given- to Daniel Adams.

JOSIAfl LITTLE, 1
GEORGE W. GAGE, j
GEORGE L. DAVIS, i Committee.
GEORGE THURLOW, |
MOSES FRENCH, J

Salem, Nov. 19, 1849.

DANIEL ADAMS-S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Fruit Trees :

Gentlemen, — I offer for the Society's premium, my apple or-
ehardjSet out since 1845, and containing 204 trees, on about two acres.
The land is a gravelly loam and somewhat rocky, a small part mixed
with clay, and inclining to the northeast, and has been improved as
a field for some 60 years or more.

The field, previous to the year 1845, had been in grass about five
years. In the spring of that year I broke up one acre and manured
in the hill with about six cords of common barnyard manure, and
planted with corn, ajid obtained a fair crop.

ON FRriT TREES. b3

In the spring of 1846, I spread upon the acre about eight cords
of coarse manure from the barnyard and hog pen, and ploughed it
very fine about the 10th of April, and immediately after set out sev-
enty-six trees in rows, twenty feet apart each way, viz forty-two
Baldwins, eleven Hubbardston Nonsuch, eleven Danvers Winter
Sweet, and twelve Rhode Island Greenings ; most of them two years
from the bud, and then planted with corn, except a row of potatoes
on aline with the trees. In '47 and '48 the piece was planted with
potatoes, and the present year with corn.

In 1847, I broke up the other acre and set out 110 Baldwins,
two years from the bud, and twenty-two feet distant each way, ma-
nured in the hill and planted with corn, except a row of potatoes by
each row of trees, and in 1848 and 1849, with potatoes, about eight
cords of common manure to the acre, spread and ploughed in.

The present year I have set out eighteen trees, Baldwins, which
completes the lot.

Every tree set out both years, lived and grew well. Many of
them made more wood the first year, than those of the same age left
in the nursery. I have lost seven trees since they were set, viz : one
by the oxen, four by the mice, one by the woodchucks, and one by
the ice, which have been replaced by other trees.

The success which I have had in the living and growth of my
trees, I attribute very much to the manner in which they were taken
up and set out. Great care should be taken to keep every root as
perfect as possible when taken from the nursery, and before setting
out each tree should be turned up, and the end of every root of any
size, be cut off with a sharp knife, at an angle of about forty five
degrees.

The land should be measured off and a stake put down at the
distance you intend they shall stand ; and which I think should net
exceed twenty-five feet each way. The tree should be placed upon
the ground and marked all round the roots, the hole dug just as deep
as the tree stood in the nursery, (never I think to exceed one half
inch deeper.) Then set the tree in its place, one man to hold it
steady, one in the hole to place every root, the other with a sJiovel
to pulverize the dirt and sift it in among the roots, while the one in
the hole places with his fingers every root and little fibre, in their
proper place ; and so continue till the hole is full, and the setting
is completed. Never tread the ground hard round the tree.

84 ON IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

Setting forty to fifty trees is a good day's work for three men in
easy land. I consider it all important that all trees should be set
out right and with great care and be taken care of after they are
set out. The land should be manured and cultivated for years, or
at least until the trees come to a bearing state.

I have been somewhat minute in my statement, (perhaps too
much so) hoping that others may be inclined to be a little more par-
ticular in setting out Fruit Trees, and in fact all trees, as I believe
success mainly depends upon the manner in which they are set out.

Respectfully your ob't servant,

DANIEL ADAMS.

Newbury, Sept. 1849.

ON IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

The Committee on Improved Agricultural Implements have paid
all the attention in their power to that branch of the Show.

They consider it an object of high importance to aflbrd the hand
laborers an opportunity to compare side by side, the various tools in-
dispensable to the successful cultivation of a farm. And this portion
of the annual exhibition should be encouraged, to enable every farm-
er to compare and make such a selection as seems to him best suited
to his particular wants.

In the hurried view and description of articles, the committee may
have failed to notice some that were exhibited. They noticed, from
the establishment of Parker & White of Boston, a great variety of
farm tools of good construction and high finish.

Among them were, a Horse Rake, the common revolver with iron
pointed teeth ; also a roller attached, to keep the head of the rake
fajsed from the ground. The roller has not been seen by the com-
imittee on any rake formerly exhibited.

Also, a Revolving Spring Tooth Rake, an article not long in use
here.

8 Straw €u,tte.rs, of different sizes.

8 Ploughs.

1 do^en Concave Hoes, a superior article.

ON IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 85

1 dozen Potatoe Diggers, a most useful implement.

Steel Spring Tined Manure Forks, with from four to ten tines.

Two and three tined Hay Forks.

Ox Yokes, of various sizes.

Crowell's Thermometer Churns.

Apple Parers, a convenient little article.

Case of small tools, for grafting, budding, and trimming trees,
some of them lately brought into use.

Corn Sheller, said to shell 150 bushels per day, and worked by
two men. Cost $8.

A double one, said to do double the work in the same time. Cost

$12.^

Grindstone Hangings, with friction rollers, and with plates each
side of the stone to secure it to the crank, all of cast iron. Cost
i^2 25.

Flails, with iron caps and swivel, and the two parts of some of
them attached by an iron link.

Bush Scythes and Snaiths ; also Grain Cradles and Spoon, for
digging post holes.

Long Tined Forks for loading corn, an article we believe exhibited
for the first time.

From the warehouse of Ruggles, Nourse & Mason, of Boston,
were exhibited nine Ploughs, a part of them with a cutter, called a
horn, cast on the iron of the plough, to take the place of a cutter
secured to the beam.

CoQcave Hoes.

An Iron Fork, with the start bent like a hoe, to be used in pulling
manure from a cart; — a convenient implement in unloading long
manure.

Hay Cutters, with straight knives, said to be an improvement on
the former pattern.

Corn Shellers.

Hay and Manure Forks, of the various sizes and patterns.

David Ames, of Boscawen, N. H., presented a Plough, the main
unprovement of which over other patterns is, a wider plough-share,
cutting a furrow about as wide as the plough is designed to turn ;
and a cutter secured to the plough, something like the old fashioned
coulter. Apparently a strong plough, and well suited to hard and
stonj land ; and we see no reason why it may not work well on any
soil.

^Q!II] ^N THE CLTIVATION OF POTATOES.

The committee regret they have had no time to make trial of it,
and are therefore not prepared to recommend it, only for trial.

There was a Side Hill Plough, presented by WiUiam Chase, of
Salem, which we consider also worthy of trial, as the committee are
satisfied that the lengthening of the mould board will cause these
ploughs to turn the furrows better. And the increased length of the
mould board is the reason why the committee recommend it.

There were two Models of full size for Gates, which discovered
some ingenuity. The only difference of any importance in them was,
the materials and workmanship. Cost of one, $5 ; the other, $10.
They were made in two parts of five rails each, so secured to posts
at the outer ends that they turn up, and the ends of the gate, not
secured to the posts, fall as the gates rise ; and when fully raised,
the passage way is clear. We consider it a model that might answer
to secure any passage way, and a useful one where there are objec.
tions or obstructions in the way of the common spring gate, and pre.
ferable to a gate raised by a puUy.

The committee are of opinion, considering the greater variety, and
certainly of as good workmanship as any others, of the farm tools
presented by Parker & White, that they are entitled to a gratuity
of $(j

They also recommend to be awarded,
To Ruggles, Nourse & Mason, a gratuity of 3 00

To David Ames, of Boscawen, K. H., do., 2 00

To William Chase, of Salem, do., 1 00

To Francis Burnham, of Manchester, for Vertical Gate Model, 3 00
To Samuel D. Tilton, of Salem, do do 2 00

MOSES NEWELL, Chairman.

Salem, Sept. 27th 1849.

EXPERIMENT ON THE CULTIVATION OF POTATOES.

Salem, Nov. 19th, 1849.

Deak Sir,— Having devoted a large portion of my life to the pur.

suits of agriculture, allow me to make some remarks respecting the

culture of Potatoes. Never having found any of the early kind of

potatoes that yielded to my satisfaction, I ^^■as induced to try several

ON THE CULTIVATION OF POTATOES. 87

modes to find a remedy for the evil. My first experiment was re-
ported to the Trustees of the Massachusetts Society for the Promo-
tion of Agriculture, as follows : —

Salem, Dec. 1st, 1820.
Hon. Josiah Quincy :

Dear Sir, — Observing the produce of a few potatoes, which I
transplanted last year, to be \evy good, I was induced this season to
try the experiment upon a somewhat larger scale. About the first
of April, I took some late white potatoes, after cutting them, placed
them in a hot bed, as close as they would lay, and covered them with
earth. On the 24th of April, the plants being in fine order, some of
them twelve inches high^ I took them up, and separating all the shoots
but one from the parent potatoe, I made drills about three feet apart
with a hoe, and filling the same with well digested manure, I trans-
planted as I should cabbage plants, the whole of the shoots about
nine inches apart, in the drills. On the third of May, there was a
very sharp frost, which injured the tops of the plants very consider-
ably ; they in a few days recovered, and grew very rapidly, scarcely
one of them failing. The rows were twice hoed. On the 30th of
June I commenced using new potatoes, the size large and very fine,
equal to any taken up in October ; finished digging them on the 10th
of August : the land measured 90 by 52 links of the chain, on which
stood one pear and one plum tree, and produced at the rate of 295
34 bushels per acre. The rows might have been much nearer, con
sequently the prodcce would have been greater. I could not per.
ceive any difference in the yielding of the plants, between those which
were separated, and the ones which adhered to the potatoe. Should
I try the experiment again, I should take all the plants from the po-
tatoe and replant it, as it appeared as fresh and sound as the day it
was first put into the ground.

E. HERSY DERBY,

My second experiment was reported to the same Trustees.

Il Account of four crops of potatoes raised in one season ;

' April 10th, 1821. Planted half a bushel of late potatoes, part

kidney and part round ones, cut into sets in a hot bed.
i May 7. Transplanted first set of vines, as I should cabbages, and

replanted the sets.

88 ON THE cultivatio:n op potatoes.

May 21st. Transplanted the second set of vines, and replanted
the sets.

June 5th. Transplanted the third set of vines, and replanted the
sets, and hoed the first and second sets of plants.

June 30th. Transplanted the fourth set of vines.

July 1st. Commenced digging full grown potatoes from the first
set of vines, since which my family, (a large one) has been fully
supplied, and I have lately commenced digging the fourth set of
vines.

The potatoes exhibited were taken from the third and fourth set
of vines, and there are very few small ones.

E. HERSEY DERBY.
Salem, Oct., 1821.

I could have extended the experiment much farther, and have no
doubt I could have raised six different crops the same season, as the
sets were still in fine order, when I left off the experiment. I once
tried raising potatoes from the sprouts left in the cellar after the po-
tatoes Avere removed in the spring ; they were planted in a good soil
in a single row, they vegetated very readily, but were very feeble
the first part of the season, for want of nourishment from the parent
set ; the season proving favorable, in the autumn, I dug a tolerable
crop of good sized potatoes.

The present season I took two potatoes, weighing together 3-4 of
a pound, and cut them into twenty-seven pieces, each having an eye,
and planted them in two flower pots in my green-house, the latter
part of April, when they had grown to about eight inches in height,
I turned them out of the pots, and planted them out in my garden,
without the sets, in rows ; this fall I dug from them very fine, large
potatoes, without any small ones, weighing forty-six and a half
pounds. Observing in the garden the last spring, several plants of
potatoes that had lived in the ground through the winter, where I
had raised potatoes the previous year, I was induced to take them
up and transplant them. I was surprised to find on digging them
this fall, a very fine produce of remarkably large potatoes. From
these experiments I have satisfied myself that this is the best mode
of raising early potatoes. You get none (or a very few) small ones
this way. I have observed fully that the parent set is only wanted

ON' FARMS, 89

to afford noiunshment to the plant in its infancy ; after it lias form-
ed roots it does much better Avithout the parent set. In digging po-
tatoes I have frequently observed that where we found the set not
decayed, the yield was far inferior. I think it extracted nourish-
ment from the plant rather than furnished any to it. I hope these
experiments may prove of some use to the farmers of Essex.

I have the pleasure of subscribing myself,

Your sincere friend,

To Allen AV. Dodge, Et^Q,

E. HERSEY DERBY.

ON FARMS.

The Committee on the management of Farms make the following
Report :

The Trustees of the Society have often expressed the opinion that
the examination of a number of the best managed farms in different
parts of the county, by their committees appointed from year to
year for that purpose, having a full and minute account of the en-
tire cultivation and management to accompany their report, would
furnish to the members of the Society, through their annual pam-
phlet, a very valuable source of information.

To accomplish this desirable object, liberal sums have been offered
in premiums, and the regulations accompanying the offers varied from
time to time, to meet the wants and induce a larger number of com-
petitors into the field. Notwithstanding which, few entries have ever
been made, and many of the years not a solitary one, on which the
committee could form a practical report. The present year, a new
and apparently, a more liberal mode accompanied the offer.

The sum of $100 was placed at the disposal of the committee, to
be awarded in sums not exceeding $25 each, provided a sufficient
number of meritorious claims should be made. And while the com-
mittee would express their high gratification in the opportunity fur-
nished them of examining, in the northern part of the county, a
number of well managed farms, it must be accompanied with their
regret that they were not favored with the priviledge of examining
12

00 02S FARMiJ.

other farms in different parts of the county, enabling them to com-
pare the different modes of cultivation, and variety of crops cultiva-
ted, with the different success. The committee were directed to
visit such farms as were entered for premium^, and all others where
the owners should signify a wish to receive a call from, the committee ^
and a readiness to furnish a statement of their management.

Notwithstanding in the County of Essex^ much of the enterprize
is called to other pursuits than agriculture, there is a good market
and a fertile soil, and much of it highly cultivated in all parts of the
county. And at the present time, in the opinion of the committee,
the owners and cultivators of the soil here have full encouragement
to redouble their efforts in availing themselves of all the means of in-
formation within their reach, and prosecuting with renewed energy
their honorable occupation.

It must be obvious to all, that a great physical change has been
])roduced through the agency of steam as a motive power, within the
the last half century. And the more recent discovery of rail roads,
for the transportation of passengers, merchandize, produce, and live
stock, which have already checkered our whole countr^'^ furnishing
cheap and easy transportation to the cultivators of the soil many
hundred miles in the interior, where the price of land and the expense
of cultivation are comparatively small, may have, to some extent,
for the few years past, injuriously affected the cultivators of the soil
near our old markets, where the price of land is high, and expense
of cultivation large. But it does not require prophetic vision to per-
ceive that the cultivators of the soil here have passed this crisis, and
are fast recovering their equilibrium, and will soon find themselves
erect again, with their friends and neighb<H-s in other pursuits. The
partial failure of the potatoe crop for several years, and the fruit crop
for the two past years, has affected the income of the farmers in this
county to some extent. The other products of the farm have been
abundant, and our domestic market has been rapidly increasing here,
and extending into the interior. While the cultivators in the more
fertile regions of the west, where crops are less uncertain and ex-
penses small, are finding a foreign demand for much of their produce,
prices of the products of the farm here are recovering to such an
extent as to reward the laborer for his toil, and give him a small div-
idend on his capital. Nothing seems wanting to the cultivators of the
soil of this county, to ensure success, but knoweldge, patience, per-

ON FARM';. 91

severance and economy, and the blessing of our Heavenly Father,
Avlio has graciously been pleased to vouchsafe to us the assurance that
seed time and harvest shall not fail.

Jonathan Merrill entered his farm for a premium, but not in sea-
son, by the rules of the Society, to be entitled to one, should he have
been found otherwise deserving. J. F. Ingalls, Daniel Merall, and
Simeon L. VVilson entered for an examination. All were in Me-
thuen.

The committee proceeded in the discharge of their duties July 6th.

The farm of J. F. Ingalls is situated about two miles from Law-
rence. He has had the management of it about six years, and, for
that brief space, the committee were fully satisfied that the products
had been greatly increased. His buildings were neat and conveni-
ent, and his cultivation clean and handsome. His young orchard ap-
peared in a flourishing condition. He has reclaimed a number of
acres of meadow near his buildings, with but small expense, which
will reward him liberally. He keeps about twenty cows, the milk of
which is sold at Lawrence. His whole management is worthy of im-
tation, and we award him the sum of ^15 00

They next visited the farm of Jonathan Merrill, about one mile
from Lawrence. He has but a small piece of land connected with
his buildings. Some part is covered with fruit trees, and the rest
occupied as a kitchen garden. The attention of the committee was
particularly invited to his reclaimed meadow, about a mile from his
house. He seems to have succeeded in bringing, by judicious drain-
ing, land which was but a short time since comparatively worthless,
into a high state of cultivation. Tlie committee saw growing upon
it a luxuriant growth of grass, corn, potatoes, and almost every kind
of garden vegetables. They award him the sum of $10 00

The farm of Daniel Merrill is about two miles from Lawrence, hi
the opinion of the committee, his farm is valuable for its situation,
and a tine wood lot upon it, rather than for the natural fertility uf
the soil. There seems to have been much labor performed upon his
farm, and with good success.

He has reclaimed some meadow by ditching and draining, atid
made the dry knolls fertile by hauling the mud upon them from the
ditches. He has given much attention to making and preserving for
use manure. We award him $10 00

92 ON FARMS.

Near the farm of Mr. Merrill, is the farm, or rather the nursery,
of Simeon L. Wilson. It may be a question whether he should not
have entered it with the committee on nurseries. His 'little cottage,
however, surrounded as it is with trees, cannot fail to attract the
notice of all lovers of rural taste and beauty, who chance to pass that
way. There was much to be admired in the neatness and order of
all his arrangements. His travelhng establishment was not gorgeous
or expensive. He was wheeled on a common wheelbarrow through
the walks of his grounds, to show and explain to the committee the
manner of reclaiming his land and cultivating his trees. Some of his
standard trees had fruit upon them. Instead of a bush, which the
quince usually exhibits, his quinces were trained to a handsome tree,
having on them some fine specimens of fruit. His method of de"
fending his plums from the ravages of the Curculio, was to the com-
mittee new, and seems to have been successful. But whether it
could be practiced on a more extended scale, the committee say not.
They are of opinion that, although for want of means in the com-
mencement, the reclaiming of his land has been attended with much
expense, yet, from present appearances, he will receive a rich pecu-
niary reward, when his trees shall be fit for market.

Mr. Wilson's statement is a history of himself, as well as his culti-
vation from his youth. The committee are of opinion that such per-
severing industry and successful management, in cultivating the soil
under the many disadvantageous circumstances which have attended
Mr. Wilson, being a cripple from his youth, should not pass without
a favorable notice ; and they award him the sum of $10 00

The committee having visited and examined all the farms entered
for examination, and being near the farm of Joseph How, of Methu-
en, who had received a number of premiums from the Society, for
his good management and successful cultivation, embraced the op-
portunity afforded of passing over his farm. Having obtained the
first premium of the Society for the best managed farm in the county,
has not bounded his enterprize in farming. The chairman of this
committee had visited and examined Mr. How's farm seven years
since. Such alterations and improvements had been made in it since
that time, as to change the whole appearance to such an extent that
he was unable to find it without inquiry. A new and elegant house
had been erected, ornamented with trees and flowers in front, and

ON FARMS. 93

with a hcJ;j;e5 or live fence, extending for a considerable distance on
either side.

His homestead farm consists of 127 acres. Fitty-two acres of
mowing, tillage and orcharding, the remainder pasture, with the ex-
ception of a few acres of wood land. He has two barns, one thirty
by forty feet, used exclusively for storage of hay ; and one eighty-
four by forty, with a cellar under the whole, both of which he usually
fills every jeav with English hay, of which he sells from forty to sixty
tons per year. lu his large barn is kept his stock, and in the cellar
his swine, Avorking over and mixing the manure. He has experi-
mented to some extent with raw and cooked food, for fattening swine,
and is of opinion that it may pay the cost for cooking roots, but will
not for grain or meal. The produce of his orchard the present year,
of great scarcity, was 120 barrels of winter fruit, picked from the
trees. There is of field land a proportion well adapted to the growth
of corn and grain, of which the committee saw fine crops growing.
He has given more attention of late to the production of hay, which
in his opinion gives him a better profit with less labor. Much of his
field land is well adapted to grass ; a proportion of it being reclaimed
meadow, which does not admit, or require the plough, as it is kept
highly productive by occasional top dressing. Other portions are
moist, but admit of ploughing at dry seasons of the year, which he
usually does once in about six years, as soon as the crop uf hay is oft".
He then carts on about twenty loads of compost manure to the acre,
harrows and rolls smoothly, and sows Timothy and Red Top seed,
which never fail of a full crop the next season. He is in favor of
sowing grass seed in autumn, rather than in the spring, with grain
on dry land.

His pasture is on a high, smooth swell of land, where the commit-
tee had a fine opportunity of witnessing the good effects of gypsum
as a fertilizer. Comparing his land where gypsum was apphed, with
other land adjoining, of apparent hke quality, where gypsum had not
been used, the difference was truly surprising. Although the season
was dry, there was a luxuriant growth of wiiite clover, covering the
ground where gypsum had been used. His method of applying is, to
sow early in the spring, from one and an half bushels to two bushels
per acre every year. There were in this pasture about twenty head
■ of beef cattle, the looks of which satisfied the committee that the
feed was as nutritious as handsome. Mr. How composts most of his

94 ox FAP.MF.. I

I

manure, for which he uses for highland three parts meadow mud to
one of manure, with leached ashes, gypsum, and sometimes a little |
salt. For moist land, subsoil is used instead of mud. He has ex- ,
perimented to some extent with guano, crushed bones, and poudrette. i
He is of opinion that any of these will benefit the first crop, but will !
shew but little or no eifect afterwards, while his compost endures for I
a number of years, with but little apparent failure. In the applica- i
tion of manure he, like others, finds much difficulty in arriving at {
certain conclusions, owing in part to the uncertainty of the seasons, '■
whether wet or dry. For a corn or potatoe crop on dry land, he '
favors the ploughing in of the manure, as the surest manner of ob- \
taining a full crop. But for grass and grain, which usually arrive i
at maturity before drowth pinches with severity, he prefers te have
the manure near the surface. In the application of his compost to '
grass land, he is of opinion that it should be applied late in the au- i
tumn, to avoid the scorching rays of the sun before it is settled by ]
the rains arovmd the roots of the grass, !

His cultivation is remarkably neat and clean. Scarcely a weed- j
and not a bush, are to be found in his fields or pastures, neither in
the open field or in ambush under the fences, Avhich are mostly of .
stone wall. The surface stones had also been removed for fences and
under drain, of which he has many.

Mr. How has been in possession of his farm for about twenty
years. He is the third generation upon the same spot. His land i
as a whole, is naturally of good quality, and by his skilful manage-
ment he has brought it to that state that it will continue to yield full i
crops with but little labor. In the hajing field, we saw two lads at
work, which, we were informed, are Mr. How's only children, ap- i
parently fifteen and seventeen years of age. From their intelligent
look, animated and contented appearance, the committee were of
opinion that Mr. How's farm might remain, as it now is, a model farm
for the next generation.

Respectfully submitted, for the Committee,

DEAN ROBINSON, Chairman.
Salem, Nov. 10, 1849.

ON FARMS. 05

J. r. lMiALL>< yTATK.MEiNT,

To the Committee on Farms :

Gentlemen, — Isly farm contains about 1(30 acres. Most of it
■was my father's. Six years since, I came in possession of it. I
then kept one horse, four oxen, eight cows, and two or three young
cattle.

I then cut but Uttle more hay than was consumed by my stock ;
since, I have added to their nuuiber, so that I now keep two horses,
four oxen, twenty cows, one bull, and one two year old heifer. This
stock is supplied by the produce of the farm, (except a part of the
meal and the shorts, which I purchase) : the cows yielding milk I
feed in part with roots, shorts, and meal.

The labor in summer is performed by myself, three men and a boy,
one added during the haying, and by two hands in the winter. One
goes to market once or twice a day, with milk and vegetables, through
the year.

This 3^ear I have planted — 3 acres in corn, to ripen,

2 do in corn fodder,

2 1-4 do in potatoes,
2 do in ve^retables.

9 1-4

My farm is divided into upland, mowing and tillage, about 38
acres : and of reclaimed meadow that has been mowed, 12 acres ;
also, three acres seeded down in August and September, the present
year: 17 acres still remaining uncultivated. The upland I plough
deep, and manure with compost, which I make chiefly from the drop-
pings of the cattle, horses and hogs, including the urine, with peat
muck. I have used stable manure and leached ashes, but do not
consider stable manure profitable at $4 per cord, composed, as most
of it is, of Utter or straw in too great proportions.

About 90 acres is pasture, 16 acres of Avhich being covered with
wood. I have recently cut it off, and applied gypsum to two-thidrs
of it, and find it profitable.

The past season I have pastured three of my cows off the farm.

My manner of reclaiming swamp or meadow land is as follows : —
The first lot, containing about 7 acres. Mud from 2 to 8 feet deep;
a cold, boggy swamp, partly covered with bushes, and the rest pro-
ducing a little poor grass.

93 ox FARMS.

I first cut an outlet across the public road, and then ditched the
lot, which was quite expensive ; but the muck was a good compen-
sation. My next process with a part of it was to cover it with sand,
or sandy loam, which cost for one acre fourteen days labor of one
man, and one yoke of oxen and cart. Most of this work was done
in tlie spring, before the frost was out of the meadow ; harrowing at
different times, about two days.

Compost manure, about twelve cart loads, of forty bushels each
was next applied, composed of three fourths sandy loam and one
fourth manure, from the barn cellar, with leached ashes in an equal
proportion. On this I sowed one half of a bushel of grass seed, in
1844. The remaining six acres did not require so much outlay as
this, and therefore the above is more than an average outlay.

On some of it I had a good crop of grass at first without any oth-
manure than leached ashes, spread on, about 150 bushels to an acre,
and seeded in the spring of the year, with oats and grass seed.
Most of this has given a crop of one and a half to two and a half tons
of grass per acre.

I think much benefit is derived from harrowing in the Spring,
when the frost is leaving such land. I removed some of the turf,
but do not think it necessary or profitable. Nearly all the above
meadow has yielded two crops each season for the two years past.

The second lot — a peat meadow, was partly covered with bushes,
the other part producing but little grass. Mud from one to four feet
deep. One acre reclaimed in 1847. A part of it I covered with
sand, about fifteen bushels to the rod, the other part had no sand ap-
plied. It was then harrowed, while the frost was leaving the ground.
It was then dressed with 120 bushels leached ashes, and sowed with
oats and grass-seed and produced a good crop of oat-straw. It has
since been dressed with compost manure, and I think has yielded
two tons of hay per acre.

On the third lot which was partly covered with small water bush-
es, about 80 loads of sand were hauled, in the winter of 1847. Hai-
rowed the next spring when the frost was coming out. In Septem-
ber carted on about 12 loads of compost manure, made nearly in the
following manner : three fourths sandy loam ; one fourth clear ma-
nure, (solid and liquid) from the barn cellar ; then sowed down with
about one half bushel of Herds grass seed. Its yield was not far from
one and a half tons per acre.

ON FARMS. 97

The fourth lot. The mud of this lot was from one to four feet
deep, covered with bushes. Ficst it was burnt over ; the remaining
bushes were cut, the harrowed in the spring, before the frost was
out, which killed most of the bushes. In September following, it
was spread over with compost manure, and seeded down with grass-
seed. Its yield was about 1500 weight per acre. If sand had been
applied, as on the other lots, its yield would probably have been
greater.

J. F. INGALLS.

Methuen, Oct. 30th, 1849.

JONATHAN MERRILLS STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Farms :

Gentlemen, — The farm examined by your committee, and which
I ofler for premium, contains forty acres, divided as follows : Fifteen
acres unimproved, ten acres tillage, eleven acres mowing, and one
acre orcharding. The ten acres of tillage are divided as follows :
six acres to potatoes, three acres to corn, and one acre to gardening.

For the last three years, the potatoe crop has averaged from 175
to 200 bushels per acre. The corn crop, during the same time,
about 65 bushels per acre. The hay crop also nearly two tons per
acre.

The most important feature of this farm is, eighteen acres of im-
proved meadow land, and to which the attention of your committee
was particularly called. Improvements were first commenced on
this land about eight years since, and have been made from year to
year, till the present ; and now eighteen acres are in a healthy and
vigorous state of cultivation. This land was originally in a very
rough state, covered with large hassocks, with a growth of bushes
and wild grass. The land was first drained by ditching, the peat
taken from the ditches meeting the expense. The hassocks, roots
and bushes, were then removed, and the ground dug over with the
hoe. Most of the upper part of this land, including hassocks, bushes,
&c. was burnt fur the benefit of the soil. The expense of this clearing
and preparation has been thirty dollars per acre on the average. On
some parts of this land there has been a sUght growth of wood.

98 ON FARMS.

The use of the land for two years, and the wood, has been given for
reclaiming the same, which has been a profitable operation to those
engaging in it, and at a much less nominal cost for the improvement
to myself. Much of the land has been improved in this manner.

The potatoe crops have been raised without gravelling, and usually
•without any manure for the first two seasons ; subsequent seasons,
by applying about one and a half cords to one of manure per
acre, which I deem amply sufiicient. The largest crop of potatoes
raised was 350 bushels from one acre — eleven hills yielding a bushel
on the average.

The corn crops have been raised after gravelling the land. From
ten to twelve cords of manure per acre have been applied previous
to planting. The cost of gravelling has averaged twenty-five dollars
per acre. The largest crop of corn raised was in the year 184G,
when one-half an acre by measure yielded 105 bushels of superior
corn on the ear.

The grass crops have been raised on the land after being planted
with corn, no dressing being applied for the first two years ; subse-
quently, the grass has been kept up by merely a top dressing each
season. This land is now mostly free from wild grass, and I consid-
er it in as good or better state for the several crops than when first
reclaimed.

In 184-i, 3850 pounds of superior English hay were taken from
one-half an acre by measure. The crops of hay from year to year,
have averaged rising two tons per acre, and of the best quality.
When the seasons have proved favorable, the first two years after be-
ing laid down to grass, about one ton of second crop has been cut
on much of the land, per acre. The crops on the reclaimed land
have been much larger, and of as good quality as the same crops on
other parts of the farm, although much of the land is in a high state
of cultivation. I deem it best to remove the roots from meadow
land when first reclaimed, it as facilitates after cultivation. Vegeta-
bles have also been raised on this laud, with the best success.

Upon other parts of my farm, I have 2G0 young and thrifty apple
trees, grafted with choice fruit. Yield last year, forty barrels. I
have also 100 young peach trees, and 100 plum and cherry trees.
I also raise yearly large quantity of beets, parsnips, cabbages and
other vegetables, both for home use and the market.

I deem my reclaimed land the most important and profi.table pai:t

ON FARMS. 99

of my farm ; consequently I have devoted much attention to its cul-
tivation, and for this reason have given it so much space in tins
statement.

JONATHAN MERRILL.

Methuen, October, 1849.

DAMEL MKRRU.LS STATKMKNT

To tloe CommittM on Farms :

GE:xTLEiMEN, — My farm consists of about 125 acres. Not fiir
from 75 acres of it are covered with wood, mostly of a young growth.
About 29 acres of the other are pasturing, and the remaining 21
acres are mowing and tillage. There is quite a variety of soil on
the farm, from the poor gravelly knoll to that of meadow land.
Quite a proportion of the upland has a gravelly subsoil.

At the time I commenced on the farm, (which was about fourteen
years ago,) there were probably from six to eight tons of English
hay cut on the farm. At the present time, from eighteen to twenty
tons. The meadow, which consists of about four acres, I commenced
improving in various ways. On certain parts of it, I took the turf
off, and then gravelled and seeded down to grass, and so far as I had
the means, top dressed it. Other parts were gravelled without top-
ping. In doing which I put just enough gravel upon it to kill the
grass. Other parts were ploughed and planted to corn or potatoes,
and after being well subdued, was laid down to grass.

You may wish to know which method I consider preferable. I
think if the meadow be smooth and pretty free from moss, it may
be as well to cover without topping. But if otherwise, the topping
system I think is preferable, esiiecially if it does not take too deep.
Ploughing should be resorted to when other crops than grass are de-
sired, or when it is necessary to level without lowering the surface.
I usually put on my meadow a light top dressing each season, gen-
erally late in the autumn. As near as I can judge, I cut from two
to three tons of hay to the acre at the first and second time of
mowing.

As I sell my milk, my object is to raise such crops as will increase
its quantity. Grass and roots, with green corn, are my principal
crops, with the exception of apples. To the raising of apples I have

100 ON FARMS.

given considerable attention. Most of my trees that bore natural
fruit, have been grafted, however large they were. By grafting,
pruning, scraping and manuring, ray orchard has been much increased
in value.

I am very much in favor of deep ploughing and manuring highly,
even if by so doing we are obUged to cultivate much less land.
The little experience I have had in farming, convinces me that most
farmers pay quite too little attention to the maldng of manure.

I had no cellar to my barn until about one year ago ; since which
time I think my manure heap has been very much increased, especi-
ally in value. In making manure, (which has been almost entirely
compost,) muck has been used very freely, and I think to great ad-
vantage. I have purchased but little manure^ with the exception of
leached ashes, for some years. Since I have had a cellar under my
barn, my fresh manure has been made into compost daily ^ (Sundays
excepted,) and so managed that most of it becomes saturated with
urine. In laying down my land to grass, it has been done mostly,
lor a few years, late in the autumn, so that the seed did not vege-
tate till the next Spring. I have had very good success in this way
of managing. *

DANIEL MERRILL, 2d.

Methuen, Oct., 1849.

SIMEON L. WILSON'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Farms :

Gentlemen, — Having been favored with a visit from the Commit-
tee on Farms, and requested by them to make a statement of facts
relating to my place, it is with pleasure I comply with their request.
I suppose their attention was attracted to it by the pecuUar circum-
stances under which I have labored, in bringing a barren piece of land
to its present fertility. I will briefly state the particulars. At the
age of thirteen years I became a cripple, by a white swelling on my
knee, which caused me to lose the use of that joint. I at first got
about upon crutches ; afterwards with only a cane, and finally with-
out the aid of either. And whilst I was buoyed up with the hope of
again getting well of my lameness, or nearly so, I was afflicted with

ON FARMS. 101

a paralytic stroke, which caused me to lose the use of the other leg
very suddenly. This took place in 1831, when at the age of 22
years ; since that time I have not been able to walk one step. At
first this affliction seemed to dishearten me, and I came near giving
up in dismay. But hope predominated, and I made a vigorous effort
to obtain a livelihood by my own industry. Not having any trade
I commenced closing shoes. By applying myself very closely to my
business, working early and late, I succeeded in obtaining a sufficient
sum of money to purchase one acre and sixty rods of land, near Me-
thuen village. With a little assistance I soon had a house on the
same, into which my parents moved in the fall of 1636, This piece
of land, although but small, has a variety of soil, viz: a gravelly
hill, yellow loam, black loam, or clay soil, rather moist, and Tswamp
very wet, with muck eighteen inches deep on an average, with a clay
and sandy bottom. The swamp was covered with a thick growth of
alders. The upland appeared to be almost filled, or paved, with
small stones. The whole lot was a very bad looking piece of 'land.
In the spring of 1889, the stones were picked off the upland, and
it was ploughed for the first time, which threw up as many more
small stones as had already been picked off. The alders were cut
from the swamp, and a ditch dug through the same to drain it. I
then undertook to plough the wet or swamp land with six oxen ;' but
they did little more than merely to tear it up in spots, there Lino-
so many roots. It was so bad I concluded nut to cultivate it.

At this time I built a shop adjoining my house, from which I could
see to any part of my little farm, and give directions about the work
without leaving the shop. Having but limited means, and not
bemg able to do much on the land myself, I made but slow progress
ni nuprovements. I commenced a ditch six feet from the ploughed
or upland, and run it around the swamp on three sides, six feet wide
and eighteen inches deep, and threw the muck upon the space be-
tween the ditch and upland, which gave me six feet more in width to
my upland around the meadow. This looked well, and I was not
content to stop here. According to the Yankee motto, thinking it
best to keep moving, the following year I filled the ditch with sto'Les
at the bottom, then gravel, then loam, until it was filled even with
the surface of the swamp. Then I cut another ditch around the
swamp, directly beside the one that I had filled up, and threw the
mud on the same, which added six feet more, or twelve feet in all

102 ON FAinrs.

to tlie upland on three sides of the swamp. I again filled the ditch
as before, and threw the muck from another on top. 1 pursued
this course until the whole swamp was reclaimed, which raised the
surface ei^ihteen inches hio'her than it was before. I then removed
more than half of the muck to the upland, and returned as much
loam from the upland in its place. Then by ploughing, the loam
and muck were well mixed. I have an open drain leading through
the meadow, from the spring by the hill, to a drain by the road ;
thus the meadow is rendered dry enough for any kind of cultivation.

This method could not be practised as a general rule, with regard
to economy, in reclaiming wet land. I had good reasons (or thought
I had) for reclaiming my own in this way. In the first place, it
was but a small piece, near the house, and a convenient place for a
garden. I also wished to remove the gravel and loam from the side
of the hill to put in a bank wall, and make room for a row of cherry
trees. I wished to make it myself, and add to the beauty of the
scenery about the garden. Having but limited means, and keeping
within those limits, I made but very slow progress, and was three or
four years reclaiming my meadow. The stone, gravel, &c., was
wheeled on a wheelbarrow from five to fifteen rods. The cost of re-
claiming the meadow in this way was about $3 to the square rod,
or $4y0 to the acre. But I must charge the upland with half of
that amount; for every load used to raise the meadow was taken
out of the way from the upland. It would thus leave the expense
of the meadow at the rate of $240 per acre.

In the year 1841, I received a few fruit trees of choice kinds,
from a nursery near Boston, which was the commencement of my
setting fruit trees ; and from this date I made it my practice to set a
few trees each year, of the best varieties. I would here mention,
that wishing to avail myself as much as possible of useful informa-
tion in regard to farming, gardening, and the management of fruit
trees, I became a subscriber to the Boston Cultivator, at its com-
mencement, in 1840. Since that time I credit its editors and num-
erous correspondents with much valuable information. The more I
studied into the art of gardening and growing fruit trees, the more
lively interest I took in the same — not more for the profit than by
the beauty of the scenery, to make home the more sweet. In 1848,
I transplanted to a row by themselves, a few small apple trees, that
had come up spontaneously about my place ; and the following year

ON FAliSTS. 103"

I pursued the same course, at whicli time the vow numbered about
one hundred thrifty trees. In 18-15, the largest of these I had
grafted, and at the present time one of these trees has fruit on it,
being only six years from seed, and four from graft.

In 1846, I concluded to commence a small nursery of fruit trees.
Having previou:5 to this obtained Downing's work on Fruit and Fruit
trees, and also Thomas's and Kenrick's upon the same subject, I had
studied their manner of treating fruit trees, both in the nursery and
as standards, and could fancy much pleasure in the same. At this
time I sowed seed of various kinds, and bought a few seedlings suit-
able to bud the succeeding summer. My meadow being now about
completed and made dry, it gave me more room to extend my nur-
sery. In the spring of 184T, I grafted a few apple trees on the
root with good success, and the following July commenced budding
for the first time. At the present time I have my land so com-
pletely covered with trees, that I am forced to convey the dressing
to it in a wheelbarrow.

Although I can do but little in the nursery myself, I usually go
into it every day, (upon the wheelbarrow) and see what is in the
most need of being done, and lay out the work for the day. Some-
times I work there myself by getting upon my hands and knees be-
tween two rows of trees, and trim or weed them as I creep along.
Sometimes I bud a few trees myself, but it being rather inconveni-
ent for me to do this work, — I consider it better to work in the shop
and hire the budding done. It requires nearly all the work of one
man now to attend to the nursery. The number of trees on the
place at the present time is as follows:

Apple, 6787

Plum, - - 388

Cherry, 814

Pear, 2947

Peaches, Apricots and Nectarines, - - - 640

Quince, - 377

Whole number, including all varieties and sizes, 11,993

Together with a great variety of Grape Vines, Strawberry Plants,
Gooseberry and Currant Bushes. The whole quantity of land culti-
vated is about one acre. There beiu"; about one third of an acre

104 ON ITARMS.

used for yard, buildings, &c. I raise between the rows of trees the
various kinds of vegetables needful for family use.

One row of apple trees, 125 feet in length, and containing 400
trees, budded September last, now stand five and a half feet high,
of the present year's growth. But to be more sure of a good growth
another year I intend to transplant some of them. My apple trees
have borne but little fruit yet, which I account for by the rapid growth
they are making. My stone fruit trees would yield me large crops,
were it not for the Curculio. I have tried many experiments to no
avail, and some with more success. I have applied salt to plum
trees since I first commenced growing thnm, using from one to two
quarts to each tree, according to its size, spreading it in March or
April under the branches of each tree as far as they extend. Al-
though there is no perceptible diminution in the ravages of the Cur-
culio on trees thus treated, yet I use salt annually, as I perceive it
to be of great benefit as a fertilizer. I practice washing my trees
annually with potash or strong soap-suds, and throwing dry ashes on
to the trees -when the dew is on them, in the morning, and am not
much troubled with insects, except the Curculio, and sometimes the
borer. The borer is only destroyed with knife and wire, by watch-
ing the trees.

I will here mention a successful experiment for the protection of
the plum against the curculio. Last year I made two bags of old
thin muslin and drew them over two limbs, about the time the fruit
set. Within each of these bags I saved a few beautiful plums, and
not a plum did I save on any other part of the tree. Taking cour-
age at this good success, I bought last spring a few yards of bonnet
lining which I made into bags according to the size of the limbs I
Avished to cover. These I drew on the limbs of several trees, some
when the plums had set, and others when they were in the blow ; for
I found the enemy had made their appearance while the trees were
in bloom. Under each of these bags I saved plums, apricots and
nectarines, upon limbs of twelve difierent trees ; and these were the
only ones I saved this year. The first of August I removed the
bags, the curculio having disappeared. Some may think this
would be too expensive, but I think not. The muslin would last
many years ; and by training the trees, or the branches in the right
form, they might easily be covered, to the profit of the fruit grower.
Be this as it may, I have found it of great use to me, as I had

ON FARMS. 105

bought a variety of choice plum trees, from which I did not like to
use buds and grafts, until I had proved the fruit. This I have ac-
complished. One small branch, covered by a bag measuring six and
a half by nine inches, contained twenty-one beautiful plums, hanging
in one solid cluster, causing the little limb to bend so much beneath
its weight, as to require a prop to support it. Upon another, tree
(the Moorpuck apricot) I saved eight apricots, under a very small
bag. I am training some apricots and other trees in the form of a
fan, to make them the more convenient to be covered with the mus-
lin.

I would here mention that I have this summer been using refuse
tobacco with good success in driving away the insects. On throwing
the dust, or snuff, into the tree, we can see the rose bugs and other
insects leave the tree immediately. I also use it around the roots
of peach trees for the borer. Until within two or three years, the
only manure used by me has been the compost made in the summer,
as follows : weeds, potatoe tops, pea and bean vines, or any other
vegetable matter, mixed with sand and loam in alternate layers,
when for low land ; and with muck, when for upland. This heap
would receive the scrapings of the yard, road-side, and also the
washings from the house daily, together with some salt and ashes ;
this, with the manure from the pen of one hog mixed with it, has
been all the manure I have used until 184:6. Then I bought a cow,
and in 1847 a horse ; of these, about half of the manure has been
used on other lands.

Although I have been many years doing what capital could have
done in much less time, yet I have the satisfaction of building up
my little place by my own industry; laboring under very unfavora-
ble circumstances, without capital, and without the use of my legs.
But now I am in a forest of fruit trees, planted by my own direction ;
and the soil drawn upon the roots by own hands, as I sat upon the
barrow or box. I can now view the works of the Almighty in the
growth of these trees, and the production of their fruit.

SIMEON L. WILSON.

Methuen, Sept. 3d, 1849.
13

106^ ON ROOT CROPS.

ROOT CROPS.

The Committee would probably be considered as having dis"
charged their duty, when they have reported the statements of the
claimants for premiums and the adjudications upon them. Those
claims', however, having been so few, (one only) and the subject
being so important to the farmer, the Committee are willing to
transcend the limits of strict rules, and introduce such remarks as
they hope may be useful. The chairman alone, however, is respon-
sible for the remarks that follow, and hopes to be excused for some-
times speaking in the first person, instead of putting forth the whole
as the act of the Committee.

It is proposed to speak of a few of the most important Roots,
and commence with Mangd Wurtzel, sometimes called Root of
Scarcity, sometimes Field Beet, and in Germany, always Mangel
Wurtzel.

This root was cultivated considerably for stock some years ago,
but I am not aware that it receives much attention at this time. It
is a more exhausting crop than the turnip or onion ; but it contains
double the nutritive matter of the turnip, and will consequently
warrant double the manure.

Mangel Wurtzel, according to the analysis of Mr. Harepath, of
Bristol, Eng., contains 136 parts of nutritive matter, (sugar and
starch) as often as the Swedish turnip gives 64, and as often as the
white turnip gives 42. The Swedish turnip has innumerable ene-
mies, but it is not known that the Wurtzel has any. When sown
alongside of the turnip, the latter is often found ruined with insects,
while nothing whatever has troubled the former. The Wurtzel also
keeps better. They often cut perfectly good in July, and even in
August. They will not, like the onion, bear to be continued many
years on the same spot, but require a new one every few years ;
this, at least, has been my experience. Perhaps more manure would
have answered every purpose.

Manner of sowing. The ground must be ridged with a small
plough, and great care should be taken that the seed is not sowed
too deep. The seed sower also fails in depositing seed that has
been prepared as this ought to be, by steeping it at least twenty-four
hours. A writer in the Farmers' Encyclopaedia recommends using
an iron wheel. But a cheap wooden one, such as every one can
make, will answer the purpose. Upon the outer circumference of

ON ROOT CROPS. 107

tlie wheel, there should be either iron or hard wood points, eighteen
inches apart, about two and a half inches long, and tapering from
the base to the point. This is to be wheeled along upon the top of
the ridge, and thus holes will be formed, will remain open, and will
be of uniform depth. Then follow and drop the seed by hand, and
it may be covered at the same time, by drawing the foot at right
angles with the ridge. Follow with a hand roller, row by row, or a
light horse roller, pressing several rows at a time. The trouble
consists in having two or more plants grow from the same seed.
Every capsule contains several seeds, and thinning must be attended
to while the plant is very small.

Wurtzel may be raised upon a stiSer soil than the turnip, but as
it grows much out of ground, it will not bear the cold so well.
The tops, though not so abundant, are a rich food for milch cows,
and impart no taste to the milk or beef.

In harvesting the Mangel Wurtzel, care should be taken not to
wound the roots. There is something in the old idea that they will
bleed if cut. The fibrous roots had better be left on, and some of
the top too, than wound the beet by trimming too close. Care
should be taken in feeding out to the cattle, as by using too many,
especially in the first part of winter, they are apt to scour.

It is said by a French writer, the Abbe Rosier, that the leaves of
the Mangel Wurtzel may be taken o3 every fifteen days after about
the first of July, and fed to the cattle. There can be no question
but milch cows would do well on them, but it is subversive of all
our ideas of vegetable physiology, that the root should grow without
the leaves. The root must stop and wait for the leaf, because that
alone forms the communication with the oxygen of the atmosphere.
Leaves are the lungs ; and the experiment of taking them off once
in fifteen days, must be a dangei-ous ono.

When milch covv'S are fed chief y upon this root, they give more
milk, and a richer and thicker cream for about a fortnight, after
which they grow too fat, and the milk lessens. Hogs do about as
well on the raw beet as they will on boiled potatoes.

As to the quantity to be given, it is said that thirty-six pounds of
these roots and eight pounds of English hay a day, given at two
feedings, half at each time, will make a cow give as much milk as in
the flow of summer feed.

108 ON ROOT CROPS.

An experiment of great value to root growers was made some
years ago, showing the comparative feeding properties of Mangel
WuTtzel and Swedish Turnips, which may be introduced with pro-
priety here. The experiment was made by Lord Spenser. He
took two steers, weighing 668 pounds eai.h, and of the same age,
wanting some six weeks. On the 24th of December he put No. 1
to Swedish Turnips, and No. 2 to Mangel Wurtzel. On the 28d of
January following. No. 1 had consumed 1624 pounds of the turnip,
and had increased in weight thirty-five pounds, or at the rate of
forty-eight and a quarter pounds for every ton. No. 2 had con-
sumed 1848 pounds of Wurtzel, and had increased fifty-three
pounds, or at the rate of sixty-five and a half pounds for every ton.
The trial was now varied. No. 1 was put to Mangel Wurtzel, and
No. 2 to Swedish Turnips. On the 20th of February, No. 1 had
consumed 1884 pounds of Wurtzel, and gained this month thirty
one pounds, or at the rate of thirty-six and three quarter pounds for
a ton. No. 2 consumed 1880 pounds of the Turnip, and gained
thirteen pounds, or at the irate of fifteen and a half pounds for every
ton. Further experiments were made upon the same animals. It
seems thus far clear, that the balance was in favor of Mangel Wuitzel,
and no trial made disproved the fact.

Sugar Beet. It has been stated in the newspapers recently, that
a French chemist had discovered a method of procuring something
like three times as much sugar as formerly from this beet. In our
country, however, it is not probable that the cultivation of the cane
will be relinquished for sugar beet. They are valuable in stock,
nevertheless, and if all farmers should succeed as Mr Fuller did at
Nahant, in 1840, it is a question whether any crop would be better
worth cultivating. He raised at the rate of 1300 bushels, of fittj-
six pounds weight, on one acre, which is nearly thirty-six and a half
tons. These beets are often packed in barrels and shipped to the
South. A common price is $1,50 per barrel.

They may be planted on ridges four feet apart, in double rows,
and the intermediate spaces may be sowed with turnips, it is a
very good way, however, to put them in single rows, twenty-seven
inches apart. Like the Wurtzel, they are a more exhausting crop
than any kind of turnip — but unlike every kind of turnip, are always
free from destructive insects. The land should be mellow, ploughed
deep, and manured well, both fall and spring, though this is not
indispensible.

ON ROOT CROPS. 109

Onions. It is unnecessary, since the Essay on this subject by
the President of the Society, to say much upon the Onion. Unlike
almost every other root, it does best by being continued on the same
ground. A gentleman writing in the (old) New England Farmer,
says he is now raising a fine crop of onions on a piece of land where
they have been sown for eighty successive years, as nearly as he can
determine. This fact is an important one, because, when the
ground is once clear of weeds, it is much easier to keep it so than
to clear a new piece.

Many a piece of ground has been abandoned for onion raising,
just because they did not seem to do well on the first trial. But it
has been quaintly remarked by observing farmers, that almost any
rich land will bear onions after it gets used to them, and there is a
good deal in it.

Turnips. Inducements to cultivate them. No such malady as
has prevailed among potatoes, has ever yet assailed the turnip. It
is, indeed, subject to insect ravages, but these are open and palpa-
ble, and can be detected so early in the season, that means may be
taken for ridding the plant of them ; and if ineffectual, the crop
may be ploughed in, and something else done with the land the same
year. But the labor of growing an acre of turnips is less than one
of potatoes or of corn, while the produce is double. T went on to
an half acre of land which had been ploughed, Avith one hand with
me, on the 26th of last May. With the horse, and cultivator spread
wide, and one tooth only on each side, we furrowed the land, sowed
the seed by hand, and covered it with a common hay rake, using
sometimes the teeth and sometimes the head, in little more than half
a day. To have planted with potatoes must have taken longer.
With a seed-sower it could have been done quicker, and probably
better. I have stated the fact, however, so that none may be de-
terred from raising root crops on account of the labor. As to the
subsequent labor, the ploughing between the rows is the same as
among potatoes, of course — thinning and transplanting are extra, it
IS true, but if very thick you obtain some fodder, or if the plants
be left on the ground, some manure. The hoeing is about the same
as hoeing other crops, — and in harvesting, by help of the plough
run along side of the rows, it is obvious that the same quantity
could be gathered, in far less time. I have referred to the French
turnip in the above remarks, — a name, however, which has almost

11 0 ON ROOT CROPS.

entirely disappeared from the books and agricultural papers, Swedish
turnips being almost the only thing of the kind now talked of.

The^/ suffer less from frost. Turnips can be left safely in the
ground till all other crops are gathered in. The ground may freeze
quite hard without serious injury to the crop; and then they may
be kept in a cellar entirely too cold for any other roots.

They will keep late in the spring, if kept cold. The English
turnip grows corky, but the French and Swedish do not.

Swine will grow and fatten on them. Judge Buel said that his
neighbor Bement, of Albany, kept twenty hogs, mostly full grown
breeders, from the 1st of November to the 15th of February, in the
winter of 1638 and '39, upon ruta baga and buckwheat bran, giving
them six bushels of roots and one of bran each day, at three feed-
ings— two of the feedings being on raw roots, and one on boiled.
" When he began to feed with the roots, the hogs were low in flesh ;
at the termination of the three and a half months, they were too
thrifty for breeding, and some of them fit for the butcher. The
owner estimated that four quarts of corn to each hog per day, for
all that time, would not have brought them into a better condition
than did the turnips and bran." The corn, at seventy cents per
bushel, would be worth one dollar and seventy-five cents per day.
The six bushels of roots, at twenty-five cents per bushel, would be
worth but one dollar and fifty cents. The bushel of bran would cost
but a trifle, of course. But suppose the expense were equal. An
acre of turnips does but moderately well when it produces 600
bushels to the acre ; — this would be equal to 100 bushels of corn,
which is an amount that few fields in Massachusetts ever produce.

Neat Cattle do well on turnips. Gov. Hill tried it in the winter
of 1839. He gave his oxen turnips once a day, cutting them with
his own hands ; and he says that with the aid of the coarsest inter-
val hay, they worked nearly every week-day, and continued to
thrive : — and cows fed with the same, and corn butts and oat straw,
yielded milk abundantl}^ — much more, says he, than if fed on the
best hay. The objection that the milk tastes of the turnip is not
well founded ; it will taste if cows eat the tops ; and so will the
beef of the animal that feeds on tops ; — but the most abundant
feeding of the root itself communicates no disagreeable flavor, but
contributes to the flesh of the one and the milk uf the other.

ON ROOT CROPS. Ill

Neat cattle and sheep have trebled in England since the culture
of the turnip crop commenced, about fifty years ago. And the in-
crease is attributed by writers on the svxbject almost wholly, if not
entirely, to the turnip culture. " English agriculture has been rev-
olutionized by it." Mr. Webster saw these fields of turnips, of
three, four and five hundred acres.

The great extent of the turnip culture in Scotland, is evidence
that such crops cannot be unsuited to Massachusetts, as the climate
there resembles ours more than the English does.

Objections considered. " Few barns," it is said, " have a suit-
able cellar, and the labor of storing a large crop of turnips in the
house cellar, and of carrying them to the barn as they are wanted,
is an insuperable difficulty." The labor would not be trifling, but
how many tons of English hay, that could be spared in consequence
for the market, would it require, to hire a boy to do all the carrying ?
" Insects attack every kind of turnip,''^ it is further said. This
objection is a great one, it is admitted. The half acre of turnips
of which mention was made above, were green as the sea on the 1st
of July last, and about the 15th there were some half dozen spots
where the turnip louse was commencing. By the 1st of August,
every leaf was covered, aud remained so a little more than two
months, when thej^ yielded to a cold storm and disappeared rapidly.
They staid too long, however, for the crop. It was estimated in
June that there would be five hundred bushels upon the half acre —
there cannot now be one hundred bushels.

But this may not occur again in ten years. Besides, some very
simple remedy may be yet discovered. When the Government of
Sweden called the attention of Linnaeus to the fact, that all the ship
timber in the dock was worm eaten, he discovered the cause to be a
' little fly, and so simple a thing as laying the timber under water for
the few days, during which the fly laid its eggs, prevented the diffi-
culty entirely. Some other Linnaeus may find, that though he can-
not lay a turnip lot under water, there may be a kind of water which
can be sprinkled upon the turnip, destructive to the louse, and yet
safe for the plant. I would recommend an experiment, beginning
with soap suds, adding dissolved potash gradually, going from medi-
f um strength to one that would color the leaf. Animal life would feel
I it before vegetable. Something short of the death of the plant
would kill the louse, there can be no doubt. Much observation would

112 ON ROOT CROPS. ^

be necessary to (determine what strength of alkali would be required
but as the turnip Aphides is so perceptible to the eye, any one can
ascertain when it is sufficient to overcome the insect. It will be
a triumph worth achieving to overcome this pest, so contemptible for
its size, yet so mighty for its numbers. Like the army worm, nothing
vegetable can stand before it ; twenty generations — sometimes in a
single summer, so that " the son may finish what his short lived sire
begun."

With respect to using potash upon the turnip, though as before
stated, a strength that would spare the leaf, might destroy the in-
sects ; yet even if the leaf were killed and cut oflf with the scissors,
it would be a smaller evil than to allow the ravages to go on, because
though the leaf should be killed with the alkali, a new one would
grow long before the louse would otherwise leave it. The insect be-
gan to disappear in the case referred to, before the middle of Octo-
ber, and new leaves in many cases began to grow ; but it is obvious
that the leaf would have grown long before that time, had it been
cut off by the first of August.

Manure. — Any manure almost will answer for the French or
Swedish turnip. Upon the half acre referred to, which is an island
in Essex river, called Dilley Island, I spread rockweed and other
sea stuff, such as is washed up by the tide. This was the only kind
of manure that had for previous years been used. Probably the
plants derived their support from the rotten manure of the last year.

Quantity of Seed. — One pound of good is sufficient for an acre.
This will cost at the seed store about seventy-five cents.

Preparation of the ground. If the soil has dog grass in it, the
rows should be made across the furrows — that is, should run across
the furrows made in ploughing the field, and these rows should be
made, not with cultivator teeth, but with a pair of oxen or horses,
and a plough large enough to go through the dog grass turf, and
then mellow soil hoed in to fill these cross furrows, so that the plants
may have a free soil to work in. And one excellent effect of a
French turnip crop upon dog grass is, to shade, and smother, and
extirpate that foul weed.

Since the potatoe has been suffering from the inscrutable disease
•which has prevailed so fearfully, French turnips have come in as a
tolerable substitute for the table. A farmer in Essex, who raised
them among his corn, sold them at fifty cents per bushel, for cash,
at Gloucester market.

ON Root CROPS. 113

Hie cultivation of Root Crops is receiving increasing attention,
and in some departments of it the products bid fair to exceed in
value almost every other product of the garden or field. Three
hundred acres of the best land in Danvers are devoted to the onion.
It is painful to learn, as we do from Mr. Proctor's letter, appended
to this report, that there has this year been a comparative failure.
Had an average crop been obtained, of 400 bushels to the acre, the
yield in that town would have been 120,000 bushels. The Indian
Corn crop, in Danvers, a few years since, was valued by the town
Assessors at $8,357 only ; while the onions, this year, at fifty cents
a bushel, with the success which has generally attended, would have
been worth $60,000. This is nearly twice the value of all the
English and other hay raised in the same town in the year 1844.

It will be seen by the letter referred to, that, owing to the heat
or some other cause, the onion louse has this year made its appear-
ance. This is greatly to be regretted. No conceivable drought or
heat is so much to be dreaded, as an army of insects. The destruc-
tion of the tribes that occasionally assail our crops, is a subject of
sufficient importance to call forth the united energies of the Agri-
cultural Societies throughout the world. Let premiums of sufficient
value be offered to naturalists at home and abroad, to induce them
to turn their attention to this subject. It is no place here for more
than a hint. But the N. E. Farmer of 27th Oct. informs us that
on a farm in Michigan, near Fort Huron, during the past summer,
the army worm, so called, has " marched through field after field,
in solid phalanx, devouring everything in their way. Where a crop
of 5000 bushels of oats was expected, there will not be a single
bushel. One tenant was driven from his house, and the owner, on
the opposite side of Black river, was able to keep possession of his
dwelling only by attacking them on the bridge and sweeping thera
into the river." And the destruction of whole fields of turnips by
the louse in the county of Essex, is a sufficient admonition to pre-
pare for such an insect invasion as certainly seems to threaten a
famine of SDme of our indispensable crops. The undersigned would
respectfully but earnestly suggest the importance of printing Dr.
Harris's treatise upon insects, in the present number of the trans-
actions.

[' One crop only has been entered with the Committee for premium.
This is by Francis Dodge, of Danvers. The crop is one of Carrots,
: 16

114 ON ROOT CROPS. *

at the rate of twenty-eight and three quarter tons per acre. His
statement is found below, and the Committee think that Mr. Dodge
is entitled to the Society's premium of six dollars, and recommend
that it be awarded to him.

DAVID CHOATE, Chairman.
Essex, Nov. 17th, 1849,

The annexed letter from the President of our Society b inserted^
as containing facts worthy of being registered :

Danvers, Oct. Sa, 1849.

My Dear Sir, — I am pleased to learn that you will prepare a
Report on the cultivation of Roots, notwithstanding our cultivatorar
have failed to forward statements of their crops the present season.
It sesms to me quite as important to take notice of the failure of
crops, and to trace the causes thereof, as their success. I will state,
briefly, such facts as have come to my knowledge, from intercourse .
with the cultivators of this neighborhood, to be used at your distj
cretion.

1st. As to the Onion crop. In this there has been a failure.
IRot more than half the usual quantity raised to the acre, upon.aTj,^
average. The cause of this failure is thought to have been, not so
much th« drought, as the extreme warmth, in the early part of the,
season. Shortly after the warm days referred to, the onions began.j
to falter, and in many places became lousy, or covered with a small
light-colored insect, that stints and impedes the growth of the plant ;
some fields were entirely destroyed in this way. This happened
quite as extensively among the most careful cultivators as others.
More on ground long appropriated to the onions, than new land.
Some fields suffered from the drought, where the ploughing had *
been shallow for several successive years ; — but generally the failure
in the crop is supposed to have' been ocsasioned by the cause first j
mentioned. Very few have obtained more than three hundred bush' ,
els to the acre, where they expected four or Jive hundred; gener*.
ally the crop has been less than two hundred bushels to the acre.
Taking into view that three hundred acres, at least, of our best
lands, the present season, were appropriated to the gixrwjttg.of th©^

ON ROOT CROPS. 115

Onion, the town has been taxed more heavily, in the loss on this cropy
than in any other manner.

2d. As to the Carrot Crop. It is good — never better. Many
fields yield twenty tons and upwards to the acre. This plant is ex-
tensively cultivated. Corrots readily sell per ton at more than half
the price of English hay. They are thought to be a sure and valu-
able crop. They will not do well for several years in succession, on
the same land. Notwithstanding the drought was very severe in
August and September, it affected this crop very little. I have
heretofore remarked upon the benefits accruing to the land from the
cultivation of the carrot, and have attributed it to the deep stirring
incident thereto,

3d. As to the Beet Crop. Some farmers have raised a very good
crop of the turnip beet, and esteem it a valuable product ; — but gen-
erally the beet is not much cultivated ; not so much, I think, as it
ought to be. I have seen a few patches of the sugar beet, of lim-
ited dimensions, very well grown.

4th. As to the Potato Crop. Potatoes are very fair in appear-
ance and abundant in quantity — but of doubtful character. Some
farmers have lost more than half their crop, within a few weeks after
they put them into their cellars. Others are so doubtful as to the
character of the potatoes, notwithstanding their entire fair appear-
ance, that they are unwilling to take them to market, through fear
that they will prove valueless. As near as I can learn, one half of
the expected crop of potatoes in this town, the present season, will
be lost. The man who shall trace the true cause of this blight, and
prescribe an adequate remedy, will render the community a service
of more value, than has ever been rendered by the most successful
military chieftain. Pardon my presumption in making these sugges-
tions. I do it under the impression, that if we could obtain, from
eye-witnesses, an exact description of the actual state of the pro-
ducts in their respective neighborhoods, in all the towns of the
county, it would afford a mass of information, when continued for
several years, of very great utility.

Very truly yours,

J. W. PROCTOR.

To David Choate, Esq., Chairman of Committee on Root Crops.

116 ON ROOT CROPS.

FRANCIS DODGE'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Moot Crops :

Gentlemen, — I offer for premium a crop of Carrots, raised on
192 rods of land ; the product being 1046 baskets, a basket weigh-
ing 66 pounds, making thirty-four and a half tons, or at the rate of
twenty-eight and three quarter tons per acre. The land was a dark
loam, resting on a subsoil of clayey gravel, and would be called by
most persons rocky land. A crop of carrots was taken from the land
last year — the exact amount I do not know. The manure applied
was about seven cords of musclebed per acre. This year it had ten
cords of manure from the barn cellar spread upon it and ploughed
in, the first of May, the plough running about ten inches. After
this ploughing it remained a week or ten days, giving time for the
weeds to start, when a heavy harrow passed over the ground, killing
most of them. On the 2d of May it was ridged up with a small
plough, drawn by a horse, going twice in the same furrow. My
reason for thus ridging the land was, I thought it less expensive to
rake the rocks into the dead furrow, than in any other way to get rid
of them ; though there cannot be so many rows on a given piece, the
seed being sown on the ridge. The rows were twenty-two inches
apart. After the land was ridged, a common hand rake passed over
them, leaving nearly a level surface.

Up'^n this ground one pound of seed of the common Orange va-
riety was sown from a wooden machine. The carrots were hoed
three times and weeded twice, the last hoing being just before the
tops covered the ground. They were dug with a spade, and the
tops carefully saved and fed to my cows, the tops at that time being
knee high. Perhaps I ought to remark that on one side stood a row
of apple trees, that damaged the crop some five tons.
The expense of cultivation was as follows :

Interest on land at 6 per cent., - - 7,20

Ten cords of manure, at $6 per cord, - - 60,00

Spreading the same .... 3,00

Ploughing do. - - • - - 2,50

Harrowing do. • • - 2,00

Ploughing with horse and raking, • - 4,00

Seed, - - . . 1,00

Sowing, - . - . .1,00

Hoeing and weeding, • - • 15,00

ON POULTRY. 117

Digging, - .... 21,00

Total expense, - . - $116,70

Value of crop, thirty-four and a half tons, at 7 per

ton, . . - - 241,50

Value of tops, .... 7,00

One half of manure to land, - - 30,00

$278,50
Deduct expense ... 116,70

Nett profit, • - • $161,80

FRANCIS DODGE,
Danvers, November, 1849.

ON POULTRY.

The Committee on Poultry, Report :

That they have examined the Fowls which were entered for pre-
mium, and have awarded the following premiums and gratuities :
To Eben Sutton, Salem, for the greatest and best variety

of Barn-yard Fowls, premium, $5 00

Thomas G. Dodge, Newburyport, fine Chinese or Shanghai

Fowls, gratuity, 2 00

True G. Morrill, Georgetown, best lot of Poland Fowls,

premium,
E. B. Little, Haverhill, fine Chinese Fowls, gratuity,
Daniel Buxton jr., Danvers, Black Spanish Hens, do.
Andrew Dodge, Wenham, variety of mixed breeds, do.
Stephen Osborn, Jr., Danvers, a large variety of fowls, do.
i Hiram L. Roberts, Beverly, Malay and Chinese breeds,
crossed, do.
Ephraim Hathaway, two fine Geese, do.
Joseph Peterson, a good lot of Chinese fowls,
Benjamin Hill, good specimens of fowls, breed unknown,

one Friesland Hen, do. 50

J. S. Ives, Salem, a cross of fowls, Bantum, and mixed
I breeds, do. 50

I J> Woodbury, ben, of native breed, do. 60

2

00

1

00

1

00

1

00

2

00

1

50

1

00

1

00

118 ON POULTRY.

Adam Nesmith, Beverly, mixed breeds of hens, 1 00

Daniel Putnam, Danvers, a good lot barn yard fowls, do. 1 00

The Committee were much gratified by the exhibition of so large
a variety, and such good specimens of the different breeds of fowls.
Within a few years past, much attention has been paid to this sub-
ject throughout the county, and the improvement of the various
breeds is beginning to assume the importance it deserves.

The domestic cock was formerly considered by ornothologists to
be a species of the pheasant ; they now, however, separate it from
that tribe, and make a distinct genus, under the name of G-alluSy
the latin word for a cock.

It is not our intention at this time to go into a description of the
origin of this useful bird, which was known, and has been held in
estimation from the remotest period of antiquity ; our present pur-
pose is, to offer some statistics, which will show the value of this in-
terest to the community ; some description of the best known varie-
ties of fowls ; and some general rules respecting their rearing and
management.

In an article which appeared in the Daily Evening Transcript,
published at Boston, November 9th, 1849, the writer says:

"By reference to the Agricultural statistics of the United States,
published in 1840, it will be seen that the value of poultry in the
state of New York, was two millions, three hundred and seventy-
three thousand and twenty nine dollars ; which was more than the
value of all the swine in the same state ; nearly equal to one half the
value of its sheep ; the entire value of its neat cattle, and nearly five
times the value of its horses and mules." By the same statistics it
also appears that the '"value of poultry in all the states and territo-
ries of the Union, was twelve millions one hundred and seventy-six
thousand one hundred and seventy dollars.

The value of all the poultry in the Union, at the present time,
must be much greater, not only from the increased population of our
country, but more particularly from the general interest which is felt
in this branch of domestic economy.

In the article in the Transcript, above referred to, the writer fur-
ther says, — "The amount of sales of poultry, at the Quincy market,
for the year 1848, was six hundred seventy-four thousand, four hun-'»
dred and twenty-three dollars ; the average sales of one dealer
alone, amoimting to twelve hundred dollars per week, for the whole

ON POtJLTRY. 119

year. The amount of sales for the whole City of Boston, for the
same year, was over one million of dollars. The amount of sales of
eggs, in and around the Quincy market, for 1848, was one million,
one hundred and twenty-nine thousand, seven hundred and thirty-five
dezen, which, at eighteen cents per dozen, makes the amount paid
for eggs to be, tvo hundred and three thousand, three hundred and
fifty-two dollars and thirty cents ; while the amount of sales of eggs
for the whole city of Boston, for the same year, was a fraction short
of one million of dollars ; the daily consumption of eggs at one of
its hotels being seventy-five dozen daily, and on Saturday, one hun-
dred and fifty dozen. One dealer in the egg trade, at Philadelphia,
sends to the New York market daily, nearly one hundred barrels of
eggs ; while the value of eggs shipped from Dublin to Liverpool and
London, was more than five millions of dollars for the year 1848."

