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TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES

OF MASSACHUSETTS,

FOR THE YEAS 1848.

GIFT TO

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
LIBRARY

from

ROBERT A. BOOTH
Marblehead, Mass.

■

TRANSACTIONS

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES

OF MAvSSACHUSETTS,

FOR THE YEAR 1848.

COLLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL RETURNS,

BY WILLIAM B. CALHOUN,

SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH

BOSTON:

BUTTON AND WENTWORTH, STATE PRINTERS,

No. 37, Congress Street.

1849,

ADVERTISEMENT.

Secretary's Office, March 24, 1849.

The present volume of Transactions of the Agricultural Societies
does not differ essentially from the preceding volumes. It has been
made up from the Returns of the past year by the gentleman, who
has been employed heretofore in the same work, Hon, A. W. Dodge,
an intelligent farmer of Essex County.

In some respects, the reports of the festivals and fairs of the last
Fall are inferior, in point of interest, to those of former years. In two
or three of the counties, Middlesex and Hampden especially, this
must be attributed to uncontrollable causes, which prevented the car-
rying out of matured arrangements.

Complaint is sometimes made, and apparently with justice, that
many of the reports of committees, made at the annual shows, are
deficient in fulness. In some of the counties, great pains are taken to
give a satisfactory view of every thing important connected with these
shows. And these reports are so valuable and instructive, that the
desire is a natural and a strong one, that they may all partake of this
character. Where prizes are awarded for successful efforts, the pre-
mium may be satisfactory to the individual who obtains it ; but this
alone adds nothing to the stock of general information, which is the
leading purpose of the bounty of the State. It is greatly to be hoped
that the reports of committees may continue to improve in the essen-
tial requisite of furnishing, with minuteness, all the means by which, in
each case of premium, the result has been attained. And it may not be
improper to repeat here, — what was suggested in the preliminary notice

IV ADVERTISEMENT

to the last volume, — that abundant time is now allowed, under the law
of 1847, chapter 69, for the maturing of reports. The cattle shows,
being usually held not later than the first or second week in October,
from that time until January may be taken to give completeness and
accuracy to the reports and returns. They are required to be filed in
the Secretary's office on or before the tenth day of January.

Premiums for general cultivation, or general farm improvement,
are becoming more common than in former years, and, in some parts
of the State, have acquired special favor. They are undoubtedly the
best test of advancement and skill in the application of agricultural
knowledge, and present the farmer moving forward in all the depart-
ments of labor. Success in the general pursuit, where all branches
are cared for and no one is neglected, should be accounted the true
purpose of reward. It is believed, that public sentiment indicates
this as the leading object of successful competition.

The essays which form a prominent feature in the doings of some
of the societies, especially that of Essex County, deservedly attract
general attention, and are rendering excellent service in the promo-
tion of agricultural science. Such essays, it is hoped, will become
prominent in the doings of all the societies.

In the present volume, an attempt is made to preserve, in a perma-
nent form, some of the contributions made to the cause of agriculture
by the Legislative Agricultural Society, which holds its conversational
meetings in the hall of the House of Representatives, during the
sessions of the Legislature. It is hoped, that what is furnished from
this source may prove not unacceptable to the farmers of the Com-
monwealth, and lead to ampler contributions hereafter.

Selections, as in preceding volumes, have been made from the
addresses delivered at the various fairs; and that of Professor Norton,
on an important topic of agricultural chemistry, has been given in
full. No addresses were delivered before the societies in Bristol and
Barnstable counties ; and the one before the Hampden Society has
not been furnished.

ABSTRACT.

MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING AGRICUL-
TURE.

The President and Secretary of the Massachusetts Society
for Promoting Agriculture, in making the annual return to the
Secretary of the Commonwealth, required by the act of 1847,
chap. 69, can only pursue the same "course of statements which
they have heretofore returned, and which have appeared in the
Massachusetts Agricultural Statistics.

In the autumn of 1845, the trustees imported stock of the
highest character in Europe as milking stock. Their efforts
since have been concentrated to promote this object alone, and
the only reports made, have been made by the committee en-
trusted with the care of this stock.

In the last report of this committee to the trustees, is incor-
porated a report to them by Mr. Phinney, (one of the board of
trustees to whom the stock and their management is confided,)
with a design to impress upon the farmers the great and certain
advantage resulting from the careful breeding of a pure stock.

JOHN C. GRAY,
President of the Mass. Soc. for Prom. Ag.

BEN J. GUILD, Secretary.
BosTONj January 1, 1849.

1

MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY^

Report of the Committee on the Imported Stock.

The committee, (Messrs, Lawrence, Gray, Sears, Codman,
and Warren,) having charge of the imported stock in the keep-
ing of Mr. Phinney, of Lexington, and who were also author-
ized to adopt the best mode of ultimate distribution of the
calves as they became of an age for use, beg leave to offer the
following report of Mr. Phinney, as to the present state of the
cattle, and the course adopted and pursued for distributing one
animal of each sex to each incorporated county agricultural
society in the Commonwealth.

The report was prepared by Mr. Phinney, at the request of
the committee, with the desire of showing to the farmers of
Massachusetts the value of stock of known qualities, and
which may be relied upon if preserved pure, uniformly to sus-
tain the same character.

"The undersigned, having the care of keeping and of dis-
tributing the calves of the imported stock, offers the following
report to the committee, in. compliance with their request, com-
municated to him by the secretary.

" It is now little more than three years since the trustees of the
society decided to appropriate the income of their funds to the
importation and diffusion of foreign breeds of cattle, with a
view of improving the stock of the Avhole Commonwealth.
Accordingly, it will be recollected, that, in the summer of 1845,
a competent agent was employed to undertake the business of
making the selection ; and, in September of that year, ten head
of cattle arrived in Boston, under the superintendence of Mr.
Bickett, the agent, viz., four cows and a bull of the Ayrshire
breed, and four cows and a bull of the North Devon breed, —
these, in the opinion of the trustees, being the breeds best cal-
culated for the improvement of the dairy and other stock of the
country. Two of the Ayrshire cows have died since their
arrival in this country, and their places have been supplied by
the purchase of two others from the imported stock of Capt.
Randall, of New Bedford.

"The whole stock, on its arrival, was placed under the care of

MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY. 3

the undersigned, upon his farm in Lexington, where it now
remains, with exception of the two that have died. They are
kept in winter upon the best of hay, of which each animal,
over a year old, will require an average of twenty pounds per
day, with a portion of wheat bran, and oil or Indian meal,
equal, in value, to two quarts of Indian meal and a peck of
carrots per day. In the summer, they are soiled, the under-
signed not having sufficient pasturing, when they are kept on
rye, lucerne, clover, oats, and corn cut green, and carried to the
stalls, with the same quantity of wheat bran and Indian meal,
as in winter. By this feed, and with the aid of the curry-comb
and brush, they are kept in a healthy and growing condition,
but not fat.

"If it occur to the farmer that this mode of keeping is more
expensive than usual, to the milking cows of farmers, and the
consequent productiveness of the same breed not to be expected,
when distributed among the cattle of the country, it should be
remembered that all animals kept expressly for breeding, to
make them valuable for that purpose, must be kept in higher
order, and with more care, than those that are intended only
for the dairy, or usual service of the kind of animal. The
certainty that the qualities may be preserved, if the blood be
kept pure, is remarkably proved in the dog, the horse, and the
hog. Some of the cows are first-rate breeders, giving, in each
year, a perfectly healthy and well-formed calf ; others are less
so, being more irregular in the production of their offspring.

" The whole number of the pure blood stock now owned by
the society, is thirty-three, including the original importation,
and four that have been delivered to county societies, and also
an Ayrshire bull calf, presented to the society by their presi-
dent, the Hon. .John C. Gray, out of his excellent Ayrshire cow
Maggie. In addition to these, the society have four native
cows, and six half-blood calves, making in all forty-three head.

"Four pure blood bulls, two of them Ayrshire and two North
Devon, have been delivered to the four oldest county agricul-
tural societies, (see note at the end,) and there are now five
other bulls of the pure blood, ready for delivery to other county

4 MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY.

agricultural societies, which will be of suitable age to put to
use in the coming spring.

" Two heifers, from the imported stock, are now in calf by the
imported bulls, which, with their calves, will be delivered to
county societies, when they shall have dropped their first
calves, and are again in calf by the imported bulls. By this
measure, the public will secure the benefit of having four ani-
mals of the best and purest blood, from these heifers.

" The character of the Ayrshire breed of cattle for the dairy,
and the North Devon for grazing, for the plough and all the
useful purposes of the farm, is too well established to require
any further evidence in support of their claims. The sales of
their milk, over and above what is necessary for their calves,
amount to over two hundred dollars per year. It is sometimes
asked, by the advocates for cattle-shows, why the trustees sus-
pended their annual shows, and discontinued their offer of pre-
miums on crops, and for the best cultivated farms, and devoted
their whole income to the improvement of stock? Our long re-
peated cattle-shows were degenerating into ' holiday gather-
ings,' and tending, in the language of the late Governor
Wright, ' to become arbitrary experiments, based on no philo-
sophical investigation of cause and effect.' In a country where
so large a portion of the farmer's wealth consists in his stock of
cattle, and so considerable a share of his income is derived from
the produce of the dairy, and beef for the market, it was be-
lieved that something might be done by way of improving his
stock, which would advance the interests of agriculture more
than cattle-shows, and premiums on crops. Suppose the whole
number of cattle, owned in the Commonwealth, to be one hun-
dred thousand, and by a distribution among them of one hun-
dred or more of the pure blood of the best breeds of stock, their
value should be increased ten, or even five per cent., would not
this be of greater advantage to the farmer, than all that could
be derived from the premiums heretofore offered ? The ben-
eficial results of crossing the pure blood of the best foreign
breeds with our best native stock, is more or less apparent in
many parts of our State. In passing through the western coun-
ties, and particularly the county of Worcester, the practised

MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY. 5

eye will detect a greater or less infiision of the pure blood of
some recent, or mdre remotely, imported race of foreign breeds in
almost every animal that is met, and this, in many cases, where
the source of this infusion was never known, or had been for-
gotten by the owner. It is a well settled principle in breeding,
that the purity of blood in a long and well established race of
animals, will prevail in transmitting their peculiar qualities to
the progeny over that which is less pure, and of more recent
and unsettled character. This is strikingly verified in the re-
semblance to the sire of the calves of our native cows, when
bred to a foreign bull, of pure and long established blood. Im-
pressed with a belief in this principle, the trustees determined
to import no animal of ^ignoble blood,'' but such only as could
be traced through a long line of ancestry of the purest and most
approved breeds.

"The gentleman, sent out to make the selection, was well
skilled in the science of breeding stock, and well acquainted
with the merits of the various breeds of cattle in England and
Scotland. Many of the animals imported had been favorably
noticed by the bestowment of premiums awarded them by the
best judges of stock in the country from which they came, and
a well authenticated pedigree, heretofore published,* particu-
larly of the bulls, proves them to be of the best and purest blood
of the respective races to which they belong.

" There was one other consideration that operated upon the
minds of the trustees, in making the importation of stock. It
was found that the occasional importation of a single bull was
inadequate to the task of bringing about the desired improve-
ment. The animal was placed, for a limited time, in one section
of the country, and then removed to another. The owners of
the descendants of the first cross, in consequence of the re-
moval, were deprived of the opportunity of following up the
improvement, and by breeding out they soon lost the benefit of
the first cross. The farmer, having no cows of the pure blood,
whereby the race could be preserved, was drawn to the neces-
sity of resorting to his native bull, and thus by breeding out, in

* See Abstract from the Returns of Agricultural Societies, for 1S45, page 190.

6 MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY.

a few years every trace of the pure blood became extinct, or, if
the half-blood heifer was bred to the half-blood bull, the pro-
gress of improvement was limited to the half-blood. To obvi-
ate, therefore, this difficulty in the way of improvement, the
trustees decided to import the pure blood animals of both sexes,
and thereby secure the means of multiplying them among our-
selves, hoping, by this measure, to be enabled to avoid the ne-
cessity of breeding out, and, within a few years, to furnish an
ample supply of the pure blood animals, and thereby to enable
the farmers to improve the whole stock of the Commonwealth."
The Trustees of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting
Agriculture have thus begun the work, and they hope and
trust that the intelligent yeomanry of the State will lend a pa-
tient and cheerful cooperation in promoting a cause so essential
to their interests.

Respectfully submitted, by

ABBOTT LAWRENCE,
JOHN C. GRAY,
J. C. WARREN,
DAVID SEARS,
HENRY CODMAN,

Committee.

Note. North Devon bull " Leicester," to Abiel Hey wood, Secretary of Middlesex
Agricultural Society, 16th November, 1S48.

North Devon bull "King Philip," to E. H. Kellogg, Secretary of the Berkshire Agri-
cultural Society, 9th December, 1848.

Ayrshire bull " Hamilton," to S. L. Hinckley, of the H. F. and Hampshire Agricul-
tural Society, 6th January, 1848.

Ayrshire bull " McGregor," to William S. Lincoln, Secretary of the Worcester Agri-
cultural Society, 4th February, 1848.

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

MIDDLESEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The Middlesex Society of Husbandmen and Manufacturers
held their fifty-sixth annual cattle-show, ploughing match and
exhibition of domestic manufactures, at Concord, on Wednes-
day the 4th day of October last. The weather, in the early
part of the day, was, as it had been for two or three days pre-
ceding, cold and stormy. Many farmers, not living in the
immediate vicinity of Concord, were consequently prevented
from attending. Still, the attendance was respectable, and
though, in some respects, the exhibition was not equal to those
of former years, it was, in all its departments, superior to what
could have been anticipated.

Twenty-six teams were entered as competitors in the plough-
ing match. The work was skilfully and faithfully performed.
The show of animals was equal in quality to those of former
years, though it fell short in numbers, the weather rendering it
extremely inconvenient to drive cattle from any considerable
distance. The specimens of fruit were not numerous, but the
quality was never better. One or two individuals presented
about forty different kinds of apples, many of them new and ex-
cellent varieties. Many choice pears were presented, — twenty-
six different varieties by one gentleman, and ten by another.

The society is subject to great inconvenience for want of a
more commodious place for the exhibition of fruits, vegetables,
and household manufactures. The only accommodation for
the display of these articles consists of the hall and two small
apartments on the lower floor of the court-house. On ordinary
occasions, these rooms are excessively crowded. The articles
presented for exhibition, especially those of household manu-
facture, the product of female industry, are unavoidably thrown
together in such disorder as to render a satisfactory examina-

8 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

tion of tliem difficult, if not impracticable. The increasing
popularity of this exhibition, the augmented number of candi-
dates for the gratuities which the society awards for these speci-
mens of fire-side industry, and the undoubted usefulness and
propriety of its encouragement, require more extensive accom-
modation.

The address was delivered by the Hon. John C. Gray, of
Boston.

On Farms, &c.

In the performance of the duty assigned them, the committee
travelled over two hundred miles of road, a part of which was
more rugged and hard-featured than they would have believed
to exist in the county of Middlesex, had not experience afforded
mideniable evidence of the fact. In two or three instances,
they began to fear that the applicants for premiums had se-
lected localities for their farms and orchards, for the especial
purpose of making an experiment upon the patience and perse-
verance of the committee ; but we are happy to state that our
fidelity to the trust committed to us was not shaken by the
discouraging aspect of the roads in certain places, and that the
physical obstructions, such as rocks, stumps and ditches, van-
ished before unconquerable resolution, thus illustrating, in one
sense, the truth of prophecy, that, in the honest and fearless
discharge of duty, the crooked shall become straight and the
rough places be made plain.

The position occupied by the farmers of the county, in the
social organization, is truly honorable. So far as we could
judge from the familiar intercourse into which we were brought
by the nature of the service we were deputed to perform, there
is no class of the people more respected and respectable ; none
more happily exempted from pecuniary embarrassments ; none
more fortunate in the possession of that personal independence,
which grows out of severe training in moral principles and
good habits ; none more contented and happy. They seem to

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 9

enjoy that desirable freedom of mind and circumstances, which
naturally attends a position above the fear of Avant, and at an
equal distance from that superfluous wealth that brings care
and anxiety to its possessor. Their dwellings are the abodes
of innocence, peace, and plenty. The committee have great
pleasure in acknowledging, in this public manner, the generous
hospitality with which they were entertained, whenever their
convenience permitted them to partake of a meal or a lodging
at the house of a farmer.

The pleasure which our predecessors have expressed on for-
mer occasions, under the conviction that the practice of agri-
culture was gradually, if not rapidly, improving in this coun-
try, has been realized by the committee, in the examinations of
the present year. The movement of enlightened and scientific
husbandry is onward. Yet there is room left for improvement ;
and, should the spirit of emulation, that now exists, continue to
prevail, we trust that our successors will be enabled to make
reports still more satisfactory to themselves and honorable to
the yeomanry of the county.

Applications for the society's premiums were made by twenty-
eight individuals, namely, five in Concord, four in Lincoln,
two in West Cambridge, two in Billerica, one in Dracut, one in
Chelmsford, one in Pepperell, one in Groton, one in Sudbury,
three in Framingham, one in Ashland, one in Hopkinton, three
in Marlborough, and one in Brighton. The premises of two of
the applicants were not visited by the committee; one, because
he had violated a well-known rule of the society, regulating
the distribution of premiums, and thereby forfeited his claim
to a premium ; the other had misapprehended the object for
which a premium was proposed.

Farms. — In awarding the premiums on farms, the committee
have endeavored most scrupulously to regard their instructions,
by taking into consideration the general appearance of the
premises, the nature of the soil, and the amount of labor neces-
sary to bring it into a state susceptible of tillage ; the mode and
expense of cultivation, and the quantity and value of the pro-
duce. Our examination has resulted in the assurance, that the
progress of enlightened skill has not been slackened, that emu-
2

10 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

lation has not slept, that industry has not labored in vain.
This is made manifest by the number of new orchards that are
annually planted, the acres of peat and bog meadows that are
annually reclaimed, and the beautiful and substantial stone
walls that enclose fields and mowing lots, in which the material
was once embedded and could be removed only by the applica-
tion of gunpowder.

The committee have awarded the first premium on farms to
that of George Pierce, of West Cambridge. This farm consists
of about forty acres. The soil, except about four acres of
swamp, is of a sandy loam. Two acres of this swamp has
been cultivated, for the first time, the present season ; the re-
mainder is thickly overgrown with white birch, sprung from
the stumps of a previous growth. The farm is cultivated for
the express purpose of supplying vegetables and fruits for the
market in Boston. There are two peach orchards on the farm,
one of which contains about eight hundred trees on three acres
and a half. These were all procured from New Jersey, and
were set out in the spring of 184G. Many of them have borne
fruit. The spaces between the rows are planted with melons,
beans, and cauliflowers. The beans had been gathered in be-
fore the examination of the committee, and the vines thrown
around the roots of the peach trees. The soil of this orchard
was in a high state of cultivation before the putting in of the
trees, in 1846, but has since received no manure, except a
shovel-full placed in each of the melon hills, twelve feet apart,
at the time of planting. Some acres produce tomatoes, on
others are now growing celery, cauliflowers, cabbages, spinach,
corn, potatoes, and (what the committee have nowhere else
seen cultivated for the market,) dandelions. In the judgment
of the committee, there were about three acres covered with
this vegetable, (which generally passes for a worthless weed,)
and which affords a rich return for the labor and expense of
cultivation. A large portion of this farm has produced three
crops this season : first, radishes and early peas, second, pota-
toes and cucumbers, and next, celery, cabbages, &C. The fol-
lowing statement of the expenses and value of the produce Avas
given to the committee, viz : —

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

11

Hands employed from April to October, at an aver-
age of $16 a month,

Labor paid by the day,

Board of men, at $10 a month.

Night soil from ten vaults,

Manure from one stable in Boston, .

Teaming the same, .

Manure from one stable in Charlestown, the produce
of 44 horses, at $10 a horse, delivered on the farm

Manure from Porter's stable in Cambridge, 30 cords
at $5 50 a cord, ....

$672 00

80 00

420 00

30 00

400 00

300 00

440 00

165 00

$2,507 00

The proceeds of sales, from March 3d to September 23d, as
rendered by the market-men. of which a daily account is kept,
$4,544 79, leaving a balance of $2,037 79 in favor of the farm,
exclusive of all the crops now on the land, probably worth as
much more. Mr. Pierce generally manages so as to have his
manure from the stables brought at a time when it can be spread
and ploughed in. He makes no compost but what is manufac-
tured by two hogs. His domestic animals are one or two cows
and three horses, used for ploughing and transporting his fruit
and vegetables to market.

The second premium is awarded to Ebenezer Davis, Jr., of
Acton, from whose statement the following abstract is derived.
Mr. Davis's farm contains about 140 acres. It is generally of
a light, sandy soil, and some of it too poor for cultivation.
About 60 acres are woodland, 30 are pasture, and about 50 are
under cultivation. He raised last year (1847) 750 baskets of
sound corn from ten acres, supposed by his neighbors to over-
run 400 bushels when shelled, — not an extraordinary crop, but
a very good one, considering the nature of the soil, and the
manure and labor expended. The field was grass ground,
ploughed in the autumn and cross-ploughed in the spring. His
manure was composed, at first, of one fourth green stable
manure and three fourths peat or mud, dug in the autumn
before used. AVith these materials he worked in small quanti-

13

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

ties of plaster, ashes, and salt. On ten acres of newly broken
ground, he had 154 bushels of rye ; on six acres, 200 bushels
of oats ; on three acres, 500 bushels of potatoes, with no ma-
nure but plaster. More than half of this potato crop was dis-
eased. Among the corn were raised 12 bushels of beans and 6
cords of pumpkins. He cut 30 tons of hay ; kept two cows
and a horse through the summer ; sold ."^11 worth of milk and
$20 worth of butter, besides the supply of these articles for his
family. He stall-fed a pair of oxen and three cows, from the
first of December till March. He kept eleven hogs through the
winter, which sold, in the spring, for $100 more than they cost
him in the autumn. In addition to these, he wintered nine
cows, six oxen, and a horse. The milk sold in the winter
amounted to $75. He has a nursery of fruit-trees, occupying
two acres and a half, from which there were considerable sales,
but of the expense and profit of the nursery he had made no
estimate. From the few trees in bearing, the sale of apples
amounted to $50. His hired help, Mr. Davis, stated to be equal
to three men for eight months, at $15 a month, and one man,
at $10 a month for the other four months of the year. The
product of the farm, beyond the supplies for his family, is stated
as follows : —

200 bushels of corn, . . . . .

$200 00

200 bushels of oats, . . . . .

100 00

125 bushels of rye, . . . . .

125 00

Potatoes, ......

100 00

Straw sold in the barn at $8 a ton, .

105 00

Milk and butter in summer, . . . .

31 00

Milk in winter, ....

75 00

Pork, ......

100 00

Apples, .....

. 50 00

Beans, .....

20 00

Fatting cattle, . . ' .

60 00

$966 00

Mr. Davis has made considerable improvement on his farm
during the year. A barn, 50 feet by 36, 15 feet posts, he had

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY." 13

raised 18 inches, shingled and clapboarded it, and made a cellar
under the whole. The cellar was divided. in the centre, length-
wise, by a substantial partition, — one half to be used for ma-
nure, the other for keeping roots and fruits. He set 200 apple
trees in the spring, and built 30 rods of stout stone wall. At the
time when the committee made their visit, the second week in
September, there were growing 16 acres of corn, 2 of potatoes,
and 2 of ruta bagas. He had raised 4 acres of oats, and cut
40 tons of English and 4 of meadow hay. A portion of his
farm, 50 acres, being mostly a worn-out and stony pasture, he
purchased in the spring of 1845. Of this portion, he had
ploughed and brought into a tolerably productive condition, 16
acres.

The third premium is awarded to Charles Stearns, of Bille-
rica, who owns a small farm situated on the southwesterly side
of the old Middlesex Turnpike, in a region whose physical
features would discourage and defeat all ordinary attempts at
improvement It is enclosed by neat and substantial stone
walls, and has produced, the present year, 16 tons of hay, 30
bushels of rye, 30 bushels of corn, and 100 bushels of potatoes.
The labor has been all done by Mr. Stearns and his two sons,
the eldest of whom is about 14 years old ; and they have
earned $70 in the last six months by laboring elsewhere. The
statement of the produce may seem small to those who have
not examined the premises, but the committee had no hesita-
tion in believing that the rewards, which the society proposes
for the exercise of labor, could be nowhere more appropriately
bestowed.

Two other farms were presented for premiums. One of them
offered by Jabez Huntington, of Marlborough, had already re-
ceived the second premium, and, consequently, was a candidate
only for the first ; and the committee would willingly have
awarded it, had not the farm at West Cambridge outrun all
competition. Mr. Huntington gave to the committee an inter-
esting statement exhibiting, in detail, the improvements he had
made on the farm, — which he had owned eleven years, — in the
clearing up of brush-wood, the reclaiming of brake-swamps
and bog meadows, the construction of stone wall, (425 rods

14 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

from 3| to 5 feet high,) the erection of new buildings, and the
repairing of old ones. He had hired help in laying his wall,
but worked out for others with his tent! enough to balance all
that he paid to his hired men. He had made and repaired a
great many farming utensils. Mr. Huntington is, in the truest
sense of the terms, both a practical farmer and a practical me-
chanic. The repairs on his buildings were chiefly done by his
own hands, and he had built two wagon-bodies, a large sleigh,
with double runners, and two wheelbarrows, the iron as well as
the wood-work of the whole. The committee were well sat-
isfied with the results of Mr. Huntington's industry and skill,
and can hardly doubt that he will obtain the first premium at
no distant day, if he should renew his application.

The other farm referred to, is also in Marlborough. Much
improvement has recently been made on the land, and in the
farm buildings ; but the proprietor was absent when the com-
mittee made their visit, and their examination was conse-
quently very imperfect and unsatisfactory.

Reclaimed Meadows. — In assigning the premiums for re-
claimed meadows, the committee may have failed to do exact
justice. In some instances, it was diflicult to decide where
the preference should be given. There were five applicants,
and the committee had but four premiums at their disposal.
Regretting that either should be disappointed, where all were
deserving, the committee felt no little hesitation in deciding
which of two applications to reject.

The committee submit, as part of their Report, the following
extracts from the statements presented to them, by the several
a] plicants, to whom they have awarded premiums.

From J. B. Fariner^ Concord. — The piece of bog meadow
that I have called your attention to, has been reclaimed in the
following manner : — In the spring of 1835, I let out about one
half of the piece, and gave the whole crop for breaking it up ;
the other half I dug up with my own help, and carried off" the
sods. The whole piece was planted with potatoes ; the crop
was sufficient to pay the expense. The winter following, I
hired a man to gravel it ; he covered it two and a half inches
deep, at an expense of about ^9 an acre. The last week in

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 15

June, 1836, I sowed it with barley and grass seed, after having
dug over about one half of the piece, by way of experiment,
with manure forks, to the depth of about eight inches, mixing
the mud and gravel together. The result of this experiment
was a tremendous growth of barley straw, so great that it
lodged, and did not fill near as well as the other part that was
not mixed, mud and gravel together. That part filled well, and
there was a good crop, but the amount I cannot tell, as it was
put on the mow and thrashed with other barley. The grass
consisted of 1 peck of herds-grass and half a bushel of red-top
seed, as is my rule, per acre. The crop of hay, this year, was 3
tons per acre. The whole amount of manure that has ever been
put upon the two pieces, is 13 loads, viz : 1 load of litter when
planted with potatoes, and about half a pint of ashes to each
hill. In the spring of 1837, I put on 3 cart-loads of compost ;
in the spring of 1838, 6 cart-loads. The loads did not contain
more than 25 bushels each. The difference in the growth of
grass on the two pieces experimented on, is greater now than it
ever has been before. The mud in this part of the m.eadow
varies in depth from 2 to 4 feet, and is fine, black, and crum-
bly. The sub-soil is a fine, white sand, mixed with a very
little clay, but not enough to make it stick together when dry.
In my opinion, the great secret of reclaiming bog meadows,
is in thoroughly draining; if that is not done, it will be but a
short time before the poor and sour kinds of grass will take the
place of the better. This I have found, universally, to be the
case when it was not thoroughly drained ; and, to prevent their
intruding, I deem it necessary to dig a ditch all round the piece
to be reclaimed, at the very outer edge of the meadow, to the
depth of about 3 feet, and of sufficient width to work in easy;
then stone it up to within 12 or 15 inches of the top, making
what is usually called a blind ditch. This method of draining,
(with a main centre ditch to be kept open,) \v\\\ usually drain
any meadow, when the hard land that surrounds it is alluvial,
and the sub-soil a fine, white sand. In such cases, the level of
the water is nearly parallel with the surface of the ground ; but,
when the meadow is surrounded by, or the water comes from,
a ledgy hill, and the sub-soil is a mixture of coarse gravel, clay,

16 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

and small stones, the water seems to rise almost perpendicu-
larly, and must be taken from each spring as best it can. But,
as meadows and surrounding lands vary so much, I deem it
impossible to lay down any rule that Avill be applicable to all
cases, except saying, keep off the water.

From William Buckminster^ Framingham.- — The first lot of
bog meadow that I showed you, on my farm in Framingham,
has a peaty surface, from 1 to 2 feet in thickness, and a sub-
stratum of sand. For one hundred and fifty years, this land
produced annual crops of meadow grass, and, for fifty years
past, this has been of poor quality, a specimen of which you
saw uncut. Some part of the meadow has produced from 10
to 15 hundred of hay per acre. It was scarcely worth the labor
of cutting and making.

My mode of converting this meadow to bear English grass
was to drain it by ditches four rods apart, and dig to the depth
and width of three feet. I dug them, and let the contents lie on
the banks for one whole year previous to spreading ; and, on
spreading the mud, I added to it loam enough to cover com-
pletely all the grass which grew on the ground, carted from the
adjoining highland. I left but little loam on the banks where
the mud had lain, for the natural grasses were completely dead,
and needed no covering. By leaving the grass between the
ditches uncut, I find it much easier to bury the whole and thus
kill it, than when I cut the grass and make hay of it. For, in
some cases, one ox-load of thirty bushels will cover one rod square.
When the grass is cut, it does not die without a deeper covering.

The cost of covering one acre where the bank is high, and
where the meadow bears up the team, is not very great. The
ditch mud is a great help ; and the ditching costs but twenty-
five cents a rod, job-work. One good man with a yoke of oxen
will cover an acre well, under favorable circumstances, in eight
or ten days. One of the acres which you saw was covered at
an expense not exceeding twenty dollars, in addition to the
ditching.

I sow my grass seed in the last week of August, or the first
of September, spreading on the surface fifteen to twenty ox-
loads of compost manure (thirty bushels in a load) per acre ;

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 17

and I often obtain two tons of good hay from the same at the
first cutting. When the land is well dressed with compost, it
will yield at least one ton per acre of rowen-hay, making three
tons per acre. But such crops are not usually obtained with-
out a new dressing every second year. Manure is essential
here as well as on highlands ; but I think one load of manure
here will do me twice as much service as a load on high and
dry land. I have treated the five acres which you viewed in
the mode above stated; and, for my land, this is the best mode
that I have seen ; for the highland earth carted on will prove
useful for all time to come. The land now bears any kind of
team well, and it may be easily turned over with a plough
where the wild grass shows itself too conspicuously.

The second lot which you viewed is a swamp that bore lofty
pines, maples and yellow birch. I cleared it of the remains of
its timber and wood three years ago, cut the bushes as close as
possible, and let the fire run through it in August, 1846. In Sep-
tember, I sowed herd's-grass and red-top, and went over the
ground with a common harrow. The peat muck here is ten
feet deep and quite rich. I ditched the four acres partially, and
trusted to the ashes to give me grass. The large stumps were
not taken out, and they now occupy one fifteenth or twentieth
of the surface. Last year, I had a pretty good swarth of Eng-
lish grass. Last winter, I carted on fifteen loads of gravel per
acre, and spread it. In March, I sowed clover. The land
yielded twice as much this season as at first. The product was
one ton per acre by estimation, and the feed that is now on it is
valuable. The grass was not mowed till August. The swamp
brake, a species of fern, grew here to the height of six feet. It
was feared that this would yield reluctantly to the valuable
grasses ; but it did not prove troublesome. In June, the com-
mon hoe was applied, and we have now no fears of the brakes.
People who were well acquainted with this old swamp thought
it could not be drained ; but we found that one ditch of fifty
rods, and another of thirty, carry ofi'most of the surplus water.
These four acres have not cost much in reclaiming. The ma-
ples only throw up but a few shoots, and they are soon put an
end to by beating them off from the stumps.
3

18 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

The third lot that was viewed by you on the south side of
the road, has cost the most money. On this, ditches four feet
in width and four in depth, have been cut, and the muck has
been spread so as to cover the space (4 rods) between them.
One acre and a half of this has been prepared this season, and
the seed is now sown. Most of the stumps have been cut out,
and the buts are sawed for fencing. No manure will be put on
this ground. It is already rich enough. This swamp land is
not worth $S per acre to be kept for wood, as pine stumps pro-
duce no sprouts, and the maple and the black birch are of slow
growth. But I consider this the richest soil that I have on my
farm, of 150 acres.

I sow but one peck of herd's-grass per acre, and two or three
pecks of red-top, according to its quality. Four pounds of
clover seed are sown in March or April, for fall feed.

From Amasa Sanderson^ Groton. — The piece of bog meadow
I requested you to examine, is described as follows : — Quan-
tity, a little spot of four acres; bottom, deep meadow soil,
except on the margin, where it borders on the hard land ; native
production, a heavy growth of white pine and maple wood and
timber. When I purchased this meadow, two years ago last
April, it was covered with brush, a few timber trees, a large
body of heavy stumps, brake, bogs, and other rubbish. It was
valued to me, at that time, at $50 per acre.

Method of reclaiming : — I first cut all the brush and other
small trash; when sufficiently dry to burn, I put fire to it, and
it continued to burn for several days, and consumed a very
large amount of rubbish. After the fire was extinguished, I
commenced removing what it left of wood, timber, and slumps,
and I truly think that not less than one hundred cords have
been removed. I then planted a part of it with potatoes.

I commenced clearing tiie meadow, single-handed, in August,
1846 ; in September and October, of 1847, a crop of potatoes, of
little short of 550 bushels, was taken ofli" from it, of the first
quality, worth not less than $25(1, I sold for cash to the amount
of rising $2<J0. The improvement on the original value is not
less than one hundred per cent. Taking the improved value of
the land and the value of the first crop, we have an aggregate

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 19

of $100 per acre for the four acres, within a few weeks more
than one year from the time I commenced clearing it. I keep
no team, except a horse, and the cash expense of improvement
has not exceeded $25. Myself, and son, now 17 years of age,
have performed the great amount of labor requisite. About
one acre of it, I sowed last spring, with oats and grass seed;
the most of the remainder I planted with potatoes, but the
present season has been far less favorable to a large crop than
last season. A part of my present crop promises well, but a
part of it will be very light. A person, unacquamted with the
original condition of this meadow, would find it difficult to
judge correctly of the amount of improvement made upon it.
Many of my neighbors thought it next to impossible to subdue it.

From Elbridge G. Hayden^ Concord. — The piece of meadow,
to which I have called your attention, contains about 5 acres.
I came in possession of it in the spring of 1846 ; it had been
drained, and bore a small quantity of poor hay. I ploughed
about half of it, and spread gravel on top ; the rest 1 graveled
without ploughing, and then sowed grass seed. That which
was graveled without ploughing has done the best. The first
dressing of manure was light, not exceeding ten loads of good
manure to the acre. The crop of hay, I should think, was
about 7 tons. In the fall of 1847, I spread on a good dressing
of manure, and the crop of hay the present season, on the 5
acres, I should judge to be at least 14 tons.

Compost Manure. — In relation to compost manure, the com-
mittee were in no doubt as to the assignment of the first pre-
mium, and awarded it to the gentleman who not only exhibited
the largest quantity, but whose operations in the manufacture
appeared to them to be the most scientific and successful. Al-
most every individual applicant had a method peculiarly his
own. There were several applicants, all of whom had been
industrious and economical in the collection and preservation
of materials ; but. as we had only one other premium to dis-
pose of, it has been given to an applicant who had not the
largest pile, but whose pile appeared to be of the richest quality.

The following communication from Ebenezer Richardson, of
Pepperell, describes both his method of making compost ma-
nure and of cultivating fruit trees.

20 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

The compost manure, which you examined on my premises,
has been made since the first of June last. It is composed of
the droppings of eight cows and meadow muc" in about equal
quantities of each. Some weeds are thrown in with the mud,
and live hogs are kept in the cellar of the barn where these
ingredients are deposited. The cows are kept directly over the
cellar, and all their urine falls directly upon the manure. The
cellar is 40 feet long by 16 1 feet wide and 9 feet deep. There
is not less than 30 cords in the cellar. You saw another heap
of manure in the barn-yard. This is made from the dung
from a yoke of oxen and a horse, mixed with mud and peat.

The orchard which you examined contams between four and
five acres. The soil consists of broken slate and light clay.
There are 150 apple trees in the orchard, which are manured
sufficiently to keep them in a healthy state, but not to force
them. They are all Baldwins, Porters, and Orange Sweetings.
They are set 40 feet apart.

There are 125 peach trees set between the apple trees, and
are manured like the apple trees. I keep about two quarts of
ashes about the roots of all the trees, and have not been
troubled with borers or any other kind of insect. The peaches
are all seedlings, and are of only two kinds, the Yellow Rare-
ripe and the Golden Rareripe.

From Daniel L. Giles, of Lincoln. — I keep 11 cows, ] yoke
of oxen, and 1 horse. There are at least 30 cords of com-
post in the heap you examined, all of which is made from the
droppings of these animals, mixed with about an equal quan-
tity of meadow mud. I have no barn cellar, and the manure
is all made in the yard. The whole was made during the last
winter. The bottom of the yard is perfectly hard. It has a
hollow in the centre, into which most of the liquid manure is
conveyed, and there mixes with the other materials, which
form the compost.

Fruit Trees. — The fruit trees presented for premiums were
numerous, and, with one or two exceptions, the apple and
peach trees were about equal, in their just claims, to the con-
sideration of the committee. The regulations, in regard to
peach trees, direct that those set out siiice the year 1845, and

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 21

which shall be in the best thriving condition in 1848, shall be
subjects for premiums. The quality of the fruit is not, there-
fore, to be considered, and, if it were, very few trees set out
within the time prescribed would be in a bearing state, in the
autumn of the present year. Owing to this restriction, the
committee were not at liberty to award a premium on peach
trees to a gentleman, who, beyond all doubt, had the best trees
and fruit which fell under their examination. The committee
viewed several plantations, both of apples and peaches, which
do great credit to the cultivators, and which will be fair and.
probably successful competitors for premiums another year.

From John Gordon, Brighton. — In the piece of land occu-
pied by me, as a fruit garden, there is about two acres ; nearly
three fourths of it is a light, sandy loam, the sub-soil is mostly
a yellow loam. The other part, when I commenced laying out
my garden, in the spring of 1842, was composed of a stiff,
clayey substance. I should think that a considerable part of it
was the wash from the road, with a sub-soil so hard that I had
to use a pick to stir it. I have, for the last four years, spaded
it every spring, and have gone a little deeper every year.
When I set out my trees, I dug a hole about 2 feet deep and 3
feet wide, and have, usually, put from 1 to 2 wheelbarrow
loads of compost manure to each tree, and a good dressing of
manure every spring. I have, in this piece, about 40 apple
trees, 60 peach trees, 40 plum, and 400 pear trees. About half
of the pears are on quince and the rest on pear stocks.

I have another piece of land, on v/hich there is about 60
apple and 70 peach trees. This land, in 1840, was, most of it,
very rough, and I considered most of it hardly worth cultivat-
ing. I think it cost me from 1 to 2 hundred dollars to dig,
blast, and carry off the stones. Some of them were so large,
that it took a number of loads of gravel and loam to fill their
places. I then spread a good coat of manure, and ploughed it
in as deep as I could, and have manured it well, every year
since.

I headed in the appl^|rees, four years, and the peach trees,
three years. I have endeavored to keep them as free from in-
sects, as I could spare time to do. I have twice used a wash,

22 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

composed of 7 lbs. of potash, | peck of lime, and | bushel of
cow dung, mixed in a barrel of water. After examining, by-
scraping and digging out the borers, I have put coal and wood-
ashes mixed, around most of my peach trees, every spring.

From Leander Crosby. Billerica. — My apple trees were set
in the spring of 1842, in rows, two rods distant from each other.
In setting, we used no manure, but filled the holes with the soil
which was taken out. We were very careful to have the trees
set deep and the dirt trodden compactly around the roots, in
order to be more sure of their living. This, I think, was a
great error, from the fact that the trees made a very small
growth for the first two years, and have since thrown out roots
near the surface of the ground, two or three inches above the
older roots. We used no stakes to support them, except in a
few instances, where the tree was much inclined to grow
crooked, and have not pruned them very close, always leaving
some small twigs to be taken off the next year.

The ground was kept up two years, and then laid down to
oats and grass. In two years more, it was ploughed again, and
planted with potatoes. These were dug while the tops were
green, and the tops were placed between the rows and cov-
ered, as we dug the potatoes. They were completely rotted by
the next spring, so as not to be in the way of the plough. This
made the ground more light and lively than it had been before,
or has since been, and was, I think, an advantage to the trees,
for, in a small part of the field, there was an earlier kind
planted, which were dug without the tops being covered, and
we could perceive a difference in the ground and trees. The
potato crop has been succeeded by a crop of cucumbers, which,
we think, draws less from the soil than corn, or any root crop.

While the trees were in grass, they were manured late in
November, with manure from the barn cellar, three shovels full
put to each tree, and dug in, the next spring, over a surface of
about three feet from the body of the tree. They were washed,
each of these successive years, in June, with potash water,
strong enough to bear an egg. g^

For the premium on cranberries, there was but one applicant.
The plantation that was exhibited, did not, by any means, sat-

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 23

isfy the committee that the proprietor was justly entitled to any
portion of the premium offered.

The committee cannot close their Report, without referring,
in terms of the highest approbation, to the fruit garden, or, more
properly, farm of John Gordon, of Brighton, and commending
it to the notice of all the fruit-growers in the society, as a model
for imitation. Some of the finest specimens of the apple and
the peach, which came under our notice, were on his premises ;
and his pear and plum trees were the only specimens of these
fruits which have been deemed worthy of a premium.

The committee submit the following, as the result of their
best judgment in the distribution of the society's premiums : —

Farms.

First premium to George Pierce, of West Cambridge, ^25 CO
Second " " Ebenezer Davis, Jr., of Acton, . 20 00

Third " " Charles Stearns, of Billerica, . 15 00

Reclaimed Meadows.

To Jacob B. Farmer, of Concord, 1st premium, . 15 00

" William Buckminster, of Framingham, 2d do. . 12 00

" Amasa Sanderson, of Groton, 3d do. . .8 00

'■'• Elbridge G. Hayden, of Concord, 4th do. . 5 00

Compost Manures.

To Ebenezer Richardson, of Pepperell, 1st premium, 10 00

" Daniel L. Giles, of Lincoln, 2d do., . 5 00

Fruit Trees.

For the best apple orchard, first premium to Eben-
ezer Richardson, of Pepperell, . . . 15 00

The second, to Leander Crosby, of Billerica, . 12 00

The third, a copy of Emerson's Forest Trees, to I.
C. Freeman, of Framingham. ...

For the best peach orchard, the first premium to Joel

Britton, of Concord, . . . . 10 00

24 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

The second, a copy of Emerson's Forest Trees, to

Charles Twitchel, of Ashland.
For the best pear trees, the first premium to John

Gordon, of Brighton, . . . . $10 00

For the best plum trees, the first premium to John

Gordon, of Brighton, . . . . 5 00

The second, a copy of Emerson's Forest Trees, to

the same gentleman. ....

Respectfully submitted by the Committee,

JOS. T. BUCKINGHAM, Chairman.

Ploughing — Double Teams.

Ten teams appeared on the field, and struggled hard for the
prizes ; and, al, hough the competitors were all tee-totalers, some
of them thought they had enough to contend with without quite
so much cold ivater, it raining fast during the trial. The com-
mittee awarded, —

To Francis Wheeler of Concord, plough, Prouty &
Mears' Centre Draught, No 72, held by a boy 15
years old, first premium, . . . $10 00

" Joseph Darby, of Concord, plough, Ruggles, Nourse

&, Mason's, Eagle, No. 24, second premium, . 7 00
" Nathan Brooks, of Acton, plough do. No. 20, third

premium, . . . . . . 6 00

" Joseph D. Brown, of Concord, plough do.. No. 20,

fourth premium, . . . . . 5 00

Milch Cows.

There was awarded, for milch cows, —
To Thomas E. Upton, of Wilmington, first premium, . $S 00
" Moses Brown, of Bedford, second premium, . 6 00

MIDDLESEX SOCIETY. 25

To George Heard, of Wayland, third premium. . . |4 00

" Jabez Gowiiig, of Concord, fourth premium, . . 3 00
" H. C. Merriam, of Tewksbury, for three Durham

cows, a gratuity of . . . . . 2 00

" To EHjah Wood, Jr., of Concord, for one cow, a gra-
tuity of . . . . . . 2 00

" Samuel Staples, of Concord, for one cow, a gratuity of 2 00

Thomas ZTptoii's Statement.

My cow " Lilly" calved about the middle of April. In June,
she gave 18 quarts of milk per day, and made 13 lbs. of butter
per week. In September, she gave 14 quarts of milk per day,
and, during the month of September, made 41 lbs. 9 oz. of but-
ter. She was nine years old last spring.

George Heard^s Statement.

The cow which I offer for premium dropped her calf the first
of May, which was taken from her in two or three days. Her
milk was kept by itself the second week in June, and from it
we churned 12 lbs., and a little over, of good butter. Her av-
erage quantity of milk was 14 quarts per day for two months
or more. In the hot weather at the middle of July, she pro-
duced 10 lbs of butter in one week. Her milk, when not at the
largest flow, weighed 34 lbs. per day. She came out thin in
the spring, and has run with four other cows in a very dry
pasture after the drought came on.

Elijah Wood Jr.^s Statement.

The cow offered by me for premium is eight years old. She
had a calf in May. She gave milk in June, an average yield
4

26 MIDDLESEX SOCIETY.

of 18 quarts per day, and, the last week in September, an av-
erage of 10| quarts per day. She was fed on grass alone.

Samuel Staples' s Statement.

The cow I offer for premium is of the native breed. She had
a calf in May which was taken away at one week old. She
gave, at that time, IS quarts of milk per day. She now, (Oc-
tober 2d,) gives about 10| quarts per day. During the seven
days previous to September 24th, she gave 76 J quarts, which
weighed 188^ lbs. She has had no feed but grass during this
time. I have sold from her $30 worth of milk each year for
four years past, and had milk in plenty for my family, and
have made as much butter as my family have used for four
months in each season. The cow is 11 years old.

BERKSHIRE SOCIETY. 27

BERKSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The anniversary of this society was held at Pittsfield on the
4th and 5th days of October last. The severe storm that pre-
vailed on the Tuesday previous, did not prevent cattle starting
for the exhibition from the extremes of the county. Wednes-
day afternoon presented an array of the various kinds of live
stock upon the show-ground, but little inferior, in number or
quality, to the exhibition of any previous anniversary.

The usual interest attended the ploughing match ; seventeen
teams engaged in the contest. Had the weather been good, so
that teams from a distance could have reached the ground con-
veniently, it is supposed thirty teams would have entered the
lists.

The address by Professor J. P. Norton, of Yale College, gave
great satisfaction. It was scientific, yet intelHgible to all, and
highly instructive. His familiarity with the subject, — the com-
position of soils, — and his lucid mode of illustrating it, engaged
the undivided attention of his hearers.

Agricultural Products.

Of the various crops, upon which premiums are offered by
the society, 154 have been presented for examination.

Of winter wheat, but 2 pieces were offered. This crop
seems, at present, not to be much in favor with the farmers of
the county.

Of winter rye, 16 fields were presented, all of which were
good, most of them excellent. The crop is believed to be unu-
sually heavy.

28 BERKSHIRE SOCIETY.

Indian corn appears to be a favorite crop with the members
of the society, and one in which they take great interest. This
is well attested by the care they bestow upon its cultivation,
and the desire they manifest to procure the best variety of seed
for planting. Thirty-four fields were examined, 17 of which
ranged from 1 bushel 8 quarts to 1 bushel 24 quarts, per square
rod, even measure, closely packed. Of the 6 pieces, for which
the committee have awarded the regular premiums, the first
5 were of 12-row, 2 varieties, all in good condition for the time
of year. The 6th and best was of S-row variety, a heavy
growth, but not as well ripened.

Of spring-wheat, 31 fields were offered, most of which were
considered as being above a medium, and several of them as
seldom surpassed. The same remarks will apply to the crop
of oats, of which 28 pieces were offered; also to barley, of
which 13 pieces were examined, and likewise to meslins. Of
this crop, the committee found various mixtures, — oats with
peas ; rye with oats ; oats with barley ; and oats with wheat.
The crop seems to be gradually growing into favor with the
farmers, and is well appreciated by those who cultivate it.

Of potatoes, 11 pieces were offered. The crop is considered
a fair average of former years, and, with some trifling excep-
tions, free from disease.

Six pieces of carrots, and 4 pieces of sugar-beets were pre-
sented, all of which promised fair ; but the season was not far
enough advanced to determine, with any degree of certainty,
what the ultimate production would be.

Thus it will be perceived, that, with regard to crops, the
committee are enabled to keep the same tone throughout —
good — good ; there are no failures. In the aggregate, it is be-
lieved that the crops considerably exceed what is usual. It is,
truly, a year of abundance.

In their perambulations through the county, another subject,
beside that of crops, pressed itself upon the attention of the
committee, — the subject of improvement, the marks of which,
in a greater or less degree, were strikingly apparent in almost
every town. The swamps and waste lands that are being re-
claimed from the dominion of desolation and the noxious gases.

BERKSHIRE SOdlETY. 29

and being brought, by draining and cultivation, into a state of
usefulness and beauty, the highly cultivated fields, the neat-
ness and the conveniences about many dwellings and out-
buildings, and the elegance of some, speak volumes for the
industry, the skill, and the taste of the farmers of Berkshire.

While our common country is making rapid advances to
wealth and greatness, while her agricultural productions are
yearly increasing, and have already increased to that degree,
that millions in other countries may be fed from her crib ; while
this spectacle is before us, it cannot but be gratifying to the
members of this society, and to the farmers of the county in
general, to feel assured that our own Berkshire is not lagging
behind in agriculture, but that her course, too, is onward. The
committee would say to the farmers, relax not, but persevere in
your praiseworthy exertions, until Berkshire shall become, — if,
indeed, she is not already so, — the pride of Massachusetts.

For the best acre of winter wheat, to Oliver P. Dick-
inson, of Pittsfield, . . . . . $6 00

For the best acre of spring wheat, to Solomon L. Rus-
sell, of Pittsfield, . . . . . 6 00

For the best acre of winter rye, to Leonard Tuttle, of

Shefiield, . . . . . . 5 00

For the best acre of oats, to E. I. Wenden, of Rich-
mond, . . . . . . 5 00

For the best acre of barley, to Morgan Lewis, of West

Stockbridge, . . . . . . 5 00

For the best acre of meslins, to Robert Campbell, of

Pittsfield, . . . . . . 4 00

For the best acre of potatoes, to Samuel Lewis, of

Great Barrington, . . . . . 6 00

For the best acre of corn, to Charles Hinckley, of Lee, 6 00

For the second best acre, to Clement Harrison, of

Adams, . . . . . . 5 00

For the third best acre, to Samuel Goodrich, of Stock-
bridge, . . . . . . 4 00

For the fourth best acre, to Nathan W. Hall, of Wil-

liamstown, . . . . , . 3 00

30 BERKSHIRE SOCIETY.

For the fifth best acre, to WilUam E. Johnson, of

Wilhamstown, . . . . . $2 00

For the sixth best acre, to Thomas Wood, of Egre-

mont, Cohnan's Agriculture, and . . . 1 00

RALPH LITTLE, Chairman.

Stock.

There were entered, for premiums, 1 yoke fat oxen, 6 yokes
working oxen, 6 yokes four years old oxen, 12 yokes three
years old steers, and 4 yokes two years old steers. Also, a
larger number than usual of milch cows, 20 two years old
heifers, and six calves.

Horses.

The committee have discharged their duties with great inter-
est and pleasure. While some other animals may be consid-
ered more indispensable, the horse is, by far, the noblest do-
mestic animal. Man is never found in a civilized state without
the horse. In the crowded city, in the field of agricultural in-
dustry, and on the vast desert, wherever civilized man is found,
the horse is his companion. No matter how many other means
of conveyance may be invented, the horse will ever be the con-
stant companion and servant of mankind. There is room for
great improvement in the breed and condition of horses among
us; and, if the committee can judge from what they have seen
on this occasion, they believe that the premiums awarded by
this society, for horses, are attended with highly beneficial
results.

For the best breeding mare, to Timothy Benedict, of

Pittsfield, . . . . . . $6 00

For the best stud horse, to A. L. Tuttle, of Shefiield, 5 00

For the best pair of farm horses, to Silas B. Colt, of

Pittsfield, . . . . . . 6 00

The committee deem it no more than just, to express their

BERKSHIRE SOCIETY. 31

unanimous opinion, that the horses of Mr. Colt are decidedly
superior to any they have ever seen exhibited at our fairs. The
horses of Seymour Wilcox, of Lanesborough, also deserve
special notice.

CALEB N. BEMENT, Chairman.

Agricultural Implements.

A new and valuable improvement in mail axles was exhib-
ited to the committee, from the iron works of L. Pomeroy &
Sons. This improvement, combining all the advantages of the
most modern style of mail axles, obviates the only objection
heretofore made to them, in attaching the wheels to the axle by
a screw, instead of by bolts. The committee regard this im-
provement in axles as deserving the encouragement of the
farmer, both for its labor-saving qualities to the animals em-
plo^'-ed in draught, and for its greater safety. Made from iron
of great strength and toughness, fitted to run within the boxes,
without friction, and retaining within its chambers the oil,
which, in the old-fashioned axles, is constantly dripping upon
the wheel, and thus becoming a source of annoyance and in-
jury, this axle becomes a valuable, labor-saving article for agri-
cultural purposes, as well as a specimen of excellence and
beauty in mechanism. In the language of Edward Riddle, of
Boston, a gentleman more conversant, perhaps, with the changes
and improvements in axles, than any man in the country, "this
axle, from its valuable properties over all axles now in use,
whether for pleasure or business vehicles, deserves to be uni-
versally used."

We award, on these axles, a premium of . . $5 00

G. W. MEAD, Chairman.

Ploughing.

It is usual, on occasions like the present, to congratulate
farmers on the great progress that has been made in this de-

32 BERKSHIRE SOCIETY.

partment of agriculture, and on the degree of excellence that
has been reached. The committee, at this time, offer a few re-
marks on what remains to be done in the way of improvement.
The work we have seen to-day approaches near to perfection,
according to the general standard. The whole surface was
thoroughly turned over, the furrows were straight, the depth
and width well preserved. The only noticeable defects we have
remarked, on this and other occasions, being, that the dead fur-
row is not, in all cases, handsomely cleared up ; and more care
might be well bestowed in making the ends of the lands even.

Although there may be some practical objections to the plan,
it is worthy of consideration, whether each ploughman should
not be required to stake a land and open the first furrow for
himself; a requirement which would be a sure test of the skill
of the workman, and of the care with which his team is broken.
According to the present plan, a superior plough may, and fre-
quently does, make all the difference observable in the work of
two men, while the skill may be on the losing side.

It has been remarked, that this ploughing is nearly perfect,
according to our standard. It remains to inquire in what re-
spect our standard is imperfect. The answer is in the fact that,
if an average-ploughed field here be compared with one in
many foreign countries, where the ploughs are greatly inferior,
in all respects, to ours, we shall find the comparison tells against
us. This difterence is less observable in sward-ploughing, which
is necessarily the only species of ploughing practised at plough-
ing matches. In the art of ploughing sward land^a^, Ave may
challenge competition. Whether flat furrows, even in sward,
are the best, is an open question. Without entering into the
merits of the two systems, it may not be out of place to men-
tion, that, in consequence of some remarks in favor of this
method, by the committee of last year, the subject was dis-
cussed by the North Stockbridge Farmers' Club, when it ap-
peared that the nearly unanimous opinion was in favor of the
shingling or lapped furrows.

It is, however, in the ploughing of mellow land that we are
most in fault ; which arises, on one side, from our pursuing the
same system on the fallow that we do on the sward, of

BERKSHIRE SOCIETY. 33

ploughing wide and reversing flat; and, on the other hand,
from the Uttle care that is used in staking out the field in a sci-
entific manner, and according to a well understood plan. It is
to be regretted, that neither of these subjects, fallow ploughing,
or the staking out of fields, which are, at once, a school and a
test of good ploughing, can come before the public at a plough-
ing match ; but a means might be devised whereby premiums
should be offered for the best and most scientific fallow of five
or ten acres, on the applicant's own farm, in the same way as
we offer premiums for the best acre of corn or rye. It is be-
lieved that the best results might follow the adoption of such a
plan.

SAMUEL G. WARD, Chairman.

Butter and Cheese.

The committee have been much gratified with the quantity
and quality of the dairy and other products, presented for their
consideration. The reputation of Berkshire, for butter and
cheese, will certainly be maintained, and defy competition, if
our farmers' wives and daughters continue to bestow the same
attention and skill now manifest in their management. Yet we
cannot forbear suggesting, that butter, for long keeping, requires
to have the butter-milk thoroughly worked out of it. It is a
mistaken notion, with some, that salt is the great preservative.
Butter, not thoroughly wrought, soon becomes rancid in warm
weather, even when salt is used in abundance.

ALEXANDER HYDE, Chairman.

34 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND

HAMPSHIRE, PRANRLIN, AND HAMPDEN AGRICUL-
TURAL SOCIETY.

The annual cattle-show and fair of this society took place at
Northampton, on the 11th and 12th days of October last. The
show, as a whole, was inferior to many former exhibitions.
The number of cattle was smaller than usual, and they were
generally of ordinary quality. As an exhibition, the ploughing
match was inferior, only twelve competitors being in the field,
when there should have been twenty. The exhibition of
horses was large and very good. The show of fruits surpassed
that of any previous anniversary ; but, of vegetables, it was
meagre and unworthy of this rich valley.

The address was delivered by Professor John P. Norton, of
Yale College. His subject was the soil, — its structure, physical
organization, and chemical properties. At the dinner-table,
remarks were made by several individuals. Professor Norton,
in answer to a call, remarked, that there was one point to
which he wished to call the attention of farmers. It was, that
the present meeting reminded him of similar meetings in Eng-
land and Scotland, — a feature which he wished could be intro-
duced among the farmers of this country. In those countries,
farmers are in the habit of meeting once a month, or oftener,
in the winter season, for the purpose of discussing topics imme-
diately connected with agriculture. They have a subject se-
lected for discussion, and each comes prepared to give his views
on it. These meetings are of great importance. They collect
a vast amount of valuable, practical information. A person
might obtain more real knowledge in one hour, in such a meet-
ing, than in many years from other sources. The result would
be, that our farmers would direct scientific men to those points
which most needed the application of patient labor and re-

HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 35

search for improvement. In this way, an almost incalculable
amount of benefit might be imparted to the farmer, and he
earnestly recommended the introduction of such meetings
among the farmers of the Connecticut valley.

Horses.

The committee suggest to farmers the expediency of more
care in the rearing of colts. Those are said to make the best
horses, which are weaned after six or seven months sucking.
For the first year, particular attention should be given to their
food, which should be bran twice a day, with a little hay, suf-
ficient water, and pasture in pleasant weather. The second
and third years, the pasture is preferable from May to Novem-
ber; and, in the winter, hay mixed with barley or oats wetted.
When four years old, colts may be taken from the pasture and
fed on hay. After weaning, attention should be given to the
temperature of the stable, that it be not too warm. The litter
should always be fresh and often changed. Cleaning with
straw is preferable to the currycomb, for the skin does not
harden till the colt is two and a half or three years old. The
breaking may commence at three and a half years of age, at
first with merely wearing a light saddle a few hours every day.
The colt should be led about by a leather strap (not by a curb)
and be made to trot without a rider, on even ground, with only
a saddle or harness on. When accustomed to this, a man may
mount and dismount; for, until four years old, the colt will not
be sufficiently strong to walk or trot with a rider on his back.

By careful attention to these points, the committee believe
that many a noble horse may be raised, and, in reality, illus-
trate the description given by Camerarius, of a perfect horse : —
" It must," says he, "have three parts like those of a woman, —
the breast must be broad, the hips round, and the mane long;
it must, in three things, resemble the lion, — its countenance must
be fierce, its courage great, and its fury irresistible ; it must
have three things belonging to the sheep, — the nose, gentleness,

36 HAMPSHIRE, FRANliLIN AND

and patience ; it must have three of a deer, — head, legs, and
skin ; it must have three of a wolf, — throat, neck, and hear-
ing; it must have three of a fox, — ear, tail, and trot; three of
a serpent, — memory, sight, and flexibility ; and, lastly, three of
the hare, — running, walking, and perseverance."

The whole number of horses, entered for premium, was 78
stallions; 11 pair of horses for labor; 23 geldings; 5 breeding
mares, with specimens of their stock by their side ; 12 three
years old colts, and 1 1 two years old colts.

JAMES W. BOYDEN, Chairman.

Ploughing.

The object of ploughing is two-fold : — First, to invert the
surface, so as to cover up all green and other undecayed vege-
table matter ; and second, to pulverize the soil, in order to
bring the particles into different juxtaposition, that fresh decom-
position may be excited, thereby generating new food for the
plants, and also to render the soil pervious to air, light, heat,
and moisture, which is necessary to vegetable growth. The
plough and the ploughing, which accomplish these objects the
most thoroughly, are, of course, the best.

The complete inversion of the sod was the principal thing
first sought in the plough. This has been accomplished in all
the perfection, perhaps, that is desired. But, although the turf
may be handsomely turned over, if it is left in its former hard
and stubborn state, it is poorly prepared for planting. The soil
must be pulverized. Of late years, public attention has been
directed to this particular, in the construction of ploughs.
Science and skill have accomplished much in this respect ; they
have arrived nearly, if not quite, to the perfection of spade
husbandry. The modern plough certainly inverts the sod bet-
ter than the spade ; and perhaps it is not far from the truth to
say, that a plough of the best construction, pulverizes the soil

HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 37

quite as well as the spade. At all events, nothing short of this
should satisfy the cultivator or the plough-wright.

The importance of pulverizing the soil cannot be too much
regarded. The fact should always be borne in mind, that the
impalpable powder is the only active part of the soil. No other
portion has any direct influence upon vegetation. Jethro Trull,
an English writer on agriculture, went so far as to say, that, if
the soil is pulverized well, manure may be dispensed with.
This remark is extravagant, but it shows how much import-
ance this distinguished agriculturalist attached to a proper pul-
verization of the soil.

The depth of ploughing depends upon the character and
depth of the arable soil. But it is an unquestionable fact, that
the deeper the soil is stirred or loosened, the better will the
crops bear a drought or a superabundance of moisture.

The utility of ploughing matches may be questioned by
some. But no one, who is fully acquainted with the subject,
will discourage them. An English writer says, that the face of
the country, in many parts of Great Britain, has been strikingly
improved by the change which good ploughing has 'efl!ected,
and much of this improvement is attributed to the influence of
ploughing matches. The same degree of improvement has un-
doubtedly been observed in this country. We have recently
been informed, by an observing agriculturalist, that there has
been a great improvement in ploughs and ploughing, in this
vicinity, within the last twelve years. All can remember when
no one thought of ploughing turf land without a four ox-team
and a driver ; now the same work is very much better done
with a single pair of oxen, or a pair of horses, and no driver.
The generous emulation excited by ploughing matches, has led
to the improvement in ploughs and in the use of them.

But, were ploughing matches of no benefit to the interests of
agriculture, are not their social advantages ample justification
for sustaining them ? What is more gratifying, as an enter-
tainment, than a spirited competition in the all-important
branch of tillage ?

The committee regret to say that, on the present occasion,
the match v/as less spirited than usual, on account of the small

38 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND

number of competitors. Only twelve teams entered the lists, —
eleven horse-teams and one ox-team. But the regret of the
committee, in this regard, was in part compensated by the ex-
cellence of the ploughing. It was all good, and deserves the
highest commendation.

That the committee might judge as impartially as possible,
they did not visit the ground until the ploughing was done ;
and they awarded the premiums to the lots, without knowing,
at the time, by whom they were ploughed. The committee were
generally of the opinion, that the ploughing which best pre-
pared the soil for tillage was entitled to the highest consideration.
They, therefore, paid less regard to the external appearance of
the work than may have been customary heretofore. Agreeably
to the principle here mentioned, the committee were, without
consuhation, nearly unanimous in awarding the first premium
to lot No. 10. One of the committee, however, thought lot No.
13 entitled to this award. All admitted that the ploughman, in
the latter, displayed great skill ; the furrows were straight and
well turned, and the last, or ''clearing out," furrow, was finely
done, but the soil was not left so friable as in lot No. 10. Lot
26 was also well turned, but the last furrow was too deep.
The same fault was observable in lot 25.

In conclusion, the committee would earnestly recommend to
the society to oflfer, for the next anniversary, a portion of the
premiums on the best Stubble Plough. They are of opinion,
that the farmers generally are now in great need of a good
plough of this description.

For the committee,

W. A. HAWLEY.

Fruits and Vegetables.

With the exception of apples, the exhibition was exceedingly
meagre, and unworthy of this large and intelligent society.
The crowd of people was immense, and it was interesting to

HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 39

witness the desire manifested to look at the fruit. The exhibi-
tion of apples was fine ; it would have done credit to any hor-
ticultural association in the country. But the pears, the quinces,
tlie grapes, — the esculent roots and vegetables, that might have
been brought in abundance by the farmers in the vicinity, —
were not there.

If hundreds and thousands of people are interested to come
to these shows, there should be a corresponding care in present-
ing something to gratify that interest, and worthy of the occa-
sion, by those whose duty it is to make the collection. There
seems to be a general impression, in the community, that, at
such collections, nothing should be exhibited but rare or mon-
strous productions. This is a mistake ; for it is more desirable
and far better, that good specimens of good fruit and vegeta-
bles that can be found on the premises of every farmer, be col-
lected together, than that extraordinary productions should be
sought for. Specimens of enormous growth are interesting to
show the richness of the soil which we till ; but the specimens
thus produced are often comparatively of little value for the
table. The farmers in the vicinity should come to these fairs
to exhibit their productions, and not to be spectators merely.
All have something worth seeing, and if they would bring them
together as they bring their fruit, the number of specimens
would excite curiosity as well as the variety. A table, with a
hundred covered plates of potatoes of the best sorts that are
raised in the county, including the Hill's Early, the Kidney,
the Carter, the Mercers, the Peach-blow, the Yorkshires, the
Merinos, the Cow-horns, the Rohan, the Lady's Finger, the
Blues, the Whites, the Yellows, with any new and uncommon
varieties, would attract much attention, lead to discussion as to
the merits of each sort, and be productive of much good to the
cultivator. An exhibition of a table with 50 or 100 specimens
of the best winter squashes, including the Marrow, the Butter,
the Acorn, the Valparaiso, the various Crooknecks, the Paris,
and the Mammoth, would be beautiful in the exhibition, and
useful in its influence.

With a little pains, such a collection might be brought to-
gether with great ease at each exhibition. If a farmer has a

40 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND

beet, a carrot, a cabbage, or a turnip, which is a monster, he
will bring it to the fair ; this is well, but half a dozen specimens
of these useful roots would be equally so, if of good shape and
ordinary size. The former are fit only as food for cattle, the
latter add a rich variety to the vegetables for the table.

In some way, encouragement to do all this should be ex-
tended to the farmer. The distribution of six or eight hundred
dollars a year ought to make this annual show both interesting
and useful. Small premiums should be extensively awarded,
and a larger amount should be appropriated to the horticultural
exhibition. Riding over the county of Hampshire, the cultiva-
tors of fruit will be surprised to see how many naked door-
yards are to be found, which, in a few years, might be filled
with cherries, pears, peaches, and plums, beautifying the prem-
ises, adding profit to the labor, and pleasure to the possessor, in
participating with his friends and family in the enjoyment of
the best fruit.

It is often said, by way of objection, that the birds will take
the cherries, and the boys will steal the fruit, if it is planted.
But we say, cultivate till you supply the birds and the boys
too; have a plenty for all, and induce every body to follow
your example. Such examples are contagious. If all cultivate,
who will there be to steal 1 And who will wish to steal, when
he is invited to partake of all he may desire ? In many parts
of Europe, so abundant is the fruit, that the traveller is per-
mitted to partake freely of what he finds on one side of the
road, leaving the other to the proprietors.

As to the birds, the fee simple of all the minor fruits is given
to them by their Heavenly Guardian and Protector, and we
ought to be willing to cultivate to halves, seeing that they are
so ready to gather their own share. It is very questionable if
we are not more indebted to them for the care they take of the
worms and insects, than they to tis for the fruits they consume.
If so, the pleasure they afford to the eye and the ear are de-
lightful gratuities to us, which should induce us to look well to
their comfort, and extend to them our protection from wanton
cruelty and destruction.

It has been said, that he who makes two blades of grass

HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 41

grow where one only grew before, is a benefactor to his race •
none the less so is he, who plants a fruit tree where there was
none, or who renovates a worthless tree by giving it a new top
of good fruit.

The farmers, in this vicinity, have yet to learn that the rais-
ing of fruit and vegetables is the most profitable employment of
the husbandman. A good-sized apple tree of choice fruit will
frequently produce more profit than an acre of corn, or rye, or
oats, and every tree on any farm that is sound and thrifty, may,
by ingrafting, in half-a-dozen years, be made to yield good
crops of valuable fruit.

An acre of land, planted with strawberries, will yield the
farmer as much profit as ten acres of corn ; and strawberries
are as easily raised as corn, are as certain a crop, and always
find a ready market at favorable prices. An acre of land
planted to cranberries will yield more profit even than straw-
berries, and are always in great demand at a good price.
Onions are another crop which are profitable to raise to supply
the market. It is as easy to get 500 bushels of onions on an
acre of land as to get 200 bushels of potatoes, or 50 bushels of
corn. Carrots and beets are also profitable crops for the farmer,
and will aid him exceedingly in fattening his cattle and feeding
his stock. The lands in the Connecticut valley are of the right
sort to raise these roots — deep and rich loam, and free from
stones. It should be the established rule of every cultivator to
have no indifferent fruit. It requires little or no more care to
raise a Baldwin, a Greening, or Russet apple tree, than it does
an insignificant seedling, — the fruit of one worth from 50 cents
to $1 a bushel for winter, the other from 8 to 12 cents for vine-
gar, or to feed stock. Recent experiments go to show, that, by
suitable culture, trees that are barren every other year may be
made to produce good crops annually ; that there is no more
necessity of trees being barren half the time, than there is of
land lying fallow half the time to recruit : both may be made to
produce good annual crops, if suitably enriched.

Mr. Pell, a great apple cultivator on the banks of the Hudson
River, in a letter to the Commissioner of Patents, at Washington,
says in substance : — •' For some years, I have been experimenting
6

42 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND

upon apple trees, having an orchard of 20,000 bearing Newtown
Pippins. Three years ago, I scraped all the rough bark off
from several thousand apple trees, washed the trunks and
limbs, as high as I could reach, with soft soap, in the month of
April ; early in June, I trimmed out the branches that crossed
each other, and, with a sharp knife, split open the bark by run-
ning it from the ground to the first limbs; this was also done
in June. In July, I placed one peck of oyster-shell lime around
each tree, and, in November, dug it in thoroughly. The follow-
ing year. I collected, from these trees, 1,700 barrels of apples,
which sold in New York for $4 a barrel, and in London for $9
a barrel. After gathering the fruit in October, I manured the
same with common stable manure. Strange as it may seem,
the next year the same trees literally bent to the ground with
the finest fruit I ever saw. The other trees in my orchard, not
treated as above, were barren."

Mr. Pell thinks highly of charcoal dust as a manure for fruit
trees, flowering shrubs, and plants. He has found that plum
trees, treated with lime and charcoal, are made to bear abun-
dantly, which had been barren for a dozen years before. The
efficacy of lime, charcoal, ashes, and compost, for apples, pears,
and plums, is well established. Salt is beneficial to plums and
quinces, and iron is said to be useful for pears.

The fruit, presented this year, especially the apples, was of
better quality and greater variety than ever before exhibited
here. There were 180 plates of apples, each plate containing
not less than 5 specimens. There were a few autumnal, but
mostly winter, varieties. Of these, —

Hon. William Clark presented 16 varieties : — Winter Sweet,
or Mother apple, Westfield Seek-no-further, Late Golden Sweet-
ing, Ribstone Pippin, Flushing Spitzenberg, Rhode Island
Greening, Jewett's Fine Red, Fall Pippin, Baldwin, Fameuse,
Roxbury Russet, Lady apple, Newtown Pippin, Red Cheek Rus-
set, Wine apple, and one seedling.

Ilarvey Judd, of South Hadley, presented 15 varieties : —
Roxbury Russet, Rhode Island Greening, Silver Sweeting,
Blue Pearmain, Red Check Russet, Late Golden Sweeting,
Baldwin, Fall Greening, Red Pearmain or iEsopus Spitzen-

HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 43

berg, Fall Pippin, Black Gillifleur, Winter Sweet or Mother
apple, Rhode Island Pippin, Alexander or Congress, Belle
Bound, Seek-no-further, Nonsuch or Baldwin.

Dr. Woodward presented 12 varieties : — Fall Pippin, Cornish
Gillifleur, Baldwin, Blue Pearmain, Phillips Sweeting, Belle
Bound, Rhode Island Greening, Late Golden Sweeting, Flush-
ing Spitzenberg, Roxbury Russet, Green Russet, Sweet Lady-
apple.

Mrs. Joseph Warner presented 11 varieties : — Roxbury Rus-
set, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Seek-no-further, Yellow Newtown
Pippin, Flushing Spitzenberg, Mother apple, Green Russet,
Red Cheek Russet, Sauce apple, Rhode Island Greening, Late
Golden Sweeting.

Mrs. E. Hunt presented 9 varieties : — Rhode Island Green-
ing, iEsopus Spitzenberg, Seek-no-further, Golden Russet,
White Bellefleur, Baldwin, Flushing Spitzenberg, Black Gilli-
fleur, Belle Bound.

Dexter Allis, of Hatfield, presented 9 varieties : — Roxbury
Russet, Westfield Seek-no-further, Baldwin, Rhode Island
Greening, Washington Grey or Cornish Gillifleur, Flushing
Spitzenberg, Sweet Russet, ^Esopus Spitzenberg, and Pearmain.

Charles Smith, of Hadley, presented 7 varieties: — Killam
Hill, Seek-no-further, Bellefleur, Madison Seek-no-further,
Sweet Greening, Yellow Newtown Pippin, Oyster Bay apple.

Charles Starkweather, 6 varieties: — Blue Pearmain, Fall
Pippin, Flushing Spitzenberg, Black Gillifleur, First Good.

Joseph Lathrop, 5 varieties: — Flyer, Fameuse, Seek-no-fur-
ther, Rhode Island Greening, Red Cheek Russet.

J. H. Butler, 4 varieties : — Graham apple, Baldwin, Blue
Pearmain, Roxbury Russet.

T. G. Huntington, of Hadley, 6 varieties : — Black Gillifleur,
Rhode Island Greening, Westfield Seek-no-further, vEsopus
Spitzenberg, Baldwin, Flushing Spitzenberg.

Dr. Walker, 4 varieties : — Congress or Alexander, Fall Pip-
pin, Greening, Black Gillifleur.

Dr. Graham, 2 varieties : —Graham apple, Rhode Island
Greening, fine.

These apples were very fine specimens of excellent varieties.

44 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND

The committee were happy to recognize some rare and excellent
sorts ; of these, some may be new varieties, such as the Gra-
ham apple, — a fine fruit of the family of Seek-no-further ; the
Ribstone Pippin, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Fameuse, J^^sopus
Spitzenberg, Cornish Gillifleur, Phillips Sweeting, Killam's
Hill, Westfield Seek-no-further, Alexander or Congress, Pome
Water, and others. These are worthy of cultivation, and, be-
ing now introduced, can hereafter be obtained for grafting at
any time.

The fruit, at this season, can only be of the late autumn and
winter varieties. It may not be amiss to say, that, in this sec-
tion of country, many excellent varieties of apples can be
found, such as the Early Harvest, Early Strawberry, Early
Bough, Juneating, Summer Pearmain, Early Golden Sweeting,
Red Margaret, Benoni, Red Astrachan, Porter, Williams's Early
Red, New York Spice. The season for these has now passed.
All of these can be obtained for grafting in this neighborhood,
as well as some excellent varieties of winter fruit, such as the
Swaar, Northern Spy, Kelsey, &c.

The four best summer apples for eating, are the Early Har-
vest, the Williams's Early Red, the Red Astrachan, and the
Summer Pearmain. For baking, the Early Bough and Golden
Sweeting.

The four best fall apples for eating, are the Porter, Fall Pip-
pin, Liscom, and New York Spice.

For baking, the Late Golden Sweeting, Phillips Sweeting,
Belle Bound, and the Pumpkin Sweeting.

The six best winter apples for eating, are Rhode Island
Greening, Baldwin, Roxbury Russet, ^sopus Spitzenberg,
Yellow Bellefleur, and Newtown Pippin. For baking. Mother
apple, Danvers Sweeting, and Hartford Sweeting.

The committee have taken some pains to correct the false
names under which fruit has been presented.

The very Qommon error in this vicinity of naming the Fall
Pippin, Pome Royal, or Pound Royal, will be corrected after a
while, but not immediately, as the name has been long and ex-
tensively misapplied, and is still persisted in by some who claim
to understand the fruit.

HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 45

The Fall Pippin is an autumn apple, in perfection in Octo-
ber, and is mostly gone by the first of December. A few spec-
imens may keep longer. The skin is deep yellow, the stem is
three-fourths of an inch long, set in rather a shallow cavity.

The true Pome Royal was first raised by General Putnam, in
Pomfret, Conn., where the fruit is now common, and much ap-
proved as a winter fruit. The skin, at this season, is green, but
in winter is pale yellowish white ; the stem is 1| inch long, in a
deep cavity, and the fruit is in perfection in December and Jan-
uary.

The apple, marked Washington Grey,the committee think, is
the Cornish Gilliflower, one of the choicest winter apples, dif-
fering essentially from the black Gillifleur, which is but a second
or third-rate apple.

It appears to the committee that the Congress apple is the ex-
cellent Russian cooking apple, known by the name of Alexan-
der. The apple, known here as the Red Streak apple, appears
to be the Wine apple, a very pleasant and valuable variety.

The Westfield Seek-no-further, an old Connecticut variety, is
larger and higher flavored than the common sorts, and more de-
sirable for cultivation.

The Early Harvest is called the Bough by some, and Juneat-
ing by others; it is a distinct fruit from either; the Bough
being one of the best early sweet, and the harvest the earliest
and best sour apple. The Juneating is inferior to the Harvest,
not quite so early, but a variety worthy of cultivation, as it is
early, and ripens gradually, so as to furnish fruit for four or five
weeks.

It is of no little importance to have the apples, which we are
cultivating, rightly named ; if not, we may grow varieties un-
desirable, when we suppose that we have those that are choice
and valuable. This is particularly important to nurserymen,
who should be able to recommend, with entire confidence, all
the trees that they put into the market.

Pears. — There were twelve plates of pears presented, of only
a few varieties. At the present time, the attention of the culti-
vators of fruit is very much turned to the pear, as aflbrding an
immense variety of excellent fruit, valuable at all seasons, from

46 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND

summer to late winter. Within the recollection of many mem-
bers of the society, it would have been difficult to find a dozen
varieties of pears in this vicinity ; now, in some parts of the
Commonwealth, a single cultivator is able to exhibit two hun-
dred varieties, all valuable, and more or less worthy of cultiva-
tion.

The mode of dwarfing, now almost universally adopted in
cultivating the best varieties of pears, is worthy of general adop-
tion. It brings the trees into bearing in much less time after
planting, greatly improves the fruit, and enables the owner of
small premises to cultivate quite a variety of this excellent
fruit.

The four best varieties of early pears, are the Bloodgood,
Dearborn's Seedling, Bartlett, and the Julienne, in some locali-
ties.

The six best common varieties of autumn pears, are the
Doyenne, two varieties, the White and the Gray ; Beurre Bosc,
Beurre Diel, Seckel, Dix, Louise Bonne de Jersey, and many
others, nearly or guite equal.

The four best winter pears, are the Beurre d'Aremberg,
Knight's Monarch, Prince's St. Germain, and Winter Nelis,

The committee feel, in common with every lover of good
fruit, who attended the exhibition, great pleasure in witnessing
the increased interest felt and manifested, from year to year, in
the cultivation of fruit. The display of apples far surpassed
any former exhibition, and yet many fruit-growers in the neigh-
borhood did not even know that there was to be an exhibition
of fruits; and others did not present their fruit, because they
had no rare varieties, or extraordinary specimens.

In many parts of the Commonwealth, monthly exhibitions of
fruit are held a large part of the year ; in others, the annual
gathering of fruits brings together amateur 'cultivators from
neighboring counties and remote districts, loaded with fruits, to
swell the catalogue of the reports. Here, Ave have no foreign
aid ; a few towns furnish all the specimens presented. We can-
not, therefore, give so long a list of names of contributors, or
such an array of specimens, as can be found in other places.
We, however, have just reason to be proud of our own fruits,

HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 47

and of the spirit that is awakened in this good old county, on
the subject of fruit in general.

Esculent Roots and Garden Vegetables. — Some fine speci-
mens of winter squashes were presented by the Rev. Dr.
Allen, and by Ansel Wright, and a very large one by Mi-
chael Williams. These were the Valparaiso, the Paris, and .
large Crookneck. These large specimens of squashes excite
surprise and wonder, but they are far less valuable than the
Butter, or the Marrow, the Acorn, the genuine Valparaiso, and
the Canada Crookneck. The winter squash is one of our
finest vegetables, and the varieties are numerous. In small
gardens, it is difficult to keep them distinct for any great length
of time. The better sorts only are worth cultivating for the
table.