The foregoing statement will, we think, convince the farmer that
the rearing of poultry is a subject worthy of more attention than has
heretofore been bestowed upon it. Writers describe many varieties
of the domestic fowl, but we shall confine our remarks to some of the
well known breeds, and those which we think will be the most profit,
able for the farmer to keep.

I. Tlie Malay Fowl.
In a valuable treatise on Domestic Fowls, by H. D, Richardson,
published in Dublin, in 1849, the author says — *'The Malay fowl
has, as its name implies, been brought, originally, from the peninsula
of that name, at the southern point of the continent of India. He
stands very high on the legs, is long necked, serpent-headed, and is
m color usually a dark brown, streaked with yellow, sometimes, how-
ever, white ; his form and appearance are grand and striking in the
extreme. This fowl is also frequently called the Chittagong. The
Malay fowl that were originally imported, were by no means such
birds as I could recommend to the notice of the breeder, their size
possessing too much offal, as neck, legs, and thighs, and the flesh,
moreover, being dark colored and oily. Another variety, that rep-
resented by the cut, that has been since introduced, which is well
worthy of our attention. As a cross, this Malay has indeed proved
a most valuable addition to our poultry yard, the cross-breed possess-
ing all the hardiness of our native domestic fowl, with the gigantic
sizQ of the foreij;n stock."

120 ON POL'LtRr.

II. The /Spanish Fowl.

This foTvl IS frequently, but erroneously, called the Italian Fowl.

Mr. Richardson says — " I regard these birds as the result of the
highest possible artificial culture, and adduce in support of my opin-
ion, their unusually large comb and Avattles, characteristics not com'
monly to be met with among primitive varieties. The color of the
Spanish Fowl is black, and the feathers of the legs, thighs and belly,
are particularly decided in their hue, and of a velvety aspect. One
of the most striking characteristics of this fowl is a white cheeky and
the comb and wattles are singularly large, simple, and of a very high
color ; the feet and legs are of a leaden color, except the soles of the
feet, which are of a dirty flesh hue. This is a fowl well deserving
the attention of the breeder as table birds. They hold a place in the
very first rank, their flesh being particularly white, tender and juicy.
The hens are likewise layers of the first order."

III. The DorUng Fowl.

In his article on this Fowl, Mr. Richardson says —
" The Dorking would appear to owe its name to its having been
cheifly bred in a town of Surrey of the same appellation. That the
yeculiarity of five toes, or in other words, two hind toes instead of
one, is to be regarded as a distinctive character, is bp some writers
questioned, and by others wholly denied. For my part, I should say
whenever this characteristic is absent a cross has been at work.
The color of the Dorking is generally pure white, spotted or span-
gled with black ; these colors will sometimes merge into a gray or
grizzle. These birds have been long prized, and it is now many
years since their superiority over our ordinary domestic varieties
was originally discovered and appreciated."

The author of an article (which appeared in April, 1849, in that
excellent periodical, the Albany Cultivator,) on '• the Dorking
Fowl," says of the fifth toe : " The writer has in several instances
seen it in the Polish and the Bantam breeds. There is no doubt
that it is a mere freak of nature, similar to the production of an
extra finger or toe in some families of the human race."

Our own opinion is, that the fifth toe may be considered a distinc-
tive mark of the Dorking. This fowl is well known in our vicinity,
and several gentlemen (among others, Charles G. Loring, of Bev-

t)i>i POULTRt. 121

erly, Allen W. Dodge, of Hamilton, R. P. Waters, of Beverly, and
John H. Brookhouse, of Salem,) have found this breed excellent
layers, and good fowls in all respects.

IV. The Polish Fowl.

Mr. Richardson speaks of three sub-varieties of the Polish Fowl.

1st. The Spangled Polish, " a bird of extraordinary beauty, and
extremely scarce."

2d. The black fowl, with a white tuft on the crown.

3d. A variety, which he says " is the most pure and unmixed of
the three. Its color is a brilliant white, with a jet-black top-knot.
I have never myself seen a specimen of the breed, and have every
reason to suppose it extinct, or nearly so.

The second variety, the black fowl with a white tuft on the crown,
is well known to farmers, and is justly considered a valuable breed.
These fowls are excellent layers, and seldom inclined to sit ; in or-
der, however, to insure their laying well in winter, they must be
kept warm. The chickens, when young, are delicate, and much
■affected by the changes of the weather. Mr. Richardson speaks of
"" these birds as having been brought from St. Jago by the Span«
iards, to whom they owe their first introduction into Europe. Their
color is a shining black, and both cock and hen have the white top-
knot."

V. TIlb Cochin China Foivl,

'Of this fowl Mr. Richardson says :

" This gigantic bird has been only v^ry recently introduced into
Great Britain, and it is to that Royal Patroness of poultry fanciers,
the nature-loving Victoria, that we owe its addition to our stock of
domestic fowls. This variety of fowl so far surpasses, both in size
and power, all that we have ever yet seen in the shape of poultry,
as to have led many persons not conversant with Eoology, on first
viewing them, to refer them to the family of Bustards. They are,
however, genuine poultry. Their general color is rich, glossy brown,
deep bay ; on the breast is a marking of a blackish color, and of the
shape of a horse-shoe ; the comb is of a medium size, serrated, but
not deeply so, and the wattles are double. Besides their gigantic
Size, however, these fowl possess other distinctive characteristics,
among which I may mention, as the most striking, that the wing is
jointed, so that the posterior half can. at pleasure, be doubled up,

122 ON POULTRY.

and brought forward between the anterior half and the body. Thd
birds can do this at pleasure, and the appearance the manoeuvre im-
parts to their form, has procured for them the title of Ostrich Fowl.
The flesh is white and delicate. The eggs laid by the hen of this
variety are large, of a chocolate color, and possess a very delicate
flavor. They are very prolific.

In an article on the " Kulm or Malay Fowl," in the Albany Cul-
tivator of February, 1849, we find the following remarks :

" The celebrated Cochin China Fowls kept in Queen Victoria's
Aviary, are regarded by Martin as only a sub-variety of the great
Malay. Valuable stocks have originated from crossing diflerent
branches of the Malay with other breeds. Dickson thinks it is very
probable that the Dorking originated by a cross between the Malay
and the Game-fowl. A ^Yriter in the Scottish Quarterly Journal of
Agriculture is of the same opinion. The Jersey blue indicates a
Bimilar mixture."

VI. Chinese Fowls.
The Chinese Fowls with which we have been familiar, differ in
appearance from the Cochin China Fowls above described, although
in size and color there are some points of resemblance. The origi-
nal stock was imported from Canton some years since. Of these
fowls, we can speak with confidence. They lay well throughout the
year, their eggs being of a buff or nankin color ; their flesh is good ;
they are peacable in their dispositions, hardy, and easily raised ;
their wings are so small in proportion to their bodies, that they are
unable to fly over fences. And in this connexion we would observe,
that if this breed is kept, the first perch should be, at the extent,
not more than two feet above the floor of the hen-house.

VII. The Dung-hill Fowl.

*' The Dung-hill Fowl," Mr. Richardson says, " occupies in the
poultry-yard precisely the position of the cur-dog in the kennel, be-
ing, in fact, the produce of a miscellaneous intermixture of most of
the ordinary domestic varieties, and constantly differing in its ap-
pearance, with the accidents which may have influenced its parent-
age.'*

Mr. Richardson is probably correct in the rank he assigns to the
Dung-hill Fowl, but still it is not improbable that this breed, which

ON POULTRY. 128

may be called the native stock of our country, might, if the same
attention were bestowed upon it, by judicious crossing, become equal
to any of the above described kinds.

Many varieties of fowls besides those above mentioned are de-
scribed in works on poultry, and some of them may be valuable,
perhaps as muc'i so as any of which we have spoken, but the Com-
mittee think that their duty will be better performed, by confining
their remarks to breeds which have been proved to be good. Of
the above described varieties, they would particularly recommend
the Spanish, Dorking, Chinese and Polish. The Malay, too, crossed
with the Dorking, might produce a valuable breed ; and the Chinese,
crossed with the Dorking, Spanish, or Polish, would, perhaps, prove
still more valuable. The Committee cannot condemn in too strong
language, the practice of breeding in and in ; if this course is pur-
sued, the best stock will soon degenerate.

Selection of Stock.

For the choice of a cock, Mr. Richardson gives the following di-
rections : He " should be in perfect health — feathers close and
rather short — chest compact and firm — full in the girth — lofty and
elastic gait — large and firm thigh — beak short, and thick at its in-
sertion. Next to health and strength, age is to be duly considered.
Neither select a cock that is too old, nor one that is too young ; let
the age be from a year and a half to three years and a half. Some
cocks retain their vigor till they are even past six years old."

The proportion of cocks to hens must depend upon the object we
have in view.

Mr. Richardson says : " If you look for profit to the production
of eggs alone, I should say that one cock, if a stout, young and
lively bird, may have as many as twenty-four hens. If, however,
you want to obtain strong and thriving chickens, you must restrict
him to six, or, at most, eight. If your object be the improvement
of a worn-out or degenerate breed, the fewer hens you allow to one
cock the better, and you should not, at any rate, allow him more
than three."

In selecting eggs for setting, we take such as are not misshapen
nor small ; the number to bo used depends upon the size of the
hen.

124 ON POULTRY.

Manner of Feeding.

The following method will be found a good one : Once a day, in
summer, feed on a mixture of corn and barley, or corn and cats.
This will be sufficient, if your fowls have a large enclosure, where
they can obtain gravel, insects, worms and green food ; if they are
confined to a small space, these substances must be supplied them
liberally ; in winter, keep corn, mixed sometimes with barley and
sometimes with oats, constantly before them, as well as pounded
oyster shells, burnt bones, or clam shells ; occasionally, give boiled
potatoes mashed, and mixed with Indian meal, or bran, warm, but
not hot. Let them have wood ashes, to dust themselves in, and an
abundance of clean water, fresh every day ; in freezing weather,
the water should be luke-warm. Chickens require no food for the
first twenty-four hours after they are hatched ; we have, however,
been in the habit of giving them water, in about twelve hours from
the time they leave the shell. After the first twenty-four hours, for
the two succeeding months, give cracked corn dry, three or four
times a day ; occasionally vary their food, by giving soa\etimes
cooked meat, chopped fine, and sometimes crumbs of bread. We
think dry food much better for young chickens than dough, or any
substance mixed with water. An abundance of clean water should
be constantly before them.

Mr. Richardson says, that " it will not answer to feed fowls
wholly upon any one variety of food; neither will it be found ad- ■
visable to feed upon any one class of food. Fowls require a mixture i
of green food with hard food, fully as much as horses or cattle do.
When the birds have the advantage of an extensive walk, they will '
find this fo" themselves ; when they do not possess such an advan- .i
tage, you must provide green food for them. Fowl of all kinds re- '
quire sand or gravel, as an aid to digestion, being, in fact, necessary
to promote a medium of trituration in the gizzard, as well as to sup-
ply calcareous matter for their egg-shells."

We copy from the Albany Cultivator, of August last, the follow-
ing article on " Keeping Hens."

" Mr. J. M. Mason, of Orwel, Vermont, usually winters two
hundred hens. His practice is, to buy pullets in the month of No-
vember. He buys those which were hatched early, as such are the
best to lay ,iQ winter. They cost about twelve and a half cents
.each. Thev are fed, in a great degree, on mutton. Mr, M. buys ■

ON POULTRT. 125

sheep in the fall at low prices — about what their pelts and tallow are
worth. The carcasses are boiled, the tallow saved, and the flesh
and bones, after being allowed to freeze, are kept till spring, — a
suitable portion being fed to the hens daily. They are allowed, in
addition to the meat, a little corn, oats, or buckwheat. They lay
well through the .vinter, — comfortable quarters being provided for
them, — and continue to produce eggs in abundance till June. It is
found most profitable to sell the whole stock at this period, as they
are generally fat, and will bring from twenty to twenty-five cents
a-piece. If kept through the summer, they lay but little in the
■warm months, the eggs will keep but a short time, the fowls grow
poor in moulting, and if kept another year, will not lay as well as
young ones. Mr. M. keeps hens only, (no cocks,) and is inclined
to think he obtains as many eggs, and that they keep better, when
not impregnated. As to varieties, he has tried several, and thinks
the top-knots will generally lay rather more eggs the first season ;
but their carcasses are of less value than most other kinds."

Hen House.
The Hen House should be dry, airy, and light, and, if possible,
have a southern exposure, with glass windows, to admit the sun in
cold weather ; it should be frequently and thoroughl}'- cleaned out.
It should be lathed and plastered, for hens must be kept warm in
winter, in order to ensure their laying well. Some persons, in the
coldest weather, keep a little fire in the coop, which is a good plan.
There should be two distinct apartments — one for laying and one
for roosting — and these should be separated by a partition, having
an opening, with a sliding door, for the fowls to pass through.

It is best to have the coop entirely above ground ; one under
ground is warmer in winter, and cooler in summer, but is always
damp, and we are satisfied that hens thrive best, and lay best, in a
perfectly dry atmosphere. It is rarely the case that hens lay during
the season of moulting, and as this does not take place until the
second year, young fowls may be relied upon for laying, while the
older ones are moulting.

In most of the hen-houses we have seen, neither the roosting nor
I the laying apartments have been large enough, and the laying ones
■ have not contained a sufficient number of nests. Frequent white-
, washing of the coop, the roost??, and the boards enclosing the nesta,

126 ON POULTRY.

will be found useful, particularly in the spring of the year, after the
hens have been setting.

Diseases of Poultry.
Little attention has as yet been paid to the treatment of the dis-
eases of poultry ; owing to the fact that the death of a fowl or two
is not usually of much consequence. The books on poultry, how-
ever, prescribe remedies for various complaints to which fowls are
subject. We think that most of their diseases arise from neglecting
to keep the coops clean, from not giving them fresh, clean water,
and from not feeding them properly. Judiciously managed, they
are healthy, and subject to few diseases. When a fowl is sick, we
separate it from the rest of the flock, and if there seems to be no
chance of recovery, -we kill it, and put an end to its sufferings.

Profits of Poultry.

The Committee have no hesitation in expressing it as their opin-
ion, that fowls, with proper management, may be a source of profit
to the farmer. The care of them will afford amusement, and the
observati-on of their habits furnish instruction to his children.

Our remarks are already extended to such a length, that we have
only space to allude to the interesting meeting of " The New Eng-
land Convention of Fowl Breeders." which was held in Boston, on
the 15th, 16th, and 17th days of November, 1849.

Th(5 originators of this novel and interesting exhibition deserve
the thanks of the community, for a beautiful show of the various
kinds of fowls. The public, generally, were surprised at the va-
riety of birds exhibited, and the manifest improvement which
has, within a few years past, taken place in their breeding. We
trust that there will be a similar exhibition the next, and each suc-
ceeding year ; it awakens and keeps alive an interest in the subject,
stimulates a laudable ambition, and produces a competition which
•will be productive of highly beneficial results.

In conclusion, the Committee beg leave again to express their
gratification at the fine exhibition of poultry at the meeting of the
Society this year, and to hope that in future a still deeper interest
may be manifested in the subject. The study of animated nature
is one of intense interest to an inquiring mind ; and although the
rearing of a few hens and chickens may to some persons seem &

ON GRAIN CROPS. 127

trifling occupation, yet, when it is considered that in the United
States more than twelve millions of dollars are invested in poultry
alone, the subject assumes an importance deserving the attention of
the whole agricultural community.

For the Committee,

JOHN PICKERING, Chairman.

Remarks. Accompanying this report are several valuable communicalions, which our limits
■will not admit of being- inserted. We hope, however, that most of them will appear before th e
public in some of the journals particularly interested in the subject. Tlie general views are so
well stated by the Committee, that it is hardly possible to say more without repeating what has
already been said.

ON GRAIN CROPS.
The Committee on Grain crops have attended to the duty as-
signed them, and Report :

That there was but one claim for a crop of Wheat which came
within the rules of the Society — that of Henry Poor, of North
Andover, he having raised on 227 rods of land thirty bushels of
Spring Wheat, being a fraction over twenty -one bushels to the acre.
Mr. Poor has also raised on half an acre of ground fifteen bush-
els of White Flint Winter Wheat, equal to thirty bushels to the
' acre. The Committee are not aware that the cultivation of this
kind of Wheat has been much attended to in this county, although
in many parts of our country, and especially in Western New York,
whence, we believe, the seed was brought to this county, it is very
generally cultivated.

In the transactions of the Society for the year 1833, will be found

a statement from the late Hector Coffin, of Newbury, in relation to

! an experiment made by him with the same kind of wheat, which was

received from AYestern New York, and which produced a much

: greater yield than that of Mr. Poor. Mr. Coffin states that from

eight and one quarter quarts of this kind of wheat, he obtained from

[ a piece of ground not exceediug one quarter of an acre, twelve bush-

I els of clean, good grain, plump, and beautifully white.

From these statements, the Committee feel themselves authorized
to recommend to the farmers of Es^ex the cultivation of this kind
of Wheat.

128 ON GRAIN CROPS. j

I

The Committee would recommend that a gratuity of six dollars '
"be awarded to Mr. Poor for his half acre of White Flint Winter' j
Wheat, and that his communication be published. I

Mr. Poor also raised on 133 rods of ground fortj bushels of Bar- !
ley, but not coming within the rules of the Society, (one acre) the- j
Committee do not feel authorized to award any premium.* |

Mr. John Noyes, of Newbury, raised on one acre and two-thirds |
of a rod of land, thirty-five bushels and twenty-eight quarts of |
Summer Rye.

Mr. Daniel Osborn, of Danvers, raised on one half aore of land '

nineteen bushels of Winter Rye, but not coming within the rules of

the Society, (one acre,) the Committee do not feel authorized to ;

award any premium, but recommend that the communication of Mr. ;

Osborn be published.

. . ... I

There were four claims for the premium on raising Indian Com,, j

by the following persons, viz: — Joshua Foss, of Byfield, Henry'

Poor, of Andover, Daniel Putnam, of Danvers, and Moses Pettin- '

gill, of Topsfield. The statement of Mr. Pettingill has not been {

received. !

Mr. Foss raised from an acre 205 bushels of ears, equal to one
liundred and two and a half bushels of shelled corn, and- the Com-
mittee award to Mr. Foss the Society's premium for the best exper-
iment on Indian Corn.

Mr. Poor raised ninety-three bushels to the acre, and Mr. Put-
nam eighty-four and thirteen-fifteenths bushels to the acre, and we
recommend that the statements of Mr. Poor and Mr. Putnam be
published.

Samples of the Corn raised by Messrs. Foss and Poor were pre-
sented to the Committee. They were both eight rowed, but the
ears of Mr. Poor's corn were much larger than those of Mr. Foss,
and the Committee are fully of opinion that the medium sized corn
is much more profitable to the farmers of Essex, as a general rule,
than that of the largest size. j

The Committee would therefore recommend that there be awarded '
to Henry Poor, of Andover, for his acre of Spring Wheat, the So-
ciety's premium of $8 00

* Remark. "Wliere the claimant raises the full quantity reqtiired, on less than an acre, we see
110 good rea-ion why his claim is not entitled to consideration.

ON GRAIN CROPS. 129

And also for Mr. Poor's half acre of Winter Wheat, a gra-
tuity of 6 00
To John Noyes, of Newbury, for his acre of Summer Rye, 8 00
To Joshua Foss, of Byfield. for his acre of Corn, a premium

of 8 00

All which is respectfully submitted, by order of the Committee.

DANIEL ADAMS, Chairman.
Newbury, Nov. 19, 1849.

HENRY POOR'S STATEMENT;

To the Committee on Grain Crops :

Gentlemen — I present you with a statement of facts in relation

to my success in raising the following crops, to wit :

On 227 rods of ground I have harvested and threshed thirty

bushels Spring Wheat, a fraction over twenty-one bnshels to the
(1 acre.

i. On 133 rods of ground I have harvested and winnowed out, forty
, bushels of barley, which is forty-eight bushels three quarts to the

acre.

On a half acre of ground I have harvested fifteen bushels White
1 Flint Winter Wheat, which is equal to thirty bushels to the acre.
jl The quantity falling short of the Society's rule, requiring one acre

to produce twenty bushels. Samples of the grains will be shown at

the Eqhibition.
I Allow me to add a word in relation to the growing of Winter
i Wheat, and a few remarks as to my experience.
; I would suggest the importance of this crop to all farmers, being
; convinced that it is as sure and safe to cultivate as that of Winter

Rye, and as little liable to winter kill.
I Like all other crops, to be made profitable, it requires good soil
I and good cultivation, and an advantage to be gained is, that after

you have taken off your hay crop, the green sward may be turn 3d

[' in, and you are more sure of a wheat crop than on land that has been

i two or three years cultivated with other crops.

I have found ashes or slacked lime to be good, sowed on in the
17

130 ON GBAIN CROPS.

spring, and would also recommend rolling, as soon as 'the ground is
sufficiently dry in the spring. It adds compactness' to the soil,
and spreads the stocks of the wheat that often come up in clusters.
The same advantages are apparent as in rolling newly laid down
grass land — pressing in the roots which have become exposed and
thrown out by the action of frost.

I should urge the cultivation of Winter Wheat in preferunce to
Spring, for good and valid reasons. First, the yield will be far
greater. Second, the quality of grain much better. Third, (and
the great desideratum,) the grain will ripen three to four weeks
earlier than Spring sown, being in advance of the season of rust,
which often overtakes Spring Wheat in its ripening process.

I trust the subject of Wheat growing will become of more im-
portance to New England farmers generally ; and when they shall
have tried and fairly tested the experiment, I feel sanguine, no m&n
calling himself a farmer, will overlook this valuable crop.

Your obd't servant,

HENKY POOR.

North Andover, Sept. 24th, 1849.

JOHN NOYES'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Grain Crops :

Gentlmmen, — I submit for your consideration an account of a
crop of Summer Rye, raised on ene acre and two-thirds of a rod of
land, the present year (1849). The land on which said rye was
raised is of a clay loam.

In the spring of 1848, I dressed the land with seven cords of
common barn manure, planted it with potatoes, and raised a fair
crop for the season.

On the 10th or 11th day of April, 18^9, 1 sowed thirty -six quarts
of rye.

JOHN NOYES.
Newbury, Sept. 21, 1849.

ON GRAIN CROPS. 181

DANIEL OSBORN'S STATEMENT.

To tlie Committee on Grain Crojjs :

Gentlemen, — I present for your consideration a crop of Winter
Rye, raised on one half acre of land, from one half bushel of seed.
The rye was sown the latter part of the month of September, 1848,
after a crop of onions bad been harvested. The crop was harvested
in July. I obtiined from the half acre nineteen bushels of sound,
heavy rye.

Subjoined is a statement of the expenses and receipts of said
crop :

For preparing the land, - - - - $1 50

For seed and sowing, - - - - - 1 00

For harvesting, &c. &s., • - - - 5 00

Amount of expenditures,

For 19 bushels of rye, at $1 per bushel.
For one ton of straw, at 60 cents per cwt.^

Amount of receipts,

Amount of receipts over expenditures, - • ^23 60

DANIEL OSBORN.

Danvers, Sept. 26th, 1849.

$19
12

50

00
00

$31

00

JOSHUA FOSS'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Grain Crops :

Gentlemen, — I ofier for premium a crop of Indian Corn, ob-
tained from an acre of land, and measuring two hundred and five
bushels of ears, or one hundred and two and a half bushels of corn
to the acre. The corn is the eight rowed yellow kind, not the lar-
gest, but of medium size, and was planted the first and second days
of May ; — land a dark loam, with light subsoil. In 1847 the land
"was broken up and planted with corn and potatoes, and well manured
in the hill. In 1848, about three-quarters of the land was sowed
with oats and barley, without manure ; the other quarter was ma-
nured at the rate of twenty loads to the acre, spread on, and planted
with potatoes.

182 0^ QBAIH CEOF&.

In 1849 I spread on twenty-five cart loads of stable manure, thir-
ty-five bushels to the load, and ploughed in at least eight inches
deep. The ground was harrowed and furrowed, the rows three feet
apart, the hills two and a half feet, and fifteen loads dropped in the
hills, the corn dropped and carefully covered.

At the second hoeing the corn was thinned out, and only three
stalks left in a hill. The rows ran as near North and South, as pos-
sible. The corn suffered little from the drought, which I attribute
very much to the deep ploughing. At each hoeing, the surface of
the ground was kept as near a level as possible. The stalks were
cut about the 15th of September, and the succors were all carefully
cut out.

The corn was harvested between the 20th and 25th day of Octo-
ber. In addition to the corn there was about fifteen bushels of po-
tatoes on the same land, planted in the outside rows, to protect the
corn. The following is the amount of labar done the present season.
Four days with men and two with oxen, hauling, spreading, and
dropping the manure in the hills. Ploughing and harrowing, one
man and two horses, three quarters of a day. Man and horse, four
hours furrowing. One man, two days planting, with boy to drop
the corn. One man, boy, and horse, five hours cultivating. Hoe-
ing, the first time, four days. One man, boy, and horse, four hours
ploughing between rows. Hoeing, the second time, two days' work.
Cutting and binding the stalks, four days' work. Harvesting, six
days' work.

Yours respectfully,

JOSHUA FOSS.

Byfield, Nov. 8, 1849.

P. S. November 16. I have this day shelled two bushels of

eors of the above corn, and found the yield to be one bushel and four

and a half quarts.

J. FOSS.

HENRY POOR'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Gram Crops :

Gentlemen, — I have carefully measured one acre of corn — have
measured the ears and shelled a bushel basket full, and have ascer-
tained the exact product to be ninety-three bushels on the acre.

05 QRAI^f CROPS. 133

My whole field was a little rising three acres, and the corn is uni-
formly as large as the measured acre. It suffered very little from
drought. A few hills in a dry corner were rolled ; many of the
spindles were nine and a half and ten feet high. If any of the
Committee will inform me how to dispose of the butts, 1 would thank
them. I have been advised to sell them for " cord wood ; " they
are unprofitably large for fodder.

About half of my soil was sward land ; the other had been three
years in corn. T could not say which was best. I manured and
ploughed in — also manured in the hill. At weeding time I applied
a handful of ashes to the hill. Planted three and a half feet one
way, and two and three-quarter feet the other way. My manure
was all made in a barn cellar ; which, in my humble judgment, with
the working of swine amongst it, the saving of all the urine of the
stock, and the saving of evaporation, mixed with loam or muck,
makes it worth thirty-three and a third per cent, more than if suf-
fered to lie in an out of door exposure, subject to drying winds and
washing rains.

My practical experience in farming has been small, but what little
I do know induces the belief that a little good farming pays better
and gives more satisfaction, than a large amount of poor farming.
Make one acre, well manured, do the work of two, half manured —
how much labor would be saved ?

In seed time, it was not my purpose or thought to offer a crop of
corn for premium ; but the harvest justifies me in so doing. And
should I fail to meet the views of the Committee, it would not deter
me in the effort of good cultivation.

Very respectfully,
North Andover, 1849.

HENRY POOR.

DANIEL PUTNAM'S STATEMENT.

To the Committee on Grain Crops :

Gentlemen, — The amount of Corn raised by me from one acre of
land the present season is not so large as I have before raised, yet
it may be entitled to your favor. The land upon which it grew is
of a light, loamy soil, having a level surface. It has been used, for

134 ON GRAIW CKOPS,

some previous years, in the cultivation of carrots and onions. Last
year it was enriched with compost manure, using about seven cords
to the acre. The portion sowed for onions produced at the rate of
275 bushels to the acre ; that for carrots, at 550 bushels per acre.
On the first of May last, three and a half cords of compost manure
was spread upon it, then ploughed eight inches deep, taking a small
furrow-slice, so that the land was not inverted. On the fourth of
the month, it was marked out in rows, four feet apart each way ;
then planted, putting manure in the hill, of the same kind and quan-
tity as had been spread. The large, eight-rowed corn was used for
seed, allowing five kernels per hill. During the month of June, the
cultivator was often passed through the growing corn, but little was
done with the hoe. The surface was kept level, and sown with
grass seed on the 23d of July. The top stalks were cut the first
•week in September, — corn harvested November 1st and 2d. The
product, as you will see by an accompanying cercificate, was 6,365
net pounds ; allowing seventy -five pounds per bushel, making eighty-
four and thirteen-fifteenths bushels.

Estimated Expenses of Cultivation.
Ploughing with a pair of horses, in three hours.
Two and a half cords of barn cellar manure, at ^7 per cord,
Four and a half cords of meadow mud and soil,
Cost of mixing, two days' labor,
Carting and applying, - ...

Dropping and covering corn, ....

Seed Corn (1 peck), ....

Use of Cultivator, - - - - " -

Hoeing, - .....

Furrowing, ......

Cutting and binding top-stalks,

Harvesting, -.-...

$44 25

Estimated Value of Crop,
6,365 pounds, at one cent per pound, - - $63,65

Yalue of fodder, - - . - - 17 00

$80 65

1 00

17 50

4 50

2 00

6 00

1 00

25

2 50

2 50

50

2 50

5 00

EXPERIMENTS ON MANURES. 135

On weighing seventy-five pounds of the corn, it was found, on
shelling, to measure one bushel — the cobs weighing nineteen pounds.

Perhaps I may here say, that when a larger yield has been ob-
tained, I have planted nearer together, and have used a larger share
of stable manure.

Respectfully yours,

DANIEL PUTNAM.

North Danvers, Nov. 8, 1849.

EXPERIMENTS ON MANURES.

No application has been made for the premium, and the Commit-
tee have come to the conclusion that no further encouragement is
necessary ; for every farmer who husbands his means and saves and
makes a large quantity of good manure, and applies it judiciously,
is so well repaid that he needs no other premium or reward.

We have seen many instances of marked success in composting
manures, and some well worthy of imitation. One farmer, whose
farm abounds in peat muck, and whose cultivated lands are com-
posed mostly of sandy loam and gravelly loam, has applied compost-
to his crops with marked success. The last season, most of the
crops in our county suflfiired from drought in mid-summer ; his culti-
vated crops escaped the effects of it. There was nothing peculiar
in his method of cultivation, except that he applied his manure to
the surface and harrowed it well in, and in cultivating corn and
other hoed crops, kept a level suiface, without hilling up, as it is
barbarously called, and more barbarously practised. This farmer's
corn, planted in hills four feet apart, was judged to yield sixty
bushels to the acre. His potatoes, planted with compost, mostly
escaped the rot, while those planted on long and unfermented ma-
nure suffered much from it. His onions yielded well, while on sta-
ble dung, muscle bed, and the manures usually applied, the crop,
owing to the drought, was in many places almost a failure. For
carrots, beets and turnips, this compost has been found equally
effectual ; nor are its effects less lasting.

This farmer, who finds himself so well compensated that he does

186 EXPERIMENTS OK MANURES.

not ask for the Society's premium, has made within the last eighteen
months more than five hundred loads of compost manure. At times
when the ordinary work of the farm does not press, he employs his
laborers and team in carting into his barn and swine yards swamp
muck and peat ; this, after lying some months and imbibing the
droppings of his stock, is ploughed up, and after farther exposure
to their tramping and dropping, is thrown into heaps, where it lies
ready to be carried to the field. It is thought indispensable to have
the muck thoroughly rotten and decomposed. A piece of peat
as large and hard as a brick is as valueless for fertilizing pur-
poses as a stone of equal size ; but crumble it up, mix it with some
heating manure, and decompose it, and a load of peat compost is
worth more than a load of barn dung. When a sufficient quantity
of dung and urine has not been dropped in the yard upon the muck,
it is advisable to add more to the heap, and the farmer is well paid
for the additional labor of again forking over his manure ; the finer
and more snuffy it is made, the better it is adapted to furnish food to
the roots of plants.

Another method of making compost is, to cart directly into the
field where it is intended to use it, your swamp muck or peat, and
there compost, by making first a layer of muck about four inches in
depth, then a layer of dung, — horse dung is decidedly the best for
this purpose, — and so on, till your heap is four or five feet in height,
being careful to cover the whole with muck or earth, so that the am
monia shall not escape. In making a compost, you may use one
load of dung to three or four of muck, just in proportion to the
strength of the manure. In ward weather, with twice faithful fork-
ing over, your compost will be ready for use in six or eight weeks,
(and this is timely for use in ths autumn,) but it is always essential
that the peat should be thoroughly decomposed. Such a compost
on loamy, gruvelly, and sandy soils, is better than clear manure for
crops of corn, potatoes, vegetables of any sort, and for rye, no ma-
nure surpasses it.

But if you want a compost that will make your fields rejoice
with a luxuriant harvest, and that will be permanent in its effects,
to the muck and manure add ashes in the proportion of twenty -five
or thirty bushels to a cord of compost. But wood ashes and leached
ashes are too dear. That is true. And all the manure we purchase
in our countv costs as much, or more^ than in any other locality m

ON THE STATE SOCIETY'S BULL. 137

the Union. It becomes us, then, to be more saving, and make the
most of our resources. The value of peat ashes, compared with
wood ashes, has not been ascertained — but peat abounds with us,
and a cord of peet will yield more ashes than three cords of wood,
if properly prepared and burnt.

The farmer whose practise has been referred to, has burnt peat
toppings, imperfectly dried peat, stumps and sods, for the sake of
the ashes, which have been mixed with his compost, and he thinks
with decided good effects. When burnt in large heaps there is a
quantity of charcoal left, which, in the opinion of many competent
judges, is the most valuable of all fertilizers, and as far as our ob-
servation goes, it has not been over estimated. It can be made with
us as cheap as any where else. An acre of peat will produce four
or five hundred cords of fuel ; in our peat meadows we have at our
doors mines more valuable than those of California. How rich
and how happy would the farmers of our county be, if they would
be content to use and enjoy the blessings Heaven has lavished upon
them !

The Committee will not extend their reaiarks, but the subject of
composting manures deserves the attention of farmers, and is sure to
reward them for all their efforts. There are many other substances
besides peat which are valuable in the compost heap. Let every
man improve the means he has, and there will be less occasion for
dissatisfaction with our soil and climate, and less disposition for emi-
gration.

For the Committee,

DANIEL P. KING.

December, 1849.

OX THE STATE SOCIETY'S BULL.

The Committee who had in charge the receiving and disposal of

the Bull which the Massachusetts Agricultural Society kindly offered

to the Essex Agricultural Society for their use, until such time as

they may order him to be returned, went to Lexington on the 18th

of January last, and selected an Ayrshire Bull, a descendant of the

18

138 ON THE STATE SOCIETY'S BULL.

imported stock then in the care of Elias Phinney, Esq., and receipt-
ed for the same, in accordance with the rule prescribed by the Trus-
tees of the State Society.

A few days after, the bull was taken to Andover, to Dr. Kit-
tredge's farm, and on the third of February was taken to Moses
Newell's farm, in West Newbury, where he remained until April
28th, when he was taken to Eben G. Berry's, of Danvers, for the
use of cows. Previous to this time no cows had been put to him-.

He remained at Danvers until the first of June, and while there
he was put to eight cows-. He was then taken to Dr. Kittredge, of
Andover, where he remained until the first of July, during which
time fourteen cows were put to him. He was then taken to David
S. Caldwell's, of Byfield, and has been in his charge to this time,
and is to be kept there during the winter. Sixteen cows were put
to him in July and August, and eight since. The whole number of
cows put to him during the season was forty-six.

The cows put to the bull have generally been of good quality, — a
part are of extra quality, — a part have a mixture of late foreiga
importation, and one is described as being Durham, a great milker,
belonging to Charles G. Loring.

The bull is now nearly three years old, of medium size, fine dark
Fed, with a mixture of white, a sprightly, active animal, from Eng-
lish stock, possessing more than ordinary milking properties, accord,
ing to English publications. It is desirable that all his calves should
be raised, especially the heifers, that a fair experiment may be made
to test fully the difference in the quality of the half blood cows^
when compared with other milk stock, whether of late or early im-
portation. (By early importation we mean what is generally termed
native stock.)

If all the heifer calves are raised — say from twenty to twenty-
five — and compared with a like number raised under similar circum-
stances, and in the same vicinity, where no cross of late importation
has been resorted to, may we not then be prepared to decide, in
some goood degree, whether we have improved upon the original
stock imported at the settlement of the country, in the same ratio
that the British breeders have done, who have by various crosses
originated the variety known there as the Ayrshire ?

Still, whatever may be the result of this experiment, it may not
be that the A^yrshire is the best foreign variety to cross with our

ON THE STATE SOCIETY'S BULL. lo9

present stock ; and it is to be hoped that like experiments that are
now going on mth. the Ayrshire and the Devons, will be made with
the Irish Kersj and the Ilerefords. The short horns, or Durhams,
have a mixture of their blood in the county, mostly from the bull
Admiral, and although he was imported many years ago, and kept,
we believe, only at the farm of E. Hersey Derby, in Salem, yet
even now his descendants show size and points of fine form rarely to
be met with and combined in other varieties ; and none will deny
that some of them have proved first rate milkers.

Understanding that it is the design of the State Society to dis-
tribute the progeny of the stock they imported, we would recommend
to the Trustees of the Society to make application to the Trustees
of the State Society for an Ayrshire cow, at as early a day as they
may have one for disposal, in order that the county may be prepared
with full bloods to meet the wants of the dairy farmers in all parts
of the county. And also ask for a Devon bull, or a pair of Devons,
as soon as our turn may come, should they continue to distribute
their favors.

MOSES NEWELL,

JOSEPH KITRIDGE,

JOHN STONE, Jr.
Dec. 19, 1849.

The following letter, from the best authority as to the introduction
of foreign animals into New England, will be read with interest,
and fully explains the remark made at the close of the Report on
Dairy Products, page 40.

Ten Hills Farm, near Boston, Mass., )
December, 10th, 1849. (

John W. Proctor, Esq.,

Ml/ Dear Sir : — In reply to yours of the 23d ult. and of the 5th
inst ; the first and only importation, within my knowledge, of Gal-
loway Polled, or hornless breed of cattle into New England, was
about the years 1797 to 1800. A gentleman by the name of Joseph
Russell, then residing in Boston, imported, I think, six cows and a
bull, and placed them on what was then called Hog Island, now

140 EXPERIMENTS ON MANURES.

called Belle Isle, situated in the town of Chelsea, and there bred
them pure for fifteen or twenty years. I visited this island fre-
quently, and watched the progress of these cattle. I found them
hardy, taking on flesh readily, and silky in the handling or touch,
and as milkers they were fair, much above the average of our native
stock. The calves from this imported stock were generally raised
lor breeders, sold, &c. At one time, a large portion of the neat
cattle in Chelsea were of this Polled breed ; but the people of Chel-
sea gave little or no attention to preserve the breed pure. I scon
baw their mixed bloods — their oxen were ill-looking animals, with lit-
tle loose horns attached to the skin only, hanging and dandling about
their faces ; their pure blood cows were allowed to go with any little
runt of a bull. The late Benjamin Shurtleff, M. D., soon after pur-
chasing a farm in Chelsea, say some twenty to thirty years since,
obtained several of these cows, and he always, in speaking to me,
thought highly of their milking properties. This breed of cattle
have been spread abroad in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine,
Vermont, &o., but I tiiink it doubtful if the pure breed, male and
female, can now be found in this neighborhood. I mean possessing
all the original characteristics.

It has been said that the Galloway Polled has never been im-
proved by cross breeding with any other variety of stock.

There are, it is said, two varieties of the hornless breed of cattle.
The Scottish Galloway Polled, and the Suffolk Dun Polled — the last
mostly originating from the former. The Galloways giving the rich-
est, and the Suffolk Duns yielding the most milk. I am incUncd to,
think that the Russell importation were of the Suffolk Dun variety.
1 shall expect to see a good treatise on this subject by you.

Respectfully and very truly yours,

SAMUEL JAQUES.

NOTICi: OF MK. COLMAN. 141

The Committee* appointed at a late meeting of the Society, to re-
port to the Trustees such action as is proper to be taken in relation
to the decease of the

REV. HENRY COLMAN,

WHO DIED AT ISLINGTON, NEAR LOUDON, AUGUST lllh, 1849, AGED CI,

Submit the following :

J. W. Proctor, Chairman.
November 19, 1849.

The journals of our own and foreign lands have recently recorded
the death of Rev. Henry Colman, and borne ample testimony to
his eminent private worth and public usefulness. The church at
whose altars he ministered with distinguished ability, has already
rendered a beautiful tribute to his memory.

The homes of affluence and ease, of penury and suffering, — in all
of which his presence was greeted with equal cordiality — imparting
to the one additional delight by his agreeable vivacity and intelli-
gence,— diffusing in the other unwonted joy, by his sympathies and
charities, are now saddened with grief.

A distinct expression of the deep sense of bereavement sustained
by this Society, with whom he had so long been connected as asso-
ciate and Trustee, should be placed upon our Records. The vivid
impressions on our minds should be preserved for the benefit of those
who may come after us. Services so valuable should not be forgot-
ten. A character like his should be registered for imitation. The
possession of his virtues would brighteen and bless every farmer's
life, and gladden every farmer's home.

He was, in truth, one of whom it may justly be said, " we shall
not look upon his like again." With a childlike simplicity of
character that adapted itself to every circle, and to all occasions, he
■was everywhere at home, — and always, in whatever company he
might be, the centre of attraction. He was never at ease except
when actively engaged in doing good. Few men have accomplished
80 much in a life of the same length ; — and what he effected causes
a deeper regret, that he could not have been spared to complete
what he had contemplated.

Mr. Coiman was always an ardent lover of nature, and accustom-
ed to find recreation and delight in the study of her works. In the

* Freilrnck Howes of Salem, Rnenezor Mosely of Newbiir\7iort, Jam^s II. Dunran of Haver-
Jull, Daniel Adams ofNewbury. John \V. Proctor of Danvers. '

142 NOTICE OF MR. COLMAN.

various branches of Agriculture and Horticulture lie ever manifest-
ed a special interest. His aid was freely given, and not without
marked results, to every effort to encourage the study and to improve
the practice of these arts. Immediately on coming into this coun-
try, he became a member of this Society, and has been distinguish-
ed as one of its most active supporters. The farmers of Essex im-
perfectly know the obligations they are under for the many services
freely and voluntarily rendered for their benefit. The pages of our
Transactions bear testimony to the zeal and ability with which he
accomplished whatever he undertook. Whoever shall glance his
eye over these, for the ten years next following 1830, will find more
than two hunderd from his pen, — marked by a keenness of percep-
tion, and felicity of expression, rarely found in such productions.
The same sparkling brilliancy which beamed from bis eye, radiated
from all his paragraphs. His inimitable humor never failed to ar.
rest and enchain the attention of the reader. However repulsive
the subject, he had the faculty so to present it, as to avoid offence,
without the least sacrifice of truth.

No subject was too abtruse for his philosophic reflection, — none
too minute for his searchinir observation.

When a Commissioner for the Agricultural Survey of the Com-
monwealth was to be appointed, his ardor in the pursuit of this Sci-
ence, marked him as the fit agent to accomplish the desire of the
State. In discharging the duties of this office he became favorably
and extensively known. The fruits of his labor are plainly to be
seen in the improved methods of farming ; and in the increased in-
terest and respect. Avith which the pursuit of the farmer is regarded.
He inspired many Avith fresh courage and hope, who were dishearten-
ed by repeated failures, or discouraged with little success. He awak-
ened a generous emmulation, which brought into active operation a
great amount of dormant energy, and replaced by industry and skill,
what in many cases had been lost through sloth or ignorance. If there
are any who were inclined to question the utility of this commission ; —
there are probably few, who could match the industry and persever-
ance with which its duties were discharged. If there are any who
are disposed to cavil at the accuracy of Mr. Colman's facts and opin-
ions, there are probably none who will deny the salutary impulse he
gave to Agricultural improvsments.

In the autumn of 1842, Mr. Colman embarked for Europe, in-
tending to make such a survev of the indijstrial and a^rricultural

NOTICE Oy AIK. COLMAX. 143

pursuits of other lands, as would not only griitif)' his own long cher-
ished desires, but enable him to present to his own countrymen, ex-
amples Avorthy of immitation.

Upon his arrival in England he became the object of attention
and respect, such as had rarely been shown to any private citizen.
The privilege Oi familiar intercourse with the highest classes of so-
ciety, was freely accorded to him, — securing at once the most refined
social and intellectual enjoyments. The field now open before him,
expanded beyond his utmost expectations, — and though it offered
much to encourage and gratify, yet, to explore it fully, and to reap
its fruits, demanded the most exhausting labor. All the energies
of body and mind were put in constant requisition. Nor should it be
forgotten how the finer sympathies of the heart, always active, were
excited, by the examples of suffering and misery constantly presented
to his view.

After six years absence, Mr. Colman returned in the autumn of
'48 ; but his health was so impaired that he was compelled to relin-
quish many of the plans he had contemplated. His ever active be-
nevolence prompted him to many efforts, which his failing strength
could no longer sustain. At the unanimous request of this Board,
he readily consented to deliver the Address at our late Anniversary,
(if life and health permitted, a condition added by him, with that de-
vout reference to the overruling Providence, which characterized ev-
ery movement of his life) and the hope Avas fondly indulged by all,
of being again enlivened by his wit, and instructed by his wisdom.
But our hope was to be disappointed ; and death has now sealed
that disappointment forever.

To his example and instructions are we indebted as much as to
those of any other individual (Col. Pickering always excepted,) for
what we have been able to accomplish. He was ever ready to hold or
drive, as opportunity presented. His willingness to help, aAvakened
a corresponding zeal to help ourselves. He not only sustained us in
youth, when our Father * was called away, but he inspired us with
strength and confidence to go alone. Now, having arrived at years
of discretion; shall we be unmindful of the guide of our youth ?
Shall Ave not prove by our Avo':ks, that the good seed he planted has
taken root, is springing up, and ready to flourish ?

• Timothy Picrekint.. first. I'resideiU of the Society.

1-44 NOTICE OF MR. COLMAN.

We would that our own minds may be impressed with the great
lesson of our lamented friend's life and death ; — a life of pre-eminent
usefulness — a death of calm submission and enduring hope. We
would commend his example to all whom our pages may reach ; and
especially to the farmers of our own county, in the belief that by
copying his virtues they will best honor his memory, and promote
their own usefulness.

It grieves us to reflect, that we shall see his face no more forever.
It pains us to remember, that his bones are mouldering in a land far
away, " by strangers honored and by strangers mourned." With
grateful acknowledgements to the kindness that watched and
soothed his dying bed, and closed his " dim eye on life and pain,"
and to the noble generosity that solicited the privilege to rear a
monument over his mortal remains, we respectfully suggest to the
farmers of our own Commonwealth, whose citizen he was by birth in
her metropolis, and by adoption in all her borders, that a monument
be reared in their midst, Avhich, with a generosity as noble, and a
grief no less sincere, shall point to the world the name and the mem-
ory of the Farmers' Friend.

Resolutions.

Resolved^ That we cherish with great regard the memory of the-
late Henry Colman, who, during many years, and until his decease,
was a member of this Society, and distinguished for his zeal, activity,
and intelligence in the cause of agricultural improvements ; for his
various and persevering efforts to obtain and communicate informa.
tion concerning the practice and present condition of agriculture, in
other States of the Union and in foreign countries, as well as our
own Commonwealth ; and for his numerous and valuable publications,
tending to promote and diffuse among his fellow citizens the knowl.
edge of this most important department of human industry.

Resolved, That we sincerely sympathize with the family of the
deceased, in the painful bereavement they have sustained.

Unanimously/ accepted by the Trustees, and ordered to be pub-
lished in the transactions of the Society.

Attest:

ALLEN W. DODGE, Secretary.
TT.imilfnn. Nov. 2^. 1849.

REPORT ON ESSAYS. 145

REPORT ON ESSAYS.

The Committee* have received but two. Notice of two others was
given to the Secretary, but thej did not come to hand in season to
be examined. Those received relate to ynaize or Indian cor?ij —
one to its origin and history, the other to its culture. Unlike entirely
in character, — both have been perused with interest. In our opin-
ion, both will be found worthy of publication ; and the payment of
the premium of ten dollars to each of the authors, is recommended.

The Essay on the origin and history of maize is prepared with
much care and ability, and presents a well digested argument in fa-
vor of the American origin of this plant. We read this paper with
astonishment and delight. The authorities named are not all at our
command, but if they are correctly cited (and there is no reason to
suppose they are not) it is not easy to see, how the conclusion to
which the author has arrived, can be controverted. It must be grat-
ifying to every true American to know that our own land is justly
entitled to the honor of originating this plant ; whose excellencies
have been so well sung by our own poet, in his immortal verse on
hasty pudding, and in the no less poetical strains of that eminently
practical philosopher, Wm. Cobbett, whose treatise on "7«s oum corn'"
is worthy of being read by all. While other lauds may boast of
their products of tea and coffee, of universal use — our own can claim
corn and potatoes, of name more humble, but of character, not less
valuable.

The Essay on the culture of this plant appears to be the produc-
tion of the hard hands themselves, that conducted the cultivation; put-
ting forth the suggestions as they sprung from the soil, when follow-
ing the plow, or wielding the hoe, uucontaminated by any influences
of the press. We cordially greet such suggestions. The diversity
in the character and style of the papers has increased the interest
m their examination. Original thoughts, come Avhence they may,
are always acceptable. Crude ideas, pertinent to the subject, are
none the less valuable for want of polish. Even though not entirely
correct, if calculated to awaken inquiry and elicit truth, their publi-
cation may be useful.

E. Mack 01 Salem, D. P. King and J. W. Proctor of Daiivers. Judge Mack was understood lo
•xeuse himself from joining: m this Report, for wajat of sufficient opportunity to form an opinion.

19

146 REPORT ON ESSAYS.

The privilege of examining an Essay on Farm Accounts tad been
anticipated. The failure of its appearance is the more regretted, as
the necessity of definite instruction on this subject seems to be almost
universally admitted. It is hoped the promised Essay will lose
nothing by being wintered over, but that it will come forth, another
season, full grown and perfect. If the interval shall be rightly im-
proved, perhaps the author and his readers, will both be benefitted by
the delay.

No class of persons, within our knowledge, proceed so much on
the " run for luck principle " as the farmer. They cast their seed
upon the furrow, and trust Providence for the result. True, she
frequently smiles upon their labors, but none the less when they sed-
ulously solicit her favors.

After the day of grace had gone by, an offer was made of an
Essay on " Root Crops." But the Trustees, upon deliberation, de-
termined not to be tempted into a deviation from the rule prescribed.
Possibly what is lost in one form, may be made up in another. The
subject is one on which much can be advantageously said. The com-
parative value of these crops is but imperfectly understood. Many
raise them without distinct ideas of their use. If farmers would
carefully observe their effects on the soils on which they are grown,
as well as on the animals to which they are fed, and give an account
of their observation, they would instruct themselves, ^and do a good
service to their neighbors.

It is gratifying to know that the plan of rewarding well written
Essays has found favor with several of our sister Societies. If per-
severed in for a few years, we have confidence to believe, it will be
the means of eliciting and condensing much valuable information.

Salem, Nov. 19, 1849.

J. W. PROCTOR, } n

D. P. KING, ^ Committee.

AN ESSAY

ON THE

HISTORY AND IMPORTANCE OF INDIAN CORN,
AS AN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT.

BY CHARLES LOUIS FLINT,

The complete history of Indian Corn seems never to have been
written by an American. The materials for it must be sought in
old and uninviting volumes, in the narratives of voyages and travels,
and in no less than five or six different languages. The skilful labor
required to bring together the various and often conflicting accounts,
is by no means small. The writer who would undertake such a task,
should possess much knowledge of the botany of the Western con-
tinent, as well as that of Asia and the Asiatic isles, to be able to
draw the most natural and correct conclusions of his own. He who
shall do it, as it should be done, will render a great service to Amer-
ican Agriculture.

In France, Parmentier published a work on maize in 1785. This
was soon followed by that of Ilarasti, in Italy, devoted to the prac-
tical details of the subject, in 1788. In Germany, Burger pub-
lished a work on the Natural History and Culture of Maize, in
1809. Still more recently, the labors of Bonafous, in France, have
thrown much light and interest upon the same subject. In Spain,
though no very valuable work has appeared on the history of maize,
such frequent allusions are made to it in the narratives of the voy-
ages of Columbus, Alonzo Negro, Penzon, Vespucci, and Cortez, as
to be of great service in determining its native country. The works
of Oviedo and Hernandez, also, are worthy of mention. Still more
important is the authority of Humboldt.

The word zea^ which is applied to maize, is derived from a Greek
word which signifies to live ; and the reason of its application, is the
great amount of nutritive matter which the plant contains. Of all

148 ES8AT (jN INDIAN CORJIf.

the species of Gramlna, tlie zea mais is probably the most cultivated.
It is annual, and the stems, Avhich are cylindrical and closed at the
nodes, rise to the height of from four to ten feet. The sheaths of
the leaves are split, the flowers are in double rowed imbricated
bracts, the male flower being placed at the apex of the,stem. Each
grain is furnished with a style, which extends along the inner side
of the sheaths, and hangs like a fine silken thread, forming the tas-
sel. The stamens are three ; the seeds are rounded on the surface,
compressed at the sides, and arranged in rows. They are extremely
farinaceous, or mealy, which gives the plant its value. The varie-
ties are innumerable. These varieties are owing, in part, to differ-
ence of culture, climate and soil. Of these we shall speak more at
length hereafter.

Naturalists have long disputed the origin of maize. The question
is one of interest, inasmuch as some claim our own as its native
country, while others contend that it came from the East. It is
proper to state, briefly, tlie argument as it stands, after which we
shall be better able to draw somewhat satisfactory conclusions.

Bo6k, the first botanist who wrote of it, forty years after the dis-
covery of America, asserts that it came from Arabia, and was called
wheat of Asia (hie d'' Asm,} rjreat tvheat and great reed .^ But four
years after, the same opinion is maintained by Ruellius,^ whose as-
sertions are perhaps Avorthy of respect. Fuchsius also declares that
it came from Asia to Greece, thence to Germany, and was called
wheat of Turkey/, because the Turks at that time possessed all
Asia. Many writers have taken the authority of the old map
or chart of Incisa, of the thirteenth century, to prove that it came
from the East. Of such we may mention Sismondi,! M. Mi-
chaud,^ Gregory,** Lonicfer," Amoreux,^ and Reynier,^ Avho was fa-
miliar with the history of Agriculture. This chart describes a grain
of a golden color, and partly white ; — " granis de colore aureo, et

1. Hist. Nat. du Mais, p. 11, par M, Bonafous.

2. De Natura Stirpium, Lib. xi., c. xxix, p. 428, 1536.

3. DcHistoria Si irpium, pp. 824-25. 1542.

4. Biog^raphie Universalle, Tom. ixix., p. 542. Note.

5. }Ti,-5toire des Croisades 4th ed, Paris : 1S26. Tom. lii., pp. 34&-9.

6. Aunalcs de TAgriculture Francaisc.

7. Naturalis Historiae opus novum. Frankfort : 1551.
B. Memoire »ur le ."Mais. 1784.

3 Feuille d'Agriciilture du Canton de Vaud T. vii.

ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN. 149

partim albo," — under the name of meliga. Crescenzio describes
the method of caltivating this grain, which is very nearly the same
as that of cultivating maize at the present day. The Portuguese
writer, Sata Roza de Viterbo, also, asserts that it was known in the
thirteenth century.i "VYhatever may be said of its origin, it seems
to have been first introduced into Turkey, from whence it made its
way to the West. This is shown by the names which have been
given to it in Europe, several of them indicating that it came through
Turkey, But according to some Spanish authors, it was brought
into Spain by the Arabs.'-^ A Chinese writer of the middle of the
sixteenth century, draws the figure of the maize as known in China,
which is said to correspond with some species of maize now known.
Some travellers who have visited the Asiatic isles, have inferred that
it was cultivated about the equator, in that vicinity, from great anti-
quity, and that it passed from these isles into China, and thence to
the interior about the Himilaya. John Crawford, who lived for
years in the island of Java, says : " Maize is, next to rice, the
most important agricultural product among the great tribes of the
Indian Archipelago." Mr. Rifaud asserts that some kernels were
found in the sarcophagus of a mummy in Thebes, in 1819. The
well known orientalist, D'Herbelot, mentions 3 a passage of Mirk-
ond, a Persian historian, which might lead us to suppose that maize
was known to the old world, long before the discovery of the new.

Now the question arises, whether the meliga described in the old
chart of Incisa alluded to, was identical with the zea mais ? Bona-
fous says on this point, that the description of the meliga from the
East corresponds to maize, but that according to the learned author
of the Flore d'Egypte, in the description published by order of Na-
poleon, it can equally well be applied to the millet of India, in which
the grains pass in some of the varieties from yellow to white. But
Cardan says,4 distinctly, that maize strongly resembles the plant
known in Italy as melica, or sorghum, which is the meliga of Incisa.
So of several other authorities, as Matthioli and Georges, de Turre.
Moreover, Bonafous himself declares that it is evident, to look at it,

1. Bonafous Hist, du Mais.

2. Valcarcel, Agricuhura General y gohierno de la casa del campo. Valencia. 1768.

3. Biblioteque Orientale. 1778. Tom. iii., p, 137.

4. De Subtilitate. Lib. xxi. p. 389 Basil, 1553.

160 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN.

that the meliga is a real maize, and he is, therefore, inclined to be-
lieve that it was known in Asia and Europe before the discovery of
America.

After this accumulation of evidence in favor of its Eastern origin,
it is worthy of remark that some have even asserted that it wo^
known to the ancient Greeks and Romans. But such conjectures
as that the black millet brought from India to Italy in the time of
Pliny,! xvas the maize, are probably ill founded. Even Mr. St. John,
•whose gi-eat familiarity with the domestic affairs of ancient Greece
entitles him to the highest respect, says :-2 '' In the region beyond
Bactria, a species of corn was found which must unquestionably have
been maize, since the grains are said to have been as large as olive
stones, and to maize alone can we apply Herodotus' description^ of the
wheat found in Babylonia, the straw of which was encircled by leaves
four inches in diameter, and its return from two to three hundred fold.
Now in wheat I beheve so prodigious an increase is all but impossi-
ble ; whereas a still greater return might be obtained from the In-
dian corn." And there have not been wanting those who think that
Homer distinctly mentions maize,"^ as well as the naturalist, Theo-
phrastus, in his history of plants,^ and that allusions are frequently
made in the Bible ^ to a grain that could have been no other than
maize or Indian corn. Such was the opinion of William Cobbett." It
arose, however, from utter ignorance of the ancient mode of plant-
ing or sowing wheat, which will be alluded to hereafter.

It is now proper to enumerate, briefly, the authorities on the other
side of this question ; those who believe maize to be indigenous to
America, and that the New World should have the credit of having

1. Pliny Naturalis Historia. Lib. xnii., c. 7.

2. History of the Maimers and Customs of Ancient Greece. Tom. iii. pp. 406-7. London:
1842.

3. Herodotu.s. Lib. i. §193. p. SO. of Wheeler's Ed. Boston: 1842.

4. Od. Lib. iv. ; verses 41 and 604.

5. Theop. Historia Plantanura. Lib. viii., c. 4. It should be noticed that his description is very
general. Speaking of eight kinds of wheat which had been imported into Greece from Asa, he
says that one of these varieties was heavier than the rest. May not this have been the variety
to which Herodotus alludes, and t'le same as that which Mr. St. John says was called camel's
tooth?

6. 2d Kings iv. 42. Job, sxiv. 24. Leviticus, ii. 14 and Xiiii. 14. Deut. xxiii. 24 and 2-5.
Gen. 41, 5. Malt. xii. 1. Rath. ii. 14. and Sam. xvii. 28.

7. See also Hooker Jour, of Botany,. (Claisical Plauu of Sicily,) 1834 p. 213.

ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN. 151

given it to the Old. And here, it may be, we shall find naturalists
not less celebrated than those already mentioned. Among the first,
in point of time, is Dodonaeus,^ who lived in the middle of the six-
teenth century, and wrote but shortly after Bock and Fuchsius. Af-
ter him came Camerarius,^ then Matthioli, one of the most learned
and justly celebrated men of his time. He affirms^ that Turkish
wheat (hie turc) is not a proper name for maize ; that " it should be
called Indian wheat, (hie d'lnde} and not Turkish wheat, because
it came from the West Indies, and not from Asia nor from Turkey,
as Fuchsius believes." So Ray * and others say that Fuchsius was
mistaken, and that it came from the New World. M. Dumeril
thinks it was called Turkey wheat in consequence of its long stalks.
So the authority of Heynius is to the same effect. Turcici nomen
non ex vulgo accepit, quod ex Turcorum terris exportatum fuit, ve-
rum ah aristarum similitudine aliqua cum crista sen pluma in apiee
Turcoruyn capitihus imposita.

Grerarde, after describing several kinds of " Turkey wheat,"^ which
were evidently species of maize, goes on to say : " These kinds of
grain were first brought into Spain and then into the other provinces
of Europe, not (as some suppose) out of Asia Minor, which is the
Turk's dominions, but out of America and the Islands adjoining, as
out of Florida and A^irginia, or Norembega where they used to sow,
or to set it, and to make bread of it, where it groweth much higher
than in other countries." He also takes care to say that it was

1. Stirpium Historiae Pemptades. Antwerp : 1583.

2. Hortus medicus el philosophicus. Frankfort: 1588.

3. I Discorsi nei sei libri di Dioscoride. 1645. Described also in the Commeiitarii in Lib. pri-
mum Dioscoridis. p. 319. 1598.

4. Historia Plantanim. London: 1686.

5 Herball or General Historic of Planles, p. 85, London, 1633. This curious old work contains
plates of the different species of maize then known, as well as the millet and the sorghum with
which the maize was often confounded. The plates show a very marked difference. It is amus-
ing to see how little the true qualities of maize were known at this time in Eng-land. Turkey
wheat, he says, doth nourish far less than either wheat, rye. barley, or oats. The bread which is
made thereof is meanly white without bran ; it is hard and dry as Bi.sket is. and hath m it no cla-
miness at all ; for which cause, it is hard of digestion and yieldeth to the body little or no nourish-
ment ; it slowly descendeth and hindeth as that doth which is made of Millil or Panick. AVe
have as yet, no certain proof or experience concerning ihe virtues of this kind of corn ; although
the barbarous Indians, which know no better, are constraiiieii to make a virtue of necessity and
'liiiik it a good food : whereas we may easily judge that il nourishelh hut little and is ol hard a.ud
evil digestion, a more conveuieiii food for swine than for men.'

152 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN.

not known to the ancient Greek and Latin authors. M. Parmentier
is of opinion that it had American origin.

M. E. Discourtilz also says maize was introduced into Europe by
the Spaniards, who brought it from Peru.^ It is important to men-
tion, also, the authority of Thomas Nuttall, 2 who thinks it was in-
digenous to tropical America. The same conviction is expressed by
the learned Mrs. Somerville.^

It remains to speak of the important conclusions of Baron Hum-
boldt. " It is no longer doubted," says this learned naturalist, in
his Essay on New Spain, " it is no longer doubted among botanists,
that maize, or Turkey corn, is a true American grain, and that the
old continent received it from the new." Again, he says : " On the
discovery of America by the Europeans, the zea maize (tlaolli in
the Aztec language, makiz in the Haitian) was cultivated from the
most southern part of Chili to Pennsylvania." Massachusetts, he
might have said, for such was the case. " According to a tradition
of the Aztec people, the Toultecs in the seventh century of our era,
were the first who introduced into Mexico the cultivation of maize,
cotton, and pimento. It might happen, however, that these different
branches of agriculture existed before the Toultecs, and that this na-
tion, the great civilization of which has been celebrated by the histo-
rians, merely extended them successfully. Hernandez informs us,
that the Otamites even, who were only a wandering and barbarous
people, planted maize." Thus we see it was cultivated in America
long before the discovery, and formed a most important article of
food for centuries.

Having candidly stated the various authorities on this question,
we are now prepared to proceed in our investigation. And first, let
us say, that though we should consider it no small gift of the New
World to the Old, it is not difficult, on a question which does not ef-
fect either personal or national honor to free our minds from preju-
dice and partiality, and study with a desire to ascertain and estab-
lish the truth. We are not convinced by the assertions of some or
by the arguments of Bonafous and others, to prove that maize origi-
nated in the east. They have not made out a satisfactory case. It

1 Flore Pittoresque et Medicale des Antelles, Paris, 1&29.

2 Nuttall's Works, vol. 1, p. 203.

3 Physical Geography, p. 247.

ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN. 153

should be borne in mind that the authority of the early writers is not
always to be relied upon. They possessed none of the advantages
which modern science has laid open, to pursue their investigations.
They could not be accurate on questions of this nature. It is very
probable that maize came into Europe by way of Turkey and the
Levant, which gave it the name which it then bore, of Turkish wheat,
&c., and which would be likely to deceive a naturalist of the six-
teenth century, in regard to its origin. Then it is very easy to con-
ceive how a careless statement made by a writer three hundred years
ago, would be takerx on his authority, and thus gain a credit which it
did not deserve. Instances of this occur on almost every page of
the old historical writers, as any one who is at all familiar with the
works of Sir Thomas More and the old chroniclers, can testify.

It is a remarkable fact that maize is not mentioned by travellers
who visited Asia and Africa before the discovery of America. These
travellers to foreign parts were often very minute in their descrip-
tions of the productions of the soil. Bat the maize was never de-
scribed in Europe until after the discovery. This, most certainly ar-
gues very strongly that it was not known.

It is also a remarkable fact that it was universally cultivated on
the western continent at the time when the Europeans landed here.
This is proved by P. Martyr,i Ercil]a,2 Jean de Lery,^ not to men-
tion Torquemada* and others, who tell us that the first Europeans
who set foot on the Ne-w World saw among other wonders a gigantic
wheat with long stalks, and that this wonderful wheat Avas the maize.
The harvesting of it was celebrated by the people with religious fes-
tivals. Sacrifices were prepared with it. With it the Mexicans
formed idols. It constituted almost the only food for all the tribes in
Mexico, in Peru, in Brazil, at the Orinoco and the Antilles. It ser-
ved for money. A theft of seven ears the Mexican laws punished
with death.

It is a still more curious fact that immediately after its introduc-
tion into Europe, it spread with great rapidity into every country
and province where the climate was thought to be suited to it. Now

1 De Orbc novo decades. III. 1516.

2 Alonzo de Ercilla, Araucaiia. Madrid, 1577.

3 Historia d'un voyage fail en la terre du Bresil, 1723.
•4 Delia Monarquia Indiana Tom, I. p 158.

20

154 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN.

if it had been known in Asia, if it had been cultivated by the Turks,
how could all these things have happened ? Why was not so useful
a grain introduced into Europe before, or why did it spread so rapid-
ly when it was introduced ? A somewhat extensive trade was car-
ried on between Europe and some of the Asiatic Isles long before
the sixteenth century, so that if Indian corn had been known or cul-
tivated in Asia, there is every probability that it would have found
its way into Europe. The plant called sorghum was known and cul-
tivated in Europe and somewhat in Asia and Africa, and this it was
with which maize was so often confounded. This, however, was not
a species of Indian corn.

But the strongest evidence of its American origin is, it seems to
us, that it has been found growing wild in some parts of the western
continent,^ which is not the case in any other part of the world. This
alone would seem to prove it to be indigenous to America. We
need say nothing of the fact that grains of Indian corn have been
found in the mounds of Peru. These mounds were probably built
three or four hundred years before the conquest. There can be no
doubt therefore that it was cultivated on this continent from time im-
memorial.

But it may now be asked, how are we to explain the numerous al-
lusions to a grain, which if not Indian corn, must have nearly re-
sembled it ? We have already remarked that many of the asser-
tions of the early botanists confounded maize with sorghum. Other
allusions, and those by the sacred WTiters, refer to wheat, which was
indigenous to Asia, and almost universally cultivated. Mr. St. John
admits^ that there was, and still is, in that part of the world, " a
very large grained wheat called camel's tooth," which would natur-
ally have given rise to the expression, " ears of corn," so often used.
The misconceptions of Mr. Cobbett and others in regard to these
references, arise from ignorance of the ancient mode of sowing
wheat, or corn, as it was universally called by the old writers. Large
fields of it were sown, between which a narrow road or path was left
for the public. This road was just wide enough for the carriage to
pass without injury to the giani, there behig no fences for protection,

1 A variety has been found in Paraguay which tlie Indians say grows wild in the woods.

2 History of the manners and customs of ancient Greece, Tom III. p. 407.

ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN. 155

SO that it might literally be called " going though the cornfields."
It was sometimes gathered with the sickle, sometimes by passing
through it and plucking off the heads or ears, the reaper having an
apron or pouch to drop them into.

Neither wheat nor rice were known to the first inhabitants of
America and we may with as much truth say that Indian corn, and
the potato were neither cultivated in Asia nor the South Sea
Islands,
i It is well known that maize was introduced into Japan by the Chi-
nese.i But there are no grounds for believing that the Chinese
;, themselves possessed it until the sixteenth century. We persist then,
j with Humboldt, in believing that maize was not transported from the
: centre of Asia to the table lands of Mexico. And, moreover, if we
suppose that it was thus transported from Asia, how are we to account
for the infinite varieties found in America which, most certainly, were
i: not found in Asia ? Is it not more natural to suppose it to have
f originated where every variety of it was found, than where only one
[i or two varieties, and those doubtful ones, were ever known to grow
before the discovery of America by the Europeans ? We may re-
, mark, also, that if we suppose that a species of maize was actually
i known in Central Asia, or to the Chinese, it may have been the case
[. that the Indians of the extreme N. W. of Aw-erica had communica-
;■ tion with the extreme N. E. of Asia, and that some one or two
'j species, by this means, found their way into Asia. If such commu-
nication existed, which we do not believe, the fact that it was found
1 in China and about the Himalaya, which is by no means established,
<; would not prove it to be indigenous to Asia. Or, if one or two spe-
k cies were actually found, the fact that there were no more in Asia,
and so many in America, would be a strong evidence of its being ex-
! otic in Asia.