Handsome specimens of sweet potato were raised and pre-
sented by H. K. Starkweather. T. G. Huntington, of Hadley,
exhibited two handsome specimens of the seed wheat, and
good-looking potatoes raised from the seed — the only way to
obtain new varieties. Such efforts are worthy of encourage-
ment. Messrs. James and George Dickinson, of Hadley, pre-
sented a basket of large and fine-looking potatoes, the seed of
which was brought by them from London. They are there
called theYorkshire Flats. They are very handsome, said to
yield well, and are hardy. When cooked, they are good flavored
and mealy. The writer has eaten of them, and can bear testi-
mony to their excellence. They are said to be best for spring
use, but are good at all seasons. Messrs. Dickinson raised, this
year, thirty-one bushels on 20 rods of ground, part of which
was shaded by a barn. The advantage of this potato is its
productiveness, large size, entire freedom from rot, and excel-
lence for the table. The committee recommend to the farmers
the cultivation of this new kind, understanding that the Messrs.
Dickinson will reserve, and be willing to dispose of, their en-
tire stock for seed.

It is to be regretted that so few varieties of potatoes are pre-
sented for exhibition. The cultivation of the better sorts is a
matter of deep interest to the whole community. The potato is
the most valuable esculent, cultivated as the food of man. AI-

48 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND

though it has been the subject of disease, which has greatly di-
minished the quantity produced, yet there has been no deficiency
as an article of food in this country. It is a subject of interest-
ing inquiry, what varieties of the potato resist this disease
most certainly, and what are most subject to it. The disease
was never extensively known till the Carters were introduced.
These are a delicate sort, and, like delicate sorts of all fruits,
vegetables, and even animals, most liable to disease and death.
The Carters, Mercers, or Chenangoes, have suffered more from
rot than the more hardy varieties. The vines are more deli-
cate, and, to the insect that has been supposed to be the cause
of the evil, may afford more delicate food than the vines of the
more hardy kinds. When we cultivated the Red potato, the
Rusticoats, the English Whites, the Scotch Greys, the Blue, the
Orange, and the Irish Whites, this formidable disease was un-
known. Many of these varieties were fine when first intro-
duced, but they all degenerate, and, as they become less delicate,
they become more hardy. Such will probably be the case with
the Chenangoes and the Carters.

At present, the Peach Blow is one of the best varieties of the
more hardy sorts. It ranks below the Carter for delicacy, and
above it for productiveness and hardiness ; it is certainly one
of the best potatoes, and worthy of extensive cultivation.

Such being the tendency to degenerate with the potato, every
farmer should avail himself of new varieties which promise
well. The very beautiful specimens presented by T. G. Hunt-
ington, of Hadley, raised from the seed, it is to be hoped will
continue to be raised till their true character is ascertained. If
they prove good varieties, as doubtless many of them will, the
cultivator will deserve the thanks of the farmers, and the grati-
tude of the community.

One of the excellencies of the Yorkshire Flats, presented by
Mr. Dickinson is, that, when planted in the midst of those
which have suffered greatly from rot, it has entirely escaped.

The cause of this destructive " rot" is a mystery that may
never be developed, but it should prove no obstacle to cultiva-
tion. The true way is to continue to cultivate, and trust a
wise and beneficent Providence for the result. The evil will

HAMPDEN SOCIETY. 49

finally pass away, and crops will again crown the labors of the
husbandman with abundance. The potato is a necessary of
life, in all countries where it can be cultivated and kept. In
this, as in other valuable crops, there will occasionally be a fail-
ure. The wheat has its fly, its rust, and its winter-kill, to dis-
appoint the farmer. The Indian corn is liable to be destroyed
by the early and the late frosts, to be devoured at the beginning
and the end of its growth by the crow and the blackbird. The
apple, the peach, the pear, and the plum, have each their ene-
mies, which occasionally diminish or destroy the fruit. These
should not discourage the cultivator, but he should persevere
and continue to plant and to sow.

We have abundant cause of gratitude to the Author of all
good, that the products of the earth designed for the food of
man, are so numerous, so perfect, so plenteous, that, if one fails,
be it ever so important, an endless variety is still in reserve for
our sustenance and enjoyment.

S. B. WOODWARD, Chairman.

Poultry.

Lyman Church's Stateinent.

The average number of hens kept by me, the last year, I es-
timate at one hundred and forty ; mostly of a cross between
the Dorking and the common hen. The oft-repeated and puz-
zling inquiry, as to whether fowls may be profitably kept upon
a farm, is satisfactorily settled in my mind ; and, for the satis-
faction of others, I submit the actual cost of keeping them,
with a fair estimate of the value of the stock on hand at the
commencement and close of the season, together with the quan-
tity of eggs produced, &c. : —

Yalue of stock, Nov. 1, 1847, . . $40 35

Expense of feed, . . . 116 45

$156 80

50 HAMPSHIRE, FRANKLIN AND HAMPDEN, &c.

Value of stock, Oct. 1848, . . $65 30

" " poultry sold, . . . 20 68

" " manure, 63 bushels, 15 cts., . 9 45

" '^ eggs, 1256 doz. at 13| cts., . 169 56

$264 99

This leaves to the credit of the hens the sum of $108 19 ;
and this result I arrive at by actual and careful experiments,
without guessing or conjecture. It is one, too, attainable by any
prudent person, who will bestow an equal amount of care, pro-
portioned to their value, as is, or ought to be, bestowed upon
any kind of stock, in order to have them do well. And I would
inquire, in what other way, upon so small an investment, can
so fair a profit be produced upon the farm 7

In regard to treatment of them, I give them a warm house,
with a comfortable yard or range ; and 150 hens should have
from one-half to three-quarters of an acre. My house is so
arranged, as to keep them, when I choose, in separate apart-
ments, and constantly supplied with food, old plastering, lime,
gravel, water, &c., with some secret nests, as well as open boxes,
for them to lay in. The house should be kept well white-
washed, and as clean as possible. The kind of food I use is
varied occasionally; — corn, boiled potatoes, burnt barley, oats,
and wheat screenings ; the latter, especially, I find very valua-
ble. The quality of the food, however, does not, in my opinion,
influence the laying so much as is imagined. They must have
enough to eat, and be made comfortable in other respects.
With my management, they lay the year round.

With regard to the kind or breed, I am entirely of opinion,
that the cross between the Dorking and common hen is a very
valuable kind. This 3^ear, as will be perceived, I have had
1256 dozen eggs, while, last year, T had only 150 dozen ; and I
attribute the gain to the improvement in the stock in that way.
My own opinion is, that too little attention is paid to this spe-
cies of domestic animals, and that, for the proper attention,
while every one keeps poultry, very few reap all the advantage
they might.

MiDDLEFIELD, Oct. 5th^ 1848,

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 51

WORCESTER COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The proposals for premiums offered by this society for the
cattle-show and exhibition held at Worcester, the 27th of Sep-
tember last, varied from those of former years by the omission
of all manufactures except those of the dairy. Early in the
spring, a communication was received from a committee of the
Worcester County Mechanics Association, stating that their
society proposed to have an exhibition of manufactures on the
day which should be appointed for the cattle-show by the Agri-
cultural Society, and requesting that the whole of the manufac-
tures might be relinquished to them. The trustees, believing
that the objects of both societies could better be attained by
concentrating rather than dividing the exhibition of manufac-
tured articles, oflered no premiums for any manufacture except
for butter and cheese. The exhibition by the Mechanics Asso-
ciation was not confined to the products of either this county or
state. It was, altogether, a very fine show, doing great credit
to the artisans of the country, and highly satisfactory to those
who exerted themselves in getting up the exhibition.

The Worcester County Horticultural Society also had their
exhibition on the same day, and they were eminently success-
ful in making it creditable to themselves and interesting to the
public.

The united attractions, offered by the exhibitions of these
three societies, induced a large attendance of spectators, greater
by thousands than had ever been witnessed here on any similar
occasion.

The show of cattle, both as regards number and quality, was
of a higher character than at any former exhibition, — more
particularly in respect to fat cattle and young stock. It will be

52 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

difficult, in future years, to collect so many fat cattle of so good
a quality as were those exhibited the last autumn.

Where reports are confined to a statement of the comparative
value of difierent animals, as are most of those in relation to
our last cattle-show, it is difficult to distinguish any passages,
'•as worthy of public notice, study, and application."

The address was delivered by the Hon. A. H. Bullock, of
Worcester.

Ploughing Match.

The number of entries of single ox-teams, the only teams for
ploughing for which the society offer premiums, was 1 6. The
committee, Augustus G. Hill, Chairman, awarded to —

Simon Carpenter, of Charlton, himself ploughman,

Martin's eagle plough, No, 3, 1st premium, . $10 00

Lorin Carpenter, of Charlton, do, do,, Ruggles,

Nourse & Mason's eagle plough, No. 20, 2d do., . 9 0(1

Joseph H. Whitney, of Westborough, do, do,, R., N.

&M.'s sward plough, 3d do,, . . . 8 00

Horace Stockwell, of Sutton, do. do,, Martin's eagle

plough. No, 3, 4th do,, . . . . 7 00

Joseph A. Reed, of Princeton, his son, ploughman,

Martin's No. 3 plough, 5th do,, . . . C 00

Anson Warren, of Westborough, himself plough-
man, R., N. & M.'s sward C. plough, Gth do., . 5 00
Harvey Putnam, of Sutton, do. do,, Martin's eagle,

No. 3, plough, 7th do., . . . 4 00

William Eaton, Jr,, of Worcester, do, do., R., N. &

M.'s sward, 8th do., . . . . 3 00

Thomas J. Wheelock, of Grafton, do. do,, R., N. &

M,'s C, 9th do,, 2 00

David Carpenter, of Charlton, do. do,, R., N. & M.'s

eagle, 10th do., . . . . . 1 00

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 53

Fat Cattle.

The committee on fat cattle are fully sensible of the fact,
that theirs is a weighty matter ; and. to true descendants of the
beef-eating old Saxons, one of transcendent importance. "What
though the eloquent Patrick Henry ridiculed the man who
thought only of his best beef^ Avhile the people were rejoicing at
the birth of a nation, we doubt not, if the Virginian had lived
in this our day, and attended this our jubilee, even he would
have shouted with the loudest, beef ! beef ! and thought it no
abstraction.

As beef is the complexion to which all cattle must come at
last, and, as this festival is preeminently a " cattle-show," the
committee feel that, to their inspection and adjudication has
been assigned the great feature, the crowning excellence of our
annual exhibition. But, though aware of the importance of
the subject, and however disposed to magnify their office, the
committee acknowledge they had no adequate conception of its
magnitude, until they saw the moving mountains of future sir-
loins and steaks, tender-loins and roasts, which have this day
graced the society's enclosures.

Great as have been the improvement and advance in all the
departments of agriculture and stock-raising, since the estab-
lishment of this society, in none has that improvement been so
great as in that of fat cattle. By the records of the society, it
will appear that, at the first cattle-show, the heaviest and best
ox offered for premium, weighed 1,732 pounds. To-day an ox
is shown to the committee, weighing 2,780 pounds, and the
average weight of 15 others offered for premium is 2,240.

Here is a fact at once encouraging and complimentary, flat-
tering to the society under whose auspices the improvement
has been made, and most honorable to the thrift and enterprise
of our intelligent and progressive yeomen. But though much
has been done, your committee believe much more may be done.
The limit which bounds the area of fatness has not yet been
reached ; the great problem, of how much beef one single ox-
hide may be made to contain, has not yet been solved.

54 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

Seventeen fat oxen, 5 steers, and 2 cows, have been offered
this year for premium; and 6 fat oxen, 2 steers, and 1 cow
for exhibition, — all good, excellent, and all worthy of high
commendation and liberal premiums. After careful investiga-
tion, taking into consideration the age, the feed, the cost, and
other matters, the committee finally awarded to Nathaniel
Dodge, of Sutton, the first premium of $12, for his near ox.
His mate was offered for exhibition, having, at the last annual
cattle-show, received the highest premium. These oxen were
raised in Sutton, are of the native breed, 5 years old, and
weighed 5,110 pounds, there being but two pounds diflTerence in
their weight. For the first four years, they were kept on hay
and grass, with occasionally a few roots in the winter season ;
and, since that time, they have had a small quantity of meal
daily. For symmetry and beauty they are unsurpassed, and,
in the opinion of your committee, are as near perfection as is
possible. Mr. Dodge informed the committee that, for several
weeks past, and, during the most of the fall of 1847, he took
them into most of the New England states and New York, for
exhibition. The fatigue of journeying must necessarily retard
their growth, and make them some hundreds of pounds lighter
than they would have been, had they remained on the old
homestead, which produces, in abundance, the luxuries of life
so necessary to the making of good cattle.

To Milton S. Morse, of Winchendon, the second premium of
$10, for his black ox, weighing 2,767 pounds.

To Asa Matthews, of Worcester, third premium of $8 for
his off ox.

To Milton S. Morse, of Winchendon, fourth premium of $5,
for his light red ox weighing 2,767 pounds.

All these last mentioned are excellent cattle, and your com-
mittee are almost constrained, in expressing their opinion, to
form the comparative from the superlative, and pronounce them
a little better than the best.

The committee awarded the first premium of $10, to Asa
Rice, of Worcester, for his yellow steer, 3 years old, and
weighing 1750 lbs. ; second premium of $6, to Milton S. Morse,
of Winchendon, for his white steer, 4 years old, and weighing

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 55

1715 lbs.; third premium of $4, to Peter C. Stockwell, of Sut-
ton, for his near steer, 3 years old.

Harvey Dodge, of Sutton, offered for exhibition merely, a
steer 4 years old, of Durham breed, weighing 2000 lbs., grass-
fed entirely. Mr. Dodge bought him when 2 years old, and,
discovering in him, a foundation for future greatness, has kept
him, with the intention of offering him for premium hereafter.
The committee were pleased with the animal, and trust that
his owner will realize a liberal reward for his enterprise.

OTIS ADAMS, Chairman.

Working Oxen.

The committee, Warren Lazell, C/iairma?i, reported, that
there were 20 yokes of oxen entered for premium, and 2 for ex-
hibition only, either yoke of which any farmer might well be
proud to own. They awarded the first premium of $10, to Si-
mon Carpenter, of Charlton, for his oxen, 5 years old. He ex-
hibited a team of 5 yokes of cattle, the oldest of which was 5
years old, the next, 4, and so down, the youngest being year-
lings. The committee pronounced this as good a team as they
ever saAV together, and recommended a gratuity to Mr. Carpen-
ter, of $2, for this team.

Six other premiums were also awarded. The committee
were unanimous in the opinion, that there were other oxen be-
sides the successful competitors, whose work would have en-
titled them to a preference over some who received a premium,
had that work been accomplished with less whipping.

Milch Cows.

The committee found, in the pens, 26 cows, 10 of which were
entered for premium, and 16 for exhibition. Those for exhi-
bition, were entered by —

56 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

Ebenezer Flagg, of Worcester, 1 native.

John W. Lincoln, of " 1 Ayrshire.

WilUam Eanies, " " 1 native, and 2 Devonshire.

John Brooks, of Princeton, . 2 half Ayrshire.

Harvey Dodge, of Sutton, . 1 Durham.

Asa Rice, of Boylston, . 1 Devonshire.

John F. Clark, of Worcester, 1 native.

From the State Reform School, Westborough, 6 half Durham.

In awarding the premiums, the unanimity of the committee
precluded the necessity of a reference to the chairman, and they
awarded to —

Joseph A. Reed, of Princeton, first premium, . $12 00

S. H. Flagg, 2d, of Worcester, second " . .10 00

Samuel B. Watson, of " third " . . 8 00

Simon Carpenter, of Charlton, fourth " . . 5 00

The cows offered for exhibition were well worthy of the
place they occupied, and, could they have answered the in-
quiries made, would have said, "give me good and sufficient
food, and I will give you 60, 50, 45, 40, and 35 lbs. of milk per
day." Those offered for premium have spoken through their
owners, as is recorded in their statements, and must be judged
by that testimony. It is presumed that the statements furnish
correct weights and measures^ agreeable to the standards used.
By another year, each town will be furnished, by an act of the
Legislature, with standard weights and measures, which will,
probably, assist, in a degree, future committees in the discharge
of their arduous and delicate duties. A careful examination of
some of the statements will show, that there was not a daily
use of weights and measures ; and of others, that care and at-
tention were bestowed, indicating a particularity worthy of im-
itation.

It may be, that too many of the cows offered for premium,
are animals of "accident," rather than the result of care and
attention to breeding. As the object of the society is to stimulate
farmers to improve their stock, it may be worthy of inquiry,
whether some alterations in the requirements for premiums,

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 67

should not be made. A suitable premium offered for the two
best cows of a stock of six^ raised by the applicant, or in the
town, the whole number to be kept in the same manner^ regard
being had to yield and keeping of the whole, and blanks to be
furnished, that the statements be uniform, might have the ten-
dency to increase the number of good cows, resulting in a ben-
efit to the individual and to the public. Some change in the
rules, and a rigid observance of them, would furnish informa-
tion desirable, but not now obtained.

There is no animal more useful, or that better repays labor
and care, than the cow. A proper attention to breedings feed-
ing, and milking, will insure a productive and profitable ani-
mal. It is supposed, that three acres of land, valued, say at
seventy-five dollars per acre, will furnish fodder sufficient for
one cow for one year. It has been said, by a distinguished
member of the society, that heifers, reared by himself, cost a
little less than twenty-two dollars, at the age of 3 years. This
sum, added to two hundred and twenty-five dollars, — the value
of three acres of land, — gives the sum of two hundred and
forty-seven dollars, the required capital for the purchase and
support of one cow. If yielding 8 quarts of milk per day, on
the average, for nine months of the year, she will produce, in
butter, at sixteen cents per pound, say thirty-five dollars annu-
ally ; or, in milk, at eight and one half cents per gallon, the
sum of forty-six dollars and twenty-eight cents. Taking the
medium of these sums, the amount received would be forty dol-
lars and seventy-eight cents, and the account, for five years,
would be something like the following : —

Dr,

Purchase of cow, . . . .

$22 00

" " land, .

225 00

Insurance of cow, 2| per cent.,

2 75

Taxes on land and cow, .

9 25

I^alt, labor, &c..

45 00

Balance interest account,

61 00

Profit over labor, interest, and charges,

104 00

$469 00

58 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

Cr.

Sale of butter and milk, .

. . .

$203 90

" " or value of calves,

• . >

4 00

" " cow for beef,

•

36 10

'' " land,

.

225 00

$469 00

Thus it will be seen, that the proprietor of the cow and land
obtains about eight and one third per cent, clear ])roJit^ or say
fourteen per cent, for the use of the money invested, a dividend
equal, in amount, to that derived from stocks less fanciful, but
too frequently fancied by the farmer, to his injury.

The difficulty former committees have experienced in obtain-
ing information respecting entire dairies, induced the chairman
to address several farmers, who, in years past, have entered
cows for premium, for facts relating to their own dairies, and
those of their neighbors. In reply, A. B. says, " I feel very
much mortified, that I cannot furnish you with the particulars
in regard to my cows. This is a subject of vast importance to
the farmers of the county. We are keeping cows from year to
year, not knowing the annual products from one cow, and, in
a majority of cases, are not able to tell if there is any dif-
ference at all in our stock. These things ought not so to be.
The endeavors to get the whys and wherefores of good cows, so
far as the cattle-show has been concerned, are all frustrated ;
they are all animals of accident^ so that we have no credit, as
we do not breed them. We can make it profitable to breed ; it
would be the very best business done on the farm." C. D. says,
"I have milked 35 cows during the months of June, July, Au-
gust, and September, and have sold the milk ; whole amount,
32,648 quarts, being an average of each cow's milk, per day, of
about 7f quarts."

If the above-named cows had given, on the average for the
four best months of the year, 12 quarts per day, the owner
would have added to his income about $300, or a sum sufficient
to purchase ten cows ; — a striking illustration of the need of
improvement.

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 59

The exhibition of this day gives evidence, that some have
taken advantage of the imported stock, and that others have
made judicious selections from our native cattle ; but no evi-
dence has been furnished that the farmers of the county are
awake to the importance of such an improvement as will ren-
der it as difficult to find ordinary, as it now is superior, cows,

GEORGE DENNY, Chairmaii.

Joseph A. Reed's Statement.

My cow, of the Devonshire breed, is five years old— calved
the 26th day of April — calf raised — kept with a stock of six
cows, in summer pasture, without any other feed — was lame
with the foul in one hind foot, which caused a falling ofl" in
milk.

June 10th to 20th, 391f lbs. milk.
From which, was made 20| lbs. butter.
One quart of milk weighed 2^ lbs.
September 10th to 20th, 279 lbs. milk.
From which, was made 15f lbs. butter.
One quart of milk weighed 2 15-16 lbs.

Samuel H. Flagg^s Statement.

• My cow went dry 8 weeks — calved May 15th ; calf small,
and raised ; will calve in March next ; kept with three other
cows ; distance to pasture one and a half miles, making three
miles of travel per day, with no extra feed. From Sept. 10th,
very little feed in pasture, and no water, except when let out at
noon and night ; hay at night, with two quarts wheat meal.
From June 10th to 20th, milk measured five times, averaging
16 quarts per day; weight from 45 to 46 lbs. ; amount of but-
ter in ten days, 22f lbs.

60 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

Sept. 10th to 20th, 11 quarts per day, weight 32 lbs. ; making
110 quarts, weighing 320 lbs., and making 14f lbs. butter.

Samuel B. Watson^s Statement.

Cow came in, March 21st, 1S48; kept with one other cow in
a poor pasture ; has had 3 quarts meal per day in June ; in Sep-
tember, corn-stalks. April 22d to Sept. 23d, made 195 lbs. but-
ter ; in the month of June, made 55 lbs. In that month, she
gave 12 to 13 quarts milk per day ; milk not measured in Sept.

June 10th to 20th, made 22 lbs butter.
Sept. 10th to 20th " 15 " "
One quart milk weighed 2f lbs.

Simon Carpenter^ s Statement.

My cow is one half Holderness and one half native; four
years old; raised by myself; kept with six cows: calved in
April last ; calf slaughtered when four weeks and one day old ;
veal weighed 106 lbs.

June 10th to 20th, 370 lbs. milk.
From which, was made 16| lbs. butter.
Sept. 10th to 20th, 325 lbs. milk.
From which, was made 14| lbs. butter.

Marshall J. Maynard^s Statement.

Cow four years old; milked until three weeks of calving;
calved 13th of May ; calf raised : kept with seven other cows,
and has had no grain or other nutritious substance except grass ;

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 61

greatest quantity of milk any one day 17| quarts ; greatest
weight at one milking, 24| lbs.

June 10th to 20th, 16 15-16 lbs butter.
Sept. 10th to 20th, 12^ " "

Harvey Dodge's Statement.

The half Durham cow offered by me for premium is 11 years
old; calved the last of January; gave, from May 1 to Sept. 1,
on an average, 37 lbs. milk per day, on grass ; the milk has been
sold.

John W. Lincohi^s Statement.

My cow is principally of Yankee breed : seven years old ;
kept with nine other cows ; no extra keeping, except for the
last month ; hay was given her in the morning; had her calf the
first of April last.

June 10th to 20th, 3C2 lbs. milk.
From which, was made 14 lbs. butter.
Sept. 10th to 20th, 273 lbs. milk.

H. R. Keith's Staiemerit.

Cow raised by me ; part Holderness and part native ; four
years old ; had her first calf when two years old, and has had
two since, the last in March ; kept with five other cows, with-
out extra feed ; calves early next spring.

June 10th to 20th, inclusive, 370 lbs. milk,
From which, was made 20 lbs. butter.
Sept. 10th to 20th, 268 lbs. milk.
From which was made 10 lbs. butter.

62 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

John Brooks' Statement.

Cow eight years old ; weight 1100 lbs. ; calved 13th of March,
a heifer calf of good quality; kept with five other cows, on
grass only.

June 10th to 20th, 361 1 lbs. milk.
From which, was made 11|| lbs. butter.
Sept. 10th to 20th, 332 \ lbs. milk.
From which was made 12yV lbs. butter.

The whole weight of milk, during the twenty days, was 694
lbs. ; the cream taken from this milk weighed 55 j^^ lbs., equal
to 8 per cent, of the milk ; whole weight of butter made from
the cream 23|| lbs., equal to ^2^^^ part of the cream, or 3^^*^
part of the milk, or, in twenty days, the cow made 2xV(j P^^t of
her weight in butter.

William S. Lincoln's Statement.

Cow, native breed, 8 years old, calved early in May last, to
calve early in March next ; calf remarkably large, being a bull,
was killed ; kept in a pasture all summer with five other cows,
being without subdividing fences, and deprived of the advan-
tages to be derived from feeding my mowing land for fall feed.
From the time of cutting corn-stalks, fed once a day a limited
supply of this fodder, which was all the fodder, except what
was derived from a very dry pasture.

June 10th to 20th, exclusive, 432 lbs milk.
Which, when strained, measured 179 quarts.
Sept. 10th to 20th, 282 lbs. milk.
Which, when strained, measured 122 quarts.

In June, from the cream of the first five days' milking was
churned 93 lbs, butter. From the next five days, Sh, lbs butter ;

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 63

making, in all, 18| lbs. ; the last five days were exceedingly-
warm and close; the first five days' churning in Sept. produced
7f lbs. of butter, and the second five days 7^ lbs., making,
in all, 15^ lbs. Greatest yield per day, —

In June, 18| quarts — 46| lbs.

In September, 13| quarts — 31 1 lbs.

Bulls under one year old.

Nine different animals were offered for examination. The
committee unanimously recommend to the officers of this society,
that no premiums hereafter be offered for any cattle under twelve
months old. They believe it would be much better to give
larger premiums for older animals. The reason which the com-
mittee present for this alteration in the practice of the society,
is, that, prior to the age of one year, no animal is so fully and
perfectly developed, in its form and figure, as to enable one to
judge, satisfactorily, as to its real merits, and the qualities it
Avill possess at maturity.

AMASA WALKER, Chairman.

Heifers.

The number of heifers of two years old, and upwards, of-
fered for premium, was twenty-seven, and three for exhibition.
The number of yearling heifers entered for premium was twen-
ty-one, and of heifer calves seventeen.

Steers.

There were entered for premium, thirteen pairs three years
old steers ; ten pairs two years old ; and seven pairs yearlings.

64 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

Of which, sixteen pairs were of native breed.

" five " " of Durham.

" three " "of Creampot.

" two " " of Devonshire.

" one " " of J Holderness.

" one " " of ^ Devon, and | Durham.

" one " " of ^ Ay shire and J Durham.

Poultry.

But one lot of turkeys were exhibited, and those, six in num-
ber, were offered by Caleb Nourse, of Bolton ; native breed,
four months and one week old. They have been raised entirely
on their own pickings. They are of the dark breed, which, in
the opinion of the committee, is preferable to others. They
award to Mr. Nourse the first premium of $3.

Only one lot of ducks was presented, and those, 52 in num-
ber, were raised by John Hersey, of Worcester ; native breed,
three and four months old. They are a part of a flock of 111,
from three mothers. A portion were hatched under hens. The
owner, who is a minor, stated that a prominent article of their
food has been fresh fish, caught by himself in the brooks and
ponds. His experiment in raising ducks, generally considered
unprofitable, has been unusually successful. They are en-
titled to the premium of $3.

John Farwell, of Worcester, offered seven pullets and two
cocks, of the Dorking and Kentucky breeds ; appearance very
fine.

To those raising poultry for the market, the committee would
recommend the Dorking breed, which may advantageously be
crossed with other breeds.

Ebenezer Lincoln, of Grafton, exhibited six hens, from a
flock of thirty-six, mixed breed, one year old. From Mr, Lin-
coln's statement, it appears, that, since the first of March last,
his 36 hens have laid 224| dozen eggs, and hatched 171 chick-
ens ; and, after supplying his family, he has sold the remainder
of the eggs for $34 41, and a part of the chickens for f 13 48,

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 65

making his cash receipts, $'49 S9; besides the chickens on hand,
for which he will find a ready market.

The committee improve this opportunity to express their ap-
probation of the plan adopted by Mr. Lincoln, in keeping min-
utes of the yield of his poultry ; and recommend his example
as worthy of imitation, by all who may hereafter offer poultry
for exhibition.

HENRY S. WASHBURN, Chairman.

Ebenezer LincobCs Statement.

My flock of thirty-six hens commenced laying March 1st,
1848. They laid

In March, 27 dozen of eggs, part of which I sold for
" April, 45 " " '•' " " ''

" May,

371

((

" June,

35

u

" July,

32

a

" Aug.,

25

li

" Sept.,

23

ic

2241

**^.

$3

79

6

30

5

25

5

25

0

00

4 00

3

82

$34 41

No account was made of eggs used in the family, and, during
this time, 19 hens sat upon 18| dozen of eggs, and hatched 171
chickens, part of which I sold for $13 48, and have the re-
mainder on hand.

Cheese.

The committee carefully examined ten lots of new, and four

lots of old cheese, offered for premium ; each containing more

than 100 lbs., and accompanied by a certificate conformably to

the rules of the society. As a whole, with the exception of only

9

66 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

two or three single portions of distinct lots, they are of good
quaUty ; most of them would be deserving of premiums, but
for a common defect, which the committee think was easily
discoverable — they have not that richness, which cheese made of
pure new milk always possesses, if the milk be good. The com-
mittee think that this defect may have resulted from a practice,
among our economical dairy women, said to have existed so
long as to be considered a prescriptive right, of taking, each
morning, from the night's milk, so called, cream enough for the
family breakfast, and yet considering it no misnomer to call
their cheese, neio milch cheese. Now, if the dairy was large,
and the family small, and the milk rich, a trifling abstraction
of cream, though not perfectly just, would seldom be percepti-
ble. But, in the reverse of these circumstances, it is very obvi-
ous, at least to all lovers of good cheese, that the difference,
thus made, might be reasonable cause for serious complaint.
Without intending the slightest reflection upon any one, the
committee deem it not improper to express the hope, that the
suggestion may not be disregarded by those who prepare this
article for premium, or for the market, but that they will make
it, in the truest sense of the term, what they call it, new milch
cheese.

The committee have awarded all the premiums, at their dis-
posals, to the following competitors : —

NeiD Cheese.

Job Ranger, of New Braintree, Lot No. 10, 1st premium, |)8

Azel L. Clark, " Lot No. 9, 2d " 6

Jacob Wilson, of Spencer, Lot No. 5, 3d " 5

Jason Wilson, of Rutland, Lot No. 4, 4th " 4

DanforthK. Tufts, of New Braintree, Lot No. 1,5th " 2

Old Cheese.

Lorenzo Converse, of New Braintree, Lot No. 1, 1st premium, $6
John Hunter, " Lot No. 3, 2d " 4

SAMUEL M. BURNSIDE, Chairman.

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 67

Carrot Crop.

The committeej having been notified that Harvey Dodge, of
Sutton, and Wilham S. Lincohi, of Worcester, had made entries
for the Society's premiums, soon after visited the lands of those
gentlemen, that they might form some opinion of the crop from
the appearance of the respective fields. They first viewed the
land of Mr. Dodge. The carrot tops gave evidence of a very
vigorous growth, which well covered the ground, which was
free from weeds, and gave evidence of good cultivation. There
was an apparent difference in the two parts of the field, and
his statement of his crop gives 266 bushels to one fourth of an
acre, and 195 ^4 bushels to the other quarter of an acre. In re-
lation to the young orchard, mentioned in Mr. Dodge's state-
ment, the committee viewed the trees with much pleasure;
their appearance was that of a choice collection of trees, which
had been carefully taken from the nursery, and well set out,
and the growth on them, for the past season, had been great.
How far the carrot crop had been affected by these trees, is not
known to the committee ; it was, undoubtedly, in some degree,
lessened thereby.

The committee availed themselves of the opportunity of look-
ing over Mr. Dodge's farm, on which they found he was making
much improvement. His land is naturally quite moist, with a
clayey, compact sub-soil. During the past season, he has been
engaged in making deep ditches, and filling the bottom of them
with stones ; thereby making a double improvement, in dis-
posing of the surface stone, an obstruction to cultivation, of
which he has many, and of underdraining his land. From
some of these drains, a stream of water was running, which was
occasionally used in irrigating the land on the side-hill below,
to very great advantage.

In the course of the last autumn, Mr. Dodge had dug a cellar
under a part of his barn, where a barn had stood for more than
seventy years. At a depth of over five feet from the surface of
the ground, nitre could be readily discovered upon the side of
the remaining earth, furnishing conclusive evidence that ma-

68 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

nures are not wholly lost by evaporation, but that they sink in
the earth — and also giving evidence of the great benefits which
may be derived from deep and sub-soil ploughing. The com-
mittee were shown, where earth taken from under the barn, at
a lower point than is mentioned, had been spread on grass-
land, and the improvement in the appearance of the growing
grass was great. Mr. Dodge informed the committee that he
had come to the determination, which he was then carrying
into effect, of appropriating his net income, beyond the support
of his family, to the improvement of his farm ; and no doubt
can be entertained that this is a wise conclusion on his part. He
is taking a high stand among the best farmers of the county.

The land of Mr. Lincoln is less favorable for the growth of
carrots, than that of Mr. Dodge. The soil is not deep ; resting
on a gravel sub-soil, its condition, although greatly improved
from its former state, is not sufficiently rich to produce the
largest root crops, and the growth of the carrots had been, ap-
parently, somewhat checked by the drought.

Near this carrot field, was a number of large size bearing
apple trees, which had been successfully removed within the
preceding year. These trees had been planted on land which
is now wanted for the increased growth of the city, and it was
necessary either to cut them down, or remove them. As ihe
fruit they bore was of good quality, it was thought desirable to
save them, and, although their removal was attended with
some trouble, and required much care, it is believed that their
future products will repay for the labor, with a large interest,
annually com.pounded.

The proposals offered by the Society are, "for the greatest
quantity of carrots on one quarter of an acre, $8." " For the
next greatest quantity on one quarter of an acre, $5." The
award must be in conformity with the facts, that Harvey Dodge
is entitled to both premiums for the carrot crop. The committee
recommend that $5 be awarded Mr. Lincoln, as a gratuity.

The committee, having been informed that William A. Whee-
ler, of Worcester, had a good crop of carrots from his land, and
it being an instance of the successful cultivation of this crop for
a succession of years, upon the same land, requested of him a

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

69

statement thereof, which is hereto annexed. It affords evidence
that carrots, hke onions, may be advantageously continued on
the same land, year after year. The land on which these suc-
cessful crops have been grown, before being taken up for a car-
rot crop, was, and had been for many years, a pasture, of which
brush and switch-grass had taken sole possession — the soil a
thin, gravelly loam, resting on gravel. It may be proper to
state, that the bushels mentioned in this account, are bushels
by measure, and not by weight.

JOHN W. LINCOLN, Chairman.

Harvey Dodge's Siaiemeiit.

The land on which my carrots were raised, the present
season, contains, by measurement, half an acre and seven rods,
and is the same land on which I raised carrots and ruta bagas,
last year. The condition of the land, in 1847, was good; 16
loads of good stable manure were put on the half acre. The
product was 224 bushels carrots, and 110 of ruta bagas.

The above described is the land on which my carrots have
been grown, the present season, and which I have entered for
the Society's premium, for two lots of one quarter acre each.

Carrot Field — Dr.
1848.

May 1, To 25 loads, of 25 bushels each, manure, $1
per load.
Carting and spreading same.
To ploughing same, 2 yoke oxen,
May 28, " '•' second time, .

June 1, 1 lb. seed.

Sowing same, with machine,
" 8, Hoeing before the carrots were up,
July 25, Labor, hoeing and weeding, worth
Aug. 20, Hoeing and weeding, to this date,

$25 00

3 00

1 00

1 00

0 75

0 50

1 00

4 00

4 00

70 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

Nov. 4, Harvesting and carting, . . . $12 00

Interest on land, $200 per acre, . . 6 00

|58 25

Carrot Field — Cr.

1848.

Nov. 4, By one third manure back, for other crops, $8 33
" 266 bushels carrots, of 56 lbs., from first

quarter, at 28 cents, . . . 74 48

From second quarter acre, 10,940 lbs., sold

in the field, at \ cent per lb., . . 54 70

$137 51

I believe it to be substantially true, that my crop, on the two
lots of one fourth acre each, (half acre,) was 12 tons, 918 lbs.,
or, 25 tons, 838 lbs. to the acre. This, at $10 per ton, would
amount to $254 19, at the field. I have been very particular
in my accounts for this crop, as some of my particular friends
have thought such a crop could not be raised, or, if raised, was
not worth so much to feed out to a common stock. For my
own part, I should hardly know how to get my stock through
the winter, without some kind of roots.

I manured my land one third higher this year, than in former
years, and my crop is in proportion. The labor has all been
reckoned by the day, and not by the month, and is much higher
than it cost. The hoeing and weeding was all done in the mid-
dle of the day, or when the sun was hot, and, consequently,
was reckoned by the hour. And I feel confident that my state-
ments have not been overrated in regard to weight and meas-
ure, nor in labor and other expenses.

Sutton^ November 18, 1848.

William S. Lincoln^ s Sialemeiit.

The land, on which my crop of carrots grew, in the spring of
1847j would have been in good condition, had it been sufficiently

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY. 71

manured. It had lain fallow the year previousj and, in the
spring of 1847, such compost as I had to spare, with three loads
of night soil, was spread and ploughed under. The product
upon the piece of land planted (about one third of an acre) of
carrots was 175 bushels, by measure.

In the spring of the present year, the land was ploughed, by
horse, the depth of the plough beam ; the manure, compost from
stable manure, loam, and leached ashes, spread upon the land,
ploughed under as deep as the horse-plough could carry it — har-
rowed and sowed. The machine, having never before been
used, worked irregularly, and the distance between the drills
was too great. There was no thinning of the crop — not even
one plant having been designedly pulled till harvesting.

Carrot Field, Dr.

1848.

May 10,

To 4 loads stable manure, i ^8 00

" 60 bushels ashes and 3 g^ ^ ,,,^^ ^^j gg
loam, 3 ' ^

Carting, spreading, and ploughing same.

4 00

Ploughing and harrowing, .

1 00

May 16

^ lb. seed and sowing.

0 50

June,

Hoeing, ....

1 00

Weeding, ....

3 00

July,

Weeding, ....

3 00

Oct.,

Self and horse, half day, ploughing out,

1 00

Man, 1| day, pulling and topping,

1 50

Self, 1 day topping,

1 00

Two boys 1| day each,

1 50

$29 10

From this amount, should be deducted $7 71, for the reason
that the whole amount of land sowed to carrots was 62 rods,
while the amount, from which the above was derived, was 43
rods and three fourths.

So that the proper amount of expense chargeable to the piece
actually measured, would be $24 67, leaving a credit to be car-
ried to the account of field, of

72 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

One third manure back for next crop, . . $3 86

191 bushels of carrots, 56 lbs. at 25 cts., . . 47 75

$51 61

I say 191 bushels of carrots of 56 lbs. each. This product
was obtained as follows : — The cart was taken to the field, the
carrots, which had been pulled the day before, were topped and
put into baskets, — each basket weighed by itself, (its weight set
down,) and emptied, till no more carrots could be heaped upon
the cart. In this manner, 40 bushels were weighed, — and, sub-
sequently, the cart filled in the same manner, till the whole pro-
duct was housed. By the bushel, of 56 lbs., the cart (a one
horse cart) would hold, heaped till no more could lay upon it,
but 17| bushels. There were 11 loads. But in actual ad-
measurement, as baskets are ordinarily filled in the field,
(heaped till no more w^ould remain, though not placed in the
basket with any particular care,) there were 223 bushels — as-
certained by averaging the whole number of baskets actually
weighed, and multiplying by the total number of baskets.

It will be seen, therefore, by this instance, that the tendency
of the society's requirement, that each bushel should weigh 56
lbs., is to diminish the actual crop, when compared with crops
raised in other places. To satisfy myself more thoroughly, I
packed a basket as close as was possible — heaped it like the
others, and I obtained but 57 lbs. weight, less the weight of the
basket, 3| lbs. ; so that, with careful packing, I doubt whether
a bushel of carrots can be made to weigh 56 lbs. The weight
of the bushel, obtained by weighing some 46 or 47 baskets, and
averaging their weights, was, in this instance, 48^ lbs. There
is an intimation, in Stephen's Book of the Farm, when speaking
of this crop, that 42 lbs. is the standard weight. The subject
is of no consequence, except when our crops are placed in com-
parison with those of other places, where the standard weight
may be less.

WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

73

Wm. A. Wheeler^ s Statement.

The following is a statement of the product of carrots upon
one and the same acre of ground on my farm in Worcester, for
six consecutive years. The compost used for the last two years,
was made of three fourths meadow weeds or muck, the other
quarter of good stable manure : —

Carrot Crop, Dr.

1843. To 61 days labor, at 5s., .

$50 83

" 6| days, 1 pair oxen, at 5s.,

5 42

" 1 day, 2 horses.

1 50

" Manure,

18 00

" Sowing seed,

3 00

Cr.

1843. By 361 bushels carrots, at 25 cts. per bushel,

Profit,

Dr.

1844. To 77 days labor, at 5s., .

" 17^ " 1 pair oxen, at 5s.,
" 12 cords manure.

34

compost.

Cr.

1844. By 710 bushels carrots, at 25 cts.,

Profit,

Dr.

1845. To 79 days labor, at 5s. 6d.,

" 12 " 1 pair oxen, at 5s. 6d.,

" 2 " man and team,

" 13 cords compost, from yard, at $2 50,

" 4| cords manure, at $3 50, .

10

$7S 75
$90 25

111

50

$64

17

14 58

36

00

10 50

$125

25

$177

50

$52

25

$72 42

11

00

3 33

32

50

15

7o

$135 00

74 WORCESTER COUNTY SOCIETY.

Cr.
1845. By 736 bushels carrots, at 25 cts., . $184 00

(206 bushels on one fourth acre.)

Profit,

$49 00

Dr.

1846.

To 18 cords weak compost, at $2,

$36 00

" 81| days labor by men, at 5s.,

67 92

" 13| " with team, at 5s.,

11 25

" seed, .....
Cr.

2 00

$117 17

1846.

By 509 bushels carrots, at 25 cts.,

$127 25

Profit,

$10 OS

Dr.

1847.

To 20 cords weak compost, at 10s. 6d., .

$35 00

" 79| days labor, by men, at 5s. 6d.,

72 83

" 12i " team, at 5s. 6d.,

11 25

" seed, .....
Cr.

1 75

$120 83

1847.

By 700 bushels carrots, at 25 cts..

$175 00

Profit,

$54 17

Dr.

1848.

To 25 cords weak compost, at 10s. 6d., .

$43 75

" 73 days labor, by men, at 5s. 6d.,

66 92

" 9| " team, at 5s. 6d.,

8 33

" seed, .....
Cr.

1 25

$120 25

1848.

By 1011 bushels carrots, at 25 cts.,

$252 75

Profit, . $132 50

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 75

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The thirty-first annual exhibition of this society was held at
Lynn, on the 28th day of September last, and was attended by
an unusually large number of persons, who manifested great in-
terest in the occasion. The addition, by a gentleman of Lynn,
of one hundred dollars to the amount of premiums offered on
stock, had the desired effect to bring to the cattle-show a
larger number of animals than is usually exhibited in this coun-
ty. Seventeen pairs of working oxen, 11 pairs of steers, 8 fat
cattle, 13 milch cows, 18 heifers, 9 bulls, and 15 colts, were en-
tered for premiums, besides other animals, which were entered
for exhibition only. The ploughing match was well contested
by 16 double ox-teams, 6 single ox-teams, and 4 horse-teams.
The exhibition of fruits gave the most convincing proof of the
unabated zeal and success of our cultivators.

The address was delivered by Josiah Newhall, Esq., of
Lynnfield.

Hints for the Consideration of the Trustees.

At the meeting of the trustees, in November, the President of
the society read a communication, from which the following ex-
tracts are made : —

The preservation of the ranks of our members has not re-
ceived that attention its importance demands. Previous to the
first exhibition of the society, about seven hundred names were
enrolled. Since then, there have been additions annually, of
such as voluntarily offered themselves, but not so many as have
been lost by death and removals. Ought this to be so 7 Is the

76 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

object for which we associated of any less importance now than
it was then 1 Is there less public spirit among our citizens now
than there was then ? Are they less able to encourage an insti-
tution of the kind, or less intelligent in appreciating its advan-
tages? Few, we believe, will readilj'' answer either of these
inquiries affirmatively.

The continued liberality of the State, which has enabled the
society to offer our premiums annually, although to a limited
extent, and the adoption of a system of economy that has kept
its expenditures within the income, have had a tendency to pre-
vent the enlisting of new members; especially, while those
who were not members were permitted to enjoy equal privi-
leges, in competing for premiums, as those who were. If care
had been taken to increase the funds by the addition of seve?i
hwidred tiew tJiembers, 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 ad-
vantageously appropriated, in the new modes of improvement
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 ob-
jects of premium, but by the want of means to afford them ;
and by the desire to give permanency to the funds, that should
enable the society to continue its operations, if, perchance, any
thing should happen to discontinue the legislative bounty. But
there is no reason to fear any such discontinuance. Among all
the fanciful projects of economy that have been agitated, we
have never heard an intimation of the expediency of withhold-
ing the bounty to agricultural societies. On the contrary, the
appropriation has been very generally approved ; and it remains
with the farmers, themselves, to say, when, instead of six lum-
dred dollars annually, there shall be given one thousand dollars
annually, to each of the societies. Is this a visionary project?
Could it not be done by a little exertion ? Appoint your agents
to solicit subscribers. Let a memorial be presented to the Leg-
islature, setting forth the benefits to accrue therefrom ; let the
other societies in the Commonwealth be solicited to cooperate ;
and three chances out of four, another year would crown the

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 77

enterprise with success. There is nothing like trying. Some-
thing has been done for agriculture, but not so much as its rela-
tive importance demands. Who that remembers the eloquent
remarks of the veteran advocate of the '' plough, the loom, and
the anvil," at our late exhibition, was not forcibly impressed
with the conviction that the farmers have been faithless to them-
selves ? Merchants and manufacturers do not act thus, when
their interests need support. Let us summon to our aid a por-
tion 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."

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 instruction. If this information
cannot be secured in the manner heretofore practised, let it be
done as in the counties of Plymouth or Middlesex, by a view-
ing committee, who will seek out what is interesting, and not
wait the tardy movement of the diffident cidtivator. 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 diff"using in-
formation ; but have we not reason to be more mortified, when
Ave reflect upon what we know has been left undone 1 I appeal
to your candor, gentlemen, who should know the state of agri-
culture in the county, whether this is not so 1 Is there any of
you, for example, who can, with any confidence, answer the in-
quiry : — What proportion of the bread stuff's, consumed in the

78 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

county, is raised in the county 7 I ask each of you, without
consultation with others, to give mc your opinion on this ques-
tion. 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 merchant,
who wishes to conduct his business with success, has his cor-
respondents in all directions, and understands, from them, the
prospect 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 cer-
tain portion of produce 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 re-
turns annually, from every town in the county, of such statisti-
cal information, as, when properly arranged, would be of great
value ? Who can so properly undertake this matter, as the Ag-
ricultural Society of the county ? The State Society of New
York requires this of every County Society. The State Society
of Massachusetts, when under the guidance of a Lowell and
other kindred spirits, used to do something to encourage and en-
lighten 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 Agricul-
tural Record 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.

Those, who had the privilege of being present at the early
meetings 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 transac-
tion of business, that little or no time has been given to dis-
cussion. If the meetings could be more frequent, with an
understanding that gentlemen would come prepared to commu-

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 79

nicate and receive instruction, the purposes of the Society might
be more fully accomplished. It need not be imperative 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. Bear-
ing in mind, that nothing can be accomplished that is not com-
menced, 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.

On Farms.

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 upon the whole of it too large
to be turned out by the plough. The accompanying statement
of Mr. Bradley shows what is 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 70 acres of grass in one body, which, in the
opinion of the committee, would produce 2 tons of hay per acre,
on the average, and 50 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 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. Brad-

80 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

ley, 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 thrive best here, there grass freely grows.
And odorous saffron, Timolus 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 cultiva-
tion, containing about 15 acres, was bought by him, less than
10 years ago, for $20 per acre. At that time, it was all cov-
ered with a moderate growth of wood, which seemed to spring
up out of the crevices in the rocks, the land 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 500 apple trees, and, the soil being admirably adapted
for their growth, they appear in a most thrifty condition. Mr.
Newhall's experiment shows what enterprise, well directed, 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 pro-
ductive 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 $25, be awarded to him.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 81

They also recommend that the third premium of 5^10 be
awarded to Henry B. Newhall, of Lynn.

T. E. PAYSON, Chairman.

Leverett Bradley's Statement.

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 til-
lage, very nearly in the following proportions, excepting about
2 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
40 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 remainder of the 175 acres was cov-
ered 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 con-
sidered almost worthless. I have, this year, about 70 acres in
mowing, which has averaged 2 tons of hay per acre. 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 in which you saw it. 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,
11

82 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

and I think that I can thereby keep the land up to its present
condition. Most of my rye-land, as you perceived, was pretty
full of stumps, which gives you an idea of its former 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 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 con-
sisting of 8 oxen, 4 horses, and a few small cattle.

Methuen, November 14, 1848,

Henry B. NewhalVs Statement.

Cost of Land.
160 acres, at $20 per acre, . . $320 00

Cost of walling land, . . 110 00

$430 00

Wood cut and sold, .

$600 00

Cost of cutting and teaming.

150 00

450 00

Stones taken from said Land.
Laid in cellar -wall, . . . 28,000 ft.

" in wells, . , . 5,000 ft.

" out on landing, . . 2,600 ft.

35,000 feet.
" in stone-wall, ..... 400 rods.

Crops.
1844.

1st year. 300 bush, potatoes, at 60 cts. . . $180 00

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOGIETY. 83

1845.

2d year. 350 bush, potatoes, at 80 cts., $280 00
" 100 " rye, at $1 12| " 108 00

" 60 " turnips, at 20 " 12 00

" 20 doz. cabbages, at 75 " 15 00

" 2,100 lbs. marrow squash, at 3 cts. 63 00

1846.

3d year. 10 tons of hay, at $20, $200 00

" 160 bush, corn, at $1, 160 00

" 50 doz. cabbages, at 75 cts. 37 50

" 70 bush, turnips, at 20 " 14 00

" 1,056 lbs. marrow squash, at 3 cts. 31 68

" 65 bush, onions, at 60 cts, 39 00

" 300 " potatoes, at $1, 300 00

1847.

4th year.

200 bush, potatoes, at $1,

$200 00

60 " onions, at 75 cts.

45 00

45 " 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

$478 00

782 18

726 00

$2,166 18
Expense of labor, seed, and manure, . . 1,200 00

$966 18

Crops will be this year about the same as last. Apple trees,
550 were set from 1 to 4 years.

Lynn, November, 1848.

Meadow and Swamp Lands.

There have been four entries of claims for premiums, the
past year, for improving wet meadow and swamp lands. The

84 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

committee recommend that the premiums be given as follows,

VIZ

To Leverett Bradley, of Methuen, the first premium of $20 00
" Stephen Osborn, of Danvers, the second premium of 15 00
" Richard Uodge, of Wenham, the third premium of 10 00
" R. A. JNIerriam, of Topsfield, the fourth premium of Col-
man'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 powerful competitors. His land was well drained, with
good and sufficient ditches ; it seemed as if it had been formerly
encumbered with stagnant 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 compost, (if coarse gravel or
loam could have been obtained,) would not be so highly ap-
proved 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
farmers are still of of^inion, that both ploughing, (where it is
practicable,) and gravelling, are important.

The situation of Mr. Bradley's land is in a very gentle swale,
extending 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 management 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 from one of our
committee, who visited it in July, while the crop was standing,
and who remarked, that tliis extensive tract of " fine English
grass growing, would delight the eyes of the beholder." At

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 85

the last visit, we availed ourselves of the testimony of the Com-
mittee 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. Brad-
ley's improvements, opening to view, delightful prospects on the
banks of the Merrimack. But we were more particularly in-
terested 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 ad-
joining a worthless quagmire swamp, which was a sample of
his land before he commenced operations. On this improved
lot, he had smoothed off the stumps so close as not to interfere
with the scythe, thus saving the expense of digging them out,
which seemed perfectly to answer all purposes. The commit-
tee regret, however, that Mr. Bradley had not given a more de-
tailed 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 evi-
dent 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 methods, by thoroughly ditching and thoroughly
gravelling a lot of apparently poor land, formerly allotted as a
parsonage, adjoining 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 plough-
ing, 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. Osborn's hay from his reclaimed meadow,
and pronounce it of the first quality.

Mr. Dodge having also given a full, and somewhat detailed
statement of his process, his expenses, and the produce of his

86 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

land for several years, we are satisfied, from a careful examina-
tion, of the correctness of his statement in all particulars. And
we would not omit to mention his worthy example of enter-
prise, industry and perseverance.

TEMPLE CUTLER, Chairman.

Leverett Bradley's Statement.

I offer for premium a meadow, containing about 30 acres.
The soil 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 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 entire year, except,
perhaps, a very short time in summer, water stood upon the
whole of it.

In the year 1842, I commenced my improvements. Between
that year and the year 1846, I have dug upwards of 1000 rods
of ditches. My main ditch is about 100 rods in length, 5| feet
wide at the surface, and, through its whole length, dug to the
hard pan at bottom. The other ditches average 2\ or 3 feet in
width at the surface ; all dug to the pan. The clearings of the
ditches furnish the best material 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 2.5 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 — includ-
ing 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, 2\ tons per acre. I
think it better to top-dress, as above stated, once in two years.

This season, the crop, as the committee observed before it was
cut, averaged 2\ tons to the acre.

Methuen, October 23c?, 1848.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 87

Stephen Osborn^s Statement.

The lot of land, to which I ask the attention of the Commit-
tee, contains about five acres, of which about an acre and a
quarter is meadow. In 1844, I cut off 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 exceptions, they never again sent forth
their sprouts. I selected this period of the year for the purpose,
by the advice of an intelligent and observing farmer, now re-
moved to Worcester county, who had cut bushes from his own
land, at a similar time, and with the same success.

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 describe, with the aid of a rough sketch, on pa-
per, 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
a light plough, on the opposite side of the low ground, while
the other was attached to the draft chain of a pair of cattle,
who were driven on the upland, a course at right angles 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 po-
sition, by a strong bar, set in the ground. The block was thus
removed its proper distance, for each successive series of fur-
rows, 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 opposite side, and ploughing
in that direction. During the ploughing, the land was so wet
that the water followed the plough in the furrow. As to the
comparative cost of this method of ploughing, the committee
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

88 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

boy. After ploughing, I cut cross ditches on each side, commu-
nicating 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 quagmire, boards
were laid over it, on which to wheel the gravel. In the follow-
ing winter, I dressed the land with a compost of anthracite coal
ashes, soil, waste lime, &c., from tanneries, the whole being well
saturated with soap-boiler's spent ley. In the spring of 1846, 1
sowed it with one and a 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 fol-
lows : —

Ploughing, .....

Ditching and gravelling, ....

Compost, ......

Grass seed, .....

Crops.

1846—2 tons hay, at ^16,

1847—4 » «' ...

1848— 4J « at $12, (sold from the field,) ,

Deduct $4 per ton, for making, .

Income for three years, . . . . $105 32

I ought to have stated, that the plough used had a circular
cutter attached to the roller, which did much to facilitate the
work. The soil or bog, before ploughing, was from two to six
feet in depth, resting on a hard sub-soil of sandy clay. Since
ditching and gravelling, the bog has settled a foot or more. The
land was of little or no value before draining. The ditches

$14 18

18 00

7 50

3 39

$43 07

$32 00

64 00

49 32

145 32

40 00

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 89

which I have covered, operate so well, that I intend to cover the
remainder. I filled the bottom of the ditch with small stones
to a gradual descent from the margin to 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 could select, and then
covered the whole with currier's leather shavings, these being
about a foot below the surface of the ground.
Danvers, Sept. 20, 1848.

Richard Dodge's Statement.

The piece of reclaimed wet meadow, which I present for the
consideration of the committee, containing about two acres and
three quarters, was, in 1838, a sunken quagmire, almost en-
tirely worthless, except for some small fuel, such as alders
blueberry bushes, brambles, and grape vines, and, occasion-
ally, a tree.

In the fall of that year, it being dry, I burnt over the whole
swamp, clearing up, as soon as the fire was out, all stumps and
roots that remained unburned. The fire had burnt out many
holes, as this peat soil was loose and deep, and many of these
holes 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 smooth. This clearing up was only upon
the one and a half acres now in mowing. The whole was then
well drained, by making three large and deep ditches length-
wise, one through the centre, between the present mowing and
tillage lots, and one on each side. These ditches were three
feet or more deep, four feet wide at the top, and three at the bot-
tom. Also, a wide ditch acrossthe lower end. The fuel I ob-
tained from the stumps has paid, I think, all the expense of get-
ting 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 re-
12

90 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

mainder, 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 planted, and, at harvesting, 12 hills made
a bushel throughout. Cross ditches were made from the mar-
ginal 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 ma-
nure 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 of red-
top, per acre, after ploughing and harrowing well.

Produce of the one and a half acres for six years.

1843 — 3 tons first crop, at ^15 per ton, . . ^45 00

2 do. 2d crop, at $14 00, 98 00

2 do. " 14 00, 98 00

2 do. " 18 00, 126 00

13 50, 67 50

9 50, 42 50

1844—5 "
1845—5 "
1846—5 "
1847—5 "

1848—41 "

Whole number, 33^ tons. Sold for . . $477 00

Expense of seed, harvesting, &c., . . 60 00

Net amount for six years, . . . $417 00

Thus, it will be seen, that 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 commencement. I consider the loam and gravel of more
value for such grass land, than manure, if applied as a top-
dressing.

By careful examination, I find the whole cost of reclamation
did not exceed sixty dollars per acre.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 91

The corn, on the other part of one and a quarter acres, is es-
timated at sixty bushels per acre, and, of the potatoes ah-eady
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.

Wenham, Sept. 27, 1848.

R. A. MeiTiam^s Statemejit.

I offer for premium about four acres of partly meadow and
partly swamp land, to which I have been devoting some atten-
tion, for the purpose of reclaiming it from a nearly useless state.
I began about six years ago, (after my neighbor, below, 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 spaces between. After levelling and smoothing, I sowed
hay seed, &c., raked it in, about a peck of herds-grass, and one
bushel of red-top seed to the acre. Without any other prepara-
tion, 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, con-
sisted mostly of bushes, from four to ten feet high, high blue-
berries, alder and swamp sumac or dogwood. This piece, con-
taining about one and a quarter acres, was reclaimed, by cut-
ting 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,

92 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

and raked it in with an iron rake. I found it a little more dif-
ficult to get the seed to take where the surface was not dis-
turbed, and a natural grass, called bluejoint, had taken the
place.

In 1847, 1 cut, from the one and a quarter acres, about two tons
of hay, mostly herds-grass and red-top. After haying, I put,
upon this acre and a quarter, about five cords of summer ma-
nure ; this year, 1848, I cut from four to five tons of good
English hay, not difiering 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 little on different lands. On some small por-
tions, I have spread about two inches of coarse gravel, after
sowing the hay seed. The cost of this method will be about
the same ; and I am inclined to the opinion that this is the bet-
ter 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 grav-
elled.

TopsFiELD, >S'ey^/. 27. 1848.

Milch Cows.

The many necessaries and luxuries of life, and the sources of
industry and income, which, directly or indirectly, receive their
origin from the cow, place her among the invaluable blessings
with which a beneficent Providence has favored us. To im-
prove the cow, so as to produce better milkers, with form, size,
and constitution, best adapted to our fare and climate, should
be the studious solicitude of all engaged in rearing neat stock.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 93

How this can be best effected, experienced and intelligent men
differ in opinion. Here, the chairman of yonr committee will
venture a few remarks, and for which he is alone responsible.

Having, more than twenty years since, introduced the Dur-
ham short horns into my stock, and subsequently other ap-
proved breeds, I can speak from experience; 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 ex-
ceptions, I have found, in the aggregate, the Durhams 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 be encouraged in proportion as
that branch of husbandry should be encouraged 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 prefer a good ani-
mal ^to a favorite pedigree. Those that would derive a good
profit from the cow, must give her good keeping, as a large por-
tion of the nourishment she takes, is necessary to supply the
natural waste of the body; if she has no more than is neces-
sary for that supply, all you get in milk you lose in flesh, and
lose the keeping of your cows. How to keep a cow, so as to
derive the greatest profit, is a matter of importance to those en-
gaged 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

94 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

number of cows to be fed, &c. Any one accustomed to milk-
ing, in winter, has often noticed how greatly the quantity of
milk has diminished, in severe cold weather. This proves the
importance 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 lies with her sides
soaked in urine, as she would be if she had a dry bed. An in-
telligent 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 damaged salt hay are abun-
dant in most parts of the county, and, if used for cattle to lie
upon, and saturated with urine, their value for manure 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 petulant managers, from abu-
sive 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 de-
fence, kicks, to rid herself of her uncomfortable companion.
This not unfrequently induces the intelligent and reasoning
milker to retaliate with harsh words and heavy blows, reason-
ing, no doubt, (if reasoning at all,) that, by so doing, she may
be persuaded that she is in no danger of harm, while under
such a protector. The stupid animal, not appreciating the ar-
gument, again resorts to her only defence, and the milker again
resumes 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, hesi-
tate 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 experience. Having, for more
than ten years, been in the habit of purchasing such cows, when
offered for a few dollars less than would otherwise have been
their value. I have, within a few years, bought two kicking

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 95

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 showing 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 gen-
tle domestic animal !

Our climate is well adapted to the health of the cow, and,
with proper care, there is but little loss to the owners from dis-
ease. Yet her diseases should be known and attended to. Na-
ture must be the principal agent in effecting a cure. Comforta-
ble shelter and appropriate food, are, in most cases, the best
prescriptions.

D. S. CALDWELL, Chairmaii.

On the Dairy.

The committee recommend that premiums be awarded as fol-
lows, viz : —

For June butter, the first premium of $10, to Charles P. Pres-
ton, of Danvers. The second premium of $8, to Benjamin
Boynton, of Andover.

For September butter, the first premium of $10, to Nathaniel
Felton, of Danvers ; the second premium of $8, to Charles P.
Preston, of Danvers ; and the third premium of $6, to Benja-
min 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, 3 offered as a sample of 100 cheeses, made the past
season, weighing, in the aggregate, 3,000 lbs. There being no
premium for cheese offered by the society, the present year, your
committee recommend a gratuity of $8.

LEWIS ALLEN, Chairmaji.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY

Charles P. Prestoji's Statement.

I present, for inspection, 1 pot of June butter, containing
29 lbs., being a specimen of 289 lbs., made between the 1st of
June and 9th of July, from the milk of 7 cows and a 2 year old
heifer.

Also, 2 boxes of September butter, 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 5th of Au-
gust ; 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 36 to 48 hours, ac-
cording to the weather. It is then skimmed, and the cream is
put into stone jars, set in a vault made for that purpose, and
churned once a week. The butter-milk is worked out thor-
oughly, and the butter is salted by an ounce of ground rock-
salt to the pound.

Danvers, September 27, 1848.

Benjamin Boynton^s Statement.

I present, as a specimen of June butter, a jar of 28 lbs., being
a sample of 117 lbs., of the same month. This butter was made
from the milk of 4 (native breed) cows ; their feed, in winter,
being corn- fodder, straw and meadow-hay, the forepart of the
winter, and, four weeks before they came in, a mixture of En-
glish and meadow, and, after they came in, English hay only ;
in summer, pasturing only.

Process of making. — The milk is strained into tin pans, and
stands about 48 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.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 97

Also, ajar of September butter. The process of making, the
same as the June butter. Since June, we have made 313 lbs.
butter, 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 tem-
perature 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.

Andover, September 26, 1848.

Nathaniel FeltovUs Statement.

I offer, for inspection, 3 boxes of September butter, contain-
ing 27 lbs., being a sample of 768 lbs., made between the 20th
of May and the 20th of September. I milked 7 cows till the
10th of August, since then, 8. The feed was common pastur-
ing, till the middle of August ; after that, they had corn-stalks
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 nia/dfig.— The milk is strained into tin pans ; it
stands from 36 to 48 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 butter-milk 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.

Danvers, September 27, 1848.

William Marshall's Statement.

I offer, for premium, a specimen (about 100 lbs.) of new milk
13

98 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

cheese, made upon my farm, at Hog Island, in the town of Es-
sex. I have had the milk of 15 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 weight,
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 being 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 ev-
ery cheese, on taking it from the press. We keep them in the
press 48 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 lbs. weight. The quantity of rennet is al-
ways 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 24 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.

Essex, Sejdcmber 27, 1848.

Fattening Cattle and Swine.

There has been no application for premium, the present 3^ear,
for fattening cattle or swine. In the county of Essex, there is

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 99

but little stock raised and fattened expressly for the butcher, as
it is not considered profitable. Considerable stock must neces-
sarily be fattened ; 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 higher price than later in
the season. But this cannot be done successfully, 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 ac-
cident happen, 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 over-
stocked, and, when the feed grows short, as it usually does in
the latter part of summer and autumn, 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 ex-
treme 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 fattening cattle. I had good success, and
considered them a profitable crop. Soon, however, they began
to depreciate ; tlie ruta baga rotted in the field ; now, I con-
sider them an uncertain crop, and have discontinued to culti-
vate 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, 1

100 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

know of nothing better than corn-meal ; although apples, roots,
and vegetables 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
10 months old, is more profitable, than if kept until it is 15
months old, to weigh the same. That swine may thrive well,
they should be fed regularly — I mean about the same 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 to
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 1

One year, I raised about 5,000 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 potatoes, apples, and what they received from the
dairy, at what I supposed they were worth, when compared
with corn, the pork cost about 7| cents per pound, offsetting
the manure against the labor. The swine were of a good kind,
and did well.

In regard to cooking meal for swine, there are different opin-
ions. I tried an experiment, in 1841, which was published in
the Transactions of the Society, for that year. The result was
in favor of uncooked meal. But, as many farmers have a dif-
ferent 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 pre-

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 101

miiim, but recommend that five dollars, as a gratuity, be paid

6 has submitted.

JOSEPH HOW, Chairman.

Mr. Dodge for the information he has submitted

Francis Dodge's Statement.

Believing it might be of some advantage to the farmers of
Essex county to know the actual cost of fattening swine, I here-
with submit an account of the cost and keeping of seven. They
were bought from a drove on the 24th 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 : —

Weight when bought. Time when killed. Weight when killed. Net gain. Days kept.

No. 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

a

6

314

198

196

6

146

u

8

339

193

198

7

152

((

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,

102 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

at 6| cents per lb., (at which price it was sold,) amounting to
one hundred forty-one dollars fifty-seven cents, leaving a bal-
ance 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 circum-
stances, it is but fair to expect the same results, and shall we,
from tiiese results, conclude that pork cannot be fattened in Es-
sex county without loss 1 I think it cannot, when the farmer pur-
chases his pigs in the spring at a high price, and his corn at any
price, though it may be the lowest market price, looking entirely,
for his return, to the market value of his hogs. Out 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 raise his own pigs, and not give the profit to the
drover. Certainly, if he cannot afford to fatten and sell pork
at 6| cents per lb., he cannot afford to buy pigs alive for 7 cents
per lb.

Danvers, November 13, 1848.

Comparative Value of Crops, &c.

The committee on the "comparative value of crops as food
for cattle," regret that it is not in their power to award the liberal
premiums offered. These offers have been before the public for
several years, without awakening that attention in the minds of
cultivators their importance demands. When we take into
view the fact, that so large a portion of the time of the farmer,
both in summer and winter, is occupied in securing or distrib-
uting the food of his cattle ; it cannot be otherwise than a mat-
ter 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 disseminated, we shall, in part at
least, have discharged our duty. If we can be so fortunate, as

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 103

to induce any one to undertake a series of accurate experiments,
to test the truth or fallacy of our conjectures, an important
point will be gained. We are fully sensible that facts, derived
from a continued series of observations, are wanting on this
subject. We are surprised, that those most interested in these
matters, should be willing to remain so imperfectly informed, as
are a large proportion of the farming community.

EiigUsh hay is proposed as the test of the comparative value
of the other articles used. This is so generally used, so valua-
ble, 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 Transactions for 1844, page 33.
But we are not quite satisfied, for instance, with being informed
that 275 pounds of green stalks of Indian corn are equal to 100
lbs. of hay, or that 2| pounds of green corn fodder equals 1 lb.
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 quantity, or im-
proving the quality, of their milk. In the vicinity of a dense
population,, 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 of grass 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? The experience of some of
the committee, in distributing several tons of this kind of fod-
der to a drove of thirty or forty cows, daily, for several succes-
sive 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

104 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

readily and greedily devoured by the animal. It may be used
advantageously 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 measure, lost. We will not presume to speak pos-
itively, for we have not made those careful observations neces-
sary to warrant this ; but, so far as we have observed, in super-
intending one of the largest milk farms in the vicinity of Salem,
(the Pickman farm, so called,) our impressions 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 affords in pulverizing the soil,
and better fitting it for the crop the ensuing season; especially,
if a dressing of manure is applied at the time of planting, and
well harrowed in. Vigilant attention will thus enable the ten-
ant of a few acres to realize two crops, where but one, ordina-
rily, grows.

In expressing a query, as to the expediency of cultivating In-
dian corn, to be used green^ for the soiling or feeding of cattle,
it is done more to awaken 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-condncted experiments. In remarks upon premiums of-
fered for soiling, in 1823, Col. Pickering observes, that " Indian
corn will be well grown for soiling by the middle 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 distinguished practical observer remarks, in the last com-
munication he made to the society, September 25, 1828 : —

" The great value of Indian corn-stalks, in their green state,
for feeding cattle, milch cows especially, I have before men-
tioned," alluding, unquestionably, to the quotation before made.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 105

"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, usu-
ally 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 consider 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 ex
periments ; they bring with them their own reward. The pro-
ducts are sure to yield a liberal indemnfty, for all investments,
either 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 answer, 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 impressions 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 fattening, than for increas-
ing the milk of animals. We speak of the sugar beet, in prefer-
ence to the blood beet, because it grows more abundantly.
There are other considerations to be taken into view, in deter-
mining 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 carrot will grow well successively, year
after year ; the beet will not. The carrot requires less ma-
nure than the beet. What kind of crop, therefore, it will be
most judicious to plant, will depend upon the combined consid-
14

106 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

eration of the quality of the article grown ; the labor and ex-
pense of growing ; and the contemplated future use of the land.
In our remarks upon the comparative cultivation of the beet
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 possible, to make such observations, as will relieve
them from the uncertainty under which we labor. So far as
our observation has extended, the cultivation of these vegeta-
bles 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 after-
wards, to proceed in tlieir cultivation with confidence.

Ruta baga^ English turm'ps^ parsnips, and jiotatoes 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 pur-
iposes. But the glory of the potato has departed, at least until
the nature of the malady that now alfects it can be discovered ;
it being difficult to secure enough for the use of man, — not to
speak of beasts. We have heard extravagant encomiums on the
turnip, particularly the ruta haga ; 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
theoretically, not having known this vegetable to have been cul-
tivated 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 vegetable, it may be grown with
equal ease and abundance, as the beet or carrot; and we should
presume its nutritive qualities were not inferior to either of
these. We speak of it, not to recommend it any farther, than
as a fair subject for experiment.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 107

A review of the opinions that have prevailed, in relation to
the cultivation of vegetables for the use of animals, should
make us cautious 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 offered. For this reason, do we make
these commentaries, in the hope of drawing out this informa-
tion. 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 requi-
site 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 respects, fill its place. Others, yielding a more boun-
tiful harvest to the acre, can be named ; but where is the farmer,
relying on his own experience, who wants to have his oxen in
good condition for the butcher'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 long time before Yankee
farmers will be persuaded to abandon its cultivation. Certainly
not, while children love Johnny cakes as we used to love them.
Our impressions are, that a mixture of feed is preferable to any
one kind exclusively. English hay should be the basis, and In-
dian corn the first accompaniment. All the vegetables named
may be advantageously used when combined with Indian
meal. No stock can be fed, in the most successful manner,
without a fair portion of this indispensable ingredient. It is to
the animal, what steam power is to the traveller, the most cer-
tain 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 oi fifty bush-
els to the acre can be secured by fair manuring of the land, the
farmer, who cultivates ten acres of corn, will find it a very
pretty appendage to his crops, at the close of the harvest.

108 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Wliatever may bo the kind of food used for the feeding of
cattle, of this we feel confident, that it should not be sparingly
used. Feed fall, 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 kind of feed is
to be used at all, it should be chopped and mixed with some-
thing nutritive, so that the animal may strengthen and thrive
thereby. He that withholds from his beasts any portion of a
full and generous feed, whatever may be the use he contem-
plates to make of them, in the same proportion diminishes his
own income.

J. W. PROCTOR,
H. WARE, .Tr.,
JOSEPH HOW,

Committee.

Grain Crops.

Only one entry has been made for raising grain, and that by
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
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 committee.

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 amply paid for his labor, by reaping an abundant harvest,
and recommend the premium of eight dollars to be paid to him
for his crop of winter rye.

His crop of summer rye is also a very large yield, 45 bushels

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 109

on one and a half acres of land, which would entitle him to a
premium. As, however, but one premium is offered by the so-
ciety, they cannot recommend any for this crop.

The committee would recommend, that farmers give more at-
tention 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 market. 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.

JAMES STEVENS, Chairman.

John Hathaway s Statement.

1 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 ma-
nure used was such as is made in our hog-pen, from meadow
mud, and slaughter-house offal. 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 qual-
ity. Before the 20tli of September, we dug them. We then
ploughed with four oxen, as before, harrowed it, then sowed If
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.

no ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

It will be remembered, that the soil of this farm is of ordi-
nary quality, compared with the soil on most otlier farms in town.
The improvements on it have been chiefly owing to the increase
and application of manure.

Danvers, August 31, 1848.

Root Crops.

The society offered ^36, in the aggregate, for the " best con-
ducted 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
appears, 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 unparalleled in the his-
tory of the onion crop.

The committee recommend, that the society's premium of six
dollars be awarded to John Peaslee, for his successful cultiva-
tion of onions.

They regret that there was no entry of claims on the other
roots, for which premiums were offered, as each of them is of the
greatest importance to every farmer for feeding his stock.

JOHN STONE, Jr., Chairman.

Jolui Peaslee^s Statement.

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 de-
scent. A crop of onions was taken from the land the year pre-

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. Ill

vioiis; 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 sufUcient
to bury the dressing. About the middle of April, of the present
year, the land was manured, ploughed, 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 Sep-
tember, and carefully measured in a bushel basket. Annexed
is a statement of the expenses of the crop, as nearly as can be
ascertained : —

Staiement of Expenses.

Three cords of manure, at i^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

Danvers, November ioth, 1848.

Aaron C. Proctor^^s Statement.

Having called your attention, the last year, to my cultivation
of ojiions, 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
Avas owing to their being thin. They obtained a good size, and
were of as fair quality as I ever raised. I obtained from one

112 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

acre of the groTiiid, four hundred and eighty bushels, as meas-
ured and deUvered in the market. The value, at the time I
sold them, was ^1 33 a barrel; they have since commanded 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
sub-soil 2)lovg]ilng. Three years since, about half of the plane
land, where the onions grew, was subsoiled eight inches below
the ordinary ploughing ; 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 be {xoxn fifteen to twenty
per cent. At the time I used the subsoil plough, it was the bet-
ter to prepare the land for a crop of carrots, without any ex-
pectation of a beneficial influence upon the onions. I state the
facts as observed, and presume the improved crop was the con-
sequence of the subsoil ploughing. I have not used a plough of
this description sufficiently, to speak with confidence of its gen-
eral 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 effect 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 belief,
that it will continue to be one of the most advantageous crops
that can be cultivated.

Danvers, Oclobei', 1848.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 113

Forest Trees.

The Committee on Forest Trees regret that no competitors
have appeared to claim the premium offered by the society.
Notwithstanding the hberal 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 for-
est 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 nature plants, but
plants in vain. Shall this continue '? In the hope, though al-
most a forlorn one, of arousing attention among the farmers of
Essex, upon this interesting matter, we propose to say a few
words about planting trees, or, more properly speaking, making
timber 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 es-
tate ; 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 succeed us will bless our mem-
ories, and which may afford the most pure and unalloyed en-
joyment to generations yet unborn. We shall confine 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, when ye hae naething else to do, ye may be aye
sticking in a tree ; it will be growing, Jock, when ye're sleep-
ing." 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 always foremost, when we press tree-plant-
ing upon the notice of our friends and neighbors. It is an ob-
jection more deeply felt than expressed, because we are hardly
willing to have so selfish a hindrance appear in all its strength,
15

114 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

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 first 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 ex-
amine 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 im-
portant planting becomes. There is no surer way of making a
provision for one's children, 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 already 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
cannot 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 1

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
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 some-
thing more is done. It would be as unwise to plant a field of

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 115

acorns, without preparing that field, as to sow corn or potatoes
without ploughing, manuring^ and after 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 pro-
duction, 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 consideration, as the most productive employment of this
lot, its conversion 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,
manuring, and keeping fence or wall in order,
at $25 per acre, .... $250 00

Thinning, pruning, and weeding, for ten years, at

$3 jter 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 second 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 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.

116 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

For the next twenty years, the cost of thinning,
which is the only expense, will 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 1^5 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 the 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 suit-
able 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 ra-
pidity of its growth is astonishing. Though similar to the
American larch, or hackmatack, in appearance, it is totally op-
posite 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 seed-
ling plants can be obtained, at a very low cost, say from one to
three dollars per thousand, according to size.

We shall now conclude our remarks with a few directions for
preparing the land, and making the plantation, taking an oak
plantation for an example. The first step is to prepare the
ground, by ploughing and harrowing it, as it should be done for

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 117

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 recom-
mend planting five or six acorns in a circular form, just as one
would plant corn or potatoes in hills, making the diameter 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 con-
ceded, however, that oaks do better, if sheltered by other small
trees, set out or sown before the acorns are planted. In Eng-
land, 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 harrowing, as it is a quick
grower, readily removed, and of value when it becomes neces-
sary to make severe thinnings — and we are satisfied that this
is sufficient. If the planter wishes to make a mixed plantation
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
directed. 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 writers, be true, that a transplanted tree makes less valu-
ble 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 intervening time, en-
tirely. 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 there

118 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

for one or two years, when 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 recommended, of course the white oak stands first,
and, in good soils, it grows rapidly. We wish, however, with-
out excluding any but the red oak, which is useless as a timber
tree, to call the attention of our farmers to the chesnut and
rock chesnut oak, the latter of which 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
plantation, we are aware that the profit seems too large to com-
port 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 nat-
ural growth, and most frequently 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 inter-
vals. To cultivate a wood plantation successfully requires the
same degree of care and attention in thinning out, as an onion,
carrot, or beet bed. If the trees are left to struggle with each
other, for the mastery, the vanquished will die, while the victors
will suffer severely from the effects of the struggle. The ob-
ject 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 snfiicient space of ground and air for the spread of its roots
and branches, proportionate to its size at any given stage of its

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 119

growth. To accomplish this properly requires constant atten-
tion. 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 remarks, it is like suddenly
removing the plantation a few degrees farther north or south.
So it is equally injudicious to allow the plants to become crowd-
ed and interlaced, as thereby they exclude too much light
and air, and serve to weaken each other. In rearing a planta-
tion 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 com-
mence. The period when these thinnings should begin, must
depend upon the forwardness 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 thin-
ning 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 ar-
boriculture, 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 power 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 : —

Average Average

feet in height. circumference.

feet. inch.

Lombardy Poplar, - 60 to 80 - - 4 8

Abele, - - ■ 50 to 70 - - 4 6

Plane, - - 50 to 60 - - 3 6

Average
et in height.

50 to 60 -

Average
circumference,
feet. inch.

2 4

40 to 60 -

3 6

30 to 50 -

2 9

30 to 50 -

2 5

30 to 50 -

2 2

50 to 60 -

3 10

120 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Acacia,

Elm,

Chesniit,

While Pine, -

Spruce,

Larch,

No account is here given of the oak, but Loudon, and other
writers, give the average of its growth, upon a medium soil, as
from 30 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 Massa-
chusetts. 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, be 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 tree
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 succeed-
ing 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 patri-
ots have passed away.

RICHARD S. FAY, Chairman.

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.

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 121

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 in improvements of agriculture, and
who is not ?

Weeds are either

Aiimial, springing from seeds or bulbs, and existing one sea-
son 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 Slu'ubby, 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
natural history of each, not only of each class, but of each in-
dividual 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 annuals 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 of utter extermination 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.

Perennials, such as spread by their roots, as well as by seed,

require a somewhat different treatment. One of the most

troublesome of these, the one most difficult to exterminate, is

the dog-grass, or witch-grass, (Tricticum-repens.) Ploughing

16

122 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

late in the fall, and exposmg the roots to frost as much as pos-
sible, shading the grounds well by planting corn, or other crops,
very thick, and frequent hoeings, 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 cannot live long in summer, un-
less their tops find light and air. For perennials, injurious to
pasture lands, and grass crops in mowing lands, such as white
weed, butter cups, fleabane, (Erigeron Philadelphicum.) Rib-
wort, (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 Tinctoria.) This plant greatly en-
riches the soil, although it allows nothing else to grow thereon ;
and, where it gets possession of land that can be ploughed easi-
ly, it does not diminish its value. But it is the ruin of rocky
pastures. The woodwaxen is a tap-rooted 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 favora-
ble influences. Hence, ground, once thoroughly cleared of it,
is very easily 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 sufficient to kill an acre of
woodwaxen. The hay may be taken off" after a few weeks, and

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 123

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, does no good, and
should be discontinued. Burning it in a dry and hot day, in
summer, 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 previous. 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 ver-
ified by spots of ground in Danvers, where these two tap-rooted
plants have, sown by Nature, contended for the mastery, and
where the clover is victorious. This, however, is where gra-
zing animals have had no access. In pastures, where cattle
are allowed to feed, the clover would, probably, be eaten and
subdued. I have never known this clover sown for this pur-
pose. 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 pater-
nal 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 indefin-
itely. The plan of smothering this plant, I have never seen
tried, but can have no doubt it would prove effectual, if con-
tinued a sufficient length of time. From its greater tenacity of
life, longer time, and a more careful watching and covering, it

124 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

would probably be necessary than for some other plants. Sheep
will destroy it, if pastured thereon, in the same manner they do
woodwaxen.

The keeping of sheep, for the purpose, in part, of keeping
pastures free from blackberry vine, and other bushes, weeds,
(fee, is not attentively 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 increase 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, wherever it is desirable to convert pasture 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. Yan-
kees are seldom at loss for expedients. Might not the sheep be
so cosseted 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, fetter them, rather than not keep them at
all.

Huckleberry bushes, lamb-kill, (Kalmia Angustifolia,) bay-
berry, and other small shrubs, which so frequently get posses-
sion of the most fertile, but rocky portions of pasture lands, can-
not be economically destroyed, outright, unless they also can be
smothered. To kill these bushes, and, at the same time, make
these rocky places productive 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 ravines. 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 ma-
turity. Whenever the trees become sufficiently large, and

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 125

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 suf-
fered to remain overrun with the sweet flag, (Acouis Calamus.)
This plant, although the root is of some value as a medicine, is,
usually, worthless to the farmer. It is, therefore, an object of
some importance, to destroy it. This will be most easily ac-
complished, by mowing it in the month of July, leaving the
usually abundant crop on the ground, to which should be added
coarse meadow hay, or other suitable article, in sufficient quan-
tity to completely smother it, care being taken to cut down
every spear that penetrates through the covering.