, This accumulative evidence seems to us to be satisfactory and con-
P elusive. It was the custom among some of the earlier writers, to
' speak of America as being sterile and wanting in the most important
' vegetable productions. They little suspected the surpassing richness
of the country which had been made known to astonished Europe.

1. Thunberg, Flora Japonica, p. 37.

156 K8SAY Olf INDIAN COBN.

The infinite variety of plants indigenous to Mexico, to Central and
to South America, where Ave suppose maize to have originated, is be-
yond description. No counti-y on the globe can excel them in the
boundless luxuriance of native, indigenous plants. Here even the
giant trees of the forest are loaded with flowers of every hue and va-
riety. The purple and the blae and the scarlet, the brilliant yellow
and white, twine and mingle with every variety of green. Here are
the fig, the sugar-cane, the indigo, the aloe and the pepper plants,
the passifloreae, the pine apple and the endless varieties of the cactus
with its splendid and variegated blossoms. Here is the night flower-
ing cereus, the alspice myrtle, the clove, the nutmeg, mango guava
and an infinite vanetj/ of palms, rising often to the height of two
hundred feet. Here too, are forests of logwood and mahogany, of
colossal grandeur, often surrounded with shrubbery and parasitic
plants, with a foliage so dense that the rays of the sun can never pen-
etrate. Here is the mimosa, majestic in its size, the beautiful acacia,
and grasses that rise to the height of forty and fifty feet, with tree
ferns and reeds without number, often seen a hundred feet high.
The golden and rose-colored bignonias add their grace and beauty to
the teeming masses of blooming life. The laurels become splendid
forests. Plantains grow to gigantic size, and beneath all spring lilies
and bulbous plants as if not an inch of soil could be spared. Here
also the endless variety of creeping plants rise through the twining
limbs with their myriad and brilliant flowers. Thousands of species
still remain undescribed, and there may be thick and tangled forests
which the foot of civilized mtin has never trodden. Nor is this rich
luxuriance for a season alone ; for the spring, or the summer, or the
autumn. It is everlasting. The unfading verdure hides the very
appearance of death. The trunks of the decayed, matted and heap-
together, form only rich beds for the living to spring forth in the new-
ness of life. The eye is sated with beauty. The air is filled with
perfumes, and one is lost in wonder and amazement at nature herself.
This is the native country of maize. A country unparalleled in the
magnificence of its flora, and unequalled in the depth and richness
of its soil !

The importance and value of Indian corn are too well known to
every practical agriculturalist, to need illustration. Upon this part
of our subject we shall dwell but briefly. On every part of the
globe where the hand of civilization has broken the turf, this beau-

I KSSAY ON INDIA^C CORN. 167

■ tiful grain receives a large share of attention. In the Western con-
tinent it is raised from Canada to Patagonia, and the islands of the
South Sea, through almost every variety of climate and people, and

' over an extent from North to South of more than seven thousand

• miles. It was introduced into Africa by the Portuguese in the six-
teenth century, r.nd is cultivated more or less from the Mediterra.
nean Sea and the Libyan Desert to the Cape of Good Hope. In

\ Java and the Asiatic isles it forms an important product. In Cen-

■ tral Asia it is known and valued, as well as in Australia and the
: islands of the Indian Ocean. In Europe it is extensively produced,

• in Hungary, in Lorabardy, in France and Spain, and we might al-
' most say from the Ural chain to the Atlantic. No grain could se-
- cure such favor from all parts of the world, except from its intrinsic

'■ value. No other grain, in fact, except rice, is so extensively culti-
vated.

Its flexibility of organization makes ic very easy of adaptation to

climate and soil. Though it prefers moist and rich soils with strong

heats, there are species of it which can be raised in tropical climates

at a height of more than nine thousand feet above the level of the sea.

The warmest regions of the torrid zone produce maize in abundance,

where three crops can be taken in a season, while the short summers

of Canada have a species adapted to them. This cannot be said of

rice, which requires great heats, and cannot endure a climate of

j high latitude. It is proper here to notice briefly the more important

|i varieties of Indian corn. There is one common in Hungary, which

' M. Parmentier endeavored to introduce into France. It ripens in

: two months. A still more remarkable species is mentioned by

Oviedoi as being cultivated on the shores of the South Sea, which

i ripens in less than forty days. There are to be found in Spain

alone, no less than one hundred and thirty different varieties. The

species most common and valued here, are the large yellow, the

red, which differs from it only in color, the sweet corn, and what is

perhaps, the most important, the Canada corn, known best in Maine

and Canada from its early ripening. Its yield is thought to be equal

to the larger varieties. Seventy-five bushels of it, to the acre, have

been raised at Nahant, as exposed a place, doubtless, as any in the

county. The Egyptian corn has been preferred by some, while

r Cobbett's has the preference with others. These varieties have

j 1 Lib. vii., «. i., p. 103.

158 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN.

been tried together, in the same field, and the Egyptian found to be
the earliest, and the Quarantine, or Cobbett's, next. There is also
a species called Valparaiso, — sometimes, also, called Oregon corn,
which, when roasted, splits in the form of a cross. A species called
Tuincata, is found in Paraguay and in some parts of Oregon. Each
kernel is covered with a glume, or husk. Owing to the difficulty of
separating the grain from the glumes, it is of little value. The zea
caragua is a corn found in Chili, said to be hardy and long-lived.
The Chinese have a remarkable variety called tree-corn, the ears of
•which hang at the ends of the branches. Nuttall describes a varie-
ty called the Early Mandan Corn, cultivated by the Aborigines
about the Missouri. It ripens in a climate where no other variety
could exist. Other species might be described, but it is sufficient to
say they probably all sprung from the common yellow, and that they
differ from each other in the color, form and size of the grains, and
in the time of maturity.

Indian corn ripens at a time when most other grains have been
harvested. It therefore gives employment when there would natu-
rally be but little else to do.

But what gives to Indian corn its great importance, is the actual
amount of nutritive matter which it contains. It is said to be third
in this respect, wheat and rice containing a somewhat greater amount,
though many place maize second only to wheat. We have the ana-
lysis of Indian corn, which may be given as follows :

Silica, - - - 38.45

Potassa, - - - 19.51

Phos. of Lime, - - 17.17

Phos. of Magnesia, - - 13.83

Phos. of Potassa, - - 2.24

Carbonate of Lime, - - 2.50

Carb. of Magnesia, - - 2.16

Sulph. of Lime and Magnesia, 79

Silica, mechanically found, - 1.70

Alumina and loss, - - 1.65 — 100

making in all one hundred parts. In other words, we may say, on
the authority of Dr. Dana, of Lowell, there are in it of
Fat forming principles, gums, &c., 88.43
Flesh forming principles, gluten, &;c., 1.26
Water, ... 9

Salts, .... 1.31—100

ESSAY OiS INDIAN CORN. 159

A glance will show how greatly the fat forming principles predom-
inate in the one hundred parts. There is hardly any grain which
yields so much for the support of animal life. The difficulties and
contingencies of raising wheat in the eastern parts of Massachusetts
have discouraged its cultivation, so that we may say that Indian
corn is by far the most profitable crop, especially, as, when the offal
is properly managed, there is no grain which restores so much to the
ground. It is a fact, too, that it may be cultivated longer in succes-
sion than any other grain ; and if kept dry, it may be preserved for
an indefinite period without injury. The ease and rapidity with
which it recovers from a drought is truly remarkable. Many pre-
dicted during the last summer that the corn crop would be destroyed.
The leaves were badly curled, and there was every indication that
the crop would greatly suffer. Every one remembers how speedy
was its recovery, and how rapid its growth after the change of
weather.

As a fattener for cattle, swine and poultry, we may say that In-
dian corn is unrivalled in utility. The analysis of Dr. Dana, as
given above, is sufficient to show, at once, how important it is for
such purposes. As a food for man it is extensively used, though by
some thought to be too stimulating.

The most common mode of cultivating, is to plant in hills about
four feet apart. But our impression is, that where the largest crops
have been obtained, the seed has been sown in rows or drills. In
either case, it is now pretty well settled among farmers, that it seould
not be hilled, as was the custom but a few years since. There seem
to be several reasons for this. If the earth is drawn up around the
stalk at the last hoeing, it sends out new roots which divert much of
the nourishment which would otherwise have gone into the stalk and
the ear. It is not unfrequently the case that aerial roots, even, are
emitted from the lower joints of the stem above the ground, and de-
scending, fix themselves in the soil. This takes place on a very
much larger scale, if these joints are surrounded with earth. If the
earth is taken from the intermediate spaces, so as to leave hollows,
the long branching roots become exposed to the sun, and cause the
plant to feel the drought too severely.

Kelp, which washes up in winrows upon the sea-shore, has been
found to be of valuable assistance to maize. It should be equally
spread over the ground, and ploughed in.

160 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN,

But it was not our design to allude to the modes of production.
Every practical farmer is already familiar with these from experi-
ence, to say nothing of the easy access to our well-conducted agri-
cultural journals, which keep up with every new improvement in all
departments of husbandry. If we have succeeded in throwing some
light and interest over the history of this valuable grain, our aims
are accomplished.

In conclusion, we would say, that if America has furnished the
Old World with maize, the potatoe, tobacco, cocoa, vanilla, and other
plants useful to man, she is herself indebted to the Eastern continent
for wheat, barley, oats and rice, for the coffee plant, now one of her
staple products, for oranges, lemons, peaches, and many other plants
which now grow in great luxuriance both in the tropics and in our
temperate climates. These plants Europe had been receiving for
more than twenty centuries, from the Greeks and Romans, and from
the nations of the East, till they had accumulated in rich profusion
upon her Western shores. Now, many of them, together with many
of our own, are borne on to the islands of the South Sea, still fur-
ther West, whither the restless march of civilization is tending. The
natural gifts of one country to another, facilitated by commerce and
the arts, are fast binding together the remotest corners of the globe.
Let the full tide of civilization roll on ! Let commerce bear to every
land, and to every island in the sea, products which shall humanize
mankind, and increase the aggregate of comfort and happiness !
These are the fruits of peace !

M ESSAY

ON THE

CULTIVATION OF INDIAN CORN.

BY WILLIAM R. PUTNAM

The cultivation of Indian Corn is one of the most important la-
bors of the farmer. Accustomed to it from our youth, it is not easy
to discriminate what is necessary to be done. It will be my pur-
pose to notice such incidents in the culture of this plant, as have

li seemed to me most worthy of attention. My ideas have been gath-
ered in the field, and not in the closet. If they are found rude and

! unpolished, my engagements, from " early morn to latest eve," must
be my apology.

j Who does not remember, that almost as soon as he l:new that
three and three made six, he was required to put that knowledge in
practice, by dropping that number of kernels in each hill ? Who does

I not remember the manly pride he felt, when he first performed that
extraordinary feat of horsemanship, in guiding the old horse straiglit
between the rows of corn, and turning him round without getting

; his legs over the traces, or stepping on the corn ? Who has forgot-
ten the great responsibility he felt, the first time he was permitted
to go alone to mill with his bags of corn ?

Before treating of the cultivation of Indian Corn, it may be pro-
per to inquire, if it is a crop of sufficient importance to demand in-
creased attention from the farmers of the county.

Some are of the opinion, that with the present high price of lal)or
and manure, we cannot compete with Western farmers in raising

\ corn ; that with the increased facilities for transportation, we shall

soon be run off the track ; that we had better buy our corn than

raise it. This may be good economy for those who are situated near

21

162 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN.

our large towns, so that they can daily carry their produce to mar
ket, and can obtain manure without feeding out their crops to stock
upon the farm ; but for most of our farmers, who who are in a great
measure dependent upon the manure of their stock to enrich their
lands, it is better to raise corn than to buy it.

Taking the average price of corn for the last six years, we may
safely estimate that a bushel of ears of corn is worth forty cents.
I am aware that it usually costs nearly this sum to raise corn — but
then it is one of the best preparatory crops for all others ; and the
fodder is of much value.

The corn crop possesses some advantages over most other crops.
The seed costs but little ; it is comparatively sure ; it can be kept
for a long time ; it requires but little attention in haying time.

It will be my object, to show, how the farmers of Essex, by turn-
ing their attention to this crop, may prepare their land to produce
more hay, thereby enabling them to keep more stock, and conse-
quently increasing their supply of manure.

The main object of most farmers, in cultivating their land, is to
prepare it to produce more grass. Much of it, after it has been
planted, and sown with grain and grass in the usual way, produces
but little more than it did before ploughing. Some of the agricul-
tural journals, within a few years, have recommended turning over
grass land and seeding it down again, without an intervening crop.
On very low, wet land, this is a good method ; but on land that will
admit of cultivation, it is better to plant corn, and sow the grass seed
among the corn.

Land that can be ploughed smooth enough to sow on the furrow in
August, may be ploughed as cheap for corn in November, or the
following spring. The expense for applying the manure will be no
more. If we use manure sufficient to produce two tons of hay, we
may expect one hundred bushels of ears of corn per acre. The ex-
pense for planting an acre, after the manure is put on, will not ex-
ceed two dollars — the cultivation, while growing, need not exceed
five dollars. The corn fodder, and what hay it will produce more
for the next four years, will pay for the extra expense of planting
and cultivating, so that we shall have the one hundred bushels of
ears of corn as gain, of one method over the other. This method
of renovating old grass land, has many advantages over that of seed-
ing on the furrow. It pulverizes the soil better, and we have a ro-

ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN. 163

tation of crops, in some measure ; as the corn roots decay, tliey
furnish food for the grass ; and it is not so liable to be winter killed.
There are hundreds of acres of land in this county, not exactly pine
plain land, which produce but little hay, as they have usually been
cultivated. When the manure for corn is all put in the hill, and the
grass seed is so^vn among the grain the next year, it is either in-
jured by the dry weather of summer or the frost of winter ; or else
it is so poverty-stricken, that it does not grow. Such land will yield
a good crop of hay, if we apply a good dressing of well composted
manure, and sow the grass seed among the corn, the latter part of
July.

If we wish to put a part of the manure in the hill, we should fur-
row it deep, so that the manure may be below the surface. This
will keep the land level, and without any hills about the corn. When
the corn is harvested, the stalks should be cut near the ground.
The following spring, when the frost is out about an inch on the sur-
face, with a sharp hoe cut them off, while the roots are held fast by
the frost. As soon as the ground is dry, so that it will not be in-
jured by the cattle, it should be rolled. It is much better mowing
on a corn stubble than it is on a grain stubble, for the old grain stub-
ble injures the edge of the scythe.

When we sow the grass seed, it is well to count the rows — then
we may know how much seed we have to sow in each row ; then
take one half of the seed and go through the rows one way, then go
the other way with the remainder.

The cultivation of roots for feeding stock, is by some writers
highly recommended ; but I think it not best for the farmers of this
county to depend so much upon roots for their stock, as English
farmers do, who cannot raise corn. Our cattle will do better when
fed upon different kinds of food, than vfhen confined to one sort.

Every farmer ought to raise some roots to feed to his stock, when
he is using his coarse fodder.

From the first view of the staiements published in the Transac-
tions of the Society, it would seem that the carrot crop was much
more profitable than corn. But it may not, under all circumstances,
be best for the farmer to apply so much of his manure to one acre
for carrots, and to neglect the rest of his farm. The question is not,
how we can raise the most from one acre of land, but how Ave ^an,
with the least expense, keep the most stock upon the farm ? If we

164 ESSAY OIC INDIAN COBS'.

take the ten c^^is o2 barn manure that was applied to one acre of
carrots, and compost it well with meadow mud and soil, this will ma-
nure four acres of corn, which will probably yield fifty bushels to
the acre. This, for the farmer who has grass land that needs plough-
ing, would be better than to put it all on one acre for carrots.

I have found that the same land, manured alike, will yield about
one third as many bushels of corn on the ear as of carrots ; or, in
other words, we can get a peck of cob meal as cheap as a bushel of
carrots. The question then arises, which is worth the most, — the
peck of meal or a bushel of carrots, for stock ? My opinion is, that
if we cut the hay, the meal will be worth the most ;— but if we feed
on dry hay, not chopped, the carrots.

On Ploughing Land for Corn.

The best time for breaking up a stiff, hard soil, is late in the au-
tumn, that it may be more exposed to the action of the frost. For
a light soil, it is better to defer the ploughing till about the time for
planting. It is often more convenient to plough early in the spring,
as soon as the frost is out, when the land can be ploughed much
easier than at any other season ; but it injures most land to plough
it then ; it hardens like mortar as it dries, and it will require more
labor to keep it properly cultivated.

On warm, loamy land, where the corn is often injured by the cut
worm, it is well to plough the land in August, then cross plough in
the spring ; this will destroy the worms.

The yellow wire, or stick worm, which often injures the corn
about the low places in our fields, is not killed by ploughing. Some
recommend carting sand or gravel on to such places, to destroy the
worms ; if it does not kill them, it will probably help the soil.

The proper depth for Ploughing.
The old adage says, " plough deep, and you will have corn to sell
and to keep." It may appear presumptuous to question the truth
of anything that has passed into a proverb, but I think this assertion
much too broad. Deep ploughing is an important requisite, yet this
alone will never secure a good crop. If our quantity of manure is
small, and the soil a cold one, which has never been ploughed more
than five inches deep, if we were literally to adopt the adage, and
plough deep, we prol^ably should have corn neither to sell Ror to

ESSAt ON INDIAN CORK. 165

keep. Mj advice to those who wish for the permanent improvemenfc
of their soil is, to plough no more land than thej can manure well,
and to plough this an inch deeper each successive year ; by thus
mixing the subsoil with the surface soil, both will be improved. I
have often thought it strange that so little difference should be made-
by the Trustees in ploughing with single and with double teams ;
unless it is thought that land ought never to be ploughed more than
seven inches deep. If premiums were offered for ploughing five,
seven, and nine inches deep, we should have the different sizes of
ploughs brought into use, which the farmers need, and it would give
the owners of the land where the ploughing matches are held, a good
opportunity to see which is best, deep or shallow ploughing.

On the use of the Subsoil Plough.

We have not seen that benefit resulting from the use of the Sub-
soil Plough which we anticipated, when we procured it, in 1841.
We used it for three years, without perceiving any advantage from
it. Since then we have not used it ourselves, nor had any opportu-
nity to lend it to our neighbors. The cost of subsoiling, I estin^ate
to be five dollars per acre. I think that two dollars extra expense
in cultivating the crop while growing, will benefit it more than sub-
soiling. Most of the land upon which we used this plough was a
loamy subsoil ; perhaps some other soil would be helped more by the
use of it.

I have no doubt that the subsoil plough may be advantageously
used for some crops ; but for a corn crop, it will not usually pay for
the expense.

My view is this. Lands that are highly manured, will be able to
sustain a greater crop, but subsoiling 'does not enrich a poor soil.
Our crops of corn do not generally suffer so much for the want of
moisture, as for the want of proper food. It would be poor consola-
tion to a ship's crew to know that they had water enough, but were
out of provisions. The water which the camel carries in his extra
stomach would be of little use to him in crossing the desert, if he
could not obtain provisions by the way. Until we have well manured
and pulverized the surface soil to the depth of ten inches, I think
we may as well let the subsoil alone.

166 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN.

On turning Uie furrow slice Jlat at the. time of breaking up.
I am aware that there is a difference of opinion on this subject.
Some say that the furrow slice should be lapped, or set obliquely, so
that the land may lie lighter and be more easily cultivated. Expe-
rience has tauglit me, that land turned flat can be cultivated the
easiest, and will produce the best crop. If we have a foe to contend
with, we can usually manage him best if we lay him flat upon his
back. When we plough tough swarded land, abounding in witch
grass, eight inches deep, and turn it flat, we shall have four or five
inches of soil on top without any roots in it ; but if it is set obliquely,
we shall have part of the roots on top, and they will be growing up,
between the furrow slice, all the season. Our aim in breaking up
land, should be to place the grass and roots in that position where
they will decompose the soonest ; if set obliquely, the harrow brings
many of them to the surface, so that they will not rot. I do not
want a breaking up plough to pulverize the soil, but to turn it over,
and put the grass and roots out of the way, so that I can pulverize
it with the harrow and horse plough.

On Preparing and Applying the Manure for the Corn crop.

It has ever been my lot to do a full share of this part of the work
upon the farm. Perhaps my remarks will smell more of the manure
fork and shovel, than of the oil of the student, or the elaborate ex-
periments of the chemist.

Formerly it wast he custom to apply all the manure in the hill.
For some years past, many have spread all their manure. It is an
important question for the farmer to settle, how he can best apply
his manure so as to supply the growing corn with the proper nutri-
ment at the right time. If the manure is well rolled, and all put in
the hill, it will produce too great a growth of stalks, and fail of af-
fording proper nourishment when the corn is filling.

If we use new manure, and spread all of it, the corn does not
start soon enough to get fully ripened. We have succeeded well in
some fields, by ploughing a part of the manure under the sod at the
time of breaking up ; in other fields, we could see but little advant-
age from green manure thus ploughed under. Why this difference ?
The top soil was nearly alike, but the sub-soil was different. My
view of this is, that where the soil and sub-soil are warm, so that a
decomposition soon takes place, it is well to plough under a part of

ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN. 1G7

the manure ; but If the sub-soil is cold, it is not best to plough it
under. To illustrate my meaning, suppose two cooks preparing their
dough for a batch of bread and both by the same rule. When they
set it away to rise, one puts it upon the celler bottom, the other upon
the warm bricks of the hearth ; the latter has good bread, but the
former complains of the rule, as the bread will not rise.

Is it good economy to spread green manure and harrow it in for a
crop of corn ? Some farmers are of the opinion that they can make
a good compost in this way, and thus save the labor of forking it over.
They say if mixing manure with soil in the compost, will make good
food for plants ; so it will if we mix it in the field. Are we sure of
this ? By mixing flower, water, and yeast together, we sometimes
get good food for the human stomach, but it is not always the case
when they are put together.

Perhaps it may be offensive to the taste of some, to compare the
kneading dish in the farmer's kitchen, to his compost heap ; but they
are both labratories, where a chemical process is performed. In the
one, to prepare food for the stomach, in the other, for his plants. If
to save labor the dough is not properly kneaded, the bread will be
poor, and there will be a loss of material ; so in harrowing in green
manure.

When we mix green manure and soil together, in the compost
heap, the temperature is soon raised. This is not the case when it
is mixed in the field by harrowing ; and it is a long time before it
can become proper food for plants.

He who spreads his green manure on the surface, to be mixed with
the soil by the harrow, if he succeeds in covering the most of it,
generally leaves it in bunches, and in such a situation, that it will
not soon decompose. He ought not to complain of his cook if he
has a hasty pudding for dinner full of lumps.

If we have Avarm dry land to plant, we may plough under half of
the manure, and spread the remainder, after it has been well com-
posted. If the land is cold, I would recommend to compost it, and
spread one half of it, and put the other half in the hill.

Tlie proper time for Planting.
We should be governed more by the state of the land than day
of the month. If the land be warm and dry, we may plant the last
week in April. As a general rule, from the first of May to the
tenth, is the best time to plant.

168 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN.

The best kind of Corn to -plant.

We have planted many of the different varieties of corn, for a
few years past, but have found none that we like so well as that which
we have raised the longest. This I think is the case with most far-
mers ; they succeed better with their old variety than with new vari-
eties. Corn is not like the potatoe in this respect. We sometimes
get a new variety of potatoe that does well for a few years, and then
fails. Not so with Indian corn. Like a true friend, it improves
upon long acquaintance. At one time the Baden corn was tighly
recommended, as it would produce many ears upon a stalk, but when
planted as close as we planted, it produced no go6d ears. There
can be no objection to tAvo good ears growing upon one stalk ; but,
as a general thing, if the nutriment which goes to support the husks
and cob of the extra ears, was to go into one good ear, it would be
more valuable than two poor ones.

The twelve rowed corn is thought highly of by some ; but with
us, it does not yield so well as some of the eight rowed varieties ;
and the cob being large, it does not dry well. We have sometimes
planted a white eight rowed kind, which yields well and is very hard
and flinty ; but it falls down much more than some other kinds, and
it does not give so good a color to the milk and butter, when fed to
milch cows. As a general rule, that is the best variety which pro-
duces the greatest amount of grain in proportion to the stalk and
cob.

Selecting the Seed.
Preserve the early ears for seed, is what we are often told to do.
This may be well, if we raise a large late variety ; — but would it
not be well to save the best ears for seed, rather than the early ones ?
I have never seen a very early kind of corn that was very produc-
tive.

The proper distance apart at which to pilant.

If we plant corn without any regard to sowing grass seed among
ic, three feet and a half apart each way is the proper distance.
But if we wish to sow grass seed among it, we had better plant four
feet apart ; it is better passing through it, when the corn is large and
the land is not shaded so much.

When planted this distance apart, we may leave five stalks in each
hill.

ESSAY ON INDIAN COKN. 169

The cultivation while growing.

If the plough and cultivator are used faithfully, but little need be
done with the hoe. Since the introduction of the cultivator, many
have laid aside the horse plough, but both, I think, ought to be used
unless the land is very mellow so that the cultivator will go six inches
deep. On a hard wet soil, planted early, the cultivator alone makes
but little impression. If we use only the plough it does not break
up the lumps. Use the plough first, then let it dry for a few days,
then use the cultivator to make the soil fine, then plough again. Af-
terwards we use only the cultivator or harrow ; there is no danger of
using either of these too much for the good of the corn.

Hilling Com.
I was taught to make a large, flat, square hill at the first time of
hoeing ; to raise it some at the second hoeing ; at the third or last
hoeing to draw all the loose dirt up around the corn, and was told to
do this so that the corn might stand up the better. I know not
where this idea originated. Perhaps it sprung from the practice of
using the sta_y and corsett to keep the form erect. Experience
and common sense alike teach that both will be better off without
such support. If all the manure has been put in the hill, it may be
necessary to make some hill about the corn to prevent the manure
from drying up.

Cutting the top stalk.

The wisdom of nature is manifested in the growing corn, by caus-
ing the stalk to grow far above the ear. The seed, or pollen, is thus
placed in a situation favorable to be wafted by the wind to the silk
which is connected with each kernel. As soon as the ear is filled
the top of the stalk begins to die, and this would seem to indicate
that it might then be removed without much injury to the grain. It is
the opinion of some, however, that the corn is injured by this pro-
cess, more than is gained by the increased value of the fodder.

Perhaps the inquiry may not be out of place here, which is the
best way of using the top stalks ? To cut and dry them for winter
food, or to feed them out green to the stock in September ? By re-
fering to the report of the committee on the comparative value of
crops as food for cattle, in the transactions for 1848, 1 find that doubts
are expressed as to the value of green corn stalks as food for milch

22

170 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN.

COWS. It is also stated, " that some farmers are of the opinion that
the fodder procured from the corn field, will nearly pay for the labor
of growing and gathering the crop." Now if corn fodder is worth
but little when green, we had better not spend much time in trying
to dry it for winter use. So far as my observation goes, having
given some attention to the subject, I am fully of the opinion that
green corn fodder is one of the best crops that Ave can raise, for the
producing of milk, though it is well known that it will not produce
so great a flow of milk as green grass.

Every one, who has been accustomed to milking cows, knows that
about the time of cutting English hay, the cows begin to dry up,
and that when the feed is good in July, they will gain in flesh, but
will not give so much milk as in June. This shows that green grass
will make more milk than it will after it has ripened. By the first
of August, the feed in most of our pastures begins to fail ; the fall
feed is not sufiiciently grown to afford a supply ; we are then without
a fall supply of green grass, and the c[uestion is, what shall we have
for a substitute ? My answer is, green corn stalks. Those who use
their milk for making butter will find that when their cows are well
fed with corn stalks, they will not be troubled with white, soft butter,
in dog days, which is often said to be owing to the weather, when in
fact it was because the cows have not proper food. Another advan-
tage arising from feeding cows with corn stalks at this time is, that
they are not so likely to become breachy. Hunger, at this season,
impels them to seek for food beyond the fence, and they form habits
which are a constant annoyance the year round.

There is one general rule by which we can tell Avhether a particu
lar kind of food has a tendency to produce a great flow of milk or
not ; that is, by noticing the effect which it has upon the solid excre-
ment of the cow. Green grass produces a great flow of milk and
causes the excrement to be soft. Potatoes make the excrement soft-
er than carrots, and produce more milk. Wheat, bran, or shorts
make it softer than Indian meal and produce more milk. Green
corn stalks make it harder than grass, but softer than English hay.
My inference then is, that they are better for making milk than hay,
but not so good as grass.

But to return to the question, which is the best way of using the
top stalks ? They are of more value cut and fed green to our stock,
than used in any other way. I know that in September our cows

fiSaXY Oli INtlAX COEN, 171

will live without them ; but if the cows are well fed with stalks in
the morning befoi'e they are put in the field, we can make the grass
in the field last much longer, and the cows will do better than they
will with a full supply of grass for a few days and then be cut short.
Working oxen will do well fed upon green stalks in September. I'
we wish to fit our oxen for the butcher, there is no way to do it cheap-
er than by feeding them well with green stalks, in addition to what
they get in the pasture.

The fodder which is put in the barn should be used in the early
part of winter, for it is then better and is eaten more readily than it
is after it becomes thoroughly dry.

Harvesting.

When we have a cold season, and the corn is likely to be injured
by the frost, it is best to cut it up as soon as it begins to harden, and
stook it. In some parts of New England this is the uniform practice.
It has some advantage over that of topping the stalks : the fodder
is better, it can be removed from the field sooner, and the green and
poorer part of it is much better than it is when the top stalks are cut,
and it stands exposed to the frost. Many object to this method of
harvesting because it makes bad husking. When the corn is small
it can be harvested as cheap this way as the other.

Some recommend this way when grass seed has been sown among
the corn, as the grass will not be shaded so long. But I prefer to
top the stalks, and thus let the sun in upon the grass ; if the corn is
stooked upon the grass it kills it under the stock, and if it is remov-
ed it is a good deal of labor to cart off fifteen tons of green corn,
which we sometimes have upon an acre.

It is the usual method of harvesting, where the stalks have been
cut, to cut it up at the bottom, and cart it to the barn to husk. But
when the corn is large I prefere to break off the ears and carry them
to the barn and to get in the fodder when it is dry.

AVhen the corn is housed it should be placed in bins where the air
can circulate freely, to prevent its moulding.

After it has been safely housed, it may be proper to inquire as to
the best way and time for using it. It is now almost the universal
custom to grind it with the cobs for cattle and hogs. This is probab-
ly the best way. Does the corn ever possess any more nutriment
than it did at the time it was housed ? We know that a bushel of

172 ESSAY ON INDIAN CORN.

dry com will weigh more than a bushel of green. This we can ac-
count for without supposing it derives nutriment from the atmosphere
while drying ; corn being more dense than water, as the sap escapes
the densit}^ increases.

I have thus freely given my vieAVS, with the hope that others who
handle the plough and hoe will do the same ; that by comparing our
views, we may learn the best method of cultivating this valuable
crop.

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00 QD I—

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.

CHOSEN SEPTEMBER 27, 1849.

Vice Presidents.

JOHN W. PROCTOR, of Danvers, President.

DANIEL ADAMS, Newbury,

ASA T. NEWHALL, Lynnfield,

DANIEL P. KING, Danvers,

RICHARD S. FAY, Ljnn,

WILLIAM SUTTON, Salem, Treasurer.

ALLEN W. DODGE, Hamilton, Secretary.

HOITOIIARV TRXTSTZiES.

Frederick Howes,

Salem.

James H. Dunca i.

HavMhill.

Ebenezer Mosely,

Newhuryport.

TIIU3

TESS.

Lewis Allen,

Danvers.

Royal A. Merriam,

Tjpsfield.

John Alley, 3d,

Lyim.

Wingate MerriU,

Danvers.

Jacob Brown,

Ipswich.

E. R. Mudge,

Lynn.

David S. Caldwell,

Newbury.

Moses Newell,

West Newbury.

David Choate,

Essex.

.losiali Newhall,

Lynnfield,

Jeremiah Coleman,

Newburyport.

.Andrew Nichols,

Danvers.

Andrew Dodge,

AVenham.

Thomas E. Payson,

Rowley.

George Hood,

Lynn.

Gardner B. Perry,

Bradford.

Joseph How,

Melhuen.

Benjamin Porter,

Danvers.

John M. Ives,

Salem.

Dean Robinson,

West Newbury.

Josiah Little,

Newbury.

James Stevens,

Andover.

Josiah Kimball,

Boxford.

.fohn Stone, Jr.,

Marblehead.

Joseph Kitredge,

Andover.

Horace Ware, Jr.,

Salem.

Elisha Mack,

Salem.

Richard P. Waters,

Beverly.

MEMBERS ADMI

TTED IN 1849.

Kendall Osborn,

Danvers.

Paul T. AVinkley,

. Newbury.

Setli Hoklen,

do.

Rufus Pray,

do

Charles P. Preston,

do.

William Merrill,

W. Newbury

James P. King,

do.

B. F, S. Grilfin,

do.

William R. Putnam,

do.

Daniel Merrill, 3d,

Methuen.

Joseph Akerman,

Newburyport.

Simeon L. Wilson,

do.

Henry Frothingham,

do.

Israel F. Tappan,

Manchester.

James C. Colman,

do.

Benjamin Tappan,

do.

William Batchelder,

Andover.

J. F. C. Hayes,

Lawrence.

Benjamin Rogers,

do.

Nathan W. Harmon,

do.

Peter Smith,

do.

E. B. Little,

Haverhill.

Henry Poor,

do.

Thomas J. Clark,

Salisbury.

Joseph Andrews,

Salem.

Benjamin C. Putnam,

Wenham.

Hazen Ayers,

do.

Hiram L. Newhall.

Lyimfield.

Gardner Barton,

do.

Charles L. Flint,

Roxlmry.

Zachanah Cole,

Beverly.

James M. Parker,

Boston.

Joseph Lant,

Newbury.

MEMBERS HERETOFORE ADMITTED, WHOSE NAMES WERE OMITTED
IN THE CATALOGUE.

Amos Tappan,
Richard Adams,
John. J. Adams,
Moses Pettingill,

Newburyport.
Newbury.

do.

do.

AVilliam Sargent,
Joseph Perkins,
Joshua Tappan.

Newbury,
do.
do.

LIST OF PREMIUMS AND GRATUITIES

AWARDED IN 1849.

PLOUGHING — DOUBLE TEAMS.

Daniel Putnam, Danvers, 1st promium,

John Washburn, Lynn, 2d do.

Richard S. Bray, Newbury, 3d do.
Franklin Alley, Marblehead, 4th do.

PLOUGHING— SINGLE TEAMS.

Hobart Clark, Andover, 1st premium,

Benjamin P. Ware, Marblehead, 2d do.
Elijah Pope, Danvers, 3d do.

Henry Poor, Andover, 4th do.

PLOUGHING — HORSE TEAMS.

William G. Brown, Ipswich, 1st premium,
Joseph Whittredge, Hamilton, 2d do.
John Dorr, Ipswich, 3d do.

WORKING OXEN.
Jonathan Berry, Middleton, 1st premium,
William Foster, Andover, 2d do.
John Washburn, Lynn, 3d do.

William Sutton, Salem, 4th do.

FAT CATTLE,

James A. Putnam, Danvers, 1st premium,
Richard Knights, Newbury, 2d do.
Joseph Kittredge, Andover, 3d do.

$10

00

8

00

6

00

4

00

8

00

6

00

4

00

2

00

8

00

6

00

4

00

10

00

8

00

6

00

4

00

10

00

8

00

5

00

176 PREMIUMS AWARDED.

BULLS.

Henrj Poor, Andover, 1st premium,

Samuel Thompson, Haverhill, 2d do.
Joseph Kittredge, Andover, 3d do.

MILCH COWS.

Wingate Merrill, Danvers, 2d premium,

Enoch Page, Danvers, 3d do.

Frederic Burnham, Manchester, 4th do.

HEIFERS IN MILK.
Hiram L. Roberts, Beverly, 1st premium,
Richard Hawkes, Saugus, 2d do.

Stephen Whittemore, Jr., Salem, od do.

HEIFERS, TWO YEARS OLD.

A. B. Lord, Beverly, 1st premium,

J. T. Haskell, Beverly, 2d do.

Isaac Standley, Beverly, 3d do.

YEARLING HEIFERS.

Benjamin Kidder, Saugus, 1st premium,
John Stone, Jr., Marblehead, 2d do.
John Reynolds, Andover, 3d do.

STEERS, TWO YEARS OLD.
David S. Caldwell, Byfield, 1st premium,
Jedediah H. Barker, Andover, 2d do.

YEARLING STEERS.

Joshua Goodridge, Salem, 1st premium,

Moses Pettingill, Topsfield, 2d do.

COLTS.

Rufus Pray, Newbury, 1st premium,

Bailey Loring, Andove-, 2d do.

Nathaniel Boardman, Danvers, 3d do.
Samuel Tucker, Hamilton, 4th do.

SWINE.
William G. Lake, Topsfield, 1st premium, 5 00

7

00

6

00

5 00

9 00

8

00 i

7

00 1

* 1
1

7

1
00 i

6 00 '

5

00 ;

1

5

1

00

4

00 i

3

00 '

4

00

o
O

00

2

00

6

00

4

00

4 00 ■

3

00

10

00

8

00

6

00

4

00

PREMIUMS

f w i ^ . . . . ;

ATTArtDED.

.' .. - ... 1:

177

Joseph Kittredge, Andover,

2d premium,

3 00

Hiram L. Newhall, Lynnfield,

1st do.

6 00

a a a

1st do.

6 00

Thomas G. Dodge, Newburyport,

1st do.

4 00

John Stone, Jr., Marblehead,

2d do.

'2 00

10

00

8

00

6 00

10

00

8

00

6

00

SHEEP.
Joseph Kittredge, Andover, 1st premium, 7 00

JUNE BUTTER.

Nathaniel Felton, Danvers, 1st premium,
John Preston, Danvers, 2d do.

Elijah Pope, Danvers, 3d do.

SEPTEMBER BUTTER.

Charles P. Preston, Danvers, 1st premium,
Jonathan Berry, Middletou, 2d do.
Nathaniel Felton, Danvers, 8d do.

CHEESE.

David Choate, Essex, 1st premium, 8 00

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

Parker & White, Boston, gratuity, 6 00

Ruggles, Nourse & Mason, Boston, do.

Francis Burnham, Manchester, do.

Samuel D. Tilton, Salem, do.

David Ames, Boscawen, N. H., do.

William Chase, Salem, do.

MANAGEMENT OF FARMS.

Joseph F. Ingalls, Methuen, gratuity,
Jonathan Merrill, Methuen, do.

Daniel Merrill, 2d, Methuen, do.

Simeon L. Wilson, Methuen, do.

ORCHARDS.
Daniel Adams, Newbury, Ist premium, 10 00

23

3

00

Q

jj

00

1

00

3

00

2

00

15

00

10

00

10

00

10 00

ITS

f-REMIUMS AWARDED.

GRAIN CROPS.

Henry Poor, Andover, Ist premium,
" " " gratuity,

John Noyes, Newbury, 1st premium,
Joshua Foss, Byfield, lat do.

ROOT CROP.
Francis Dodge, Danvers, 1st premium,

AGRICULTURAL ESSAYS.
Charles Lewis Flint, West Roxbury,
William R. Putnam, Danvers,

By the Committee on Poultry,

do,
do.
do.
do-
do,
do.
do.

do
do
do
do
do
do
do

8 00
6 00
8 00
8 00

6 00

Fruits,

Vegetables,

Flowers,

Rugs, Carpets, and Counterpanes,

Cloth and Hosiery,

Metallic and Fancy Articles,

Leather, and Articles of Leather,

Total,. $627 87

ALLEN W. DODGE, Secretary.

10 00

10 00

21

00

35

00

13 00

15

62

28

00

8

25

36

00

12

00

Hamilton, Dec. 31, 1849.

The List of Premiums offered for 1850, will be found in the
printed show bills. It is nearly similar to that of former years.

The Exhibition of the Society will be held at Salem, on THURS-
DAY, the 26th day of September next.

ESSEX AGEICULTURAL SOCIETY.

LIBRARY REGULxiTIONS.

1. Each member shall be entitled to take from the Library two
volumes, on signing a receipt for the same, and agreeing to be ac*
countable therefor.

2. No member shall keep any book more than two weeks, after
being notified (by the Librarian) that the same is wanted by another
member.

3. All books belonging to the Library, shall be returned on or be-
fore the 15th of November, in each year ; that the same may be ex-
amined and the condition of the Library reported to the Trustees.

4. Any member who shall neglect or refuse, to conform to these
Regulations, shall thereby forfeit the privilege of taking books from
the Library.

Note. — All who have paid the iniiiiatory fee of three dollars towards the funds of the Society ;
all who have received certiiicates of membership by order of the Trustees; and all ordained ruiu-
i«ter« of the gospel, resident witbin the Coiuity.. are considered a;, member*.

A

CATALO'aUE Of BOOKS

BELONGING TO THE

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

THE COLMAN LIBRARY.

Vols.

Adams's Medical and Agricultural Register, 1

do Philosophy, 5

Aelbroeck's Flemish Agriculture, in French, 1

Agriculture of Flanders, . 1

do Nova Scotia, 1

do Pennsylvatiia, 6

Agricultural Prize Essays, Scotland, 3

do Protection Society's Tracts, 1

do Repository, London, 2

do Scrap Book, 1

do Tracts, in cloth, 8

do do in Russia, 3

Acton's Treatise on Dairies, 1

Akott's Housekeeper, 1

Albany Cultivator, 1834-5, 1

Allen on the Grape Vine, 1

Arator, Essays, &c., by Taylor, 1-

Armstrong's Agriculture, and others, 1

Bailly's Maison Rustique, ^

Bakewell's Geology,

Banfield's Agriculture on the Rhine,

Bard's Shepherds' Guide,

Barnum's Farmer's Own Book,

eifTiri<OQ*u»i 1 S:£.

Vols

Barry on Sheep, two copies,

2

Baxter's Agricultural and Horticultural Annual,

1

do Library of Agr. and Horticultural Knowledge',

1

Beecher's Domestic Economy,

1

Beet Sugar, Notos on.

1

Bigelow's Plants of Boston,

1

Blacker on Small Farms,

1

Blumenback's Physiology,

1

Bordley's Husbandry,

1

Boswell's Poultry Yard,

1

Boussingault's Ptural Economy,

1

Brisbane on Association,

1

British Farmer's Magazine,

11

do do do in 20 Nos,

6

do Husbandry,

1

Brown's American Forest Trees,

1

do Naturalist,

2

do Rural Aftairs,

2

Brown on Shoeing Horses,

1

Buel's Farmer's Companion,

1

do do Instructor,

2

Carpenter's Systamatic Education,

2

Chaptal's Agricultural Chemistry, two copies.

2

Child on Beet Sugar,

1

Clatter's Cattle Doctor,

1

Cobb on Mulberry Trees,

1

Cobb's Silk Manual, three copies, *

3

Cobbett's Cottager, &c., •

1

do Letters from France,

1

do Bide in do

1

do Rural Rides,

1

do Treatise on Corn,

1

Colmau's Addresses,

1

do Agriculture of Massachusetts,

2

do Sermons,

1

Colton's Western Tourist,

1

Combe's Constitution of Man,

1

do Digestion, &:c.. ■

1

184 CATALOaUK.

VOLtJ

Combe's Health and Mental Education, 1

do ?»Iental Derangement, 1

do Moral Philosophy, 1

do Phrenology, 1

do Popular Education, 1

Complete Grazier, 1

Comstock on Silk Culture, 1

Comstock's Chemistry, 1

Cornaro on Health, 1

Cully on Live Stock, - 1

Curwen's Hints, 1

Dana's Muck Manual, 1

Daubenton's Care of Sheep, 1

Daubeny's Lectures on Agriculture, 1

Davy's Agricultural Chemistry, 2 copys, 2

Dean's N. E. Farmer, 1

Dinnis' Silk Manual, 2 copies, 2

D'Homergue's do 1

De Condolle's Vegetable Organography, 1.
De Gourcy's Agricultural Excursion in England and

Scotland, in French, 2 copies, 2

De Salsac's Culture of Plants, in French, 1

De Jonrie's Colonial Slavery, do 1

De Fellenbergh on Education, 1

De Tocqueville's Democracy in America, 1

De Zeimeri's Advice to Farmers, in French, 1

do Guide to Farmers, do 1

Dickson on Poultry, . 1

Domestic Economy, Magazine of, 7

Donavan's Domestic Economy, -

Doyle's Hints to Farmers, 1

Druramand's Agricultural Museum, 1

Du Monceau on Agriculture, ^

Edinburgh Journal of Agriculture, in number*, 14

do do do in cloth, 4

Edwards' Anatomy and Physiology, 1

Elegant Extracts, 4

Elliott's Essays on Agriculture, 1769, 1

catalogue. 185

Vols.

Ellis's Husbandry, 2

Ellsworth's Swine Breeder, 1

do IHinols, 1

do Upper Wabash, 1

English Agricultaral Society's Journal, 3

do Board of x\gricuUure, Communications to, 7

do Royal Aricultural Society's Journal, in 20 Nos., 9

Essex Agricultural Society's Transactions, 2

Farmers' Almanac, 1844-5-6, 3

do Cabinet, 1837--8, 2

do Cyclopaedia, by Johnson, 1

do Magazine, Edinburgh, 3

do do London, 39 Nos., 6

do Register, 5

do Series, complete, 6

Fessenden's Poetical Farmer and Silk Manual, 2

Flemish Husbandry, 1

Forsyth on Fruit Trees, 1

do Epitome of, 1

Forsyth's Principles and Practice of Agriculture, 2

Fourier's New Industrial World, in French, 2

French Agricultural Statistics, 1

Gasparin's Agriculture, in French, 8

Genesee Farmer, 1831 to '38, 7

Geological Journal, 1

do Reports, > 1

Gleanings of Husbandry, 1

Gray's Agriculture, 1

Guenon's Treatise on Cows, in French, 2 copies, 2

Hampden's Aristocracy of England, 1

Hannam on Waste Manures, 1
Harleian Dairy System, 1

Hartley on Milk, 1
Hellyard's Practical Farming, 1

Hitchcock's Geology of Massachusetts, and plates, 2

Holkham's Agriculture of Norfolk, 1

do Miscellaneous Treatises, 1

Hooker's Farra-jra' Own Book, 1

CATALQOtJE.

Hunter's Essays,

Illinois and the West,

Illinois in 1837,

Jackson's Geology of Rhode Island, 2 copies,

Jardin des Plantes Promenades, in French,

Johnston's Elements of Agricultural Chemistry and Geolo^

do Lectures on do do

Journal of a Residence in Great Britain,
Julien's Culture of the Mulberry, in French,
Kame's Farmer,

Kane's Industrial Resources of Ireland, 2 copies,
Kenrick's New American Orchardist, 3 copies,

do Silk Grower's Guide,, 2 copies,
Kent's Agriculture of Norfolk,
Kollar on Insects,
Lathrop's Farmers' Library,
Lawson's Agriculturalists' Manual, 2 copies,
LeCouteur on Wheat,

Le Couteux's Agriculture of the Seine, in French,
Library of Useful Knowledge,

do Entertaining Knowledge,

Liebeg's Agricultural Chemistry,

do Animal do

r^do Organic do 2 copies,

Lindley's Horticulture,
Livingston on Sheep,
Lorain's Husbandry,
Loudon's Encyclopcedia of Agriculture,
Low's Practical Agriculture,
Lyell's Geology,
Mackenzie's Prize Essays,

do Treatise on Sheep, 2 copies,

Malte Brun's Geography,
Manning's Book of Fruits,
Marco Polo's Travels,
Marshall's Gardening,

'do do

' do Rural Economy,

do

Vols.
4
1
1
2
1

1
1
1

1
'2
3
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
4
9
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
4
5
2

8
1
1
2
1
2

CATALOGUE. 187

Vols.

Massachusetts Agricultural Repository, from 1793, 10

do Zoology of, 3

McMahon's Gardening, 1

McQueen's Statistics of British Empire, 1

Mills' Husbandry. 5

Miscellaneous Agricultural Newspapers, 1

Mitchell on Falsification of Food, 1
Moll's Colonization and Agriculture of Algiers, in French, 2

Morrin's Silk Raisers' Manual, 1

Morton on Soils, 2 copies, 2

Moubray on Poultry, 1

Mulberry, Treatise on (from the Chinese), 1

New England Farmer, from 1823 to 1841, 19

New York Agricultural Society's Transactions, 9

do Farmer, from 1831 to 1835, 6

do Geology of, 1

NichoUs' Farmer, 1

Nicholson's Farmers' Assistant, 1

Northern Farmer, 1833, 1

do Shepherd, 1

Nutt on Bees, 1

Nuttall's Botany, 1

O'Connell on Corn Laws, 1

Oregon, Letters on, with Map, 1

Parkinson on Live Stock, 2

Parkinson's Experienced Farmer, 2

Peck's Guide to Emigrants, 1

Philadelphia Agricultural Society's Memoirs, 2

Porter's Progress of Nations, 3

Poussin's Belgium, in French, 1

Practical Farmer and Gardener, 1

Quarterly Journal of Agriculture and Mechanics, 183--5, 2

Ransom's Implements of Agriculture, 1

Rham's Dictionary of the Farm, ^ 1

Richards' Botanical Dictionary, 1

Rogers's Geology of New Jersey, 1

do Vegetables, 1

Roget's Animal and Vegetable Phisiology, 2

24

188 catalogue.

Vols.
Eoyer's French Agricultural Statistics, 1

Ruffin's Calcareous Manures, I-

Rural Socrates, ^ ^ ^

Sayer on the Dahlia,

Sayer's Flower Garden Companion, ^

Sehwerz's Agricultural Precepts, in French, 1

do Culture of Useful Plants, do 1

do Manual of Agriculture, do 1

Sedgwick's Economy,

Shepard's Mineralogy,

ShirriflTs Tour through North America,

Silk Grower, 2 copies,

Sinclair on Cows,

Sinclair's General Report of Scotland,,
do Husbandry of Scotland,
do Code of Agriculture, 1

Skilling's Agriculture,
Slaney on Rural Expenditure,
Smellie's Philosophy,
Smith's Botany,
Spurzheim's Education,

do Natural Laws of Man, . J-

o

do Phrenology, *"

Statistics of Sheep,
Stephens's Book of the Farm,

do do on Irrigation and Draining, 1

Stewart on Horses,

Tescheraaker's Horticulture,

Tessier on Merinoes,

Texan Emigrant,

Thaer''s Principles of Agriculture,
TuU on Horse Shoeing,
Tull's Husbandry,
"Ore's Dictionary of Arts, &c.,
Vaughan on Commerce, &c.,
Villeroy on Cattle, in French,
Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary,
Webster's Chemistry,
Weeks on Bees, 2 copies,

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

1

1

\)

1

o

catalogue. 1 89

Vols.

White's Cattle Medicine, 1

Whitmarsh on the Mulberry, 1

Willick's Domestic Encyclopedia, 3

Workingman's Companion, 6

Yankee Farraei, 1838 to 1840, 3

Yorkshire Agricultural Society's Transactions, 12 Nos. 2

Young's Farmer's Calender, 1

do do Guide, 2

do Letters of Agricola, 1

do Tour through the North of England, 4

Entire Number of Volumes 518

In addition to these, there are many phamphlets to be arranged,
and miscellaneous works to be exchanged for others.

DONATION OF PICKERING DODGE, ESQ.

Vols.

American Farmer, 1

Brown's Trees of America, 1

Bridgman's Gardener's Assistant, 1

Butter's Farmers' Manual, 1

Benjamin's Architecture, 1

Chaptal's Agricultural Chemistry, 1

Carpenter's Giiide, 1

Dean's New England Farmer, 1

Downing's Fruit and Fruit Trees, 1

Drown's Farmers' Guide, 1

Essex Agricultural Society's Transactions, 2

Fessenden's Gardeners' Magazine, 2

Fessenden's American Gardener, 1

Genesee Farmer, 1831 to 1888, 7

Hovey's Gardeners' Magazine, 8

Hoare on the Grape, 1

Kenrick's Orchardist, 1

190 catalogue.

Vols.

Loudon's Gardener's Magazine, 1

Letters on Silk Culture, 1

Manning's Book of Tracts, 1

Moubray on Poultry, 1
Mackenzie's Receipts, 1

Nicholson's Encyclopaedia, 12
Patent Office Report, 1845, 1

Rural Recreations, 1

Sayer's Flower Garden Companion, 1
Silk Culturist, 1

Volumes, 63

DONATIONS HERETOFORE RECEIVED, AND PURCHA-
SES MADE, BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES.

Vols.

New England Farmer, 1823 to 1833, 11

Skinner's Farmer's Library and Journal of

Agriculture, 6

Transactions of the New York State Agricultural
Society, 1841, '42, and '43, presented by
B. P. Johnson, Esq., 3

Gardner's Farmer's Dictionary, presented by the

Author, 1

Johnston's Farmers' Encyclopaedia, presented by

Governor Emerson, 1

Patent Office Report for 1848, by D. P. King, 1

do do do do by Hon. T.

Ewing, 1

Washington's Letters on Agriculture, 1

Transactions of Essex Agricultural Society, 3

Forsyth on Fruit Trees and Marshall on Garden-
ing, presented by T. Pickering, 2

Massachusetts Agricultural Repository and Jour-
nal, presented by J. W. Proctor, 7

Vols., 3T

CATALOGUE. 191

In addition to the foregoing, the Society have a large number of
periodical publications and pamphlets, not bound, which can be ar.
ranged into convenient and useful volumes.

As soon as these are arrranged, and the collections are com-
pleted— of which assurances have been given — a complete catalogue
will be prepared.

PRESENTED BY A. W. DODGE.

Vols.

Transactions of the American Agricult'l Association, 1846, 1
do do Institute, 1846, 1

do N. Y. State Agricuit'l Society, 1846, 1

The Sportsman's Magazine, 1826, 1

INDEX.

Mr. Newhall's Abbeess, - - . - 3 to 17

Report on Dairy Products, - - - - 17 to 28

Statement of John Stone, Jr., - - . - 28 to 29

" Daniel Putnam, - - . 29 to 30

" Elijah Pope, - . . - 30 to 31

" Charles P. Preston, ... 31

" George Pearson, • - . - 32

" Natliaiiiel Felton, - . ■ . 32 to 34

'■ Jonathan Berry, . . . .34

" Duncan McKaug-hton, ... 35

ly " John Preston, - . . .36

yf " Nathan D. Hawks, ... 36

" David Choate, . . . -37

" A neighbor, . . . 38 to 41

Report on Ploughing — Double Teams, - . - 41 to 42

Letter on Bartlett's Double Plough, - . . 42 to 44

Report on Ploughing — Single Teams. . . . 44 to 46

" Horse Teams, ... 46

Domestic Manufactures, - . . 47 to 50

Cloth and Hosiery, ... 50

Leather, and Articles therefrom, - - . 50 to 51

Fancy Articles, . . » 51 to 58

Fruits, - . . . 5S to 60

Vegetables, • . . . 60 to 61

Flowers, - - . . - 61 to 64

Fat Cattle, - - . . 64

Workuig Oxen, . . . . 64 to 65

Bulls, - . . . 65 to 67

Statement of Henry Poor, - - . .67

Report on Milch Cows, .... 68

Statement of Wingate Merrill, - . - - 68 to 69

" Enoch Page, ... 69

" Frederic Burnham, - . . 69 to '"

Report on Heifers, .... 70

Statement of Hiram L. Roberts, - . - 70 to "^

Report on Steers, .... 71

Colts, - - - - . 72 to '^^

" S\vine, - . - . 75

Letter of Lewis Allen, on Raising Swine, - . • 75 to '"'

Report on Sheep, - - . . 77

■' Fattening Cattle and Swine, - . . 77 to ''^

" Comparative value of Crops, &c., - . 78 to ^^

" Fruit Trees, - . . - SI to ®^

Statement of Daniel Adams, . . . 82 to ^

Report on Improved Agriculiural Implements, . . - 81 to 86

E. H. Derby on the Cultivation of Potatoes, - • 86 to 89

Report on Farms, - - . . - 69 to 95

Statement of J. F. Ingalls, - . - 95 to 97

'' Jonathan Merrill, - . . . 97 to 99

" Daniel Merrill, 2d, - . . ()() to lOO

" Simeon L. Wilson, . . - loo to lOO

Report on Root Crops, - - _ . khj 10 ll4

Letter of J. AV. Proctor, on Crops of the Season, - - 114 to 1 16

Statement of Francis Dodge, ... no 10 117

Report on Poultry, - - - . - 117 to 1 27

" Grain Crops, - ... . 127 to 129

Statement of Henry Poor, .... 129 to l39

" John Noves, ... l30

" Daniel Osborn, - . . 131

" Joshua Foss, . - .131 to 132

" Henry Poor, - - . - 132 to 133

•* Daiiiel PuUiam. - - - 133 to 135

INDEX. 193

Report on Compost Manure*, - - . . 135 to 137

" the State Bull, . I37 to 130

Letter of Samuel Jaques, Esq-, on Polled Cattle, ... 139 to 144

Notice of Rev. Henry Colrnan, ... 141 to 146

Report on Essays, - - . . - 145 to 140

Essay on the Origin and History of Indian Corn. . - 147 to 162

'• '■ Culture of " " . . . lei to 173

Treasurer's Statement, .... I73

Olficers of the Society, .... J74

Members admitted in 1849, - - . I74

Premiums awarded in 1j49, .... 175 to 178

Catalogue of Library, &c., . . - . 179 to 191

Index. - . . . - 192 to 193

h.

^

TPixVNSACTIONS

OF

THE ESSEX

AGRICULTUilAL SOCIETY,

FOR 1850.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY.
DECEMBER, 1850.

SALEM :

Printed at Office of Salem Gazette and Essex Co. Mercury.
1850.

ADDRESS.

BY CALEB GUSHING

Mr. President and Gentlemen of the

Essex Agricidtural Society: —
It would be presumptuous ou my part, to think of ad-
dressing you on matters of practical agriculture. I choose
rather to invoke your indulgence for some appropriate reflec-
tions of another class.

Allow me, however, in the outset, whilst congratulating
you on the happy reunion here of so many members of the So-
ciety, to give utterance to a common grief, in view of the ab-
sence of one, who, honored and esteemed by the community
at large, was more especially dear to you, both as an associate
and as a friend. I allude, of course, to your deceased Vice
President, the Hon. Daniel P. King.

I have known Mr. King well as a public man, and in that
respect can speak of him with the precision of personal obser-
vation. As a statesman, indeed, his memory now belongs not
to our own Commonwealth only, but to the whole Union.

He owed to the accidents of birth and of circumstances but
this, — that he was enabled to pass into the public service with-
out going through that apprenticeship in active life, or training
in the learned professions, which, though it sharpen the facul-
ties, and enlarge the sphere of knowledge, yet has a tendency
to leave the heart hardened in the conflict of human passions,
and interests, and the mind sophisticated by the habit of seek-
ing for arguments to maintain an assumed opinion or side,
in the stead of the unprejudiced exploration of the depths of
supreme and eternal truth.

In this, he was favored by fortune : the rest was all his own : —

4 MR. cushing's address.

opportunities of education and mental formation faitlifiilly im-
proved,— scholarly" accomplishments, — a graceful and ready elo-
quence,— courteous bearing, — candor of judgment, — a spirit
manly and generous, — firmness of tenet, softened by moderation
of temperament, — justness of principle, — philanthropy in senti-
ment and practice not in loud profession, — religion of the heart
as well as of the head and of the outward life, — equableness of
general worth, — constancy and uprightness in the performance
of all his duties, whether to himself, his country, or his God.

Add to which, that, in him, conscientiousness of political
conviction was free of that bigotry of party, which in the nar-
rowness of its myopic perception looks on a difference of sen-
timent as a crfme ; and his earnestness of execution in the line
of his convictions was unaccompanied by that common form of
party action, a calculated and self-interested intolerance.

Thus it was, that he rose to, and well discharged, public
functions of high eminence, first in the domestic government
of the Commonwealth, and afterwards for a series of years as
one of her Representatives in the Congress of the United
States. His premature death, in the vigor of his age and of
his faculties, has cut short the career of a wise, good, and pat-
riotic man, who, had he been longer spared to us, would have
continued to win true glory in the honorable service of his
country.

Of the private virtues of Mr. King as distinguished from
those qualities which have marked his political life, — of the ex-
cellence of his character as a son, a husband, a father, a fellow-
citizen, — it would be unbecoming for me to speak in the mere
cold terms of public eulogy, here, in the midst of those, by
whom his memory is cherished, and his death deplored, for
considerations higher, and more sacred, than all of respect or of
admiration, which gathers around the name of the departed
statesman.

But Mr. King was a farmer, also, with a strong predilection
for agricultural pursuits, showing by the successful manage-
ment of his own ample estates, how science may be combined
with practical skill ; and in that, his professional and official
relation to you, justly earning the confidence and esteem of
the Society.

MR. CUSIIING S ADDRESS. O

Gentlemen, there is, in my estimation, no condition of private
life more useful to the community, or more honorable to the
individual, than the cultivation of the earth. I propose, in
continuation, to develope this idea, and to exhibit the relations
of land, its ownership, and its cultivation, to the material
wealth of nat'ons, to their moral and political welfare, and
especially to the prosperity and happiness of these United
States.

It is impossible that any American should call to mind the
history of his country, and look abroad on its present condition,
without feeling a sentiment of exultation in the remembrance
of the one, and of pride in the contemplation of the other.

It may be, that something of exaggeration enters into the
sentiment, it may be that the frequent expression of it has a
sound of boastfulness to the foreign ear ; yet, as Mr. Everett
truly and well observes, the feeling and the manifestation of
it have been most natural to us of this generation, who saw
eminent men of the revolutionary struggle still lingering among
us after the nation had already grown into surpassing great-
ness, thus prolonging our heroic age even into the present
time.

This feeling is the more natural, inasmuch as we ourselves
are the witnesses of a visible, yet marvellous national growth ;
of populous cities, filled with monuments of art, which have
sprung up as it were by enchantment from the bare face of the
wilderness, with the suddenness, but without the transientness,
of one of the vast oriental encampments ; of great states, with
their thronging millions of inhabitants, appearing in wide
lands, where the first furrow was ploughed in the virgin soil by
the hands of our very fathers ; nay, of an empire, broader than
Macedonian king or Roman general ever ruled, rising out
of the earth as if at the stamp of our feet.

"VYe see that it is not an empire only, but a people, standing
before us, colossal, glorious, sublime in its supernal majesty,
with the aureola of divinity flashing from its brow. For that
people has the highest of the patents of nobility to show for
itself, as the Spaniard phrases it, namely, its works ; it has taken
its knightly spurs on the field : it has gained its blazon of arms in

6 MR. cushing's address.

the council-chamber; it is the child of its own achievements.
And in thus learning to become great, it has learned the hard-
er lesson to be great ; for whilst other nations are struggling in
vain to establish free institutions, wildly tossing their limbs
in the throes and convulsions of mingled hope and fear, only
to sink down again into the death-like torpor of despair, we,
on the contrary, led forward by those great men among us,
whose solid minds are alike unshaken, whether by the " vultus
instantis tyranni" or by the "civium ardor prava jubentium,"
have, amidst difficulties unexampled, held on our course in
conscious strength, proudly dashing behind us the troubled wa-
ters of discontent and disunion.

Well, therefore, in such a time as this, might republican
France look with admiration at the spectacle of the regular
working of the institutions of this country, when the conquer-
or of many a well-fought and hard-won field of battle bowed
his head at last before the great conqueror, death, and the su-
preme power of the Union passed, in tranquillity and peace, to
the hands of one, having indeed just titles to respect, but not
of a name so identified with great events, as to make the heart
throb and the blood run thrilling through the veins, like his
predecessor, and not therefore equally sure of the spontaneous
deference of his countrymen.

And well, therefore, may we say, to the American Union,
in the exquisite words of one of the sons of Essex : —

Jlope of the world ! May each omen of ill
Fade in the light of thy destiny still !
Time bring but increase and honor to thee,
Land of the beautiful, land of the free !

Nevertheless, it may be right for us to inquire, how much of
all these grand results, of this rapid growth in power, of this
happy combination of liberty with order, and of the organic
perfection of our political system, is due to men, their race,
character, spirit, institutions, and how much to other causes
above or beyond all human influences, and what those causes
are.

Gentlemen, we hear much in these latter days of the Anglo-
Saxons, as if it were their blood in us, which makes or explains
the greatness of the United States.

MR. CUSHINC'S ADDRESS. 7

Now, I am prepared to concede all its due influence to this
the Teutonic element in our composition ; but no more. I
cannot shut my eyes to the action of the Celtic races, Spanish,
French, and Irish, on the condition of America.

The characteristic of the Anglo-Saxon stock is individual-
ism : — in the man, reliance on self, exclusive regard for self,
personal independence, love of liberty, as it is indefinitely
called among us, by which we mean, love of individual power;
in the society, separate dwellings, collection into small political
groups or communities, quick spread over the surface of a given
country, occupation of land.

But in men, as in things, each specific quality excludes its
opposite. Therefore, in the Anglo-Saxon, with self-reliance
and self-regard, comes disregard of the rights and feelings of
others, as illustrated in that habitual violation of contracts
among us, which is more or less sanctioned by law and by
what is called public sentiment.

Love of personal independence and individual power is, of
of itself, a complete dissolvent of society. Therefore, again,
among the Anglo-Saxons, or wherever that element exists
largely, the central power is weak, authority is diffused among
the parts, government is carried on, or checked and controlled
in its action, by voluntary associations, clubs, and political par-
ties, which tyrannize in their own way.

In religion, protestantism takes the place of catholicity, that
is, unity of church disappears, and there follows infinite subdi-
vision into fragmentary sects, which every where profess, but
nowhere tolerate, freedom of belief.

In respect to industrial pursuits, as each man is for himself,
with freedom of labor there is also freedom of capital ; and as
the employed rejects or imperfectly admits the idea of obliga-
tion to the employer, so also the employer feels imperfect-
ly the sense of obligation towards the employed; and while
there is much talk of liberty, there is comparatively little
thought of either equality or fraternity ; and the dissolution of
co-relation, thought it involve bankruptcies and adulteration of
commodities in one class, with pauperism and depredations on
property in the other, and frequent hostility between both, yet
comes to be deemed the sura of human happiness.

8 MR. cushing's address.

His passion is to occupy land ; but in the indulgence of it he
is carried away by individualism, and so he takes wherever he
can, without punctilious regard for the rights of property in
others ; and, as he is in temper unsocial and repellent towards
other races, he exterminates or expels the previous occupants.

In a word, among Anglo-Saxons, the federative principle ob-
tains; the centrifugal force is stronger than the centripetal ; and
the society perpetually tends towards anarchy and dissolution.

Accordingly, there was no such thing as permanent and well
ordered general government among the Anglo-Saxons, until
the Norman-French conquered England, and infused into the
society a portion of the Celtic elements of cohesion by mutual
relation or co-dependence, and centralization of political au-
thority. Then, and not until then, did Britain become a pow-
er in Europe.

NoVxT, is it because of the Anglo-Saxon blood and character of
the primitive settlers of these United States, as manifested in
their political tendencies and in their religion, that these Unit-
ed States became and have continued to be a great people ?

I reply, no : race and blood, with inherited instincts or hab
its belonging to them, determined the quality, not the fact, o
greatness. The proof of which is, that the Spaniards, a Celtic
race, with a genius the opposite of the Teutonic, with central-
ization of political ideas, co-dependence of social habits, and
catholic unity of religion, yet in less time than the English,
and with greater obstacles to overcome, established a more
magnificent empire in America.

It required but one hundred years for the Spaniards to bind
together the two continents in one powerful state, extending
from ocean to ocean, and from Sante Fe in the North to Val-
divia in the South, through seventy-five degrees of latitude ;
to establish definite and equitable relations between the con-
querors and the conquered ; to christianise the latter ; to create
in all that vast region rich seaports of maritime commerce ; to
build up refined and populous interior cities ; to organize pro-
ductive industrial enterprises on the largest and most profitable
scale ; to construct edifices and establishments of religion,
government, military defence, education, and philanthropy,

i

MR. GUSHING S ADDRESS, 9

such as to this day exist nowhere else in America. It needs
only to compare Avhat Spain did in America in the sixteenth
century with Avhat England did in the seventeenth, and to
cojitrast the condition of Spanish America in the year 1600,
v/ith that of British America in the year 1700, to dispel the
common delusion among us, which, from partial views and a
pardonable national vanity, assumes our superior and peculiar
intrinsic aptitude for colonization and for em.pire.

Whoever examines carefully the history and condition of the
Western and Northwestern States, and sees how, at a time
when the English still timidly clung to the Atlantic sea-coast,
and, owing to their repellent qualities of race, were perpetual-
ly at war with the Indians, at that very time the French, on
the other hand, had implanted their ideas, their authority, their
language, and their religion, among the numerous and pow-
erful tribes of the West, from Canada all around to Louisiana, —
whoever, I say, considers this, will be inclined to think, that it
was not any particular line of policy, nor any wide-reaching
ideas, nor any intrinsic superiority of blood, on the part of the
Colonies themselves, but the contingencies of a war in Eu-
rope, which decided the question, whether the predominant in-
fluences in North America should be English or French, Teu-
tonic or Celtic.

We, in New-England, have been accustomed to take a still
more contracted view of the question, and to over-estimate the
influence exercised by the peculiar ideas of the Puritans in the
colonization of America : unjust in this to the Hollanders of
New-York, to the Huguenots of Carolina, to the Catholics of
Maryland, to the Cavaliers of Virginia, and to the Irish in all
parts of the United States. That religion was not the pivot-
al fact in the successful colonization of the United States may
be plainly seen by the rapid growth, in our day, of the Austra-
lian Colonies, which, though unable to boast of any exemplary
purity in religion or morality, have yet advanced faster in
population and production than did the Anglo-American Colo-
nies.