The ferns, where they cannot be subdued by the plough,
should be treated in the same manner, although, to do this,
would be difficult 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, elevate 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. Who-
ever contemplates the destroying of useless shrubs and other
plants on his lands, must study for himself the peculiarities of
their natures, location, and all the accompanying circumstances,
of the kind of land, its value when redeemed, and the cheapest
method of effecting the object. Over and above the pecuniary
recompense, always worthy of consideration, there is often 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 vegetable invaders of his territories. The indulgence
of this ambition, wherever pecuniary means will justify it, often
as efl'ectually weeds out of the mind, low thoughts, and grovel-
ing desires, as out of fields and pastures, the worthless intruders
which have been the subject of these remarks.

126 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Selections from an Essay on the Improvement of Wet
Meadows and Swamp Lands.

BY TEMPLE CUTLER.

The first great and important point to be attended to, is
thorough draining ; this is the great desideratum, — no one may
expect complete 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, at-
tempt the enterprise. It is on this point many have failed of
success. They may, indeed, for one or two years, obtain a tol-
erable crop, but land, not fully drained, even with all its top-
dressings of gravel, of loam, of soil, or of good manure, will
soon go back to its natural state, producing little besides its nat-
ural wild grasses, and will be entirely unfit for any kind of cul-
tivation. The first great object, then, should be to ascertain if
the land in view can be drained; and, according to my observa--
tion, there is not, in our county, much land that may not be
well drained, if right measures are taken ; but the draining of
some pieces of meadow is far more expensive than others, and
this should be the first item of expense to be taken into the cal-
culation, 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 com-
mence 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 off, 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, gener-
ally, 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,

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 127

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 managed, and freed from most of the soil attached
to the roots. Some practise cutting the trees down near the
ground, and then removing the stumps by various ingenious ex-
pedients, or with machines made for that purpose. But I be-
lieve the former the most expeditious and cheapest method,
where the soil is suitable for its performance, although laboring
men enough may be found, who will clear such 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 to the hard pan, which, in such land, is
generally from two to four or five feet deep, and composed of
hard sand, often inclining to clay, which is impervious to wa-
ter. 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 some-
times 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 impor-
tance 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

128 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

upland, forming an irrigation, a thick set grass, called blue
grass, grows in abundance, and is an excellent kind. In some
instances, deep ditches should be interspersed among the cross
ditches to take off the occasional springs ; these ditches, if con-
venient, 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 mid-
dle, or, if ploughed, commence in the centre and back furrow
to the sides, which will raise it sufficiently.

If such a meadow as I have described could be 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 Au-
gust, or September, which, I think, better than to sow later, as
the crop of grass will be far more abundant the following sea-
son ; 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 com-
post with lime still better. Yet the effects of mere gravel, or
sand, I think, would astonish any one who has not before ex-
perienced 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 principles each contain, we will not
stop now to inquire ; let chemists determine these points, but
suffice it to say, experience has shown these important results.
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 the score of expense,) to experiment on the improvement of

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 129

these meadows and swamp lands, that we have within our
knowledge several 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 instances, 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 wheels 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 in-
genious 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 angles 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 only a rolling cutter, without going too deep. Un-
doubtedly, many other expedients, which Yankee 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 margi-
nal ditches, it may be covered with one inch only, of coarse
gravel, which may be hauled on, in the leisure of Avinter, (when
the meadow is also hard with frost,) and spread the following
summer, and which will take about 150 loads to the acre, cost-
ing, as some have found, about ten dollars. Then may be
spread on a light top-dressing of ashes, or compost manure, cost-
ing, perhaps, as much more. This land may then be sowed
17

130 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

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, therefore, the ex-
pense 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 con-
clusive 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 variety of soils, susceptible of great improvements, vary-
ing in their texture and composition, and composed much of nu-
tritive and decayed vegetable and animal substances. The
process by which they may be reclaimed must be varied, ac-
cording to the substances composing them. Where clay pre-
dominates, 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 advantage. But I have come
to the conclusion, that, on most swamp lands, or meadows, ma-
nures are not necessary, but the cheaper articles I have men-
tioned, such as gravel, &c., are not only more economical, but
actually better. Improvements by paring and bwmiiig the sur-
face, have been attempted in our county, with good success, and
although so much resorted to, in foreign countries, yet have not
been extensively practised here. Such as have imdertaken this
process have raised fine crops. Some instances of improve-
ments have been seen, where the expenses have exceeded the
value of them, in dollars and cents, yet the fancy of the owner
may have 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

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 131

such methods as will be likely to insure a profitable return. If
they make application of theoretic rules, let them examine care-
fully the component parts of the soil, on which they propose to
act : the depth, and the vegetable materials of which it is com-
posed ; the character of the waters, which flow on it, and even
the nature of the subsoil. It will not be expected, that any one
can, by anticipation, lay down specific general rules, to direct,
in all cases, the proper mode of management to be adopted, in
reclaiming wet meadows ; so numerous are the varying circum-
stances, 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-
dressings 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.

An Essay on the Establishment of Agkicultural Libraries, by
Agricultural Societies.

BY ALLEN W. DODGE.

Among the measures adopted by agricultural societies, to pro-
mote the objects for which they are instituted, it is not a little
remarkable, that agricultural libraries should have been so gen-
erally overlooked. That they are within the legitimate province
of these societies, so that a small portion of their funds might be
annually appropriated for their establishment and increase, can
hardly be questioned. The only subject for consideration, would
seem to be, whether the benefits, to be derived from such libra-
ries, would justify the expenditure.

It may be said, in the first place, in favor of this enterprise, it
will disseminate agricultural knowledge. The object of these
associations is to advance the cause of agriculture. To this
end, premiums are oftered, to induce experiments, to ascertain
things unknown or doubtful, and to excite greater skill, in the

132 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

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. It is because it thus contributes to the
fund of agricultural knowledge, that its labors are so highly ap-
preciated. If 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 knowledge from
abroad, to be circulated at home ? There is probably a vast
amount of agricultural information, now lost to the reading
farmers 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 ad-
vantages to be derived from them. If this be true, would not
this society, and kindred 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 read-
ing.

Such a library would be useful, because, in the second place,
by 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 farm-
ers, especially young farmers, well informed on all subjects,
within the sphere of their occupation. The time is fast coming,
if it has not already come, when every farmer should be ac-
quainted with something beyond 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 agricultural 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 suggestions, for his
own practice.

Besides this advantage, the mere exercise of the mental facul-
ties, derived from agricultural reading, is, of itself, almost a
sufficient reason in its favor. The farmer should keep his mind,

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 133

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 innocent, but an intellectual employ-
ment, for the long winter evenings, when, if not thus employed,
time is too often passed listlessly, and unprofitably. What bet-
ter 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 management, and to sustain,
by its reports, the fair fame transmitted to it, by a Pickering, a
Colman, and other well-read farmers.

In the third place, such a library would give permanency, "a
local habitation and a name," to much of the agricultural litera-
ture 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 having them bound in volumes, for the use of the
society. Such a set is now obtained, but the task would be al-
most 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 the transactions of other
agricultural societies, particularly those of the Massachusetts,
and of the New 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 authorship,
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 among us. If one
wishes to consult books on theology, law, or medicine, or on the
natural sciences, there are abundant sources of information on

134 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

these subjects. There are libraries in the county devoted to
these special subjects. But where are the fountains of knowl-
edge to which the student of agriculture may repair, to quench
his thirst? They are not to be found here, and he must con-
tent himself with the supply that reaches him, weekly, through
the agricultural newspapers, and from the annual flowings of
the society's volume of Transactions, including, perhaps, 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 deficiency
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 ac-
cessible to all ?

Much, of late, has been said in speech, and in print, in legis-
lative 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 express-
ing an opinion of their feasibility, if properly organized, or of
their usefulness, if rightly conducted, I would ask, if the want,
which such schools are intended to supply, a more thorough ed-
ucation in the principles and practice of agriculture, might not,
in part, be supplied by agricultural libraries? The young man
labors in the field — his mind is inquisitive — give him the proper
instructors, whether books or professors, and he will obtain the
desired information. Where there is a will, there is a way, and
most true is this of an ardent mind in the pursuit of knowl-
edge. To such a mind, open the doors of your library, and you
open to it the resources 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 county.

As connected with county agricultural societies, a library will,
it is believed, be a new feature, and if the reasons here adduced
in favor of it are conclusive, a bright and useful feature. It
will be an advance upon what has already been done by these

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 135

institutions, in exciting a laudable spirit of enterprise, and high
achievement in the cause of agriculture. Complaints are some-
times made — and from high authorities — that agricultural soci-
eties 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 so-
cieties have done all the good they can do, even by the continu-
ance of the offer of the old premiums, may be justly questioned,
for the reason, that but a small part of our farmers have yet
reached the point, when they could be successful competitors
for these premiums. In the mean time, why not avail ourselves
of other means of progress, simultaneously with the offer of
premiums ? Why not advance a step beyond the ordinary in-
strumentalities, by establishing a library of useful works on ag-
riculture 7 Not only would this be a new vantage-ground
gained, but it would open the way for further progress. By en-
larging the sources of knowledge, and, as is presumable, knowl-
edge, 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 7 If, as the poet says,

" To know ourselves diseased, is half the cure ;"

so, to learn our deficiences in agriculture, by careful study, not
only of the skill and success of other farmers, but of the pro-
cesses 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 correcting them.

Objections may, doubtless, be raised to the establishing of
such libraries 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 me as having
any great weight. And, first, it may be said, that such libra-
ries, if designed to instruct young farmers, will entirely fail of
their object ; that agriculture, being a practical art, must be
learned by actual practice ; and, to learn it well, books can

136 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

never be substituted in the place of personal observation and
experience. The truth of this latter opinion is fully admitted :
but 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 serviceable to the learner, ought not to constitute
the arena on which to study farming — the field being the best
place for perceiving the fitness of labor, to the purposes it is de-
signed to attain — but as monitors 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 consult-
ing those which had been purposely written for their guidance,
while they, themselves, were carefully observing the operations
of the farm, the import of labors — which are often intricate,
always protracted over considerable portions of time, and nec-
essarily separated from each other — would be acquired in a
shorter time, than if left to be discovered by the sagacity of be-
ginners."

It may, also, be said, in answer to this objection, that those
who consult 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 husbandry. It is well known with what
facility a young man adopts as the best, the modes of farming
that are practised on the homestead, and with what pertinacit)^
he adheres to them in all after life. Hence it is, that farmers,
as a class, are so slow, not merely to make innovations, 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 vener-
ation. To the youth, who is ambitious to attempt nothing be-
yond what his progenitors have accomplished, the old cart-ruts
worn by them through long generations, are vastly safe and
convenient to travel in. But it is believed, that in farming, as
in other pursuits, something new and valuable will, from time
to time, be discovered. And it is by inquiring minds, and en-

ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 137

terprising hands, that these discoveries and improvements are
to be effected. Why, then, should not our young farmers have
the facihties for the exercise of their ingenuity — the incentives
to rouse them to exertion, and the guides to direct their pathway
to excehence? For this purpose, agricultural journals and
newspapers are efficient helps ; but they are not the only helps,
nor do they treat so fully on the various subjects connected with
agriculture, as may often be desired. To the investigation of
some of these subjects, men, competent to the task, have devo-
ted 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 witnessed in carrying
into practice the new and useful suggestions to be gleaned from
them.

It may be objected, secondly, to the establishment of lil^raries
by agricultural societies, that the benefits proposed to be de-
rived from them proceed on the ground that a large part of those
already engaged in farming, will avail themselves of them,
while there will be, in fact, but a comparatively small number.
The objection is, doubtless, entitled to consideration, but the
only way in which it can be properly tested, is by actual experi-
ment. It is the same objection that has been often urged against
the forming of agricultural societies 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 consult books on
agriculture, is, unquestionably, most prevalent; and equally
true is it, that it will continue to exist so long as no systematic
effort is attempted to overcome it. The best works on agricul-
ture, 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 to the accom-
plishment 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. Harris, on the Insects of Mas-
18

138 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

sachusetts^ injurious to vegetation? Is it not, in part^ because
it has never found its way into their hands ? And would not a
Ubrary, Uke 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 1 Is it not worth the expense to give to these few, the
means of information ? Will these men, men of reading and re-
flecting habits, be likely to hoard up the knowledge they thus
acquire; or will they not rather dispense to others, the informa-
tion derived from this source, either by conversation, or the ex-
ample of an improved husbandry? It is thus, that most of the
improvements in farming, make their way into general use; not by
any new idea, suddenly promulgated, and as suddenly adopted,
but gradually and almost imperceptibly, as they are commended
to others, by the successful practice of a few intelligent and en-
terprising men. Place, in every farming community, 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 estab-
lishment.

A small number of books, judiciously selected, would suffice
for a beginning, and it would soon be ascertained, whether or
not an increase 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, and 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 agree-
able and profitable employment.

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 139

PLYMOUTH COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

This society held its twenty-ninth annual meeting, cattle-
show, and exhibition of domestic manufactures and products of
the soil, on the 11th day of October last. It was a remarkably
fine autumnal day, cool enough for the comfort of the multitude
convened on the occasion, and particularly pleasant for those
who had duties to perform. The ploughing match, one of the
first and most exciting scenes of the day, was, in a very spir-
ited manner, executed by twenty teams. Some of the lots were
ploughed in less time than was necessary to do the work per-
fectly. It is a subject of regret, that the haste of ploughmen,
on these occasions, should ever form a just foundation for the
severity of criticism on the imperfection of their work. The
show of stock was thought to exceed in numbers that of some
former years, more than in qualities. This is not a stock-rais-
ing county, and, comparatively, few prime animals are brought
into it by purchase. The season of our shows, seems unfavora-
ble for the exhibition of fattening cattle ; most of the stall-feed-
ing takes place at a later period in the year. In other depart-
ments, the articles were unusually numerous, and of excellent
quality.

The annual address was delivered by Hon. William H.
Wood, of Middleborough. The occasion was distinguished by
commendable decency in the vast assemblage, and good order,
as far it was possible to preserve it in the presence of crowds,
both in the house and street.

Supervisor's Report.

Rewards of merit have been given in all civilized countries,
as encouragements to progress in the knowledge of arts and sci-

140 PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

ences. No other means have proved as effective, in carrying
forward improvements. That the inventors of labor-saving
implements, and of new and easy methods of intercourse among
mankind, should be distinguished with honors and emoluments,
seems to be universally admitted. That improvements in the
art of cultivating the earth can properly be made the founda-
tions of similar distinctions, some will not merely doubt, but
positively deny. There seems to be an impression, on certain
minds, that we were born with all the knowledge necessary for
farmers, or have acquired it in witnessing, as all of us, to some
extent, must, the practice of the art. A prejudice of this kind
is likely to grow in a country where the soil is free to the acqui-
sition of all the citizens, and where nearly all possess a portion of
it. The very circumstance, which should induce strong desires of
advancement in knowledge, is made the foundation of a blind-
ing self-confidence, and an almost unconquerable attachment to
usages pregnant with labor, and tending to poverty.

It is very difficult leading any mxind in the pursuit of truth,
which is resting in the persuasion, that all to be desired
has already been attained. Something of this difficulty must
be encountered in all our labors, to advance knowledge in the
arts of culture. We should endeavor to establish, and undevi-
atingly pursue, methods calculated to allay prejudices and con-
quer existing aversion to the adoption of new modes of culture.
Too much must not, at first, be required. Philosophic, like
Christian truths, should be imparted as men are able to bear
them. Perfection should, indeed, be the point of ultimate as-
piration, but that point can be reached only in gradual ad-
vances. Every system of premiums should be framed with
some reference to the views and the knowledge possessed by
men in the locality in which it is intended to operate.

The most liberal provisions should be made to call attention
to subjects intimately connected with the interests and suste-
nance of the whole population. In the varied soils and cli-
mates of this country, Avith the facilities of intercourse enjoyed,
it is not to be expected that any single county will cultivate
every article required by the wants of the inhabitants. It
would not be prudent to attempt it. Changes of the most nat-

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 141

ural products of one region to another, forms a branch of com-
merce highly conducive to the prosperity of the whole country.
But it is important for us clearly to understand what articles
can be cultivated more consistently with personal and social in-
terest, than purchased. Purchases of what we might easily
obtain with a little labor, though made at the lowest rates, are
poverty-producing operations.

Premiums should present direct and adequate encouragement
to the cultivation of all articles suited to soil and climate, and
should never be extended, for the sake of variety, to articles
which can be produced only by artificial modifications of air and
moisture. Opulent horticulturalists may properly gratify their
tastes in the culture of exotic plants; but farmers, whose labor
is often the chief resource, must not be encouraged to imitate
them. Their attention should be primarily and chiefly directed
to the substantial life-giving products of the soil, the rotation
and apportionment of crops, which, at the same time, will meet
social wants and advance personal interest. Let a list of pre-
miums, from year to year, wear a sameness of appearance, if it
embraces the objects, which ought to be prominent in the views
and pursuits of farmers, it is enough — the purpose for which it
was made, is accomplished.

We have offered a succession of premiums for the renovation
of swamps, and the conversion of them into English meadows ;
extensive attention has been directed to this subject, and the re-
sult has been great improvements in the county. Our farmers,
it was perceived, had proceeded in these operations somewhat
beyond their resources of manure ; and, the last year, it was
thought expedient to substitute, for that class of premiums, of-
fers for the most judicious and economical management of en-
tire farms. These offers seem to have been favorably noticed ;
a number of entries have been made, and it is hoped, in 1851,
statements will be made, embracing much valuable instruction
concerning the management of farms, the comparative value
and productiveness of different crops, the alternations best
adapted to promote the interests of the cultivator, and keep in
action the energies of the soil.

Only a single subject is this year presented for the considera-

142 PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

tion of the Committee on Improvements, and therefore but one
class of claims submitted to their decision. Six claims were
entered to the premiums offered for compost manure. The com-
petitors have done something better, than in former years ; but
have not employed all available means, either of increasing the
size or strength of their compost heaps. One very important
resource appears to have been almost or entirely neglected, the
intermixture of green herbage with substances requiring the
action of heat, to convert them into the food of plants. Three
parts of peat-mud, two of green vegetable matter, and one of
lime or ashes, will, in a few weeks, form a compost of equal
energy, at least, with Bommer's patent. The statements we
have received, indicate too confined views of the business of
composting, and some of them may justly be charged with
theoretic error ; one man states that manure, composted in 1847,
was applied to his land this year, in an improved state. This
cannot be true, unless new substances were added, or the
work only partially accomplished the last year. Soon as the
desired processes have taken place in the compost heap, it is
best to apply it to the field. Age cannot further improve it, but
must, to some extent, impair its energies.

On perusal of the several statements, and hearing the remarks
of the supervisor, the Committee on improvements recommend
the following awards : —

To Jonathan Howard, 2d, of West Bridgewater, first pre-
mium, . . . . . . . $10 00

Mr. Howard made about 380 loads ; he uses various ma-
terials in composting manure, and generally such as are well
suited to the soils where it is to be applied. He uses con-
siderable quantities of coal-dust, a very good article to correct the
acidity of peat-mud. His operations are confined chiefly to ma-
terials found on the farm.

To Orsamus Littlejohn, of Middleborough, second pre-
mium, . . . . . . $8 00

Mr. Littlejohn made 300 loads ; he used various substances,
some of which were purchased and carted several miles. This
course is supposed, by many, to be too expensive for the gen-

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 143

eral practice of farmers, but he manifestly makes it liighly im-
proving to his farm, and considers it profitable.

To Chapman Porter, of Halifax, third premium, . $6 00
" Wm. H. Adams, of Bridgewater, fourth premium, Col-
man's Agriculture.

The committee on produce recommended the following
awards : —

To George Drew, of Halifax, first premium for oats, ^8 00

also first premium for best crop of white beans, 11
bushels on half an acre, . . . . 6 00

To George W. Wood, of Middleborough, second premi-
um for oats, . . . . . . 6 00

To Sylvanus Hinckley, of Middleborough, first premi-
um for Indian corn, 132 bushels on the acre, . 8 00

That this quantity of corn was ever produced on an acre in
the county of Plymouth, we are aware, will be doubted by mul-
titudes, and therefore we think proper to state the manner in
which the quantity was ascertained. One square rod, nearly
central, and regarded as an average of the whole field, was har-
vested, and weighed the 13th of October. The corn appeared
to be well ripened, and 75 lbs., in the ear, were considered equal
to a bushel, and the product of the acre estimated accordingly.
With these facts, the public can judge to what extent error
might have possibly entered into the estimate.

To Orsamus Littlejohn, second premium, 99 bushels to

the acre, . . . . . . ^6 00

This corn was raised on a thin soil, and great skill was mani-
fested in the management.

To Nathan Whitman, of East Bridgewater, a gratuity

of $5 00

Mr. Whitman had 99 bushels on the acre, but the soil was
better than that of Mr. Littlejohn.

To Paul Hathaway, of Middleborough, a gratuity of $5, for
three acres of corn raised in a swamp, which was not regarded

144 PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

as eligible land for a corn crop. He, however, obtained, this
year, a large crop of unripened corn. Also a gratuity of ^4,
for the product of one acre, 92 bushels.

To Willard Wood, of Bridgewater, for corn, 88 bush-
els on the acre, . . . . . $3 00
" Daniel Alden, of Middleborough, 85 bushels, . 2 GO
" George W. Wood, of Middleborough, for turnips, . 5 00
" Daniel Alden, of Middleborough, for beets, . 5 00
" Benjamin Hobart, of Abington, a gratuity for wheat,

though no entry was made. . . . . 5 00

Claims were entered to the premiums offered for the best crops
of wheat and barley. No applicant obtained the required quan-
tity, and, as statements were not forwarded seasonably, gratui-
ties are not recommended. The applicants on the article of In-
dian corn, were this year unusually numerous, and the success
of their experiments exceeds that of any past year. In the es-
timates of the expense of this crop, we perceive wide differences,
but the highest estimate will show, that it is among the most
profitable of crops. The person who obtained the greatest crop
has advanced one idea, which, we think, will be new to most
readers, and which, we hope, they will not adopt, without crit-
ical examination and repeated experiments He recommends
planting different kinds of corn in the same field ; remarks that
his seed corn was collected in four or five towns, and considers
it as important to mix the different kinds of corn, as itis to cross
the breeds of animals. Scarcely two kinds of corn can be found,
which will ripen precisely at the same time; and it is certainly
inconvenient, and, we suppose, to some extent, injurious, to have
a part of the corn in a field, mature, two or three weeks before
the residue. In a field where several kinds of corn had been
planted, we might select seed of the kind that would ripen the
earliest. And this is the only advantage we can imagine, that
would be derived from the practice. If we should wish to avail
ourselves of this advantage, there would be no occasion to plant
a mixture oftener than once in ten or twenty years. General
practice should be directed to the preservation of the different
kinds of corn, pure as possible. Undesigned and unavoidable

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 145

mixtures, will ordinarily bring new varieties as often as the
farmers can need or desire them.

For the Committees on Improvements and Produce,

MORRILL ALLEN.

Compost Manure.
Jo7iaihan Howard 2d's Statement.

I have made and carted on the farm, since last November, 3S0
loads of good manure ; LOO loads of it were composted by thor-
oughly incorporating 27 loads of muck with 73 loads of manure
taken from under the stable floors, consisting of loam, which
was deposited there two years ago, to absorb the liquid manure
that passed through the flooring. 250 loads of said manure
were composted in the barn-yard and hog-pen, about one half of
the principal materials of which consisted of good pond-hole
muck, and the remainder of soil, from the sides of fences, and
coal dust from the beds where charcoal had been made, toge-
ther with the droppings from animals.

The muck, soil, &c., having been mingled in the yard, natu-
rally absorbed the liquid manure that passed from the stock.
yarded there : and, on each morning, in the warm season of the
year, the excrement dropped by the neat stock, was thrown in-
to a heap, and covered with a portion of the soil and dust in the
yard, thus protecting it from the sun and air, and retaining its
virtues. The remaining 30 loads consisted of turf ashes, made
by piling and burning turf. The stock of the farm consisted of
13 head of neat cattle, one horse, and four swine, through the
winter, but averaging about six swine through the season.

West Bridgewater, Oct. 10, 1848.

Orsaimis Littlejohri' s Statement.

There is a place under my barn for cattle and hogs, thirty
feet square, by eight and a half feet deep, walled up on three
19

146 PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

sides, and cost thirty-five dollars. Into this place every refuse
vegetable thing the premises afford is placed, to save the liquids
from sinking, and the gases from rising. This becomes very
rich and juicy, but not rotten, and amounts to about 100 loads
annually.

My soils being very sandy and hungry, this place is cleaned
out in the fall and spring, to make composts for them. I first
put down a laying of mud, that was shovelled up the year be-
fore; I wet this smartly with soap suds, brine, ashes and water
mixed, or some such thing, saved, made, or procured for the
purpose ; on the top of this, about one third as much manure is
put lightly ; above this green turf, from under wooden fences.
and wet over : next, manure : next, quick-sand, clay or stiff"
loam, with burnt oyster-shells, ashes or lime, wet over as before ;
next, manure, and covered with charcoal dust and fine mud.
In warm weather, it ferments rapidly, and is cut over in three
or four weeks, and covered as before.

In this way, with not more than ten head of cattle and hogs,
and twenty dollars' worth of materials purchased, with some
loads of night soil, had for carting away, I have made, the past
year, 300 loads of compost, of 40 feet each, of excellent quality,
free from worms and weeds.

I have made several barrels of other compost, for potatoes and
vines of all sorts, which has given full satisfaction. It contained
about equal parts of charcoal dust, urine, hen dung, salt, lime,
plaster and ashes.

The above manure cost twenty-two cents per load, every item
being charged that the farm did not produce.

MiDDLEBOROUGH, Oct. 11. 1848.

Chipman Pointer's Statement

In the fall of 1847, I carted into my yard, muck, soil, decayed
leaves and vegetables, from the woods. On this I yarded my
cattle. I commenced ploughing my yard in May, and have
ploughed it a number of times during the summer. I have kept

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 147

through the year 11 head of cattle, one horse, and two swine.
My barns stand 30 feet apart; this space I fill with muck and
soil, about one foot deep, then shovel the manure from my barns
on this. In the spring, I overhaul this, and mix as well as I
can. In this way I make about 70 loads. My hog-yard is ad-
joining my horse stable, so that I throw this manure to my
swine, to mix with muck and soil from where charcoal has been
made, &c. I also cart soil into my house drain, and make a
very good heap of manure in this way.

I have carried out 285 loads of manure, or 87 cords of com-
post.

Halifax, Oct. 24, 1848.

William H. Adams's SlatefnetiL

This year, I made and carried out 83 cords, 73| feet of ma-
nure, A considerable part of this manure has not been exposed
to the sun or rain, which preserves its strength, and keeps it
from wasting. 1 think it would well pay every one to keep ma-
nure under cover. I have generally used an opposite soil from
the land on which I have spread my manure, having tried this
with good success, for a number of years. I have added soil
to my manure, as often as it was required,

Bridgewaier, Oct. 28, 1848.

Oats.

George Dreic^s Statem^ent.

The land on which I sowed my oats measured an acre and
22-V rods. One half was planted to French turnips, and one
half to white beans, in 1847. I ploughed it deep in April, 1848,
and spread 2| cords compost manure, on the half I planted to
beans last year, on the other half, I put no manure. I sowed 3

148 PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

bushels of oats on the furrows, and cross-ploughed them in (deep)
and levelled the ground with a cultivator.

Expense of ploughing, sowing, cross-ploughing, cultivating,
cradhng, raking, binding, carrying in, threshing, winnowing,
and seed sown, $13 65. The oats, which grew on the said
land, measured sixty-two bushels.

Halifax, Oct. 23, 1848.

George W. Wood^s Statement.

The land on which my oats were raised, is a loamy knoll,
with a clay bottom, and was planted to potatoes, in 1847. Be-
fore planting the potatoes, I spread 30 loads of good compost
manure. In April, 1848, ploughed and sowed the oats; first
ploughed, then harrowed it well, sowed 2J bushels good oats to
the acre, then cultivated the oats in, then harrowed and bushed,
till I made the ground very fine and stocked it down to grass.
July 21 to 24, cut the oats, raked, bound and put them in
the barn ; Sept. 11 and 12, threshed and winnowed them up —
they measured a little more than 56 bushels on one acre, and
-f^^ of a rod.

Expense of ploughing, . . . . $1 23

Harrowing, cultivating, bushing, sowing oats and grass
Seed, .......

Cradling, 75 cents. Taking up and getting in, $1 47,
Threshing and cleaning, ....

2J bushels of oats for seed ....

$10 87

Income. — I had, it was judged, one ton of straw worth $6 GO,
56 bushels oats, at 44 cents, $24 46, making $30 46.
MiDDLEBOROUGH, Oct. 7, 1848.

2

13

2

22

4

12

1

17

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 149

Indian Corn.
Sylvamis Hinckley' s Statement.

The land on which I raised my corn had been mowed for
the last eight years. The last year, the worms eat the grass all
out. It was ploughed in December, while the ground was cov-
ered with snow. It was harrowed three times in the month of
April. Drew on about 40 small ox-cart loads of manure, which
was composted from muck, soil, horse, cattle and hog's manure,
well mixed and ploughed in; furrowed 3| by 1^ feet, and
dropped half a shovel-full of the same manure into a hill, and
planted 12th and 13th of May, two or three corns in a hill. Cul-
tivated and hoed twice in June, and hoed in July. The seed
was gathered in Middleborough, Barnstable, Wareham, Bridge-
water and Taunton, and all mixed. I think it is as essential to
mix the seed of corn, as that of cattle or swine.

Middleborough, Oct. 16, 1848.

Orsamus Littlejohn s Statement.

The acre of land entered by me, for the best crop of corn,
has been in rather a barren state for some years, not producing
more than 500 lbs. of good hay in any one year. The soil be-
ing sandy and hungry, it was ploughed, May 8th and 9th, about
seven inches deep ; 10th to I5th, twenty-six loads, of 40 feet
each, of good compost manure was spread and well harrowed
and bushed in ; ISth and 19th, planted — the rows were marked
out with cultivator teeth, Sg feet apart each way. Five and six
corns were dropped into a hill, 6 or 8 inches apart ; about one
quart of good fine compost on top, and covered as fast as dropped,
but not deep. Ten quarts of seed, three varieties, names not
known, selected from crib, soaked from four to six hours in
strong chloride of lime, and rolled in sulphur and fine gunpow-
der. It has been cultivated and hoed three times, in its hottest
and driest state.

150 PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Expense of ploughing.

$3 75

Compost, . . . .

7 50

Spreading and harrowing, .

2 56

Planting, ....

3 00

Seed and preparation,

0 50

Cuhivating and hoeing,

5 03

Total.

MlDDLEBOROUGH. Oct. 10, 1848.

$22 34

Nathan Whittnan^ s Statement.

The acre of land, on which I raised my corn, from which the
supervisor allowed me 99 bushels and |f, was green-sward,
1847. Ploughed up in March, and laid until fall ; then I
ploughed in what weeds there were on it. May 10th, 1848, I
ploughed in 40 loads compost manure, and the 15th, planted it
with white corn, the seed selected from stalks having two ears.
The first of July, went through, with cultivator, twice in
each row; then hoed over the ground, without hilling, and, in
August, went through with the cultivator, twice in each row,
and hoed up the weeds; I spent 16 hours labor, besides the cul-
tivator.

East Bridgewater, 1848.

Paul Hathaicaif s Statement.

The three acres of corn, for which I have claimed a premium,
grew upon swampy land. From the abundance of wet the
three last years, my ditches were clogged with mud, which
brought in rushes and meadow grass, which would hardly pay
for mowing; therefore, I planted corn, thinking corn-fodder
would be worth more than rushes. Commenced ploughing.
May 10th ; carted upon the three acres 86 loads of compost ma-

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 151

nure, and spread three fourths of it : the remainder pnt into the
hills: commenced planting, May 20th, finished June 13th, a
part was my seed corn, the remainder was the Canada yellow
corn : hoed twice without harrowing.

Expense of ploughing,

Planting manure in the hill.

Hoeing twice,

Manure, one half to the corn;

Seed corn, .

Cutting stalks and harvesting,

Total,

|8 00

7 00

10 00

43 00

0 75
18 00

$86 75

My acre of corn grew upon a gravelly loam, and was plough-
ed last September. This spring, spread 41 loads of compost
manure; ploughed it in, and harrowed the same ; furrowed a
little short of three feet ; planted, May 5th ; harrowed twice in
each row, both ways; cut up the weeds around the hills; sec-
ond time, harrowed once in a row, each way. and removed the
weeds, as before. Did nothing more, except cutting up a few
weeds that remained. Seed corn selected at husking time, last
fall, being a mixture of yellow, white, and flesh-colored corn.

Expense of ploughing,
Carting and spreading manure,
Second ploughing and harrowing.
Manure, half to the corn, .
Planting, and twice harrowing,
Seed corn, and cutting up weeds.
Topping stalks, and harvesting,

$2 00

6 00

2 00

20 50

2 00

3 00

9 00

Total

MiDDLEBOROUGH, Oct. 30, 1848.

$44 50

Willard Wood's Statement.

The land I enter for premium, for Indian corn, is a high
gravelly loam. In 1847, I cut from it about one fourth of a ton

152 PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

of hay per acre. Ploughed it in October, 1S47. From April
20th to May 3(1, 1848, I drew out twenty loads, of 40 cubic feet
each, of compost manure, made from hogs and cattle, mixed
with soil ; then spread and ploughed in the same ; harrowed
and furrowed so as to make five rows to the rod one way; then
drew out ten loads of manure and put in the hills; made the
hills two feet apart. The manure put in the hill of the same
quality as that spread. May 5th, planted the corn, put three
corns in a hill. I planted the Whitman corn, the seed corn selected
from the corn crib. June 1st and 2d, hoed; 15th and 16th.
hoed the second time, and put one gill of ashes around each
hill. July 7th and 8th, hoed the third time; cut the stalks the
first of September. Oct. 12th, the supervisor came and har-
vested one rod, which weighed 41^ lbs., making 88 bushels to
the acre.

Expense of ploughing first time,

Drawing out and spreading 20 loads of manure, .

Ploughing in manure, ....

Harrowing and furrowing,

Drawing out 10 loads of manure to put in the hills.

One day planting, 2 men and boy,

Cultivating, 50 cts., hoeing first time, $2, .

Putting on ashes, cultivating and hoeing second time,

Cultivating and hoeing third time.

30 loads of manure, ....

27| bushels of ashes, at 12| cts., .

Use of land, .....

Total,

Value of the crop, 88 bushels corn, at 92 cts..

" of the manure for next crop,
I think the corn fodder will be worth,

more than the expense of harvesting.

Whole income, . $91 10

Bridgewater. Oct. 12, 1848.

$2

0(»

1

75

1

00

0

75

0

62

2 50

2

50

3

50

2

25

22

50

3

43

4 00

$46

80

$80

96

8

64

2 50

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 153

Daniel Alden's Statement.

The land, on which my corn was raised, is a sandy loam.
In 1847, it was in grass ; in October, of that year, it was plough-
ed; in the spring of 1848, carted on 40 loads of compost ma-
nure, and spread and cross-ploughed, with a light furrow, not
disturbing the sod ; then harrowed twice ; then furrowed 3| feet
apart, each way ; planted. May 12th, four kernels in a hill.
The corn was dressed four times with a cultivator, and once
with the hoe. The field was kept clear of weeds through the
season ; about the 10th of June, put 30 bushels of ashes around
the hills of corn. Cut the stalks Sept. 14th, and harvested the
corn Oct. 12th. According to the measurement of the supervi-
sor, it yielded 85 25-74 bushels per acre. Seed corn, white, se-
lected from where two ears grew on one stalk. The cold week
in August injured the crop materially. The whole expense of
raising the crop, exclusive of the manure, did not exceed $15.

MiDDLEBOKOUGH, Oct. 17, 1848.

Turnips.
George W. Wood^s Statement.

The half acre of land I entered for premium, for the greatest
quantity of French turnips, is a clayey loam ; was planted to
corn, in 1847. The sward not being rotten enough to lay down
to grass last spring, I concluded to plant one half to French
turnips.

Expense of ploughing, 75 cts., harrowing, 50 cts.. .$1 25
Ploughing and harrowing, $1, five days work plant-
ing, $5,

100 bushels of ashes, $12 10, carting ashes, $3,
Cultivating, and 2| days hoeing, $2, cultivating, hoe-
ing, and hoeing weeds, ^3 50, .
Three hands, 2 days harvesting, $6, seed, 50 cts., .

Total, . $34 35

20

G

00

15

10

5

50

6 50

154 PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

I planted the turnips so as to include seven rows to the rod
oneway, and eighteen inches the other; put about a pint of
leached ashes in each hill, mixed the soil with the ashes, drop-
ped the seed by hand, and covered with the hoe. I bought the
seed of Thomas Covington, raised by him. On the 13th inst.,
the supervisor came, and measured and weighed one rod ; it
weighed 293 lbs., making, after the rate of 837 8-56 bushels to
the acre. I have, this day, completed harvesting the turnips ;
they measured 435| bushels, on 81 1 rods of land, as near as I
could measure.

MiDDLEBOROUGH, Oct. 28, 1848.

Beets.

Daniel Alden^s Statement.

The land on which I planted beets was planted to corn, in
1847, and is a sandy loam. April 28, spread six loads of com-
post manure, and ploughed 8 inches deep. May 25, ploughed
and carted on 6 loads of muck and ashes, mixed together ; 26th,
furrowed 2\ feet apart, then spread the muck and ashes in the
furrow, and covered with the furrow ; then dropped the seed
12 inches apart, and covered them with a strip of iron. The
seed was bought of Mr. Prouty, of Boston, sugar and turnip
beet. June 28, hoed the first time ; July 18, hoed again ; Aug.
7, pulled out the weeds.

Expense of seed, 37 cts., two days hoeing, ^1 50, $1 87

One and a half days hoeing, $1 13, pulling weeds, 25 cts., 1 38

Carting manure and ploughing, . . . 2 00

Planting, $1 50, harvesting |2, . . . 3 50

Total, . $8 75

Making 687 bushels and 48 lbs. per acre, as stated by the su-
pervisor, or 172 bushels of beets on the quarter acre, — at 25
cts., $43.

MiDDLEBOROUGH, Oct. 17, 1848.

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 155

Wheat.
Befijamiti Hobmt^s Statement.

Although I did not enter a claim for a premium, on the rais-
ing of wheat, the present year, yet, having succeeded very well
with that grain, I state the result ; and I do it more freely, as I
have no claim for any reward. I have received several premi-
ums hitherto, for success in raising this grain.

This year I sowed a little less than one and a half acres,
solely with a view to lay down the same to grass, and get a
profitable crop. I prefer to lay down to grass with wheat than
any other grain ; — the result was, I had 391 bushels of good
clean wheat, averaging over 26 bushels to the acre. The wheat
was sowed in the first week in May, and reaped in August.
The land, the previous year, was three fourths to corn, and the
rest to potatoes. I ploughed it the last of April; put on about
20 loads of compost manure ; afterwards ploughed and har-
rowed it, and sowed the wheat and harrowed it in ; sowed grass
seed, and smoothed the whole with a brush. I sowed a little
over two bushels to the acre. I used no plaster or lime, and
did not soak the wheat. I sent to Boston for the seed, only say-
ing I wanted the best kind ; it proved well, and was the golden
straw wheat. In a former communication, I gave it as my
opinion, that the same kind of wheat, sowed continuously, was
best; but further experience satisfied me, that, after a number
of years, it is best to change the seed. From all my experience,
I find the wheat crop to be the most profitable of all the small
grains, and much the best when the land is to be seeded down
to grass.

South Abington, Sept. 30, 1848.

Ploughing — Single Ox-Teams.

There were 24 entries for ploughing, and 20 persons appeared
and ploughed. We have awarded the following premiums : —

!9

00

8

00

7

00

6

00

5

00

4 00

3

00

156 PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

To Newton Mitchell, Bridgewater, 1st premium, .
" Daniel Alden, Middleboroiigh, 2d "

" John J. Howard, Bridgewater, 3d "

" William Wood, " 4th "

•' Calvin Chamberlain, East Bridgewater, 5th premium.
" Philander Wood, Bridgewater, 6th "

" Martin D. Holmes, " 7th "

One volume, each, Massachusetts Ploughman, to Yirgil Ames,
Samuel W. Bates, and Van R. Swift, of Bridgewater. One
volume, each, Boston Cultivator, to Oliver Jackson, Darius
Dunbar, West Bridgewater, and Elijah Cushing, Hanson.

We also award to Virgil Ames and John J. Howard, one dol-
lar each, they being ploughmen without drivers. All but four
competitors had drivers. Daniel Alden used Prouty's plough,
and the other six cash premiums were awarded to persons who
used the Worcester plough. The time allowed for performing
the work was 45 minutes ; the shortest time occupied by any
competitor was 16 minutes, and all performed it within the
time. The work was generally well done.

For the committee,

SIMEON CURTIS.

Dairy.

There were 22 samples of butter, and 15 samples of cheese,
entered for premiums ; each sample accompanied with a state-
ment of the process of manufacture.

Thalia E. Westoji's Statement.

My process, in making butter, is to strain the milk into stone
or tin pans ; let it stand a sufficient time for the cream to rise ;
skim it, and churn it in a stone churn, until the butter is well

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 157

separated from the butter-milk ; rinse it in cold water, until the
water looks clear ; then add an ounce and a quarter of rock
salt, to a pound of butter ; then set it up for a day or two, work
over again, then lay it down in a stone pot, and cover it close
with a cloth and cover. The morning before cattle-show, took
it up, and again worked it.

MiDDLEBOROUGH, Oct. 10, 1848.

E. H. Kingmaji's Statement.

The butter I present for inspection, was made in the follow-
ing manner, which is my usual method of making butter. The
milk stands from 24 to 36 hours before skimming, according to
the weather ; in hot weather, churn once in two days. The
butter is taken from the churn, thoroughly rinsed in cold water,
and then salted with ground rock salt, probably about one ounce
to the pound. It is then put in some cool place, until the next
morning, then worked over and done up in pound balls.

West Bridgewater, Oct. 11, 1848.

Judith L. Bryanfs Statement.

The milk is brought in from the cows, in as clean a condition
as possible, and immediately strained into clean tin, or white
earthen pans, used for nothing else ; let it stand 24 to 36 hours,
then skim and churn before it gets sour or bitter ; then take the
butter into a wooden bowl, work out the butter-milk, and salt
it with the best fine rock salt ; let it stand in a cool place till
morning, work it over again, and 24 hours after, work out the
remaining butter-milk, then make it into balls, when it is fit for
use.

Plympton, Oct. 11, 1848.

15S PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Mary M. Macomher^s Statement.

I milk four cows, and make two curds. I run the milk up as
soon as it is milked, and put in it just rennet enough to fetch
the milk ; if there is too much, it is apt to give the cheese a bad
taste. Let the milk stand one hour after it has come to curd, and
then cross it off about an inch and a half square, and let it stand
until it begins to settle; then dip it into a cloth to drain, and
stir the cloth once in a while, till it is quite dry ; then slice it in-
to scalding water, and let it stand until it is quite cool ; then I
keep it in cold water, till the next day, when I make my cheese.
I then put it in warm water till warmed through : and let both
the curds get almost cold, before breaking. I break it with my
hands quite fine, and squeeze it as dry as I can with my hands,
before putting it into the hoop. Then press with very little
weight, for three hours, then turn and put on more weight. Let
it press till the next morning, then turn it into a dry cloth, and
rub it well with salt, and put on all the weight I can. Turn it
again at night, and rub with salt, and press till the next morn-
ing. Take it from the press, and rub with pork fat, and set it
in a cool place to dry ; turn and rub it with pork fat every morn-
ing till it is dry. I use a tea-cup fnll of ground rock salt, for a
peck-cheese.

Hanson, Oct., 1848.

Elizabeth Hayward' s Statement.

The milk is set warm from the cow, and, when turned, and
slowly and thoroughly drained, sliced into water as warm as
you can bear your hand in ; when cold, it is placed in a cloth
for draining, and drenched with cold water; and, when well
drained, placed in an earthen vessel of cold water, in the cellar,
till the next day, when another curd is made in the same way.
upon which, while scalding, the first is laid, when both are
drained ofi" together, and drenched as before; when dry, it is
made fine, and the salt well stirred in, and to 25 lbs. cheese.

PLYMOUTH AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 159

add 5 oz. salt, and it is ready for pressing. When it has been
pressed 24 hours, it is taken out and covered with thin cloth, snug-
ly sewed at the edges, and put back for another day's pressing.
When done, it is rubbed over with lard or fresh butter, and
turned daily, till ripe. The cloth protects the cheese from flies
and mould, stays it while the rind is tender, and prevents it from
sticking to the shelf. It is not a quarter of the work, to tend
cheese made in this way, as without a covering. A free use of
cold water in drenching curd removes all wheyey substances,
which tend to rancidity, and much less salt is necessary ; con-
sequently the cheese is softer, especially when lightly scalded.
Plympton, Oct., 1848.

Annie W. Wood's Statement.

1 strain my night's milk into a tin kettle, which I use to warm
it in. In the morning, take off the cream that rises during the
night, and add warm milk to it, stirring until it mixes ; then
put it into the kettle, and, while warming, stir it all together,
until it is as warm as when first milked from the cow ; then
put in my morning's milk, and a sufficient quantity of rennet,
to curdle the milk in a short time. After separating the curd
from the whey, hang it in a cool place, till the next day. I
then put warm whey to it, and let it remain until I have scald-
ed my second curd ; then put it together, and drain it till it
is quite cool, before I chop and salt it. I use ground rock salt.

Bkidgewater, Oct., 1848.

160 BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

BRISTOL COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,

The twenty-fifth anniversary of this society was held at
Taunton, on Thursday, the 12th day of October last. The
weather was pleasant through the day, and it was highly prized,
it having been stormy the two previous exhibitions. The at-
tendance, both of people and stock, was unusually large. The
show of breeding stock was much more extensive than in former
years, and much of the stock was excellent. Ten fat oxen, six
pairs of steers, and six colts, were entered for premium, all of
which were on the ground.

No address was delivered before the society, but several
speeches were made at the dinner table.

Ploughing.

The fashion that now prevails at our ploughing matches, ex-
ceeds the economy even of a Franklin ; for he once quaintly said,

He that by the plough would thrive,
Himself must either hold or drive ; —

which, all will agree, is very true and sound doctrine. But Dr.
Franklin himself, it would seem, with all his philosophy, never
once thought or dreamt that the same individual could hold and
drive both, and that this practice would be brought about so
soon as the first half of the nineteenth century.

The plough is not only a very ancient implement of husband-
ry, but the most useful and valuable of all implements, being
the greatest labor-saving machine of any ; for, if we were now
obliged to resort wholly to the spade, we should need to have
onr importation of foreigners to this country (which is now

BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. IGl

deemed by many to be injuriously large,) doubled and trebled,
to assist us ill performing the necessary labor in tilling the
ground.

The improvement made in the plough, since it was first
brought into use, is truly admirable. Think, for a moment, of
the difference between the sharpened log, with two handspikes
stuck into it for handles, and those beautiful implements which
we have seen so successfully used this morning ; — and the differ-
ence in the work goes hand in hand with the improvement of
the implement.

The ploughing match is generally considered the most inter-
esting part of our exhibition. For a quarter of a century, this in-
terest, on the part of men, and sometimes of women, old and
young, has been unabated and increasing. We go forth at the
appointed hour, surrounded by our families, friends and neigh-
bors, to the place of trial, to exchange mutual greetings, and to
enjoy the moderate and rational excitement of the manly contest,
and to be reminded that, by the use of the plough, and by pa-
tient and cheerful industry, can the earth be made to contribute
to our sustenance, comfort and happiness.

At some of the earliest ploughing matches, in different socie-
ties in the Commonwealth, the premiums were given to those
who most speedily performed the work. During more recent
years, however, this extraordinary speed has not been encour-
aged ; and the ploughmen have been charged to regard the ex-
cellency of the work, rather than the time in which it is per-
formed.

The whole number of teams engaged in the work, was twenty,
nine of which were of one yoke of oxen each, without drivers-
five were horse teams, also without drivers ; and six were of
one yoke of steers and a horse each, without drivers.

CROMWELL LEONARD, Chairman.

Working Oxen and Steers.

The trial of working oxen and steers was, as usual, one of the
most interesting features in the exhibition. The cattle were
21

162 BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

generally in good condition, and well trained, and some of them
worked admirably, demonstrating that a gentle but decided ?^-orc^
from the teamster, as effectually controls their movements, as
does usually the ponderous thong, or the boisterous /iaii^ and ^ee.
In the appearance, size and number of cattle, there was a great
falling off from former years. When this society was first es-
tablished, they were the lions of the show. Then they were
considered indispensable, with the good farmer, on a well or-
dered farm; but now they have fallen with us into neglect, and
we rarely enjoy the luxury of seeing, either upon the farm or
the highway, a sleek, well-formed yoke of oxen, as in the olden
time, patiently and proudly bearing along their heavy burdens.
Why is it ? The question has often been asked, and we put it
to our agricultural friends, why is it, that these noble animals,
which, thirty years ago, were the pride and boast of New Eng-
land farmers, are so generally disused, and their places supplied
by the no less noble animal, the horse?

From our own inquiries, we are well satisfied, that little is
known by those who ought to know, of the comparative value,
for farming purposes, of the ox and the horse ; and we are in-
clined to believe, that, in most cases, substituting one for the
other is a matter of fashion or fancy, rather than the more
weighty and substantial consideration, economy.

It is a general complaint amongst those of us who are en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits, that our labor at best, yields but
small returns ; farmers, nevertheless, some of us must be ; the
land, poor as it is, must be cultivated; and we, whose lot it is
to labor in this primitive, healthful, and most respectable employ-
ment, must see to it, that so important a part of farming opera-
tions, as the moving power, is judiciously and economically
cared for.

The first cost of a yoke of oxen is much less than that of a
pair of ordinary horses ; they can be kept on the farm at less than
half the expense ; can do as much work at the plough, on the
average, and do it as well ; can do more on the hill-side, in
stony land, and in the woods ; are less hable to disease and ac-
cident ; have fewer bad tricks ; and, at last, when worn out,
become a valuable appendage to the shambles, and command a
price, equal to their first cost, from the butcher.

BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 163

On the other hand, the horse, unless he be of sound constitu-
tion, good temperament, well broken, and carefully trained, is,
in a majority of cases, a source of vexation, trouble, and ex-
pense; and, when disabled by disease, or accident, to which he
is peculiarly liable, or when old age overtakes him, is entirely
worthless.

The committee would like to be informed, whether the or-
dinary hard work of a farm can be more economically done by
the class of horses now generally used for the purpose, or even
by the substitution of a better class of horses, than under the
old system, viz., by well formed, well fed, and well trained
working oxen.

SAMUEL CROCKER, Chairmmi.

Breeding Stock.

The committee report, that they are much gratified with the
exhibition of breeding stock. It was much more extensive than
in former years, and much of the stock was excellent. From
the great number of animals to be examined, the committee
have been obliged to perform their duty very hastily, and regret
that they cannot, at this time, give any detailed account of the
several animals. They would, respectfully, urge upon all per-
sons, intending hereafter to exhibit cows, the importance of
complying with the request of the society, to measure the milk,
and furnish written statements with regard to their yield of
milk and butter, which would greatly facilitate the labors of the
committee. The following premiums are awarded : —

For the best approved bull, Ayrshire and native, to H.

K. W. Allen, of Attleborough, . . . $12 00

For the 2d best approved bull, to Benjamin F. Dean,

of Raynham, . . . . . 10 00

For the 3d best approved bull, to Henry Southworth,

of Tauntftn, . . . . . 8 00

For the 4th best approved bull, Hereford, to William

F. Dowland, of Taunton, . . . 6 00

164 BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

For the best approved bull calf, Durham and native,

to Israel Brayton, of Somerset, . . . 1,3 00

For the 2d best approved bull calf, Devonshire and

native, to John Arnold, Jr., of Norton, . . 3 00

For the best approved heifer calf, native, Durham, and

Ayrshire, to J. H. W. Page, of New Bedford, . 4 00

For the 2d best approved heifer calf, to Asaph Carpen-
ter, of Rehoboth, . . . . . 2 00
For the best and approved cow, native, Ayrshire, and

Durham, to J. H. W. Page, of New Bedford, . 10 00

For the 2.d best and approved cow, native, to Williams

Dean, of Taunton, . . . . 8 00

For the 3d best and approved cow, native, to Daniel

Wilbur, of Somerset, . . . . 6 00

For the 4th best and approved cow, native, to Horatio

Leonard, of Raynham, . . . . 4 00

For the best and approved heifer, native, Ayrshire, and

Durham, to J. H. W. Page, of New Bedford, . 5 00

For the 2d best and approved heifer, native, to Theo.

McCormack, of Taunton, . . . . 3 00

JACOB DEANE, Chairman.

J. H. W. Page's Statement.

I offer for exhibition the following stock, all raised ^by me, at
New Bedford, viz. : —

1. Cow, Jenny Lind, 5 years old, June 16, 1848. Mother re-
puted to be half native and half Durham. Father, Ran-
dall's full blood Ayrshire.

1st calf, January, 1846 — bull — sold.

2d calf, March 16, 1847 — heifer, Jane Eyre.

3d calf, April 25, 1848— heifer, Lily.

I have had the milk weighed, and a regular account kept,
from the 1st of May till now, as per certificate of Philip Grant,
Jr., herewith submitted.

BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

165

Weight of Milk.

1848. May, 1301 lbs. 8 oz. Average per day 42 lbs. nearly.
June, 1364 " " " 45tV?t lbs.

July, 1187 " " "

Aug. 1028 " " "

Sept. 963 '' 8 oz..

QO 29 U
QQ 16 (.1
Q9 1 1 <«

5844 lbs.

Average per day for 5 months, or 153 days, 38 lbs. and a
fraction. Largest quantity any day, 50 lbs.

Milk was used liberally in the family, and the butter made
from the cow, from the 10th of May to the 25 th of September,
was as follows : —

May,
June,
July,
Aug.,
Sept.,

31 lbs. 8 oz.
42 " 8 "
39 "
31 " 8 "

27 " 8 "

Total,

172 lbs.

For the treatment of the cow, I refer to the certificate. The
cow is with calf by Randall's Ayrshire bull, Baldwin^ from
28th August. She gave 6 quarts of milk four weeks before she
dropped her calf, and was dried with difficulty.

2. Heifer, Jane Eyre, from Jenny Lhid, and a bull supposed

to be part Ayrshire, pedigree not known; 18 months old
16th Sept. 1848— with calf by Randall's Ayrshire bull,
Baldwin, from 14th August.

3. Heifer calf, Lily^ born 25th April, 1848. Mother, Jen7iy

Lind ; father, Randall's full-blooded Ayrshire.

This calf sucked but once or twice, and was fed on skim
milk, from a few days old, and turned to grass when about 3
months old.

166 BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

By a sealed beer measure, I find that 2| lbs. are required to
the quart; 5S44 lbs. equal to 2337 beer quarts in 5 months, or
153 days, equal to 1.5-1^1 beer quarts per day. I have no other
cow.

I, Philip Grant, Jr., certify, that I have had the care of J. H.
W. Page's cow, Jenny Li?icl, heifer, Jane Eyre, and calf, Lily,
since the 25th of April last ; the cow had hay until pasture, and
has been in ordinary pasture during the season. For a short
time, when grass was very short, I gave the cow 1 quart of oil
meal twice a day ; tlie rest of the time about 3 pints of oil meal
once a day. From about the middle of August to 30th Sept., I
fed the cow once a day, usually, with corn, sown broadcast,
grass being very short. She has had no other extra feed. I
have milked the cow all the time, except a few days when I
was absent, and weighed the milk, and kept an accurate ac-
count, which is in Mr. Page's hands, and the result is truly
stated above. When I was absent, T. Mahoner milked and
kept the account.

The heifer, Jane Eyre, has had nothing but grass, and corn
fodder when the cow had it.

From the 8th day of June, to the 8th of July, I found it ne-
cessary to milk the cow three times a day, her bag was so full ;
she did not leak her milk, but her bag was so full it seemed to
pain her. She is kind and gentle in all respects.

I, Joanna Doneavan, certify, that I have had charge, during
the season, of the milk of J. H. W. Page's cow, Jenny Lind ;
that I have used milk for all purposes in the family, and made,
between the 10th of May, and 25th of September, 1848, 172 lbs. of
butter, of which I kept an accurate account, which is now in Mr.
Page's hands. Butter had been made by another person, before
May 10th, and I have made butter since 25th September, four
times, of which I have not taken any account in the above 172 lbs.

New Bedford, Oct. 11, 1848.

William DeavUs Statement.

My cow is of native breed, nine years old ; calved March
20th, calf taken from the cow when four weeks old, at which

BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 167

time she gave 14 quarts of milk per day, making 1| lbs. of but-
ter per day. Number of quarts given in the month of June, 15|
per day, beer measure.

Number of quarts in the month of September, 12 per day.

The cow has been fed in a common pasture, Avith two quarts
of meal per day.

Taunton, Oct. 12, 1848.

Grain and Vegetable Crops.

There have been six entries for premiums, viz. : — one for hay,
one for carrots, three for corn, and one for a farm.

The committee regret that some of the statements of the
expense of cultivation and amount of manure used on the
land, are not so full as they should have been, and they would
recommend that no premium be awarded hereafter, unless such
a statement as is required by the published bills of the society,
offering such premium, shall be furnished by the claimant. We
have awarded

To John C. Dodge, of Attleborough, first premium, for

the best crop of hay, being 8050 lbs. to one acre, ^5 00
" John Williams, of Taunton, for the best crop of car-
rots, he having raised 160 bushels on one quarter
of an acre, . . . . . 4 00

" Andrew H. Hall, of Taunton, for best crop Indian

corn, he having raised 74f|- bushels on one acre, 10 00

We also recommended a gratuity of ^15, to James M. Bish-
op, of Seekonk, on his farm ; — he having, in the opinion of the
committee, failed to furnish so full a statement of the profits
and expense, as to entitle him to a premium.

It appears, by the statement of Mr. Bishop, that his system of
farming or gardening, is a profitable one, as he raised about
$1000 worth of garden roots and vegetables, for market, the
past year, on a farm of about 40 acres. What part of the farm

168 BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

was in grass, is not stated. His crop of hay is estimated at 15
tons ; millet 4 tons ; and corn 100 bushels. He did not keep
any account of the profit of the stock kept on the farm, which
the committee are of opinion, should have been done to arrive
at the true profit.

A. H. HALL, Chairman.

John Williams's Statement.

I planted one quarter of an acre of ground, the last season, to
carrots, and raised 160 bushels, which were large and handsome.

I ploughed the ground in April, which was planted the year
before to squashes, turnips, carrots, &c. I then spread ten horse
loads of manure, about one foot at a load, which was about one
half of stable manure, and the other of night soil, mixed with
loam. I then ploughed it again, and levelled it by hand with a
rake, to keep the ground as loose as possible. I then sowed
about half a pound of seed, in rows 14 inches apart, with a ma-
chine, which took me about two hours. When they came up.
they were too thick, but not so thick as the weeds. The first
three or four weeks, I had to tend them closely, but, after that,
they took a start, and the weeds had to give way. I suppose it
was worth eight or ten dollars, to keep them free from weeds. I
sold 50 bushels in the ground, for 20 cents per bushel, and about
ten bushels after I had harvested them, for 33 cents per bushel.
The remaining 100 bushels I fed out. I fatted a steer on them,
giving him 50 bushels in the same number of days, — but
the beef was not so good as I expected, though decent. I con-
sider them much better for horses than for horned cattle. I be-
lieve ahorse will thrive as well on carrots, as any thing you can
give him. Cows are very fond of them, but whether they are
very beneficial for milk, I have not had experience enough to
determine.

Taunton, March 1th, 1848.

BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

169

Andrew H. HalFs Statement.

The acre of land on which I raised corn this year, was all
mowed in 1846, excepting about 30 rods, which were planted.
The grass land had no manure put upon it. That planted to
corn had 45 one-horse loads to an acre, and it harvested about
60 bushels. The grass land produced about one ton of hay to
an acre ; it was ploughed in the fall, eight inches deep. In April,
1847, five cords of manure were drawn, on the land for
corn, then ploughed lightly and harrowed ; then furrowed one
way 3 feet 7 inches apart, and A\ cords of manure were put in
the hills, which averaged about 20 inches apart in the furrows.
On this manure the corn was planted, putting two or three
(seldom more than two,) corns in a hill, It consumed 9 quarts
of seed corn, and was planted on the 11th and 12th of May. On
the 7th of June, ploughed two furrows in a row, turning the dirt
from the corn ; on the 15th, harrowed twice in a row ; 24th do.
once and hoed, leaving the ground level ; July 2d, do., and hoed
^ of it; the remainder was hoed but once. July 20, I went
through the rows, and pulled the weeds. Sept. 15, cut the
stalks; Oct. 14, began to harvest; 19th, finished. Nov. 15 and
16, weighed the corn in ears ; it weighed 5574 lbs. The corn
was a large yellow kind ; most of the ears had but eight rows.

Expense of the Crop.

Ploughing, .

9| cords manure, at $4|,

Drawing "

Spreading, cross-ploughing, and harrowing

Furrowing and Ploughing,

Ploughing and harrowing among corn

Hoeing, 1st time, .

" 2d " 3 hours,
Pulling weeds,
Cutting stalks.
Harvesting,
Seed corn, .

22

|2

30

42

79

7 50

1

75

2

75

1

50

1

50

0

30

0

70

2

00

6

75

0 25

$70 09

170 BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Credit for the Crop.

74f| bushels corn, at 85 cts.
Corn fodder,

Expense,

$63

18

12

00

75

18

70 09

$5 09

Probably not more than two thirds of the manure went to
the crop. If the other third were taken from the expense, it
would increase the profit about $17.

Taunton, March, 1848,

James M. Bishop's Statement.

I came into possession of the farm in the sprhig of 1836 It
then contained 37 acres, and its value was estimated to be about
$2500. It is probable, that, if every thing which could have
been produced from it, by the most skilful management, during
that year, could have been sold to the best advantage, its value
would not have exceeded $100. The team, kept on the farm,
consists of two horses and a yoke of oxen ; these, with two
cows, complete the stock. About four hogs are generally kept
through the year. From the stock and hogs, with the aid of
seaweed, salt mud, loam, &c., are manufactured about 40 cords
of manure each year, which is worth about $3 per cord. The
stock is kept mostly in the barn during the foddering season,
and stabled every night during the year. The urine is all saved.
It passes under the barn into a vat, prepared for the purpose of
receiving it and the solid manure, which are there mixed with
seaweed, salt mud, loam, or straw, in the proportion of one
part solid manure to three parts of the material with which it
is composted. The hog-yard and sink drain are supplied with
a sufficient quantity of seaweed and loam, or mud, frequently
enough to prevent the strength of the manure from being carried
off by evaporation.

BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 171

The crops grown on the farm, are Indian corn, potatoes, hay,
millet, and almost all kinds of roots, together with nearly every
description of green vegetables and garden sauce known in the
country, or called for in the market.

The quantity of manure used in cultivation is made to de-
pend upon the strength of the manure, the condition of the soil,
and the kind of crop which is to be raised. Generally, how-
ever, from six to ten cords of ordinary manure are put upon an
acre. It is applied broadcast in all cases, and is ploughed in from
six to ten inches deep. In preparing the ground for beets, pars-
nips, &c., the manure is first pulverized as much as practicable,
and then spread uniformly over the ground. The ground is
then harrowed, which not only breaks the lumps in the top of
the ground, but assists in pulverizing the manure. It is then
ploughed as deep as possible, twice. By this time, the manure
is well mixed with the soil ; it is then harrowed and bushed,
and raked, until it is free from lumps. The seed is then put
into the ground with a machine.

Cabbage plants, set for early cabbages, have to be examined
in the evening with a lantern, in order to kill the little black
worms, which will be sure to destroy the plants in a very short
time, unless they are destroyed. They are also examined in
the morning; and, if any are missing, they are replaced. This
examination, every morning and evening, is kept up from the
time the plants are first set until they are too large to be injured
by the worms. Land used for beets or onions, is set to cab-
bages one or two years first, in order to rid it as much as possi-
ble from these worms.

Cucumbers and squashes, when first up, are kept covered a
week or two, or more, with wooden boxes without bottom, with
tops made of musquito netting, which allow the sun and air to
come to the plants, while they preserve them effectually from
the bugs. Round turnips are raised in great abundance, by be-
ing sowed upon the corn and potato fields, while the fields are
in preparation for planting. They are fit for the market in time
to prevent them from interferring with the crop of corn or pota-
toes. On most of the garden grounds, two crops are raised ;
not unfrequently two crops of potatoes are taken from the same

172

BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

field in the same season, by planting the lasi between the rows
before the first crop is fit to dig. No weeds are allowed to go
to seed.

The average expense for manure, besides what has been made
upon the farm, since it came into my possession, has, probably,
been about $75 a year. The amount paid annually for labor
has been, perhaps, $150. These statements, however, are made
from memory, as no account has been kept until 1847.

The yearly produce of the farm, since 1836, has increased
gradually from the value of $100, until it amounts to nearly
$1400, as the following account, for 1847, will show. An ad-
dition of about three acres, at an expense of $330, has been
made to the farm, since 1836, and it is now estimated to be
worth $3500.

Produce.

Asparagus, . . . . . $10 00

1809 bunches of onions, at 3 cts. per bunch, . 54 27

940 -' lettuce, " " . 28 20

557 " raddishes, '• " . 16 71

2718 " round turnips," " . 81 54

50 bushels of early peas, at $1| per bushel, . 56 25

30 " late " at $1 " . 30 00

49 " string beans, $1 " . 49 00

45 " pole " $1 " . 45 00

260 " potatoes, at 71 cts. " . 184 60

2296 bunches of beets, at 3^ cts. per bunch, . SO 36

303 " carrots, at 3 cts. " . 9 09

200 doz. of summer squashes, at 10 cts. per doz., 20 00

343 " cucumbers, " " . 34 30

808 " sweet corn, 8 " . 64 64

3000 heads of cabbage, at 4| cts. per head, . 135 00

30 cwt. of squash peppers, at 30 cts. per cwt., 9 00

20 bushels of onions, at 50 cts. per bush., . 10 00

100 " French turnips, at 40 cts. per bush.. 40 00

6 " tomatoes, at $1 '• 6 00

20 " parsnips, at 50 cts. " 10 00

15 " flat turnips, at 33^ cts. " 5 00

BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

173

30 bushels of blood beets, at 50 cts. per bushel,
100 " Indian com, at $1 "

2000 lbs, of winter squash, 1 ct. per lb.,

Melons, .....

10 tons of English hay, at ^15 per ton,

4 " millet, at ^12 " .

5 " low meadow hay, at $10 per ton, .

$15

00

100 00

20

00

7 00

150 00

48

00

50

00

Total,

$1368 96

$100 00

37 00

6 50

120 00

400 00

210 00

$873 50

$495 46

le farm,

55 83

Expenses.

Paid for stable manure,

" " leachexi ashes,

" " plaster of Paris,
Value of manure made on the place.
Paid for hired help, including board,
Interest on the present value of farm,

Value of yearly improvements on the farm.

$551 29

In the above account, nothing is allowed for the work of the
team, as it is believed that the green corn stalks, small potatoes,
tops and refuse of the vegetables, which are fed to the cows and
hogs, and of which no account can be given, are equal in value
to the wear of the tools and the team work on the farm —
the farm work being but a small portion of the labor performed
by the team.

It will be seen, by the above, that, including the improve-
ment made in the value of the farm, the sum of $551 29 is left
to pay me for my labor upon the farm, which occupies my
whole attention about three fourths of the year. I consider a
rotation of crops indispensable to good culture.

Seekonk, February 1, 1848.

174 BRISTOL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Domestic Manufactures.

Though many elegant articles were offered, and though an
improvement is observed over former years, the committee re-
gret that the exhibition of articles of domestic manufacture still
falls far short of what it ought to be, both in extent and beauty.
The inferiority has, in former years, been, in part, owing to the
injury to which the articles offered were exposed, from being
handled. By the present arrangement, this liability is re-
moved.

Another cause, and one which still remains, is the trifling
amount of the premiums. The committee, therefore, recom-
mend, if the funds of the society will admit of it, that double
the sum at present allowed, say, one hundred dollars, be ex-
pended for this department. More valuable prices, and separate
tables for each town in the county, would call forth more com-
petition, and be productive of the happiest results. The com-
mittee would suggest, whether a few gold and silver medals
would not be a greater inducement to some ladies to contribute
to the exhibition than a sum of money. It might be left op-
tional with the recipient to take the one or the other.

By far the larger part of the articles exhibited are contributed
by the inhabitants of Taunton, and the immediate vicinity.
The committee account for this, on the supposition, that the
trifling premium now offered does not compensate the owners
for the cost, trouble, and risk, of sending from the more distant
parts of the county. It is, indeed, not very flattering to a lady's
taste and skill, that months of application should be rewarded
with twenty-five cents.

' It is feared, that the importance of this exhibition is not sufii-
ciently considered. Needle-work, every one will admit, is an
important branch of education. The needle holds a place in
our domestic economy, which cannot be overlooked, and should
be acknowledged.

TIMOTHY GORDON, Chairman.

HAMPDEN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 175

HAMPDEN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual fair of this society was held at Springfield, on the
4th and 5th days of October last. The storm that lowered so
inauspicioLisly, seemed to have gradually worn itself out, and
the clouds that wept incessantly from Sunday night, till the
morning of the first day of the exhibition, drew themselves lazily
away, and by noon, let in the sunshine. The forebodings of the
friends of the society, in regard to this exhibition, were then
partially relieved ; and the spirit and interest, displayed by the
farmers, ere the day wore out, removed every doubt, that, like
the clouds, had hung over the day.

The fair proved much better than could reasonably have been
anticipated, under the unfavorable circumstances that ushered
it in. In cattle, particularly, there was a manifest superiority
over the show of last year. The number was at least one third
greater, and the character of the animals drew admiration from
every intelligent observer. The entries of working oxen this
year, were 34 against 24 of last ; of bulls, 7 against 9 ; of steers,
41 against 12 ; of fat cattle, 9 against 5 ; of swine, 13 against
14; of sheep, 7 against 10: of heifers and milch cows, 23 against
25.

Two pairs of fat cattle entered by George Taylor, of Westfield,
weighed 4350 and 4300 lbs., respectively, the former being eight
years old, and the latter seven. Two other pairs, aged five and
eight years, entered by his brother, Hezekiah Taylor, weighed
respectively 3700 and 3800 lbs. A pair of three years old steers,
belonging to Capt. Morgan, of Longmeadow, attracted consider-
able attention, since they each weighed about 1600 lbs., and
measured seven feet in girth. They were raised in Belcher-
town.

The ploughing match, in the afternoon, surpassed that of

176 HAMPDEN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

every previous exhibition, in every essential particular. There
were fifteen competitors, more than ever before, and the work
was performed excellently well, to the admiration of the crowds
who witnessed it. Four of the teams were oxen, and the rest
horses.

The show at the hall was quite attractive, and embraced
some very beautiful articles, but was less extensive than on
preceding years. The greatest diminution was in domestic and
fancy articles, while, in vegetables, mechanical productions, and
the products of the dairy, there was as extensive a display as
ever. The vegetables excelled, both in number and character,
any similar collection ever witnessed here. The whole number
of entries in this department was Gl, (last year but 45,) each
entry embracing several and often very many different articles.
Of fruits, there was a large and excellent variety.

The weather continued favorable during the second day, and
its effect was manifested in a largely increased attendance from
the country. Our streets were crowded during the whole day,
yet there was no noise or confusion. Every thing was pleasant,
peaceable and quiet. These are the gvaiifying characteristics
of this animal festival. It is an eminently social gathering, to
which all ages, and both sexes come, and in which all can par-
ticipate, not only with pleasure, but with profit. Aside from
the more direct objects and effects of the society's meetings, we
would have them cherished for this alone. The kindly influ-
ences exerted, and the social spirit inspired on such occasions,
are of themselves worth all the pains taken to get up the exhi-
bitions. It is this view of the subject, that should secure, in be-
half of the prosperity of the society, the efforts of all classes and
all occupations.

The show of horses very much exceeded any former one. We
do not believe there is a county in the State, where there is more
ambition in the way of horses, that in this. Carriage and work
horses were very numerous, and looked well. Nineteen pairs,
in different vehicles, came together from West Longmeadow.

The address was delivered by the Hon. John Mills, the president
of the society. He spoke of the agricultural fair for this year,
as, in all respects, superior to what had been anticipated after

HAMPDEN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 177

the unfavorable weather of the fore part of the week, and as su-
perior, in many respects, to the exhibitions of previous years.
He cahed in question the correctness of the popular notion, that
agriculture is in its infancy, and doubted whether science would
ever be able to reveal many of the secrets, or teach many of
the curious and useful lessons which have been predicted.
While science has been of great service to the cause of agricul-
ture, and is destined to be of great service hereafter, the farmer
must rely more on his powers of observation and discrimination,
than on the theories derived from books.

He offered three practical suggestions for the consideration of
the farmers of Hampden County : —

1. That they should change the Merino, or half breed Merino
sheep, for some breed that would make a better quality of meat.

2. That more attention should be given to the culture of fruit.
Peaches will, perhaps, in two or three years, be produced in such
quantities, that the supply will equal the demand, but no fears
of this kind can be entertained in regard to other kinds of fruit.
On the mountains, the idea has become prevalent, that the apple
cannot be produced there to advantage, but this is a mistake.

3. More ground should be given up for woodland. A regard
for the beauty of our scenery, and to utility, demands that this
should be done. Much of our pasture and plain land might, as
well as not, be appropriated to the raising of wood. From the
ground that was left, after appropriating all that is proper for
this purpose, our farmers would raise more than they now raise
from the whole, and, in twelve or fifteen years, the land thus ap-
propriated would be well stocked with wood.

Mr. Mills congratulated the farmers of Hampden, on the pros-
pect before them. The growth of population in Springfield, and
at the " New City," would be so rapid for years to come, that
our farmers could find a good market for all they could produce,
and their farms would never be worth less than they are now.

In conclusion, he compared agricultural with other pursuits,
and said that, in his opinion, the farmer's life afforded more
means of enjoyment, and was more free from care and anxiety,
than any other avocation or pursuit.
23

178 HAMPDEN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The following report of the directors is the only report that
accompanies the returns of this society, excepting the awards of
the premiums.

Reclaimed Swamps, and Grain and Root Crops.

The directors regret that so few have taken advantage of the
liberal offers of the society ; yet they feel assured that there are
efforts being made in all parts of the county, to render produc-
tive, lands that have heretofore been of little or no value. And
also, that our farmers are beginning to understand the true value
of labor, and are applying their labor and fertilizers in such a
manner, as to tell more effectually upon their crops.

There Avere three applications for premiums on reclaimed
swamps, one of which, (being less than an acre, and therefore
not within the rules of the society,) the directors did not exam-
ine. Those lands owned by Ephraim Fenton, of Brimfield, and
Joel M. Lyman, of Wilbraham, were examined by them, and
they found that Mr. Fenton's improvements, covering from two
to three acres, were of a superior character. His work is not
only done, but well done ; his swamp being very soft, it was
necessary to cover it to the depth of about twenty inches, to make
it firm. The labor having been done in winter, and the earth
to be removed being upon the margin of the swamp, the cost of
improvement was comparatively light. Mr. Fenton estimates
it at twenty-five dollars per acre, but the directors think that it
would not be safe to make calculations from that estimate. They
award to him the first premium of six dollars.

Mr. Lyman has made valuable improvement on about three
acres, and the result may be equal to that of Mr. Fenton, but
the present appearances are not so favorable. Estimated cost
of improvement, twenty-five dollars per acre. The second pre-
mium of four dollars is awarded to him. There are many
farmers in the county, who might receive valuable information,
by visiting either of the above farms.

Wheal. Horace Smith, of West Springfield, presented a

HAMPDEN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 179

statement of a crop of wheat, raised by him on four acres of
land ; the yield was one hundred and twenty bushels, (weigh-
ing sixty-three pounds to the bushel,) or thirty bushels per acre.
The first premium of four dollars is awarded to Mr. Smith.

Carrots. R. S. Merrick, of Wilbraham, was the only appli-
cant for premium on the carrot crop. The quantity of ground
was one fourth of an acre, and the yield 145 bushels. Cost of
raising, $29 00; value of crop, $60 50. To Mr. Merrick is
awarded the premium of two dollars.

Potatoes. Alexander Day, of West Springfield, states that he
raised 140 bushels of Carter potatoes on 70 rods of land. Cost
of raising, $26 87; value of crop, $98 33. A premium of two
dollars is awarded to Mr. Day.

AARON BAGG, Chairman.

180 BARNSTABLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

BARNSTABLE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

This society held its annual cattle -show and fair at Barnsta-
ble, on the 25th of October last. The weather was pleasant ;
and the crowd of people in attendance, the number and variety
of stock and productions offered, proved that an increased inter-
est was felt in the occasion. It is a subject of regret, that the
statements of many of the claimants for premiums are not more
minute, and the reports of many of the committees so full as is
desired. It is confidently believed, that, by a little extra exer-
tion by the officers of the society, the evil may be obviated.

No address was delivered before the society.

Improved Wet Meadom^s.

The first premium of $6 00, was awarded to Loring Crocker,
of Barnstable.

The second premium of $4 00, to William Howes, of Dennis,

Loring Crocker'' s Stalement.

The land on which I claim a premium contains between two
and three acres of salt and fresh meadow or bog land, producing
originally rushes, flags, and wild grass, of little value. In 1842,
1 enclosed the same by a dike, ten feet wide, and about three
hundred feet long. I built the dike by driving stakes or small
piles into the meadow, on each side of the dike, and by nailing
boards and plank on the inside of the piles, to the average

BARNSTABLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 181

height of five feet, and tlien filling the space between the board-
ing with marsh sods, taken from the salt marsh below the -dike.
I then cut a ditch through the centre of the meadow, and let the
fresh water off through a plank drain under the dike, (eight by-
ten inches in the clear,) with a clapper on the outer end, hung
with copper hinges, with five pounds of lead attached to the
bottom of the clapper or gate, to make it close on the first flow
of the tide. I then dug several ditches to cut off the numerous
springs, and filled most of them with small stones, to within six
or eight inches of the surface of the ground, and then covered
the stones with sea-weed, and then with sand. In the fall of
the same year, I ploughed a side-hill, adjoining the premises,
heaped the soil in ridges^ about 30 feet apart, and covered the
hill with sea-weed, to keep out the frost. When the meadow
was frozen sufficiently to bear a horse and cart, I dug off the hill
nearly level with the meadow, and replaced the soil, and cover-
ed about one and a half acres with sand, from six to eight inch-
es deep.

In the spring following, I sowed it with oats, herds grass,
red-top and clover seed; harrowed in the oats, and cov-
ered the whole with manure. The season for oats was un-
favorable, but the grass seed took finely. In the summer of
1844, I cut about three tons of good English hay, where former-
ly nothing grew but rushes, flags, and wild grass of little value.
In December of that year, in a violent storm, (the filling of the
dike being nothing but marsh sods, which had become very
light,) the tide and wind cracked off the meadow, even with
the planking, in the centre, and the water broke under the dike,
six or eight feet below the surface, and brought up wood and
stumps of trees, that were not known to have been there before.
The salt water covered the whole meadow, from two to five
feet deep, and the tide continued to flow over it, but at a less
depth, for more than a week. On the receding of the tide, the
planking and piles settled in some places, nearly level with the
meadow.

I repaired the dike by driving down piles from five to six
inches in diameter, and fifteen feet long, and planking as before.
I then filled up the dike with sods as before, and covered the

182 BARNSTABLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

whole with sand and stones, to the depth of one foot, and have
since used it for a road. Bat believing it still insecure, the pres-
ent season, I commenced ten feet below the dike, and laid up a
row of large marsh sods, the grass side outward, on a slope of
nearly forty-five degrees, and carried it up seven feet high, fill-
ing in the space between with marsh sods. This method, I
believe to be preferable to any wood work, as the sods will soon
grow firmly together, and will not, like wood, be liable to de-
cay. After I had repaired the dike, I flowed the meadow with
fresh water, for several weeks, and cut as good a crop of grass,
as the year previous, estimating it at three tons to the acre.

In the winter of 1846, I covered the remaining portion of the
meadow with from two to three inches of sand, and sowed the
same with oats and grass seed, and covering the same with ma-
nure. The present season, I have cut, on half an acre, two tons
of excellent hay, some of the herds grass measuring four feet
eight inches in length. I believe a smaller quantity of sand-
to be far preferable. I believe that, if the sm'face of the meadow
could be pared off to the depth of one or two inches, to destroy
the original grasses, and seed sown directly upon the surface,
and covered with a coat of manure, it would be the best method
that could be adopted. I tried the experiment by sowing herds
grass seed upon some sods taken from the ditch to fill up a low
place in the meadow, and, without any manure, the grass grew
the following season about three feet high. The only obstacle
to reclaiming low wet meadow, is the subduing of the original
grasses, and more particularly the round and three square rush.
A larger quantity of sand will keep all but the round rush
down, and the best method I am acquainted with, for subduing
that, is thorough draining and good stable manure. The cost
of reclaiming may be variously estimated, but will be, I think,
from twenty to fifty dollars, according to the facilities for im-
proving.

During the past summer, after I had cut the English grass.
the weather being uncommonly dry, I put a stopwater on the
trunk leading under the dyke, and, for several weeks, kept the
ditches filled with water; and by this method I had an abun-
dance of grass for two cows, during the whole dry season, while

BARNSTABLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 183

the grass, on all the high land, was entirely dried up. I also
had a piece of corn growing within five or six rods of the mea-
dow, which was materially benefited by retaining the fresh
water within the dyke. My meadow is so situated, that most
of the water passes off through the centre ditch, but, in ordinary
cases, it is best to cut a ditch round the meadow, to intercept
the springs from the upland.
Barnstable, Oct. 25, 1848.

Produce.

The Committee, (Melatiah Bourne, Chairman,) award to
Braley Jenkins, Jr., of Barnstable, for the best conducted ex-
periments on Indian corn, first premium, .$6 00, and a copy of
the Farmer's Dictionary.

To Russell Hinckley, of do., for next best, second pre-
mium, . . . . . . . $4 00

To Enoch Shove, of Sandwich, for potatoes, gratuity, 1 00

Braley JenJcms's Statement.