What, then, is the explanation of the rise, greatness, wealth,
prosperity, freedom, and stability, of the United States ? I have

10 MR. cushing's address.

no hesitation in saying, that, in my opinion, the main-spring
of all this is land. The abundance of land has been the pri-
mary fact in the advancement of Spanish America, Portuguese
America, French America, and British America, as it has in
that of Australia.

I lay down the following series of propositions, in elucida-
tion of the subject : —

1. The possession and utilization of land are the natural
foundations of all society, because, without land, and its pro-
ductions, life is difhcult and precarious, if not impossible. In
the position thus broadly stated are included, of course, the
natural products, whether vegetable, animal, or mineral, of the
air and water as well as the earth.

2. Manufacture, which is the modification of these products,
and commerce, which is their distribution by exchange, are
secondary in order of time and of necessity to the occupation
of the earth, which alone furnishes dwelling-place and food,
the prime exigencies of life, and which also furnishes the ob-
jects of manufacture and commerce.

3. In all societies, land is the chief conservative element of
the society, of its institutions whatever they may be, and of
its particular spirit and moral identity. Whether the govern-
ment be aristocratical as in Great Britain, or democratical as in
the United States, its distinctive quality is more particularly
prominent in the agricultural interest.

Hence it is that the great empire of the East, whose robust
identity of type has defied all the chances of time, proof alike
against external violence and internal corruption for thousands
of years, — I mean China, — has the unshaken basis of its great-
ness laid in agriculture, universally recognized by its sages and
its statesmen as the noblest of their ancestral arts, the palladi-
um of public stability, the inexhaustible source of national
prosperity, second in estimation to the cultivation of the mind
alone : in testimony of which it is, that the one great occasion
of the year, on which the ruler of three hundred millions of
men descends from that solitary elevation of his, which is half
the throne of a sovereign and half the shrine of a demigod, to
mingle in person with his people, is a solemn agricultural

MR. cushing's address. 11

pomp, when he himself guides the plough in the furrow as an
example and a sign to the universe.

4. Whatever may be the political name of a government, it
is monarchical in spirit and fact, if the land be held chiefly or
in great part by the sovereign, as in Egypt, Russia, or In-
dia ; it is aristocratic, if it be held in large estates by individu-
als, as in Great Britain or Hungary ; it is democratic, if it be
extensively distributed among the people for cultivation, as in
France or the United States,

5. A political society will be stable, or otherwise, according
to the predominance in its composition and control of those
interests, which are directly associated v/ith the earth and the
natural productions of land or sea, or of those which consist
only in the modification or distribution of natural productions.

Accordingly, countries, like Egypt, India, China, whose pri-
mary interest is agriculture, seem to possess indestructible vi-
tality. Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Turks, have, by
successive waves of invasion, broken down the monuments of
art in Egypt, but not her prosperity ; Mongols and Manchus
have expended their lust of plunder on the fertile soil of China
in vain ; Tartars and English have in like manner labored un-
successfully to exhaust the wealth of India : for if Man be
powerful to waste and destroy. Nature is yet more powerful to
renovate and repair.

6. The tendency of agriculture is to distribute men over the
country at large, of manufactures and commerce to accumulate
them in great masses on given points. Of course, in the form-
er will be found the traits of more simple habits, of a healthier
state of the moral and physical man, and of less mobility of ideas
and character : whilst in the latter will be more civilization of
mind and body, but less vigor and individuality of stamp ;
more accomplishment in the fine arts, but less virtue ; more
new ideas, but less of reliable ones ; emotions evanescent,
though vivid ; movement, change, instability.

7. If, in a political society, which is wholly or in chief part
agricultural, the community be divided into two classes, one
owners of the soil and the other mere laborers, whether that
state of things result from conquest, as of England by the Nor-

1^ MR, CUSHING's address.

mans, and of Ireland by the English, or from the introduetionof
laborers foreign or of another race, as in our Southern States
and the West Indies, — then, one of two things happens : Eith-
er the owners and laborers are legally independent of each oth-
er, and associated only by the contract of hire, in which case
pauperism is rife ; — or the two classes are mutually co-depen-
dent, in which case there is no pauperism, but, to compensate
for this^ the laborers are in the condition either of vassalage or
servitude.

In all the known, or at least in all the existent, forms of po-
litical society, this is the terrible alternative, attending unequal
distribution of property, namely, either serfdom, or pauperism.
And the great question of the day in Europe is, whether thcra
be any middle term ; — whether it be possible so to reconstitute
society, that the rights of capital and labor may be reconciled,
and that, with the employer free to engage the employed or
not as he pleases, and the employed free to engage with the
employer or not as he pleases, still the employed shall at all
times have work at a price adequate for his subsistence. That
is a social problem not yet experimentally solved.

S. In proportion as productive land is abundant, and easy of
acquisition by all the members of the community, will society
be sound on the main point, that is, the absence either of serf-
dom, or of pauperism, and of the criminal classes created by
the unequal distribution of limited national wealth. If, in that
profusion of productive land, there be nothing to check the
natural progress of population, or it be supplied by coloniza-
tion, then will there be a rapid growth of the country in pow-
er. If the land be all taken up, if it be deficient in quantity,
if manufacturing and commercial interests have overgrown the
agricultural, then is the condition of the country abnormal ;
and the continuance of its prosperity is dependent on circum-
stances foreign to itself, and beyond its control ; and tlie acci-
dents of political change may at any moment produce its de-
cline or downfall.

In saying this, let me not be understood to speak in dispar-
agement of manufacture and commerce, those hand-maidons
of agriculture ; but only as attributing to each that which is,

MR. CUSIIING'S ADDRESS. 13

in my estimation, its everlasting place in the great scheme of
human affairs, and in the welfare of nations.

The higher comparative estimation, in which land has been
held by som.e of the great states of ancient and modern times,
such as Egypt, Lacedasmon, Rome, and feudal Europe, has not
been, as many have erroneously supposed, a mere prejudice of
class, but the expression of a sentiment or conviction in favor
of what they deemed the material element of their greatness
and the safeguard of their nationality. The old political com-
munities, whose industry was more exclusively manufacturing
or commercial, as Tyre, Carthage, Athens, Palmyra, each with
its narrow territory and its massed civic population, shone for
a brief season with unsurpassed and dazzling brilliancy in
wealth, learning, and art, and then passed away like the blaze of
a meteor, which leaves only the reflection of its transient lustre
upon the page of history, and peradventure some half-buried
monumental stones to mark its resting place on earth. Flor-
ence, Pisa, Genoa, Holland, are examples of more modern date.
Britain is no exception to this great political lav/ ; for, though
she be pre-eminent in manufacture and commerce, yet the rul-
ing class there is rooted in the land ; it repairs to the city in
the pursuit of power and of pleasure, but its rich abodes, its
household gods, the birth-place and nurture of its children, the
graves of its progenitors and itself, are in the country ; and
when the earth of England shall have ceased to produce for
her its corn, its coal, and its iron, and the landed interest be no
longer potential in her government, then for her also it will
need but the accident of a battle to decide her fate.

Gentlemen, applying these propositions to the main ques-
tion, I say, these United States are, as a whole, and always
have been, chiefly dependent for their wealth and power on
the natural productions of the earth. It is the spontaneous
products of our forests, our mines, and our seas, and the culti-
vated products of our soil, which have made, and continue to
make, us what we are. Manufacture can but modify these,
commerce only distribute or accumulate them, and exchange
them for others, to gratify taste or promote convenience. Land
is the footstool of our power ; land is the throne of our empire.

14 MR. cushing's address.

Generation after generation may give themselves up to
slaughter in civil or foreign war ; dynasty follow dynasty, each
with new varieties of oppression or misrule ; the fratricidal
rage of domestic factions rend the entrails of their common
country ; temples, and basilica, and capitols, crumble to dust ;
proud navies melt into the yeast of the sea ; and all that Art
fitfully does to perpetuate itself, disappear like the phantasm
of a troubled dream ; but Nature is everlasting ; and, above the
wreck and uproar of our vain devices and childish tumults, the
tutelary stars continue to sparkle upon us from their distant
spheres ; the sun to pour out his vivifying rays of light and heat
over the earth ; the elements to dissolve in grateful rain ; the
majestic river to roll on his fertilizing waters unceasingly ; and
the ungrudging soil to yield up the plenteousness of its harvest
year after year to the hand of the husbandman.

He, the husbandman, is the servant of those divine elements
of earth and air ; he is the minister of that gracious, that be-
nign, that bounteous, that fostering, that nourishing, that reno-
vating, that inexhaustible, that adorable Nature ; and as such,
the stewardship of our nationality is in him.

God has in all times vouchsafed to our country ministers of
religion, whose hearts and whose life were touched as with
holy fire from his altar ; soldiers, of whom the very name
sounds in the mind's ear as a trumpet-call to battle and vic-
tory; statesmen, the glory of whose eloquence, whose wis-
dom, whose patriotism, will descend to future ages, obscuring
in the effulgence of its light all Greek and Roman fame. God
has made us of that Anglo-Saxon race, which Tacitus com-
memorates of old, as inclined to shun the crowded city, and to
choose its abodes by the sparkling fountain, or along the green
glades, or in the solemn depths of the forest ; whose passion is
land ; whose individualism, whose genius of separation and
self-action, whose rural tendencies, render it especially apt for
that period in the career of a political community, when land
is super-abundant with it, and when the uncultivated earth is
to be reclaimed to the dominion of man. God has endowed
US with courage, energy, activity, genius, invention, industry,
love of knowledge, improvement, and virtue, at least equal to

MR. GUSHING S ADDRESS.

15

those of the most favored members of the human family. God
has blessed and protected us in our efforts to establish and
maintain wise and good institutions of government, and has
enabled us to defend them against all enemies, alike on the
ocean and the land. But God in his great mercy has also giv-
en us a country, geographically speaking, without the singular
features and situation of which, all the wisdom, virtue, and
sacrifices of our fathers and ourselves would but have served,
like those of Swedish Charles,

To point a moral, and adorn a tale ;
and without which the specific qualities of our parent-stock,
their instincts of personal independence, severance of interests,
diffusion of authority, repellence of race, exaggerated self-con-
fidence of judgment, intolerance of any opinion, tastes or habits
differing from their own, and their very avidity for land, would
all have proved to be the elements of dissolution and destruc-
tion, rather than of wealth and power.

We of the United States possess a portion of the earth, in
which all the natural sources of wealth, mineral or vegetable,
abound; which constitutes (approximately) the whole of the
temperate zone of this Continent, and is therefore highly con-
genial to animal life ; which by the configuration of the sea-
coast abounds in harbors ; which contains interior seas; and
whose superficies is so disposed, with numerous moderate ele-
vations, with no conglomeration of lofty mountains, but with
extensive gently inclined planes, that it contains a larger sys-
tem of rivers, and a greater proportion of tillable lands, than
any other country in the world, except possibly Russia and
China.

Compare, for illustration, with the condition of the Ameri-
can Republic in this respect, the contrary state of things in the
Mexican. Such is the configuration of the coast of Mexico
that she has almost no good harbor on the Atlantic ocean.
Vera Cruz is but a road-stead along the sea-beach, imperfectly
sheltered by a reef of rocks. You cannot reach the interior of
the country, and the seats of its natural resources and power,
from either sea-coast, without ascending to a height of seven
thousand feet in a line of one hundred miles, and the whole

16 MR. cushing's address.

surface of the earth is a confused mass of mountains. Of
course, navigable rivers, canals, and railways, either to connect
together the interior parts of the country, or to connect them
with the sea, are impossible. Of course, also, the relative pro-
portion of arable land is much less than it is in this country.
Moreover, as the climate is dry, and the running streams few
and small, therefore, of the land in general only those portions
can be cultivated profitably, which arc susceptible of irrigation.
If God had cast the lot of our fathers in that part of America,
not ours would be the mighty ships, v/hich now bear our flag,
and the fame of our greatness, and the rich productions of our
soil, our fisheries, our work-shops, and our looms, to the utter-
most bounds of the earth ; — not ours, the floating palaces of the
Hudson, the Delaware, the Ohio, and the Mississippi ; — not ours
the wonders of mechanic art in the use of the steam engine : —
not ours, the iron bands of so many railroads, which seem as
if intended to bind together indissolubly the East and the
West, the North and the South ; — not ours the great forests and
vast prairies of the West, which invite and satisfy the expan-
sive energies of our race, which draw off" the superfluity of our
population, which constitute the safety-valve for all the pent-
up passions and explosive or subversive tendencies of an ad-
vanced society, and which in the asylum and aliment they af-
ford to the discontented or unhappy of other lands, are serving
to hurry us on to the very pinnacle of earthly power.

As, therefore, we are great, wealthy, prosperous, and pow-
erful, so are we, despite of transitory conflicts of interest, peace-
ful and secure in our political relations, because of land, more
land, exuberance of land. The Anglo-Saxon must have room
in space, and his own way in opinion. The colonists of Mas-
sachusetts-Bay had spread themselves over half the surface of
the State, at a time, when their aggregate number did not ex-
ceed the present population of one of our smaller cities ; and
how little of dissent, either religious or political, they tolerated,
we know well here in Salem. The i^eople of the English
Colonies felt crowded on the eastern slope of the Alleghanies,
and, though most of the land was yet untrodden wilderness,
they could not find space among them in which to suffer the

MR. CUSHING'S ADDBESS. 17

residence of a few broken bands of Indians, After the estab-
lishment of the Federal Union, they swarmed over to the
western slope of the Alleghanies. They were not satisfied
there, until they had obtained Louisiana, and occupied the en-
tire Mississippi Valley. And still, with their strong instincts
of expansion,, but not of assimilation, they drove before them
the surviving remnants of the Indians. There was more land
yet ahead of them, and they pushed on to Texas, Oregon, New
Mexico and California.

Where is all this to end ? I will not undertake to foreknow ;
but I see that the continual occupation of new lands, and suc-
cessive acquisitions of territory, are the manifestations and the
effect of the particular genius and personal character of the
people of the United States. We satisfy in this the inborn
exigencies of our nature, just as when we eat or drink. Give
scope for the free action of our characteristic national qualities
of activity, expansibility, individualism, love of land, — and all is
well : check it, stop it, shut it up, force it back on. itself, and
you will discover that the letter of a Avritten Constitution is
quite secondary in its agency on the integrity and peace of the
American Union.

Gentlemen, we of the State of Massachusetts, unlike the
United States as a whole, have reached that point in our social
career, where agriculture is overtaken, and perhaps passed, by
manufacture and commerce. That is one of the critical periods
in the life of a community. Far be it from me to say any
thing, here or elsewhere, to discourage the ardor of our ad-
vancement in mechanic art, in manufacture, or in commerce.
Nor, on the other hand, do these need to be stimulated by ap-
plause ; for their weak side is a tendency to hurtful excess of
production by means of machinery and of credit. But the in-
terests of the agriculture of Massachusetts do need to be stimu-
lated by public exhortation.

Let those of us, then, who feel stifled in the air of over-full
cities, to whom the fresh breezes of the country, its green
fields, its fair hills and bright streams, its woods and its lakes,
and its ripened promise of the harvest, are never-ceasingly
dear, — let us turn with fonder affection to all there is left to
3

18 MR. cushing's address.

man of the charms of Eden. We may fail thus to get some-
thing of city graces : we shall keep the more of comitry
strength. Let us hold fast to the sheet-anchor and stay of
nations. Let science be applied to augment the productive-
ness and value of the agricultural lands of the Commonwealth,
as its population increases, and other interests attain great rela-
tive weight : to which end, the State should be called on to
establish an Agricultural School worthy of her wealth and
fame. If our soil will not produce, nor the climate ripen, those
great staples which suj)ply our foreign trade, cotton, tobacco,
sugar, wheat, rice, yet other products of the earth are not want-
ing here, as the means and the subject of agricultural industry
and prosperity. Let it never be forgotten that agriculture is
the conservative element in our social system, under whatever
name of party that interest may for the time being appear.
Finally, if we should ever incline to doubt as to the relation of
agriculture to life, to the character of men, and to the destiny
of nations, let us look back on the history of our country, and
remember how many of its greatest generals, like Washington,
Jackson, Taylor, — how many of its greatest statesmen, like
Jefferson, Madison, Calhoun, — to say nothing of living men, —
have been the production and growth of rural life, and have
clung, with invincible tenacity, amid all the changes and
chances of the loftiest flights of greatness, to the pursuits and
the interests of their mother-earth.

REPORTS, &c.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

The Cattle Show and Fair, by the Essex Agricultural So-
ciety, was holden at Salem, on the 26th of September. A
north-east storm operated much inconvenience in the move-
ments of the day. The number of spectators was much less
than it otherwise would have been ; — but enough to indicate
the strong interest felt by the public in the objects of the So-
ciety. The show of animals was equal to that of any former
year ; — notwithstanding the unfavorable circumstances under
which they were viewed, the general remark was, that this
part of the Exhibition was well sustained. The ploughing
match came off at the hour appointed, more than twenty
teams engaging in the contest, no competitor, it is believed,
being deterred by the inclemency of the weather, from appear-
ing on the field, and completing his work. The entire per-
formance was highly creditable to the skill and perseverance
of those engaged. Most of the ploughs used were of the des-
cription that have been best approved, for several years, in the
County of Essex. A plough of new pattern, called the Michigan
Sod Plough, turning two furrows, one upon the other, was ex-
hibited, and operated favorably. Judging from the slight ex-
amination in our power to give it, it appeared to be worthy
of further experiment. If we do not mistake, it will be found,
for many purposes, a highly useful implement.

The display of articles of domestic manufacture was not as
large as on some former occasions ; probably diminished by

20 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

the state of the weather, and by the requisition found neces-
sary, of entry being made on the day previous. The plan of
charging a small admission fee, answered the purpose intended,
by keeping the rooms in a condition to accommodate those
who wished to see and examine what was exhibited. It Avill
unquestionably be found a salutary regulation, in fair weather,
with a numerous attendance.

The show of fruit was very fine, superior to any before seen
in this County. For the success in this department, the Soci-
ety are under great obligations to our Horticultural friends in
Salem, the exhibition by the Essex Institute being united with
that of this Society.

For an examination of the animals and articles presented,
and the premiums and gratuities awarded, reference may be
had to the reports of the several committees : — which do or
should contain a complete specification of all presented, and all
awarded, together with the reasons of the award ; — that those
who read may have as full an understanding of the awards, as
those who saw the objects for which they were made. It can-
not be expected that committees will view with the eyes of
competitors ; — if they did, it would be a hopeless task to ex-
pect any awards. Disinterested as committees are always re-
quired to be, and selected for their special qualifications for the
purpose, it is desirable that they shall continue to command, as
they have heretofore received, the confidence of the public ; —
and especially of the farmers whose interests they are anxious
to promote.

The premiums awarded are but a small part of the objects
of the Society. The information elicited and disseminated is
the grand purpose of the organization. This is done through
the medium of the Reports. It cannot therefore be too strong-
ly impressed on the minds of competitors and committees, that
on the fullness and accuracy of their statements and reports,
will mainly depend the usefulness and reputation of the Socie-
ty, In regard to some of the objects upon which reports are
to be made, it is not easy to say any thing new ; — neverthe-
less, if worth examining at all, they are worthy of description.
" Line upon line, and precept upon precept," will be found to
make salutary impressions in agriculture as well as in morals.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 21

An increased interest has been given to tlie annual meetings
of the Society, for several years, by the presence of distinguish-
ed gentlemen from other Counties. Such an interchange of
civilities is worthy of encouragement, and may be the means
of much improvement. Within the year, more than forty
have been added to tbe list of members. When the facts are
taken into view, that there are many towns in the Connty,
from which no additions have been made for tbe last twenty
years ; — and that those who were then members have now
passed their period of active labor, and that the population of
these towns in the mean time has nearly doubled : it must be
apparent, that there are many, who would find their account,
in uniting their efibrts, for the advancement of a cause, admit-
ted by all, to be the basis of public prosperity. Much pains
have been taken to establish a library, for the use of the mem-
bers, which is accessible to all, and from which much good is
anticipated. The time is gone by, when book knowledge is
to be viewed as of no value. Books contain the essence of all
that is valuable in knowledge. And he that has the skill to
use them to advantage is likely to be most wise. This is par-
ticularly true of an employment that spreads itself in such an
infinite variety of ramifications as the cultivation of the soil.
So true is it that he who learns most in relation thereto, sees
most to be learned.

It is to be hoped that the plan in contemplation for matur-
ing a system of agricultural instruction will receive some defi-
nite form in the course of the present year. When this is
done, the farmers of Essex should not be unmindful of their
rights and interest in this matter.

ox MiLCH COWS.

The Committee, of whom were present J. Osgood Loring,
of Audover, Eben G. Berry, of Daavers and Andrew Mansfield,
Jr.. of Lynnfield, make the following Report :

Nine cows v.-ere offered for premium, — two of them had
calves by their side, hut no statement being given with them,
they were not entitled to a premium. They were both of
them fine looking cows, and one of them, belonging to Seth
Kimball, of Bradford, gave strong proof of her good qualities
by the justice she had done to three fine looking calves, which
stood by her side, and which were born at one birth. The
cow presented by John Nichols, of Salem, v/as a superior milk-
er, but had been kept higher than the other cows ofiered for
premium. His statement exhibited an example of accuracy
and regularity rarely to be met with, her yield of milk in
pounds, being given as recorded at each milking for sixteen
months past.

After a careful examination of the cows, together with the
statements accompanying them, the committee were satisfied
that they were all more than common animals.

We recommend that there be awarded to, —
Farnham Spoiford, of Andover, first premium, - $10 00
Stephen Driver, of Salem, second premium, - - 9 00
Josiah Crosby, of Andover, third premium, - 8 00

Eben King, of Danvers, fourth premium, - - 7 00

It is painful to reflect, that though our own society has now
been in operation over thirty years, and though premiums have
been regularly offered from the beginning for the best milch
cows, yet it is not known that any considerable permanent im-
provement has been made in the county, if even attempted.
Accidental cases of superior cows have indeed happened, a few
spasmodic efforts have been made to improve the breeds, and
our Transactions have teemed with annual reports, drawn up
with much ability, yet who has ever heard of any thing like
general results ? Where is the Col. Jaques of Essex county ?
Where is oiu: Cream-pot breed of cows, some of which, in
Middlesex, " produce nine pounds of butter in three days, on
grass feed only :"' where shall we find the dairy, in which the

ON MILCH COWS, 23

cream of many cows united, "produces more than 80 per cent
of pure butter," the process of churning '-being performed in
oue minute," nay, "in forty seconds" r

After so direct an allusion to the splendid experiments of
Col. Jaques, of Charlestown, it may not be improper to bring a
few facts relating to those experiments once more before the
people, and especially before the Society. They are too apt
to be forgotten — and yet they ought not to be forgotten or lost
sight of. That distinguished, enthusiastic breeder, (every one
who means to do much must have some enthusiasm,) no soon-
er tinned his attention to the subject, than he perceived that
no reliance could be put upon accidental cases of superior cows,
however superior they might be. They would begin to fall
back in the second generation, and be often, and indeed gener-
ally, miserable in the third. "A good cow may have a bad
calf," said the spelling book of our boyhood, and every one
knows that the descendant of a good cow of no particular
breed, may inherit the inferior properties only, of some near or
remote ancestor. And especially when it is considered that
too many are satisfied to take any and every miserable runt of
a bull, it is plain that nothing could be effected in the matter
of improving stock in this way. Col. Jaques heard of a noble
sized cow, raised in Groton, Mass., the first owner of which
knew nothing of her origin. Before coming into the hands of
Col. Jaques, she was owned a while in Dorchester by a Mr.
Haskins. Her cream was of such extraordinary richness that,
according to Mr. Colman, it would often separate into butter
by the motion of the carriage while carrying it into Boston.
The whole of that remarkable breed of cows, called the Cream-
pot breed, and whose products have been hinted at above, de-
scended from this native Groton cow, by a cross with the im-
proved Durham short horned bull Coelebs, imported some
years since, and owned afterwards by Col. Jaques. This breed
of cows had reached the third generation in 1S3S, since which
time I have not known their history.

But the facts here recited go to show conclusively, that by
a judicious choice of the bull, our native breed of cows can be
made to do all that cows ought to do. or ever have done any

24 ON MILCH COWS.

where ; while the present condition of the cows of our county,
at least, proves as clearly that without attention, great atten-
tion, to the bull, nothing eifectual can ever be done at improv-
ing stock. What were the results of the Charlestown experi-
ment, made at the Colonel's Ten Hills stock farm? "I have
forty cows and heifers," says he, "ten bulls and bull calves of
different grades of this cream- pot breed, all raised by myself.
I keep my bulls, selected as breeders, until 1 have proof of the
quality of their offspring. My old cream-pot bull is ten years
old. My Don cream-pot, from which I am now breeding
with some of my cows and heifers, is three years old,"

Extraordinary native cows are not wanting in every town,
which can often be purchased reasonably, for making a begin-
ning. Thus, to go no further, a few of those cited by the late
lamented Mr. Colman, may be mentioned to show that they
can easily be found ; — one single cow being sufficient to begin
with, as was the case in the grand experiment above referred
to. The cow of Mr. Colt, of Pittsfield, produced 193 lbs. of
butter in 148 days, and that from 1st December to 27th April !
Mr. Campbell's cow, (same town,) yielded 26 beer quarts of
milk per day, and Mr. Hosea Merrill's 30 beer quarts. A four
year old cow of Mr. Calvin Davis's produced 225 pounds of
butter in 172 days, and fatted a calf, in the year 1838. Mr.
Wm. Dewey's two cows averaged for a time 14 lbs. of butter
each per week, and so did Dr. Hyde's, of Stockbridge. A cow
of Mr. Thomas Hodge's, in North Adams, produced 425 lbs. of
butter in one year, 400 lbs. of it being made in nine months.

This list of good cows, confined indeed to Berkshire, might
be lengthened almost indefinitely, both from the published and
unpublished accounts. I am merely showing that there is
ample opportunity to make a beginning in improvement. Nev-
er mind the pedigree : I would not undervalue it indeed, if re-
liable, but there is something bordering upon the ludicrous in
such an array as the following, found in the Abstract of the
Returns of Agricultural Societies for 1845, page 196. "Wa-
terloo was sired by 'Bruce ;' Bruce by Wellington ; Wellington
was sired by Sandy senior, who was bred by Mr. Paton, of
Swinlees, who was never beaten. He got the first prize at
Dimdonoldj when 14 years old. John Young."

ON MILCH COWS. 25

Imposing as all this is, I should much prefer the simple story
of Samuel Jaques, our own country-man, whose experiments
every mrai of us may in eiiect, repeat.

It is a serious question for the Society to settle, whether
they really do the good they intend, by the present method.
Some think it would even be better to offer the premium for
each farmer's whole stock of cows, than, as at present, for the
petted one. It would be fairer no doubt. But suppose a stand-
ing offer were made to all who should repeat the experiment
of Col. Jaques, with such variations as were unavoidable.
Suppose a premium of |5l5 were offered to all who would be-
gin with one cow now making 12 to 14 lbs. of butter, or even
10 to 12 lbs. a week, and who siiould drive her to some supe-
rior bull, and all her progeny for five years to come should be
reared, the obviously faulty ones excepted, Would not the ef-
fort be made, and could it fail of promoting one grand object of
the Society, viz : the improvement of our stock of milch cows?

How important an animal is the cow ! Into how many arti-
cles of Ibod does her milk enter ! That stomach has departed
fearfully from the simplicity of nature, that cannot bear milk ;
and yet many say they cannot bear it. Of its medical effects,
it is not proposed to speak, fiu'lher than to say, that one phy-
sician of eminence has remarked that it is of more value in
consumptions than the whole Materia Medica, and that for per-
sons in health, it is often better unboiled than boiled.

But for food simply, almost any thing could be spared better
than milk in some of its forms. How then does it become ev-
ery farmer to increase the quantity, and improve the quality.
It is but lately that the attention of cow keepers has been dis-
tinctly called to the subject of kind treatment of milch cows.
The reports of Mr. Payson, Mr. Caldwell, and others, have
done great good in this respect. Keep this, too, before the
people. It is not necessary exactly, that the cow should be
separated from our parlor by a glass door only, as Mr. Payson
informs us is the case in Holland. But personal attention and
kind treatment she should have. So too, a warm barn, and
yet not the stived and sickly underground stables where the
cows are often kept m London, where they rarely if ever
4

26 ON MILCH COWS.

breathe pure air, and are often found with tubercles in their
lungs. Pure air is indispensable, even if it cannot be had with-
out being cold. Let them be kept d-y, and p) event aU accu-
mulations of dungy matter upon tbc'r hijis. But cows should
not be curried severely — an animol of a tb-'n sk'n dreads a
lieavy carding exceed rgV. But by u&i'.-'g a si'iT b-i^j-h o'^'y,
in many cases, the glossy smoothneGS may be secrrecl; ard the
skin left without being scratc'^ed. Th^s sbo.^M be i sed 1 ov/-
ever only whe';e the hair is tbin. The skin sho:"d ])e i cached
and invigorated every day with soirei'.'irg. e^iectjally but
mildly. Should neat cati^e ha/e tbe-r fooa at three feedings
in twenty-four hours, o* should t'^ey have little at a ihre and
often ? The Jatter will answer, wbere we can be sjie of giv-
ing it often. Bat I inclir e irorn observation, to favor the idea
of three feedings da'ly. First a.,f ertain hovv much t1"»ey need,
and keep to that, varying it only with the weather, giving
more in cold than in warm weati'er. Tt is objected that tbey
will blow upon it and leave it. This is most apt to be the
case with oxen just ojt of the yoke, — aid by the by, it is an
excellent custom with many to put nothing before oxen t-ll
they have time to cool and get quiet. Cows and all neat cat-
tle may become as regular to their three meals as swine do,
and thrive as well. When at liberty in good feed, they take a
full meal and then lie down ; this, nature teaches, and nature
may be as safely followed in the winter as in the summer.

I do not attempt to give the "marks" by which a good cow
may be known. These marks confl'ct too much, and foil too
often. If any one wishes to enter vigorously upon such apian
as has been hinted at abov^e, a few cows can always be found
in every town, and can be purchased. They may cost more
than poor ones, and they ought to. But the keeping costs no
more, while the prospect of improvement must be enhanced
immeasurably.

The chairman of the committee on milch cows is alore re-
sponsible for the views contained in the foregoing report ; but
he is happy to add a few remarks communicated by Mr. Bod-
well, of Methuen, a member of the committee, in answer to a
request for his views on the subject ; a request was also for-

ON MILCH COWS. 27

warded to the other members of the committee, but from them
nothing has beeti received. "1 am of opinion," says Mr. Bod-
Avell; "that our native breed, if proper attention is paid to its
improveme^Tt, is quite as good as the foreign, or better, taking
into consideration the expense of keeping. I think that much
more attention should be paid to improve our native breed of
cows." Mr. BodweU does not seem to have conceived the idea
particularly of experimenting in the manner I have recommen-
ded, but agrees fully that our breed may be greatly improved,
by merely raising the best calves, and paying more attention to
the keeping.

DAVID CHOATE, Chairman.

FARXIIAM SPOFFORD'S STATEMENT.
I offer for premium my cow, called the -'Green Mountain."
She is 7 years old, and is about one-sixteenth Durham, the
other part is of native breed. She calved on the 9th of June.
We commeu'^ed keeping an account of her milk on the night
of the 18th of June. Last 11 3-4 days of .Tune she yielded
four hundred and ninety-five pounds of milk, 495 8 oz.

July 1376

August __._.- 1402 15 oz.

Sept. 1 to 24th, inclusive - - - - 1060

4,334 7
The last 11 3-4 days of June she yielded 24 1-4 lbs. of but-
ter, (we have milked her three times a day through the sea-
son.) The greatest yield in any one day was two pounds and
nine oz. Greatest yield of milk any one day was fifty-two
pounds and ten oz. In July the yield of butter was only fifty
lbs., the weather being unfavorable, and feed being short. In
August, commencing on the 18th and continuing one week,
she made 14 lbs. and 11 oz. butter; during 13 days in Sep-
tember she yielded 25 1-4 lbs. butter.

This cow had no other feed than a common pasture, until

28 ON MILCH COWS.

the first day of August, she was then turned into fall feed, but
had nothing additional given her.
Andover, Sept. 25, 1850.

STEPHEN DRIVER'S STATEMENT.

My cow "Helen," entered for premium, is six years old,
and of native breed. I have owned her for more than two
years past. Last year she was dried March 3d and calved
March 28th. For some weeks after her calf was taken from
her, and before she went to pasture, she gave IS 1-2 quarts of
milk per day, by actual measurement, and in September fol-
lowing she averaged about 9 quarts per day.

This present season she went dry four weeks, and calved
March 21st. The week before she Avent to pasture, she yield-
ed 9 lbs. 14 oz. of superior butter, besides 29 quarts of milk
sold and used in the family. Her feed was good ; English
hay, and six quarts of shorts per day. During the summer
she has run in the common pasture. She has given quite as
large a quantity of milk this year, as the last. Yesterday she
gave seven and a half quarts.

Salem, Nov. 2(3, 1850.

JOSLVH CROSBY'S STATEMENT.

I enter for premium to-day, my 4 year old heifer, of Durham
and Ayrshire breed. She has had two calves. She dropped
her last, about the last of March. During the month of June
last, she gave, while running in a good pasture, an average of
16 quarts of milk per day. She has frequently given 17 and
18 quarts per day, and the quality is quite equal to the quantity.

North Andover, Sept. 20, 1850.

EBEN KING'S STATEMENT.
The cow I offer for premium is eight ^^ears old, of native

ON MILCH COWS. 29

breed. I bought her in the state of Maine, two years ago next
October. She was giving then, on grass feed, eleven quarts
of Milk per day. She calved the April previous. After being
put up to hay, she gave nine quarts of milk per day, in De-
cember and January ; after that she gradually gave less until
April. About six weeks previous to her calving, she gave six
quarts per day, when I began to dry her. I found it very dif-
ficult to do so, and put her on meadow hay keeping. She
calved the 25th of May, 1849. After her calf was killed, I of-
ten measured her milk, and she gave fourteen quarts per day
through the best of the season. In the fall she gave from nine
to eleven quarts per day, varying according to the feed. In
December and January last she gave nine quarts per day, after
that time she gradually gave less. In May and June she gave
six quarts per day. One month before she calved she was giv-
ing four quarts per day, when I left off milking her. She cal-
ved the ISth of August last, and gave from six to eight quarts
per day more than her calf would take. The calf was killed
Avhen he was four weeks old ; since then her milk has been
weighed, and she averages thirty-six pounds per day. Her
keeping has been pasture feed through the warm season; in the
winter hay, with occasionally a few carrots. I have sold the
most of her milk, having made butter but a small part of the
time since I owned her. Her milk is of the first quality, and
makes the best of butter.
Danvers, Sept. 15, 1850.

JOHN NICHOLS'S STATEMENT.
I offer for premium my red cow, seven years old. Her feed
in winter has been English hay, a part of the time Eastern
pressed ; since April 20th second crop, with a large bucket of
shorts and beets, night and morning. In the summer of 1849,
her feed was grass in gallows hill pasture, with shorts and hay
at night. After September 1st she had good fall feed, without
water in the field — watered night and morning only. Each
of the pastures was a mile and a half from home.

30 ON MILCH COWS.

Ill 1850 she has been pastured in a field of abont one acre,
near home; she has also l>ad a peck or nioi'e of shorts with
hay daily, after the grass was short. The pastrre generally
poor. The milk is of ihe first quality. She ca'ved April 20,
1849— calf with her 11 1-2 days. Called agai.i March 7, 1850
— calf with her 32 1-2 days. Anrexed is a record of the
quantity of milk in pounds given at each milking. I have al-
lowed the same quantity each day whi^e the calf was with
her, that she averaged the ""week after.

From this record it wiU appear that in the sixteen months
milking time previous to this date, she has given 15,250 lbs.
of milk, or 6,100 quarts.

Of this I have sold and used 1274 qrarts, at 6 cts. per quart,

for ^76 44

And 4826 quarts, at 5 cts. per quart, - - - 241 30

Total, |317 74

For her feed in the same time, I have paid - 104 74

Leaving a profit of $213 00

Her average yield for sixteen months milking time Avas
twelve and one-half quarts.
Salem, Sept. 26, 1850.

THOMAS G. DODGE'S STATEIMENT.

The cow offered by me for premium is of the Ayrshire breed
and was seven years old last spring. For the past three years
she has not been dry. She calved this year, July 27th, and
her calf was sold at xbur weeks old. About seven weeks be-
fore she calved she began to increase her milk until she gave
eight quarts per day till she calved. She has given eleven
quarts per day on an average.

Newburyport, Sept 25, 1850.

ON HEIFERS.

31

ON HEIFERS.

The Committee report that they have performed the duty as-
signed them, under very imfavorable circumstances, it raining
during their examination, which prevented their giving the
heifers that minute inspection which they would have been
glad to have done. Twenty-three heifers were entered for
premium, and three for exhibition. Of these, three were three
years old, nine two years, and fourteen yea dings. There was
quite a number of heifers, other than those to which the prem-
iums were awarded, which were large and noble looking ani-
mals, principally of a foreiga or cross with a foreign breed,
which the committee thiiik ra.ch better adapted to the plough
than the dairy ; their milking p-operties not be* ^g eqoal, in
the opinion of the commivtee, to some of oar be^t improved
native breeds. Some of the heifers to wh^ch premiums were
awarded, were unaccompanied with sat's-^actOi-y statements,
otherwise they might have been ranked differently in the list
of premiums.

After a full consultation, the committee came to tlie follow-
ing decision, and recommend that the premiums be awarded
accordingly.

HEIFERS IN MIT.K.

To Philip L. Osborn, of Danvers, first premium,
" Daniel Osborn. " " second pcemium,

'• Henry Hone, of Saugus, third premium,

HEIFERS TWO YEARS OLD.

To Sylvester Cummings, of Danvers, first premium.
" Eben Hathorne, of Salem, second premium,
" John Stone, Jr., of Marblehead, third premiumj

YEARLING HEIFERS.

To John S. Hubbard, of Newbury, first premium,
" Jesse Dame, of Rowley, second premium,
" George French, of Andover, third premium,

ANDREW DODGE, Chairman

^/

uu

6

00

5

00

5

00

4

00

3

00

$5

00

3

00

2

00

32 ON HEIFERS.

DANIEL OSBORN'S STATEMENT.
I offer for premium my no horned Heifer. She is three
years old ; her calf was taken from her the 25th of May, since
that time she has given from thirty to forty pounds, or from
twelve to sixteen quarts of milk per day, allowing two and one
half pounds to the quart. Her keeping has been common pas-
turing, without grain of any kind.

Danvers, Sept. 26, 1850.

PHILIP L. OSBORN'S STATEMENT.

1 offer for premium my two year old heifer in milk. She
calved the middle of May last. In June and July she gave on
an average twelve quarts per day, and in August nine quarts a
day. Nine quarts of her milk made a pound of butter. Her
feed has been a common pasture.

Danvers, Sept. 26, 1850.

SYLVESTER CUMMINGS' STATEMENT.
I offer for inspection and premium my two year old heifer.
She calved July 9th, and the calf remained with her till Au-
gust 8th. The product of her milk from this last date to Sep-
tember 8th, was five hundred and twenty-five pounds. At the
present time it is seventeen and one-half pounds per day.
Twenty pounds of her milk yielded one pound of butter. Her
keeping through the season has been good pasturing, without
any extra feed. The pasture to which she was driven, is three
fourths of a mile from home.
North Danvers, Sept. 25, 1850.

ON WORKING OXEN. 33

ON WORKING OXEN.

The Committee, — present Jedediah H. Barker, of Andover,
Seth Kimball, Bradford, Hiram L. Newhall, Lynnfield, Wil-
liam G. Brown, Ipswich, and Jervis Lamson, Hamilton, having
attended to their duty, would Report : that in performing it, it
is difficult to do justice to all, as so many oxen are to be tried,
and the time is so short for the examination. The load, used
for this purpose, was about two tons, exclusive of the wagon,
which for most of the cattle was not a heavy load, and there-
fore there was but little whipping.

The rules of the society require that working oxen entered
for premium should be over four and under eight years of age.
When the question is asked by the Committee, how old are
your oxen, the answer is such as the driver sees fit to give, and
whether correct or not, it is for the committee to judge. In
one instance a pair of cattle were stated to be six years old,
when the committee were of opinion that they were nine or
ten. If the rule as to age is retained by the society, it is de-
sirable that some more certain mode should be prescribed for
determining it, such as the written certificate of the owner.

The oxen exhibited this day were many of them of a good
size, looked very well, and performed their work well also,
while others were not well matched.

The number of entries was twenty-six, fifteen pairs only
were on the ground for trial, as follows :

One pair by Richard S. Bray, Newbury, aged five years.
" " Moses Pettingill, Topsfield, " six "

" " Elijah Pope, Danvers, " five "

" " Jonathan Berry, Middleton, " five "

" " David S. Caldwell, Byfield, " five "

" " William A. Lander, Danvers, '• seven "

" " John Washburn, Lynn, " seven "

'' " John Washburn, Lynn, " five "

" '' Franklin Alley, Marblehead, " seven "

" " William Foster, Andover, " five "

" " Elias Clough, Lynn, " six "

" " John Newhall, " " six "

5

34 ON STEEUS.

One pair by Isaac Standley, Beverly, aged five years.
" " George P. Wilkins, Middleton, " five "

« " B. W. Crovvnsliield, Topsfield, " five "

The Committeee have agreed to award the premiums as
follows :

To Richard S. Bray, of Newbury, first premium, $10 00

" John Washburn, Lynn, (7 years old) second premium, 8 00
" Jonathan Berry, Middleton, third premium, 6 00

" Isaac Standley, Beverly, fourth premium, 4 00

The Committee would remark, that a pair belonging to Wil-
liam Foster, of Andover, were worthy of a premium, but not
the first. Having taken the second premium the last year,
they were, by the rules of the society, cut off the present year
from the same or a smaller one.

JEDEDIAH H. BARKER, Chairman.

ON STEERS.

The Committee Report, there were three pairs of three years
old, one pair of two years old, and four pairs of yearling steers
exhibited, and they have awarded the following premiums :

THREE YEARS OLD STEERS.

To Jedediah H. Barker, of Andover, first premium, $'7 00 '
" David S. Caldwell, of Byfield, second premium, 6 00 i

TWO YEARS OLD STEERS.

To Moses Pettingill, of Topsfield, second premium, $4 00 j

YEARLING STEERS.

To Seth Kimball, of Bradford, first premium, $4 00

" David S. Caldwell, of Byfield, second premium, 3 00

James Day, of Bradford, presented a yearling steer of extra-
ordinary size, and your committee recommend a gratuity of
^2 to Mr. Day. For the Committee.,

J. KITTREDGE.

ON BULLS AND FAT CATTLE. 35

ON BULLS.

Seven bulls were presented for premium, and the committee
have unanimously awarded the premiums as follows :

To J. G. Walcott, of Danvers, for his two year old native
bull, first premium, - - - - $7 00

To Joseph Kittredge, of Andover, for his two year old Devon
bull, second premium, - - - - 6 00

To David Lake, of Topsfield, for his three year old half Ayr-
shire bull, third premium, - - - 5 00

For the Committee, SOLOMON LOW.

ON FAT CATTLE.

The Committee on Fat Cattle, having attended to the duties
assigned them, would respectfully Report :

There were only three entries for premium, one by Jesse
Sheldon, of Beverly, one fat heifer ; one by Daniel Low, of
Essex, one pair of fat oxen, six years old, weighing three thou-
sand, six hundred pounds ; one by Jedediah Farnham, of An-
dover, two pair oxen, one pair weighing three thousand eight
hundred and ninety-five pounds, the other pair three thousand
six hundred and sixty-five pounds.

There were two other pairs on exhibition, by Joseph Leav-
itt, of Salem, very fine cattle, but as they were not entered for
a premium, this passing notice is all we can express.

On examination, your committee could find no person to
show or describe but the four cattle belonging to Mr. Farn-
ham, of Andover, one pair of which we did not think came up
to the requirements of the Society's rules. The other pair, on
the other hand, were a fine pair of cattle, and fully entitled to
consideration. We therefore award to Mr. Farnham, for his
best ox, the first premium, - - - $10 00

And the second premium for his mate, - 8 00

For the Committee, WINGATE MERRILL.

36 ON MARES AND COLTS ON SWINE.

ON MARES AND COLTS.

The Committee on Mares and Colts, would respectfully re-
port, that seven mares and twenty-six colts were entered for
premium.

The exhibition was considered by the committee the best
ever offered in Essex county. Many of the animals were de-
serving of premiums, had a larger number been at the disposal
of the committee. After fully examining each one, they with
much difficulty award the following premiums, viz :

To Dean Robinson, of West Newbury, for the best breed-
ing mare, the premium, - - - $10 00

To Jos. Kittredge, of Andover, for the best four year old
colt, the premium, - - - - $10 00

To Ezra Dodge, of Wenham, for the best three year old
colt, the premium, - - - - 8 00

To Israel Trask, of Beverly, for the best two year old colt,
the premium, - - - - - 6 00

To Moses L. Atkinson, of Methuen, for the best one year
old colt, the premium, - - - - 4 00

WILLIAM OSBORN,
HORACE KIMBALL,
ELIJAH POPE,
SAML. C. PITMAN,
J. COLMAN.

ON SWINE.

The Committee on Swine having attended to the duties as-
signed to them, Report :

The whole number of Swine entered for premium was twen-
ty-seven, viz : by A. W. Dodge, of Hamilton, six weaned pigs
four months and twenty-eight days old.

John Smith, of Hamilton, a breeding sow and her litter of
six weaned pigs.

ON SHEEP. 37

Abel Burnham, of Gloucester, one boar, four months and ten
days old.

Seth Kimball, of Bradford, Suffolk boar, six months old.

Wm. G. Lake, of Topsiield, a breeding sow nine months
old, Suffolk breed.

Henry Poor, of Andover, five pigs three months 9 days old,
one-half Suffolk breed.

Josiah Crosby, of Andover, one Suffolk boar, one do breed-
ing sow and four pigs.

The Committee would award the premiums as follows :

To Seth Kimball, of Bradford, for his Suffolk boar, first
premium, - - - - - $5 00

To Josiah Crosby, of North Andover, for his Suffolk boar,
second premium, - - - - 3 00

To John Smith, of Hamilton, for the best breeding sow, na-
tive breed, first premium, - - - $5 00

To William G. Lake, of Topsfield, second premium, 3 00

To John Smith, of Hamilton, for the best litter of weaned
pigs, first premium, - - - - 6 00

To Allen W. Dodge, of Hamilton, second premium, 3 00

To Abel Burnham, of Gloucester, for the best weaned pig,
first premium, - - - - 4 00

To Henry Poor, of Andover, second premium, - 2 00
For the Committee, AARON DODGE.

ON SHEEP.

The Committee Report that two entries were made, both of
which, they consider good specimens, and entitled to premi-
ums.

The first premium, of $7 00, they recommend be awarded
to Joseph Kittredge, of North Andover, for his sheep, consist-
ing of pure South Downs, half blood and Leicester cross.

The second premium, of $5 00, they recommend be award-
ed to Dean Robinson, of West Newbury, for his full blood
South Down sheep.

For the Committee, JOSIAH LITTLE.

38 ON FANCY ARTICLES.

ON FANCY ARTICLES.
The Committee on Fanc^ Articles have the satisfaction to
Report; that, under the new regulations of the Society, in re-
gard to the entry and exhibition of articles, they had better
means of examining and comparing their several merits than
heretofore — while the public at large have been better accom-
modated in viewing the exhibition. The Committee desire to
express their obligations to the ladies who kindly lent their
valuable assistance in guiding them to a correct judgment on
the merits of those articles more particularly in the province of
the gentler sex. The number of articles is much greater than
in former years, and in many there is a decided improvement
in quality.

The following is a list of the articles, with the Premiums
and gratuities annexed. In some cases where no gratuities ap-
pear to be awarded, the articles were of sufficient merit but
did not come within the rules of the Society, which require
the article to have been produced since the last annual exhibi-
tion.

For the best specimen of work by a child under 12
years of age, the first premium is awarded to Mas-
ter Geo. A. Osborne, Jr., of Danvers, for an elegant
ottoman, wrought at the age of 9 years, $3 00

For the second best specimen, to Hannah E. Burke, of

Beverly, for a neat and well knit Tidy, 2 00

For the best specimen of Lace Work, to Sarah F. Lee,
of Manchester, for a collar, and cap, and a strip of
edging of remarkable fineness and workmanship, 3 00

For the second best, to Miss Sarah E. Tuck, of Bever-
ly, for a very superior specimen of Lace Work, 2 00
For a well executed portrait of Jenny Lind, by Mrs.

Dustin, a gratuity of 50

Basket of Wax Fruit, looking natural and tempting, by

H. P. Black, of Danvers, 12 years of age, 50

Specimens of Pen and Ink Drawings, quite meritorious,

by Jos. A. Potter, an invalid 11 years old, 1 50

An ancient Sampler, worked in 1788 by Mrs. Ann
Bloore.

ON FANCY ARTICLES. 39

Two vases of manufactured flowers and dried grasses,

very good looking, by Geo. W. Jackson, of Danvers, 25

One vase of similar flowers by Lydia Manning, Salem, 25

One four stranded clothes line, and other specimens of

very superior Cordage, by J. Burley, Salem, 1 00

Models of slid'iig gates, of novel construction by Seth
Williams, of Salem. The Committee learn that this
style of gate has been used with good satisfaction, 50

Woodland moss and basket, a fine specimen and beauti-
fully arranged, by Lydia Pope, Salem, 50

One elegantly wrought handkerchief by Mrs. Benjamin

Upton, jr., Salem, 50

A superior Ottoman by M. E. Kimball, of Salem, 50

A nest of four balls turned one within the other from a
solid piece of wood, showing wonderful skill and in-
genuity worthy of the most expert Chinese handi-
craftsman, by J. Lovett Whipple, Salem, 1 00

Bead bag, by Hannah M. Norris, Hamilton, 25

Washing Machine. It is easy of action, and seems
well calculated to diminish the horrors of the dread-
ed washing day ; Stephen Granville, Danvers.

Eagle Hay Cutter. This invention appears to be an
improvement on similar machines, and a useful arti-
cle to prepare food for domestic animals ; by David
Styles, jr., Middleton.

Painting on Ivory, by M. M. Barker, Salem, 25

One bag of Indian Meal, by John Withey, of Beverly,
very finely ground, pure and sweet, The Commit-
tee can hardly explain why this came under their in-
spection as a Fancy article, except under the rule
that every thhig belongs to them which belongs no-
Avhere else, 50

Ottoman Cover in raised Crewel work, a superb article,

by Mrs. Abby Masury, Beverly, 50

Hair Work. Two self contracting half wigs, by
Caroline Remond Putnam, Salem. A most beauti-
ful and finished article. With such specimens of skill
in this line of innocent deception, it seems quite un-

40 ON FANCY ARTICLES.

necessary to go abroad to find what is so well pro-
vided at home, 1 50

Pin cushion, book mark and needle book ; good articles,

by Mrs. Dunn, Salem, 25

Shell Work. Monument, by Edward F. Harrington,

Beverly, 25

Another monument in shell work, by L. H. Dennis, of

Marblehead, 25

Table and monument with shell work. Elaborate and
skillful productions, showing great industry and taste,
by a lady of Salem.

Vase of Shells filled with artificial flowers ; very neat ;

by Lydia A. Colby, Salem, 25

Shell cottage, very neatly and tastefully made and or-
namented, by William C. Hood, Salem, 50

Shell work box, by Gardner Barton, Salem, 25

Tidy, very fine work, by Esther B. Shove, Dan vers, 50

Another Tidy, a nice article, by L. B. Harrington, of

Beverly, 25

Chair Cushion of silk patch work, containing 325 pie-
ces, by Mrs. Patterson, Beverly, 25

Fancy table, painted with border of flowers and centre

ornament, by Mrs. K. A. S. H. H. Jewett, Ipswich, 50

Another fancy table, with figures of patch, laid on and

varnished, by Miss Eliza Shaw, Salem, 25

Portrait in crewel work, S. A. Pulsifer, Salem, 25

Case of stuffed birds with fine plumage, very natural and
lifelike, showing that the art of embalming is not
wholly lost ; by S. Jfllson, Lynn.

Wrought slippers, by Caty J. Felt, Salem, 25

Crayon drawing, an old oak, well done ; Elmira K. Rob-
erts, Salem, 25

Silk Cameo Bag, Harriet M. Dean, Salem, 25

Toilet Cushion, Mrs. S. E. Hodges, Salem, 25

Fancy Plough, made of crystalized Alum, by J. Upham,
Salem, a brilliant article and an appropriate ornament
to the hall, and suited to the occasion.

Bead Bag, three Ottomans and Chair, showing skill and

taste, Mrs. Geo. Kimball, Salem, 1 50

ON FANCY ARTICLES. 41

Chair Seat of fine workmanship, by S. W. Wheeler,

Danvers, 75

Box covered with fragments of Granite from Mansfield's

ledge, in Lynnfield, Miss Mary Mansfield, Lynnfield, 25

Gothic Dress Box, a neat article, Wm. F. Chappel, Sa-
lem, 25

Openwork Knit Shawl, of fine material and elegant fig-
ure, by M. Westwood, Danvers, 50

Carded Wool, by Amos J. Withey, of Beverly, an ex-
cellent article for the spinning-wheel, if that were
not an obsolete implement, 25

Fine Crewel Work in frame, Miss E. C. Whipple, Hamil-
ton, 50

Infant's Blanket, superbly wrought in floss, by Lydia

T. Caller, Danvers, 50

Card Basket, by R. P. Pratt, Salem, 25

Various fine specimens of Lace Crewel Work by Irene

Clark, of Salem, 1 25

Chest of Drawers in miniature, by Charles C. Perkins,

of Salem, 9 years old, 25

This lad will make a skillful mechanic.

Two Knit Table Mats, S. F. Shapleigh, Salem, 25

One Table Cover, very neat work by Mrs. M. G. Farm-
er, Salem, 25

Sampler in frame, by Elizabeth A. Lovejoy, Salem, 5
years old, showing great precocity of talent, 25

Crewel Work, in frame, by Mary E. Felt, Salem, 25

Another by Miss Margaret P. Ives, Salem, very good, 25

A Fruit Tureen inlaid, composed of 113 pieces of wood,
and 50 different kinds. Two Vases of 106 pieces,
and 100 kinds, and two Canes of 112 pieces, and 86
kinds, were exhibited by Mr. Hiram Andrews, of Sa-
lem. They exhibit proofs of great patience, ingenu-
ity and skill, 1 00

Chair Cushion and Chair, by Mrs. S. Sawyer, Methuen, 75

One Crayon Drawing and 3 Fancy Fans, very well
done by Lydia L. A. Very, of Salem, 50

43 ON FANCY ARTICLES.

Two Wrought Crickets, very neatly done, by Alfred

Osborne, Danvers, 7 years old, 50

Box of Pulverized Sage, good material and well manu-
factured, but the Committee are sagely of the opinion
that it is not to be fairly considered a fancy article.
Manufactured by Amos J. Withey, of Beverly, 50

Velvet Bag wrought with Beads, a rich article, M. J.

Randall, Salem, 25

Box of Needle Cushions, well made, and very useful ar-
ticles for every good house-wife. Also, a Scrap Book
of Engravings, by Charlotte L. Morgan, of Beverly, 75

Bed, Bedstead and Bedding, of proper size for a Lilli-
putian, but too small for Tom Thumb, very neatly
got up by Abby Ann Grant, 25

Pine Apple Potatoes, by J. Dennis, of Marblehead. A
very curious natural production, but the Committee
are puzzled to know how they came among the man-
ufactured articles, 25
Specimen of Tomato Figs. This is another article
more properly belonging to the Horticultural depart-
ment. It may however be considered in one sense, a
manufactured article, having gone through the pro-
cess of preserving, which makes it a tempting article
for the palate, by Miss N. Remond, of Salem, 50
Sampler in frame, exceedingly well done by a lad only
eight years of age, Master Geo. H. S. Driver, of Sa-
lem, 25
Travelling Bag, a rich article and beautifully wrought,

by S. E. Symonds, Salem, 50

Lamp Screen, very beautiful, by Mary A. Putnam, of

Salem, 25

Toilet Cushion, Lucy C. Small, Danvers, 25

Ottoman, by Elizabeth Downie, Salem, 50

Pair of Wrought Shoes, Miss Morgan, 25

Two Taborets, the wood work finely carved by Mr. J.
F. Mann, of Ipswich, and the top wrought by Miss
Mary J. Mann, 13 years of age, I 00

Three specimens of Nails well wrought and finished,

by James Oliver, Saugus, 50

ON FANCY ARTICLES.

43

Specimens of Horse Shoes, of excellent workmanship,
and superior finish, by D. Harding, Salem. The
Committee consider Mr. Harding, in his line of busi-
ness, a first rate shoemaker, 50

One Chair Covering, of silk patch work, by Miss A.

S towers, of Salem, 25

Jenny Lind bonnets, by W. R. Ellis, of Nevvburyport.
These articles are very elegant, and elicited much
commendation. Their stand was continually surroun-
ded by an admiring throng of ladies with most wish-
ful countenances. By giving the name of the Swed-
ish songstress to these bonnets, we think Mr. Ellis
entitled to a free ticket, and first choice of seats at
her concerts.

Embroidery in frame, by Miss Bowditch, Salem, 25

Infant's coat, by Mary E. Williams, Salem. After dili-
gent search, the committee were unable to find this
article, although it was fairly entered. Perhaps it
was too small to be seen without a microscope.

Two baskets of dried moss and wild flowers, by E.

Downie, Salem, 25

Cloth work basket of handsome shape. A useful arti-
cle, and elaborately ornamented, by Miss Sarah E.
Tuck, Beverly, 50

Bay State Cooking Stove, the Farmers' and Cauldron
Stoves, by N. & T. H. Frothingham, Salem. The
Cauldron is a capital contrivance for heating water
with great saving of mason work in the usual boilers.
The Farmers' is the latest improvement in warming,
and the Bay State is said to be essential to the mar-
ried state.

Barrel Chair and fancy hour glass table. Neat and hand-
some furniture, although the frames are made from
cheap and rude materials, by Mrs. Metcalf, Salem, 75

One Rocking Horse, by Joseph Cloutman, Salem. This
is a finely formed and very docile animal, and an ex-
cellent saddle horse. He has, however, more bottom
than speed, and will canter better than trot. He is

44 ON FANCY ARTICLES,

kind in any harness, addicted to no bad tricks, and is
in all respects sound, wind and limb. The commit-
tee unhesitatingly recommend this breed of animals
to all juvenile equestrians. They reluctantly turn him
over to the appropriate committee on "Mares and
Colts" and hope he will draw a liberal premium.

One bundle of curled horse hair Rope, an excellent arti-
cle, manufactured by E. Lord & Co.

Four Crayon Drawings, by Miss L. D. Cutts, Salem.
Very superior, showing great talent as an amateur ar-
tist ; the drawing and perspective almost perfect, 1 00

Sofa Cushion, by the same, 25

Two Cologne stands, fine bead work, by Anstis D. Cutts,

Salem, 25

Butter Stamp. An ingenious contrivance to shape and
ornament butter for the market or table — contributed
by William Chase.

Hair cloth Cushion, embroidered by S. F. Cutts, 13 years, 25

Taboret in Silk, Velvet and Worsted Patch Work, by
Mrs. Joshua Upham, Salem, 63 years of age. A speci-
men of v\rork which would be creditable to any lady
40 years younger.

Music Stool Covering, embroidered by Lucy A. Swa-

scy, Salem, 25

Ornamental Basket made of fragments of kid of differ-
ent colors, 192 pieces, by Miss C. A. Neal, 25

Basket of Mosses, a most beautiful specimen of sea flow-
ers, E. H. Valentine, Salem, 50

[The above was enclosed in a neat and rich frame in-
geniously constructed by Philip Chase, in the 85th
year of his age.]

A fine bouquet of Artificial Flowers, rather calculated
to excite the jealousy of the natural ones, Caroline A.
Stiles, Middleton, 25

Crewel Work, by Harriet A, Ross, an orphan 7 years old, 50
Ottoman Cover, by Mrs. A. S. Foster, Beverly, 50

Landscape of wrought Satin, by R. Moses, in 1803.
Two specimens of same kind of work well done by

ON FANCY ARTICLES.

45

Martha Ann Honeywell. What is most wonderful is,
that the work was done with her toes.
An ancient piece of Needle Work by Miss Sarah Fos-
ter, in 1705, in the town of Boston. Curious as a
specimen of the art of embroidery of that day, and
useful to contrast with the more elegant needle work
of our time.
[The above was accompanied by a Lace Cap, knit by

Mrs. Sarah Bart, a lady of 73 years of age.]
Six specimens of Hair Work, by S. C. Potter, Salem,
equal to any thing of the kind the committee have seen.
Watch Case beautifully wrought with Beads and Crew-
el, by Alice M. Mahoney, Salem, 6 years old, 25
Two watch cases, similar to the above, by Martha L.
Rogers and Susan K. Rogers, Salem, severally six
and seven years of age ; each 25
Wrought slippers, Harriet S, Bates, Salem, 25
Another pair, Eliza J. Brown, Lynn^ 25
Copies of a volume of Prose and Verse, composed and
printed in the leisure hours of the author, while an
apprentice in a newspaper printing office. A most
commendable instance of the pursuit of knowledge
under difficulties, and a good example of application
to all apprentices, in whatever avocation, by Charles
W. Swasey, Salem, 1 00
This is an elegantly printed and bound volume, of which a
dozen copies only were issued for distribution to a few friends.
From prologue to epilogue, from title-page to colophon, the
author states, it is the work of his own labor, both mental and
manual. It occupied about 3S0 hours in the printing, from
June 15, 1S49, to April 25, 1850.

Mr. S. has been employed in the Salem Register Office
since he commenced his apprenticeship in 1837 ; and to show
what young men can do by a systematic and judicious occu-
pation of their time, we present a few facts stated in the
1 volume alluded to. It must be remembered that his usual
I avocations in the office, (always well and faithfully perform-
ed,) occupy him. on an average, about ten hours a day,

46 ON FANCY ARTICLES.

and that he has also served as an active and efficient member
of several societies and on various committees. The volume
spoken of, comprising 212 pages, contains but from one sixth
to one eighth of all he has written, including many contribu-
tions to newspapers and monthly and annual publications. In
addition to all this he kept a brief daily journal for some eight
years ; — ten copies of the first year, ending March 12, 1843,
with an Appendix, he printed in a small book of 142 pages,
which occupied a considerable portion of leisure time from
April 15, 1843, to May 7, 1844. He has also read, in the
twelve years and a half, one hundred and seventy-one vol-
umes— several of them from two to five times each — and an
aggregate of more than forty-one thousand pages, or on an
average about sixteen and a half pages per day. This is
exclusive of miscellaneous reading, and of some entire vol-
umes which probably escaped recollection. Such an ex-
ample of persevering industry is rare indeed, and we are glad
of an opportunity to add our testimony in commendation of it.
Two Crickets, very neat, by Mary W. Lamson, Salem, 25
Embroidered work bag, very fine, by Mrs. John Masu-

ry, Beverly, 25

Knit window curtain, a splendid article, Sarah A. Bow-
den, Salem, 50
Two Lamp Mats, fine workmanship, Lizzie B. New-
hall, Lynnfield, 25
Three Gutta Percha Ear Trumpets, apparently well
adapted to aid the sense of hearing, J. Ford Smith,
Salem, 50
Two bottles Ketchup, an excellent article, made by

Mrs. S. Wellman, Middleton, 50

A case of rich jewelry and silver ware, exhibited by

Messrs Smith & Chamberlain, attracted much attention.
Box of Infants' Socks, by Mrs. Nathan Peirson, Danvcrs.
These tiny specimens of hosiery were very beautiful,
and excited much interest. They may become more
interesting when the feet are found to occupy them, 50
Ocean Flowers. A very fine specimen in form of a
harp, and arranged only yesterday, by Miss Mary

ON FANCy ARTICLES. 47

Watson. They exhibit much taste in their arrange-
ment.
One Lace Cape, by Miss E. A. Hal], Salem, 50

Another by Ruth Ann Felton, Salem, 50

Two specimens of Mono-Chromatic Painting, by Lane
&. Sherwood, Salem. These paintings are very fine,
and present the appearance of good aqua tinted en-
gravings. The shading and perspective are very good.
This is an art well worthy the attention of young
people.
Daguerreotype Portraits and specimens of Penmanship,
by T. S. Williams, of Lynn. These were quite cred-
itable to the artist. The wonderful discovery of this
art of sun painting may yet enlarge the boundaries
of Science, to an extent once scarcely imagined. Al-
ready the stars have been Daguerreotyped and fixed
on the silver plate of the artist. Why then may not
portions of the moon be so represented as to exhibit
a part of her disk with that perfection which belongs
to this art, and then the plate be examined by a pow-
erful microscope which shall let us into the hidden
secrets of our Satellite. We make this suggestion to
Mr. Williams with the hope that he will improve the
hint, and some fine day — or night, introduce the
Committee to that noted individual, the -'Man in the
Moon."
Two loaves of domestic Bread of excellent quality,
made from flour and Indian meal, by Mrs. M. Wil-
liams, of Salem, 75
The Committee take pleasure in recommending a gratuity
for this sample of well made bread, and also recommend to the
Trustees, the establishment of an annual premium of sufficient
amount to induce competition in this indispensable article of
domestic economy. It seems incumbent on the Society to
look after the bread as well as the butter of the community,
as these articles have a strong affinity for each other. It is a
fact as true as it is lamentable, that in the preparation of this
essential article of our daily living, we are far behind other na-

48 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

tions of the earth. We fear that it has been the unfortunate
experience of many of our Society, to be called upon to par-
take of bread made by unskillful hands from good flour, which
has been converted into a dry, tough, heavy, and indigestible
mass, noxious to the taste and highly deleterious to health. We
believe the Society will be sustained by the general sentiment
of the community in. any attempt to supply the people with
pleasant and nutritious bread. This article of food has in all
ages been considered the very staff of life ; and all mankind —
even the most zealous opponents of capital punishment — have
approved of the act of Pharaoh in hanging his chief baker, un-
der the presumption that he was guilty of making bad bread.

FITCH POOLE, Chairman.

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES.

The Committee on Counterpanes, Carpetings, and Rugs,
Report :

That the exhibition of that portion of Domestic Manufac-
tures which was submitted to their supervision, did much cred-
it to the economy, industry, taste, and public spirit of the mat-
rons and misses of Essex County. It evidenced their economy
in converting rags and otherwise almost worthless material in-
to durable, useful, ornamental, and comfort-giving articles for
their own sweet homes. Counterpanes, Carpetings and Rugs !
How many of the most felicitous emotions and joyous hours
of human life are associated with these ! And how immensely
valuable beyond their intrinsic worth are oftentimes such manu-
factures, when wrought by the hands of a mother, wife, sister
or daughter ! How much may they sometimes promote edu-
cation and intellectual development even ? Imagine for a mo-
ment a family circle sitting round that beautifully wrought
hearth rug, which obtained the first premium on this occasion,
very naturally talking about and enlightening each other on
the biographical and historical associations suggested by the

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 49

house of J. Q-. Adams there delmeated ! How much may the
faculties by which order and the beauty of form and color are
appreciated, on which so much of human happiness depends,
in a family of children, be developed by the correct imitation
of a boquet of flowers wrought into a mat on which they play
or sleep ! But we forbear to pursue this train of thought further.

The committee were highly gratified also, by the work of
hands which in the last century clothed "their households
with scarlet," and for which they made "coverings of tapes-
try and fine linen, and clothings of silk and purple" — hands
which in early life were "laid to the spindle, did hold the dis-
taff" and work the loom — and which yet with astonishing ex-
pertness and effect wield the needle and knitting pin. No less
admirable were the exhibited work of misses yet in nursery, or
but recently escaped therefrom, whose precocious ingenuity al-
ready rivals that of those of their sex old enough to be their
mothers and grandmothers. They were also gratified to ob-
serve an improving taste and artistic skill in the choice of
figures and colors — the management of light and shade, and in
all that is beautiful in the design and finish of rugs and other
articles submitted to their examination. Many articles which
added much to the interest of the show, were entered on the
morning of the exhibition too late for premiums, according to
the rules of the society. Among these were several pieces of
beautiful Brussels and Royal Wilton Carpeting, from the fac-
tory of Gilbert Tapley, of Tapleyville, Danvers.

In conclusion, the committee would recommend to the Trus-
tees to continue the rule that all articles of manufactures should
be entered and placed in the hall on the day previous to the
exhibition, sufficiently early for the committees to examine and
award the premiums, uninterrupted by visitors — that a small
fee for admission be still required, and that in consequence of
the revenue thus obtained, more liberal and numerous premi-
ums and gratuities be offered and awarded — thus affording
greater inducements to the producers in the county to show
their best works for the benefit of the community.

The committee give their best thanks to those ladies who
assisted them in the examination of the articles and in the
7

50 ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES,

awarding of the premiums. The aid and comfort which they
afforded us will long be remembered and duly appreciated, and
we trust that the fair competitors will be better satisfied with
the awards, when they know that their own sex had a voice in
their distribution. And we recommend to our successors that
they too, if the Trustees should not see fit to appoint ladies on
these committees, associate with themselves their wives, or
other ladies, in the performance of the duties assigned them.

The committee recommend the following premiums and
gratuities :

COUNTERPANES.

To Abigail Greenough, Groveland, for her knit cotton

Counterpane, (formed by 1252588 stitches) first prem. 4 00

To Eliza E. Cutts, (eleven years old,) Salem, for her

hexagon patch Counterpane, second premium, 2 00

To Sarah Lunt, Newbury, - - - 1 50

To E. C. Green, Newburyport, - - - 1 50

CARPETINGS.

Only two pieces of Carpeting, and those of cut strips of cloth
woven by hand, without the use of loom or shuttle, containing
twenty or more square yards each, were entered in season for
premiums. For the manufacture of these they awarded :
To Martha B. Frothingham, first premium, - - 5 00
" Nancy W. Gray, Beverly, second premium, - 3 00

" Elizabeth Deant, aged 81, on account of the remark-
able degree of industry and enterprise in the collect-
ing of the material, coloring, and completing a car-
pet for her small room, a gratuity - - - 2 00

RUGS.

To Sarah P. Wheeler, Salem, first premium, - 3 00

" Elizabeth D. Poole, Rockport, second premium, 2 00
" Lucy B. Baker, Beverly, three braided mat, a gratuity 1 00

" R. L. Woodbury, Hamilton, " 1 00

'' Mary A. Dodge, Wenham, " 1 00

" P. F. Atkinson, Andover, « 1 00

" Mary Ann Perkins, Essex, " 1 00

ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTURES. 51

To Abba B. Amiable, Hamilton, a gratuity, 1 00

" Lucy Nutter, Essex, " 75

" Martha Russell, Salem, " 50

'' Mrs. Osborn, Salem, " 20

" Mary A. Leach, Beverly, " 50
By order of the Committee,

ANDREW NICHOLS, Chairman.

ON CLOTH AND HOSIERY.

The Committee on the manufacture of Cloth and Hosiery,
Report, that the articles exhibited in this department, though
not numerous, were all of excellent quality and workmanship.
They recommend the following awards, viz :
To James Bailey, Andover, one piece flannel, first prem. ^4 00
" B, P. Adams, Topsfield, one piece frocking, gratuity 2 00
" J. Mann, Ipswich, three boxes hose, " 1 00

" Sarah H. Tibbetts, Salem, table cover, " 1 00

" Sarah Lee, Manchester, table cloth and fringe, " 1 00

" Huldah D- Estes, Danvers, two table cloths " 1 50

" Huldah D. Estes, Danvers, two hand cloths, " 75

'' J. Banvard Teague, Salem, two pair stockings, " 50

" Mrs. Geo. Kimball, Salem, one " " " 50

" Mrs. Jerusha Rhodes, Lynn, two pair hose, " 62

" Mrs. J. Bailey, Andover, one pair stockings, '• 25

" Julia Greenlow, Marblehead, 1 pair infants socks, gratu. 50
" Margarett Brown, Hamilton, 3 pair men's socks, " 50
" Mrs. Esther Smith, Lynnfield, one shirt, " 50

One case of eight pieces of woolen cloth, from the Rock-
dale manufactory, Danvers, entered by E. A. Russell, was a
good specimen of that description of goods — but did not come
within the rules of the Society authorizing the award of a
premium or gratuity.

For the Committee, J. HOBBS.

O'Z ON DOMESTIC MANUFACTUKES.

ON LEATHER,

AND ARTICLES MANUFACTURED THEREFROM.
The Committee on Leather, and articles manufactured there-
from. Report : that they were pleased to find more Boots and
Shoes exhibited, than last year, although they cannot but ex-
press their regret that in this department more interest is not
manifested. This department includes articles of the largest
manufacturing business of the county, and we cannot but ex-
press the hope, that a larger display of specimens will be ex-
hibited another year.

The committee were not authorized to give any premiums
for manufactured leather, and would take the liberty to recom-
mend that premiums be offered in future years for the best
specimens of both Sole and Upper Leather, also for specimens
of curried Goat and Kid skins.

As these articles are so closely allied to our understandings,
it seems important that sufficient inducements should be offer-
ed to secure to it that notice which its importance requires.
The Committee have awarded the following premiums and
gratuities :

To Jacob Dickinson, Georgetown, for the best thick boots, 3 00
" D. B. Stickney, Groveland, for the 2d best " " 2 00
" Amos Gould, Wenham, for specimens of California

boots, gratuity, 2 00

" Jacob Dickinson, Georgetown, for calfskin boots,

second premium, . 2 00

" Jacob Dickinson, Georgetown, best thick brogans,

second premium, 2 00

" Putnam & Black, Danvers, California brogans, gratu. 1 00
" Francis Dane, " lace brogans, " 1 00

" Wm. H. Poland, Wenham, army brogans, " 1 00

" Alfred Brown, Boxford, women's Dutch boots, " 1 00
" William H. Graves, Ipswich, ladies' walking shoes,

first premium, 2 00

" Stephen Driver, Salem, ladies' kid slippers, 1st prem. 1 00
" " " " specimens of children's

bootees, gratuity, 1 00

ON THE DAIRY. 53

To Stephen Driver, Salem, excelsior patent leather

slips, gratuity, 1 00

" Wm. H. Graves, Ipswich, specimens morocco pol-
ka boots, gratuity, 1 00
" Wm. H. Balch, Groveland, men's cloth slippers, gratu. 1 00
" Christopher Johnson, jr., Lynn, specimens of ladies'

gaiter and polka boots, gratuity, 1 00

'• Richard Tenny, Georgetown, leather shoe strings, 1 50
" John A. Learoyd, Danvers, curried leather, gratuity, 1 00
" David Baily, Danvers, peg cutter for cutting pegs

from the heels of boots, gratuity, 50

Your Committee would take the liberty to suggest the pro-
priety of publishing in the Transactions of the Society, the
statistics relating to the manufacture of Leather and articles
therefrom, in the county of Essex.

For the Committee. MOSES BLACK, Jr.

ON THE DAIRY.

The Committee, in proceeding to the discharge of the duty
assigned them, found fourteen lots of Butter upon the table for
their examination, viz. eight of June, and six of September
butter. One lot of June butter, (No. 7,) the committee found
the statement had no name attached to it. The committee
unanimously recommend that the following premiums be
a\varded, viz :

FOR JUNE BUTTER.

To Jonathan Berry, Middleton, first premium,
" Perley Goodale, Danvers, second premium,
" John Preston, Danvers, third premium,

FOR SEPTEMBER BUTTER.

To Elijah Pope, Danvers, first premium,
" Nathaniel Felton, Danvers, second premium,
'• Warren Averill, Ipswich, third premium,
All the specimens of butter presented were good, but th

m

00

8

00

6

00

$10

00

8

00

6

00

54 ON THE DAIRY.

quantity, in proportion to the number of cows, does not come
up to the amount that we believe would be attained, by the
same labor and expense, if more care should be exercised in
the selection of the best cows. The improvement in dairy
stock does not keep pace with other improvements that are
going on among us. We know that the butter made in this
county is equal in quality to any in the country, and we be-
lieve it can be made equal in quantity by a more judicious se-
lection of dairy stock.

For the Committee. JOHN STONE, Jr.

JONATHAN BERRY'S STATEMENT.

I present for your inspection one pot of June butter, contain-
ing twenty-eight pounds, being a sample of two hundred and
fifty-four pounds, the product of six cows between the 20th
May and 1st July. Also, twenty-eight pounds of September
butter, a specimen of seven hundred and twelve pounds made
from the 20th May to the 20th September, from seven cows.

The feed of the cows has been a common pasture ; since
the 10th of August they have had green corn fodder, and from
the first of September each has had one quart of Indian meal
daily.

Process of Making. — The milk is strained into tin pans,
and set in a cool room or a cellar prepared for the purpose.
After remaining there from thirty-eight to forty-eight hours,
the cream is taken off and kept in a vault, till it is churned.
Churn once a week. The buttermilk is worked out by hand,
and the butter salted with about one ounce of salt per pound.

Middleton, Sept. 26, 1S50.

PERLEY GOODALE'S STATEMENT.
I offer for your examination one pot of June butter, contain-

ON THE DAIRY. 55

ing tliiity-one and a half pounds, a specimen of two hundred
and thirty pounds, made between the 1st and 30th of June,
from the millc of eight cows, two heifers, and one farrow cow,
all of native breed. Their feed has been common pasture.

Process of Making. — The milk is strained into tin pans,
and placed in the cellar, where it stands from twenty-four to
thirty-six hours ; it is then skimmed, and the cream put in tin
pails, and kept in the same cellar. Churn twice a week. We
are very particular to work out every particle of the buttermilk,
and salt with nearly one ounce of rock salt to the pound.

North Dan vers, Sept. 26, 1850.

JOHN PRESTON'S STATEMENT.

I present for your inspection a jar of June butter, containing
twenty-seven pounds, a sample of one hundred and fifty pounds
made between the 1st of June and 9th of July, from the milk
of three cows and one heifer, of native breed. Also, two box-
es of September butter, containing nineteen pounds, being a
sample of three hundred and fifty-one pounds made between
May 25th and September 24th, from the same cows, two of
them coming in June 5th. We have used in the family and
sold about four quarts of milk per day. The feed of the cows
has been common pasture until August 5th, when we com-
menced feeding with green corn fodder.

Process of Making. — The milk is strained into tin pans,
and placed on the bottom of a cool and airy cellar. It is skim-
med in about thirty-six hours. The cream is put in stone jars,
and is churned tAvice a week. The buttermilk is worked out
thoroughly without the addition of cold water, and salted one
ounce to the pound.

Danvers, Sept. 25, 1850.

56 ON THE DAIRY.

ELIJAH POPE'S STATEJtIENT.

I offer for your inspection a jar of Jane butter, containing
thirty-one pounds, being a specimen of one hundred and sixty
pounds made from the milk of three cows, from June 1st to
July 9th. Also," two boxes of September butter, containing
eighteen pounds, being a sample of four hundred and eleven
pounds made from the 1st of June to the 24th of September,
from the millc of the same cows, with the addition of one cow
since the 10th of July, and one three year old heifer since the
12th of August. Their feed has been common pasture.

Process of Making. — The milk is strained into tin pans,
and stands in a cool cellar from thirty-six to forty-eight hours,
when the cream is taken off and put in tin pails, and stirred
every day. We churn twice a week. During the warmest
weather the cream is placed in the well from twelve to twen-
ty-four hours before churning. After it is churned the butter-
milk is thoroughly worked out, and the butter is salted with
three-fourths of an ounce of ground rock salt to the pound, ex-
cept the June butter, which is with one ounce to the pound.
After standing six hours it is again worked, and weighed each
pound, separately.

Danvers, Sept. 25, 1850.

NATHANIEL FELTON'S STATEMENT.
I present for your iuvspection one firkin of June butter, con-
taining twenty-six pounds, made on the 20th ot the month.
Also, three boxes containing twenty-six pounds made on the
23d of September, as specimens of eight hundred and twenty
pounds made between the 23d of May and 23d of September,
from the milk of seven cows and two heifers ; one of the cows
has been in milk eighteen months. We have used milk in a
family of nine, and sold two gallons per week. The cows
have had common pasture till the 20th of August, since then
they have had corn fodder once a day.

ON THE DAIRY. 57

Process of Making. — The milk is strained into tin pans,
and stands from thirty-six to forty eight hours, when the cream
is taken off and put into tin pails, and stirred daily. We churn
once a week. During the warmest weather the cream is hung
in the well about twelve hours before churning. After the
butter comes the buttermilk is thoroughly worked out with
the hands. It is then salted to the taste, (about an ounce of
salt to the pound.) After standing about an hour it is worked
again, and weighed, each pound separately ; it is then put in
the shape in which you see the September butter to day, and
sent to market. There was put into the June butter about
one third of an ounce of loaf sugar to the pound. It has been
kept in the firkin, covered with fine salt. The firkin was pla-
ced in a cask in the cellar, and brine poured in around it till it
rose as high as the butter in the firkin.

Danvers, Sept. 25, 1850.

AYARREN AVERILL'S STATEMENT.
I present for inspection one box of June butter, containing
twenty-five pounds, being a specimen of seventy-eight pounds
made between the 1st of June and the 9th of July, from two
cows. Also, one box of September butter, containing thirty
pounds, being a specimen of two hundred and nine pounds
made between the 20th of May and the 20th of September,
from the same cows. One of the cows calved the 1st of May,
the other the 27th August ; the May calf I took off the 25th
of May, the August calf I took off the 12th of September. We
use all the milk for butter, except that for the family, which
on an average is one quart per day throughout the season. We
make butter the year round, and sell no milk until the cream
is taken from it. In cold weather we find a ready market for
all the skim milk and buttermilk. In this way we think it
more profitable to make butter than to sell the milk direct from
the cow. After my cows come to the barn in the fall, I give
8

58 ON THE DAIRY.

them two quarts of meal or fine feed each per day through the
winter until they go to pasture, and the best of English hay.
I find in keeping cows in this way they come out in as good
flesh to go to pasture in the spring, as they are when they go
to the barn in the fall. My pasture is good, so by keeping
well in the winter what they eat through the pasturing season
goes to milk and butter. I give them no meal in pasturing
time ; they have then nothing but what the pasture aflords for
them, except a few green stalks at night.

Process of Making. — The milk is strained into tin pans,
where it stands from thirty-six to forty-eight hours ; it is then
skimmed, and the cream put into tin pails standing on a brick
floor. We churn once in five days, sometimes not until the
week comes round. After the butter comes the butter-milk is
drawn off, and the churn filled nearly full of cold water, and
then the butter is stirred with the crank until the butter-milk
is apparently all out, it is then taken out of the churn and beat
by the hand until all the butter-milk is out, it is then salted
with from three-fourths to an ounce of ground rock salt to the
pound, and again worked over, and made into pound and half
pound balls, fit for market.

We commenced the 1st day of January to weigh all the but-
ter we make for the year, and the quantity of milk at the dif-
ferent seasons to a pound of butter. From the 1st of January
to the 20th of May, we made one hundred and ninety-eight
pounds of butter, the average quantity of milk to a pound be-
ing eight quarts, or a trifle over. The last week in June it
took a trifle short of eight quarts to a pound. Last week I
tried my cow that calved the 27th of August, and she gave
one hundred and eleven quarts of milk, which made twelve
pounds of butter, or to come to the exact quantity, one ounce
short. This is a native cow ; — I raised her from the cow for
which I took the first premium at Lynn in 1846 ; she is five
years old, and has had three calves. My other cow is a half
sister, of the same age. I milk myself all the time, and have
regular hours at the different seasons of the year. In this way
I find I can keep the milk up, when others that are milked
when most convenient, are dried up. I also make a practice

ON THE DAIRY. 59

ill cold weather to card and brush my cows down every morn-
ing, and see that they lie warm and dry at night.
Ipswichj Sept. 25, 1850.

CHARLES P. PRESTON'S STATEMENT.

I present for your examination one pot of June butter, con-
taining thirty pounds, being a sample of three hundred and
seven pounds made from the milk of four cows and five heif-
ers between June 1st and July 9th. We made also, from the
same cows, eight hundred and five pounds from May 24th to
September 24th. The feed of the cows has been an ordinary
pasture until August 10th, when we commenced as usual feed-
ing with green corn fodder in addition.

The milk is strained into tin pans, and set on the bottom of
a cool cellar, where it remains from twenty-four to thirty-six
hours, according to the weather. It is then skimmed, the
cream put in stone jars and placed in a vault, where it is ren-
dered as cool as possible previous to churning, which is done
in a common churn, made nearly in the form of a barrel, with
floats within attached to a crank, giving the necessary motion
to the cream. This we consider superior to the Thermome-
ter, or any other "patent" churn after a fair trial, having ob-
tained more butter, and of better quality. It must be known
to farmers who have tested the temperature of cream previous
to churning, that with the cream at sixty or sixty-two degrees,
(which is the rule applied in using the Thermometer churn,)
butter, during the summer months, cannot be produced of such
a degree of hardness as is desirable, neither of as good quality
in other respects as when the cream is churned at a lower
temperature. This has been ascertained after a fair trial.

One of the most essential points in making good butter is
known to be the working out of every particle of butter-milk,
which we do with the hands, without the application of cold
water.

60 ON BEES AND HONEY.

The butter is salted with an ounce of rock salt to the pound,
and for long keeping should have the air excluded as much as
possible, no brine being necessary.

North Danvers, Sept. 25, 1850.

DAVID BAKER'S STATEMENT.

I enter for premium a box and a jar of September butter,
containing fifteen pounds made last week, as a sample of three
hundred and three pounds of butter made the present season,
(since May last,) from three cows, partly of the Durham breed.
Their feed has been only common pasture, till within a month,
when they have had green corn fodder every morning.

In the hottest weather we churn twice a week, at other
times once. The milk stands thirty-six hours before skimm-
ing. Salt one ounce to a pound of butter — use the bag ground
salt.

Andover, Sept. 25, 1850.

ON BEES AND HONEY.

The Committee on Bees and Honey submit the following
Report :

Two specimens only of honey were entered for premiums,
and laid before the committee. This is the first instance in
crai recollection, of encouragement being given by the Socie-
ty, by the offer of premiums for the best management of bees,
and the best samples of honey made within the season. Five
dollars were appropriated by the Trustees for this purpose.

The first premium, (of three dollars.) is recommended to be
given to Abraham Lord, of Ipswich, for the best specimen of
honey.

The second premium, (of two dollars,) to John F. Kimball,
of Boxford.

ON BEES AND HONEY. 61

Each being accompanied by a statement of the mode of
management of the bees, the comparative vahie of each will be
thereby shown. The quality of the honey the committee con-
ceive, is not affected by the particular management of the bees,
but by the kind of pasture in which they feed, and especially
by the part of the season in which it is made, — the earliest
made honey is supposed to be always the best flavoured. It
may therefore be suggested that if any mode of management
could or would be adopted, to expedite the early swarming of
the young colonies, cr otherwise the early commencement of
their work, it would be important. It was well suggested how-
ever, by Dr. Kelley, (who was originally appointed chairman
of this committee, — it is regretted that his late arrival at the
exhibition required the Society to make a different arrange-
ment of the committee.) that too much management of bees
was not good, that they are a kind of insect peculiarly and te-
naciously attached to their natural instinctive movements.

Your committee would have desired opportunity to have
commented more at large on this subject, as it should be well
understood by the poor, who stand in need of the industrious-
ly earned products of the bee as well as their own. The anec-
dote of the Curate who applied to the Bishop for help, as his
salary was insufficient, and inquired what he should do, was
answered, " O, keep bees," may not be here out of place.
And for the rich it is a branch of natural history both amus-
ing and interesting, while it supplies for the table food delicate
and delicious.

If the peculiar movements of these interesting insects were
to be better understood, it might eradicate from the minds of
the rising generation many superstitious notions in regard to
their habits. Many of our older inhabitants at this day, and
in this enlightened age, practise dressing the bee house in
mourning, covering it with black cloth, when one of the fam-
ily, particularly the head of it, dies ; they really believe if this
is not done at the time of such events, the bees will all die,
or forsake their home.

The Committee unanimously concur in the opinion, that
the keeping of bees ought to be further encouraged, under the

62 ON BEES AND HONEY.

belief that there is in all our country towns, and in our cities
and villages, abundant pasturage still unoccupied ; that they in-
jure not the flowers and plants from which they collect their
stores, and in this respect are totally harmless ; and as they in-
volve but little expense, may become a source of considerable
income, particularly to a class of people needy and deserving.
Submitted in behalf of the Committee.

TEMPLE CUTLER.

ABRAHAM LORD'S STATEMENT.

I have two kinds of hives now in use, one with two boxes
on the side, one above the other, which will hold fourteen
pounds of honey. These hives are very good, but not so good
as some I have with two boxes in. the top which will hold
eleven pounds of honey each. One of these boxes has glass
sides, and is not full. It was taken from a hive that had a
swarm placed in it the sixth day of June last, which has filled
the hive and given me thirteen pounds of honey this season.
In the boxes I have had four swarms of bees this season, which
with their honey are worth seven dollars each, exclusive of
their hives, — the hives are worth three dollars each, making
the hives and bees worth ten dollars each. I have also taken
sixty-four pounds of honey in boxes, worth twenty cents a
pound, making twelve dollars and eighty cents. Thus the in-
come from my five stocks of bees this season, is forty dollars
and eighty cents.

My hives are made with a pane of glass in the back, to
ascertain the quantity of honey in store, and the strength of
the stocks of my bees, as it is sometimes the case that after a
stock has thrown off its first swarm, some accident happens to
the young queen, by which the stock is left without its leader.
As the old queen always leads off the first swarm, the loss of
the queen may be ascertained in two weeks from the time the
first swarm left the hive. If they decrease, they have lost their
queen ; in this case, to save my stock I unite to them a second

ON BEES AMD HONEY. C3

or third swarm, if I have them. To do this I turn the hive I
wish to unite to them upon its top, then setting the stock hive
upon the one turned bottom up, I make them secure that no
bees escape. They will soon ascend, and the stock will readi-
ly receive them with their queen.

Young swarms that are not strong enough to stand the win-
ter I unite with the parent hives. In doing this I have a hive
the same size as that 1 intend to take, fixed bottom upwards ;
when this is ready, I light a piece of puff ball as big as a hen's
egg, and as soon as it burns well I place it in a copper box full
of small holes with a pointed top, that the bees may not rest
on it in dropping. 1 then place the box in the hive that stands
upon its top, and the hive I wish to take upon the one thus
turned upwards ; then tie a cloth round the two hives, that no
smoke escape, and the bees will soon drop. When they are
all down and quiet, lift the hive gently off, and turn the bees
that have fallen, upon a table ; then look for the queen bee,
which may be easily known by her length being much greater
than the working bee, with very short wings. If I find her I
keep her safe ; if not, I cut out the combs one by one, as she
does not always drop, but holds on the combs. After I have
found her I sweep the bees into a clean empty hive, and lay a
piece of paper or sheet of tin upon the hive, punched full of
small holes a sixteenth of an inch over ; then set the hive I
wish them to unite with, upon the paper or tin, and keep them
separate twenty-four hours, then draw the paper or tin out, and.
they will soon ascend and unite with the stock. In uniting
my weak swarms, as above described, I secure the strength of
my stocks, which having swarmed often in summer are weak
in bees, though heavy in honey.

The health of my bees I consider very important. No one
can expect to have strong and healthy bees, unless they are
properly ventilated. Ventilation is important in the hot season
of the year, but not so important as in winter, as then a good
deal of steam rises from the breath of the bees, which, if it has
no way of escape, will settle on the top of the hive inside and
become water, and run down upon the combs and on the sides
of the hives, and freeze. Thus the bees are kept damp, and

64 ON BEES AND HONEY.

are likely to die with the rot, or become so weak in the spring
as not to be worth much. To prevent this harm to my bees,
I have a hole cut in the front of my hives two inches from the
top, two inches long and three eighths of an inch deep. This
serves as a ventilator and second door. I also keep the holes
leading from the hives into the boxes open, which lets off
much of the damp air.

I never kill young swarms because they have not honey
enough to stand the winter, but rather unite them to some
stock that has enough and to spare, as they Avill more than pay
for doing it the next season. Twenty pounds is enough to
winter a good swarm.

I would not recommend taking up old stocks, as the honey
is poor, but would recommend cutting out some of the bottom
combs when they become furred up with age. This may be
done by the aid of a bee dress or the puff ball. Puff balls may
be found by the way side, or in pastures ; they should be pick-
ed when half ripe and put in a cloth and pressed to half their
size, then dried in the sun. When ripe they give a dirty pow-
der like smoke ; the smoke of the puff ball does the bees no
harm, as they recover in twenty minutes. Care should be
taken that the sun does not shine on the hive either in sum-
mer or winter. I have said nothing about the bee moth, hav-
ing tried several experiments, and none to my satisfaction. I
am led to believe that strong and healthy stocks of bees will
take the best care of these intruders.

Ipswich, Sept. 24, 1850.

JOHN F. KIMBALL'S STATEMENT,
In June 1847 I found a swarm of bees in the woods, which
was hived in a small old fashioned box hive, aud carried home,
a distance of about two miles. They went quietly to work in
their new residence, and during the season nearly filled the
hive. The next season, (1848,) a swarm came out early in

ON BEES AND HONEY. 65

June and settled on a board placed on stools about one rod in
front of the hive ; these were immediately hived again, and
went quietly to work. In 1849 three swarms came out, (two
from the old hive,) all of which settled on the board placed as
above, and were hived without difficulty. This year I have
had but four swarms come out, all of which came from the
two oldest hives. I have now six well filled hives in prime
order, besides which I have had three second swarms, (one
hive swarming twice the same season,) that were of compara-
tively little value. In swarming time I find if a board is pla-
ced on chairs or stools, as above stated, one or two rods in
front of the hives, the sw^arms that come out will usually,
(though not always,) settle upon it, and may then be easily
hived. My hives are of uniform size, about seventeen inches
high, and thirteen inches each way at the top, growing a little
larger at the bottom. Holes about two inches square are made
in the top, and boxes similar to the one before you placed over
them. These boxes when filled are removed by running slides
under them, and others placed in their stead, thus avoiding the
inhuman practice of "murdering the bees with fire and brim-
stone."

My hives stand upon benches, with no covering except
boards placed above them to shelter them from the sun. Thus
the wind has free access to them, and no protection is given
the bee moth or miller. I have this season united two swarms
ill one hive, — they were both second swarms, and of course
small. The first went into the hive without the box, the hole
in the top being covered; the other came out two days later,
and went into the box, which in the evening was set in its
place upon the hive, — no disturbance was seen among the bees.
Of this plan, however, I speak with diffidence, as I have made
but one trial. My bees are daily visited in warm weather, and
cobwebs, &c., are carefully brushed away. The honey pre-
sented for your inspection was made between June 25th and
July 15th, of which there are about ten pounds.

Boxford, Sept. 25, 1850.

66 ON POULTRY.

ON POULTRY.

The Committee were pleased to see so large a collection of
choice fowls on the ground, notwithstanding the unfavorable
state of the weather, and have every reason to believe that
there would have been a much larger number, if the day had
been fine and suitable to show poultry to advantage. The
evident improvement in this branch of rural economy was
highly gratifying to the contributors and spectators generally,
as well as to the committee, who feel under many obligations
to the various contributors for the admirable manner in which
their birds were arranged, and to the spectators for the interest
manifested by them in what we consider one of the most prof-
itable of our agricultural interests. We would impress upon
the minds of our agricultural friends, and others, the impor-
tance of bestoAving more attention upon this kind of stock than
has hitherto been done. It is not, as many suppose, a small
item, and not worthy of more than a passing notice, — it is a
fruitful source of wealth and comfort to every one. Our fowls
furnish us with the choicest luxuries of the most wholesome
nature, and where can a person be found, that would not take
pleasure in tending a few choice fowls, and feel themselves
amply repaid by the large number of rich eggs that such birds
would be sure to return them for their kind attentions ? Where
could we find a substitute for their meat at our tables, or for
their delicate and wholesome nutriment to the invalid ? And
the puddings, and good old fashioned pumpkin pies, that can-
not be produced without their share in the matter ? It is not
our purpose to recommend any one particular variety to the
exclusion of all others, but would earnestly request each one
to prove by personal experience the merits of many, if not all
of the different varieties of our standard fowls, and of such of
the fancy ones as he may have time or inclination to do, so as
to be able to impart information of benefit to others who are,
or who may wish to be interested in the subject. If any
should feel inclined to doubt the importance of poultry, as one
of our products, we would respectfully point his attention to
figures, not fictitious ones, but those gathered from the most

ON POULTRY. 67

reliable sources. For instance, from the Montreal Pilot, we
learn that there were shipped from Montreal to the United
States from May 1st of the present year to June 16th, two
thousand and seven hundred barrels of eggs. Dr. Bennett tells
us, in his work upon poultry, that the value of poultry in the
United States at the present time, will reach the fine little sum
of twenty millions of dollars. We find that in the year 1848
the sales of poultry in the city of Boston amounted to over one
million of dollars, and the sale of eggs to as much more. In
the face of such facts, who will say it is a matter of little con-
sequence whether we keep fowls or not, or whether they are
good, bad, or indifferent ? For a description of the different
varieties, manner of rearing, feeding, fattening, and a descrip-
tion of their diseases with instructions for their treatment, we
would respectfully refer our friends to the large number of val-
uable treatises now published. In conclusion, the committee
do not hesitate to assert, that with proper attention fowls can
be reckoned as profitable stock for every farmer, and Avith
pleasing satisfaction they confess that the show of poultry in
the present instance far exceeded in number and quality, their
most sanguine expectations. Let each contributor also, feel
the satisfaction of having had a part in this exhibition, and re-
solve that, fine as the display for 1850 was, he will try and
eclipse it in 1851.

The whole number of contributors was forty-nine. Whole
number of fowls five hundred and forty-eight of which forty-
three were water fowls, four turkeys, and also two fine lots of
pigeons. The committee would award as follows :

C. F. Putnam, of Salem, for a fine display of Shanghae,
Black Spanish, Singapore, and six other varieties, $2 50

G. W. George, of Haverhill, fine Shanghae and Imperial
Chitagong fowls, 2 50

D. Buxton, jr.. South Danvers, fine Shanghae, Black
Spanish, Mexican, and one other variety, 2 50

J. H. Brookhouse, Salem, fine Shanghae, Java, Golden

Polish and one other variety, 2 50

S. & O. Southwick, Danvers, fine Shanghae, Java,

Black Spanish, Dorking, and six other varieties, 2 50

68 ON PLOUGHIxNG.

Eben Sutton, Salem, for an exceeding fine display of

water fowls, as follows : — Bremen, Wild, China, and

Mongrel Geese, S. American, Aylesberg, Musk, and

White Ducks, 2 50

P. L. Osborne, Danvers, fine Shanghae, Black Spanish,

Silver Pheasant, Dominique, and two other varieties, 2 00

W. Brown, N. Andover, fine Bolton Greys, 1 50

A. H. Hall, Rockpoit, fine display, eight varieties, 1 50

And would recommend to the following persons a gratuity

of $1 50.

W. N. Brookhouse, Middleton, fine lot of Fowls,. 1 50

Charles Creasy, H. Grove, fine lot of Fowls, 1 50

G. W. Williams, Salem, fine lot of Fowls, 1 00

R. P. Waters, Beverly, fine lot of Fowls, 1 00

Leverett Knight, N. Danvers, fine lot of Hybrids, 1 GO
For the Committee, E. B. LITTLE.

ON PLOUGHING WITH DOUBLE TEAMS.

The Committee on Ploughing with Double Teams Report :
That there were fourteen entries, and thirteen teams drew lots
and ploughed. Ten of the lands were run out previously, and
three were run out the morning of the show, after the teams
were on the ground, and by some mistake were made about
one third less than the quantity required, which was not dis-
covered by the committee until after the lots v/ere drawn for,
and the teams had started.

The committee concluded that the competitors M'-ho drew
the small lands ought not to be prejudiced in consequence, and
therefore awarded the premiums without reference to the quan-
tity of land ploughed, although less than the rods specified and
required.

Lot No. 1 was drawn by John Washburn, of Lynn.
" No. 2 '• " Richard S. Bray, of Newbury.
'• No. 3 " " Paul P. Pilsbury, of Andover.

Lot No.

4

" No.

5

" No.

G

" No.

7

'• No.

S

" No.

9

'' No.

10

" No.

11

" No.

12

" No.

13

ON PLOUGHING. 69

4 was drav/11 by John Newhall, of Lynn.

" B. W. Crowninshield, of Topsfield.
" George P. Wilkins, of Middleton.
" Moses Pettengill, of Topsfield.
" Jonathan Berry, of Middleton.
" John S. Hubbard, of Newbury.
" Horace Ware, Jr., of Salem.
" Elias Clough, of Lynn.
" David S. Caldwell, of Byfield.
" Franklin Alley, of Marblehead.
The committee, after a full consultation, and as thorough an
examination of the work as they could give, considering the
storm, with some slight difference of opinion agreed to award
the premiums as follows :

To Horace Ware, Jr., first premium, - - ' f 10 00
" Jonathan Berry, second premium, - - - 8 00

" Franklin Alley, third premium, - - - G 00

" Richard S. Bray, fourth premium, - - - 5 00

" John S. Hubbard, fifth premium, - - - 4 00
In the opinion of the committee the work done by Horace
Ware, Jr., and Jonathan Berry, was nearly equal. The pre-
ponderance was in favor of Mr. Ware's in consequence of the
fine finishing up of the land, whi^h the committee have rare-
ly seen equalled.

On the land ploughed by Franklin Alley, the furrows were
kept straight, and of a proper and equal width, and the furrows
laid uncommonly smooth ; however the ploughing was not as
deep as that done by some other competitors, and to this in
some measure may be attributed the very perfect manner the
furrows were turned. We consider it a fact, that a furrow six
or seven inches deep can be handsomer laid than a deeper one,
with the same skill in exercise. If his land had been plough-
ed equally deep, and had presented the same appearance as it
then did, it certainly would have been as good as the best.

The work by Richard S. Bray and John S. Hubbard was
done in good time, the ends of the furrows of a like width of
the balance, and all well turned. The several competitors va-
ried in the time occupied, from twenty-two to forty minutes.

70 ON PLOUGHING.

The shortest time taken was by Franklin Alley, and the long-
est by John Washburn. The land drawn by Mr. Alley was
one of the small ones, and at the speed he drove he would have
ploughed one of the lands of proper size in about thirty min-
utes. The shortest time taken by any team on the full sized
lands was twenty-eight minutes, by B. W. Crowninshield.
Average time on the full lands, thirty-four and seven tenths
minutes. The committee consider it due to the competitors
to say, that the work generally was done remarkably well.
David S. Caldwell and John Newhall would have received
premiums, if there had been more to award.

The slight difference of opinion in the committee as to the
merits of the work, if they were good judges, is evidence that
the ploughing was well done. It was the intention of the
committee fo have noted the kinds of ploughs used, but the se-
verity of the storm drove the teams from the field before that
was ascertained.

In behalf of the Committee. MOSES NEWELL.

ON PLOUGHING WITH SINGLE TEAMS.

The Committee on Ploughing with Single Teams ask leave
to Report, that there were nine teams entered for premiums.
Seven only appeared on the ploughing field. The work was
well done by all. Upon a careful examination of the work the
committee have awarded :

To Jackson H. Pickering, Danvers, first premium, $8 00

" Elijah Pope, Danvers, second premium, 6 00

" Daniel Putnam, Danvers, third premium, 4 00

" William Foster, Andover, fourth premium, 2 00

All the ploughs used were Eagle No. 2, manufactured by

Ruggles, Nourse & Mason.

For the Committee. JACOB BROWN.

ON IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 71

ON IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

The Committee on Improved Agricultural Implements have
attended to that duty, and Report :

That very few articles were presented either for premium or
exhibition. There were in the room two ploughs from the Mil-
ford, (N. H.,) Manufactory, placed there, as the Committee sup-
pose, by William Chase, of Salem, as his card was attached to
them, but there Avas no person present to describe the improve-
ment, or to explain their superiority. The committee would
however say that they were very handsome and well made,
and have no doubt they were very good ploughs. There were
also some stove castings, and a cast iron boiler, with the same
card attached, very fine specimens of castings, but no person
present to give any explanation whatever.

W. J. Poor, of Andover, presented what is called a Self-ad-
justing Ox-Yoke, a very handsome specimen of workmanship,
but as Mr. Poor was not the inventor, but only the maker, the
committee cannot, according to the rules of the Society, recom-
mend any premium or gratuity.

Stephen Granville, of Danvers, presented anew washing ma-
chine, invented by himself, which the committee believe, from
what they saw of its operation, to be a very good article, if not
the best now in use, and they would recommend that there be
paid to Mr. Granville a gratuity of three dollars.

David Stiles, of Middleton, presented a machine for cutting
hay, &c., called the " Eagle Hay Cutter," for which he has
recently obtained a patent. The committee were very much
gratified with its operation in cutting hay, corn stalks, &c.,and
believe it equal to, if not the very best article of the kind, that
has ever come under their observation, and they cannot express
their own views of the machine in any better form than is ex-
pressed in an article headed, " Stiles' Patent Eagle Hay
Cutter," and published in the " Farmer and Mechanic," a
paper published in the city of New York, and from which arti-
cle they make the following extract : " In this machine the in-
ventor entertains the most entire confidence, and considers its
advantages over all other kinds now in use, as entitling it to

72 ON RECLAIMED >It:ADOWS.

the consideration of the agricultural community generally, from
the fact that it will cut any and all kinds of fodder, with equal
facility, combining a self-feeding apparatus, which obviates the
danger and inconvenience of hand feeding, and a very simple
arrangement by which the cutter may be changed, with the
greatest facility for the purpose of cutting the fodder any desir-
ed length. By its construction also, the machine \vhen in
operation, separates much of the grit and other deleterious sub-
stances from the fodder, thereby obviating injury to the knives,
which may be readily removed for grinding or other purposes
when desired, and which are never liable to be broken or in-
jured by sticks, &c., which are frequently found in hay drawn
by the horse rake. This machine is constructed in the most
substantial and perfect manner in all its parts, and consequent-
ly will last a long time with little or no expense for repairs.
Indeed, the simplicity, efficiency, and ease of its operation, can-
not, we think, be surpassed by any that we have seen."

The committee therefore would recommend that there be
paid to Mr. Stiles, for his " Eagle Hay Cutter," a premium of
seven dollars.

Charles Gill, of Exeter, N. H., had intended to have presen-
ted for exhibition the " Independent Horse Rake," but by
some mistake it did not arrive until after the committee had
separated, and of course they had no opportunity to examine it
or see its operation, but they have no doubt from the recom-
mendations which have been given by those farmers who have
had it in use upon their farms, that it is as good as any horse
rake now in use, if not better.

DANIEL ADAMS, Chairman.

ON RECLAIMED MEADOWS.

The Committee on Reclaimed Wet-meadows and Swamp
land, submit the following Report :

Two claims only were entered with the committee, one by

ON RECLAIMED MEADOWS. 7^

John Porter, of Wenham, and one by Calvin Locke, of
Ipswich. Tliree of the Committee, — Messrs Osborn, Dole,
and Merriam, — visited these meadows the second week in Ju-
ly, before the grass was cut, although Dr. Porter had begun to
cut his. The meadow of Dr. Porter was situated within twen-
ty rods of his house, which made it very desirable to have
something better than litter growing upon the meadow. It
was in the form of a basin, surrounded by a bold, sandy, and
fine gravelly bank, very convenient for application to the
meadow, which could be and is effectually drained. The out-
lay which has been made upon this piece of meadow, appears
to us a judicious one, and one which will amply remunerate
the owner. The very accurate and explicit statement given
by Dr. Porter w^ill supersede any further remarks from us. He
suggests the importance of future attention, which is necessary
in all such boggy lands. The natural meadow grasses are in-
clined to spring up, without future dressings. The committee
would recommend that the first premium, (of tAventy dollars.)
be awarded to him.

The piece of land offered by Mr. Locke is a low, flat swale,
consisting of a black sandy soil, with a natural growth, princi-
pally of the alder, a soil suited to that bush. The alder ]s per-
haps as easily subdued and extirpated as any bush we have to
contend with. After draining and cutting oiF the bushes, this
land could be worked upon with the oxen and plough. This
being the third crop of hay since the land was reclaimed, the
quality was probably not quite so good as in the other two
years ; some natural grasses were mixed with the English, al-
though there was a very good crop ready for the scythe. Mr.
Locke not being the owner of the soil, had leased it for twenty
years, and was so w^ell satisfied with his success that he had
already another portion of the swamp adjoining, in progress of
reclamation, being planted with potatoes and vines, which like-
wise promised well. It will be seen by Mr. Locke's statement
that the expense of subduing his land has been somewhat less
per acre than that of Dr. Porter's. We will take the liberty to
suggest to Mr. Locke that we think such soils as he is at work
upon will bear high manuring, and will make good returns for
10

74 ON RECLAIMED MEADOWS.

the outlay. The committee are of opinion that Mr. Locke is
entitled to the second premium, (of fifteen dollars.)

R. A. M ERR I AM.

\VM. OS BORN.

L. H. DOLE.
November 15, 1S50.

JOHN PORTER'S STATEMENT.
My meadow, which you viewed in July last,, was surveyed
Sept. 30, 1850, and contains two acres and ninety-five poles,
including the ditches, which occupy a fraction over thirteen
poles of the surface. For many years previous to my pur-
chase in 1832, it was annually covered with water two or three
feet deep from November to April, by means of a dam made at
the lower end of the meadow to connect with a natural ridge
of the adjacent upland. While the flowing was continued the
yearly product of hay was large, averaging more than a ton to
the acre, but the quality was inferior. This meadow was very
wet, even in August, and all the hay had to be poled out, for
it would not bear au ox without miring, upon any part of its
surface. It was also very rough, abounding in hassocks, and
small bushes about the size of a pipe stem, began to make their
appearance. The depth of the soil, or vegetable matter, was
from three to twelve feet to hard bottom. There were two
ditches three or four feet wide, one on the northern, and the
other on the eastern margin of the meadow, which were made
to answer for the division fence, and forming a juncture near
the dam, partially drained off the surplus water. In the sum-
mer of 1836 I dug two ditches three and a half feet wide by
two or more deep, lengthwise of the meadow, and terminating
in the ditch on the north end, thus dividing it into three near-
ly equal lots. From this time I ceased to flow it in the win-
ter, and it soon became much drier; the quantitj' of hay de-
creased more than one half, with no perceptible improvement
in the quality, and in one or two years the whole meadow set-
tled nearly two feet, apparently leaving about three inches of
the surface entirely detached from the vegetable deposit, or soil

ON RECLAIMED MEADOWS. / 5

below. Ill tliis situation it remained till the autumn of 1847,
when I began to reclaim. Two men in ten days, with the
common grub hoe and manure fork, pealed the whole top, and
threw it into heaps a little larger than common sized haycocks.
This was easily accomplished, for the men would often take
up a flake a ya;;d square at once with little effort, and leave a
surface as smooth as the house floor. I set fire to this topping
as soon as it was drj^ enough to burn, but the peaty soil below
ignited, and the fire was with difliculty extinguished. It was
all removed to the upland, some on handbarrows, but mostly
by the ox team after the ground had frozen hard enough to
bear, and was used to replenish the hog and cow yards, after
selling a very large quantity to my neighbors, sufficient to de-
fray all the expenses I had thus far incurred. The first of Au-
gust, 1S4S, I hired three robust Irishmen for one dollar and a
quarter per day each, and they were to find their own board,
and one of my hired men upon the farm worked with them
half a month. In forty days, with wheelbarrows and a tier of
plank extending half across the meadow from the adjacent bank
of gravel on one side, and then from the ridge on the other,
they covered the v/hole surface from three to four inches deep.
After the middle of September I sowed three bushels of red top
and three pecks of herds grass, and two men in one day raked
in the seed. For the want of rain and a top dressing of ma-
nure, the grass seed made a poor show that fall. In the fol-
lowing March, before the ground had thawed, I purchased
twelve cords of manure in my neighborhood, which was carted
and spread evenly over the meadow. I then sowed twelve
pounds of clover seed, and in July following I cut what was
estimated by competent judges to be five tons of handsome
hay, and hi September two tons of rowen. The meadow was
now hard and solid enough to bear the team, and the hay was
all carted ofl" without difliculty. In November last, I mixed
two cords of stable manure with four cords of loam from a barn
cellar I was then digging, and spread the same on about one
third of the lot. In March last I spread three and a half cords
of stable manure on another third, and upon the remaining
third I spread one hundred and fifty bushels of leached ashes.

76 GN RECLAIMED MEADOWS.

The hay this year has all been weighed at the town scales.
The first cutting in July Aveighed a few pounds less than seven
and a half tons, and the second in September a few pounds
over three and a half tons, making eleven tons this year, and
the product of the two years eighteen tons. The manure and
the ashes, exclusive of the loam from the cellar, which has
been put upon this land within two years, amounts to twenty
cords, and including tlie expense of carting and spreading, has
cost one hundred dollars. I paid the three Irishmen for labor
one hundred and fifty dollars, and estimate the labor and board
of my man at twenty dollars more, making the whole expense
of reclaiming and manuring amount to two hundred and seven-
ty dollars. From 183G to 1848, this piece of land was worth
nothing, except as a deposit of muck to increase the compost
heap. The annual crop of hay would not pay the cost of har-
vesting. And now, from your personal inspection of this re-
claimed meadow, I think you will agree with me in saying,
that for pleasantness of location and convenience of access to
my buildings, it can hardly be exceeded ; and that at two hun-
dred dollars per acre, which it will now sell for, it would be a
better investment under good management hereafter, than any
of our eight per cent Railroad Stocks.
Wenham, Oct. 5, 1850.

CAL^TN LOCKE'S STATEMENT.
The reclaimed meadow, containing one and nine-sixteenths
acres, submitted to your consideration, was in 1842 a thick al-
der swamp, flooded with water full three-fourths of the year, in
the winter to a considerable depth. I commenced working on
it in November or December of that year by cutting two ditch-
es through the length of it, one on each side, receiving for my
pay the alders growing on the margin of the same about one
rod in width, without any reference to making it a mowing
field, but merely to drain the ground. Before I had progress-
ed far I became convinced of the prospective productiveness of

ON RECLAIMED MEADOWS. / t

the soil, which is alluvial from one to two feet deep, and made
a bargain to lease it for twenty years. During the winter of
1S43 I cut otr most of the alders, and in 1844 cut the remain-
der. A part of them were cut in the usual way of cutting al-
ders for fuel ; a part were taken out by one man taking hold of
the clump anc". pulling from the man with an axe on the oppo-
site side, while he goes round and cuts the large roots, when
they will very readily come out whole. I think this far the
cheapest and easiest way of getting tliem oat. I should think
I cut on the piece more than fifty loads for three cattle. A
part of these I sold for from two dollars to two dollars and fif-
ty cents a load — I might say their average value would be two
dollars and twenty-five cents. In 184.5 I commenced getting
out the roots, first with a bush puller and then with a plough,
which I think much the best instrument. 1 should think we
spent about six days with three men and two yoke of oxen,
clearing about an acre from roots and ploughing it. The roots
we piled up and covered with clam shells and burnt them into
lime with the roots, and then laid them out in hills, and planted
potatoes on them, which went over about lialf an acre. The
other was manured with one load of manure from the barn and
two cords rock-weed mixed with stutf thrown out of the ditch-
es. Of the three kinds of dressing used, I consider the con-
tents of the root and shell heap the best. The potatoes grew
finely, and gave promise of a good crop had it not been for the
blight, which rendered them almost worthless. In 1846 I
cleared the remainder of roots, and ploughed the Avhole, sow-
ing that part planted with potatoes with oats, and the new
piece I planted with potatoes, using about one and a half cords
manure. The oats grew very rank, so as to lodge, producing
a great quantity of straw, I should think more than two and a
half tons, with very little grain, and the potatoes a middling
crop. It was my intention to have ploughed and sowed it af-
ter the crop came ofi', but on account of heavy rains in fall and
spring, I was not able to do it until late in May 1847. The
produce of this year was a great crop of weeds with the young
grass, which I nearly gave away for taking ofi". In 1848 I cut
five and a half tons of first quality market hay when it was

78 ON THE CULTURE OF THE CRANBERRY.

weighed from the field, liolding out nine thousand one hundred
and ten pounds in Boston market, leaving one thousand three
hundred and ninety pounds for sininkage and feeding the teams
of the hauler, in 1849 the crop amounted to eiglit thousand
two hundred pounds wiien weighed from the field, and seven
thousand five hundred pounds in market, falling short seven
hundred pounds, of a quality a little inferior to the first, al-
though selling as high as the average. In 1850 the weight of
the crop was ahout four tons, remaining as yetrmsold. All the
dressing this land has received since it was laid down, was
about ten bushels of ashes on a part of in 1848, and about fif-
teen bushels in 1849, and two casks of lime.

I should be glad to be more particular in my statement as to
loss and gain, but general and imperfect as it is, I submit it to
your consideration.

Ipswich, Sept. 25, 1850.

ON THE CULTURE OF THE CRANBERRY.

No entry has been made Yor the Society's premium for the
cultivation of cranberries. But the chairman of the commit-
tee submits the following communication, in the hope that it
may not be without interest, and may excite to further experi-
ments.

The Cranberry or Oxycocus, is so called from the Gr, oxus,
sour, and Kokkus, berry, on account of its acidity. It is found
from the Middle States to Hudson's Bay, and perhaps farther
north. The European cranberry has been found in Lynn
woods, and is distinguished by its short pointed leaves. It is
very common in Russia, and other countries in the north of
Europe ; it bears a close resemblance to the common Ameri-
can cranberry, but is rare in Massachusetts. The earliest des-
cription of our cranberry that I have been able to discover, is
to be found in an old, quaint, and very scarce book, describing
the Natural History of our country at the period of its first set-
tlement. It was published in London in 1672, and was writ-

ON THE CULTL'llE OF THE CRANBERRY. 70

ten by '•John Josselyn, gentleman," and was entitled "New
England's Rarities, discovered in Birds, Beasts, Fishes, Ser-
pents and Plants of that country." Josselyn, who visited
New England in 1638, and gathered his materials for his New
England Rarities, probably saw the cranberry in common use
both by the Indians and English, at that early period of our
history. Here follows Josselyn's description of this plant :
" Cran Berry or Bear Berry, because Bears use much to feed
upon them, is a small trayling Plant, that grows in Marshes,
that are overgrown with moss ; the tender Branches [which
are reddish] run out in great length, lying flat on the ground,
when at distances they take Root, overspreading half a score
acres, sometime in small patches of about a Rod or the like ;
the Leaves are like Box, but greener, thick and glistening; the
Blossoms are very like our English Night shade Flowers, after
which, succeed the Berries, hanging by long small foot stalks,
no bigger than a hair ; at first they are of a pale yellow Colour,
afterwards red, and as big as Cherry's, some perfectly round,
others oval, all of them hollow, of a sour astringent taste ; they
are ripe in August and September. They are excellent for the
Scurvey. They are also good to allay the furvour of hot Dis-
eases. The English and Indians use them, by much boyling
them with Sugar for sauce, to eat with their meat, and it is
delicate sauce, especially for roasted mutton. Some make tarts
with them, as with Goose Berries."

Snch is the history and use of the cranberry in the days of
the Pilgrims, written in their peculiar style, probably not twen-
ty-five years from their landing at Plymouth. The plant, call-
ed in some parts of Maine, the " Mountain Cranberry," is us-
ed there for culinary purposes, like our common cranberry. It
is a very rare plant, being as yet discovered but in one spot in
Massachusetts, and that occurs in a pasture in North Danvers.
It is the vaccinum vitis Idsea. L. [Cow Berry.] It can be used as
the common cranberry, but is inferior to it. We have not had
it a sufficient length of time under cultivation, to form 5,n opinion
of its value. The High Cranberry, or viburnum opulus, is a
handsome shrub rising from six to ten feet high, and bearing
an acid fruit somewhat resembling cranberries. It has been

80 ON THE CULTURE OF THE CRANBERRY.

recommended by some persons as a good substitute for the
cranberry", and on that account worth cultivation, but we have
not found it so, the fruit is very acid and bitter, containing a
large oblong nut. It is, in our opinion, a shrub much more
ornamental than useful. The cranberry can be successfully
cultivated in any good soil, not absolutely dry. It prefers a
moist soil, and still better a sandy peat. In tlie selection of
plants for the purpose of cultivation, we should choose those
growing in low grounds, near the upland, in preference to those
found in wet, mossy meadows. We think the autumn a fa-
vourable season for transplanting the cranberry, as they can
more readily be taken from low wet lands. In removing the
plants, it is best to take up a sod of earth with them, carefully
picking cut the grass. These may be set in a bed, prepared
like one for strawberries, in rows twelve or eighteen inches
apart, and as the vines extend by sending out runners, they
should be covered with earth to cause them to take root. Care
should be taken to keep the bed free from weeds and grass.
The plants of the cranberry under cultivation, need protection
in winter. This, it will be recollected, they always receive in
their wild state in the meadows, by the overflowing of them
by water. They are best protected by covering them with the
boughs of some evergreen tree or shrub. I prefer for this pur-
pose the prostrate branches of the juniper, ca,lled by some per-
sons ground hemlock. When this cannot be obtained, meadow
hay, sea weed, or litter may be used. When the vines are
covered with the boughs of some evergreen tree, the fruit can
be kept on them in a very fresh and excellent state, during
winter, and used as required. I was somewhat surprised to
find my cranberries the past season, infested by an insect un-
known to me. These, resembling a worm or maggot, were
discovered in the berries when about half grown, eating out its
pulp, and destroying, I should think, half of my crop. Sever-
al of the cranberries containing worms were sent to Dr. Thad-
deus W. Harris, the distinguished entomologist, who, in reply,
informed me that he found the insects to resemble closely the
well known "apple worm" and adds, the question of their
identity, however, can be settled by keeping them, till they
undergo their transformations.

ON FRUIT TREES. 81

111 closing this communication, I would say that what I have
written upon the cultivation of the cranberry, has come under
my own observation, and is confined to garden culture. What
the cranberry would do, with its delicate fibrous or hairy root,
adapted to a sandy peat or a sphagnous bog, when transplanted
to a dry soil, i'l an open field, with nothing to protect its roots
from the frosts of winter, is more than I can say. Those per-
sons who have had much experience in the cultivation of na-
tive plants, found growing in swampy or very wet land, will
have noticed that many plants will accommodate themselves to
a comparatively dry soil, and the cranberry may be one of those
plants. After several yeai's experience in the garden culture of
the cranberry, I can see no obstacle in the way of complete
success, provided the same care and skill are bestowed upon it,
that are rendered to a bed of choice and tender strawberries.

SAML. P. FOWLER.

Danvers, Nov. 6, 1850.

ON FRUIT TREES.

The Committee visited in the course of the season, the sev-
eral orchards and plantations of trees, to which their attention
was called, viz : Dr. Royal A. Merriam's, Wm. G. Lake's and
Moses Pettingil's, in Topsfield, Francis Dodge's and Lewis
Allen's, in Danvers, and Amos Gould's in Wenham, and others
to which they were not specially invited.

The statements of the several claimants will best explain the
particular quality of the orchards. The committee will add a
few remarks expressive of their own impressions. But two par-
cels of pear trees were presented to their attention. Mr. Pet-
tingil's trees were set in 1846, immediately after the premium
was ofi"ered. Care was taken by him to obtain trees of fine
quality, and of the best varieties of fruit, from Mr. Manning's
nursery. They were set in a soil admirably adapted to their
growth, and have since been watched with the best attention.
11

8» ON FRUIT TREES.

They have grown remarkably well, nearly all the trees being
now thrifty, and in bearing condition. In ' the intermediate
spaces between the trees, an orchard of peach trees has been
cultivated at the same time, which have been highly produc-
tive of some of the best varieties of peaches that we have met.
The committee were highly gratified with the success of Mr.
Pettingil's experiment, and can with confidence refer to it, as
a good illustration of what can be done by intelligent culture
of this kind of fruit. Some half a dozen of the best varieties
of pears presented at the exhibition of fruits in Salem, grew
upon these trees, that have been set within the last five years.
The committee are pleased to award the first premium of ten
dollars to Mr. Pettingil.

Dr. Merriam exhibited to the committee some handsome
pear trees, that have been cultivated with much care and at-
tention. With the appearance of these trees they were well
pleased. The committee were not aware that the number
came up to what the conditions required, until they read his
statement. Not being aware of this fact, they had not suppos-
ed there was any competition in the claim for the premiums
offered ; under this state of facts, they did not feel at liberty
to award any premium the present season. When the trees
are more fully grown, they will probably be more likely to ar-
rest the attention of visiters.

The competition for the premiums offered for apple trees was
greater, there being four distinct claims. The trees of Amos
Gould, of Wenham, were thought by the committee to be en-
titled to the first premium of ten dollars. They have been
cultivated for three years past with marked attention. They
were selected at first from one of the best of nurseries, and from
the best trees of the nursery. These are facts, in the opinion
of the committee, of great importance. It may be, after a
growth of ten years, ordinary trees at first, will overtake those
that were more promising ; but such an event is not probable.
Mr. Gould's trees are in very fine condition, and are a good il-
lustration of what can be done by careful attention.

Lewis Allen, of Danvers, to whom is awarded the second
premium of eight dollars, has an orchard of a larger number of

ON FRUIT TREES. 83

trees, which have been cultivated with much attention, and
are now in good condition. They have not been set out so
long as Mr. Gould's, and have not a character so firmly estab-
lished. Both of these gentlemen have selected the Baldwin
apple only for their orchards. Although this apple is to be ad-
mired for its many superior qualities, still there are other good
varieties, and we should prefer to have several kinds at com-
mand.

The orchard of William G. Lake, of Topsfield, was viewed
by some of the committee. A part of his trees are in very fine
condition. Had it not been that others viewed were deemed
superior, the committee would have been pleased to have giv-
en him a higher premium. They therefore award to him the
third premium of four dollars. Mr. Lake has been very suc-
cessful in his cultivation of trees in his nurseries. No one can
complain that he does not present a sufficient variety of fruits.
If we do not mistake, he exhibits as many as fifty varieties of
apples, of his own raising.

Dr. R. A. Merriam, of Topsfield, has taken much pains to lay
the foundation for an orchard of about two hundred trees. He
has set apart an ample enclosure for this purpose, and in a good
position. Many of the trees are growing finely and promise
well, others are less promising. There is great inequality in
their appearance. The grand mistake, if any has been made,
Avas in the selection of his trees in the first instance. The
contrast between Dr. Merriam's and those in the other orchards
viewed, is a good illustration of the necessity of care and liber-
ality in the first selection of the trees. If the Doctor's trees,
five years hence, shall be found to have overtaken in their
growth, those of his competitors, then the committee will
cheerfully admit their mistake in their own notions.

Some of the committee were anxious that the attention of
the Trustees should be called to the importance of offering
premiums for the introduction of some new variety of apple, in-
stead of the cultivation of those now most esteemed. Instance,
if any one could bring forward a new apple, that would compare
with the Baldwin, the Danvers Winter Sweet, or the Hubbard-
ston nonesuch — all of which have originated in Massachusetts

04 ON FRUIT TREES.

we believe within the last century, — he would be a public
benefactor.

The advantages to accrue from the cultivation of the Bald-
win apple, are well illustrated on the farm of Francis Dodge,
of Danvers, to which the committee were invited, and by whom
they have been favored Avith a statement of the produce of his
orchard the present year. Mr. Dodge's trees, about forty-five
in number, were set about twenty years since, in a field of sev-
en acres, by the wall, thirty-five feet apart. Ever since, care
has been taken to keep the land in good condition, and every
thing has been done to promote their growth, without incurring
any imreasonable expense. The present year, the trees have
yielded him more than six barrels of fair apples to a tree, many
of which sold for two dollars per barrel. The value of their
produce, exclusive of the labor of gathering and taking to the
market, cannot be estimated less than three hundred dollars.
At most these trees cannot be estimated to occupy more than
one acre of land. In what way can a farmer apply his acres
to a better purpose ? At the same time he brings money to
himself, he carries health and comfort to all who are furnished
with his apples. This is more than can be said of many other
products, especially those that pass through the distillery.

The extraordinary produce of the Baldwin apple the present
season is worthy of special notice. Universally have these
trees borne a full crop. We have known single trees, not over
thirty years old, to yield fourteen barrels, and three trees to-
gether to yield forty barrels. We know one young orchard,
where the proprietor picked with his own hands forty barrels
in one day.

We forbear to extend our remarks on this subject, as they
may be thought not entirely within our province, nevertheless,
if we could convince our farmers of the benefits to accrue to
them and their families, from more assiduous attention to the
cultivation of good fruit, we tliink a good service would be ac-
complished. A. T. NEWHALL,

Chairman of the Committee.*

Salem, Nov. 15, 1850.

* A. T. Newhall, of Lynnfield, J. W. Proctor and Benj. Porter, of ])anvers,
Joshua H. Ordway, of \Vest Newbury, Epli. Wood, of Salem.

ON FRUIT TREES. 85

SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT ON FRUIT TREES.

The committee were instructed by the Trustees to take in-
to consideration the theory, that the "chance of life in a scion
is affected by the chance of life in the original seedling which
began the species." It will be recollected, that it was distinct-
ly asserted in the address before the Society in 1849, that " we
cannot prolong the existence of any particular kind of fruit, by
engrafting from old to young trees, beyond the natural life of
the original tree, or the time it would cease to bear fruit by
old age, if living." Doubts having been entertained by tsome,
of the correctness of this assertion, it was thought to be a fair
subject for inquiry. For if it be true, then before we begin to
cultivate particular kinds of fruit, however superior they may
be, we must inquire not only into the quality of the fruit, but
as to the time when it first came into being. It being gener-
ally admitted that the age of the apple tree is about two hun-
dred years — our oldest Iruits will have to give place to those of
later origin. The experience on our own shores is too limited
to furnish facts to answer this inquiry in a satisfactory manner.
On looking into English books we find one of their most
celebrated apples, the Golden Pippin, spoken of by Evelyn as
early as 1660, as being greatly admired and much cultivated.
It has continued to be so ever since. Perhaps it will be said,
there is no certain evidence that the fruit now passing under
this name, is a direct descendant of the original stock. It may
have come from seedlings, so like the original, as to be inca-
pable of being distinguished. This is possible, though not
probable. Human life is too short, for the testimony of the
same individual to be applicable to the beginning and the end
of any particular variety. The culture of trees, in this coun-
try at least, has not been so scientifically and systematically
pursued, as to warrant confident assertion on the subject.

The Newtown Pippin, a native of Long Island, one of the
most celebrated American apples, has been known and culti-
vated for one hundred and fifty years, at least. The original
stock has been dead fifty years or more. But still this variety
is now cultivated as extensively as ever, without any indica-

86 ON FRUIT TREES.

tions of old age. If three fourths of its period is past and
gone, might we not expect some indications of approaching
decay ?

The Baldwin, the most popular and most valuable of all our
Massachusetts apples, has now been known for more than one
hundred years. Never was it in more vigorous condition than
the present season, — yielding more than all other sorts com-
bined. Whether the original tree, that was marked by the
woodpecker, at Wilmington, County of Middlesex, and taken
into the care of Col. Baldwin, is still living, we are not advis-
ed ; but if it be not, and has already gone down fully ripe, if
this theory be true, it is important to cultivators to be distinct-
ly informed, before they set out trees, whose days are number-
ed. When Ave took our pen in hand, we hoped to have been
able to throw some light on this subject, but the more we in-
vestigate, the less confident are our impressions.* We will
not presume to deny the assertion of our Chairman, who
brought it forward, nor can we yield entire assent to the theo-
ry. In considering the causes of the decline, or ruiming out,
of particular kinds of fruit, the exhaustion of the fruit bearing

* The oldest fruit tree, we have ever seen, and probably the oldest to bo
found in New England, whose history can be authentically traced, is the En-
dicott Pear Tree, (so called,) on the flirm now owned by one of the committee.
It can be certainly traced two hundred and twenty years. Many others were
then set, in what was called the orchard, all of which are now gone. On the
same farm, there are now many trees, bearing what is called the Endicott ap-
ple, probably produced by scions taken from the same orchard. The history of
the apple trees is less certainly known than the pear tree. Eighty years since
the pear tree is remembered to have been quite large and productive. An
accident then happened to a boy, who fell from its upper branches to the ground,
who sixty years afterwards, was accustomed to speak of his adventure with
much sensibility. This pear tree has made wood the present season, on its
principal branches, from six to twelve inches. These scions have a healthy and
vigorous appearance, and offer an opportunity to those, who believe the varie-
ty can be prolonged another hundred years, to test the experiment ; as did the
philosopher, who having heard that a crow would live a hundred years, bought
one to try the experiment.

Apples were exhibited at the show in Salem, this year, that grew on a tree
in Marshfield, Plymouth County, said to be two hundred years old. Their ap-
pearance was fair and sound. They were too hard to be tasted. Pears were
exhibited that grew on a tree in Salem two hundred and ten years old.

ON FRUIT TREES. 87

qualities in the soil, is to be regarded. From onr earliest years,
we have heard the remark, that a young orchard will not
flourish well, where an old orchard has been. Such sayings
do not become common, without some foundation, — although
those who use them may not be able to give a reason for the
faith that is in them. Perhaps, as a general thing, it may be
the soil and not the fruit, that declines. Still we think there
are cases, in which decline is peculiar to, or inherent in, the
particular variety. This is probably true of the Nourse Sweet-
ing, so distinctly recollected by the chairman in his youth.
Calling to mind the recollection of many varieties of ap-
ples that were cultivated and much esteemed in our youth,
which are not now to be found, at first thought, seems to cor-
roborate the theory. Nevertheless, we have no such certain
data respecting them, as will warant definite conclusions. Mr.
Newhall showed the committee trees on his own farm, that
were grafted sixty years since under his own observation, sci-
ons from which he has attempted to propagate, without suc-
cess, from which experiments he has confidence in his views,
which are distinctly expressed in his letter hereunto annexed.
For the Committee. J. W. PROCTOR.

Danvers, Nov. 20, 1850.

ASA T. NEWHALL'S LETTER.
To J. W. Proctor.

Dear Sir, — Upon the subject of decay by old age, and final
extinction of varieties of the apple, and the necessity of raising
new varieties from the seed, I can add but little to what I have
already said. But, in compliance with your request, and de-
sirous as I am that the subject should be fully investigated, that
we may arrive at such conclusion as may in some measure assist
orchardists to pursue a course that Avill ensure longevity to their
orchards, I will state something of the experience and observa-
tion I have had the past year.
I have carefully noticed the different varieties of soil and

88 ON FRUIT TREES.

culture upon which the trees stand, on which I have engrafted
old varieties of the apple, and I find that the same kinds of
fruit bear the same marks of old age, notwithstanding the ad-
vantage some of them have had of soil and culture. Most of
the stocks on which these old kinds are now growing, or rath-
er decaying, appear to be vigorous, and in many instances to
send out new shoots, but unless a new top can be grown from
the trunk, it must finally expire, as does man in youth, or mid-
dle age, by diseased lungs, when all other parts of the system
are perfect.

The seed for a nursery ought not to be taken from grafted
fruit, but from a seedling, that has arrived at maturity, or to a
state of strength and vigor, which is in accordance with the
laws of nature, — for the progeny of early youth or old age are
inferior to the productions of middle age.

That our orchards are deteriorating very fast, in consequence
of our anxiety to obtain an early harvest of fruit, by budding
or engrafting, must be apparent ; in consequence of which our
orchards bear the marks of premature old age, and there seems
to me to be no alternative, but to raise new varieties from the
seed.

I think there can be no doubt of the utility of offering large
premiums for new varieties of seedlings. If one thousand dol-
lars were offered for six, eight, or ten kinds, to be paid in ten
or twelve years hence, that should be equal or nearly so to the
same number of the best kinds we now have, I would be bound
to pay the premiums, if I might have the profits to be derived
from the buds or grafts of those trees for ten years.

November 15, 1850.

AMOS GOULD'S STATEMENT.

I enter for premium seventy-nine apple trees, set out on my

premises three years ago this fall ; seventy-three of the trees

being in one enclosure, and the other six in an adjoining lot.

They were procured all at the same time, nearly all of which

ON FRUIT TREES,

89

are Baldwins, from tlie nursery of Allen W. Dodge, in Hamil-
ton, grown on light soil, and not forced by high cnlture. When
transplanted, they were two years old from the bud, and con-
sequently are noAV five years from the bud. A part of them
were set in land that had been cultivated two years, and a part
on land broken up that fall. This last named land has been
kept under cultivation to the present time, and the trees upon
it have made a much better growth than those upon the other
land, which was laid down to grass the following spring, al-
though it was dug round the trees the two seasons after. All
of the land was this year ploughed and planted, expressly for
the benefit of the trees, so well convinced am I that in this
way the thrift of trees is best promoted.

The trees were set out with the utmost care, occupying two
men for two days, the holes having been dug previously. About
three pecks of compost manure were placed round the trees af-
ter being set, and the same quantity has been applied each fall
since. Early in the spring this manure has been dug in, and
about a pint of air slacked lime strewed over the surface of the
ground near the tree. In June I have applied about a quart of
ashes near the trunk of the trees, to prevent the depredations
of the borer, which I think has been efiectual. I have also,
early in June of each year, washed the trees with a composi-
tion of about equal parts of lime, clay and cow manure, well
worked together, the effect of which is to keep the trees smooth
and free from moss and insects. This annual washing I have
practised for some years, and shall continue to practise, as long
as I own a tree — its beneficial effects being to me so apparent.

Wenham, Oct. 7, 1S50.

LEWIS ALLEN'S STATEMENT.
My orchard of young apple trees contains two hundred Bald-
wins, one hundred and sixty of them in one enclosure, the re-
mainder in a lot adjoining, with other varieties. One hundred
of these trees were set in the spring of 1848, the other hundred
12

90 ON FRUIT TREES.

were set in the spring of 1849. They were selected from sev-
eral nurseries, always taking care to get trees about the same
size, and the fairest in appearance. They were generally two
or three years from the bud. At the time of setting, holes
were dug four feet square, the top soil thrown on one side, and
the sub soil on another ; the hole was then partially filled with
soil, to the depth of one foot, the tree was then inserted, and
filled about with soil, and the sub soil taken out was spread
around. No other manure was applied to the trees, except the
general dressing upon the ground. The trees were set about
thirty-three feet apart each way, covering about two acres.

The land is a gravelly loam, and previous to the year 1844,
it had been a common pasture, when it was ploughed to kill
the wood-wax, with which it was fully covered. Since that
time it has been under cultivation with the various kinds of
hoed crops, except that one part of the lot was sowed with
barley the last season. Where the barley grew, the trees did
not grow. I am satisfied the crop opearted unfavorably upon
the trees. Eleven of the trees among the barley died ; I have
supplied their places with others.

Most of the trees have made a handsome growth of wood,
and now have a smooth bark, and a healthy, vigorous appear-
ance. I consider them fairly rooted, and with the ground fairly
manured, I have reason to believe, in a few years they will be
in condition to well reward all expense of cultivation and use of
land. I did not think of asking your attention to these trees
the present season, until requested to do so.

DanverSj Oct. 15, 1850.

WILLIAM G. LAKE'S STATEMENT.
My orchard, offered for your consideration, consists of seven
hundred apple trees, standing upon about seven acres of land.
They were all set out in the years of 1848, '49 and '50, about
an equal number each year. They were all two years upon
the bud when set, and the most unsaleable trees in my nurse-

ON FRUIT TREES. 91

ry, with the exception of one hundred and seventy-five, which
were as good as any in my nursery at that time. The ground
has been ploughed and planted each year. The other orchard
contains eighty trees, set out in tlie fall of 1844 ; two shovels
full of manure was applied to each tree in the fall.