I offer for premium, a crop of Indian corn, grown on one acre
of land, and measuring 87 bushels and 31 quarts. The land is
mostly a drained swamp, the soil being a brown sand, with a
peat subsoil. The land has lain in grass for twenty years past,
producing about two tons of English hay yearly. Ten horse
loads of manure were spread on the sward ; it was then plough-
ed, and forty loads of compost manure harrowed in. It was
planted May 20th ; the corn was worked out three times each
way, with the cultivator, and hoed twice. Six horse loads of
manure from the hog-pen were put in the hills. It was har-
vested and measured October 24th.

I estimate the cost of cultivation as follows : —

184 BARNSTABLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Ploughing,

Fifty-six loads of manure,

Hoeing and cultivating,

Harvesting,

$37 33
Barnstable, Oct. 25, 1848.

$3

00

15

33

7 00

12

00

Russell Hinckley's Statement.

I offer for premium two acres of Indian corn. The land is a
sandy loam, and produced, the year previous, from one to two
tons of English hay to the acre. On the two acres, 125 ox- loads
of manure, (of thirty bushels each,) were carried and turned
under to the depth of four inches, and the ground was harrowed
three times. The corn was planted about the 9th of May, three
feet and a half one way, and two feet the other ; two corns were
left in the hill. It was worked out crosswise, only with the
harrow, and hoed three times. From one acre I harvested sixty-
five and a half bushels of corn, and from the other sixty-four.

Marston's Mills, Oct. 25, 1848.

Enoch Shove's Statement.

Having, for some years, been convinced, that too much seed is
injurious to the growth of the potato, I this year resolved to
test its certainty by experiments. For this purpose, I selected
two pink-eye potatoes, that might probably weigh about four
ounces each, and, having cut them so as to retain one eye on
each piece, I planted them in my garden, (a light sandy soil,)
about the middle of May, putting two pieces and a spoon-full of
plaster in each hill. Notwithstanding the extreme drought of
the past season, which, for some time, seemed to suspend vege-

BARNSTABLE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 185

tation, I dug from them, October 8th, ninety-two and a half
pounds of good size potatoes, some of them unusually large.
East Sandwich, Oct. 25, 1848.

Cranberries.

For the best experiment in the cultivation of the cranberry,
on not less than one quarter of an acre, there was awarded

To Edward Thacher, of Yarmouth, first premium, . ^5 00

For the best experiment on not less than two rods,
To Walter Crocker, of Barnstable, . . . 1 00

To Leonard Lumbard, of do., for specimens of cran-
berries. . . . . . . 1 00

Edward TJiacher^ s Statement.

The cranberries I enter for premium were raised by me on
one quarter of an acre of swamp land, covered with sand about
four inches, at an expense of about twenty dollars for sanding,
setting and hoeing. The vines were set last year, from selected
fruit. I have picked one bushel and a quarter of fine cranber-
ries, from the same lot this year.

Yarmouth, Oct. 25, 1848.

Waller Crocker s Statement.

The two rods of cranberry swamp, on which I claim a
premium, has been reclaimed from an almost barren state, to its
present productiveness, by means of thorough draining in sum-
mer, and flowing the same in winter.

The produce of the above two rods of land, the present sea-
son, was two and a half bushels of cranberries.

Barnstable, Oct. 25, 1848.
24

186

ABSTRACT OF PREMIUMS.

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29 14
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21 20

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24 28
26 23
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0

Essex, ....

Middlesex, .

Worcester, .

Hampshire, Franklin, and
Hampden,

Hampden,

Berkshire,

Plymouth,

Bristol,

Barnstable, .

ABSTRACT OF PREMIUMS.

187

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#1107
823
604

727
763
660
966
684
405

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Middlesex,

Worcester,

Hampshire, Franklin,
and Hampden,

Hampden,

Berkshire,

Plymouth,

Bristol, .

Barnstable,

188

ABSTRACT OF PREMIUMS.

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1 ^

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Bristol,

Barnstable,

ABSTRACT OF PREMIUMS.

189

•junoiuy 3loi|^v

#741
540
486

412

500
676
507
463
293

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SOCIETIES.

Essex, ....

Middlesex,

Worcester,

Hampshire, Franklin, and
Hampden,

Hampden,

Berkshire,

Plymouth,

Bristol, . . . .

Barnstable,

bo

SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES

How TO MAKE Farming Profitable.

[Extracts from an Address by Josiah Nevvhall, Esq., at the last Fair of the
Essex Agricultural Society.]

But a few years since, under the old system of agriculture,
farmers became discouraged, believing that the land had be-
come exhausted, that its cultivation would no longer afford a
living, much less a profit, and some saw no alternative, but a
removal to the fertile prairies of the West. 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, is but too true ; but an examination into the 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, he must supply it liberally. Between the animal and
vegetable kingdom, there is a striking analogy ; although the
difference between a sentient and a vegetable being is great,
still, in relation to food and growth, life and death, there is
much similarity. Withhold food from either, and death is the
consequence. A man might as well hope to rear his domestic
animals with food barely sufficient to keep them alive, and ex-
pect them to be profitable, as to attempt to grow rich harvests,
without supplying, where needed, the necessary food for the
growth of his plants.

192 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

Farming may be so conducted as to be made protitable, or
merely to afford a living, or to run out tlie farm. Taking the
land as it averages 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. Agricul-
ture, like all other business, to be made profitable, must be con-
ducted with some method as well as energy. What would be
thought of the merchant, who should neglect to load his ships.
and let them lay deteriorating at his wharf, or send them to sea
half loaded or manned, and without 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 occa-
sion, 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 hun-
dreds of acres of land, upon which he is annually paying taxes,
makes no adequate provision for the cultivation or improvement
of it, 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 gravelly or sandy, still it may be made to produce
rich harvests. The farmers have, within their reach, ample
resources to convert their 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 border of the county, the broad
Atlantic rolls in upon the beaches her fertilizing materials in
great abundance. Upon the rocks, between high and low wa-
ter, grow weeds, containing the elements of vegetable nutrition
in a high degree. At some seasons of the year, a certain 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 muscles, 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 vegetable matter is complete.

JOSIAH NEWHALL'S ADDRESS. 193

and becomes resolved into its original elements, in this temperate
region the process is less rapid, and, in certain situations abound-
ing with water, the decomposing process is arrested, and peat
accumulates. In this situation, it abounds with acidity, 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 ren-
dered 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 ele-
ments. The whole may be well mixed, and suifered 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
animal manure, and having a more permanent eflect.

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 assimilated to the different forms of being; and
he knows, that, from the soil, the inorganic portion of the veg-
etable 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 returns 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 putrefaction, are but links in that endless chain of
motion which presents itself to view, and, in the language of
the poet : —

" Look round the world ! behold the chain of love
Combining all below and all above.
25

194 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

See dying vegetables 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 chain holds on, and where 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 sub-
stances disappear, and become converted into invisible gas,
while the inorganic portions, which are derived from the soil,
remain in the form of ashes. For supplying the organic mate-
rials of plants, nature has made provision in the gases of the at-
mosphere, 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 sulphurets, 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, is not only one of the best means of obtaining good
crops, but of constantly improving the soil. This mode of cul-
ture is specially recommended for all heavy soils that are im-
profitable under a hoed crop.

The tendency in agricultiu'e, when not conducted on scientific
principles, is to crop the soil till the diminished harvest pays lit-
tle 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 por-
tions of our country, we believe it to be a fact, that, in this
densely peopled region, capital invested in the cultivation of the
earth, if judiciously managed, will bring a sure and profitable
return. The unwise and parsimonious course which has been
pursued, in cropping the soil, till it yielded but a slight return,

JOSTAH NEWHALL'S ADDRESS. 195

has been the cause why farming has been considered nnprofita-
ble, and been neglected, for pursuits far more uncertain. The
miserable policy of taking from the ground, all that can be ob-
tained, and returning nothing, is sure, sooner or later, to end in
poverty ; Avhile a liberal return, and good cultivation, ensures an
ample reward. There are farmers, or those so called, who con-
sider 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 dollars per acre, for enrich-
ing materials, and gather harvests which pay twenty-five, or
even fifty per cent on the outlay. Thus, while the one course
is a mere caricature on farming, the other presents the subject
in its true light, and demonstrates that the business, if conducted
in a proper manner, is as sure of a profitable return, as capital
invested in most other pursuits.

Of the various kinds of produce raised by the farmers of the
county, fruit may be considered the most profitable. Of the
different sorts Avhich may be easily cultivated, the apple is un-
doubtedly the most important. Its cultivation is daily becoming
of more interest. Not only is the home market for this fruit in-
creasing, but an export demand increases with its cultivation.
The great improvements in ph^^sical science, during the present
century, have given an impetus to business unknown before.
By means of steam power, the distant parts of our extensive
country have been brought comparatively near, and even Eu-
ropean markets have been brought within a fortnight'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, will cause a
demand for exportation, which will outrun the supply, unless
more attention be paid to its cultivation.

Indian corn is worthy of more attention than is usually be-
stowed upon it ; not only for the grain Avhich it produces abun-
dantly, but for the large amount of fodder, when raised for that
purpose. It bears high culture, withstands the drought well,

196 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

and produces more to the acre than any other grain. An error
is frequently committed 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 ferti-
lize the earliest ears, in which the female blossoms come out
first from the lowest grains, and present themselves at the ends
of the corolla 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
appear, then if there be no suckers to supply the fertilizing pow-
der, a portion of the upper end of the ear will be without grain.
To supply this deficiency, suckers successively spring up from
the root, and afford a supply of the fertilizing material, for the
ears that may be produced for two or three weeks after the main
stock is dead. On the male blossoms from the suckers, there-
fore, the greatness of the crop very much depends.

In relation to the origin of the disease, which has so disas-
trously affected the potato plant, no satisfactory cause has yet
been discovered. Some facts having connection with the sub-
ject, 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 re-
newed 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
atmospheric infiuence. We may reasonably hope the malady
will ere long pass away, and the potato again flourish with its
former vigor.

JOSIAH NEWHALUS ADDRESS. 197

Aside from the disease, I would remark, that the practice of
planting the largest and over-ripened potatoes, has a tendency
to enfeeble the plant and shorten the crop. While all seeds,
perfectly ripened, produce the best plants, it ought to be remem-
bered, that a potato is not a seed. While, therefore, well
ripened potatoes are the finest for the table, they are the least fit
to plant. A potato, perfectly ripened, has lost much of its vege-
tative 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 bet-
ter crops.

The pursuit of agriculture is not only favorable to man's phys-
ical well-being, but is eminently conducive to the improve-
ment 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 nar-
row limits of their study or work-shop, his office or place of
business is the vast temple of nature. He seems, more than
others, by his daily occupation, to be admitted to nearer ap-
proaches to Him, whose humble co-operator he is, in producing
the means of sustaining life. 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.
When 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 beholds, therefore, with the deepest in-
terest, the progress of vegetation, from the opening of the vernal
season, to the closing autumn. When the mighty forces of na-
ture are quiescent, he sees their silent energy 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,

198 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

whose all-pervading sight reads the unspoken language of the
heart ! And in the bursting thander, and the fearful earthquake,
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 what-
ever 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 exhaustless love.

The Difficulties axd Obstacles to be encountered in Agri-
culture.

\_ Extracts from an Address hy Yio^ . John C. Gkky, at the last Fair of the
Middlesex Society of Husbandmen and Manufacturers.]

The first difficulties, in the way of our farmers, which I shall
notice, are those resulting from our climate. This has been
well described by Washington Irving, as fierce in all its ex-
tremes, but splendid in all its vicissitudes. So frequently, and
so suddenly, do these vicissitudes occur, as to set all anticipa-
tion at defiance. We are tempted to think that the laws, which
govern the changes of temperature in other regions of the globe,
are entirely suspended here ; and had Shakspeare ever visited
our shores, we might suppose that it was from our climate that
he drew his beautiful picture of the disordered seasons.

"And thorough this distemperature, we see
The seasons alter. Hoary-headed frosts
Fan in the fresh lap of the crimson rose,
And on old Winter's chin and icy crown
An odorous chaplet of sweet Summer buds
Is as in mockery set. The Spring-, the Summer,
The chiding Autumn, angry Winter, change
Their wonted liveries, and the amazed world
Through their increase, now knows not which is which."

JOHN C. GRAY'S ADDRESS. 199

It is not only from season to season, that our transitions are
thus rapid ; they occur weekly, and almost daily ; so that a sin-
gle day sometimes exhibits what may be called, without vio-
lence, an epitome of the whole year. But, after all, these sud-
den and severe changes, this fierceness of heat and intensity of
cold, these rapid and violent alternations from the one to the
other, however they may task the skill of the mere gardener,
produce far less injury than might be supposed, in our great ag-
ricultural operations.

But there is one feature of our climate, which is a far more
prolific source of anxiety to the farmer. I allude to our long
droughts. These occur so frequently, I had almost said, so
constantly, that a season entirely exempted from them, is to be
considered merely an occasional exception. Can any thing be
done to alleviate the effects of these visitations 7 But little, it
may be said ; yet, I think, much more than has been generally
imagined. To hope to supply the want of rain by artificial
watering, applied upon a scale of any extent, must, of course,
be entirely out of the question, inasmuch as a single shower of
one inch — and this, though a copious, is, by no means, an ex-
traordinary shower — furnishes to an acre of land about a thou-
sand barrels of water. We can render no assistance to our
grass and English grain ; but for our trees, and for every crop
which admits of culture by the plough or hoe, there is one sim-
ple expedient, which has been greatly undervalued and neg-
lected. I mean the stirring of the soil. This practice has been
scarcely noticed by agricultural writers. I find no mention of
it in English books ; perhaps, because, in Great Britain, a
drought is comparatively a rare evil ; and the first publication
I have seen upon the subject, is a communication by the late
Mr. Lowell, to the editor of the New England Farmer. It
seems probable, that when the earth is loosened, and its pores
laid open, it acts like a sponge, in absorbing moisture from the
atmosphere ; but whatever the mode of operation, the fact is
certain, that, by repeatedly stirring the soil in dry weather, a
moisture on the surface is invariably produced, and any one
may satisfy himself on this point, in a few minutes. An intel-
ligent farmer, in my neighborhood, once stated, that, in sowing

200 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

his turnip-seed, he always followed the rule, of the 25th of Ju-
ly, wet or dry; and, on being asked what course he took, if, as
frequently happens, a severe drought prevailed at that time, an-
swered, that he ploughed the land till he raised a moisture. If
the stirring of cultivated ground were perseveringly followed, at
short intervals, in our summer droughts, the effect would be far
more striking, than any one, previous to such an experiment,
could easily imagine ; and the plough and hoe, in addition to
their other most valuable qualities, would prove, so to speak, no
ordinary watering-machines.

The soil of Massachusetts has, certainly, for the most part,
no pretensions to the character of great natural fertility. Its
virgin richness, such as it was, has long since been exhausted.
But, in truth, there is no evidence that this richness was ever
more than moderate, and earlier writers speak of our land in
much the same terms as would now be employed by a discrim-
inating observer. It is, therefore, of the more importance, to
increase this natural wealth, by skilful culture and nourish-
ment, and, most especially, to observe the greatest care in a
rigid economy, and judicious application of manures. This
subject was treated with great ability, and with the utmost di-
rectness and perspicuity, by the late Col. Pickering, in his ad-
dress, delivered about twenty-five years since, at Brighton, and
published in the New England Farmer, to which I refer for full
information.

The health of our domestic animals is a topic on which, from
its high interest, I feel compelled to detain you for a moment.
It is a topic on which no good farmer, I might add, no good
man, can well be indifferent. Our climate seems, on the whole,
highly favorable to the health of these animals. Still, as they
are, of necessity, liable to various diseases and accidents, every
thing relating to their physiology must be highly interesting.
It is a dictate, not only of economy, but humanity, that these
casualties should be fully understood, and nothing should be
left undone to remedy or to avert them. With regard to the
first of these, that is, the curing of diseases after they have
once appeared, our power, at best, is exceedingly limited. Lit-
tle can be done to assist nature, and, perhaps, we best discharge

JOHN C. GRAY'S ADDRESS. 201

our duty, by interposing as little as possible in her opera-
tions. Napoleon, no mean authority, certainly, in point of
intelligence, repeatedly declared, in his last illness, his distrust
of all medical prescriptions, as applied to the human subject.
" Doctor," said he, to his favorite physician, "no drugs ! You
are like a watchmaker, who should endeavor to put a watch in
order which he could not open. For once that he could eflfect
any good purpose by thrusting in his crooked instruments, he
would a thousand times break or derange some part of the hid-
den machinery." I shall, certainly, not presume to say, that
these remarks of Napoleon admit of no qualification. If we
should hesitate to decide where doctors disagree, much more
should we hesitate to dogmatize where doctors might unite
against us. But if we are greatly in the dark, as to the opera-
tions of nature and of disease in the human frame, and I sup-
pose no candid physician would deny thus much, far more ob-
scure must be our course in treating the diseases of animals,
especially as they have no tongues to express their own sensa-
tions. Their anatomy is a subject which well deserves the at-
tention of the medical faculty, and with which every farmer
should be, in some little degree, acquainted. And yet, there are
few subjects on which our information, written and unwritten,
is so little reliable. The greatest evils which disease often
brings upon our cattle, are the useless, aye, and tormenting,
prescriptions to which these poor creatures are sometimes com-
pelled to submit. Compared with such treatment, utter neg-
lect is merciful, and our cattle have certainly a right to ask that
nature should have fair play, in working out her own beneficent
ends, or in submitting, quietly and peaceably, to inevitable ne-
cessity. Some of our most distinguished surgeons, greatly to
their honor, have applied themselves, with deep interest, to the
study of comparative anatomy, and the Massachusetts Agri-
cultural Society are now endeavoring, with a good prospect of
success, to induce some young physician to devote himself en-
tirely to this most important and most neglected pursuit. Still,
where we have the option, it is far better to avert disease than
to combat it, and much may be done, in this way, by every vig-
ilant farmer. " In all, let nature never be forgot," was the pre-
26

202 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

cept of the poet, in ornamental matters ; and, in what are called
more useful ones, there is no safer rule. Let us treat our cattle
as well as we can, lodge them comfortably, feed them gener-
ously, with their natural sustenance, keep them neat, avoid
undue exposure, and govern them in a spirit of kindness and
good humor, and we shall leave little foot-hold for disease, and
few occasions for the science of the cattle doctor.

I have thus spoken very briefly of a few of the difficulties
with which our farmers are called to struggle. Of many oth-
ers I have not time to speak, however slightly, I shall men-
tion only one more obstacle to agricultural improvement, not
peculiar to us, but existing, with very few exceptions, in all
countries with which we are acquainted ; and this is the fact,
that instruction in the elements of agriculture makes no part of
our systems of early education. I do not mean to claim for
this science a leading place in those systems. I am far from
wishing, for instance, to give it that predominance, which our
highest seminaries have united in assigning, and most wisely,
in my humble judgment, to the classics and the exact sciences.
To invigorate and discipline the intellect is of as much mo-
ment, as to store the memory. We are not lightly to disparage
those systems of regular education, which, it is apprehended,
have most clearly proved their merits by their fruits, and which
have found no warmer friends, or more liberal benefactors, than
among men, whose intellectual, like tlieir material wealth, has
been gained with scarce any instruction or assistance from with-
out, by their own vigorous capacities and constant industry.
But the degree of instruction in the great principles of agricul-
ture, which I am recommending, requires no such long course
of study. It might be given in a series of lectures, which could
easily be composed and delivered in a single summer, by any
one, possessing, in any considerable degree, that combination of
genius, of easy and elegant composition, and of practical
knowledge of agriculture, so conspicuous in Jefferson, in Pick-
ering, and in Lowell, to say nothing of other writers, among
the living or the departed. Such a course has been actually
given in Edinburgh, by Prof. Low, whose work on that subject,
in a single volume, combines more of the desirable qualities of

JOHN C. GRAY'S ADDRESS. 203

a Text Book on Agriculture, than any with which I am ac-
quainted.

We know, that scarcely ever will a taste of any kind de-
velop itself in the human mind, unless its seeds are sown there
in early youth, and how many of our most able and accom-
plished young men might become the votaries or friends of agri-
culture, or horticulture, were their attention called to these sub-
jects at a season when the intellect is awake to every object,
and the feelings susceptible to every impression.

This is a proper occasion to pay the tribute of a passing notice
to the memory of some of those distinguished men, who, for a
long period, proved themselves most enlightened and constant
friends of agriculture, by their example and their writings, and
who have been, for years, removed beyond the reach of human
applause. It is unquestionably to the influence exerted by such
men, that our agriculture is greatly indebted for its present ad-
vanced condition, and this probably to a degree far higher than
can be estimated ; for what earthly sagacity can trace or limit
the action of truth, when once cast abroad by a powerful and
eloquent mind, into the great world of intellect. Of these de-
parted friends to this great interest, I have room to speak only
of very few of the most distinguished.

Washington gave abundant proof, in his life and writings, of
his deep and abiding interest in the cultivation of the soil, his
comprehensive views of the agricultural resources of our coun-
try, and his sagacious foresight in pointing out the internal com-
munications which would best call those resources into full and
vigorous action. There is equal evidence, that his example,
as a farmer, was in keeping, in every way, with his course, in
all those high spheres of action, to which, for our best good, as
well as for his own undying memory, it was the pleasure of
Providence to call him. The vigilance, the comprehensiveness
of plan, yet exactness of detail, the mixture of energy and cau-
tion, of reflection and activity, by which he was so singularly
marked in his public conduct, were as strikingly and constantly
displayed in his agricultural operations. Had he written at
large upon agriculture, there is no reason to doubt, that he would
have displayed the vigor of thought, and the simplicity, perspi-

204 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

cuity and neatness of language, which have given him, as a
mere writer, no mean rank in the Hterary world. But his gen-
eral observations on agriculture are few, not sufficient in amount
to entitle him to the name, in any usual sense of the words, of
an agricultural author.

The remarks of Jefferson on agricultural subjects are, I need
not say, expressed with the clearness and elegance of every thing
which proceeded from his pen ; but they are scattered in differ-
ent parts of his correspondence, and incapable of being embodied
in any regular essay. There is evidence everywhere of a pre-
ference for the country and for rural life, which seems to have
been in no degree quenched by the large share he took in every
important branch of political aiid literary inquiry. Though he
can scarcely be called an agricultural writer, he is entitled to
high distinction, as a friend to agriculture, from the improve-
ments which he made in the construction of the plough. This
most important of all instruments has been used in the old world
for thousands of years, and yet there are good reasons for be-
lieving, that it has been more essentially improved, within the
last half century, than in all past time. Look at the plough
used by old Roger Sherivia.Nj side by side with the improved
ploughs which you are now driving, (and this some of us have
actually done, a very little time since,) and you might suppose
that scores of centuries had rolled away in the interval. Now
the person who first, at least in this country, gave to this sub-
ject its due share of attention, was Jefferson. More than fifty
years ago, he was intensely occupied in contriving a mould-
board of the least resistance, an object, of which the consequence
is self-evident to every farmer. I have the authority of a French
standard work of the highest reputation, for saying, that Jeffer-
son was the first who ever gave any formula, by which the
proper curve could be given to this important part of the plough,
and thus established a fixed rule for what before was a matter
of mere imitation, I had almost said mere accident !

The two friends of agriculture, whom I shall now mention,
were highly honored citizens of our own State, men who wrote
much and well on agricultural subjects, and who manifested
their knowledge and their interest in them, by able and valua-
ble addresses, delivered within the limits of this county.

JOHN C. GRAY'S ADDRESS. 205

The first of these was the late Colonel Pickering. No writer
on these topics, in this or any country, has written with more
practical good sense, and philosophical power of generalization.
His address at Brighton, to which I have already alluded, is, in
fact, a most valuable treatise on the whole subject of Massachu-
setts agriculture, and comprises information on the most im-
portant topics, which no ordinary mind could have condensed
in the same compass. He also wrote largely in other essays, on
the much vexed question, on the importation of foreign animals,
and on forest trees, and contributed materially to the documents
of the Agricultural Society of Essex County, over which he pre-
sided for many years. Colonel Pickering was not an impas-
sioned, nor perhaps a highly elegant writer. But his style was
marked by great neatness and precision, concise almost to a
fault, but yet free from obscurity, plain and sometimes homely,
but always natural, grave, and suited to his subject. His mind
was uncommonly searching and logical, and he seldom took up
a topic without nearly exhausting it, and leaving little to be
said, at least on his own side of the question. His writings, if
collected, would form a most valuable body of agricultural in-
formation, and I believe our enlightened farmers, generally,
would feel called upon to differ from very few of his conclusions.
His interest in agriculture, as well as his intellectual vigor, con-
tinued to the end of his long life, and the last time in which he
appeared in any way before the public, was in the delivery of
an agricultural address to the society of his native county,
about three months before his death.

There is no friend to Massachusetts agriculture, who will de-
ny that it has been deeply indebted to the writings and personal
influence of the late Mr. Lowell, of Roxbury. This gentleman
was long known and respected among us, and distinguished for
his warm and liberal feelings, his powerful and acute powers of
reasoning, and his copious natural eloquence. He wrote much
in his early days, on questions on which the honest and intelli-
gent men of his time were greatly divided in opinion, and which
are now of little moment, except as mere matters of political his-
tory. But, for the last twenty years of his life, his pen was de-
voted almost exclusively to agricultural subjects. On these

206 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

subjects he wrote more perhaps than any man of that day in the
Commonweahh, if we except the lamented Thomas G. Fessen-
den. Mr. Lowell was the chief support of the periodical work
then published by the Massachusetts society, (over which he
presided,) and more than once addressed that society at the pub-
lic shows in Brighton. He entered upon the discussion of ag-
ricultural questions with the same intelligence and frankness,
the same sincere, if not always successful, desire to arrive at a
correct result, which have marked his productions on other to-
pics. As a writer, he was unambitious, not to say careless, in re-
spect to mere finish and ornament, but he always wrote with the
greatest simplicity and earnestness, and there was such an evi-
dent knowledge and interest in his subject, such a copiousness
of illustration, and easy flow of language, so much of that which
reaches the heart, because it comes from the heart, that I know
of no agricultural author, better entitled to the character of an
impressive and interesting writer.

The great men, whom I have mentioned, were, as you know,
not distinguished as farmers merely. They were deeply en-
gaged in political questions, which were never more agitating
than in their day, and on many of these questions diflered wide-
ly from each other. But their political friends and foes could
bear witness, that neither of them carried his party feelings into
his agricultural investigations. Here, to borrow a happy phrase
of Jeflerson on another occasion, they were " all Federalists, all
Republicans," all warmly interested in the subject, all governed
by feelings of patriotism and philanthropy, all anxious to im-
prove our agriculture, and promote the prosperity and well-
being of our great rural population. Men of their comprehen-
sive minds could not fail to appreciate this object. If the
greatest poet and brightest genius of ancient Rome, in a pane-
gyric on rural life, to which two thousand years have failed to
produce a parallel, could ascribe the unequalled greatness of his
country to the domestic virtues, which chister round the farm-
er's dwelling, with how much more reason must we look to that
spot for the security of our best interests, under the influence of
a purer faith, and of a general system of moral and intellectual
education, of which the ancient world scarcely dreamed !

JOHN C. GRAY'S ADDRESS. 207

The greater part of our population must always be rural, and
to every enlightened lover of his country, the occupations and
happiness of the farmer must be matters of deep and abiding
interest, I have no time to speak of our political and social in-
stitutions, in a way becoming the subject. Nor is it at all ne-
cessary. Whatever we may think on other matters, I am per-
suaded that there is no diversity of opinion among us, as to the
great political and moral principles which lie at the foundation
of our existence as a people, and by the observance or neglect
of which we are to become the model or the by -word of the na-
tions. We may difler on many questions not unimportant, but
I am satisfied that the rent never descends to the foundation ; I
am sure that I speak the sentiments of all of you, in saying,
that the threefold cord, which is to bind us together as a free,
enlightened and happy community, must be that woven by the
combined influence of the School, the Church, and the Fireside.
But to a complete and enlarged patriotism, I think it desirable,
if not essential, to possess a just appreciation of the material re-
sources and natural scenery of our native home, a deep-felt in-
terest in its very soil, a wish, if possible, to leave impressed upon
it some lasting token of our atfectionate regard. Who can man-
ifest such an interest, more extensively or more permanently,
than the cultivator ? Whoever rears a single fine flower in
front of his dwelling, gratifies hundreds of beholders by a spec-
tacle, far surpassing, in grace and loveliness, all the wonders of
the chisel or the pencil. Whoever plants a fruitful orchard, or
magnificent grove, erects a monument of his taste and benevo-
lence, which will call forth the grateful acknowledgments of
those who may follow him, at the distance of a century. To
what of our own handiwork, to what, that can fall from the lips
or the pen of any of us, can we promise a continuance half so
enduring? We cannot all of us be farmers, few indeed of us can
be able agricultural writers, but we can all do something, di-
rectly or indirectly, and let each do what he can to ornament
the face of our country — Great parent of Fruits^ and we trust
not barren of men, whose bright skies and bracing atmosphere
have given health to our frames, vigor to our arms, and elasti-
city to our spirits ; which has unfailingly supplied our wants

208 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

from her bountiful lap, and which, we trust, long after her
peaceful bosom shall have been opened to take us to our final
rest, will be the country of a free, a virtuous, and a happy peo-
ple, through countless generations.

The Progress of Industry, and the Harmony of Labor.

[^Extract from an Address, hj Hon. A. H. Bullock, al the last Fair of the Wor-
cester County Agricultural Society S\

This, then, is the grand moral lesson of the hour — the pro-
gress OF INDUSTRY, AND THE HARMONY OF LABOR. That PROGRESS

is already proved and illustrated, when this society remembers,
on the one hand, what its fathers saw, and what they did, and
on the other, casts its eye on the exhibitions, and gathers up the
instructions, of this day. That harmony, in interest and growth,
in sentiment and purpose, is substantiated by this present re-
union of all the sons of labor at this annual civic triumph. These
exhibitions are teaching us that we are all producers and all
consumers. These holidays are proving to us that the circle of
all business and all pursuits, is a charmed circle, and that a sin-
gle jar any where spreads discord and disaster through the
whole. There is no such thing here as an isolated interest, nor
any such man as an isolated laborer. In the formation and
growth of communities, labor divides and subdivides itself — to
the end, not that this pursuit or that may become easier or more
honorable than the other, but that each and all maybe the more
profitable and the more productive. Would you say that the
divisions and subdivisions of human invention in the machinery
we have witnessed to day, with all their nice and varied im-
provements from year to year, involve any encroachment on the
rights of labor ? Neither with any more truth Avould you main-
tain, that any fixed department of human pursuit, whether of
the hand or the head, in the field or the shop, in the counting-
room or the ofiice, could be stricken out without imparting dis-
turbance to the whole. There is one harmonious idea running

A. H. BULLOCK'S ADDRESS. 209

through the whole scheme and the whole fabric of society, the
whole theoiy and the whole practice of the world — and that is,
increased profit and increased production, — greater capacity for
producing, sustaining, educating, advancing the race. The
small and despised stream which flows through the heart of this
city, is a wiser witness and a more liberal philosopher than we.
What growth, and upbuilding, and expansion of industry has it
not witnessed ! It very early beckoned to its banks a scattered
humble, dependent colony of mechanics. It kept them up
through prosperous and adverse fortune, till now a score of
smoking shafts penetrate the sky, and from the reservoir on the
north to its southern outlet, its banks are vocal with the hammer
and the axe, the whirling wire and the building machine, the
forming plough and the noisy plane, the fierce glow of the fur-
nace and the heavy working of iron, the whiz of the car-shop
and the crack of the pistol — while a host of children, whom no
man can number, look towards it in the morning and in the
evening, for their daily bread. If I were to call upon this pro-
ductive rivulet for its testimony, what think you, it would be?
Why, to be sure, that the wire-maker and the machine-builder
combined to supply the cotton and woolen mill — that the plough-
maker furnished his wares for the whole agricultural world —
that the iron man, with his five or six scores of hands, was at
work for every body — and so on to the end of the chapter, con-
cluding with this essential and impressive fact, that, as this com-
munity has increased from year to year, new churches and new
schools, a little more counsel and a little more medicine, yet
other stores for wholesale and retail, more boarding-houses, and^
shoe-shops, and tailors and hatters, and grocers, and dress-
makers, were demanded and came in upon us, till the town has
become, what we behold it to-day — all helping one another, and

THE FARMER FEEDING THE WHOLE. i hold hiui tO be a SUSpicioUS

friend, who would scatter the seeds of dissension where Provi-
dence and natural causes have established a coincidence of in-
terest; and against his testimony I place that ever-speaking and
benevolent stream, as it carries down to the waters of the Black-
stone, to be diffused over yet larger communities between this
27

210 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

and the bay of the Narragansetts, that large universal truth of
American life — the harmony of labor.

Cast your eye over this great county of fifty-seven townships,
itself larger than Delaware or Rhode Island, teeming with an
hundred and twenty thousand inhabitants. Thirty years ago.
when this society began, the hills and valleys of to-day reflected
back the smiles of the same great Benefactor. But, in all else,
how changed ! How would the statistics of that day, if we had
any, stand by the side of your industry and production ? Par-
don me, for a moment, while I bring out, at a single glance, the
amazing growth and development which speak like the notes of
a trumpet to Worcester County. They present a picture for pride
and hope to the farmer, exultation to the mechanic, and satis-
faction to every body.

Our county presents, this day, a valuation — of course far, far
below the real value — in neat cattle of almost a million and a
half of dollars, larger, considerably, than both of the counties
next highest on the list, the affluent Middlesex, and the verdant
Berkshire, and more than a quarter of the whole in the Com-
monwealth. I am reminded of a remark made to me by the
great farmer of Marshfield, a year since, in full view of the
waters of Plymouth, and while gazing upon his hundred head
of choice cattle, grazing upon his cultivated plains. "Sir,'*
said Mr. Webster, " I can show you fish from my seas, and very
excellent stock, but in the way of cattle, I have nothing to pro-
duce to a Worcester County man. In my opinion, your work-
ing oxen are not surpassed by any in the world, I saw none
better in England, than you have in Sutton and Charlton."
Our county gives us a valuation in horses — somewhat neglected,
I fear, by this patronizing society — of rising half a million, and
in swine, one hundred and forty thousand dollars ; of Indian
corn, an annual production of almost $300,000, nearly one quar-
ter of the whole in the State ; of wheat almost $20,000, one
third of the whole. In rye, she is only equalled by alluvial
Hampden, while her production of barley is almost $50,000.
one half of all that is raised in the State ; of oats, one quarter of
the whole is hers, being the amount of $105,000, surpassed only
by Berkshire; of potatoes, almost one quarter of $1,000,000, be-

A. H. BULLOCK'S ADDRESS. 211

ing only behind Middlesex; in other esculent vegetables, |40,000.
In hay, she stands far in advance of her sister counties, yielding
annually more than $1,100,000; in fruits, about $120,000. and,
in slaughtered beef, nearly $50,000. So that, when we have
set aside the stock, which is permanent, our county furnishes
an annual production of rising $2,500,000, from her hills and
valleys, and this is probably only an approximation to the re-
sult which more accurate returns would furnish.

What has produced, what has stimulated, this labor of men,
and these crops of the earth 7 The same official tables shall
instruct us with the answer. In the county of Worcester, say
they, the annual production of the manufactured articles, spec-
ified in the returns, exceeds fifteen millions of dollars, and, as
nearly as I can reason upon the data furnished, they support
irom forty to fifty thousand ^exsons, having no direct connec-
tion with labor on the farm. Have you thought of it? The
county is up to about $2,500,000 in her cotton products, second
only to the county of Lowell. In woolens, she goes up nearly
to $4,000,000, about one half of all the products of the State;
all these, of course, far below the reality, for our statistics are
incomplete, and seem likely ever to be so. Let me pass briefly
ever some other items in our tables. Machinery, about $500,-
000 ; cards, exceeding all the State beside ; cars and coaches,
nearly $350,000, one quarter of the whole ; chairs and cabinet
ware, $400,000, ahead of all ; boots and shoes, almost 3,000,000 ;
straws and palm leaf, about $350,000, — 4000 females plying
their busy fingers, — but I forbear. The grand total I have
given, and it is a mountain of facts.

Is there no harmony here 7 The two great divisions have
gone onward together, each offering a market to the other, and
both — agriculture and manufactures — uniting to develop and re-
ward human labor. These are some of their harmonious re-
sults. They have started thousands in the great race of life,
organized families to methodize the enterprising impulses of the
heart of man, erected three church spires in every village,
founded a thousand schools, opened accessible marts for trade
and exchange, diffused graces, comforts, and charities at home,
and transmitted, to all parts of our Union, influences that shall

212 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

neither fade nor decay. Here, then, we find, in this chief in-
land county of New England, amid her ice and granite, manu-
factures and agriculture, living in equality, advancing in fra-
ternity. The one has developed, built up, enriched the other.
Thirty years ago, when your society was founded, an embargo
spread a panic through the interior. Now, the same interior,
rich in her mechanic arts and manufactures, and strong in the
smitten rock of her agriculture, I was about to say, could defy
wars and embargoes, any thing but pestilence and famine. Not
quite that either. While we plough the earth, there are others
who, for us, must plough the ocean. We must, rather than go
hungry, trade a little with the North and the West. We must,
rather than dispense with luxuries that have become necessaries,
trade considerably across the waters. Hence, we are not more
closely bound up together, here at home, in the same purposes and
destiny of labor, than we are all dependent on the commerce of
the eastern cities. We send them our products, and they pay us
with those of their own making or procuring. The metropolis
of Massachusetts comes, therefore, within the sphere of this
day's consideration — Boston — in lier growth and progress, her
pride and renown, her trade and commerce — we are her's, and
she is our's — sitting upon her peninsula and ours — with one
hand receiving the products of the inland and the West, and,
with the other, "espousing the everlasting sea." I repeat it,
the great moral instruction of the hour, is the progress of in-
dustry and the harmony of labor. Worcester county has es-
tablished the truth. The world proves the doctrine. England
illustrates it on a stupendous scale. About as large as Illinois.
she is mistress of the globe. Her harbors are a forest of masts,
and her flag is on every ocean. She manufactures for the con-
tinent and the East, and has been called the workshop of the
world. And, yet, with all her commerce, and all her manufac-
tures, there is something more vital and valuable than they.
The corn crop of Great Britain is estimated higher than them
all. Commerce and manufactures have stimulated the soil and
the labor of the empire, and her heaths, and bogs, and fens, have
been converted into smiling fields for the hungry millions.
So shall it be recorded in Massachusetts — the England of

A. H. BULLOCK'S ADDRESS. 213

America. Her manufactures have only commenced. With
studious economy, and continual improvement, their progress is
upward and onward, for a growing market at home, in New
England, over the Western prairies, yet half peopled, and in the
South, of freemen and slaves. Agriculture shall catch the im-
pulse, and obey the necessity. We cannot enlarge our territory,
but extensive cultivation shall become inteiisive cultivation, by
which an acre, a third of a century hence, shall yield what five
or ten acres produce now. And when the agricultural and me-
chanic societies shall meet, after the lapse of thirty years,
where we are now, they shall count an aggregate production
such as our times have not contemplated. They will then look
forward, as we do now, to a future before them, of inventions
and discoveries, yet to be apprehended, of more machinery and
more food, to be produced for a population ever increasing, and
ever making new demand^s for new and multiplied wants. And
over the whole field of their vision, to them, past and future,
they will recognize lines of harmony that bind all the sons of
labor together, in one common interest and destiny.

Our government was formed for the purpose of unfolding,
protecting, and expanding the interests of American labor, and
weaving them into one system as broad as the Union. If the
pursuits of men, however diversified, are, at the same time,
identical — if American society is but an aggregation of labor-
ers— then it ought to be the universally recognized duty of gov-
ernment to support and strengthen the right arm of its power.
I say not, here, how that object would best be obtained — whether
by legislation, or by withholding legislation, and leaving labor
to take care of itself — that is a discussion which does not belong
to the present occasion. But the principle — the doctrine, that
government, emanating from the people, should have, for its first
and highest aim, the promotion and preservation of the indus-
try of the people, that, I take it. it is proper at all times to main-
tain in the midst of a community, linked together by a com-
mon and vital tie. And, accordingly, we find the record. Our
glorious Constitution was erected upon that basis. In Massa-
chusetts, Paul Revere, with his fellow-mechanics, at the ever-
memorable tavern in Boston, gave a great impulse. When

214 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

John Hancock and Samuel Adams were wavering in alarm,
these mechanics came up, and forced the Constitution to its
adoption, in Massachusetts. In New York, at a meeting of the
master carpenters, at the house of William Ketchum, in April,
1788, a similar sentiment prevailed in their ranks, and they
sent up to the Convention, at Poughkeepsie. those great men of
the times, Livingston, and Jay, and Hamilton, whose voices
won over the Empire State to the cause of constitutional gov-
ernment. The yeomen of those days were engaged in the same
undertaking. And I hold it as a type of the destiny of Ameri-
can liberty, and American labor, that those times found agricul-
tural stability, commercial sagacity, and forensic eloquence,
combining, with the nerved arm of the mechanic, to unfurl over
American industry the broad banner of constitutional liberty,
and constitutional law. If we are not too much wiser than the
fathers, we shall, with a purpose as unanimous as our interests
are, invoke their spirit, and appreciate their instructions. And
as all industry is harmonious, from the Aroostook to Pascagoula,
so ought government to conspire in the happy social union, to
beautify and adorn our national heritage with the most brilliant
results of practical science, with myriad specimens of mechanical
invention and improvement, and with such ample measure of
agricultural production, as shall make ours the workshop and
the granary of the world.