The follow.'ng are the kinds of fruit : — For winter — North-
ern Spy, Lady Sweeting, Baldwin, Greening, Roxbury Rus-
sett, Danvers Winter Sweet. For fall — Hubbardston Nonsuch,
Fall Harvey, Kilham Hill, Gravenstein, Porter, Aunt Han-
nah, Minister, Yellow Bellflower, Luscomb, Alexander, Dutch
Codlin, Maiden's Blush, — with several other kinds of new fruit,
which I have not fairly tested.

Topsfield, Oct. 9, 1850.

MOSES PETTINGIL'S STATEMENT.

I offer for the Society's premium, my orchard of Pear trees,
Vv^hich consists of thirty-six trees, set in the spring of 1846.
The land on which they stand is a strong, dark loam, with a
clayey sub soil. It had been cultivated for two years, and was
in a good state for transplanting. The varieties are as follows:
Seckel, Beurre Bosc, Winter Nelis, St. Ghislain, Summer Franc
Real, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Pope's Russet, Dearborn's Seed-
ling, and Pound Pear. In the spring of 1846 I dug the holes
for the trees, twenty-five by thirty feet apart. I made them
eighteen inches in depth, and four feet broad, and mixed with
the soil some manure to each hole. I then set out the trees ;
they all lived, and made wood the first year from four to twelve
inches. In the autumn of 1846, '47 and 48, 1 put around them
lalf a bushel of barn manure to each tree, and in 1849 I ma-
nured with muscle mud, and in the spring of each year I dug
the manure into the ground. The trees have made good
growth, and the present season from twelve to forty inches.

In 1846 I planted the land with a peach nursery, and raised
a good crop of trees that I have sold, leaving seventy as stand-
ards, from which I have received a good crop of fruit the past

93 t)N FRUIT TREES.

two years. I think they are a protection to the pear trees.
Of the diseases of the pear tree I have had bnt little know-
ledge ; I have experienced the frozen sap bb'ght, but as for a
remedy, I leave it for others to propose one.
Topsfield, Oct. \0>, 1850.

EOYAL A. MEKRIAM'S STATEMENT.

The orchard of young fruit trees which I offer for premium,
was set out in 1848, this being the third year from planting
out, the fifth from the bud, and the seventh from the seed.
The lot of ground contains about two and a half acres, sur-
rounded by stone wall, the borders having older trees, which
by grafting, have been renovated, four years since. Nothing
is allowed to feed upon it ; it has been improved as mowing
and tillage la,nd for forty or fifty years, has a southwesterly as-
pect of a hill side, the soil a deep black loam, with a full sup-
ply of wall stones on the surface.

Two hundred young trees stand on about two acres ; half]
from Lake's nursery, (not the largest growth.) and the other
half were natural trees, planted but not worked, all of the same
age. The natural trees were grafted last June ; the whole in
the lot intended for the Baldwin apple, excepting some failures,
which have been supplied with the Danvers Winter Sweet and
Hubbardston Nonsuch. As I intend not to admit any feeding
off" the ground, I have allowed the trees to branch out low.

The ground was prepared, by ploughing, in the autumn of
1847, in strips of five farrows twenty-two feet apart, and the trees
stand in these strips, about the same distance apart. A square
of four to five feet was dug the next spring, one foot deep and
taken out, and six inches more loosened np in the sub soil.
One bushel of pulverized meadow muck was put into the pit
mixed with the top soil, and the tree placed in the hole with
the roots nicely spread out and covered, adding about two
shovels of straw manure near the surface, and covering lightly
Avith the remaining sub soil. The ground, from four to six
feet square about the tree, has been cultivated and kept free

ON FRUIT TREES. 93

from grass or weeds, hoeing three times a year. Since plant-
ing out in 1S4S, the trees have been manured once by about
two shovels of well rotted manure to each tree.

My object in using unworked trees for a part of the ground,
is an experiment. It has been advanced by some pomologists,
that the tap root was necessary for the perfection and longevi-
ty of the tree. Although we could not get the whole of this
root, we were able to get from one to two feet of it. The
seeds of these natural trees were planted in earth that had been
moved, (the bank of the turnpike,) and the tap root had pene-
trated to the depth of three or four feet into the bank, with few
lateral fibres, and after transplanting, in removing some ordi-
nary trees, I found that the lower end of the tap had started
again downwards.

I think there is little doubt but fruit will be taken from these
trees in the course of three or four years; the natural trees may
be some later, but I think not much. The grafter, who has
made grafting and pruning his business for fifteen years, and
who has laid up many good ideas upon the Avorking of trees,
thought he should be as willing to take the chance of the natu-
ral as the nursery trees.

Some Pear trees, set out and grafted since 1S46, about thir-
ty in number, are likewise presented to your notice for premi-
um. These trees were taken from the forest, in a perfectly
wild state, of diiferent sizes and ages. They were trimmed
root and branch of all their superfluous wood, viz. roots that
Avere injured, and very long roots shortened, and were careful-
ly set in a garden soil and cultivated with the garden, and gen-
erally grafted the second year after transplanting. They are
now far in advance of nursery trees which I set out in 1844 in
the same soil. They were of different sizes, several being ten
feet high, and all promising. They were set from ten to fif-
teen feet apart, in a part of my garden where formerly was a
blacksmith's shop. Several of them the present season have
made from two to three feet of wood, none less than one foot.

It was remarked by one of the committee, when viewing
the trees, that the ground was very suitable for trees. Whether
the ferruginous ingredients of the soil, or the charcoal, (which

94 ON FRUIT TREES.

was mostly used in the days of the blacksmith's shop,) have
any special influence, may be a question of some importance,
or whether the removal from an uncultivated to a cultivated
soil, has had a favorable eifect, I will leave for the more skill-
ed to determine.

Topsfield, Sept. 1S50.

FRANCIS DODGE'S STATEMENT.

I offer for your inspection forty-three Baldwin apple trees,
enclosed in one field containing between seven and eight acres,
on my farm in Danvers, being part of a row around the whole
field, and all the bearing ones excepting four Kilham Hill trees.
They are thirty-five feet apart, and twelve feet from the wall.
The other trees in the row are younger, and have been set to
fill vacancies at various times within the last ten years. The
field on which the trees stand is what might be termed a run,
and was cleared twenty-three years ago. There is a covered
drain in the field, running the entire length, about in the cen-
tre, the ground rising on both sides of it. The ground also
rises from both ends, making the highest point of land about
midway of the piece, the water running from the centre to both
ends of the field all the year. The land on the south side of
the drain is of a loamy character, that en the north is rocky,
wetter, and more inclined to clay. The trees have done the
best on the north side, and the fruit has been larger. The
trees were set in the fall of 1828, and the land laid down the
following spring. I have no knowledge of the mode of culti-
vation previous to 1840, as the field was not in my possession
until that time.

That spring they were pruned, and have been every succes-
sive spring since. In pruning them we have endeavored to
keep a well balanced head, cutting off all riders and suckers.
In the spring of 1843 the land under the trees was ploughed as
far as the longest limb extended, and has been ploughed both
fall and spring ever since, putting on a coat of manure of about

ON FRUIT TREES. 95

five cords to the acre in the spring, and ploujliing in immedi-
ately, being careful at each time of ploughing not to hijure the
roots. The two first years I planted the ground with hoed
crops, but since that time the ground has been sown with some
small grain in the bearing years, and planted with hoed crops
every other year. By this method the windfalls are kept from
the ground, and the apples are not so liable to bruise from fall-
ing. For the last ten years the trees have been scraped and
washed with potash water or strong soap suds, every other
year. The crop of fruit has been as follows : — In 1840 and '42
there were a dozen barrels each year ; in 1844 there were fifty
barrels of picked apples ; in 1846 one hundred barrels ; in 1848
one hundred and twenty-five barrels picked, and thirty-five of
good windfalls that brought in market from a dollar to a dollar
and a quarter per barrel, also a large quantity of poor apples
that were sold for cider apples. The apples that year in this
county were unusually wormy. This year there were two
hundred and sixty-seven barrels of picked apples^ and thirty
barrels of good windfalls.
Dan vers, Nov. 7, ISoO.

JOSHUA II. ORD WAY'S LETTER.
■ The following letter, that came to hand after the report was sent to press, is
deemed sufficiently valuable to be published entire.

West Newbury, Nov. 23, 1850.
J. W. Proctor, Esq,.

Dear Sir, — Yours of the 16th inst. is before me. You right-
ly understood my suggestion, at Salem, in regard to the impor-
tance of raising new varieties of fruit. They should be raised
firom the seed of fruit, — not from highly cultivated kinds, — but
from nature's healthy seedling trees.

I can see no special benefit to accrue, from continuing prem-
iums for pear or apple orchards, that are already set out with
existing old varieties. They will grow just as well without
aid from the Society, as with.

96 ON FRUIT.

I am aware that most pomologists are of the opinion that
trees may be propagated indefinitely by budding or grafting,
and without examination have adopted that theory, and thus
foreign varieties have been extensively cultivated, to the neg-
lect of new varieties of our own.

Nature has fixed laws, is ever true to them, and cannot be
crowded off the track. If this theory is the law of nature, all
existing varieties of fruit must in their own time cease to ex-
ist. You will then understand why I consider it of so much
importance to endeavor to introduce new and improved varieties.

I am of opinion that the pear has been cultivated so long by
suckers, from old trees, that it may possibly become extinct.
The old trees have lost their vitality, and cannot transmit life
to their seed. This seems to me the reason why we have so
many failures in pear seedlings, I seldom see a young pear
tree, they are little old ones, just ready to die.

You will make such use of these hasty suggestions, as you
deem best calculated to advance the culture of new and im-
proved varieties of fruits.

Respectfully yours. JOSHUA H. ORDWAY.

ON FRUIT.

The Committeee Report, that the exhibition of Fruits was
this year united with that of the Essex Institute, under whose
judicious direction the arrangements for the display were made,
and an unusually satisfactory exhibition secured. The com-
mittee feel warranted in saying, that this show has not only
been superior to any previously made by the Society, but that
it has been fully equal to, if it has not surpassed all similar ex-
hibitions in the State ; this com-parison particularly applies to
the show of Pears. Without further remark, we proceed in
behalf of this society to award the usual gratuities.

To Robert Manning, W. G. Lake, Charles F. Putnam, Mo-
ses Pettingil, and J, M. Ives, two dollars each. John C, Lee,
three dollars, Ephraim Brown, John F, Allen, Ephraim Emer-
ton, and J. S. Cabot, one dollar and fifty cents. To Andrew

ON FRUIT.

97

Lackey, one dollar and twenty-five cents. To S. Driver, James
Upton, Augustus D. Rogers, James Eustis, and Ephraim Woods,
one dollar each. To David Roberts, John Bertram, N. B.
Mansfield, E. R. Mudge, and Samuel C. Pitman, seventy-five
cents each. To J. H. INichols, Wm. Stearns, Winthrop Sargent,
B. H. Silsbee. W. D. Pickman, and George W. Gage, fifty
cents each. To J. H. Phippen, Geo. Andrews, Ezra Dodge, An-
drew Dodge, W. 0. Barton, Samuel Kemp, John Pratt, Wm.
Sawyer, John K. Poor, Aug. T. Wellman, Henry Wheatland,
J. A. Goldthwait, Samuel Sawyer, M. L. Atkinson, F. W. Tut-
tle, Thomas Dixson, Rufns Slocum, Samuel T. Huse, and N.
B. Perkins, twenty-five cents each.

The connnittee of the Essex Institute have prepared a de-
tailed report or catalogue of the fruit shown, which is inserted
in the Transactions. The Society, by a vote of its Trustees,
requested your committee to select from this catalogue a list of
such varieties of Pears which in their judgment are the most
desirable for general culture, to be appended to this report.
Having prepared a list of twenty-five varieties, all of which
have already been well tested in this vicinity, they submit
them to the Society. Viz :

Summer Pears — Rostiezer, a German variety, of the size
and flavor of the Seckel ; Bloodgood, fine native fruit, requir-
ing a warm and rather dry soil.

Autumn Pears — Harvard, (native fruit; Dix, (do.); Seckel,
(do.); Heathcote, (do.); Fulton, (do.) a great and constant
bearer; Lawrence, (do.) ; Beurre Bosc ; Flemish Beauty ; Ur-
baniste ; Bonne Louise de Jersey, good bearer upon the Pear
stock, finer upon the Quince. The above require a strong,
rich and tenacious soil, particularly the Dix and Heathcote;
Bartlett ; Andrews, (native fruit); BufFum, (do.); Golden
Beurre of Bilboa ; Belle Lucrative; Gushing, (native); Long
Green ; Paradise of Autumn. These sorts flourish well on a
light soil well manured, and the fruit is generally of a higher
flavor than when grown upon a strong clay or retentive loam.

Winter Eating Pears — Winter Nelis, this is decidedly the
finest early winter pear known to us ; Lewis, a native fruit of
fine flavor, and the tree bears annually a good crop.
13

So ON GRAIN CROPS.

Cooking Pears — Vicar of Winkfield, a fine large fruit of sec-
ond quality for eating, but still one of the most profitable pears
for market, — it is a good bearer upon the quince or pear stock,
the fruit is larger when grown upon a strong, rich and rather
moist soil ; Catillac ; Black Pear of Worcester.

The Winter Nelis and Seckel fruit finely when grafted upon
the tops of large pear trees. The Dix and Harvard are a long
time in coming into a bearing state when budded upon young
stocks ; we should recomend these varieties to be placed upon
old and well established thrifty stocks.

Not more than one-fifth of all the newly imported varieties
of pears are worthy of cultivation ; many of the new sorts sent
here from Europe as fruit of the first order, when brought into
bearing here have proved worthless, although many of them
were beautiful in appearance.

For the Committee. JOHN M. IVES.

ON GRAIN CROPS.

There was but one application for the premium on Wheat,
that of Henry Poor, of North Andover, he having raised twen-
ty-five and a half bushels of white flint winter wheat upon one
acre of land. The committee award to him the premium of
eight dollars.

The experience of Mr. Poor, and others in that part of the
county, for a few years past, in growing wheat, leads us to think
that winter wheat may again become an important crop for us
to raise. Why it is that wheat and rye do not blight so much
now as they did ten years ago, we cannot tell. We have
seen the lofty Buttonwood tree wither and die without any ap-
parent cause ; the potato, until within a few years one of our
surest crops, has now become uncertain, — and we know not
why. We can only say that in the blight and decay of our
crops we can see the effects produced, while the cause remains
as yet invisible to human eyes, and inscrutable to human sci-
ence. If, upon farther trial, it is found that wheat does not

ON GRAIN CROPS,

99

blight as it did in former years, we think it will be well for the
farmers of this county to turn their attention more to this crop.

There were two claimants for the premium on Rye, viz :
Adino Page, on the town farm in Danvers, and John S. Hub-
bard, on the town farm in Newbury. Mr. Hubbard raised on
one acre thirty-two and a half bushels of rye. Mr. Page rais-
ed on four acres one hnndred and thirty-five bushels, making
thirty-three and three-fourths bushels per acre. The commit-
tee award to Mr. Page the premium of eight dollars. From
this experiment we see that when a liberal dressing of compost
manure is applied to poor and gravelly soils, a good crop of rye
may be obtained from them ; it is not so liable to be winter
killed on such soils as upon a strong and clayey soil, and it usu-
ally ripens before the dry weather affects it. The high price
which the straw sells for in some markets, adds much to its
value.

There was but one entry for the premium on Indian Corn,
that of Joshua Foss, of Byfield. This crop was not so large
as has often been raised in this county, but the committee think
if the season had been favourable for the growth of corn, this
would have been as large as any to which the Society's prem-
ium was ever awarded. The committee are of the opinion that
by planting in rows but one way, and making the hills but
a little distance apart the other way, more corn can be raised
on an acre than when it is put in rows each way far enough
apart to use the cultivator. But before recommending this
mode of planting, they would advise all to count the extra cost
of hoeing. The committee award to Mr. Foss the premium of
eight dollars. WM. R, PUTNAM, Chairman.

Danvers, Nov. 15, 1850.

HENRY POOR'S STATEMENT.
The specimens of winter wheat are the growth and product
of my farm the present year. The sample of white flint I pre-
sent for premium, having obtained twenty-five and a half bush-

100 ON GRAIN CROPS.

els from one acre, and from one and a half bushels sowing.
My soil is a dark brown loam — clay subsoil. I have also tried
an experiment of two varieties of Chili wheat, (see samples,)
which promise well, from the fact that the heads are well fill-
ed, and berry of extra size. It is a bearded grain, produces
less straw than the white flint or banner wheat. Having a
few quarts now growing, I hope to be able to test its value
another year, and report. Dr. C. T. Jackson pronounces it a
valuable grain, from the fact that its glutinous or oily substance
far exceeds the white flint, that being principally composed of
starch.

I also sowed two quarts of "Banner wheat," (Kloss blue
stem,) the product was thirty-three quarts. This variety ap-
pears to be the same as the White flint — I think it a superior
variety. It is quite common to find scatterings of rye mixed
with the wheat ; as rye runs up and heads out earlier than
wheat, I take the precaution to go through the field and cut
off the heads. Winter wheat also makes chess grass, which is
an annual, and dies out with the grain ; the seed resembles
dog grass, (or twitch grass.) One of our best farmers was de-
terred from sowing v.iieat this autumn, after purchasing his
seed, by seeing chess seed, which he took to be dog grass.

My practice has been to plough in green sward if possible,
after a hay crop has been taken ofl". The stubble and grass
roots are of as much value to turn in, as an ordinary dressing-
of manure. I spread manure and twenty or thirty bushels-
leached ashes to the acre, and cultivate them in with the grain ;
leached ashes cost six and a quarter cents the bushel. I have
used air slacked lime — ten or twelve casks to the acre. I have
also raised thirty bushels of wheat to the acre without ashes or
lime. Gypsum would doubtless be good, where it is appro-
priate to the soil, but as good barn cellar manures contain all
the necessary elements, properly composted, for producing any
CROP, I doubt much the necessity of other substances to effect
that object.

A good corn soil will give good wheat ; the higher the dress-
ing the better the crop. I roll after cultivating in, and also
roll again in the spring ; this packs the roots and branches the

ON GRAIN CROPS. 101

ffrain. Profit is the great desideratum in all business pursuits.
My M''heat yielded me two dollars and fifty cents per bushel,
equal to sixty-three dollars and seventy-fiv^e cents per acre, to
say nothing about the straw, which is worth ten dollars more.
The farmer can make his own estimates as regards expenses, —
say one and a half bushels seed, fifteen cart loads ordinary ma-
nure, twenty bashels ashes at six and a quarter cents. Add to
this ploughing, harrowing, harvesting, threshing, &c., (and
you will bear in mind it requires no more labor to produce this
crop than any other of the small grains,) and I think you will
be satisfied that more value is here obtained than in any other
grain crop.

Five years ago I sent a barrel of wheat, (my first crop,) to
the Kennebeck, (Waterville.) It has gradually been "taking
root," and at the present moment thousands of acres of green
wheat fields are the only spots of verdure that have bidden de-
fiance to the scathing frosts of autumn in that section. So
great has been the wheat fisver in Maine, that choice seed,
(grown hereabouts,) would have commanded five dollars per
bushel. This is not an exaggeration — I have it from good
authority.

In the outset I intended to have been brief, but I feel that
my story is but half told, and I would close by respectfully
suggesting to farmers the importance of stopping their "flour
BILLS," by drawing from their own farms the very bread which
a kind providence had designed for their comfort.

North Andovcr, Sept. 1850.

ADINO PAGE'S STATEMENT.

Perceiving that a premium is offered, " for the best conduc-
ted experiment in the cultivation of Rye," I beg leave to sub-
mit the following facts, relating to the cultivation of this crop,
on the town farm in Danvers.

The field contained four acres ; the produce was one hun-
dred and thirty-five bushels, weighing fifty-seven pounds to the

102 CN GRAIN CROPS.

bushel. The grain was plump, clean, and of as good quality
as any I have seen. It was sown in the autumn of 1849, by
Mr. Hathaway, my predecessor on the farm. His manner of
cultivation is particularly specified in his statement of 1848,
published on page thirty-eight of the Transactions of that year.
Had it occurred to me to present this crop to your notice, be-
fore it was gathered, I have no doubt one acre could have been
selected in the field that would have yielded more than forty
bushels. I state the facts as they are, not so much to obtain a
premium, as to show what such land may be made to produce,
by full manuring and thorough culture. On this farm, which
is a hard gravelly soil, a large number of hogs are constantly
kept, and employed in the making of manure. The yard in
which they are penned is constantly supplied with mud from
the meadows on the farm, and the offal from the slaughter
houses of the town. In this way there are annually made be-
tween two and three hundred loads of manure, a full coating
of which is applied to all the cultivated fields of the farm. It
is the practice on this farm to plough at all times with two pair
of cattle, and a large size plough. These facts are mentioned
as explanatory of the crop produced, especially as the soil is of
ordinary quality. I also present a specimen of the grain for
your inspection.

Danvers, Sept. 21, 1850.

JOSHUA FOSS'S STATEMENT.
I offer for inspection a piece of land containing one acre,
from which I have harvested one hundred and eighty-six bush-
els of ears of corn. Planted from the 10th to the 12th of May
— land a dark loam, with light sub-soil. Planted in 1849 with
corn — in the spring of the year it was broken up, and manured
in the hole with about fifteen loads to the acre. In the spring
of 1850 there were spread on about thirty loads of manure,
containing about thirty bushels to the load, and about sixteea
loads dropped in the hole. The corn was planted three feet

ON ROOT CROPS. 103

between the rows by two and a half between hills. At the
second hoeing it was thinned out, leaving from two to three
stalks in a hill, and at each hoeing the ground was kept as
nearly level as possible. Stalks cut about the 15th of Septem-
ber, and all the suokers carefully taken off. The corn was
harvested from the 20th to the 25th of October.

The following is the amount of labor done the present sea-
son upon this crop : — Two days work of two men and one
yoke of oxen ; four days hauling maimre and dropping in the
hill, with one yoke of oxen ; ploughing and harrowing, one
man and one yoke of oxen one and a quarter days ; man and
horse four hours furrowing ; one man and a boy one and a half
days planting ; one man and a boy five hours cultivating ; hoe-
ing the first time, four days ; one man and a boy cultivating
the second time, four and a half hours ; hoeing the second
time, two days work ; cutting and binding stalks, about four
days work ; harvesting the same, about six days work.

Nov. 12th, shelled two bushels of ears, and found the yield
to be one bushel and one peck.

Byfield, Nov. 15, 1850.

ON ROOT CROPS.
The committee have endeavored, as far as in their power, to
awaken attention to this subject, and to induce cultivators to
bring forward the results of their labors. In some instances
they have obtained these results, as a voluntary offering, in
others they have presumed to intrude, in the hope of digging
UP SOME ROOTS, Worthy of preservation. They had hoped to
have obtained accounts of the culture of each of the crops of
this kind commonly cultivated in this vicinity, but in regard
to some they have been disappointed. To begin with that,
which has herefofore been noticed by them more distinctly
than any other — the onion — they have several statements,
drawn with much care, and which will be appended hereto,

104 ON ROOT CROPS.

condensing the facts necessary to guide in this cultivation.
Tlie committee saw the crops mentioned in these statements
in the field, as well as those of many other cultivators, and
have entire confidence that the facts stated in relation thereto,
are worthy of entire reliance. The onion crop in this vicinity
was never better than the present year — yielding from one and
a half to three hundred barrels per acre, of a value not less than
one dollar per barrel. When it is taken into view that the
land, labor, and expense of this cultivation can be fairly met
for one hundred dollars an acre, it must be apparent that labor
thus applied is well rewarded. We are aware that some culti-
vators are inclined to underrate their crops and overrate their
labor, — possibly that they may continue to monopolize the
benefits. The committee have no such feeling. They know
that in some seasons there are blights that cut the crop off en-
tirely, but generally it is otherwise, and they still speak with
confidence in favor of this crop.

The largest produce reported to them, was that of Lyman
Mason, of Beverly, six hundred and sixty-nine bushels on one
hundred and thirty rods of land, or four and three eighths bush-
els per rod. The next largest produce reported to them, was
that of Daniel Buxton, Jr., of Danvers, four hundred and forty-
eight bushels on one hundred and five rods of land, or four and
two eighths bushels per rod. The next, by Mr. Proctor, of
Danvers, four bushels per rod. Mr, King, Mr Bnshby, Mr.
Griffin, and several others, in Danvers, whose fields they saw,
raised about this amount. Taking all things into view, they
saw no crop equal to that of Daniel Buxton, Jr., and therefore
they award to him the Society's premium, " for the best con-
ducted experiment in the raising of onions," six dollars.

As to the cultivation of the carrot, the committee have
been disappointed in their expectations. They had hoped to
have ascertained some facts, tending to settle some questions,
on which there appears to be a difference of opinion. Such
as, whether or not, the carrot can be advantageously cultivat-
ed several years in succession, on the same land ? It is said,
by the best authority in the county of Worcester, that it has
been so cultivated seven years successively, with good crops.

ON ROOT CROPS. 105

Such has not been the general experience by the cuhivators in
Essex. In the hope of throwing light on this question, Fran-
cis Dodge, of Danvers, who the last year obtained the Society's
premium, was requested to i)lant the same land with carrots.
This he did, but they came up so thin, that during the first
part of the season he had little hope of a middling crop. But
they continued to grow and almost made up in size what was
wanting in numbers, — he estimated the produce at twenty-three
tons to the acre, and thought if they had come up as he inten-
ded they should, his crop would have been as good as he ever
raised. This fact is rather against our preconceived notions,
but we state it as given, our purpose being to ascertain facts,
and not to establish a particular theory.

We accidentally hap[)ened to be on the ground of John Stone,
Jr., of Marblehead, while he was gathering his carrots, and
complained to him that he had not asked the attention of the
committee to his crop. He said they came up so badly., that
he should be ashamed to speak of them. We saw among them
some carrots that were as much as sixteen inches in circumfer-
ence and twenty-foTU" inches long, and which would weigh six
pounds or more. Mr. Stone estimated his crop at twenty tons
or upwards to the acre, and he is not the man to overstate.

On Mr. Mason's ground Ave saw a luxuriant field of carrots,
of the produce of which we should have been pleased to have
been informed, but as we are not we cannot say more.

On the land of Henry King, of Danvers, we saw a beautiful
field of carrots, up well, and enough of ihem, — but when we
inquired the result, we were told a blight came upon them, the
leaves turned yellow, — and further our informant said not.
The same in substance, was the result of our inquiries of sev-
eral other cultivators of the carrot crop.

Mr. Ware, of the committee, continues to entertain a favor-
able opinion of the cultivation of the carrot, as will be seen in
the letter annexed.

Not having any statement of the culture of carrots the pres-
ent season, we have given the above facts that came within
our own observation, that some idea may be formed how the
carrot grows, comparatively with other crops.
14

106 ON ROOT CROPS, j

As to BEETS, the attention of the committee has been called j
to one claim only, that of Benjamin Rogers, of Andover, for '
Mangel-wiirtzel. It was seen only by Mr. Batchelder, of the j
committee, who was prevented by indisposition from being pres- ;
ent at their final meeting. If the crop proves as good as it j
promised to be, Mr. Rogers will be entitled to the Society's !
premium. Although the beet is a valuable article for the feed j
of animals, it does not seem to be very generally cultivated. !
No field of half an acre together has come within our observa- \
tion. This fact argues strongly against its good reputation ]
among the farmers. If it is really good, their cattle will bear ;
testimony to its value. Their evidence is worth more than '
any chemical analysis. |

As to TURNIPS, they are fine things to talk about, but with i
us it is talk, and little else. We have seen several fields of an j
acre or more, but no one has been kind enough to tell us the j
yiekh Perhaps they have not yet been pulled. Whether they j
have or not, we cannot say much in their favor. We have j
supposed they were easily raised, and worth but little, com- '.
paratively, when grown. It may be otherwise.

As to the POTATO — the root of roots, by way of emphasis, —
the accompaniment of every abode, from the lowest hovel to j
the highest palace, what shall be said ? To expect a claim for
cultivation or produce, would be entirely out of the question. '
So indispensable is this vegetable deemed for the sustenance i
and comfort of man. that every one still continues more or less '
of their cultivation, in the hope that their own field may by
chance escape the devastating influence. What this is, we
are not prepared to say. And although so many solutions and
explanations have been put forward, of the cause of the decay J
or failure of the potato, none has come to our knowledge wor-
thy of confidence.

A communication from Joseph Snelling, Jr., of Methuen, ad-
dressed to the chairman of the committee, is appended to this
report as worthy of publication. It indicates a good degree of
attention to the subject, and may be the means of awakening
the attention of others. In this way alone may a remedy be
hoped. That some soils are more favorable to the growth of

ON ROOT CROPS. 107

sound potatos than others, cannot be doubted : and when the
chemical constituents that favor such a growth shall be ascer-
tained, possibly combinations of soil may be formed that shall
ensure successful culture.

On the gronnds of Lyman Mason, near West Beach, in Bev-
erly, the atten .ion of the committee was called to a field of
CABBACES, containing about one and a half acres, the handsom-
est they ever saw. It was level land, a loamy soil, had been
in grass, ploughed the eighth of May, about eight inches deep,
harrowed, furrowed in rows three and a half feet apart, and
manured with a mixture of barn manure and leached ashes, ap-
plying four cords to the acre, well mixed, placed in the rows.
The seed was planted in hills, about the 20th of June. When
grown sufficiently large to hoe, they were ihinned to one in a
hill, and the vacant hills were supplied by transplanting, so
that the growth was uniform throughout the field. When we
saw the field, the proprietor challenged us to find a missing
plant, or one on which a head would not be perfectly formed.
The whole were as near alike as so many peas. From this
field s-^ven thousand five hundred and twenty have been sold
for sixty cents a dozen ; one fourth part of the cabbages are still
in the field, — .this would make nine thousand on the lot, or
six thousand to the acre, which at sixty cents per dozen, would
make the produce amount to three hundred dollars per acre.
These facts are furnished the committee by Mr. Aaron Dodge,
who ascertained them by conversation with Mr, Mason. Mr.
Mason is one of those cultivators who has very little respect
for book knowledge, and consequently is not free to communi-
cate. The committee have so much regard for his culture, as
to recommend a gratuity of six dollars, equal to the highest
premium for any root crop. Having discoursed so long, like
other preachers, we will close by a few practical remarks.

1st. To succeed in Root culture, a full supply of manure
must be secured, well mixed, and in good condition to mingle
with the soil.

2d. The land must be ploughed deep, and completely pul-
verized.

3d. Weeds must not be suffered to grow. And although
we have seen some fields of large crops, with the weeds over-

108 ON ROOT CROPS.

topping the plants, by reason of superabundance of moisture
and manure, still, as a general thing, where weeds abound oth-
er crops will not.

4th. Careful attention is required to obtain good seed, to dis-
tribute it at the right time, and in proper position.

5th. Let so many and no more plants remain, as will obtain
a perfect growth.

6th. Guard against the approach of all insects, and check
their progress at the first onset.

The awards recommended are as follows :
To Daniel Buxton, Jr., of Danvers, for onions, - ^6 00
'' Lyman Mason, of Beverly, for Cabbages, - - 6 00
" Benjamin Rogers, of Andover, for Mangel wurtzel, 6 00

For the Committee.* J. W. PROCTOR, Chairman.

Salem, Nov. 15, 1850.

DANIEL BUXTON, JR.'S STATEMENT.

The piece of land, planted with onions, to which I asked
your attention, contains one hundred and five poles, and has
produced, the present season, four hundred and forty-eight
bushels fit for the market ; being about four and a quarter bush-
els, or nearly two barrels to the square rod. The onions were
not large, but were remarkable for uniformity of size, and ex-
cellence of quality. They were of the species called Silver
Skin. They were thick and plump, which form has been pro-
duced by careful attention, in seleciing such for seed for sever-
al years. I raise my own seed, and am particular to set such
only for this purpose, as I wish to raise. In this way, I find
their form can be modified nearly as I prefer it to be.

The land on which they grew, is part of a field of 13 acres,
on Collins' plain, in Danvers, a light soil, free of stone. For
ten years it has been under good cultivation, and freely man-
ured ; — most of the time this parcel has yielded onions. Barn

* Messrs B. P. Ware, of Marblehead, William Batchelder, of Andover, and
J. M. Ives, of Salem, were associated in making this report.

ON ROOT CHOPS. 100

MANURE, COMPOST, ASHES aiicl MUSCLE-BED, liavG beeii the princi-
pal applications. Ordinarily, when I plant onions, I apply five
or six cords of mannre to the acre. In 1849, finding the crop
to fail on this field, yielding short of three hundred bushels to
the acre, I thought it needed some other nutriment, and as soon
as the crop wa? gathered, I sowed it with oats, using a cultiva-
tor to cover them. These grew luxuriantly, and late in the
fall, just as the ground was about to freeze, I turned them un-
der, using a side-hill plough,* and running the furrows about
eight inches deep. The entire crop was buried by the furrow,
and so laid until spring ; on examining it then, I found the
oats as sound as when turned in, consequently I could not
plough the land without disturbing the straw. I went over it
several times with a culti'/ator, and then applied a moderate
dressing of manure from my hog yard to the surface, say about
two and a half cords to the lot, and mingled it with the soil as
well as I could, taking care to remove all obstructions to the
even distribution of the seed, and then planted with a machine
in the usual way. It came up evenly, and grew well through
the season, being kept entirely clear of weeds. The appear-
ance of the plants through the season was uncommonly good,
manifestly deriving much aid and support from the decaying
green crop underneath. This is proved by another piece of
onions in the same field, cultivated and manured in the usual
way, where the crop was not more than two thirds as large as
this. I am the more particular in describing this experiment
with the oats, because it has succeeded beyond my expecta-
tions. I have seen other fields of onions the present season,
where they grew to a larger size than these, and have no doubt
mine would have been larger, if I had put on more manure,

* Within a few years, the use of the side-hill plough has come into much fa-
vor, among the gardeners In this nelghboroood. It is thought to possess many-
advantages ; among these, are the following :

1. It leaves the land free of ridges and dead furrows; incident to the use of
the common plough. 2. It saves travel, at the end of the furrows, 'd. It
leaves the land true and even at the ends of the furrows, both as they set in
and come out. 4. It requires less draft, as it keeps clean and bright ; and leaves
the land in better' condition for cultivation. 5. So much do I esteem these
ploughs that I would sooner pay Jiifty dollars for one for my use, than take a
common plough for nothing.

110 ON ROOT CHOPS.

but as a whole, I have not seen any crop that I should prefer.
They sell at the present time for one dollar and twenty-five
cents per barrel, delivered in Boston. 1 have so long been ac-
customed to keep my land clear of vv'eeds, that the labor of
taking care of onions is not more than twice as much as is re-
quired for Indian corn. I had no thought of offering this crop
for your examinaticn, until invited by the Chairman of your
committee so to do. If this plain statement of facts shall be
thought worthy of your notice, I shall be gratified to have
thus contributed my mite in the way of improvements.
Dan vers, Oct. 21, 1S50.

ABRAHAM C. OSBORN'S STATEMENT.

As much has been said and written on the onion crop, and
premiums and gratuities have been freely awarded by the Es-
sex Agricultural Society, for the most successful experiment in
the cultivation of it, I propose to lay before you the results of
my labor and success in the production of this crop.

It will be necessary, in the first place, to present in minute
details, as near as can be ascertained, a statement of the expen-
ditures incurred for manure, for labor in preparing the land, sow-
ing the seed, — for cultivating, harvesting, and marketing the
crop. To the above may be added the rent of the land per
acre, or in other words, the interest of the actual worth of the
land per acre.

I will commence my statement of expenses, by setting down
the rent of land per acre at fifteen dollars, which sum is no
more than the interest of what an acre of land is worth, which
is capable of producing a good crop of onions. Then comes
the expense for manure. Manure that is best adapted to pro-
duce a good crop, cannot be purchased short of four dollars and
a half per cord, and it requires no less than six cords per acre,
making the sum of twenty-seven dollars for the dressing, ex-
clusive of hauling it upon the land, which is worth one dollar
and a half per cord, thus making a total of thirty-six dollars in

ON ROOT CROPS.

Ill

that department of expense. To prepare the land, and sow

an acre, and the seed for the same, is worth ten dollars. It

requires, to cultivate an acre of onions properly, the labor of

one man thirty-six days, including marketing, at an expense of

fifty-nine dollars, thus closing the list of expenditures, which

may be drawn up in a statement, after the following manner :

For land rent, per acre, - - - - $15 00

" manure and drawing, - - - 36 00

'' preparing the land, &c., - - - 10 00

'•' hoeing and weeding the first time, - 10 00

" hoeing and weeding the second time, - - 10 00

" hoeing two days, - - - - 2 50

" pulling an acre, - - - - 2 50

*' harvesting an acre, - - - 3 75

" picking over four hundred bushels, - - 6 25

" carrying to Boston eight loads, - - 24 00

Making a total of expenditures, - - $120 00

The most pleasant part of my task consists in recording the
profits of the crop. I have never as yet been able to raise on
an average, one year with another, more than four hundred
bushels of onions to the acre. Such has been the result of my
labor the past season. The profits accruing from an acre of
onions, at four hundred bushels per acre, and at an average
price of forty cents per bushel, is forty dollars. It has been
the practice among cultivators of onions to spread on their ma-
nure, of whatever kind it may be, and plough it in, in the
spring, to a depth scarcely sufiicient to cover the dressing ;
year after year have they kept on in the old beaten track of
shoal ploughing, thus rendering the soil below the depth of
four or five inches, hard and unyielding, the result of which
has been a great sufl;ering of the crop, in a very dry time. It
is evident that a piece of land, ploughed to such a depth for a
long succession of years, must have a sub-soil which the roots
of an onion cannot penetrate, hence the necessity of deeper
ploughing. The question then arises, when shall this deep
ploughing be performed ? Shall it be done in the spring, or in
the fall ? It is obvious that if the dressing is turned in deep in

112 ON ROOT CROPS,

the spring, it will be a long while before the plants will re-
ceive the invigorating effects of the manure, which it requires
to bring forth the crop in full strength to an early maturity.
Shall we spread the manure, and plough it in deep in the fall ?
Shall we abandon our former method, and enter upon a new
era in the cultivation of the onion ?

For the sake of experiment, in the fall of 1849 I spread the
manure upon an acre and a half of old onion land, as soon as
convenient after the crop was harvested, at the rate of six cords
per acre, and turned it in with a large plough drawn by a pair
of horses, as deep as if I had been turning over green sward.
There it lay pulverizing, through the winter; in the spring I
took a cultivator, and went over the land once each way. As I
was doing this I could see the fine particles of manure mixing
with the soil most admirably. I dispensed with the use of the
iron tooth harrow, bushed the land twice, raked, and sowed it.
The seed germinated, came forth, and grew with a vigorous
growth. When I came to hoe and weed, I found a great dif-
ference, compared with previous years. No hard lumps of dirt
or manure were found, to injure the fingers of the operator; it
was much easier to accomplish the same amount of labor as in
previous years, under the old method of preparing the land.
The roots of the plants penetrated to a depth heretofore ren-
dered impossible by the hardness of the sub soil.

As the season has been unusually wet, I am unable to state
how the crop would have endured a drought. I think it must
be evident to the minds of all reasonable persons, that extreme-
ly dry weather would not have had so injurious an effect, as if
the land had been ploughed shoal in the spring, with the ma-
nure partially covered. The result of my experiment has prov-
ed so favorable, that I shall make another trial, and test the
utility of the practice another season. I shall plough in seven
cords of good stable manure to the acre, it being an addition
of one cord per acre.

So well convinced am I of the feasibility of ploughing in
manure in the fall, for onions, that I should not hesitate for a
moment to recommend it to all onion growers. I therefore
ofier for your consideration the foregoing statement, as the re-

ON ROOT CROPS. 113

suit of my experiment, and the crop of six hmidred bushels of
onions, raised upon an acre and a half of land.
Danvers, Oct. 18, 1850.

BENJAMIN P. WARE'S LETTER.

Agreeably to request, I have noted down a few remarks sug-
gested by my experience in the cultivation and consumption of
the various root crops. The carrot crop I consider of the most
value and importance to the farmer for the sustenance of his
miscellaneous stock, as it can be raised with as little labor and
expense as o.ny other, yielding a larger amount, with more cer-
tainty, of food for stock than any other root with which I am
acquainted, and of a quality unsurpassed. I have practised
feeding carrots to milch cows, beef cattle, working oxen, hors-
es, hogs, and fowls, — I find them valuable for all. I think
one peck, or one and a half pecks, a sullicient quantity for one
feed for neat stock or horses. I usually boil them and scald
in meal, for hogs and fowls. I find that my stock appear in
much better condition in the spring, and my hay and contents
of the granary find great relief from the liberal use of this
root : but in extolling tlie merits of the carrot, I would not for-
get the virtues of other valuable roots.

Mangel Wurtzel I consider of great practical importance to
the farmer, but as the crop is not so certain, and as it leaves
the land in much worse condition for future crops, while car-
rots leave the land in excellent condition, I give the latter the
preference.

The lluta Baga is a very valuable crop, not only for stock,
but for the market as a vegetable. Its importance consists
partially in the quickness of its growth, as it may be sown af-
ter other early crops are taken of, or in case of the failure of
other crops ; the seed may be sown as late as the 25th of July
with good success, but this crop has the same objection as the
Mangel Wurtzel, in regard to its injury to succeeding crops.

The flat Turnip is very easily raised, attended with little
15

114 ON ROOT CROPS.

expense, and is of comparatively little value for stock, although,
1 think it better to raise them than no roots at all.

With me the cultivation of the Parsnip has been attended
with considerable uncertainty and expense, proving unprofit-
able either for the market or stock, although a delicious vege-
table for the table.

The Onion crop I have found to be about as profitable and
safe for the farmer to invest in as any. Notwithstanding the
blights, and attacks of lice and cut worms to which it is liable,
we generally have a crop that repays for the labor bestowed
upon it.

Marblehead, Nov. 13, 1850.

BENJAMIN ROGERS'S STATEMENT.

I offer for premium a crop of Mangel Wurtzel, raised on one
hundred and twenty-three rods of land, the product being three
hundred and sixty baskets, weighing twenty-two thousand
three hundred and twenty pounds, or at the rate of twenty-
seven thousand nine hundred pounds per acre.

The soil is a light sandy loam, and is called by most persons
very poor land, not worth cultivating. A crop of white beans
was taken from the land last year, amounting to five bushels.
The manure applied was three bushels plaster of Paris. This year
it had eleven cords of compost, one third part barn manure and
two thirds sand dug from the barn yard ; all the manure was
put into drills. It was ploughed on the 8th of May, and on
the 11th and 13th of May the land was furrowed with a plough
drawn by a horse, going twice in the same furrow ; the ma-
nure was put into the furrow, and covered with a plough, mak-
ing a small ridge ; the ridge was then raked so as to make the
ground nearly level. The holes for the seeds were made by a
wheel containing pegs in its circumference, which penetrated
the ground one inch, leaving intervals of four inches. The
rows were thirty inches asunder ; one capsule was dropped into
each hole, and covered with the feet, by treading on each hole.

ON ROOT CROPS, 115

The quantity of seed sown was three pounds. The cultivator
was twice used before the Cth of August, and hoed twice. In
the month of July the plants were thinned, and left from eight
to sixteen inches apart in the rows. The expense of cultiva-
tion was as follows :

Interest on land, _ . _ .

Ploughing, - - - - -

Harrowing, . _ - - -

Eleven cords compost, at three dollars per cord.
Furrowing with horse, - - - -

Carting and spreading compost,
Seed, -_----
Cultivating with horse, _ - .

Hoeing, -

Thinning plants, - - - -

Digging and carting, _ - . -

Total of Expenses, _ - -

The value of crop, at six dollars per ton,

The value of tops, _ - - -

One half manure on land.

Total, -----

Expenses, - - - - ,

Net profit,* - - - - - $21 OG

Andover, Nov. 15, 1850.

* This specification came to hand after the premium had been awarded for
the experiment in cultivation. As this was the only claim presented for the
cultivation of beets, the committee were disposed to regard it with favor. On
examining It, it ai>pears that the land on which they grew, is of small value and
of very poor quality, such as ordinarily produces no crop at all. If he who
makes twu blades of grass to grow where but one grew before, is to be reckon-
ed a public benefactor, surely he who makes a decent crop to grow where none
grew before, cannot be undeserving the Society's premium, although some of
his more fortunate neighbors, in the possession of better lands, shall be favored
with crops more abundant. The skill exhibited in the production, and not the
1 amount produced, is what we aim to approve.

$1

20

2

00

1

50

33

00

1

50

6

60

1

50

3

00

7

00

4 50

4

50

$66

30

$66

86

4

00

16

50

$87

36

66

30

116 ON ROOT CROPS.

JOSEPH SPELLING. JR'S. STATEMENT.

You are undoubtedly aware, that the failure of the potato
crop the present season has been a source of disappointment,
perhaps not a little discouragement, to farmers in general in
the cultivation of this vegetable, throughout the State. As it
fell to my lot, the present year, to harvest our little crop of po-
tatoes alone, I thought it would be a good opportunity to make
a little inquiry into the nature of the disorder, and try if possi-
ble to get at some clue to a remedy. But this was undertaken
with a very faint hope of discovering any thing useful or satis-
factory. Having but little confidence in theories, unless sub-
stantiated by actual experiments, I at first thought it best to say
nothing about my investigation to any one, till I could prove
by actual experiment, something which might be beneficial ;
but when I considered, although I might not be able to furnish
the requisite knowledge or ability to obtain a good crop, yet
perhaps I might furnish a key to it, and thereby assist some of
my fellow laborers who are still remaining under the same dis-
advantages which I have labored under, not knowing where
to plant, how to plant, or what to plant, I concluded to com-
mit the results of my investigation to writing, with the hope
that I shall be pardoned wherein I am found to be behind the
age, either in knowledge or literature.

I do not attribute the cause of the potato disorder to an in-
sect or animacule burrowing in the plant. If it can be demon-
strated by optical glasses, that insects inhabit the vines or ani-
macuies the rotten potatoes, I contend that they exist there,
not as a cause, but as an effect of the disorder. The cause of
the disorder I attribute to the want of a certain principle or
element in the soil, which is indispensable to the health of the
potato plant, and which has in many parts of Massachusetts, as
well as in Ireland, become exhausted. I believe that this ele-
ment exists in natural deposites in many places throughout the
State, not far below the surface — perhaps no deeper than the
sub soil. Furthermore I am aware that it still exists in the
surface soil, perhaps in considerable abundance in some particu-
lar places, but unless those who plant know that it exists there,

ON ROOT CROPS. 117

all their endeavours to obtain a good crop, will be at hap-haz-
ard. If the proprietors of this kind of soil have been raising
good potatoes from it, year after year, with the real cause of
their having good potatoes staring at them with meridian
brightness, and they have not discovered it, perhaps this bright-
ness may have been eclipsed by the brightness of the forth
coming dollars, which they were likely to receive for their re-
splendant crop. But if they have discovered it, and keep it a
secret, that they may obtain thereby a yearly income, and en-
joy in the lap of nature what others are toiling to obtain by
art, it is high time for those who have to depend on art as well
as nature for a living, to put in for a share. But I have thought
perhaps very few of our farmers, either practical or scientific,
have discovered the real cause why some raise good potatoes.
My reasons are these — 1st. Our practical farmers have not dis-
covered it, because it consists of principles so different from
what they have considered indispensable to vegetable life, es-
pecially to that of the potato, that they have entirely overlook*
ed it. 2d. Our scientific farmers have not, because they have
not gone into the potato field with hoe and basket, and bent
down to the work, digging and comparing hill with hill, and
examined the soil, the manure, and the potato, in order to
ascertain what was deficient, and what was superabundant.

I am inclined to think the disorder has been aggravated by
the stimulating effect of stable and barn cellar manure, too
highly charged with ammonia for a healthy growth in this
plant, — the unnatural stimulus propagating the disorder, and
inducing mildew in the premature vines, where the disorder
appears to commence. It should be remembered that the po-
tato is a kind of plant which grows below the surface of the
ground, having the ground for its element and the air for its
sustenance, the vines being nothing more or less than aerial
roots, through which it derives its sustenance, in order to make
it grow and perfect its mealiness. Hence we see the necessi-
ty of healthy, lively vines, and also of proper sustenance below
the surface to produce these ; for if we cannot have healthy,
lively vines, we should not expect good and sound potatoes.
I am inclined to believe we should depend more upon the natu-

118 ON ROOT CROPS.

ralj steady warmth of a genial soil to perfect the vines, than
on the stimulating heat of fermenting manure.

Has there as yet been a better method discovered to over-
come this disorder, than to plant early, in a warm genial soil ?
If we admit the production of healthy, lively vines, to be the
first and great desideratum, then I think we may also admit ^
the utility of planting early in a warm, genial soil, in order to
have the vines cover and shade the ground, if possible, before
the drought of summer. But in case the season should be wet,
caution against mildew in the vines may be necessary, there-
fore a proper location for the potato field, appears to demand
our consideration. I think it will be acknowledged by every
one, that if we plant on a swell, or on a side hill, or in some
location where the vines will be exposed to the air, and enjoy
freely their natural element, they will be less likely to mildew
than when planted in a hollow or on a level ; and the super-
abundant rain will of course run and be disposed of. If we
have raised thrifty and productive apple trees, or sound and
heavy corn in a certain hollow, does it naturally follow that
we can raise tolerable potatoes there ?

But a few words respecting the quality or kind of soil best
adapted to the nature of the potato, may be thought necessary.
The principle or element in the soil, which is indispensable to
the health of the potato plant, and to which I have alluded in
these remarks, I think I have found to be more abundant in
yellow marl, or as some have termed it, yellow dirt. Wherev-
er this may be found, of a bright orange color, in considerable
abundance. I think we need not hesitate to plant potatoes ; yet
this may not always prove infallible, for I am inclined to think
its virtue lies in the organic or combustible matter which it
appears to be more or less charged with. There is a kind of
yellow marl which I would recommend for a compost with
stable manure, to put in the hill, as an experiment. It is such
as I have seen, of a bright orange color, in the banks by the
road side, where a cut has been made for a road through the
top of a hill covered with shrub oaks.

Methuen, Nov. 4, 1850.

ON FARMS.

119

ON FARMS.

There have been but two farms entered for premium the
present year. The farm of J. F. Winkley, of Amesbury, en-
tered by Appleton Moore, and the farm of Henry Poor, of North
Andover ; butthe last mentioned farm was not entered so soon
as the rules of the Society require.

Mr. Winkley's farm is situated near Amesbury Mills, and
consists of about thirty-eight acres of plain land, except a few
acres considerably elevated, on which the house stands, having
a fine prospect, and overlooking the adjacent towns. When
the committee visited the farm, on the 22d of June, the crops,
especially the corn and potatoes, looked well. When they vis-
ited the farm on the 11th of September, the potatoes were
mostly dug and carried to market, and the crop said to be light.
The corn crop looked well, and Mr. Moore states that one acre
produced one hundred and thirty bushels of ears of good corn,
which is probably considerable more than an average crop on
the whole piece. The crop on the whole was a good one,
considering the previous situation of the land.

Mr. Moore is making large quantities of manure, and is also
trying various experiments, which, it is hoped, in due time
will be made public. This is as it should be. Every farmer
should not only avail himself of the experience of others, so
far as practicable, but should try experiments for himself, as
different kinds of land require different management, and a
farmer's experience on his own farm, is usually worth more to
himself, than information derived from others. The commit-
tee consider Mr. Moore's management, generally, very good,
but his slatement is somewhat deficient. They recommend
that he receive the sum of fifteen dollars.

Mr. Poor's fiirm the committee visited but once, which was
on the 6th of July. His farm is situated in North Andover ;
the land is a deep rich soil, rather moist, well adapted to grass,
and some of it has produced fine crops of corn, wheat, &c.
The buildings and fences are in good repair, and his farm gen-
erally, shows the marks of good husbandry. His fruit trees
and crops generally looked well, but the attention of the com-

120 ON FARMS.

mittee was particularly called to a field of winter wheat, which
looked finely. They Avere informed that he had cultivated it
for some years with good success, and although in his state-
ment he says it is his favorite crop, yet he has omitted giv-
ing any information in regard to the amount of his crop, or the
manner of cultivation. The committee consider his statement
very deficient, as he has omitted that which is of the greatest
importance, viz. the manner of making and applying manure,
and the cultivation and amount of his crops. They recom-
mend that he receive the sum of ten dollars.

Having visited Mr. Poor's farm, the attention of the com-
mittee was called to the farm of Josiah Ci'osby, of North An-
dover. His land, like Mr. Poor's, is a deep rich soil, rather
moist, well adapted to the cultivation of hay, which has been
almost his sole crop. He has made considerable improvement.
Land which a few years since was covered with bushes, now
produces a fine crop of English hay. He observed that he
had haaled sand three fourths of a mile, and considered it prof-
itable for top dressing. He, as also Mr. Winkley and Mr. Poor,
has a cellar under his barn, for the purpose of keeping swine
and making manure.

There seems to be a gradual improvement among a large
portion of our farmers, but not so much as their interest re-
quires. There is the material on almost every farm, if judici-
ously applied, to enrich itself; compost of mud should be us-
ed on high warm land, and subsoil on low moist land ; sand
should be used on clay, and clay on sand, thus by changing
the soil it increases its fertility. But in most cases, too much
land is cultivated. It does not necessarily follow that because
a man cultivates a large quantity of land, that he is a good
farmer. Neither is he the best farmer, in all cases, that grows
the largest crops, for although he may raise a large crop, yet
the expense may exceed its value, which is not, (in ordinary
cases,) good farming. But he is the best farmer who will
raise the greatest crop under the same circumstances, with the
least expense. JOSEPH HOW, Chairman.

Salem, Nov. 29, 1850.

ON FARMS. 121

APPLETON MOORE'S STATEMENT.

The farm examined by the committee, and which is offered
for premium, contains thirty-eight acres, mostly of what is
called plain land — either sandy or of a sandy loam, underlaid
with gravel. The remainder, (about nine acres,) is a gravelly
loam, underlaid with clay pan ; the whole, with the exception
of about six acres which is too steep for easy cultivation, and
which is set with fruit trees, is under cultivation with crops as
follows, viz : Corn, sixteen acres; potatoes, eight acres ; peas,
cabbages, turnips, parsnips, carrots, onions, &c., six acres; and
about two acres of corn sown broadcast, for fodder.

The most important feature to which the attention of your
committee is called, is the previous condition of the land, the
whole of which four years since was a pasture, which rented
for the small sum of twelve dollars per annum, and which ex-
hibited the appearance of having once been tilled, with a suffi-
cient return of manure, until it would pay no longer for the
cultivation, and was suffered to run to waste, or to very poor
pasturage at best. Three years since the greater part of the
land was broken up, and the next season, without dressing,
planted with beans. One year ago it was planted with corn,
potatoes, &c., a part with a very limited proportion of dressing
and the other part without any, of the evil tendency of which
upon the soil, the committee is well aware.

The past winter preparations were made to make returns to
the soil for what had been taken from it, by procuring at great
expense night soil and other fertilizers, and composting the
same so far as practicable, with meadow muck, of which there
is an inexhaustible supply within one fourth of a mile from the
barn. These composts, to the amount of about five hundred
ox cart loads, were used the past spring upon the land intend-
ed for cropping, and although the supply was very limited, it
was spread upon the surface and ploughed under to the depth
of five to seven inches, believing though the quantity of ma-
nure be small that it is better spread and ploughed under, than
to be put into the hill, thereby giving the young plants a rapid
and thrifty start at first, and then leaving them to starve and
16

122 ON FARMS.

Stint on a poor soil as soon as the roots attain a sufficient length
to pass the frontier of the hill in which they are planted.

Of the crops the present season, we cannot speak so definite-
ly as we should wish, not having completed the harvesting ;
but of the potato crop we have nothing to boast, as they were
generally of a small size, and upon the whole the crop was a
light one, yet very sound, as we had not a bushel of unsound
potatoes from the eight acres planted. The corn, considering
the season, was fair ; it was very sound, though not so well
tipped as it is some seasons. From one acre measured, we
have taken at the rate of one hundred and thirty bushels of
ears, and the corn of a good quality. The crops of peas, cab-
bages, carrots, &c., are good, though not being harvested, we
cannot give the particulars. The corn sown broadcast proved
a very cheap feed for stock, besides having the effect of leav-
ing the ground upon which it was sown in a very mellow state
for after cultivation, a part of which, together with a portion
of the potato ground, has been sown with winter wheat, and
which now looks very promising.

Our manner of cultivating corn being somewhat different
from that usually practised in this vicinity, I will give you a
brief description of. The manure having been ploughed in, as
before alluded to, the corn was planted with Batchelder's Corn
Planter, in rows three feet apart by two and a half feet in the
hill. One man with a horse, and a boy to drive, will readily
plant six acres in a day, and leave it in a state for hoeing pref-
erable to that planted in the usual way, as it leaves the ground
and hill better adapted to a flat cultivation. After the corn
was well up, the horse cultivator was put into it, and with one
man to hold and drive, was passed through it once a week un-
til the corn roots had extended to the distance of six or eight
inches from the hill, after which a slight passing over with the
hoe proved sufficient.

Six men have generally been employed upon the farm,
though a large portion of labor has been done otherwise than
upon the crops, all of which has been charged separately, leav-
ing the farm accounts for the ploughing, manuring, planting
and cultivation of the crops, and the larger part of the harvest-

OS FARMS. 123

ing, standing thus : April 1st to November 1st, two liundred
and sixty-one dollars, being a fraction over eight dollars per
acre for the thirty-two acres tilled, exclusive of board and team
expenses.

Of the manure heap I will speak briefly. Early in the sea-
son we commenced putting muck under the cattle, and contin-
ued in this way until the weather becoming cooler and fearing
that evil effects might arise from its continuance, we adopted
the following plan : Daily, the manure, both solid and liquid,
from twenty head of cattle and horses, is dropped into the barn
cellars, and immediately about three times the quantity of
meadow muck is wheeled in and thrown upon it, which in a
very short space of time becomes thoroughly incorporated with
the manure, through the agency of hogs, a sufficient number
for the purpose being kept in each cellar. In this way we not
only find the manure heap to increase rapidly, but judging
from the escape of ammonia while it is being shoveled over,
the quality of the same must be good.

To some very interesting experiments in the feeding of hogs,
we should like to allude, but cannot, as the results are not suf-
ficiently determined.

Amesbury, Nov. 1, 1850.

HENRY POOR'S STATEMENT.

In presenting my farm for premium, I do so with some diffi-
dence, from the fact that I lack knowledge in the proper culti-
vation of the soil, and the proper uses and application of ma-
nures. There is one fact, however, well known to us all, and
that is that the manure heap is the only reliable "Bank" on
which the farmer rests his hopes. My own small experience
teaches me the importance of cultivating just as much land as
I can supply liberally with manure ; beyond this is a fatal er-
ror, which is quite too common among us, in my judgement.

To say there can be no improvement in cultivating the soil,
and that new discoveries cannot be made in farming, would be
to say that the plough, the hoe, the hay fork, the manure fork,

124

ON FARMS.

and all farming implements have not been improved, and are
not snsceptible of still greater improvement. To my mind,
farming, in detail, is co-equal with the improvements of all the
implements of husbandry. But I will begin an account of my
operations since the year 1844, on the farm which I now own
and occupy.

I have built a barn and shed, repaired an old barn, added an
L to my house, with cellar under new barn thirty-eight by six-
ty feef, and solid mortar wall, at a cost of over three thousand
dollars. My house cellar I have bricked over^ and made it
proof against rats ; have built a brick cemented cistern, with
pipe and pump to draw the water into my sink, with well wat-
er into the kitchen. Of covered stone drains I have made fif-
ty-five rods ; of faced double wall, on either side of the road,
fifty-four rods ; of double substantial field wall, forty-eight rods;
of single wall, sixty-three rods. I have made seven to eight
acres of old heavy pasturing into good mowing fields, and wall-
ed the same. Have planted fifty-six choice varieties of pears ;
two hundred and four of apples ; seventy-one of plums ; fifteen
of cherries ; two hundred and eighty-one of peaches ; sixty of
quinces ; and twenty ornamental trees. — Total, seven hundred
and seven. Have filled all old trees that were thrifty with
scions of pears and apples. In addition, I have put in the
smaller fruits, such as raspberries, gooseberries, strawberries,
and currants.

My hay crop, this year, was good, — by careful judgement, I
cut over forty tons on less than twenty acres of ground. Of
wheat, which is my hobby, I could ask nothing better. Of
oats and barley, my crop was satisfactory. Indian corn heavy
for the season, — land moist. Carrots, small. Sugar beets,
satisfactory. Parsnips, small. Potatoes, twenty-five per cent
saved. Fruits in abundance, excepting apples, this not being
the bearing year with my varieties.

My whole farm consits of seventy-five acres, — say, ten of
wood land, thirty of pasturage, and thirty-five of tillage. I am
not aware that there is a rod of unproductive land in the farm.
My stock consists of fourteen neat cattle, two horses, and
twelve hogs, with a full stock of the feathered tribes.

North Andover, Nov. 1850.

ON VEGETABLES. 125

ON VEGETABLES.

The Committee, having in charge the specimens of vege-
table productions, report that the exhibition was unusually
large and fine, and they recommend that the following gratui-
ties be awarded :

A. Nesmith, Beverly, seedling potatoes, gratuity, 75

A. Hatch, Saugus, " " " 75

Eben H. Taylor, two varieties, " 50

W. Poor, Andover, black potatoes, " 50

H. Mason, Marblehead, onions, " 25
J. W. Tread well, celery, • "25

J. M. Ives, Salem, sweet potatoes, " 25

J. Upton, Salem, variety of vegetables, " 50

A. A. Edgerton, sweet potatoes, " 25
John Clark, millet, " 25
H. Mason, Marblehead, marrow squashes, " 25
Jesse Estes, Middleton, Mt. Sprout water melon, " 25
Jonas Harrington, Danvers, marrow squashes, " 50
J. K. Haines, Salem, crook neck squashes, " 25
John Alley, 3d., Lynn, Averlene cabbage, " 25
John Trow, Hamilton, six squashes, 225 lbs. weight " 75
Mrs. S. Lord, Salem, variety of pickles, " 50
P. Farmer, crook neck squash, " 25

B. D. Hill, Jr., Danvers, snake cucumbers and tomatoes, gra. 50
Niles P. Phippen, Texas corn, gratuity, 25
M. L. Atkinson, Methuen, corn, " 50
Israel Rea, Topsfield, " " 50
Moses Pettingill, Topsfield, " " 50
Eben M. Taylor, Danvers, " *' 50
Israel Trask, Beverly, crook neck squash, " 50
J. Burpee, Georgetown, broom corn, " 50
E. R. Mudge, Lynn, celery, egg plants, and tomatoes, " 1 50
John Bradstreet, Danvers, potatoes, " 50
Gilbert Conant, Ipswich, Southern corn, " 50
M. P. Atwood, squash, mixed variety, " 25
N. Woodbury, Valparaiso squash, " 25
H. Poor,||^ Andover, white flint wheat, " 50

126 ox FLOWERS.

H. Poor, Andover, red chaff Chili wheat, gratuity, 1 50

John L. Clark, Salem, Black Sea wheat, " 1 00

W. D. Pickinan, two very large squashes, " 50

HORACE WARE, Chairman.

ON FLOWERS.

According to previous arrangements, this portion of the Ex-
hibition was held in connexion with that of the Essex Insti-
tute, and under their direction. A very minute and elaborate
report will be prepared by their committee, enumerating the
several contributors, the specimens exhibited, &c., which will
be printed in the transactions of the Society, thus rendering it
only necessary for your committee to report the list of gratui-
ties awarded, which are as follows :

F. Putnam, Salem, for bouquets, - - 1 50

James H. Holmes, Salem, for bouquets and cut flowers, 1 00
Miss R. S. Ives, Salem, for bouquets, _ - 25

Miss Sarah H. Ropes, Salem, for bouquets, - - 25

Miss Caroline A. Morse, Methuen, bouquets, - 50

George Driver, Salem, for dahlias, - - - 50

John W. Downing, Salem, for dahlias, - - 50

Thorp Fisher, u u u _ _ . 50

E. Buswell, " u u _ _ 37

E. D. Ropes, it u H _ ^ . 37
W. D. Pickman, " pot plants and cut flowers, 1 00
J. C. Lee, " roses and cut flowers, 1 25

F. Putnam, " roses, " - - 1 00
Calvin May, " pot plants, - - 50
William Weeks, '• asters and stocks, - 50

For the Committeee. H. WHEATLAND.

Salem, Sept. 26, 1850.

REPORT

OF THE

HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

To the President and Members of the Essex Institute :

The Committee on Horticulture report that the annual exhibition of Fruits,
Flowers, and Vegetables, for the year 1850, took place at the Town Hall in
Salem, on Wednesday and Thursday, September 25th and 26th, in connexion
with that of the Essex Agricultural Society, in conformity with previous ar-
rangements to that effect.

The hall was beautifully decorated, the committee being assisted in this por-
tion of their duties by the refined taste of the ladies who so kindly volunteered
their aid on this occasion. The large and elegant evergreen arbor opposite the
entrance, formed a very conspicuous object, presenting a great variety of wild
flowers tastefully grouped together ; and supported by two immense cornuco-
pise, pouring forth their abundant treasures — the one, of vegetable produc-
tions, and the other of fruits in great variety. Over the centre door wag
a tablet containing the name of Pomona, surrounded with a rich border of
fruits. The eastern door was surmounted with a similar tablet, containing the
name of Ceres, with a chaste wreathing of grains and grasses; while Flora
occupied a similar position over the western door, decked with a gorgeous array
of flowers. Other decorations adorned the windows, and bouquets and vases
of flowers in abundance were arranged on the tables, and around the hall.

Among the curiosities that attracted much attention, were pears from the
original Endicott pear tree in Danvers, which tradition says was planted in
1630 ; some fine looking Orange pears, from a tree two hundred and ten years
old, on the estate of Capt. William Allen, in Hardy street ; also, apples from a
tree planted by Peregrine White, the first male child born in New England,
on the farm originally settled and subdued by him in Marshfield. The farm is
now owned and occupied by his direct descendants, by one of whom. Miss Sy-
bil AVhite, the apples were sent to Dr. Merriam, of Topsfield. These relics of
past ages are yet productive, and their fruits of no little curiosity.

The display of Fruit was very fine, especially that of Pears, which, for their
variety, beauty, and perfection, may "vrell challenge comparison with any simi-
lar exhibition of this season. Two thousand dishes or baskets of fruit were pla-

128 THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

ced upon the tables, consisting, as will appear from the list, of six hundred and
seventy varieties, viz : of Pears, two hundred and ninety with names, eigl.t
seedlings, and twenty-nine unknown — total, three hundi'ed and twenty-seven;
of Apples, one hundred and fifty-one with names, seven seedlings, and twenty-
three unknown — total, one hundred and eighty-one ; of Peaches, forty with
names, thirty-four seedlings, eight unknown — total, eighty-two ; of Plums, nine-
teen with names, three seedlings, one unknown — total, twenty-three; of Grapes,
thirty-three with names, eight native seedlings — total, forty-one ; of Quinces,
Nectarines, Figs, and Melons, three each ; of Oranges, Lemons, European "Wal-
nuts, and Cornelian Cherries, one each.

The specimen flowers were arranged on stands which occupied the centre of
the hall, and comprised a goodly array of Dahlias, Roses, Asters, &c The
Dahlias were the most prominent in their variety and the gorgeousness of the
flowers. A stand from Lawrence, brought in on the second day, contained the
finest specimens in the hall. The Rose, which with its hybrid Perpetuals, Noi-
settes, and Bourbons, is beginning to extend the season of its lovely and fra-
grant blooms during the autumnal months, was well represented. The Asters^
Stocks, and Coxcombs were also conspicuous. A stand of Pansies, and also a
stand of Phloxes, Antirrhinum in varieties, CEnothera, Aconitum, Gaillardia,
Tradescantia, Trollius, &c., added much to the interest of the exhibition.

A tew pot plants were placed on the platform in front of the arbor, consist-
ing of Achimenes, Gloxinias, Fuchsias, &c., whose showy and splendid flowers
formed a striking contrast with the native denizens of our fields and meadows,
grouped in the rear.

The Vegetables, &c., were arranged in the anterooms. The display, al-
though not large, was very interesting, and consisted of fine specimens of
Squashes, Potatoes, Onions, &c. In this department were placed the Cereals —
as varieties of Corn, Wheat, &c. The cultivation of the last named grain is
said by the gentlemen who exhibited specimens, to have been successful ; and
it is greatly to be desired that further experiments should be tried by our agri-
culturists, to test fully the advantage of its more general introduction.

Nineteen towns of our county were represented by the contributions of one
hundred and ninety-one individuals, viz : from Salem, one hundred and twen-
ty-three ; Danvers, sixteen ; Lynn, eleven ; Beverly and Topsfield, five each ;
Middleton and Methuen, four each ; Marblehead, Andover, Hamilton, and Ips-
wich, three each; Wenham. Lawrence, and Saugus, two each; Boxford, New-
buryport, Newbury, Haverhill, and Gloucester, one each. Also, two from
South Reading, one from Lowell, and one from Kendall, Illinois, which being
without the limits of the county, were not included in the above estimate.

A comparison of the present exhibition, with the first of the kind ever held
in Salem, shows a very gratifying as well as rapid increase of interest in the
cultivation of fruits and flowers. That exhibition was held on Tuesday and
Wednesday, September 14th and loth, 1841. The number of contributors
wasthen seventy-six,— about three hundred plates of Fruit were placed on the
tables, comprising one hundred and fifty-three varieties, viz : ninety-four of
Pears, twenty-five of Apples, ten of Peaches, eight of Plums, eight of Grapes,
four of Melons, two of Quinces, one of Nectarines, and one of Filberts.

THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 129

May wo not justly infer from the above comparison, that the labors of the
Institute in maintaining their stated exhibitions have not been in vain; but
have resulted in diffusing through the community a more general and extensive
taste for liorticullural pursuits, thus accomplishing the principal object of their
establislimeut.

Annexed is a list of the contributors, and of the articles by them exhibited,
llesp 3ctfully submitted.

JOHN C. LEE, Chairmax.
Salem, Mass. Oct., 18.30.

FRUIT.

R. Manning, Pomological Garden, Salem. Pears — Bez/ de la Motte, Long
Green, Lawrence, Fig of Naples, Andrews, Favorite Rousselet, Bartlett, Duch-
esse d' Orleans. Belle et Bonne, Frederic de Wurtemberg, Eyewood, Colum-
bia, Charles of Austria, Fulton, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Beurre Bosc, Beur-
re d' Amanlls, Bezi de Montigny, Comte L-elieur, March Bergamot, Berga-
raotte d' Automne, Moccas, Monarch, Croft Castle, Harvard, Petre, Hericart,
Flemish Beauty, Shobden Court, Beurre Van Marum, Swan's Egg, Ronville,
Calebasse Monstreuse, Caen du France, Hunt's Connecticut, Howell, Ilenkil,
Doyenne d' Hiver, Beurre d' Aremberg, Doyenne (ioubault. Brown Beurre,
Pennsylvania, Figue Extra, Huguenot, Capsheaf, Aston Town, Paradise d' Au-
tomne, Cushing, Black Pear of Worcester, Styrian, Jaminette, Wilbur, Gan-
sel's Bergamot, Bishop's Thumb, Urbaniste, Dallas, Rouse Lench, Henrietta,
Monsieur le Cure, Flemish Sabine, Dunmore, Serrurier d' Automne, Althorp
Crassanne, Anonymous, Bon Chretien Fondante, Cotor, Comte de Lamy,
Comstock, Spanish Bon Chretien, Clara, Hathorne's Seedling, St. Michaels,
Bergamotte Zanpee, John Dean, Edwards, Whitfield, Beurre Kenrick, Pomme
Poire, Bergamotte Parthenay, Queen Caroline, Hacon's Incomparable, Beur-
re Goubault, Jubin, King Edward, Plombgastel, Rameau, Monarch (false),
Rousselet d' Esperen, Nouveau Poiteau, Brando's St. Germain, Napoleon,
Chaumontelle, Henri Van Mons, Calebasse, Citron of Bohemia, Jalousie de
Fontenay Vendee, Wendell, Long Green of Autumn, Schoeling Nierry, Deli-
ces de Jodoigne, Foster's St. INIichaels, Ambrosia, Girardin, Summer Thorn?
Capiaumont, Queen of the Low Countries, Nos. 982, 1036, and 1454 of Van
Mons. Apples — Pound, Green Sweet, Pigeonnette, Minister, Fall Harvey,
Pumpkin Sweet, Swaar, Hnbbardston Nonsuch, Garden Royal, Lyscom, Ram-
bour d' ete, President, Ribston Pippin, Lemon Pippin, Gravenstein, Glouces-
ter, Porter, Fallawater, Drap d' Or, Maiden's Blush, Golden Noble, Summer
Sweet Paradise, Corse's Sweeting, Walpole, Black, Haskell's Sweeting, Roi
Saube, King of the Pippins, Triangle, Pomme Arabic, Danvers Winter Sweet,
Yellow Bellflower, Pennocks, Edwards' Russet, Hawthornden. Peaches — Jac-
ques, Washington, Melacoton, Apricot, Yellow Admirable, Elisabeth, Ken-
rick's Heath, Grosse Mignonne. Plums — Rogers, Downton Imperatrice, one
variety unknown.

J. C. Lee, Salem. Pears — Calebasse de Nerkmann, Dclices de Jodcigne,
Beurre Sprin, Beurre Bronze, Soldat Laboureur, Poire Henriett-3, Poire Du-

17

130 THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

vernay, Bearre Gris d' hiver nouveau, Orplieline d' Eni^hien, Ferdinand de
Meester, Beurre Curtel, Poire Serrurier, Doyenne SieuUe, Girando, Poire d
Albret, Beurre Montgeron, Beurre Moire, Poire Millot, Beurre Beauohamps,
Jalousie de Foutenay Vendee, Bergamotte Le Sible, Belle apres Noel, Beurre
d' Elberg, Poire Seigneur, Gansel's Bergamot, Seckel, Washington, Rousselet
de Biheims, Bartlett, Ileatbcot, Bleeker's Meadow, Henri Quatre, Passe Colmar,
Bezi de la Motte, Glout Morceau, Bullum, Winter Nells, Marie Lonise, Jose-
phine, Croft Castle, Girardin, Nameless, Long Green, Fulton, Winter Orange,
Parkinson's Warden, Poire Sage, Delices d' Hardenpont, Poire de Louvain,
Ne Plus Meuris, Belle et Bonne, Colmar d' Aremberg, Beurre Fougere, St.
Bernard, Plombgastel, Missile d' hiver. Belle Epine Dumas, Flemish Beauty,
Duchesse d' Angouleme, Eyewood. Brougham, Lodge, Cross, Beurre Spence,
Tyson, Ilenkil, Comte de Lamy, No. 56 Van Mons, Las Canas, Lawrence, As-
ton Town, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Beurre de Beaumont, Wilbur, Belle Lu-
crative, Beun-e Diel, Calebasse Vaste, Beurre Bosc. Apples, — Baldwin, Dan-
vers AVinter Sweet, Rhode Island Greening, Pickman Pippin, Jonathan, Spice,
Ortley Pippni, Peck's Pleasant, Fall Flat, Lyseom, Glory of the West. Peach-
eSj — Morris' Bed Ptare Ptipe, Cooledge's Favorite, Bonaparte, Crawford's Ear-
ly. Grapes, — Black Hamburg, White Chasselas, Variegated Chasselas, Grove
End Sweetwater, Flame Colored Tokay, Black Tripoli, Black St. Peters,
Scotch White Cluster.

Jonx M. IvKs, Salem. Pears, — Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Bartlett, Gush-
ing, Monsieur le Cure, Paradise d' Automne, Beurre Diel, Leon le Clci-c, Co-
lumbia, Long Green, Fulton, Flemish Beautj-, Beurre d' Aremberg, Hacon's
Incomparable, Easter Beurre, Duchesse d' Angouleme, Bezi de la Motte, Bel-
le Lucrative, Andrews, Pitt's Prolific, Bon Chretien Fondante, Jalousie,
Knight's Monarch, Dunmore, Beurre Bosc, Thompson. Apples — Hubbard-
ston Nonsuch, Aunt Hannah, Minister, Boxford, Deacon (?), Pickman Pippin,
Barker's Spice, Seaver's Sweeting, Transparent, Beinette of Canada, Fall
Harvey, Swaar, Mela Carla, Porter, Lyseom, Dan vers Winter Sweet, Cart-
house. Peaches, — Jaques' Yellow Hare Ripe, Crawford's Early, Mellish's
Favorite, Snow, Seedling Free-stone, Early Royal George, Hastlng's Rareripe,
Cutler's Rareripe. Plums, — Red Gage, Goliah, Relne Claude Violet, Violet
Perdrigon, Sharp's Emperor. Grapes, — Isabella. Figs, — Turkey. Quinces,
— Orange. Cornelian Cherry.

CiiAULES F. Putnam, Salem. Pears, — Doyenne Boussock, Beurre d'
Amanlis, Smith, Malcommaitre, Rousselet Van Mons, Jean de AVitte, Beurre
Bronze, Van Mons Leon le Clerc, Belle Heloise, Jalousie, Gendesceim, Beur-
re Dore, Monsieur le Cure, Bartlett, Beurre de Beaumont, Doyenne ISIusque,
Comte de Lamy, Doyenne de Kirkman, Fondante Van Mons, Pope's Russet,
Bleeker's Meadow, Althoi pe Crassanne, Winter Nells, Julienne, Bezi Sanspa-
reil, Beurre d' Espoelberg, Belle Epine Dumas, Doyenne d' Hiver Nouveau,
Long Green of Autumn, Poire Cire, Nouveau Poiteau, Bon Chretien Fon-
dante, Salviati, Caillot llosat, Wilhelmine, Angelique de Bordeaux, Beurre
Bolwiller, Long Green, Manpiis d' Hiver, No. 426, BufTum, Rondelet, Bos-
suck, Beurre Gris d' Hiver Nouveau, Colmar Tardif, Passe Colmar, Berga-
motte Cadette, Jalousie do Fonteiiay Vendee, Forelle, Bonne dc Zees, Chau-

THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 131

montelle Germain, Gerardo, Bernadiston, Mabllle, Inconnue Van ]\Tons, Beiir-
re Supreme, Rigoleau, Chaumontelle, Bergamot Bernard, Doyenne Gris; Van
Mons (unnumbered), Pitt's Prolific, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Beurre Bosc,
Garrous, Beurre de Printemps, Duchesse d' Angouleme, Madotte, Callirosa,
Calebasse d' Ete, Easter Beurre, Smith's Pennsylvania, one seedling, and eight
varieties unkown. Apples, — Minister, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Roxbury Rus-
set, Danvcrs Winter Sweet, Benoni, Ramsdell's Red Sweet, Scarlet Nonpareil,
Fallawater, Tennyj Cathead, Black Baldwin, Swaar, Hamilton, Deux ans,
Adams Pearmain, Spitzenberg, Fall Harvey, Sykehouse Russet, Maiden's
Blush, Porter, Rambour d' Ete, Rhode Island Grenning, Claygate Pearmain
Reinette d' IPiver, Cockle Pippin, Reinette de Vigan, Lyscom, Reinette Van
Mons, Sturmer Pippin, six varieties unknown.

Ephraim Woods, Salem. Pears, — Bartlett, Andrews, Bon Chretien Fon-
dante, Belle et Bonne, Beurre Bosc, Belle Lucrative, Bezi de la Motte, Colum-
bia, Catillac, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Fulton, Lawrence, Long Green, Marie
Louise, Petre, Harvard. Queen of the Low Countries. Apples, — Nodhcad,
Baldwin, Fall Harvey, Monstrous Pipj)in. Plums, — Three seedling varieties.
Orange Quinces.

George Andrews, Salem. Pears, — Louise Bonne de Jersey, Winter Ne-
lls, Bartlett, Rousselet de Rheiras, Messire Jean, Seckel, Bezi de la Motte,
Monsieur le Cure, Flemish Beauty, St. Michaels, Golden Beurre of Bilboa,
Long Green of Autumn, Hacon's Incomparable, Washington, Orange, March,
I Iron, Chelmsford, Beurre d' Amanlis, one seedling variety. Apples, — Mons-
I trous PIpp'n, Minister, Lady, Baldwin, Pearmain, Porter, Bellflower, two va-
! rieties unknown.

i Augustus D. Rogers, Salem. Pears, — Flemish Beauty, Belle Lucra-
jtive, Louise Bonne de Jersey (on quince and on pear). Napoleon, Washington,
Gushing, Duehesse d' Angouleme, Urbaniste, Gansel's Bergamot, Wilkinson,
I Seckel, Andrews, St. Ghislain, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Passe Colmar, Win-
1 ter Nelis, Beurre Diel, Dix, Bezi de la Motte, Surpasse Virgalieu, Long Green,
I Glout Morceau. Plums, — Coe's Golden Drop. Orange and Pear Quinces.
' Stephex Driver, Salem. Pears, — Winter Nelis, Seckel, St. INIichaels,
Beurre Bosc, Flemish Beauty, Gansel's Bergamot, St. Ghislain, Easter Berga-
mot, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Althorp Crassanne, Andrews, Bartlett, Lewis,
Washington, Marie Louise, Long Green, Ileathcot, Urbaniste, Columbia,
Messire Jean, Pound, Bleeker's Meadow, Belle Lucrative, and ten varieties
without name. Apples, — Hubbardston Nonsuch, Porter, Red Pearmain, Gol-
den Russet, and five varieties unknown. Grapes, — Black Hamburg, White
Hamburg, White Muscat of Alexandria. Peaches, — Royal George.

B. H Silsbee, Salem. Pears, — Bartlett, Harvard, Louise Bonne de Jer-
,sey, Seckel, Marie Louise, Urbaniste, Messire Jean, Bishop's Thumb, Bleek-
er's Meadow, iMonsieur le Cure, Swan's Orange, Flemish Beauty, Paradise d'
Automne, Passe Colmar, Glout Morceau, Easter Beurre.

J. H. Phippex, Salem. Pears, — Bartlett, Belle Lucrative, Beurre d'
Amanlis, Lewis, Raymond, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Golden Beurre of Bilboa,
; Washington, Beurre Diel, Ducchesse d' Angouleme, Beurre d' Aremberg,
[ Columbia. Peaches, — Early Crawford, Pourpree Ilative.

132 THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

Geo. D. PniPPEX, Salem. Pears,— Burtlait, Beurre d' Amanlis, Louise
Bonne de Jersey, Beurre Diel.

W. D. PiCKMAN, Salem. Pears, — Long Green, Brown Beurre, Belle Lu-
crative, Lewis, Wasliington, Bartlett, Andrews, Dix, Harvard, Duchesse d'
Angouleme, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Urbaniste, Gansel's Bergamot, Seckel,
Flemish Beauty, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Beurre Diel, two varieties unknown»
Plums, — Coe's Golden Drop.

N. B. Mansfield, Salem. Pears, — Beun-e Bosc, Henri Quatre, Winter
Nelis, Brown Beurre, Beurre d' Aremberg, Urbaniste, Capiaumont. Beurre d
Amanlis, Louise Bonne dc Jersey, Surpasse Virgalieu, Bartlett, Wilkinson,
Gansel's Bergamot, Beurre d' Angleterre, Gushing, Bon Chretien Fondante,
Moccas, Seukel, Washington, Josephine, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Heatheot,
Flemish Beauty, Glout Morceau, Harvard, Fulton, Messire Jean, Wilkinson,
Rousselet de Rheims, Belle et Bonne, Paradise d' Automne.' Apples, — Danvers
Winter Sweet, Tolman's Sweeting, Belle et Bonne, Osgood's Favorite, Red
Calville, Minister, Leavitt, Marquis, Drap d' Or, Kentish Full Basket, Ortley
Pippin, Porter, Alexander. Seedling Peach, — Old Zack. Plums, — Wilkinson.

H. F. KrxG, Salem. Pears, — Colmar d' Aremberg, Groom's Princess Roy-
al, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Beurre Diel, Duchesse d' Orleans, Van Mons
Leon le Clerc, Paradise d' Automne, Jalousie de Fontenay Vendee. Dunmore,
Moccas, Passe Colmar.

Hexry Wheatland, Salem. Pears, — Bartlett, Seckel, Gansel's Berga-
mot, Urbaniste, Napoleon, Beurre Diel, Passe Colmar, Monsieur le Cure,
Chaumontelle, Pound, Winter Nelis, two varieties unknown.

Wm. F. Gaedxer, Salem. Pears, — St. Ghislain, Golden Beurre of Bil-
boa, Swan's Orange. Jpples, — Porter. Peaches, — Snow.

Geo. C. S. Ciioate, Salem. Bartlett Pears. Jpples, — unknown.

Miss E. Fabexs, Salem. Kilham Hill Apples.

Mercy Upton, Salem. Orange Pears.

M. A. SxrCKXEY, Salem, Seedling Peaches.

Jos. S. Cabot, Salem. Pears, — Belle Cratenaise, Belle Excellente, Beurre
Bronze, Celestin, Josephine de Malines, Wredaw, Bergamot libitent verte,
Doyenne Goubault, Poire His, Beurre d' Amanlis, Winter Nelis, Catillac,
Vesouziere, Belle d' Esquermes, Notaire Minot, Dundas, Dunmore, Waterloo,
Althorp Crassanne, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Hericart, Washington, Quillet-
te. Doyenne Boussock Nouvelle, Nonveau Poiteau, Lawrence ; Van Buren,
Dallas, and Calhoun of Gov. Edwards : Fig Extra Van Mons, Smitli's Penn-
sylvania, Iron Pear of Worcester, Messire Jean, St. Ghislain, .Jalousie de
Fontenay Vendee, Jalousie, Gansel's Bergamot, Autumn Bei-gamot, Welbeck's
Bergamot, Capiaumont, Surpasse Virgalieu, Cabot's Seedling, Paradise d' Au-
tomne, Urbaniste, Marie Louise, ]\Lirie Louise Nova, Beurre de Beaumont,
Verte Longue d' Automne, Long Green, Green Sugar, Mons. Le Cure, Louise
Bonne de Jersey, Doyenne d' hiver, Enfant prodige, Capucin Van Mons,
Thompson, Bon Chretien fondante, Bezi de la Motte, Passe Colmar, Chartre-
use, Paquency, TruickhlU's Bergamot, Brande's St. Germain, Colomb's Win-
ter, Andrews, Comtc de Lamy, Boucquia, Great Citron of Bohemia, St. Andre,

THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 133

Fontlante d' Automne, Fulton, Hessel, Henri Quatre, Beurre Dlel, Alpha,
Bartlett, Muscadine, Green Pear of Yair, Wilkinson, Columbia, Capsheaf,
Beurre d' Areinberg, Cioft Castle, Lewis, Cross, Gendesceim.

J. FisK Allen, Salem. Grapes, — August Muscat, Josling's St. Albans,
Whortley Hall Seedling, White Frontignan, Wilmot's Black Hamburg No. IG,
Royal Muscadine, Wilmot's New Black Hamburg, White Gascoigne, White
Nice, Black St. Peters, Chasselas de Fontainbleau, Black Hamburg, Bishop,
Red Chasselas, Ra;e Chasselas, Golden Chasselas, Chasselas de Bar sur Aube,
De CandoUe, Black Prince, Red Traminer, Grizzly Frontignan, Isabella (un-
derglass.) Pears, — Coffin's Virgalieu, Belle Lucrative, Bartlett, Flemish Beau-
ty, Beurre Bose, Gansel's Bergamot, Beurre Diel, Seckel, Marie Louise, Ur-
baniste. Lemons. Figs, — Black Brunswick. Nectarines, — Golden.

ErriRAiM Emmerton, Salem. Pears, — Monsieur le Cure, Bartlett, Fred-
eric de Wurtemberg, Flemish Beauty, Ducbesse d' Angouleme, Glout Mor-
ceau. Swan's Orange, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Beurre d' Amanlis, Passe Col-
mar, Beurre Diel, Beurre d' Aremberg, Urbaniste, Marie Louise, Belle Lucra-
tive, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Easter Beurre, Bishop's Thumb, Long Green,
Muscadine, Rousselet de Meester, Capiaumont, Gansel's Bergamot, Figue de
Naples, Pitt's Prolific, Prince's St. Germain, St. Michaels, Capsheaf, Princess
of Orange, Beurre de Beaumont, Surpasse Virgalieu, Henri Quatre, Wash-
ington, Seckel, Las Canas, Winter Nelis, Beurre d' Ang-leterre, St. Ghislain,
Julienne, Dearborn's Seedling ; and a basket containing labeled specimens of
forty varieties of pears.

James Uptox, Salem. Pears, — Bartlett, Washington, Seckel, Jean de
Witte, Passe Colmar. St. Ghislain, Plombgastel, Petre, Quilletette, Doyenne
Louis, Chaumontelle, Beurre Ranee, Bonne de Zees, Bon Chretien Fondante,
Beurre de Beaumont, Yicomte de Spoelberch, Winter Nelis, Summer Thorn,
St. Andre, Raymond, Long Green, Lewis, Henri Quatre, Andrews, Ferdinand
de Meester, Duchesse d" Orleans, Comperette, Catillac, Brande's St. Germain,
Beurre d' Anjou, Beurre d' Amanlis, Beurre Diel, Belle Lucrative, St. Micha-
els, Messire Jean, Urbaniste, Duchesse de INLirs, Easter Beurre, Frederic de
Wurtemburg. Grapes, — Black Hamburg, White Chasselas, Red Chasselas,
White Frontignan.

Jonx Bertkaji, Salem. Pears, — Capiaumont, Frederic de Wurtemberg,
Flemish Beauty, King Edward, Dunmore, AVinter Nelis, Belle Lucrative,
Knight's Monarch, Marie Louise, Colmar d' Aremberg, Doyenne Musque,
Louise Bonne de Jersey. Grapes, — ZInfindal, Black Hamburg, AVhite Chas-
selas, Red Chasselas. Peaches, — Early Crawford, and two varieties unknown.

David Roberts, Salem. Pears, — Bartlett, Beurre Bosc, Paradise d' Au-
tomne, Winter Nelis, Comte de Lamy, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Passe Colmar,
Lawrence, Seckel, St. Ghislain, Fulton, Thompson, Capiaumont, Chaumon-
telle (?), Marie Louise, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Moccas, Van Mons Leon le
Clerc, Surpasse Virgalieu, Easter Beurre, Las Canas, Flemish Beauty, Gan-
sel's Bergamot, Urbaniste, Capsheaf, Dunmore.

Oliver Thayer, Salem. Pears, — Belle et Bonne, Bonne de Zees, Wilk-
inson, Monsieur le Cure, Belle Lucrative, Gansel's Bergamot. Apples^ — Gol-
den Russet, Hubbardston Nonsuch.

134 THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

N. Westox, Salem. Pear*,— Flemisli Beauty, Pound, Catillac.

W. G. Lake, Topsfield. Pears, — Fulton, Dearborn's Seedling, Bartlettj
St. Michaels, Flemish Beauty, "Winter Nelis, Cus])ing, Long Green, Frederic
de Wurtemberg, Belle Lucrative, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Napoleon. An-
drews, Louise Bonne de Jersey, St. Ghislain, Harvard, Dunmore, Glout Mor-
ceau, Beurre Diel, Duehesse d' Angouleme, Seckel, Easter Beurre, Monsieur
Le Cure, Buffum, Dix, Catillac, Beurre d' Amanlis, and five seedh'ng varie-
ties. Apples, — Perkins' Sweet, Minister, Danvers Winter Sweet, Golden Rus-
set, Baking Sweet, Yo)k Greening, Cart House, Spitzenbcrg, lied Eagle, Stri-
ped Sweet, Kilham Hill, Jenny Lind (seedling). Fall Harvey, York llusset,
Baldwin, Alexander, Winder Green, Yellow Bellflower, Porter, Rhode Island
Greening, Russet Pcarmain, Roxbury Russet, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Aunt
Hannah, White Bellflower, Ribston Pippin, Golden Queen, Gilliflower, Jen-
kins' Sweet, Jennett Red, Pippin, Autumn Red, and six seedling varieties.
Peaches, — Jaqnes, Walter's Early, Manning's Red, Yellow Alberge, Napole-
on, Crawford's Early, Jenks" Red, and five seedling varieties. Plums, — Green
Gage, Prince's Imperial, Blue Imperatrice, Orleans. Grapes, — Three varie-
ties cultivated native. Orange Quinces.

Moses Pettengill, Topsfield. Pears, — Beurre Diel, Beuj-re Bosc, Ur-
baniste. Orange, Winter St. Germain, Wilkinson, Golden Beurre of Bilboa,
Pope's Russet, AVilbur, Bartlett, Harvard, Winter Neiis, Bezi de la Motte,
Seckel, Passe Colmar, Marie Louise, Pound, Gansel's Bergamot, Dearborn's
Seedling, St. Ghislain, Napoleon, Cushing, Beurre Bronze. Apples, — Blue
Pearmain, Russet Pearmain, Golden Pearraain, Porter, Honey Pink, White
Queening, Red Queening, Pettengill Pippin, Warner, Rhode Island Green-
ing, Baldwin, Sopsavine, Aunt Hannah, Danvers "Winter Sweet, Hulibardston
Nonsuch, Kilham Hill, Roxbnry Russet, Baking Sweet, Putnam Harvey,
High top Sweeting, Ribston Pippin, Cathead, Lime, Newbury Blush, Perk-
ins' Long, Dutch Codlin, Andrews, Golden Russet, Lenox Red Winter, on(>.
seedlinfi: variety. Peaches, — Seventeen seedling varieties, Jenny Lind (seed-
ling), Jenks' Rareripe, Crawford's Early, Late Admirable, Lee's Rareripe,
Prince's Rareripe, Yellow Rareripe, Jenks' Red Rareripe, Grosse J\Iignonne,
Morris' AVhite, Sprague's Rareripe, President, Red Freestone, Malta. Quin-
ces,— Orange, and Portugal.

Andrew Lackey, Marblehead. Pears, — Belle Lucrative, St. Ghislain,
Urbaniste, Delices de Jodoigne, Belle et Bonne, Frederic de Wurtemburg,
Hessel, Boucquia, Henri Quatre, Van Mons Leon le Clerc, Andrews, Dun-
more, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Dearborn's Seedling, Bon Chretien Fondante,
Great Citron of Bohemia, Napoleon, Caplaumont, Surpasse Marie, Comte de
Lamy, Knight's IMonarch, Bleeker's Meadow, Althorp Crassanne, Bartlett,
Swan's Egg, Long Green, Beurre d' Amanlis, Passe Colmar. Apples, — Rib-
ston Pippin, Bourdin Noir, Aunt Hannah, Pierce, Yellow Bellflower, Benoni,
Porter, Canadian, Reinette, Reinette Triomphante. Plums, — Italian Prune,
Downton Imperatrice, Corse's Field JMarshal, St. Catharine's, Frost Gage,
German Prune.

James Eustis, South Reading. Apples, — Baldwin, IVIinister, Ben, Trun-
nel, Columbian Pippin, Maiden's Blush, York Russet, Summer Sweet Para-

THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 135

dise, Danvers Winter Sweet, Kilham Hill, Dutch Codlin, Jcwett's Red, Win-
ter Green, Porter, Fall Harvey, Canada Red, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Golden
Ball, Roxbury Russet, Winter Russet, Spice, Boxfoid, Rhode Island Green-
ing, and three varieties unknown.

E. A. MuDGE, Lynn. Pears, — Louise Bonne de Jersey, Passe Colmar,
Beurre Diel, Duchesse d' Angouleme, Long Green of Autumn, Belle et Bon-
ne. Grapes, — Black Hamburg, Grizzly Frontignan, Sweetwater.

E. Browx, Lynn. Pears, — Summer Thorn, Pitt's Prolific, Seckel, Iron,
Pound, McLaughlin, Winter Nelis, Blocker's Meadow, Fulton, Harvard, Sur-
passe Virgalieu, Long Green, Frederic de Wurtemburg, Bergamot, Columbia,
Beurre d' Aremberg, Flemish Beauty, and a large basket of various kinds.
Apples, — Minister, Gravenstein, Rhode Island Greening, Red Astrachan, York
Russet, Baldwin, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Porter, Mexico, Blue Pearmain,
Swaar, Seaver's Sweet, one variety unknown, and a large basket of various
specimens, handsomely arranged.

S. C. PiTMAX, Lynn. Pears. — Bartlett, Julienne, Orange, Belle de Brux-
elles, Brown Beurre, Seckel, Doyenne Gris, Jalousie de Fontenay Vendee,
Bon Chretien Turc, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Due de Bordeaux, Chaumontelle,
and five varieties unknown. Apples, — Baldwin, Danvers Winter Sweet, Kil-
ham Hill, Fall Harvey, one variety unknown.

Mark HEAj.f:Y, Lynn. Specimens of forty-six varieties of Pears, without
names.

Hexry M. Barker, Salem. Pears, — Flemish Beauty, Dearborn's Seed-
ling, Johonnot (V), St. Ghislaln.

J. G. Treadwell, Salem. Pears^ — Buffum, St. Ghlslain, Seckel. Minis-
ter Apples.

Thos. Do'W'Xixg, Salem. Pears, — Louise Bonne de Jersey, Passe Colmar.

J. II. Nichols, Salem. Pears, — Capiaumont, Louise Bonne de Jersey,
Marie Louise, Messire Jean, Flemish Beauty, Quilletette (?), Cabot, Duch-
esse d' Angouleme, Brown Beurre, Gansel's Bergamot, Beurre Diel, Gloria
Mundl Apples.

Geo. NicuoLS, Salem. Pears, — DIx, Bartlett, Passe Colmar.

Mrs. Geo. D. Clark, Salem. Peaches, and Harvard Pears.

Wm. Webb, Salem. Orange Pears.

Jos. Broavx, Jr., Lynn. Bartlett Pears.

James Arrixgtox, Salem. Pears, — Washington, Golden Beurre of Bil-
boa, Long Green, St. Ghislaln, Marie Louise, Belle Lucrative, Urbaniste, Bart-
lett, Andrews, Seckel, Paradise d' Automne.

Mrs. Thos. D. Brace, Salem. Peaches.

Bex.ja. Shaw, Lynn. Monsieur le Cure and Bartlett Pears.

A. TiiORXDiKE, Salem. Passe Colmar Pears. Orange Pear Quinces.

Caleb Warner, Salem. Bartlett Pears.

J. Shed, Danvers. Apples, — Shed's Seedling.

Benja. Svmoxds, Danvers. Pears, — Hacon's Incomparable, Marie Lou-
ise, Long Green. Apples, — Williams' Favorite. Peaches, — Early Crawford,
and two seedling vaiictics. Gmpes^ — Sugar. Plums, — Blue Imperatrice.

13G THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

Erex. M. Taylor, Danvers. Comte de Lamy Pears. Native Grapes.
Peaches, — Early Crawford, and four varieties of seedlings.

David Baker, Andover. Bartlett Pears. Apples, — Cathead, Baldwin,
Fall Pearmain.

John IIovey, Salem. Gage Tomatoes.

A. G. Bradstreet. Peaches, — Jenks' Rareripe, Malta, Early Crawford.

Jarvis Lajison, Hamilton. Detroit Apple (supposed).

Wm. Stearns, Salem. Pears, — Endicott, St. Ghislain, Gansel's BergaEcot,
Summer Thorn, Orange, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Wilkinson, Belle Lucrative,
Seckel, Ronville, March, Chaumontelle, Piatt's Bergamot, Long Green, Bart-
lett, Flemish Beauty, Long Green of Autumn, Harvard, Rousselet de Rheims,
Chelmsford, Urbaniste, Beurre Bosc, Bishop's Thumb, Golden Beurre of Bil-
boa, Winter Nelis, Brown Beurre, St. Michael, Summer Francreal, Surpasse
Virgalit^u, St. Germain, and two varieties unknown. Apples, — Jarvis Winter,
Monstrous Pippin. Orange Quinces.

Wm. B. Parker, Salem. Frederic de Wurtemburg Pears.

Richard S. Rogers, Salem. Peaches, unknown.

P. Wait. North Danvers. Minister, and Kilhaui Hill Apples.

A. Nichols, Danvers. Fall Harvey Apples.

Bex.jamin Porter, Danvers. Endicott Pears from the original tree. En-
dicott Apples.

R. A. Merriam, Topsfield. Apples from Miss Sybil White of Marshfield,
from a tree planted by Peregrine White.

Edward A. Saunders, Salem. Orange Pears from a tree two hundred
and ten years old, in Hardy street.

A. L. PiERSON, Salem. Catillac, and Louise Bonne de Jersey Pears.

Elnathan Dodge, Beverly. Cathead Apples.

Allen W. Dodge, Hamilton. Apples, — Minister, Kerry Pippin, Winter
Russet Sweet, Lebanon Sweeting, Danvers Winter Sweet, Fameuse, Baldwin)
Hubbardston Nonsuch, Winter Sweet. Blue Luperatrice Plums. Orange
Quinces

J. W. Treadwell, Salem. Pears.— Gansel's Bergamot, Seckel, Ambret-
te, Messire Jean, Chaumontelle, Brown Beurre, Catillac, Bartlett. Apples,
unknown.

Thorp Fisher, Salem. Pears, — Long Green of Autumn, Passe Colmar,
Seckel, St. Michael, Napoleon. Isabella Grapes.

Wm. C. Barton, Salem. Pears, — Seckel, Brown Beurre, Josephine, An-
drews, Bartlett, Flemish Beauty. Isabella Grapes.

Miss Caroline Baldwin, Salem. Apples, — Spice, Monstrous Pippin,
Blue Pearmain, Rhode Island Greening.

D. A. White, Salem. Pound Pears.

Mrs. Elizabeth Porter. Bartlett Pears.

F. H. BuRBANK. Haskell's Sweeting Apples.

Chas. a. Ropes, Salem. Pears, — Bartlett, Passe Colmar, Beurre d' Aman-
lis, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Andrews, Beurre Diel.

J. J. AsHBY, Salem. Pears, — Louise Bonne de Jersey, Marie Louise, Passe
Colmar, Glout Morceau. Ribston Pippin Apples.

THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 137

J. G. Sprague, Salem. Late Crawford Peaches.

Samuel Kemp, Salem. Seckel and BartJett Pears.

David Peukixs, Salem. Pears, — Frederic de Wurtemburg, Washington,
Bartlett.

Daniel C. Boavditch, Salem. Seedling Peaches.

WiNTiiuop Sarc EXT, Salem. Pears, — Washington, Gansel's Bergamot,
Belle Lucrative, Capiaumont, Bartlett, Frederic de Wurtemburg, Golden
Beurre of Bilboa, Gushing, Buffum, Passe Colmar, Winter Nelis, Easter Beur-
re, Seckel, Napoleon, Glout Morceau, Urbaniste, Louise Bonne de Jersey,
Henri Quatre, Flemish Beauty, Brown Beurre, Johounot, Lawrence.

J. C Howard, Salem. Early Crawford Peaches.

S. Webb, Salem. Peaches.

J. Pratt, Salem. Beurre Bosc and Belle Lucrative Pears.

Timothy Ropes, Salem. Pears, — Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Washington,
Louise Bonne de Jersey, Beurre Bosc, Bartlett.

Stephen Carlton, Lowefl. St. IMichaels Pears. Jaques Peaches.

P. P. Pixel, Salem. Monsieur le Cure Pears.

Augustus Story, Salem. Seedling Peaches.

B. F. Ives, Salem. Bartlett Pears.

John Alley, Sd., Lynn. Chelmsford Pears, grown on apple stock.

S. Russell, Middleton. Two varieties of Peaches.

G. Creelman. Apples, — Rhode Island Greening, Kilham Hill, Russet
Pearmain, Baldwin, Fall Harvey.

Israel Trask, Beverly. Apples, — Hubbardston Nonsuch (?).

James INIills, Salem. Bartlett Pears. Three varieties of Apples. Na-
tive Grapes.

E. S. L. Richardson, Kendall, 111. Apples, — Golden Russet, Stannard's
[Seedling, Conant's Red Winter Sweet, Native Crab of Illinois.

Mrs. Sarah Manx. Apples, — Russet, Greening, and one unknown Pippin.

Thomas Holmes, Salem. Pears, — Bartlett, and one variety unknown.
Two varieties of Peaches.

Joseph A. Goldthwaite, Salem. Pears, — Louise Bonne de Jersey,
Long Green, Flemish Beauty, Seckel, St. IMichaels.

I Samuel Hoxeycomu, Salem. Pears, — Bartlett, Flemish Beauty, Freder-
j ic de Wurtemburg, Duchesse d' Orleans, Julienne. Bergen's Yellow Peaches.

William Sawyer, Boxford. Lombard Plums. Yellow Alberge Peaches

G. W- Gage, Methuen. Apples, — Seedling. Porter, President, Bean,
.Rhode Island Greening, Gilpin, Baldwin, and four varieties unknown. Peach-
*s, — Yellow Rareripe, Bergen's Yellow, Jaques, George Fourth, four seedling
varieties.

Samuel Saavyer, Methuen. Peaches.

M. L. Atkinson, Lawrence. Six varieties of Peaches. Baldwin Apples.
Narive Grapes.

J. D. Waters, Salem. Bartlett Pears.

A. Edwards, Beverly. Bartlett and Seckel Pears. Apples,— Golden Rus-
set, and two seedlinn^s.

IS

138 THE HORTICULTUKAL EXHIBITION.

E. SnAW, Beverly. Apples^ — Gloria Mundi, Baldwin, and one variety
unknown.

E. Franks, Salem. Coe's Golden Drop Plums. Peaches.

D. Putnam, Danvers. Apples, — Snow, Aunt Hannah, President, Fall
Plarvey, Sweeting, Golden Russet, Kilham Hill, Porter, and one variety un-
known. Beurre d' Amanlis Peai-s.

Benjamin P.Ware, Marblehead. Apples, — Porter, Ribston Pippin, Eng-
lish Red Pearmain, Bean, Rhode Island Greening, Drap d' Or, Pickman Pip-
pin, Baldwin, and one variety unknown.

William H. Foster, Salem. BufFum Pears. Peaches. Russet Pear-
main and Rhode Island Greening Apples.

F. W. TuTTLE, Salem. Jalousie and Figue de Naples Pears. Apples, —
Minister, Ribston Pippin, Golden Russet, Rhode Island Greening, Roxbury
Russet, Porter, Kilham Hill, Pumpkin Sweeting, Hubbardston Nonsuch.

John Henfield, Salem. Alexander Apples.

John Brooks, Salem. Danvers Winter S\^eet and Baldwin Apples.

Israel Rea, Topsfield. Apples, unknown.

Samuel T. Huse, Lynn. Pears, — CatillaCj Duchesse d' Angouleme, Gol-
den Beurre of Bilboa, Bartlett.

Moses Prince, North Danvers. Apples, — Sweeting, Porter. Seedling
Peaches.

James Clark, Salem. Louise Bonne de Jersey Pears.

N. Kelley, Salem. Chelmsford Pears.

S. C. Phillips, Salem. Pears, — Long Green, Seckel, Andrews, Buffum
Figs. Lemons.

Porter J. Gould, Middleton. Apples, — Winter Sweet, Mammoth Pip-
pin, Queening. Seedling Peaches.

R. Becett, South Danvers. Peaches.

Nathan Cook, Salem. Pears, — Andrews, and one variety unknown.
Apples, — Ribston Pippin, Danvers AVinter Sweet.

Andrew Dodge, Wenham. Apples, — Gravenstein, Hubbardston Nonsuch,
Gloria Mundi, Sweet Baldwin, Minister, Fameuse, Rambour d' ete. Pears,-^
Bergamot, Winter Nelis, Long Green, Catillac.

James F. Mann, Ipswich. Bartlett Pears. Golden Rnsset Apples.

James Peatfield, Ipswich. Pike Pearmain Apples.

Mrs. T. Sanders, Salem. Gansel's Bergamot Pears.

C. M. Bayley, Newburyport. Bartlett Pears.

J. Hood, Salem. Seedling Apples.

•James A. Breed, Lynn. Pears, — Monsieur le Cure, Duchesse d' Angou-
leme, Flemish Beauty, one variety unknown.

Henry Poor, North Andover. Flemish Beauty Pears. Porter Apples.
Peaches, — Royal George, Early Red Rareripe.

F. Howes, Salem. Beurre Bosc and Virgalieu Pears.

Ezra Dodge, Wenham. Bartlett Pears. Apples, — Kilham Hill, Roxbury
Russet, Golden Russet, Red Reading. Nectarines.

A. T. Wellman, Lynn. Bartlett Pears.

John R. Poor, Danvers. Golden Beurre of Bilboa Pears.

THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 139

R. T. Sims. Seckel and Bartlett Pears. Porter Apples.

Joseph Dalton, Salem. Pears, — Ducbesse d' Angouleme, Napoleon.
Apples, — Bellflower, HubbarJston Nonsuch. Isabella Grapes.

S. B. Ives, Salem. Pears, — Pound, Long Green, Seckel. Nuts, — Euro-
pean Walnuts.

J. Berrt, Mddleton. Golden Beurre of Bilboa Pears. Seedling Grapes.
Apples, — Porter, York Russet, Baldwin, Greening, Ribcton Pippin.

J. Adams, Newbury. Native Grapes.

T. Dixox, Salem. Several varieties of Pears grown on Mountain Ash stock.

RuFUS Slocum, Haverhill. Nectarines.

Horace C. Ware, Salem. President Apples.

Abel Burnham, Gloucester. Two varieties of native seedling Grapes.

H. Mason, Marblehead. Fall Harvey Apples.

J. Dempsey, Danvers. Drap d' Or, and Hubbardston Nonsuch Apples,
Seedling Peaches.

James D. Black, Danvers. Danvers Winter Sweet Apples.

N. G. Symokds. Red IMaj^num Bonura Plums.

FLOWERS.

James Upton, Salem. Dahlias, — Lady St. Maur. Salvia fulgens, Salvia
splendens. Geraniums, Verbenas, &c.

W. A. Wallis, Salem. Bouquet of Dahlias, Asters, Gladiolus, Hemerocal-
lis, &c.

Eben F. Tatloe, AVest Danvers. Marigolds.

Miss R. S. Ives, Salem. Bouquet of Neottia cernua.

Miss E. S. Mann, Salem. Bouquet of Dahlias, Marigolds, &e.

Mrs. J. D. Tread well, Salem. Asters, Dahlias, Marigolds, Gladiolus,
Hemerocallis, Verbenas, &c.

Miss M. R. Kimball, Salem. Gentiana crinita.

George Driver, Salem. Dahlias, — Cleopatra, Dodd's Prince of Wales.
Oakley's Surprise, Standard of Perfection, Caleb Cope, Lady St. Maur, Es-
sex Triumph, Eclipse, Primrose, Argo, &c.

T. Fisher, Salem. Dahlias, — Indispensible White, Pickwick, Lady S'.
Maur, Catleugh's Eclipse, Princess Radzville, Cheltenham Queen, Viscount
Ressequier, &c.

Stephen Driver, Salem. Pansies.

George Pettengill. Topsfield. Dahlias.

Miss M. L. Mellus, Salem. Verbenas, Asters, Dahlias, &c.

Eben Buswell, Salem. Dahlias, — Beauty of Birmingham, Cleopatra,
Sir Edward Antrobus, Admiral Stopford, Oakley's Surprise, Viscount Resse-
quier, Pickwick, Lady St. Maur, Indispensible White, &c.

William Weeks, Salem. Dahlias, — Mrs. Rushton, Argo, Striata, &c.
Also, Stocks, Asters, &c.

Stephen Webb, Salem. Dahlias, — Admiral Stopford, Pickwick, Caleb
Cope, Catleugh's Eclipse, Marshal Soult, Ansel's Unique, Mackenzie's Perfec-
tion, &c.

140 THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

B. Gardner, Salem. Dahlias, — Indispensible White, Cleopatra, Striata,
Marshal Soult, Pickwick, Horace Binney, Argo, &c.

Miss Carolixe A. Morse, Methuen. Five bouquets of Dahlias.

T. Ropes, Salem. i)a/i/tas,— Gurling's Prince of Wales, Lady Von Bran-
destein, Lady Ann Murray, Fireball, Beeswing, Constantia, Indispensible
White, Catleugh's Eclipse, Princess Radzville, &c.

George W. Gage, Methuen. Bouquet of Dahlias.

A. L. Peirson, Salem. Dahlias, — Striata, Gurling's Prince of Wales,
Cleopatra, Premier, Ithuriel, &c.

Michael Ryan, Salem. Bouquet of Dahlias, Stocks, Phlox, Maurandia
Barclayana, Petunias, Antirrhinum, &c.

Miss Wilson, Saugus. Marigolds, Asters, Hollyhocks, &c.

Francis Putnam, Salem. Roses, — La Reine, Duchess of Sutherland,
Aubernon, Baron Prevost, Madame Laffay, Madame Damame, Mrs. Eliot,
Devoniensis, Bon Silene, Bossuet, Anne Boleyn, &c. Dahlias, — Beeswing,
Arethusa, Picotee, Duchess, Cheltenham Queen, Marchioness of Exeter, Uni-
que, &c. Also, Verbenas, Asters, Chryseis, Zinnias, &c.

Andrew Dodge, Wenham. Dahlias, — Pickwick, Sulphurea Elegans,
Argo, AVidnal's Queen, Calypso, &c.

Miss Sarah H. Ropes, Salem. Bouquets of Dahlias, Asters, Phlox,
Golden Eternal Flower, Hemerocallis, &c.

Nicholas Bowler, Lynn. Design of a Harp in natural flowers.

Edward D. Ropes, Salem. Dahlias, — IMaster George Clayton, Fireball,
Indispensible White, &c.

John Bertram, Salem. Dahlias, — Ithuriel, Cleopatra, Cheltenham
Queen, Constantia, Marshal Soult, Miss Percival, Striata, &c.

T. Daland, Salem. Dahlias, — Argo, Mrs. Rushton, Striata, &c.

Francis Wade, Ipswich. Bouquet of Dahlias, Honeysuckles, Asters, &c.

Mrs. T. Sanders, Salem. Bouquet of Dahlias.

Simon Ryan, Salem. Bouquet of Phlox, Dahlias, Petunias, Marigolds.

Henry K. Oliver, Lawrence. Dahlias, — very superior flowers, among
which were Madame Zahler, Jenny Lind, Roi des Pointelles or King of Tips,
La Tour d' Auvergne, Miss Vyse, Mrs. Blackburn. Also, Cobea scandens,
Phloxes, Asters, &c.

Mrs. Joseph G. Waters, Salem. Bouquet of Dahlias, Marigolds, As-
ters, &c.

Alexander Donaldson, Salem. Dahlias, — Argo, Marshal Soult, Con-
stantia, &c.

Joseph WiLKiNS, Salem. Bouquet of Dahlias, &c,

Jajies H. Holmes, Salem. Bouquets of Fuchsias, Phlox, Lilies, Dah-
lias, Asters, Coreopsis, Antirrhinum, Sedum, TroUius, &c.

Joseph S. Cabot, Salem. Tradescantia virginica, Gaillardia aristata,
Aconitum chinense, Catanancha bicolor, (Finothera macrocarpa. I'hloxes ; Al-
cardi. Princess Marianne, and Blanche de Neuily; Antirrhinum majus five va-
rieties of, Trollius americana, Pansies, &c.

II. Wheatland, Salem. Dahlias, — Sir Edward Antrobus, INIarquis of
Cornwallis, Roi des Pointelles, Lady Ann Murray, Viscount Ressequier, An-

THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 141

tasionist, Eclipse, Indispenslble White, Sirs. Shelley, Ithiiriel, &c. ; also. Gladi-
olus floribuiulus, and natalensis, Asters, Verbenas, Stocks, Honeysuckles, &c.

John C Lee, Saleiu. ivoscs,— Hermosa, Agrippina, General Dubourg, Le
Brun, Pierre de St. Cyr, Mrs. Bosancpiet, Napoleon, Blush Tea, &c. Dahlias,
—Marshal Soult, Ansel's Unique, Charles XII, Striata, Mrs. Rushton, Sul-
phurea Elegans, Premier, Constantia, &c. ; also. Stocks, Asters, Verbenas,
Penstemon, Lathyrus odoratus, Delphiniums, Antirrhinums, Zinnias, Balsa-
mines, &c.

W. D. PiCKMAN, Salem. Salvia splendens and fulgens, Achillea ptarmi-
ca, Helianthus grandiflorus, Viscaria oculata, Gomphrena globosa, Asters,
Zinnias, Roses, Delphiniums, Celosias or Coxcombs, Antirrhinums, Pinks, &c.

John W. Downing, Salem. Dahlias, — Arethusa, Beeswing, Cleopatra,
Cheltenham Queen, Lady of the Lake, Raphael, Mrs. Shelley, Marchioness of
Ormond, Sir E. Antrobus, Pickwick, Constantia, &o. &c.

POT PLANTS.

From E. H. Derby, Salem. Orange and Lemon trees, In fruilV

From AV. D. Pickman, Salem. Achimenes rosea, and other varieties.
Russelia junca. Fuchsias, and Ericas, several varieties.

From F. Putnam, Salem. Metrosideros, Gloxinias, Achimenes, and Fuch-
sias, In varieties.

From J. M. Ives, Salem. Fig tree In fruit.

From C. W. May, Salem, Orange trees in fruit.

VEGETABLES, &c.

A. Nesmith, Beverly. Seedling Potatoes. Beets.

A. Hatch, Saugus. Seedling Potatoes.

E. M. Taylor, West Danvers. Potatoes,— Veach Blow, and Early Nut-
meg. Onions.

W. Poor, Andover. Black Potatoes, sample of eighty-five bushels, the
product of one-third of an acre.

H. Mason, Marblehead. Marrow Squashes. Onions.

JoHM W. Treadwell, Salem. Celery.

John M. Ives, Salem. Sweet Potatoes.

James Upton, Salem. Onions, Turnip Cabbage, Canada Crook Neck
Squashes crop of 1849 and 1850.

A. A. Edgerton, Danvers. Sweet Potatoes.

John Clark, Salem. Millet, and Black Sea Wheat.

Jesse Estes, Middleton. IVIountaln Sprout Watermelon.

Jonas Harrington, Danvers. Marrow Squashes,

J. K. Haines, Salem. Crook Neck Squashes.

John Alley, 3d., Lynn. Averlene Cabbage.

John Trow, Hamilton. Marrow Squashes, six In number, two hundred
and twenty-five pounds weight.

Mrs. S. Lord, Salem. Variety of Pickles.

P. Farmer, Salem. Crookneck Squash, last year's growth.

142 THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.

B. D. Hill, South Danvers, Tomatoes, and Snake Cucumbers.

NiLES T. PiiiPPEN, Salem. Texas Corn.

M. L. Atkinson, Methuen. Corn.

Israel Re a, Topsfield. Corn.

Moses Pettengill, Topsfield. Corn.

Israel Trask, Beverly. Crook Neck Squash.

J. Burpee, Georgetown. Broom Corn.

E. R. MuDGE, Lynn. Celery, Egg Plants, Tomatoes.

John Bradstreet, Danvers. Potatoes ; planted two and a half bushels
last year, and got seventy-five bushels, only five years from the seed.

Gilbert Conant, Ipswich. Southern Corn.

M. P. Atwood. Marrow Squashes, five in number, weight one hundred
and twenty-two pounds, from one seed.

N. Woodbury, Salem, One Valparaiso Squash, weight thirty-five pounds.

Henry Poor, Andover. White Flint, and Red chatf Chili, and White
chaif Chili Wheat.

W. G. Lake, Topsfield. Gourds.

A CowDRY, South Reading. Pumpkins.

W. Fairfield, Salem. Turnip Beets.

W. D. Pic KM AN, Salem. Celery, and two mammoth Squr.shes, weight of
the largest, eighty pounds — the smallest, fifty pounds.

ON ESSAYS. 143

REPORT ON ESSAYS.

The Committee have examined the several Essays placed in
their hands by the Secretary, without any inquiry by whom
they were written, or whence they came. They understand
the premiums • to have been offered, for such essays on any
Agricultural topic, as in their judgment, are worthy of publi-
cation. Three of those presented come fully up to the stand-
ard required, and consequently are entitled to the premium of
ten dollars each.

The committee are pleased that this mode of diffusing in-
formation is so favorably estimated. It has now been contin-
ued, in this and other Societies, for several years, with marked
approbation. They cannot doubt that experiments of this
kind, embodying and condensing what has been learned, on a
particular topic, may be quite as useful to those who engage in
them, and to the public generally, as experiments in the culti-
vation of particular crops. In the one case, the cultivator finds
his reward mainly in the crop produced, — in the other, the
public are mainly benefitted, by the mental efforts of the au-
thor. He that applies the mind, to the improvement of socie-
ty, is no less a working man, than he who labors with his
hands, — all is labor for the general good.

In expressing their approbation of the papers presented, they
would not be understood as endorsing all the statements or
theories contained. These must stand or fall upon their own
merits, or upon the credit of their authors ; — but simply the
general scope and execution. A prime quality in an essay, is
close adherence to the subject, together with a complete com-
prehension of it. An address may speak of matters and things
in general, — an essay should be limited to the subject under
discussion, and should, as far as possible, without being diffuse,
give a complete view of it. Several of the essays, heretofore
approved by the Trustees, have been models worthy of imita-
tion. And if we do not mistake, those now presented will be
read with much interest and instruction.

The paper on "top dressing for mowing and pasture lands,"
is a fair illustration, of the committee's idea of a good essay.

144 ON ESSAYS.

It met the hearty approval of them all. Some queries arose in
their minds as to the use of Gypsum, or Plaster of Paris, and the
ashes of Anthracite Coal, as manures, nevertheless they will not
venture to interpose their conjectures, in opposition to what may
be presumed to be the results of well conducted experiments.
The timely suggestion of hints to induce such experiments,
may often be as beneficial as the experiments themselves.

The paper on " diaries, or farm accounts," (a subject allud-
ed to in our Report the last year,) carries upon its face its own
demonstration. Whatever is worthy of being remembered, is
worthy of being recorded, both for our own benefit., and the in-
struction of those around us. The perusal of this essay brought
distinctly to mind the practical illustration of this subject by
Washington, and the theoretical suggestion by Colman, both
of them teachers whose precepts will grow brighter by use.
Whoever shall attempt to make such a record, will surely find
therein an ample reward.

The paper "on the rearing of turkeys," cannot fail to awa-
ken the most agreeable sympathies of every thankful heart.
Where is the son of New England, who cannot cast his thoughts
back to that period of his youth, when his eye glistened with
the hope of the " fatted turkey," under the parental roof on
"Thanksgiving Day," — a time honored Puritan festival, that
should never be forgotten. Whatever shall have a tendency
to keep alive these customs of our fathers, is worthy of being
cherished, especially when the suggestions bear indisputable
evidence of being the result of actual observation. This too,
we consider a good model of an essay.

The comparative merits of the ditierent essays approved, and
consequent labor in the preparation of the same, induces the
suggestion, that in the offer of these premiums, a discretionary
power should be given, to make the premiums proportionate to
the value of the production, not exceeding a prescribed sum.
This form of offer has been adopted by other Societies, and it
appears to be worthy of imitation.

By order of the Committee.* J. W. PROCTOR.

Salem, Nov. 15, 1850.

* F. Howes, of Salem, E. Mosely, of Newburyport, Rev. D. G. Estes, of
Amesbury, J. Little, of Newbury, J. AV. Troctor, of Danvcrs.

ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS. 145

ESSAY

ON TOP DRESSINGS FOR MOWING AND PASTURE LANDS.

• BY CHARLES L. FLINT.

Some soils must, from their nature, be kept in perpetual
grass. Such are rough pastures, rocky hills, and low lands
subject to frequent overflows. Stiff clay soils, too, require an
amount of labor, in tilling, wholly disproportioned to the re-
turns they yield. But these^ if properly managed, may be
made as productive, or nearly so, as the finer loams. Steep
hills cannot be ploughed to advantage, since the best parts of
the soil are washed away. Other lands, from their situation
about the house or the cottage, cannot, conveniently, be tilled.

It becomes, then, a question of much practical importance
to many, how these lands are to be improved ? A course of
interesting experiments which have come under our observa-
tion, have induced us to throw out the following hints, hoping
they may be of use to those practical men who have not the
time or the inclination to attempt doubtful experiments.

The difliculties wliich attend this subject arise from the ne-
cessity of using more or less of scientific terms in explaining
the effect of particular applications to the soil. This will be
avoided so far as it can be.

It is a matter of regret that the improvement of waste lands
has not been treated in a manner which its importance deserves.*
The idea was formerly entertained that pasture lands were suf-
ficiently enriched by the animals which fed them. Practical
men begin to think otherwise. It is found that a profitable re-
turn is made for the little outlay vv^hich they require. Particu-

* The practical effect of this inattention to the importance of waste and pas-
ture lands may be distinctly traced in the eastern part of Massachusetts. Not-
withstanding the rapid improvement in ahnost all other departments of agricul-
ture, and the increase of arable lands, it will be admitted, I think, that a large
part of our pasture lands are in a worse condition now than formerly. This
subject is worthy to excite the attention of practical and scientific agriculturists.
19

146 ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS

larly is this the case with pastures fed by milch cows. They
do not return the essential elements of the plant to the ground.
These elements are required in great quantities to form their
milk, while in other animals they are required only to form
their bone and muscle. The ordure of cows is, therefore, far
less valuable and fertilizing than that of other animals. The
consequence is, that lands fed wholly by cows are exhausted
much sooner than those fed by other animals. For it is evi-
dent that where more is taken from the soil than is returned to
it, an exhaustion must eventually follow.*

We furnish animal and vegetable matters to the earth, to
supply it with substances which the growth of plants has tak-
en from it. It Avill be obvious, on a moment's reflection, that
the constituent parts of the plant are taken up from the earth
and the air, in much the same manner as our food and drink
become our bone and flesh. The analogy is still more distinct
when we reflect that all our applications for the improvement
of the sofl, are nothing more than the supply of food for plants.

* The question v.hetlier milch cows exhaust the phosphates of the soil, is of
somewhat recent date, and may, perhaps, be regarded as still unsettled. For
my own part, reasoning from scientific principles, I cannot doubt it. There
have been many and accurate analyses of milk, all showing a large amount of
phosphate. This must be over and above Avhat, in common with other ani-
mals, goes to form the bones. I hope to be able, at some future time, to bring
some valuable statistics to bear on this subject. Whether this exhaustion of
phosphates is directly connected as cause and effect, with the bone disorder in
cows, is another interesting question. It has lately been very ably discussed in
the New England Farmer, Vol. I, Nos. 22 and 2r>, and Vol. II, Nos. 3, 6, 9, &c.

I am not prepared to say that the so called bone disorder is the effect of
exhaustion of phosphates in the soil, but the question is of such practical im-
portance, that I cannot farbear a remark upon it. When, on old pastures, the
phosphate is gone, the quantity necessary for milk, which is one of the most
abundant secretions of the cow, must be absorbed from the bones, just as in
case of a broken or fractured limb an absorption takes place from that limb by
other parts of the body, leaving it smaller than before. This absorption of
phosphate from the bones, must produce a weakness and debility of the sys-
tem. AVhcrever this disorder has manifested itself, I Avould most confidently
recommend the application to the pasture, of a mixture of leached ashes and
bone dust in nearly equal proportions. This will both increase the quantity
and quality of grass, and in case the bone disorder arises from want of phos-
phates, increase the health and strength of the cow.

FOR MOWING AND I'ASTURE LANDS. 147

For tlie food of plants is found in all manures, and the value of
these depends upon the quantity they contain.

The methods of renovating mowing and pasture lands by
means of top dressings, do not essentially differ. We have
seen an interesting experiment during the present season. On
different part?; of the same field, simple meadow mud, rich barn
manure, and liquid manure impregnated with lime, were used
as a top dressing. The mud was hauled out last autumn and
thrown in heaps, and there left to the action of the frosts and
snows of winter. In spring it was spread nearly at the same
time the other manure was applied. Strange as it may seem,
the top to which the mud was applied, appeared to far the best
advantage. The grass was heavier, and after the crop had
been removed, that part of the field on which the mud was ap-
plied, came in more quickly and luxuriantly than the rest.
This field was a light gravelly soil, which had not been under
very high cultivation. A large proportion of the soils of Massa-
chusetts are composed of gravel with a mixture of sand. These
soils peculiarly need the constituents of marl and meadow mud.
Marl and mud contain the carbonate, or in some cases the sul-
phate of lime, which is the same as plaster of Paris. They
contain a large mixture of clay, which sandy or gravelly soils
need. And on these soils clay mud has been found to do the
best. Peat mud is a rich vegetable food, and if a small pro-
portion of potash, or ashes, is added, it is nearly, if not quite,
as valuable as the best barn manure. Light soils are always
improved by any substances which make them firmer and more
compact. Stiff clay soils, on the other hand, are benefitted by
applications which make them lighter and more permeable.
No one of the three kinds of earth, the sand, the clay, and the
lime, when unmixed with the other varieties, would be capa-
ble of supporting vegetation. The mixture of them, when
any one predominates, will correct and improve them. For*
the fertility of soils depends upon the proportion of their con-
stituents. In some marls the clay predominates. These should
be used on the light sandy soils. In others the sand predomi-
nates. These are adapted to stiffer lands. Here the judg-
ment must be exercised. The practice of mixing soils has al-
n^^vs bpe" attended with success when judiciously in"'—-- '

148 ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS

Nor is this application of mud and clay any new fact to the
practical agriculturist. It was practised in England nearly two
thousand years ago. The county of Norfolk, in England, is
said to ovvTe much of its great fertility to this source. The
greatest European improvements in sandy soils, have been
made by these means, in Belgium. They do not operate so
rapidly as quick lime, but their effect is far more lasting. So
lasting, indeed, that our Anglo Saxon fathers thought they
were felt for eighty years. As intimated in the experiment al-
luded to, it has always been found best to expose the mud or
clay to the action of the frost. It becomes mellowed so that it
may be spread evenly upon the ground. Peat mud is compos-
ed of vegetable matter which has been accumulating for ages.
When taken fresh, it is found to contain an amount of acid
which would make it improper for immediate use. Exposure
to the frost, wind, and rain, entirely neutralizes the acid proper-
ties. Ashes, or potash, would have the same effect.

These substances may he said rather to ameliorate and im-
prove the texture of soils than to furnish immediate sustenance
to the plant. And in this view, they cannot be too strongly
recommended, for we have never known them to fail of having
the most beneficial effects, both on pasture and mowing lands.
And besides, the application of them is so simple, so much
within the reach of every farmer, that it is well worth the trial.
If the soils are much worn, or very barren from a great pre-
ponderance of any particular earth, a liberal allowance will be
required. Ordinarily, as in the experiments which have come
under our notice, some twenty-five or thirty cart loads to the
acre have been found sufficient to increase very greatly the
productiveness of the land. A still less quantity would be of
essential service. Nor is the expense of this application so
great as some imagine, for almost every farm contains a quan-
tity of waste peat meadow, and clay is almost always near at
hand. It may be removed and prepared at a season of the
year when there is but little else to do. The expense, there-
fore, need not deter any one from its use.

But there is another substance equally accessible, which acts
both as an ameliorator and a fertilizer of the soil. It is, per-

FOR MOWING AND PASTUllE LANDS.

149

haps, one of the ctieapest and most profitable top dressings. It
is the rich loam Avhicli accumulates in the holes by the road
side, and wherever the wash gathers from hills. Every one
has observed the effect of the loam thrown out upon the grass
in ploughing. The grass along the edges soon becomes green-
er in spring, and grows with greater luxuriance. The wash
by the road side would have a far more powerful effect. For
this contains, besides the putrescent animal matters, from the
road, a quantity of sand, which rich soils wanting closeness
and consistency, require on the surface. Spread' upon such
soils when covered with grass, it is very efficacious, and makes
the vegetation as vigorous as the most stimulating manure.
Very many experiments have clearly shown that the effect of
sand on such soils is better than any manure could be.

Among the mineral manures, lime is often used as a top dres-
sing. We have seen this emplo^'^ed with good effect. We are
inclined to think that this effect arises not from any direct nu-
triment furnished by it to the grass, but from its influence on
the substances in the soil. It hastens the decomposition of
vegetable matters in the earth. In this way it renews exhaust-
ed soils. It increases the temperature. Hence its great bene-
fit on low, Avet lands. It causes a rapid decay of all peat sub-
stances. Hence its great use in the compost heap. It des-
troys the mosses and coarse herbage which work in among the
grasses, and indicate the want of lime in the soil. It produces
from them a fine vegetable mould. Hence its utility on lands
which are "runout."

If what has been said be true, it appears that lime can nev-
er supply the place of other manures. There are properties
which it cannot supply, which plaster can ; others which it
cannot supply, as bones can ; and others which it cannot sup-
ply like ashes, and manures that contain salts. There are situ-
ations, hov/cver, in which it is invaluable. On reclaimed
meadow lands, after thorough draining, and a covering of three
or four inches of gravel, a top dressing of lime has a most
wonderful effect. Crops of grass of two and three tons to the
acre, have been taken after such a dressing of lime. In many
cases the first crop will repay the expense of bringing such

150 ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS

land into cultivation. In these situations, then, as well as on
low pastures, it may be called one of the cheapest and most
useful applications that can be made. Such lands will bear
an abundant supply of lime, without exhaustion. Indeed, the
effect of lime on these lands is better and more lasting than
that of any other manure. But on poor sandy soils it should
never be used. It will soon exhaust and render them com-
pletely barren. When it meets with clay in lands to which it
it is applied, it forms a kind of marl, and greatly improves the
texture of the soil. But when it comes in contact with sand,
it forms, rather, a sort of mortar. Hence it is injurious on
sandy soils. Many earths have naturally a sufficient quantity
of lime. On these a further application is not needed.

No definite rule, with respect to the amount required, can
be given. It must depend upon the nature of the soil, and
must be left to the judgment of those who use it. In general,
on peat and clay soils, from ten to fifty bushels to the acre will
be required, though less would be beneficial.

The addition of lime to the compost heap, is always of the
highest importance. The decay of all vegetable substances is
greatly accelerated by it. We shall have occasion to allude to
this hereafter.*

* These opinions with reference to the use of lime, had been written before
•we had the satisfaction of finding that they agreed substantially with the views
expressed by Prof. Playfair. Mr. Anderson, in the Journal of the Highland
and Agricultural Society, for 1843, says : " Whether spread on the surfice of
pasture land alone, or in compost with earth, or applied with a crop and grass
seeds, with a view to pasture, it never fails to call into existence the dormant
seeds of the superior grasses in the soil, and to nourish and facilitate the growth
of those that may have been confided to it by the agriculturist. This is a fact
beyond dispute. It is a never failing fertilizer of grass land."

Prof Playfair, speaking of the application of lime to grass land, says : " The
farmer liberates, by this means, the silica, the potash, and the phosphates from
the soil, and enables them to administer to the wants of vegetation. But by
the operation, he has furnished no equivalent for that removed by the crops.
The lime is the key, merely, by which you opened the magazine of food con-
tained in the soil. But it not unfrequently happens, that it may itself supply
an absent constituent of the soil, especially in cases such as clover and grasses
which experience much benefit from this article. There is no manure more
beneficially used or more disgracefully abused, than lime."

European Agriculture, 11, page 3G1, Note.

FOR MEADOW AND PASTURE LANDS. 151

We come now to the use of ashes as a top dressing. Of
this we may speak with more confidence. For while experi-
ments with lime have not invariably proved successful, owing,
probably, to the soils designed to be benefitted, we know of
no instances in which the application of ashes has not fully re-
paid the exnense. If farmers would bear in mind that ashes
contain all the elements which assist the growth of plants, they
would be unwilling to part with a substance which they might
turn to such profit. If the quantity is small, let it be husban-
ded with the greater care, instead of being sold, with the idea
that so few can do no good. One substantial farmer says, " I
am now, more than ever, fully persuaded of the value of ashes
as a manure. Nothing in the Vv^hole catalogue of manures,
compares with them on my land. The soil was a thin clayey
loam, and where the ashes were sown there was a crop of ex-
cellent clover where for years the land had been almost unpro-
ductive."

Grasses are more benefitted by ashes than other crops, since
they require a greater amount of the salts which ashes contain.
For all permanent mowing lands, especially on the lighter soils,
ashes are among the cheapest of manures. In parts of Flan-
ders and Belgiuni, countries in which the science of Agricul-
ture has been carried to a higher perfection than in any other
part of Europe, the great loss of vegetable matters from the
soil is constantly restored by ashes or bones, together with oth-
er manures to be mentioned hereafter. Indeed almost all agri-
culturists, both in Europe and America, have attached very
great importance to the use of ashes. In some parts of Germa-
ny they are held in so high esteem that they are transported
to a distance of eighteen or twenty miles, to be used as a top
dressing. According to Prof. Liebig, with every one hundred
and ten pounds of leached ashes of the common beech tree,
spread upon the soil, we furnish as much phosphate as five
hundred and seven pounds of the richest manures could yield.
Now phospates are highly useful to all kinds of soil.

There can be no doubt that the process of leaching takes
from the ashes a part of their fertilizing properties. For many
usesj this is no objection. Especially is this the case near the

152 ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS

sea, where leached ashes are thought, by some, to be even more
serviceable, as the salt iii the atmosph<n-e the more readily com-
bines with them. Every practi.-al man has heard of the ama-
zing effects which bone dust has upon the soil. Yet this is
valuable, chiefly, for the phosphates it contains. But if we
may rely upoi] the statement of Prof. Liebig, leached ashes al-
so contain a large amount of phosphate of lime, which
would show them to be extremely valuable. But suppose we
allow four bushels of leached ashes to one bushel of crushed
bones, the expense of the ashes would, in most cases, be less
than the bones. But if bones can be procured, a mixture of
leached ashes and bones, four bushels to one, forms the most
useful application that can be made. The compound should
remain a week or two before being used. Those who have
tried leached ashes, have been fully satisfied of their superior
qualities as a fertilizer. Careful experiments, by careful, con-
servative men, show that land producing one ton to the acre,
has been so improved by this means, as to yield three tons to
the acre. Where thirty bushels were used on three fourths of
an acre, the crop was increased more than three fold. Nor are
leached ashes subject to the objections which are raised by
some against the use of lime. They do not apparently ex-
haust the soil. The effect of them is felt for several years.
Many farmers have found by experience, that one bushel of
unleached hard wood ashes is nearly equal to two bushels of
plaster, as a top dressing for t!ie dryer grass lands. If this be
true, what has been said would show that leached ashes are
about equal to plaster in their effects on such lands. A peck
of lime is commonly nsed in leaching a bushel of ashes. This,
of course, adds much to the value of leached ashes for grasses.
They contain, also, a portion of the alkali which is decomposed
by the action of the atmosphere, and the water in the soil pre-
pares it for the food of plants.

As we have already spoken of the use of mud, it is proper
here to say that ashes may be mixed with mud in the propor-
tion of six or eight bushels to the cord. The mud is better,
as usual, dug in the autumn, though the mixture might be
made in the spring, or on application to the soil . If leached

FOR MOWING AND PASTURE LANDS. 153

ashes are used, the proportion may be about one to three. In
this case the two substances mutually assist each other, and
the compound is, perhaps, better than either alone would be.
So potash added to peat mud, makes a compound equal to the
best stable manure.

In these remarks no mention has been made of coal ashes as
a top dressing. There is a very common impression that these
are worthless. We have known of their use in but few in-
stances with decided advantage. On clay soils they may, per-
haps, be of some value, but other substances will be found
more profitable. In this connection we should allude to the
practice of burning sea-weed as a manure. The ashes of it
are spread upon grass and pasture land. They form a very
useful and powerful stimulant, but the process of burning sea-
weed causes the loss of its most fertilizing qualities. The
most common and efficient mode of application is to carry it
directly upon the grass as a top dressing. The coarse rock-
weed and kelp decay in a much shorter time than the fine sea
weed, and are, perhaps, better than this. Whenever sea weed
is used, it is best on sandy or gravelly soils. From twenty-
five to thirty, or even forty cart loads to the acre, are some-
times applied. Peat ashes form, in some cases, a valuable top
dressing for grass and pasture lands. In Holland, where eve-
ry fertilizer is preserved with care, peat ashes as well as wood
and coal ashes, are highly esteemed. The great value of the
first is well known to many, and if those who have them will
spread them upon grass at the rate of fifteen or twenty bushels
on the lighter, and thirty or forty on the heavier soils, they
will be abundantly repaid.

If what has been said be true, and it is the result of many
experiments, some of which have come directly under our own
observation, farmers would do better to buy ashes on the re-
turn of every spring, than to sell them, as is very often the
case in this part of Massachusetts.

Of the use of gypsum, or plaster of Paris, the most contra-
dictory opinions have been expressed. So far as our observa-
tion goes, — and we have both seen and tried many interesting
experiments on the old soils of this State, and the newer soils
20

154 ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS

of Maine, — the application to moist soils has been fully satis-^
factory. It has been said that plaster does not benefit natural
pastures. This is not strictly correct. In recent experiments
on pasture lands, the result bas been wonderful. In April of
last year, a large pasture wbich had become worn and some-
what unproductive, received a generous topdressini^ of plaster,
The grass started sooner and continued throughout the season
to look far better than the adjoining pastures of precisely the
same soil. So far as could be ascertained, the increase in grass
over the adjoining pastures, was about seventy-five per cent.
Nor was this all. This pasture came in the present season
with the greatest luxuriance. And to this day its load of beau-
tiful green is the wonder of the neighborhood. Its effect on
clover and Timothy is even greater than on pastures. Many
have supposed that plaster would exhaust the soil. This would
not seem to be the case, for as it takes four himdred and thirty
parts of water to decompose one part of plaster, its decomposi-
tion is slow, and consequently its influence is felt for several
years. How, then, can it have such immediate and beneficial
effects? It retains the fertilizing gas which is constantly ris-
ing from fermenting vegetable matter, aud gives it up at a
proper time for the nourishment of the plant. It does not, like
lime, cause vegetable matters to decay, but rather when they
decay, holds their most important parts from escaping.

The infectious odor, which rises from decaying vegetable
matter, from the stable, from the manure heap, and impercep-
tibly from the whole surface of the earth, is far the most im-
portant element for the growth of the plant. Plaster fixes this,
and the first shower washes it into the earth, to feed the roots
of plants. The relative value of manure, depends upon the
amount of this noxious odor, this ammonia which it contains.
This gas, commonly known as hartshorn, is an exceedingly
powerful stimulant. Nor will it appear unimportant, when we
bear in mind that two and one quarter pounds of this ammonia,
lost by fermentation, is equal to the loss of one hundred and
fifty pounds of grass or grain. Scientific men will say that
this gas is taken up in the atmosphere by the rain, and de-
scends with the rain to fertilize the earth. This is very true.

FOR MEADOW AND PASTURE LANDS. 155

This ammonia, this infections odor, so valnable, so indispensa-
ble to the earth, is not h)st forever when it flies away into the
air. Bnt does not the shrewd farmer perceive that as much of
this as he allows to escape from his own lands, by neglect,
falls upon, and improves the fields of his neighbor as much,
and perhaps more, than his own ? Is it not evident that by
saving all that he can, and by receiving whatever the genial
rain brings with it, he gets a double benefit ?

If the effect of plaster is such as we have described, no one
can fail to see how important are the functions it may be made
to perform. But it also adds a certain amount of lime and sul-
phur to the earth. It is composed of these substances for the
most part, and hence called by chemists, sulphate of lime. We
shall have occasion to speak of its use in connection with other
manures, when we speak of the compost heap. We now allude
to its use by itself, as a top dressing.

On some soils it is not so satisfactory as on others. But our
pastures are many of them covered with the white honeysuck-
le. These might be called clover lands. On all clover lands,
whether reserved for pasture or mowing, plaster has a most
wonderful influence. No other manure produces such an enor-
mous increase of vegetable growth, in proportion to the quan-
tity applied. Most manures require to be used in quantities
far exceeding the bulk of the expected increase. Not so with
gypsum. A bushel, or two bushels to the acre, have been
known to double the crop, and to add more than twenty times
its own weight to it. Even greater results have followed. For
if we may believe one of the most distinguished French chem-
ists,* every pound of nitrogen which we add to the grass, in-
creases the produce one hundred and ten pounds, and this in-
creased produce of one hundred and ten pounds is effected by
the aid of a little more than four pounds of gyysum, or plas-
ter. Another accurate investigator,! found by actual experi-
ment that the ashes of an acre of red clover, contain no less
than three bushels of plaster of Paris. This important fact
proves that the earth already contains a large amount of this

* Boussingault, Ann. de Ch. et de Pliys. t. 43, p. 243.
fDavy, Agricultural Chemistry.

156 ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS

substance, and that it is essential to the growth of clover.^
This may, perhaps, explain why clover so soon runs out to
give place to other grasses. The requisite supply of plaster
has been exhausted. In any case, the addition of plaster to
clover lands, and especially to pastures, is of the highest im-
portance.

The effect of charcoal is somewhat similar to plaster. Char-
coal will absorb ninety times its own bulk of ammonia, which
is held from escaping till it is separated by water and carried
into the earth for the plant. When dry, the operation of fix-
ing the gas is repeated till the next shower sends the gas into
the earth, and the particles of water take its place in the char-
coah In this way, as a top dressing, charcoal as well as plas-
ter, performs the most important functions. If we take any de-
caying animal matter, which has begun to give off its offensive
and noxious odor, its ammonia, and cover it with charcoal or
plaster of Paris, this escaping gas is immediately stopped. No
infectious odor arises from it. The decay of the substance
has suddenly ceased. This simple fact will show the intelli-
gent farmer to what purposes these substances may be applied.
His choice of these should depend somewhat on the expense
of procuring them. The relative expense depends so much
upon circumstances, that we need not make the estimate. As
an absorbent and retainer of the valuable properties of manure,
peat mud aiid loam will also be found of essential service. If
used on a high and dry soil, the effect of plaster will not be
very apparent the first season, unless like the present, there
are frequent rains.

There is an impression among many that plaster does not
produce so good results in the immediate vicinity of the sea
shore. This, we think, does not arise from the proximity to
the sea, but from other causes. Many of our lands do not
need the application of plaster. We have seen it used, to the
best advantage, within two miles of the sea. If thera were
any thing in the sea air to prevent plaster from performing its
usual functions of fixing the rich gases, the effect would be
perceived to a far greater distance inland. If any failures have
occurred in its use in the vicinity of the sea, they were proba-

FOR MOWING AND PASTURE LANDS. 157

bly owing to the soil rather than to the atmosphere. There is
one other remark in this connection. When plaster has been
apphed withont immediate effect, we should not at once con-
clude that it is useless on tlie particular soil to which it is ap-
plied. The first season may be dry, and ill adapted to its de-
composition". In such cases, good results have ordinarily fol-
lowed the second year.

The great utility of bones as a manure, arises from the large
amount of phosphates which they contain. On all pastures
which have been long fed, the phosphate of lime is exhausted.
It is constantly taken from the earth in the grass, to form the
bone, the muscle, and the milk of animals.* Of the earthy
matter in bones, nearly five sixths consist of phosphate of lime
and magnesia. Nitrogen is also abundant, and, of course, am-
monia, for this is an element of nitrogen. A few bushels of
bone dust will often quite restore old worn out pastures. In-
deed, almost every part, of which bones are composed, goes
directly to the nourishment of vegetable life. The ashes of
all grains are very rich in phosphate of lime. This shows the
importance of fiu'nishing this element for their use.

But, it may be asked, how are we to know when bone ma-
nure is required ? Doubtless every farmer has observed the
eagerness with which animals, and particularly milch cows,
seize bones whenever they can find them. Cows require a
large amount of phosphate of lime, and when their feed is des-
titute of it, they are compelled to seek it in the bones. And
when they are seen to resort to them for it, we may be sure
there is a deficiency in their pastures. Bones have been much
longer and more extensively used in England than in this
country. More than twenty years ago, the importation of
bones into England amounted to more than forty thousand tons
a year, at an expense of more than five hundred thousand dol-
lars. Their use has been much increased since. They are
f —

*The bo7ie disorder, to which allusion has been made in a former note, has
sometimes been thought to arise from something the cows eat in the pastures.
If this were the case, why should not other animals, fed on the same pastures,
be affected by it. If it arise from the exhaustion of phosphate, it would seem
more proper to ascribe it to something they do not eat !

158 ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS

brought from all parts of the world. Agents are employed in
this country to collect bones to enrich the farms of England.
It is to be hoped that every farmer will save a substance which
has been so long thrown away, and which would prove one of
the richest manures he could use. The bones, when dry, may
be crushed and pulverized with an axe. There are rainy days
enough which would not be better employed. Mills are es-
tablished in various parts of the country, for the purpose of
grinding bones. They are sometimes ground in plaster mills.
A mixture of crushed bones and ashes, or leached ashes, forms
one of the most valuable top dressings. Nor will this applica-
tion, in small quantities, be thought expensive, when we con-
sider that the animal part of bones, which amounts to about
one third, contains eight or ten times as much ammonia as the
ordure of the cov/, and that the fertilizing salts in bones are
sixty-six times the amount of a like quantity of the ordure of
the cow.* So that a smaller quantity of bone dust will ans-
wer the same purpose of a much larger quantity of manure
from the stable. We can but hope that every farmer will try
the experiment. It may be done on a small scale, at first,
though in the vicinity of every butcher's establishment, bones
can commonly be procured in any quantity.

Thus far we have treated of manures which belong more
peculiarly on the siu'face, as a top dressing for grass. For
though they are sometimes used, especially plaster, on plough-
ed land, with potatoes and other crops, yet their influence on
the surface is thought to be far more effective. Indeed, the
benefit of lime, plaster, and charcoal, would, in a great meas-
TU'e, be lost were they to be buried to any depth in the earth.
But there are other manures which are often used as top dress-
ings. Little need be said of the comparative value of animal
substances. They have been artificially applied from the great-
est antiquity. They are mentioned by Homer, which distinct-
ly shows that their value was understood a thousand years be-
fore the Christian era. There is every reason to believe, more-
over, from other ancient authors, that great care was exercised
in preserving and applying manures to fertilize the earth. Nor

* We state this on the authority of Dr. Dana.

FOR MOWING AND PASTURE LANDS. 159

is there any reason to suppose that Agriculture, as an art. was
not carried to as great perfection among the ancient Romans
as it has been either as an art or as a science, among the mod-
erns. For it is a curious fact that the Roman agricultural
literature far exceeded the modern in extent and richness, till
within the last fifteen or twenty years. And it would be easy,
if this were the proper place, to trace the points of resemblance
between the Romans and ourselves, not only in general modes
of cultivation, but also in the details of agricultural life, and in
the tools they used.

It is still a question, whether the real value of stable manure
is not as great on the surface, if applied at a time when the
rich gases are not lost by evaporation. It is, perhaps, better,
if lands admit of ploughing without too great expense, to cov-
er such manures with the soil. But we have already seen how
tliis gaseous matter may be saved from loss by evaporation, by
the addition of charcoal or plaster. If this loss is prevented,
top dressing is by far the least expensive, when the object is
simply to renovate the soil, and improve the c[uality and in-
crease the quantity of grass.

In a case which we have in mind, a very poor, worn out
grass lot, was top dressed with fourteen ordinary cartloads of
good stable manure to the acre. The cpiantity of grass was
increased four fold. Clover and Timothy came in as luxuri-
antly as on any new laid piece. If the top dressing were re-
peated once in five or six years, there would be no danger of
exhaustion, though there would be an advantage in loosening
the earth with the plough. But the use of stable manure
should be confined mostly to mowing land. On closely fed
pastures it would be injudicious, from its exposure to the sun.
On these, ashes or plaster would be better.

It would lead us beyond the limits of our present purpose, to
enter into the details of the preservation of the animal manures.
But we must be permitted to make a few suggestions which
have been forced upon us by some years of observation in this
and in other states. It is a very common practice to suffer the
manure from the barn to lie exposed for months to the winds
and the rains of summer and winter. Many farmers have no

160 ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS

arrangement by which the liquid and most valuable part of
stable manure is saved. And yet, under all these disadvanta-
ges, they are too apt to congratulate themselves on having so
many loads of mauure. They do not consider that it is the
quality, and not the quantity, which adds richness to the soil.
The practice of digging a cellar under the barn, is becoming
more conmion among enterprising farmers, and it may be said
that the increased value and quantity of the manure, is enough
to pay for more than the interest of the extra expense. Pro-
tected manure is far the most valuable. But in cases Avliere
this has not and cannot Avell be done, much of the real value
may be saved by forming the yard so that nothing may es-
cape. Let peat mud and loam be thrown in, to absorb what
would otherwise be lost. Plaster occasionally thrown into the
yard is like money — I will not say in the saving's bank, — but
rather put to compound interest. In Flanders, where the
greatest economy is practised, the liquid of a single animal is
estimated at from ten to fifteen dollars a year. This applied
as a top dressing, has a surprising effect.

No one should neglect to form a compost heap. It may be
so made as to form an extremely valuable article for top dress-
sing. A quantity of meadow mud should be dug out in the
autumn for this especial purpose. That this is indispensable, will
be seen from the fact that two cords of peat mud, added to one
cord of good stable manure, will make a compound of three
cords, as valuable as clear barn manure. This has been tried
repeatedly, and is constantly done by those who are ambitious
to excel in farming, To this compost heap should be added,
from time to time, all the animal and vegetable matter adapted
to ferment and enrich the soil. Woolen rags, the remains of
fish, the blood and flesh of animals, the hair of animals, all
these make an exceedingly rich manure. A most intelligent
gentleman connected with a wool factory, informs us that a
cord of matter collected at the establishment, is worth at least
five or six cords of the best stable manure, for a top dressing.
This we cannot doubt, for here are the blood, the wool, pieces
of the skin of the animal, a little lime, and many other sub-
stances, all collected together. A fermentation takes place, by

FOR MOWING AND PASTURE LANDS.

161

which the richest gases are formed. Such a compost heap,
with an addition of loam and mud, would be invaluable for a
top dressing. But though in most cases all these substances
cannot be procured, many of them can, and should be saved
by every one who is desirous of improving his land. Those
who are near the sea, or near the market, can procure an abun-
dance of fish to add to the compost. Nothing is better for soils
than this. A little lime added to the heap, causes its rapid
and thorough decomposition. Ashes should also be added.
When additions of manure are made, they should be covered
with mud or loam, to prevent v/aste.

We need not enter more minutely into the details of form-
ing the compost heap. It is sufficient to say, in a word, that
every thing capable of fermentation, should be added to it. The
lower layer should be of loam or mud. Nothing is more com-
mon among farmers, on the death of a horse or any other ani-
mal, than to throw the body away. It is estimated by some,
that the body of a single horse, when divided and mixed with
peat mad and loam, will make a compost worth fifteen or twen-
ty cords of the best and richest manure. This is, perhaps, too
liigh an estimate, but animal substances ferment rapidly, or
rather they may be said to putrefy without fermenting, so quick
is their decomposition. If leaves, grasses, moss, straw and
other substances of like nature, are used, lime will be indispen-
able, in causing their rapid decay. When these are well fer-
mented, the heap should be thrown over, and if made long and
narrow, so as to expose the greater surface to the air, it will be
better. Whenever such a compost has been used as a top dres-
sing, it has produced the most astonishing effects. Many ex-
periments have shown that this is the best way of using such a
compost heap. In the fertile county of Hertford, in England,
it is seldom used in any other way. It cannot be too highly
recommended.

Animals fed on rich food make far the most valuable manure.
This will serve to shov/ why the manure from the sty is so
fertilizing. Swine are fed on a great variety of rich food. The
actual profit of raising them, arises mainly from the amount of
substances they will mix together and make into good manure.
21

162 ESSAY ON TOP DRESSINGS

Let the sty Le supplied, at intervals, with mud, loam, and oth-
er vegetable matter, and farmers will not complain of the cost
of these animals.

Liquid manures are highly useful to grasses. Care should
be taken to apply them, also, to the compost heap. The rich-
ness of manure from the sty, is owing mostly to the great quan-
tity of liquid matter. Hence the importance of adding a great
variety of vegetable substances, loam, and mud. In a word, it
may be said that all liquid manures contain a large amount of
nitrogen, which is one principal ingredient of ammonia, to
Avhicli we have alluded. The importance of saving the liquid
of the stables, either with the compost, or to be applied by it-
self, may be seen, also, in the fact that the exceeding richness
of guano^ and the ordure of all fowls and birds, is due to the
union of the liquids and solids. Spent ley from the soap boil-
er, is also a powerful liquid application. It shows its good ef-
fects for years, when properly applied.

After fermentation has taken place in animal manures, in the
compost or elsewhere, they may be spread without much loss
by evaporation, and hence it matters not whether the top dress-
ing is applied in the autumn or in the spring. Plaster is bet-
ter spread in the spring, when the moisture of the earth makes
it immediately available. Not so with other manures. Some
prefer the autumn for spreading these, while others prefer the
spring, just before the thick grass surrounds and protects them
from the sun and wind. The soil, in autumn, is not injured
by the loaded cart, as is apt to be the case in spring. Others
still, apply them after the first mowing, and before the summer
rains. The new crop preserves the manure from drying up
and wasting. This, however, is ordinarily too busy a season
to attend to it with convenience.

There is no objection, as many have supposed, to feeding off
mowing lands in the autumn. In spring the ground is injured,
and the roots started from the soil too easily. Not so in the
autumn, when the soil is dry and firm. The grass is benefit-
ed, rather than injured by it. On pasture lands in which the
grass is run out, seed may be sown just before the top dress-
ing. Thus the old roots will be assisted, while new ones will
come in to improve and increase the food for cattle.

FOR MEADOW AND PASTURE LANDS. 163

We have spoken of some of the top dressings which will
prove beneficial to pasture and mowing lands. We have not
aimed to treat of them in any abstruse and scientific manner.
Nor have we been anxious to mention and dwell upon every
possible substance which would serve a good purpose as a top
dressing. If was our aim to set forth the peculiar advantages
of such as could be available to most farmers of enterprise. In
the choice of these, regard should be had to the soil, to the
season, and to the expense compared with the probable result.

The great secret of success in farming, is to do things well
and cheaply. "We do not believe that in our country, except,
perhaps, in the immediate vicinity of the market, a very great
outlay, what is commonly called high farming, for the sake of
increased crops, is expedient. Many a rich man has ruined
himself by farming for display. But every one knows that
our work should be done with system, with care, with vigi-
lance against waste. Manure high, make, if possible, rich gar-
dens of every field, but let the manure be made, so far as it can
be, from the natural resources which every farm possesses.
Draw from the meadow, the ditch, the roadside, the woods,
Avhatever will enrich the soil. Nor does cheap farming, imply
that the buildings, the fences, the roads about the farm, be neg-
lected. Ditching, draining, reclaiming useless lands, these form
a sort of reserved fund for the farmer.

And Avhen these, his appropriate tasks are completed, then
all the powers of nature help him rise to competence, to honor,
and to happiness. Then, what a life is his ! What quiet with-
out envy ! What freedom from intrigue ! What calmness !
What serenity ! His sleep is sweet. When morning comes,
the very animals hasten with glad step to welcome his ap-
proach. These joys are for him to appreciate, who aims to
secure that higher culture to which every task of life is sub-
servient !

164 ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS.

ESSAY

ONREARING TURKEYS.

BY ALLEN W. DODGE.

The. increased attention excited these few years past in the
poultry yard, the pains that have been taken to procure new
and valuable breeds of fowls, and the high prices which choice
specimens of some varieties have recently commanded, prove
quite conclusively that the rearing of poultry is to occupy a
higher rank, than it has heretofore done, in our stock husband-
ry. Poultry may, indeed, be considered as holding a similar
relation to the other stock of the farm, that the smaller and rarer
fruits hold to the staple products of the orchard. But a short
time ago little or no attention was paid to the cultivation of
plums, cherries, strawberries, and other garden fruits. The
winter eating, and the cider apple, was all that the farmer
thought worthy of his care, in the way of fruit culture. But
with the increase of population, in our cities and large towns,
a demand has been created for these choicer fruits. The culti-
vation of them has been extended, and in the raising of such
fruits as cannot be brought from a distance without damaging,
if not wholly spoiling, the farmer, not less than the suburban
gardener, will find an increasing profit.

So too, the markets, with the growth of our cities, demand
larger supplies of poultry ; and poultry, especially early chick-
ens, cannot well bear a long transportation without injury.
Hence, there is less competition from abroad in the sale of
them. They command, and, for some years past, have com-
manded a good price, such as is more remunerative than that
paid for the beef and pork raised here. Now the business of
poultry raising may be overdone, — the market glutted and the
producers out of pocket. But this is not yet the case. On
the contrary, the demand for eggs and poultry, as for other
delicacies of the table, is increasing, as the natural effect of the

ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS.

16^

growth of wealth and population among us. If these state-
ments are correct, it follows that poultry may be made a more
extensive and profitable part of the animal products of our
farms, than they have heretofore been.

The fowl mania now so prevalent, may to some have the
appearance xnore of fancy than utility ; but there will be this
benefit growing out of it, that new and valuable breeds of poul-
try will be introduced and disseminated. The mania will
abate after passing its crisis, if it has not already passed it,
while the effects of the excitement will be for the general good.
The efforts of those who have evinced so much laudable en-
thusiasm in this direction, seem to have been confined princi-
pally to the procuring and propagating of pure specimens of the
different breeds. Their form, color, and other distinctive
properties, have been duly ascertained and promulgated ; but
the general management of fowls and their habits, the rearing
and fattening of them, with other important particulars tend-
ing to make them profitable, have not, as it seems to me, re-
ceived their proportionate share of attention. The great ques-
tion with a New England farmer — I mean a practical and not
a fancy farmer — as to the raising of any animal or crop is, —
will it pay ? If he is satisfied that it will, he may be induced
to enter npon it, though the fixed habits of most of our farm-
ers make them averse to deviate from the beaten and safe path,
into new practices however promising. Still, the all powerful
influence of a new and successfid example, often compels imi-
tation. Thus may be witnessed in particular neighborhoods,
particular courses of husbandry, that have been started by some
enterprising cultivator, who, perhaps, was considered at first as
rash and inconsiderate as was Jared Elliot, when, more than a
century ago, he began to reclaim a shaking meadow of forty
acres in Guilford woods, Connecticut. " The meadow," he
says in his Essays on Field Husbandry in New England, "was
deemed so poor that none would take it up. I was pitied as
being about to waste a great deal of money, but they comfort-
ed themselves that if I spent it unprofitably, others that stood
in need of it, would get it." And he adds, with an honest
pride in the result of his efforts, " they are of another opinion
now."

166 ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS.

But it is not my object to give directions as to farm manage-
ment in general, but to oiter some hints, deriv^ed principally
from experience, on the rearing of turkeys in particular. The
first grand requisite is, to have good stock to raise from, both
male and female. The cock turkey should be of a large size,
and as he does not attain to his full growth till he is two or
three years old, one of this age is to be preferred, though year-
lings are generally made to answer. The color I should
choose, would be jet black or bronze, with legs to match. The
books give directions as to the gait and mien deemed essential
to his perfection ; but there is little difficulty in finding a gob-
ler, whose strut is sufficiently martial to satisfy the most pre-
cise stickler for a military carriage. With tail erect, breast in-
flated, and head and throat inflamed, he marches, a perfect
Hayneau of the poultry-yard. The question is discussed, too,
in the books, as to the number of females that should consti-
tute his harem. But it is for us more of a theoretical than
practical one, as there are here hardly ever more hens allowed
to this feathered sultan, than can be suitably provided for by
him. A greater point is to prevent a deterioration of stock by
breeding in and in. The excellent rule given by Mrs. Sarah
Dakin, of Duchess County, N. Y., in a statement on the man-
agement of poultry, " Be sure and change the tom turkey ev-
ery year," is confirmed by the practice of the most successful
turkey rearers. A strong and healthy brood of chicks is thus
secured.

With the same view, the largest hen turkeys — and if they
are more than a year old the better — should be reserved for
mothers. Those that are small in size Avill lay only small
eggs, from which the chicks hatched will be of corresponding
proportions. If you expect a large litter of eggs, the hens must
be well kept through the winter, but not so as to become very
fat, otherwise they will not lay so early as is desirable. If
they do not begin to lay till May, they Avfll not complete their
litter and be ready to sit till June, which will bring the hatch
into July ; and thus will be allowed for the growth of the
young brood only five months to the last of November, at
which period the annual turkey killing comes round in New

ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS. 167

England, as regularly as Thanksgiving. It is considered,
therelbre, by all experienced persons, of great moment to have
an early litter of eggs, the first turkey's egg being often a mat-
ter of as much congratulation in the family, as the first baby's
tooth.

The turkey is an out-of-door bird. In this respect he re-
tains even in his domesticated state, that love of freedom which
characterizes the aborigines of our country. Turkeys have no
fondness for a shed or barn, as a roosting place, but in the
coldest weather in winter, in the severest storms of snow, sleet
or rain, they prefer the open air and a lofty tree on which to
take up lodgings for the night. Here, perched head to the
wind, they ride out the hardest gales in safety and with appa-
rent pleasure. Ttie instances are rare in which they are known
to perish, either from the cold or storm. Dickson, an English
writer, says that "it is important, during winter, that their
perches should not be exposed to the sweep of frosty winds,
which are apt to cause the feet of turkeys to freeze," and the
same caution is given by Dr. Bennett, in his work on poultry.
But such a misfortune I have never known to befall turkeys,
that all winter have risked themselves out on trees over night.
When the old hens shed their feathers late in the fall, as will
be the case when they have continued to lay a number of lit-
ters, it is well to house them in cold nights till they renew
their coat, and it may be prudent to do so in extremely severe
weather in winter.

We will suppose now that winter is gone, and spring is be-
ginning to open. The notes of the robin are heard welcom-
ing the advent of warmer skies. As the snow melts away,
patches of green earth are here and there disclosed to view.
Your turkeys no longer hang about the barn, like so many
loafers, but spend most of their time in the orchard, and on the
sunny side of walls and buildings. The gentleman of the par-
ty is as full of airs as any city exquisite, perambulating hither
and thither, in front and at the side of his companions, more
intent on exciting admiration of his own person, than bestow-
ing it upon theirs. This species of courtship continues through-
out the spring, even after the hens have laid out their litters

168 ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS.

and have begun to sit. His attentions to them chn-ing this
latter period often become so officious and annoying, that it is
best to separate him entirely from them. TJie hen turkey is
very shy in selecting her nest, and is sometimes so particular
as to be a number of days in securing a place to her fancy. In
this she is probably governed by an instinct, to provide a safe
place for her eggs and her yonug. The first intimation, after
mating, of her disposition to lay, is by her stealing away from
her companions, going here and there with head down, as if
meditating upon the task before her. If closely watched, she
will be most likely to give up the project for the present. Ev-
en after she has begun to lay, she must be followed only at a
distance. A better way to find the nest, if out of doors, is to
observe the direction in which she reborns from it. This very
season, one of my turkeys that was laying a second litter in a
neighboring thicket, was watched a number of hours on two
successive mornings, and yet she gained her nest the first
morning in secresy ; and on the second, as if fully apprehend-
ing the system of espionage established over her motions, she
wandered around and through the thicket, and at length re-
turned home and dropt her egg on the open grass plat in front
of the house.

If left to her own choice, the turkey will usually make her
nest out of doors, at the side of walls, under a bush, in long
grass, or in a thicket. Although so fastidious in the site of
her nest, she is not at all particular as to the materials of which
it is composed, and is as well contented with the bare ground
as with a bed of leaves. After a place is selected, it is not al-
ways the first day or the second, that it is made the deposito-
ry of the first egg. She seems intent rather on adapting her-
self to it, and endeavoring, like the boy in the new school
house, "to get the hang of it." The number of eggs which a
turkey will lay in the spring, varies from fifteen to twenty-five.
They should be gathered daily — no nest egg is necessary —
or as often as they are laid,- and carefully kept in a cool place.
If left out over night, they may be chilled or stolen. But to
guard against such accidents, nature teaches the turkey — silly
bird as we sometimes call her— just what to do, by covering

ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS. 169

them carefully with a few leaves or spears of dead grass. To
be sure she does this in warm weather as well as cold, but
the covering serves equally in both to screen them from obser-
vation.

When she has laid her litter, the turkey manifests her desire
to sit by remaining on her nest, even if no nest egg be under
her. She should be permitted to do this for some days before
the eggs are placed under her, observing however to drive her
off at night if the nest be out of doors. When this is the case,
it will not be safe to let her sit there, as the eggs and herself
will be exposed to rats, weasels, skunks and other midnight
marauders. A nest should therefore be prepared for her under
cover. The barn is a good place for this purpose, and the
scaffold or a mow of hay more suitable than the ground floor.
Better still is a shed or an out-house, which can be kept fast-
ened, as the liability to accidents is thus diminished to almost
none at all. For a series of years I have kept my hen turkeys
in a workshop, during the process of incubation. On one side
of this is a carpenter's bench, the space under which is parted
off with boards, making a number of apartments about three
feet square for the nests, the hay of which they are composed
being kept in its place by a narrow strip of board laid on the
floor in front. The nest should be rather shallow, and spread
out over sufficient space for all the eggs to rest on the surface.

The number of eggs that can be covered to advantage by a
turkey, depends upon her size ; twenty is a large number, and
better success may be expected with fifteen or seventeen.
Having placed them in the nest, allow the hen turkey to re-
main on her original nest, if out of doors, till dusk, and then
carefully take her in your arms and remove her to her new
abode. Sometimes she will be frightened and disposed to es-
cape. To prevent her leaving, T secure a piece of lattice, made
of laths, in front of the nest under the bench, immediately on
placing her there. Similar screens I have attached to all the
nests, thus keeping the inmates as securely shut up, as if they
were in so many cages. This arrangement demands more care
of the turkeys than when they have their liberty, as the3' must
be let off every day or two to eat and drink, and for health and
22

170 ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS.

cleanliness. The way once learned into the building, there is
no trouble in their returning to it afterwards. The turkey is
a close sitter, so close that I have almost uniformly been oblig-
ed, on removing the lattice, to use some effort to drive her
off. She quits reluctantly ; when off, she feeds, she drinks
eagerly ; she runs about quickly, pecking the green grass, and
if she can find any loose dry dirt, she settles herself in it, flop-
ping the dirt rapidly with her wings over her body, and then
hastens back to her nest. This adhesiveness to her eggs grows
stronger as the time of hatching approaches. She should then
be disturbed but seldom. Four weeks is the usual term of her
incubation, but it is sometimes protracted a day or two longer.
It happens not unfrequently tliat turkeys, like some hens of the
common fowls, do not incline to sit. When this is the case,
they continue to lay litter after litter during the season, as do
often the turkeys that have hatched, after their broods have
attained to some size. The eggs may be used in the family.
It is not advisable to have a hatch from a late litter of eggs ;
the chicks will not repay the cost and trouble of attempting to
rear them. Turkey eggs may be placed under common hens,
and hatched with success, if no more are used for this purpose
than can be fully covered. This is a convenient arrangement
in the spring, in order to enlarge other broods.

As soon as the chicks break the shell, it may be known by a
peculiarly soft and tremulous sound uttered by the mother, as
if recognizing the new-born brood, and expressing the anxious
sensations that now throb in her bosom. I know of no sound
more touching and plaintive — a sound which she never makes
till this epoch in her existence. As they are hatched, it is well
to remove the young chicks to the house, and to clear the nest
of shells. But the chicks should be returned to the mother at
night, or before ; the natural warmth of her body being of more
help to them than any artificial substitute. Sometimes a chick,
in consequence of the pellicle which lines the interior of the shell
adhering to it, is unable to free itself. Gentle means may be
used to separate them, but care is necessary in the operation,
or it may prove disastrous. A turkey will aUnost always hatch
out the larger proportion of the eggs on which she has sat, and

ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS. 171

not unfrequently the whole of them. 1 have known instances,
when, on removing the old one for the first time after hatch-
ing, the entire brood presented themselves, as lively as the four
and twenty blackbirds in the nursery song, when the crust of
that famous pie in which they were baked, is opened to the
wonder and a Imiration of all juvenile naturalists.

Now that the chicks have fairly entered on life, what is
to be done with them ? Leave them to the care of the moth-
er— nature, you say, is the best guardian and provider. True,
were the mother in the woods, wild and undomesticated. But
she is under your protection, and in your hands is the destiny
of her offspring. You must do something for them — at least
after they are a day or two old — or they will perish from star-
vation. In doing this, however, avoid the too frequent and
mischievous practice of stuffing and overloading them Avith
food. They are but tiny birds, "with constitutions as delicate
as can well be imagined. Shun, too, the absurd treatment of
thrusting a pepper corn down their throats, to invigorate them.
But begin betimes to supply them with crumbs — not soaked in
wine, as the English writers recommend — but softened in wat-
er. The same food of which the parent turkey eats, except
grain in an unbroken state, the chicks will eat. The article
most in use for this purpose, is Indian meal made into a paste,
and this given to them in small allowances, will be sufficient
for their present wants. They should for a week or more be
kept under cover, and then they may be placed out of doors, in
some enclosure, to prevent the old one from rambling. A fre-
quent practice is to tie her to a stake, by a string attached to
her leg. But with such a confinement she is not well pleased;
and in one instance I have known a sad fate befall a turkey
thus tied, being torn in pieces by a strange dog that attacked
her. If it be desirable to confine the mother, it may be done
by placing a crockery crate over her, at the sides of which the
little ones could have easy passage in and out.

At night, and in wet weather, turkey chicks must be safely
housed, and the house must be large enough to be well venti-
lated, and high enough at the door to drive in the old one with-
out trouble. I should recommend invariably a floor of boards.

172 ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS.

with the edges and those of the sides closely united, so as to
keep out all intruders. For want of such a precaution, I lost
in one night last spring the entire brood of a common hen,
consisting of fourteen very early chickens — a rat or a weasel,
well skilled in the art of mining, had burrowed under the sides
of their house and made a clean sweep of them. The floor of
the turkey house may be covered with fine hay, which should,
be frequently renewed for purposes of cleanliness. The clean-
er the young chicks are kept, the less liable are they to be in-
fested with lice. I know of no remedy for this evil — fat or
oil rubbed on the chicks, is said to be efl'ectual — considering iu
tliis, as in most of the disorders to which poultry are subject,
an ounce of prevention worth a pound of cure.

As the chicks grow, they will need larger supplies of food.
Curd and thick skim milk are good articles of diet. But here
let me caution against giving any salt with the food of young
turkeys. A farmer in my neighborhood lost his whole flock of
ibrty or more, merely by feeding them once on skim milk,
which had been salted. So far as I have observed, salt may
be safely left before turkeys and other fowls, when they have
attained to some size, as it is to be found on barn floors all
winter, where the hay has been salted. But it would seem
from the above fact, that the crops of young turkeys are not
adapted to its use. The books mention certain other articles
as injurious to them — marrowfat peas in particular — but I have
never known any ill effects to turkeys from this description of
pea, nor can I see why it should be poisonous to them more
than the other varieties. For drink, let them be supplied with
water, placed in shallow vessels.

After a few weeks, the young brood may be allowed to ac-
company the mother in her rambles, with full liberty to go
where she pleases, giving her the range of a pasture if practi-
cable. They will soon learn to forage for insects, which pro-
mote their health and thriftiness. Dry summers make large
turkeys ; the weather is almost uniformly favorable to their
rambling, and grasshoppers are plenty. But in wet seasons
they thrive less rapidly ; they find fewer insects, and lose
many days in remaining idle. A flock of turkeys, in foraging

ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS. 173

for food, spread themselves at some distance apart, and thus
advance, devouring in their course every insect on which they
can fasten their bills. As accidents of various kinds may be-
fall the young chicks, it is well when two broods are hatched
at about the same time, to join them together, and to house
them with their mothers in the same coop at night. The old
ones will shortly associate together, taking equal care of the
members of the families thus united, and forming a double pro-
tection in times of danger. And if it be necessary to hunt them
up at evening, you will thus save many steps by making but
one journey for both flocks. If, however, they be fed regular-
ly at night, they will soon learn to come home of themselves.

At six weeks or two months old, the young turkeys begin to
" shoot the red," as it is called, by which is simply meant that
the red granular excrescence on the head and neck, begins to
develope itself. This is a critical period in their existence.
If there be much wet weather, they will drop off in consider-
able numbers. It may safely be asserted, that from loss at this
time and before, not more than two thirds of the chicks that
are hatched, survive. But when they have shot the red, tur-
keys are thenceforward the hardiest of all poultry. They have
literally passed their climacteric, and food, food, and a plenty
of it, is now nearly all that they require. This they will ob-
tain, till it is time to fatten them, principally in the fields ; and
of course unless there is a sufficient range for them, they can-
not be reared to advantage. They may soon be made to roost
on a tree, provided with boards for them to go up into it. It
is safer, however, for them to make their first efforts at roost-
ing in a shed or barn, as they sometimes loose their hold of the
roost, before they have become accustomed to it, and if out of
doors may be picked up by some of those midnight prowlers
that infest farm premises. After they have become accustom-
ed to the tree on wdiich they roost, they will generally repair to
it every evening, seldom manifesting any desire for a change.

They now range farther and farther, sometimes so as to be
mischievous to the grain fields and orchards of neighbors. To
check this rambling propensity, the old one may be fettered by
fastening her legs together with a piece of list a few inches in

174 ESSAY ON REARING TURKEYS.

length, so as to allow her just to hobble. The fetter can be
removed in a few days, when the habit of strolling in the wrong
direction is cured. But ramble they must, if they are to get
their living by foraging in the pastures. If you have a bed of
cabbages, be sure to protect them from your turkeys, or you
will have only the stumps left for yourself Early in the fall
they should be fed night and morning with dry corn. When
the weather becomes colder, they may be supplied at frequent
intervals with a mash of boiled potatoes, Indian meal and skim
milk, given to them warm. Of this they will eat most vora-
ciously. They now ramble but little, preferring rather to hang
about the sunny side of buildings and walls, from which they
will hasten when called to their food, and having devoured it,
repair thither again. Thus plentifully fed, they thrive most
rapidly, increasing in size, in the short space of a six month,
from the wes chick that was hatched in the spring, to the
plump and tempting roaster, if a male, of twelve and fifteen
pounds weight, and if a female, eight and ten pounds, at
Thanksgiving.

Now it may fairly be asked, will the price at which turkeys
usually sell in the market at that time, pay a profit for the rear-
ing of them ? It is difficult to tell the precise quantity of food
consumed by a turkey from first to last, so as to estimate the
cost of it. But when they bring fifteen cents a pound, I be-
lieve those that raise them are generally satisfied of the prof-
its, taking corn at an average price. At any rate, I have been,
from an experience of the past ten years ; having during that
time reared about fifty turkeys a year, and in one year eighty
six young turkeys from six old ones. In the rearing of turkeys
care and attention are all important. Ill luck will sometimes
happen — but here, as in most other pursuits, ill luck is often
only another name for a want of attention. It is a pleasant
work to have the care of turkeys. They are company for you
at all times ; first to salute you with their jovial gobbling in
the morning, and ready at any moment to run to you at your
call. And the interest we take in them is all the greater, from
the care and solicitude with which we have watched over them.

ESSAY ON FARM ACCOUNTS, &C. 175

ESSAY

ON FARM ACCOUNTS— FARM DIARIES,

AND AGRICULTURAL REGISTERS.

BY BEN PERLEY POORE.

Agricalture has at length become fashionable ! Octogena-
rians who have acquired fortunes in the cities, return to the
homesteads which they despised in early life ; and resolute
young men, finding little hope of success in the professions or
in commerce, look — as did their ancestors — to the ample bosom
of nature for their support. Politicians, who generally contrive
to own at least a garden, are ever ready to descant upon the
dignity of agricultural labor; while scientific book-worms cul-
tivate potatoes, in order to experiment upon the practicability
of increasing their growth by electric currents, or to try the
virtues of magnetic hoes, in drawing out the rot.

Our Commonwealth cannot boast of many private collections
of paintings or of statuary — a very insignificant fraction of her
sons keep race horses or pleasure yachts — and even the "pomp
and circumstance" of militia honor has sadly dwindled into
disre])ute. But in the environs of every city, near each busy
manufacturing village, and in many a secluded spot, trim fen-
ces enclose "fancy farms," and buildings of quaint yet often
fair proportions, proclaim the wealth, eccentricity, or exotic
taste of the amateur husbandman. Many of these gentlemen,
by the judicious employment of their capital, and by importing
choice stock, confer benefits, (directly or indirectly,) upon the
neighboring farmers — while others, who madly rush into every
new theory, practically illustrate the folly of "sowing Spanish
dollars, and reaping four-pence-ha'pennies."

Then we have the great body of Massachusetts yeomanry —
so graphically described by Q^uincy as "men, who stand upon
the soil and are identified with it ; for there rest their own
hopes and the hopes of their children. Men, who have, for

176 ESSAY ON FARM ACCOUNTS, &C.

the most part, great farms and small pecuniary resources : —
men, who are esteemed more for their land, than for their
money ; — more for their good sense than for their land ; — and
more for their virtue than for either. Men, who are the chief
strength, support, and column of our political society, and who
stand to the other orders of the State, in the same relation
which the shaft bears to the pillar — in respect of whom, all
other arts, trades and professions are but ornamental work —
the cornice, the frieze, and the corinthian capital." Whatever
tends to stimulate and direct their industry, spreads prosperity
over their fields, or carries happiness to their homes, merits
careful consideration, for it strengthens the foundations of our
public renown.

Generally speaking, we find few farmers, either practical or
fancy, who have a proper conception of their occupation. The
mysteries of husbandry are considered but as the lesson of a
day — and every man, the moment he becomes the occupant of
a farm, is allowed to style himself a competent farmer. " Is
there nothing in Agriculture," said Columella the Roman,
"which requires to be studied ? Is there nothing to reward re-
search ? For myself, when I take an enlarged view of this
noblest of all pursuits, and survey it on all sides — and consider
what it embraces that it would be profitable to know, I fear I
shall see the end of my days before I shall become a thorough
master of all its mysteries."

As it was in Rome, so it is in Massachusetts. We have our
public men, who, like Cincinnatus, Denutus and Regulus, re-
treat from the cares and toils of state to the pure and unalloyed
joys of agriculture and horticulture. Our poets and our histo-
rians, like Virgil, will leave behind them many a token of their
devotion to rural pursuits. And our Legislators, by repeated
grants of money, have shown their appreciation of Washing-
ton's declaration ; that "in no way can more real and impor-
tant services be rendered to a country, than by improving its
agriculture." .All this flatters the amateur farmer, and encour-
ages the hard-working yeoman — it elevates the common call-
ing of each in the social scale — but it does not make either
"a thorough master of all its mysteries."

ESSAY ON FARM ACCOUNTS, &C. 177

And what is the lot of a young man who has come from the
city to be a farmer, and has invested his capital in land, stock,
and tools ? He has heard cattle-show orators eloquently des-
cant upon the independence of his new pursuit, and implicitly
believes Franklin's assertion — that " the farmer has no need
of popular fevor — nor of the favor of the great — the success of
his crops depending only upon the blessing of God upon his
honest industry." But he soon finds that industry must be
well directed in order to be profitable, and he is often at a loss
to know how and when to labor. Agricultural works and
periodicals are generally so interlarded with individual specu-
lations, that he turns from them in despair. Even the Reports
of Agricultural Societies, which embody so much valuable in-
formation, only detail individual cases. They chronicle the
management of the best farms in favorable seasons — the pro-
duct and growth of superior beasts — the fruit produced by ex-
tra attention — and the mammoth varieties of the garden. The
art of Husbandry may be gleaned from many a library, but the
student-farmer may commit to memory scores of works on
agriculture, and yet, like the Roman, "see the end of his days
before he becomes a thorough master of all its mysteries."

These mysteries are not, after all, mysterious. The young
farmer who expects to enrich his land by some magical pro-
cess, will be as much disappointed in his expectations as he is
ignorant of the process of improvement. A mere theory, even
if clearly defined, is idle and useless if unattended with prac-
tical observations ; and the more practical information a young
farmer can acquire, the deeper versed he becomes in the mys-
teries of his profession — those magical secrets, which enable
his more experienced neighbors to bring home money from
market. The lawyer finds the mysteries of his profession in
almost innumerable volumes of Digests and Reports — the mari-
ner is guided by the science of previous navigators, as laid
down in books and on charts — the soldier learns how to ma-
noeuvre large bodies of men by reading accounts of successful
campaigns — the statesman gleans wisdom from volumes of de-
bates— and the editor seeks the mysteries of catering for the
public taste, in old files of popular journals. But where can

178 ESSAY ON FARM ACCOUNTS, &C.

the young farmer go for dates and details ? He may pick up
an old Almanac, containing a few memoranda of the domestic
life of the writer's cows, and the time his goose commenced
her incubation. And some meagre details, thus preserved, con-
vince him that a Diary, kept by any practical farmer in his vi-
cinity, would be a more valuable text book than Loudon's gi-
gantic Encyclopedia.

Washington, (as we are informed by Dr. Sparks,) kept a
Diary after he had exchanged his victorious sword for a prun-
ing-hook, and noted each day's work with minute care. Subse-
quently, when called to the Presidential chair, we are told that,
"He left with his chief manager at Mount Vernon, full and mi-
nute directions in writing, and exacted from him a weekly re-
port, in which were registered the transactions of each day on
all the farms, such as the number of laborers employed, their
health or sickness, the kind and quantity of work executed,
the progress in planting, sowing, or harvesting the fields, the
appearance of the crops at various stages of their growth, the
eifects of the weather on them, and the condition of the horses,
cattle, and other live stock."

Many other distinguished citizens of our Republic have since
followed the example left by the "Farmer of Mount Vernon,"
and have testified to its benefi.ts. Their recorded praises would
occupy pages, and we will simply copy the opinions of one,
who, by his moral worth, his purity of character, and his fidel-
ity to the public interests, secured a place in the hearts of his
constituents and friends — the lamented Daniel P. King. In a
statement made by him to this Society, (see Transactions for
1S45,) on the management and products of his farm, he says,
"I have long kept a sort of diary in which I have noted the
employments of each day, the time of planting, hoeing and
harvesting, the amount of crops, the cost of animals, current
receipts and expenditures, &c. The advantages of keeping a
journal, to a farmer, are many. By turning to the pages of
past years, he will be reminded of work which should be done
in its season ; he will see where he has erred, and profit from
his experience ; he will know where his money, sometimes
difficult to account for, goes."

ESSAY ON FARM ACCOUNTS, &C. 179

A striking proof of the practical value of farmer's Diaries, has
recently been witnessed in the upper part of this county, where
a large farm was worked for several years by foreign laborers,
directed by a mere lad, who was placed in charge by the pro-
prietor daring his absence. The boy had no experience, and
his judgment was of course limited, but he found counsel and
guidance in the Diaries which had been accurately kept on the
same farm for nearly twenty years preceding. Selecting the
records of what had been done in years of similar temperature,
he not only managed the work creditably, but left none of the
minor details undone. [A specimen of the Diaries referred to
above, is annexed to this Essay.]

Would it not be beneficial to agriculture, if the Societies in-
stituted for its advancement, gave a certain sum for every well
kept diary of a farm situated within their respective localities,
with premiums for those which displayed the most industry
and ability on their pages ? By requiring them to be written
on paper of a uniform size, several volumes might be annually
added to the library of the Society, and from them might be
compiled and condensed an Agricultural History of each year.
Valuable, to the young farmer at home, as well as to the scien-
tific agriculturist abroad, would be such a chronicle, and why
cannot the Society in Essex county take the lead in this, as it
has in other valuable movements ?

Farm Accounts are of equal importance to individuals, al-
though they are not of the same public value as diaries, unless
when questions come up relative to the comparative profit of
different soils, or of different applications of the same soil.
"There is not a single step," says Mr. Young, in the twenty-
eighth volume of his Annals of Agriculture, "in the life of a
farmer, that does not prove the advantage of his keeping regu-
lar accounts — and yet there is not one in a thousand that keeps
any. This is one, among the many instances, which in the
enlightened situation of the practisers of the art, is the evident
reason for the backwardness in which the art is found, by any
man who searches for the principles deducted from a practice,
which ought to give it the regularity of a cultivated science."

A few rough memoranda or figures, to yield a gross account

180 ESSAY ON FARM ACCOUNTS, &C.

of the general receipts or payments, usually constitute the en-
tire financial record of our farmers, even those who amass large
sums of money. In every other pursuit in life, the advanta-
ges of clear accounts are so obvious, that book keeping, by the
Italian mode of double entry, is an essential branch of public
education. Business meu, who are not regular in their ac-
counts, are always rated as unsafe customers by the prudent
portion of merchants — nor is there a greater reproach to a com-
mercial house, short of insolvency. But agriculture seems des-
tined to be, in all its details, an exception to every thing else.
Men engage in it Avithout previous education, or study, or ev-
en inquiry ; — and they oonduct large business in it without
those accounts known to be necessary in every other pursuit.

Would it not be of great utility to every farmer, to have be-
fore him a correct statement of his stock, farm, crops and im-
plements, taken at the close of the preceding year ? From such
certain documents, he would be able to proceed on his business
in a more regular and methodical way, and consequently, with
greater assurance of success, than if every thing, (as is too fre-
quently the case,) were left to custom, chance, or the exertion
of the moment.

In addition to this annual valuation, every farmer should
keep a Cash Book, and a specimen is annexed to this Essay
of a form which has been found simple and correct. Separate
accounts may be opened under the heads of Garden, Potato
Crop, Woodland, Dairy, Poultry — in short the relative ex-
pense, income, and profit of every branch of Agriculture may
be accurately ascertained. Amateur farmers, particularly those
who carry into the country the methodical habits of the count-
ing-house, will find in foreign works, rules for making regular
and multiplied entries of every transaction on a farm. The
most esteemed of these works are : " Munroe's Guide to Farm
Book-keeping," Edinburgh, 1825; "Trotter's Farm Book-keep-
ing," Edinburgh, 1831; " Harding's Farmer's Account Book,"
London, 1846 ; " Barry on Farm Accounts," London, 1849.

To keep a Diary and Farm Accounts, a farmer must occu-
py some of his time, but, in so doing, he will improve his
mind, which demands the samo constant cultivation as his

ESSAY ON FARM ACCOUNTS, &C. 181

land. "Experience," says Loudon, "shows that men situat-
ed like small farmers, (who are their own masters,) are very
apt to contaact habits of irregularity, procrastination and indo-
lence. They persuade themselves that a thing may as well
be done to-morrow as to-day, and the result is, that the thing
is not done till it is too late, and then hastily and imperfectly.
Now nothing can be conceived better adapted to check this
disposition, than a determination to keep regular accounts, and
a diary. The very consciousness that a man has to make en-
tries in his books of every thing that he does, keeps his atten-
tion alive to what he is to do ; and the act of making those
entries, is the best possible training to produce active and
pains-taking habits." Should a society offer premiums for the
best-kept Diaries, it would be well to make a class of those
kept by boys and girls under fifteen years of age. The youth
reared on the farms of New England, cannot have more profit-
able evening employment, as it not only tasks their mental ca-
pabilities, but fosters an attachment to their parental acres, and
demonstrates the profit of well directed agricultural labor.

To the student of political economy, or of history, as well as
of agriculture, a volume of Diaries kept at the same time, in
different sections of a county, could not be destitute of value
the next year — in a century it would be invaluable, for agri-
cultural information is always read with interest. What farm-
er has not wished for more precise accounts of Noah's vine-
yards, and of Solomon's orchards, which " bore all kinds of
fruit," — of the cattle of Uzziah, who "loved husbandry," and
of the operations of Elisha, who was found " ploughing with
twelve yoke of oxen." We read in the Journal of the Pil-
grims, among the interesting events which occurred in March,
1620, that ; "Monday and Tuesday proved fayre days, so we
digged our grounds, and sowed our garden seeds," — a matter
of no marvellous importance in itself, but worthy of remem-
brance as the commencement of those beautiful gardens which
now adorn New England.

Let us then have in the library of every Agricultural Socie-
ty, (in manuscript, if not in print,) Agricultural Registers,
compiled from the daily notings of practical farmers. They

182

ESSAY ON FARM ACCOUNTS, «SCC.

will not only systematize and benefit the agriculture of the
present day, but they will constitute a valuable inheritance for
those, who may hereafter be placed upon the soil Ave occupy,
"to dress it and to keep it."

SPECIMEN PAGE OF A FARM DIARY.

[Each operative on the Farm is distinguished by a number, in Roman characters.]

DIARY FOR THE WEEK COMMENCING May 10.

Weather. \ I.

II.

III.

IV.

V. 1 VI. 1 MocA-.

Sunday,
May 10.
Blustering.

At church.

brindle

cow
calved.

MONDAT,

May 11.
Pleasaut.

Hauling man-
ure to corn
field.

Loading cart
in yard.

Spreading
manure.

\n garden,
digging beds.

In garden,
iligging beds.

At mill.
In garden.

Grey
mare
shod all
round-

TuESDAT, Ploughing Harrowing
May la. in manure on • „ ,„ ^^r.
Pleasant. com field. '" ^"'" *^'^'''-

Driving
plough team

Mending
wall.

In garden,
sowed beets
and carrois.

Driving team
for harrow.

W ednesd'y.
May 13.
Fair, but

winily.

tor,..'e.lcornj ^^^^y
t.eld,5ruwsto ^,,,„^^^ "^^
.he rod, hils p„,„,i^,j.
•2 feet apart.

Driving
plough team.

Diuppiiig ma-
nuie in the
hillj,
corn field.

Uroi.pi.ig .i.i.-

nure in Ihe

hills, corn

field.

Driving
team.

honght
eight
sheep.

'i HUhSDAY.
AJay 14.
Cud and
hlusterin".

At market.

Planting
corn.

Planting
corn.

In garden,

sowed laie

peas.

Planting
corn.

Pulling lime
and charcoal
round trees In
back orchard

Cow
crop-
ear
r.alveil.

Fridat,
May 15,
Stormy.

Making up
accounts.

clearing out
hog-house.

Chopping Chopping
wood. wood.

Clearing out
potato cellars

Shelling
corn.

Sold
black
colt.

t<ATUKDAr,

May 16.
Fair, and
pleasant.

'I'riniiniiig

rose hushes,

i^-c, in

gur.ien.

Hauling

manure to

garden.

Clearing up

garden

and spreading

manuie.

Mending
wall.

Unwell,
at town.

At mill,
at blacksmith

II lid

old

oxen

«hod.

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OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.

CHOSEN SEPTEMBER 26, 1850.

JOHN W, PROCTOR, of Danvers, President
DANIEL ADAMS, Newbury, \
*ASA T. NEWHALL, Lynfield,

BENJAMIN PORTER, Danvers
RICHARD S. FAY, Lynn. ' j

WILLIAM SUTTON, Salem, Treasurer.
i-LLEN W. DODGE, Hamilton, Secretary.

y Vice Presidents.

Frederick Howes,
Ebenezer Mosely,

Lewis Allen,
John Alley, 3d,
Jacob Brown,
David S. Caldwell,
David Cboate,
Jeremiah Coleman,
Andrew Dodge,
George Hood,
Joseph How,
John M. Ives,
Josiah Little,
Josiah Kimball,
Joseph Kittredge,
Elisha Mack,

* Since deceased.

HONORARY

Salem.
Newburyport.

TRUS

Danvers.

Lynn.

Ipswich.

Newbury.

Essex.

Newburyport.

Wenham.

Lynn.

Methuen.

Salem.

Newbury.

Boxford.

Andover.

Salem.

TRUSTEES.

James H. Duncan,

Haverhill.

TEES.

Royal A. Merriam,
Win gate Merrill,
E. n. Mudge,
Moses Newell,
Josiah Newhall,
Andrew Nichols,
Thomas E. Payson,
Gardner B. Perry,
William R. Putnam,
Dean Robinson,
James Stevens,
John Stone, Jr.,
Horace Ware, Jr.,
Richard P. Waters,

MEMBERS ADMITTED IN 1850.

Isaac Appleton,
Franklin Alley,
John I. Bake'*,
Thomas P. Bancroft,
Eicliard S. Bray,
Henry M. Brown,
Samuel Chase,
Steplicn A. Chase,
Moses Coleman,
Joseph Crcssy,
Charles Davis,
Aaron Dodge,
Elnathan Dodfre,
William E. Dodge,
Stephen Driver,
J. M. Decker,
Israel O. Edwards,
Sedi Friend,
Joshua Foss,
Jedediah Farnham,
Josiah B. Gale,
John A. Green,
John J. Gould,
Amos Gould,
Franklin Haven,
Daniel Hildreth,
Mose' Hill,
John Kinsman,

Beverly.

Marblchead.

Beverly.

Newbury.

Salisbury.

Beverly.

Salem.

Newburyport.

Beverly.

Salem.

Ipswich.

Beverly.

Newbury.
Andover.
Salisbury.
Beverly.
Ipswich.
Wenham.
Beverly.
i<

Marblchead.
Salem.

24

Topsfield.

Danvers.

Lynn.

West Newbury.

Lynnfield.

Danvers.

Rowley.

Bradford.

Danvers.

West Newbury.

Andover.

Marblehead.

Salem.

Beverly.

David Larcom,
Abraham Lord,
Charles G. Loring,
Calvin Locke,
Lyman Mason,
Appleton Moore,
Warren Ordway,
Charles C. Paine,
Joel R. Peabody,
Nathaniel Porter,
John Porter,
John A. Putnam,
Samuel C. Pitman,
John G. Raymond,
William llodgers,
Richard S. Kogers,
Nathaniel T. Safford,
Levi D. Shelden,
Samuel D. G. Standley,
William Saunders,
Samuel S. Standley,
Edmund Smith,
Farnham Spofford,
Charles A. Stetson,
John Smith,
Lawson Walker,
Henry Wheatland,'
Henry Whipple,

Beverly.

Ipswich.
Beverly.
Amesbury.
Bradford.

Beverly.

Topsfield.

Beverly.

Wenham.
«

Lynn.
Beverly.

<(

Salem.
Beverly.

Salem.

Newbury.

Andover.

New York.

Hamilton.

Beverly.

Salem.

LIST OP PREMIUMS & GRATUITIES

AWARDED IN 1850.

PLOUGHING— DOUBLE TEAMS.
Horace "Ware, Jr., Salem, first premium,
Jonathan Berry, Mid die ton, second premium,
Franklin Alley, Marblehead, third premium,
Richard S. Bray, Newbury, fourth premium,
John S. Hubbard, Newbury, fifth premium,

PLOUGHING— SINGLE TEAMS.
Jackson H. Pickering, Dan vers, first premium,
Elijah Pope, Danvers, second premium,
Daniel Putnam, Danvers, third premium,
William Foster, Andover, fourth premium,

EAT CATTLE.
Jedediah Farnham, Andover, first premium,
do do do second premium,

WORKING OXEN.
Richard S. Bray, Newbury, first premium,
John Washburn, Lynn, second premium,
Jona. Berry, Middleton, third premium,
Isaac Standley, Beverly, fourth premium,

STEERS— THREE YEARS OLD.
Jedediah H. Barker, Andover, first premium,
David S. Caldwell, Byfield, second premium,

STEERS— TWO YEARS OLD.

Moses Pettingil. Topsfield, second premium, - 4 00

STEERS— ONE YEAR OLD,

Seth Kimball, Bradford, first premium, - - 4 00

David S. Caldwell, Byfield, second premium, - 3 00

James Day, Bradford, gratuity, - _ - 2 00

|10

00

8

00

6

00

5

00

4

00

8

00

6

00

4

00

2

00

10

00

8

00

10

00

8

00

6

00

4

00

7

00

6

00

PREMIUMS AWARDED.

187

BULLS.
J. G. Walcott, Danvers, first premium, _ - .
Joseph Kittreclge, Andover, second premium,
David Lake, Topsfield, third premium, - . -

MILCH COWS.
Farnham SpofFord, Andover, first premium,
Stephen Driver, Salem, second premium,
Josiah Crosby, Andover, third premium, . - -
Eben. King, Danvers, fourth premium,

HEIFEKS— IN MILK.
Philip L. Osborn, Danvers, first premium,
Daniel Osborn, Danvers, second premium,
Henry Hone, Saugus, third premium,

HEIFERS— TWO YEARS OLD.
Sylvester Cummings, Danvers, first premium,
Eben Hathorne, Salem, second premium,
John Stone, Jr., Marblehead, third premium,

HEIFERS— ONE YEAR OLD.
John S. Hubbard, Newbmy, first premium,
Jesse Dame, Beverly, second premium,
George French, Andover, third premium,

MARES AND COLTS.
Dean Robinson, W. Newbury, breeding mare, premium,
Joseph Kittredge, Andover, four year old colt, premium,
Ezra Dodge, Wenham, three year old colt, premium,
Israel Trask, Beverly, two year old colt, premium,
Moses L. Atkinson, Methuen, one year old colt, prem.

SWINE.
Seth Kimball, Bradford, boar, first premium,
Josiah Crosby, Andover, boar, second premium,
John Smith, Hamilton, breeding sow, first premium,
Wm. G. Lake, Topsfield, breeding sow, second prem.
John Smith, Hamilton, litter weaned pigs, first prem.
Allen W. Dodge, Hamilton, litter weaned pigs, 2d prem.
Abel Burnham, Gloucester, single pig, first premium,
Henry Poor, Andover, single pig, second premium.

7

00

6

00

5

00

10

00

9

00

8

00

7

00

7

00

6

00

5

00

5

00

4

00

3

00

4 00

3

00

2

00

10

00

10

00

8

00

6

00

4 00

5

00

3

00

5

00

3

00

6

00

3

00

4

00

2

00

188

PREMIUMS AWARDED.

SHEER
Joseph Kittredge, Andoyer, first premium,
Dean Robinson, West Newbury, second premium,

JUNE BUTTER.
Jona. Berry, Middleton, first premium,
Perley Goodale, Danvers, second premium,
John Preston, Danvers, third premium,

SEPTEMBER BUTTER.
Elijah Pope, Danvers, first premium,
Nathaniel Felton, Danvers, second premium,
Warren Averill, Ipswich, third premium,

HONEY.

Abraham Lord, Ipswich, first premium,
John F. Kimball, Boxford, second premium,

NEWLY INVENTED IMPLEMENTS.
David. Stiles, Middleton, Eagle Hay Cutter, premium,
Stephen Granville, Danvers. Washing Machine, prem.

MANAGEMENT OF FARMS.
Appleton Moore, Amesbury, premium,
Henry Poor, Andover premium, _ _ _

RECLAIMED MEADOWS.
John Porter, Wenham, first premium,
Calvin Locke, Ipswich, second premium,

GRAIN CROPS.
Henry Poor, Andover, premium, - _ _
Adino Page, Danvers, premium, - - - _
Joshua Foss, Newbury, premium, _ _ .

ROOT CROPS.
Daniel Buxton, jr., Danvers, premium,
Benjamin Rodgers, Andover, premium, - - -
Lyman Mason, Beverly, - - _ - -

ORCHARDS.
Amos Gould, Wenham, first premium,
Lewis Allen, Danvers, second premium,
William G. Lake, Topsfield, third premium,
Moses Pettingil, Topsfield, first premium.

7

00

5

00

10

00

8

00

6

00

10

00

8

00

6

00

3

00

2

00

7

00

2

00

15

00

10

00

20 00
1.5 00

8

00

8

00

8

00

6

00

6

00

6

00

10

00

8

00

4

00

10

00

PREMIUMS AWARDED.

189

AGPJCULTURAL ESSAYS.
Charles L. Flint, Cambridge, premium,
Ben. Perley Poore, West Newbury, premium,
Allen W. Dodge, Hamilton, premium.

By the Con

mittee on Poultry,
Fruits,

10

00

10

00

10

00

26

00

36

75

17

50

10

00

Vegetables, - - - ■
Flowers. _ _ _

Rugs, Carpets, and Counterpanes, 32 25
Cloth and Hosiery, - - 14 62
Metallic and Fancy Articles, 26 00

Leather, and Articles therefrom, 54 7o

Total, $740 87

ALLEN W. DODGE, Secretary.
Hamilton, January 1851.

tcS^ The list of premiums for 1851 will be found in the prin-
ted show bills. It is nearly similar to that of former years.

LIBRARY.

The Library of the Society is kept at the City Hall, in Sa-
lem. The City Clerk, (Joseph Cloutman,) acts as the Libra-
rian, and will deliver books under the following regulations :

1. Each member shall be entitled to take from the Library
two volumes, on signing a receipt for the same, and agreeing
to be accountable therefor.

2. No member shall keep any book more than two weeks,
after being notified by the Librarian that the same is wanted
by another member.

3. All books belonging to the Library, shall be returned on
or before the 15th of November, in each year ; that the same
may be examined, and the condition of the Library reported to
the Trustees.

4. Any member who shall neglect or refuse to conform to
these regulations, shall forfeit the privilege of taking books
from the Library.

Note. All who have paid the initiatory fee of three dollars, towards the
funds of the society ; all who have received certificates of membership by or-
der of the Trustees ; and all ordained ministers of the Gospel, resident within
the county, are considered as members. Editors of newspapers published iu
the county, are also, by vote of the Society, entitled to the privileges of the
Library.

DONATIONS MADE TO THE LIBRARY IN 1850

The Plough, Loom and Anvil, 6 Nos. Vol. 3.
American Agriculturalist, 6 Nos. 1850.

Johnston's Lectures on Scientific Agriculture. i ^ - -

Transactions of Michigan State Agricultural Society. ^ g | p^
Dadd's Reformed Veterinary. 2 -"^ S

Leuchar's Treatise on Hot Houses. J f^ Ed -^

Salem Gazette, for 1846 — 7 — 8 and 9, presented by its Editor.
Randall's Sheep Husbandry ; Agricultural Addresses ; and

Harmony of Interests ; presented by J. S. Skinner.
Magnetic and Meteorogical Observations, 3 Vols; California

Message and Correspondence ; presented by D. P. King.

INDEX.

Mr. Cusliing's AJclress, - - - - - - - -3 to 19

Introductory Remarks, - - - - - - - 19 to 22

Report on Milch Cows, - - - - - - - -22 to 27

Statement of FarnLam SpofFord, - - - - - 27 to 28

" Stephen Driver, ---._, 28

" Josiah Crosby, ----__ 28

" Eben King, 28 to 29

" John Nichols, 29 to 30

" Thomas G. Dodge, - - _ . . 30

Report on Heifers, --------_ 31

Statement of Daniel Osborn, ---___ 32

« Philip L. Osborn, 32

" Sylvester Cummings, - . _ . _ 32

Report on Working Oxen, - 33 to 34

" Steers, -----.-_. 3j_

'' Bulls, 35

" Fat Cattle, 35

" Mares and Colts, -----__ 3g

" Swine, 36 to 37

" Sheep, 3-r

" Fancy Articles, 38 to 48

" Domestic Manufiictures, - - - - _ _ 48 to 51

" Cloth and Hosiery, ----_. 5j

" Leather and Articles therefrom, - - - _ 52 to 53

Dairy Products, 53 to 54

Statement of Jonathan Berry, ----__ 5^

" Perley Goodale, 54 to 55

" John Preston, -----. 55

" Elijah Pope, 5g

" Nathaniel Felton, - - - - . 56 to 57

" Warren "AveriU, 57 to 59

" Charles P. Preston, -59 to 60

" David Baker, ----_. qq

Report on Bees and Honey, - - - - _ , 60to6'>

Statement of Abraham Lord, - - - - _ . 62 to 64

" John F. Kimball, 64 to 6G

Report on Poultry, 66 to 68

" Ploughing — double teams, - - . _ . 68 to 70

" " single teams, ----_. YO

" Improved Agricultural Implements, - - . 71 to 72

VJ'Z INDEX.

Report on Reclaimed Meadows, 72 to 74

Statement of John Porter, 74 to 76

" Calvin Locke, 7G to 78

Report on the Culture of the Cranberry, - - - - 78 to 81

" Fruit Trees, 81 to 85

Supplementary Report on Fruit Trees, - - - - 85 to 87

Letter of Asa T. Newhall, on Fruit Trees,"' - - - 87 to 88

Statement of Amos Gonld, 88 to 89

« Lewis Allen. .-...- 89 to 90

" William G. Lake, 90 to 91

" Moses Pettingil, 91 to 92

'' Royal A. Merriam, 92 to 94

" Francis Dodge, - - - - - - 94 to 95

Letter of Joshua H. Ordway, 95 to 96

Report on Fruit, 96 to 98

» Grain Crops, - 98 to 99

Statement of Henry Pooor, - - - - - -99 to 101

Adino Page, 101 to 102

" Joshua Foss, 102 to 103

Report on Root Crops, 103 to 108

Statement of Daniel Buxton, Jr., 108 to 110

" Abraham C. Oaborn, - - - - 110 to 113

" Benjamin P. Ware, 113 to 114

" Benjamin Rogers, ----- 114 to 116

" Joseph Snelling, Jr., 116 to 119

Report on Farms, 119 to 121

Statement of Appleton Moore, 121 to 123

" Henry Poor, 123 to 125

Report on Vegetables, - - - - - - - 125 to 127

" of the Horticultural Exhibition, . . - . 127 to 143

" on Essiiys, 143 to 145

Essay on Top Dressings for Mowing and Pasture Lands, - 145 to 164

" Rearing Turkeys, - - - - - - 164 to 175

" Farm Accounts, Farm Diaries, &c., - - 175 to 184

Treasurer's Report, .._-----. 184

Officers of the Society, - 185

Members admitted in 1850, .__.._ 185

List of Premiums and Gratuities awarded in 1850, . - - 186 to 190

Library, 190

Index, 191 to 192

e?

\