Intellectual Labor Essential to Success in Agriculture.

[Extracts from an Address, hj Hon. William H. Wood, at the last Fair of the
Plymouth County Agricultural Society.]

However important bodily labor may be. however certain that
no result can be obtained without it, that alone is not sufficient
to ensure success. Else were the labor of the slave as produc-
tive as that of the free-man. There must be mental as well as
bodily labor. Unless the hand be directed by the mind, it will
have no cunning. Intelligent labor, labor directed by the intel-
lect, is alone productive. To illustrate how much success in
agriculture depends on intellectual labor, is my object.

WILLIAM H. WOOD'S ADDRESS. 216

Man and all nature around him, are made subject to fixed and
inflexible laws, which, like those of the Medes and Persians,
change not. All things exist, all changes in nature take place,
in accordance with these laws. These being fixed and immu-
table, man, by his intellectual activities, may make himself ac-
quainted with them, and thus learn to control them or place
himself in accordance with them. Until he does so, he is the
sport of nature, helpless and buffeted as a child disowned.
Afterwards, in proportion as he becomes acquainted with them,
he rises superior to nature, and makes many of her agencies
bend their necks to his service, and become subservient to his
will. The lightnings of heaven, formerly regarded with dread,
by mankind, at first were robbed of their terrors, and conducted
quietly to the earth, and now they are made our quick mes-
sengers, and run to and fro on our errands of thought.

The agriculturalist, before he can take the first step, must be-
come acquainted with the laws which govern the production of
animal and vegetable life, with the nature of the soil, and the
agencies of nature around him. As his work is to bring forth
the productive powers of the soil, how can he do so, unless he
understand the laws by which nature acts in production? If he
thwart nature, if he labor not in accordance with her laws, his
labor will produce nothing. Not that he must or can understand
all the processes of nature in production, but he must understand
the conditions which are to be performed on his part before na-
ture acts.

In ascertaining these laws, the agriculturalist must avail him-
self of the labor and experience of others. He must acquaint
himself with the science of agriculture. The science of agricul-
ture is the knowledge of its laws. There has at times existed
in the community, a prejudice against scientific farming. Bu
if science be the knowledge of the laws of nature, how can there
be a well-grounded objection to it 1 The prejudice against sci-
entific farming, has arisen from there not being science enough.
Principles have been obtained from books, and without under-
standing their connection with other principles, or the nature of
the soil, have failed in their application. In other cases, scien-
tific farming has not been distinguished from theoretic. Theory

216 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

may lead astray, and is important only as one step towards the
attainment of science. It is not to be trusted, until tested and
reduced to positive knowledge. Thus we have had many the-
ories, as to the origin of the potato disease, most or all of which
have proved useless, by not standing the test of experiment. In
order to obtain a knowledge of the laws of agriculture, we must
make experiments, or, in other words, question nature. If ques-
tioned aright, she will always lend a listening ear, and give a
decided response. Thus, would you inquire Avhether or not an
exhausted sandy soil contains the necessary elements or pabu-
lum for Indian corn; plant your corn, and, in the miniature and
sickly crops, you have a negative response, not to be misunder-
stood. Theories are only useful, as giving a direction and sys-
tem to our inquiries — useful, when so employed, dangerous oth-
erwise. Theory ends where science begins ; theory may mislead,
science is sure.

Why should it be thought that a farmer is prepared for his
occupation, without a knowledge of those laws of nature, with
which he is particularly connected, without a knowledge of the
materials upon which and with which he is to act ? Consider
the extent and variety of knowledge, which is called into exer-
cise in this avocation. As the farmer, at the early spring, sur-
veys his lands, and is laying his plans for the coming season,
how many questions arise to his mind, upon the determination
of which will depend the contingency, whether or not his lands,
now barren and naked, shall wave with autumnal harvests.
He must consider first the nature of the soil and wheat crop, it
is fitted to sustain; and here the whole subject of the analysis of
soils and agricultural chemistry, as to the elements of plants,
and whence those elements come, whether from the earth or at-
mosphere, is presented to his mind. If certain elements are
wanting for the sustenance of such a crop as he may determine
to cultivate, what substances, or what manures will best supply
the deficiency ? How and at what time shall they be applied ?
How shall the soil be prepared to receive the seed ; shall it be
ploughed deeply or otherwise, and how long before it receives
the seed 1 How shall the seed be selected and prepared ; how
and at what time shall it be committed to the earth ; in what

WILLIAM H. WOODS ADDRESS. 217

manner, whether sown broadcast, in drills, or planted in hills,
and how thickly shall the seed be sown or planted ? These in-
quiries open a wide field as to the botany and natural history of
plants, inquiries, with regard to which much is known, but
more remains unknown. W^hile growing, how shall the crop be
cultivated and protected ; to what enemies is it exposed, what ver-
min beneath the soil, what insects and birds above it? What they
are that make war upon the labors of the husbandman, is more ea-
sily ascertained, than it is to find protection against their ravages.
But having ascertained vjJi,at is to be done, the question arises
how it is to be done. This brings to view the subject of natural
agents. Man, in his physical constitution, is weak. The ox is
superior to him in strength, the horse in fleetness, and even the
beaver can fell a tree of the forest sooner than he. He can do
nothing until he brings his mind to act upon the agencies of na-
ture around him, and press them into his service. Nature has
not provided him with the axe, the plough and the spade, but
has provided the materials, and given him an intellect, so that
he can construct them for himself. The agriculturalist takes
advantage of these agencies, in the tools and implements of hus-
bandry, and in his beasts of draught. He avails himself of the
labor of other minds who have discovered and invented, and
whose discoveries and inventions have now become the proper-
ty of the race, and. so far as they are labor-saving machines,
they improve his condition. His own mind is called into activ-
ity, in selecting those implements that are best fitted for the
kind and mode of tillage, which he concludes to adopt, and he
will not use those which he has inherited from his fathers,
while improvements are going on around him. Were the man-
ufacturer not to keep pace with the improvements in labor-sav-
ing machinery, which are constantly being made, he would soon
find himself so far distanced in the race of competition, that he
would find " his occupation gone." Why should not the farmer
profit by the example thus set him 7 That improvements in
agricultural implements are being made, we have had abun-
dant evidence to-day. Compare the ploughs used here to-day,
with those in use a quarter of a century ago, and mark the pro-
gress. The materials used in their construction are much the
28

218 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

same, but in different combinations and proportions — less tim-
ber, but more intellect.

The agriculturalist finds aid in another kind of agency, the
muscular power of animals, subdued to the yoke, or the har-
ness. This is the only kind of locomotive power hitherto used
in tillage. The judgment of the farmer is called into exercise
to determine which is best fitted for his use, the horse or the ox.
In determining this, he must take into consideration the ex-
pense of keeping, the accidents and diseases to which they are
liable, the variety of uses to which they may be applied. Hav-
ing determined which, questions then arise, and they arise as to
all his stock, what species are best, and what are the indica-
tions for distinguishing the best individuals of that species, and
all that relates to the best method of rearing, training, and feed-
ing stock. This is a science of itself, and one of the most in-
teresting that engages the attention of the farmer. In my il-
lustrations thus far, I have not alluded to the subject of rota-
tion of crops, fruit trees, treatment of woodlands, draining of
wet soils, irrigation of dry, farm buildings, all, or most of which
subjects, engage the attention of every farmer; but the above
illustrations show how much intellectual labor is combined
with the proper tillage of the soil.

As the laws of nature act always the same, and never change,
and as there are no limits to the human mind, in its powers
and capabilities of ascertaining these laws, there is reason to
believe that the science of agriculture might be brought to the
state of perfection of an exact science, — that is, the farmer
might, in spring, from an exact knowledge of his soil, of his
seed, of the culture which he intends to give, compute with ex-
actness the quantity and quality of the crop which should re-
ward his labors, — were it not that there must be, as far as our
knowledge at present extends, one unknown element in the
com-putation. The state of the weather Ave have no means of
knowing in advance — whether the season shall be warm or
cold, wet or dry, defies all prognostication. Perhaps it will be
always so. Perhaps a kind Providence, in order to make us
feel our dependence on Him, intends always to have the winds
and the rain, the blast and the mildew, in His own hand, high

WILLIAM H. WOOD'S ADDRESS. 219

above our knowledge or control. And yet, from the analogies
of nature, we can but suppose, that even the winds and the
storms are governed by fixed laws, and that those laws are
written in a language which man may, one day, interpret.

The agriculturalist, then, cannot hope for success, but in the
acquisition of knowledge relating particularly to his art, and in
the cultivation of his intellect as well as his fields, in constant
activity of mind as well as of body. It requires but little men-
tal effort to go through with a routine of cultivation, such as
his father may have practised ; but, while he stands still, the
world goes forward, and his farm goes backward. How many
are the farms that are suffered to run down, not so much for
want of labor, as for want of good management. How many
fields do we pass that have been exhausted, and given up to
barrenness. How little is known of the effects which can be
produced by a skilful rotation of crops, or by the drainage of
marshy lands, or by thorough cultivation, by confining labor
and capital to a small extent of surface, rather than by extend-
ing them on a larger.

But it is not enough that the farmer strive to know that which
was before known. It is not enough that he know the princi-
ples of the science of agriculture ; he must be able to make a
practical application of them. Maturity of judgment, as well
as knowledge, is necessary. Each farm differs from eVery
other farm. Each farmer must determine for himself, for what
products, and for what kind of tillage his farm is particularly
adapted, considering the nature of the soil, the location, the
products in most demand, the distance from a market town, the
capital which he has to employ in its cultivation.

But there is a higher field of action than this, and one re-
quiring greater intellectual power. The agriculturalist should
endeavor to extend the domains of science, to push his re-
searches into territories hitherto undiscovered. Why should he
not? Scarcely one corner of the veil has been raised, which
conceals the secrets of nature from our view. Principles which
now lie hidden — agencies hitherto unknown, are all around us,
waiting to be discovered. Problems, too, are constantly arising
in agriculture which require solution. Who so competent to do

220 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

this, as he who walks continually amidst nature's works, and
who thus has opportunity to interpret her language]

1 know the idea has prevailed, that the labor must be done
by one class of men, and the thinking by another. A priori
reasoning must have taught us that this is a false idea, and ex-
perience teaches us the same truth. If it had been the inten-
tion of the Creator, that physical and mental labor should have
been disconnected. He would have given the body to one class
of beings and the mental organization to another. So, too, ex-
perienced teachers that labor, where mind is wanting, is little
productive, and that the mental powers are far less active when
the body is not perfected and kept in a vigorous condition, by
the energy which labor imparts. A sound mind can only exist
in a sound body, and the exercise of each is the condition of its
soundness.

The condition, then, of the farmer, is favorable for the ad-
vancement of the science of agriculture, if he would tax the
body less, and the mind more. He can well do this, for, in pro-
portion as his labor becomes directed by science, does it become
more productive — in other words, less labor will produce the
same results, and thus, he has more time for mental cultivation.
For example, if, by superior skill, he can realize the same product
from one day's labor that he formerly did from two, he has
twice as much time as he had before, a portion of which he
might dedicate to mental pursuits. So, too, the agriculturalist
can depend on annual seasons of leisure with more certainty
than those of most other avocations, — seasons, when nature,
as if exhausted, retires within herself, to recover her wonted
energies, and gain strength for future activity, and forbids the
husbandman to ply his accustomed labors. With the time
which he thus has at his disposal, with a mind intent on suc-
cess, with a spirit of inquiry which he might carry into all his
labors, watching nature in her operations, submitting theories
to the test of experiment on a small scale, and at little risk, com-
paring results with one another (as we are met to do this day,)
the practical farmer is placed under conditions most favorable
for enlarging the field of agricultural science, and could hope to
attain all that could be attained under any other circumstances.

JOHN P. NORTON'S ADDRESS. 221

Plant ill the mind a desire to know, awaken a spirit of inquiry,
and occasion will not be wanting. The observing mind turns
all things to advantage. The greatest discoveries are frequently
made by accident. Were the mind intent, the hints which na-
ture throws out would be seized on and turned to a practical
result much oftener than they are.

Physical toil loses much of its asperity, when united with
mental activity. The malefactor on the tread wheel, the galley-
slave at the oar, find labor hard and irksome, because their la-
bor requires no exercise of the intellect. On the contrary, Hum-
boldt, or Mungo Park, with their minds intent on scientific dis-
covery, could travel the earth over, cross seas, ascend rivers,
climb the highest peaks, or dive into the depths of the earth,
and scarcely feel conscious of fatigue. When the farmer thus
throws his intellect into his labors, it gives them new life and
activity, and removes much of their drudgery. If, instead of
adoping an annual routine of labor, pursuing the same course
of tillage that his fathers have done, the agriculturalist would
hght up, in his mind, a zeal for the attainment of science, and a
desire to advance the art of husbandry, directing his labors not
merely to the raising of a given crop, but to the improvement
of his own fields, the advancement of the principles and meth-
ods of culture, he would strip his occupation of half its toil, and
feel that he was laboring for the attainment of a higher end.

The Structure, the Physical Properties, and the Chemical
Composition of the Soil.

[An Address delivered before (he Agricultural Societies of Berkshire and Hamp-
shire Counties, at their Anniversary Fairs, in Pittsfield and Northampton, in
October, 1848, by John P. Norton, Professor of Agricultural Chemistry,
Yale College.]

Mr. President and Gentlemen : The meetings of a Society
like this, differ from those other public occasions which call great
masses of men together, in one leading feature.

We see celebrations commemorating some particular day or

222 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

signalizing some special event — we see gatherings of multi-
tudes for political or moral purposes; but, in none of these, is the
acquisition of knowledge so essentially the aim, if indeed it can,
in most cases, be considered an aim at all. Here, however, this
is with a large majority really the object. Some are more par-
ticularly interested in stock, others in implements, others again in
grain and various forms of ripened produce. AH come to seek
and to give information.

Where, then, the gaining of knowledge is the definite object of
assemblage, a few remarks, bearing directly upon practical sub-
jects, will not, perhaps, be thought out of place. Were I to give
advice upon matters of simple practice, I might well be consid-
ered presumptuous for even attempting to enlighten such emin-
ent practical farmers as surround me.

But if I succeed in illustrating and explaining some connec-
tions of science with practice ; in giving satisfactory reasons
for modes of procedure generally adopted from the mere force
of custom, my remarks will certainly not be devoid of interest.

The farmer of the present day, who desires to improve, and
to thoroughly understand his profession, has a wide range open
before him. All of the natural sciences offer advantageous
fields for exploration. In the air, the earth, the water, in the
vegetable and animal worlds, the mind once aroused, finds suf-
ficient space for its utmost energies.

Each one of the subjects that I have indicated, affords ample
scope for a host of observers during a long series of years ; even
with the great progress already made in research, each possesses
within itself a multitude of unresolved problems, waiting for
solution, and harmonious laws which we only need to under-
stand, to be impressed with a still greater admiration than that
we now feel when we are only able to see their incomprehen-
sible workings.

These assertions, it is my purpose to illustrate to-day, by some
observations upon one of the above topics.

I have selected the soil — not that it afibrds a broader field
than some of the others, but because it seems naturally to come
first when we speak of improvement, and because it is the
foundation from which all progress must be made. I shall

JOHN P. NORTON'S ADDRESS. 223

confine myself to one part of this great subject — the structure,
the physical properties, and the chemical composition of the
soil. This may seem to some a narrow limit, but there will be
no difficulty in proving it far too broad for the limits of a single
address.

The soils which now exist upon the face of our earth, have
been produced by a variety of agencies ; the chief of these have
been, the gradual decomposition and. crumbling down of the
rocks themselves, and deposition by water. We know that the
external outline of the earth has undergone most extensive
changes. In some places, it has sunk, in others risen. Some-
times it is evident, from the present conformation of the surface,
that violent currents of water have swept across strata of rocks,
wearing away the uppermost, and transporting their ruins to fill
up depressions elsewhere. We often find strata upheaved and
dislocated by action from below, and, in many cases, see the
inferior rock presenting itself on the surface, having burst up-
wards in a state of fusion, in despite of every obstacle. Scarce-
ly a region can be found which does not present striking
evidence of the throes, convulsions, and changes, which took
place before man became an inhabitant of this planet. It is for
geologists to decide, if they can, how long a time was occu-
pied in these changes ; suflUce it for our present purpose, that
they have taken place, and that they seem to have been espe-
cially ordered for our benefit. Had the stratum last deposited,
or formed, continued unbroken and unchanged around the whole
earth, we should have had none of the beautiful variety of
scenery which now greets our eyes on every side ; no alterna-
tion of hill and dale, mountain, plain and valley, with the at-
tendant variations of climate and production, which now so
often remind us of perfection itself.

The soil would have been identical in composition over vast
districts, if not over the whole earth, being all formed from, at
least, allied species of rocks. Now as few rocks contain all the
material for a good soil, this soil would doubtless have been
imperfectly fitted to sustain most of the plants necessary for our
existence and comfort. When exhausted too, we should have
had no stores of mineral substances in forms convenient for
supplying the deficiency.

224 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

The conv^ulsions of nature, however, have been directed for
our good, and they seem to have continued in a very long series
before this earth was deemed fit for the abode of man.

Geological researches have shown us the existence of races
of animals, that lived and died, and succeeded each other in
countless myriads, through long and indefinite periods of time.
We find them all changed to stone, entombed in rocky sepul-
chres. Sometimes the appearance of the rock denotes that it
was deposited from a calm and quiet sea, where the animals
died naturally, and in consequence seldom remain whole or un-
harmed. In other cases, life and its functions seem to have been
suspended by some sudden change, so that we find large fish
with smaller ones in their mouth, but half swallowed, and oth-
ers with their thorny fins yet erect in the attitude of fear or
rage with which they received their death shock, when that
sudden mysterious destruction came upon them. In some of
these periods also, upon that part of the land elevated above the
water, there flourished a vegetation of exceeding luxuriance.

Internal fires have borne a decided part in all these changes,
if they have not been the chief agents. It is well known that
even now, as we go towards the centre of the earth, for each
foot in depth the heat increases, indicating interior combustion
still active. In the earlier history of our globe, these fires must
have burst forth many times. The masses of melted matter
may be plainly seen, penetrating the stratified rocks, filling
cracks in their substance, flowing over their surfaces, or upheav-
ing and contorting them.

But while some rocks were thrust upward, others sank into
corresponding depressions; and vast currents of water, pro-
duced by these convulsions, seas and lakes turned out of their
beds, seem to have swept over the world ; completing the scene
of confusion by tearing away and grinding down strata, bearing
the materials to other regions, there to form beds of sand, clay,
or gravel, according to the nature of the original rock. The
vegetation, at such periods, seems to have been carried into hol-
lows and buried deep by succeeding or continuing shocks, to
form under enormous pressure and a high temperature, beds of
coal for the advantage of beings yet to be created.

JOHN P NORTON'S ADDRESS. 225

Thus all of these tremendous revulsions and changes of sur-
face seem to have been made with the great end of preparing
the earth for the habitation of man, making its resources more
available to him.

In such a view, the globe appears to have been a vast manu-
factory for our benefit. Its beds of limestone, of marl, of gyp-
sum, are dispersed in every direction, that they may be acces-
sible to all ; the various composition of its rocks produces soils
capable of growing every necessary plant ; its ores are abun-
dant in proportion as they are the more indispensable for the
formation of necessary implements ; while, on the walls of our
coal mines, we may still trace the forms of a gigantic vegeta-
tion which flourished long ages ago. and was then stored for
our use.

It is not to be supposed that the present surface assumed its
present shape, in every place at the same time. Some regions,
without doubt, became tranquil long before others, but all must
at first have presented a strange naked aspect. There was, of
course, no soil, except in the track of some former current
where matter in suspension had been deposited. This appear-
ance of absolute ruggedness and sterility could not have con-
tinued long unaltered. Atmospheric influences, heat and cold,
moisture and dryness, worked surely then as now, and, after a
time, the most enduring rocks began to crumble. As the decom-
posing fragments became minute, little patches of soil were
formed here and there. If it were on the side of a hill, fine
particles had a tendency to descend into the hollows, being
washed down by the rain. In ordinary circumstances, there-
fore, soil must have first appeared in the valleys, and in every
little hollow of the hill sides. The durability of each particular
species of rock had, of course, much influence upon the readi-
ness with which the soil formed. Thus most of the slates, many
limestones and sandstones, soften and decay readily when ex-
posed to the air ; on these were to be seen soils at a compara-
tively early period, and such soils soon became deep. But the
granites, and some of the harder limestones, remain almost
unchanged for a long period of years, and we see, even at this
day, that the soils upon those formations are thin, while at fre-
29

226 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

qaent intervals project masses of the naked rock, yet defying
the influence of time.

Granite countries are ordinarily nigged, and, in consequence
of this very slow disintegration of the rock, a great difference
exists between the soil of the valleys and that of the hill sides.
Every thing soluble, and all of the finer particles, are, of course,
liable to be washed downward, and the more because they are
produced so slowly; — as a general rule, then, in such districts,
the soil will be found light and thin on the slopes of the hills,
and rather inclining to clay in the hollows, having there a large
proportion of potash and soda. But when streams rim through
the valleys, it almost uniformly results that a soil of superior
character is introduced. The reason of this is obvious, from a
fact already stated, that the rocks vary in composition. There
are few streams that do not pass through a number of diflx3rent
formations, and when, swollen and muddy from the accession
of spring torrents, they overflow their banks, a mixture of fine
particles, brought from every part of their course, is deposited.
A soil, formed in this Avay, is obviously more likely to be fertile
than that derived from any one rock, because it more probably
contains every substance necessary to the sustenance of vegeta-
tion. Almost all of the deep and apparently inexhaustible soils
which occasionally occur in our own and other countries, seem to
have been originally formed by depositions from water, either as
a stream or a lake. The distance to which fiuely divided particles
are carried by a rapid stream is truly astonishing. The fine clay
found in the bottom of some lakes in Holland, is known, from
its composition, to have been brought down by the Rhine from
its upper waters, in the mountains of Switzerland and Ger-
many. The deposit, even from waters which flow through a
very inferior soil, is of good quality, or at least much better
than would be expected. I have recently had an opportunit)'
of seeing this fact exemplified in New Haven, Ct. The Farm-
ington canal, which terminated at that place, ran for nearljr
thirty miles from the city through a very light sand, so light
that it was a long time after its completion before its banks
could be made to hold water at all. This canal is now aban-
doned, and, in cleaning out one or two basins near the city, a de-

JOHN P NORTON'S ADDRESS. 227

posit of nearly a foot in depth was found, having quite a clayey-
character, baking hard, and cracking when dry. This deposit
has proved worth nearly or quite as much as manure on the
light sandy soils of that neighborhood.

Soils, formed in this way by water, are common in every coun-
try, and there are also large tracts covered by some of those
terrible ancient floods of which I have spoken. This may all
have been done at the period of the deluge, but, however that
may be, the original formation is covered sometimes to a vast
depth by the debris of others. In all of these cases of superfi-
cial deposit, the character of the underlying rock has, of course,
little or nothing to do with that of the soil : but in most situa-
tions it has a controlling influence, and a study of the one will
give us a general idea of the other, beside leading to important
practical results.

The variations in the composition of diflerent rocks are far
greater than is ordinarily supposed. It might be thought by
many for instance, that the soils of limestone countries would as
a general rule be nearly identical in composition, but this is by
no means true. The purer limestones contain as high as nine-
ty-five per cent, of carbonate of lime, but there are many which
contain impurities to the amount of much more than half their
weight. Then, too, there is a large class of limestones in which
magnesia is found in greater or less proportion. The soils pro-
duced by these last, when the magnesia is in large quantity, are
frequently very poor and cold ; differing extremely from those
formed by a limestone in which little or no magnesia is present.
An unpractised eye would be unable to distinguish between the
two kinds of stone, and a farmer, who had lived upon a good
limestone soil, might be miserably deceived when he thought he
had settled upon another of the same character. In the south
of England, on. the chalk formation, there are, among many
others, two layers of chalk, the one immediately above the
other, extending over a large district. The upper layer differs
little in appearance from the lower, except that it contains a
larger number of flints; but the soil produced by its decompo-
sition is thin and poor, while that from the lower is very fertile.
So marked is the diflerence, that this layer is carted as a ma-

228 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

nure for the upper, and pits are dug to a considerable depth
where there is any prospect of obtaining it.

T had occasion, during my residence in Scotland, to examine a
number of slates from a certain district in Wigtonshire, with
reference to their per-centage of lime. The difference was found
even greater than had been anticipated, some of them contain-
ing six or seven per cent., and others little more than a mere
trace. These layers were a part of one continuous series, and
each formed soils in a comparatively small district. These soils
of course varied as did the slates, in their proportion of lime.
The layers of slate were thin, and hence it might happen that
there were two or three kinds of soil on the same farm. The
farmer would find then, that the application of lime on one field
was beneficial, on another quite useless. He would puzzle him-
self to make out the cause, when the simple reason would be
that one soil had enough lime already, but the other had none
at all. In this way may the greater part of the contradictory
views regarding lime be reconciled.

Quite as great differences as the above are to be found in soils
derived from sandstones. There are various formations of sand-
stone as of limestone, and they also differ greatly in their com-
position ; producing, in some cases, miserable shifting sands, and
in others some of the richest soils known.

The same variation is frequently found among the granite
rocks, as I will exemplify by the following table.

This table is intended to show the general composition of
certain common minerals and rocks. The names may not be
understood by many, but that is of no consequence to my pres-
ent purpose. It is enough to know that they are names of com-
mon substances and rocks, some of which are met with in
almost every neighborhood : —

JOHN P. NORTON'S ADDRESS.

229

COMPOSITION OF MINERALS AND

ROCKS.

Per centage of

Felspar.

Mica.

Horn-
blend.

Hypers-
ihene.

Serppn-
tiiie.

Basalt.

Green-
stone.

Silica, .
Alumina,
Potash, .
Soda,
Lime,
Magnesia,
Pro. of iron,
Perox. of do..
Water, .

65.21
18.13
16.66

46.10

31.60

8.39

8.65

42.24
13.92

12.24
13.74
14.59

51.35

1.84
11.09
33.92

40.08

41.40
2.70

15.67

46.50
16.75

2.60
9.50
2.25

20.12
2.00

57.25
25.50

8.10
2.75

3.50
3.00

A mixture of the two first minerals in this table, felspar and
mica, with common quartz or silica, forms granite. In some
granites, however, the place of mica is almost or entirely sup-
plied by the third mineral, hornblend. Now it will be observed
that in the two first columns no lime is mentioned, but in the
third there is rather more than twelve per cent. ; here will re-
sult a notable difference in the soils formed from granites con-
taining hornblend, and those which contain only felspar and
mica.

In the fourth column is named hypersthene, a rock resem-
bling in appearance some of the hornblend rocks ; but contain-
ing little lime, no potash or soda, much magnesia, and a third
of its weight of protoxide of iron, a substance most injurious
to vegetation when in large quantity.

Serpentine, a rock which forms many soils, has nearly half
its weight of magnesia. Between basalt and greenstone, allied
species of rocks, are also seen very marked differences.

These instances show that much light as to composition of
any soil, may be gained by a knowledge of the particular rock
from which it was wholly or chiefly formed. Reasoning as
above, we may ordinarily derive some general rule which shall
hold good over a particular district.

If not absolutely certain in all cases, we may at least in this
way work out a judicious series of experiments, for the purpose
of ascertaining, with as little expense as possible, what is the
most advantageous and economical application to any given
soil.

Beyond this, the great mass of farmers cannnot go, for the

230

SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

reason that any farther approach to accuracy can only be made
with the assistance of chemical analysis. I am aware that
views have been industriously circulated which are contrary to
the position now taken, but 1 feel quite satisfied that the pro-
moters of such views are not exactly aware of the impractica-
bility which is inseparable from their plans.

That there are difficulties in the way, will be obvious from a
glance at the following table : —

COMPOSITION OF SOILS.

In one thousand parts.

Ferule wiihout
manure.

Fertile with
manure.

Very barren.

Organic matter, . . . .

97

50

40

Silica,

648

833

758

Alumina, .

57

51

101

Lime,

59

18

4

Magnesia,

8

8

1

Oxide of iron, .

61

30

91

Oxide of manganese,

1

3

trace.

Potash,

2

trace.

—

Soda,

4

—

—

Chlorine, .

2

—

—

Sulphuric acid.

2

1

—

Phosphoric acid,

4

2

—

Carbonic acid,

40

4

—

Loss, .

15

0

5

1000

1000

1000

Here are a great number of substances mentioned, and all of
them present in the first soil, which is one of great fertility. That
all of them are important, we see in the second soil, where the
absence of a few makes the addition of manure indispensable.
It is not necessary that the proportions should be exactly as
above, but all of these substances must be present to ensure
great fertility ; where many of them are wanting, as in the
third column, we find barrenness.

Any person of ordinary understanding, may soon learn to
determine with tolerable exactness the more abundant substan-
ces, such as silica, alumina, lime, iron, &c., and this is as far as
many analysts have seen fit to go. There are, however, others
which are present, but in comparatively small quantities, even
when we examine the very best soils, as shown in the table.

JOHN P. NORTON'S ADDRESS. 231

Among these are potash, soda, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid,
&c. Phosphoric acid for instance, is necessary, because it forms
a large part of the ash in all of the grain crops, being chiefly
concentrated in the seed. This acid, in combination with lime,
is the principal material from which the bones are formed. It
is thus essential in a soil, for the ultimate end of building up
the animal framework through the plant. Now a quantity of
this substance, which would not be detected in the soil, except
by a skilfully conducted analysis, might still be amply sufficient
for any crop. Many of the bodies contained in soils are difll-
cult to separate entirely from all impurities, and a person not
thoroughly conversant with chemical analysis is always liable
to the most gross errors. Those who devote themselves to the
science of chemistry, aided by accurate instruments, and pure
substances for testing, frequently find it necessary to retrace
and revise their steps. Unforeseen exigencies constantly arise,
not mentioned in any printed formulas for analysis, which re-
quire extended experience in order to avoid serious mistakes.
Owing to such difficulties, all efforts by uninstructed analysts
are to be looked upon with distrust, when they clash with what
is ordinarily supposed to be the truth.

From my own experience, both as a student and teacher, 1
should say that two years of study and practice is a time quite
limited enough for the fitting of a student to make thorough and
accurate analyses. Many men would not learn to do so in four
years, or even longer ; the business of a chemist requiring a pe-
culiar talent and habit of mind, quite as much as that of a law-
yer or physician. The gentlemen, then, who propose, as some
have done, to turn out our young farmers finished analysts at
the end of six weeks study, are surely more sanguine than well
informed.

Farmers may learn to make some simple and useful testings,
may determine some of the leading ingredients of the soil, or
make mechanical analyses by finding the proportions of sand and
clay ; beyond this, few will have inclination or ability to go.
Nor do I think it, in most cases, necessary to go farther. A gen-
eral knowledge of the constituents of a soil in any district, is, in
ordinary experience, quite sufficient. Should difficulties occur

232 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

inexplicable by common rules, a thorough analysis ouglit to be
made by some really competent person.

I have called attention to certain substances, as necessary to
a fertile soil, but have not particularly designated among them,
a name which is at the top of the first column of the table, " or-
ganic matter." This name does not refer to a single substance,
but to a class ; all of the other names in the column are inclu-
ded in another class, " inorganic matter." These names were
given as most fitly describing the grand distinction between two
great classes of bodies.

Organic matter — is either living defined organs, or something
that may be considered a product of such organs. When ex-
posed to heat, the organic part burns and disappears, thus
showing that the solid substance burned had originally been
nothing but air. To form these organic bodies from the differ-
ent kinds of air or gas, requires the action of living organs.
Inorganic substances are also present in the plant, and in the
animal, but they were not formed in the plant, merely drawn
in by it from the soil. When the plant or the soil is heated, the
organic part is that which burns, being reconverted to its ele-
mentary form ; the inorganic part, being incombustible and not
volatile, remains in the form of ash.

The organic matter of the soil is derived from the death
and decay of plants and animals. When in the form of vege-
table mould, its presence seems to exercise a remarkably bene-
ficial influence on all of our cultivated crops. It would occupy
too much of your time, were I to enter upon the contested theo-
ries as to the manner in which this organic matter acts so de-
cidedly. Leaving these aside, it is sufficient to say, that it is a
necessary portion of every fertile soil. In all ordinary cases,
the organic constituents of a soil decompose slowly ; a part goes
to the sustenance of plants, and part, being evaporated, disap-
pears entirely. These changes proceed most regularly, in the
presence of a sufiicient degree of moisture, air, and warmth.
If the quantity of water in the soil, however, be large, and re-
mains there permanently, its effect becomes quite injurious,
rather than beneficial. In the first place, air and warmth are,
in a great degree, excluded ; then the process of decomposition

JOHN P. NORTON'S ADDRESS. 233

is arrested, and various acid vegetable substances begin to ac-
cumulate. If water still stands, and stagnates, the soil becomes
so unfavorable to the cultivated crops, that they do r.ot succeed
and the artificial, valuable grasses are gradually replaced by
swamp grasses, or rushes. The water now becomes dark col-
ored, owing to its holding in solution a small quantity of these
vegetable acids. In tropical climates, the heat is so great, that
vegetable matter decomposes, even when immersed in water,
and consequently there is no entire arrest of decomposition : in
temperate regions, there is a gradual accumulation, and, after
we pass a certain degree of latitude, this accumulation is very
rapid. From such causes, result the peat bogs, and morasses
of all northern climates. When once commenced, these have a
peculiar growth of their own, and increase from year to year,
until, at last, they sometimes reach the thickness of twenty
or thirty feet. Now, it is to be observed, that the elements in
these quaking, hopelessly barren swamps, are the same as those
which exist in the most fertile soils ; the difficulty is, that they
are here, as it were, locked up, so as to be worse than useless, to
any valuable plant.

The remedy for this state of things is simple ; a few drains of
tiles, or small stones, placed at proper distances, and cut to a
proper depth, will be found an infallible specific. The super-
fluous water is carried away, and, as it retires from the surface,
air and warmth follow ; then the work of decomposition com-
mences, and, after a time, a soil of uncommon fertility is ob-
tained.

But the evil eflect of much water upon the soil is seen, not
in bogs and swamps alone, but also, in a great number of our
cultivated fields. In such places, water is not present to the
extent before described ; the soil may be even, perfectly firm
and dry at midsummer, but still, there is so much water during
autumn and spring, that neither grass nor cultivated crops suc-
ceed well. The action here is, so far as it goes, similar to that
already mentioned. A quantity of vegetable acids are formed,
owing to the imperfect access of air, sufiicient to check, if not
to entirely arrest, the growth of crops. The farmers ordinarily
call such land cold and sour, and, by so doing, they express ex-
30

234 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

actly its properties. A practised eye will soon detect these wet
fields, or the wet spots, caused by concealed springs, on land
otherwise dry. A few rushes, or some coarse, wiry grass, will
always betray the secret. Here too, the only remedy lies in the
drain. Its ameliorating influence is more quickly felt on this cold,
sour land, than in swamps, because the evil has not proceeded so
far. I am scarcely acquainted with a farm, in my own part of
the country, which has not some land upon it that needs drain-
ing. In nearly every section of New England, I believe that a
farm without some wet places on it, would be an exception to a
general rule.

The mischief caused by too much water is not confined to
the organic part alone, but extends to the various inorganic sub-
stances that I have mentioned ; they, too, undergo various
changes in the soil, which fit them the more readily to serve as
food for plants, insoluble combinations gradually becoming sol-
uble. These changes are arrested almost entirely in presence of
standing water, and, in some cases, positively injurious com-
pounds are formed.

Draining thus becomes, on many soils, the necessary founda-
tion of all permanent advantage, and must be considered as one
of the most important operations connected with improved cul-
tivation.

It is urmecessary to cite any facts, proving the inequality of
organic matter in different situations ; every person, at all con-
versant with practical farming, knows, that scarcely any two
soils are alike in this respect. There is no exact standard fixed
as to what ought to be the proper quantity. We find fertile
soils, containing from one to twenty per cent., and therefore,
conclude that the establishment of such a rule is not necessary.

This organic matter, being caused in the soil by the decay of
plants and animals, must have been originally derived from the
atmosphere The earth at first, was certainly destitute of any
such matter, and the first plants were dependent for it on the
air alone. This may seem an argument, telling rather upon the
side of those who uphold the doctrine of inorganic manures ;
but it is to be remembered, that there are certain classes of
plants which will thrive in such situations. On the bare, drift-

JOHN P. NORTON'S ADDRESS. 235

ing sands of Holland, the arundo arenaria, (a species of reed,)
the spurry, and various other plants are cultivated, which flour-
ish in these places. When a few crops of these have died and
decayed, there has enough organic matter accumulated to sup-
port more valuable plants. So it is frequently in this country ;
if we can, by adding manures, bring our sandy soils up till
they will bear clover, they can afterward easily be kept in good
condition. The argmiient then, tells in favor of the organic
theory rather than against it, inasmuch as it shows the necessity,
to our valuable plants, of organic matter in the soil.

There is scarcely any land which does not improve, to a cer-
tain extent, by lying idle ; this takes place, even where the
worst possible system is pursued, as in some parts of Holland,
where they grow rye every season, until they cannot get their
seed back, and then let it lie for a few years. In the Highlands
of Scotland, the same course is adopted with oats. I remember
a story of a gentleman who remarked to a tenant, that he had a
very poor crop of oats on a certain field; '"deed, sir, and it
ought, said he, it's the jiftecnihP But even, on such soils, rest
does not fail to produce a certain degree of renovation, so that,
after the lapse of a few years, crops can be again obtained. This
arises, partly, from the accumulation of organic matter, and
partly, from the decomposition of fresh quantities of inorganic
substances, which are thereby made ready for the sustenance of
plants. These two sources of benefit have caused the extensive
employment of naked fallows ; by leaving the land, for a sea-
son,"without a crop, and frequently stirring it, the inorganic
substances accumulated; indeed, this was the chief benefit of
the system, as the organic matter, owing to frequent turning
over, and exposure to the air, was decomposed, and disappeared
to an extraordinary degree.

Now, by the introduction of green crops for ploughing under
we are enabled to produce a much greater supply of inorganic
substances for the next crop, and, at the same time, to increase,
instead of decreasing the organic part. The roots of clover,
and other green crops, bring up, from the lower part of the soil,
inorganic substances, which are, with the plant deposited on
the surface, in readiness for the support of the succeeding crop.

236 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

Naked fallows, then, are no longer necessary, except, perhaps,
occasionally for the extirpation of some troublesome weed.

This improvement of the soil is seen quite strikingly in for-
ests. We there find, that very poor land, incapable, without
heavy manuring, of bearing crops, sustains a fall growth of
large trees, and, at the same time, improves from year to year.

This appears very strange, but. when we consider the reasons
for such a seeming anomaly, we find that it is only a beautiful
exemplification of the law which we are considering.

The growth of onr ordinary crops is sudden, and must be
completed within a single season ; that of trees is slow and con-
tinued through many years, — the demand upon the resources of
the soil is more gradual. Then, too, the roots of trees bring
their food from a very extended range ; spreading wide and de-
scending deep, they draw supplies from sources inaccessible to
annual plants. By a wise regulation of Providence, the wood,
which constitutes the great bulk of the tree, contains very little
inorganic matter, frequently not more than one-half or three-
fourths per cent. ; while the leaves oftsn contain, when dry,
from fifteen to twenty per cent., and even more. Thus, the
trunk derives nearly all its bulk from the air, while the leaves,
with their large proportion of organic matter, fall upon the soil,
and constitute an annual top-dressing, of a nature best calcula-
ted to improve its capabilities. Even when the trunks of the
trees are carried' away, a small portion of inorganic matter is
abstracted, compared with that which has been deposited on the
soil during their growth, in the shape of leaves and bark.

The same thing is observed to a considerable extent, upon
grass lands, where the soil is of good quality. In situations
where grass has annually grown, and decayed undisturbed, for
a long series of years, a surprising degree of fertility is attained.
Many of our western prairies and cleared forest lands, are ex-
amples of this principle. We have instances where crops of
Indian corn and wheat have been grown, for many years in
succession, with scarcely a perceptible diminution in the yield.
Ordinary manure upon these soils is injurious, because it indu-
ces too luxuriant a growth ; they really seem inexhaustible.
Where, however, there is no source of supply to make good the

JOHN P. NORTON'S ADDRESS. 237

annual loss, this constant cropping will begin to tell after a
time, and the crops will gradually diminish. This diminution
will at first be slow, but no less sure ; and, if such a ruinous
course be continued, we shall see tracts of our finest western
soil become like that of Virginia, deserted and barren now, but
once fertile as any soil could be.

It is a matter of national importance, that this should not
happen, that these broad and beautiful regions should remain
what they now are, the garden of the earth ; that the slow pro-
cess of recovering worn out and exhausted land, should not be
needed here. When land is in fine condition, as that of The first
column in the table, with all of the necessary substances present,
the task of keeping it up is comparatively easy. A bushel of
wheat, weighing sixty pounds, does not contain, on an average,
more than one pound of ash, or inorganic matter ; so that, even
if the crop is fifty bushels, there will be little more than fifty
pounds of ash to the acre carried away in the grain. If the
straw is also not returned to the land, the loss is far greater, for
two tons of straw would contain not far from two hundred and
fifty pounds of ash. Here, there would be a loss of about three
hundred pounds annually. I am aware, that, in some western
districts, the application of this straw as manure would be in-
jurious, because there is already more than enough organic
matter. It might, however, be burned, and the ashes applied,
even in such cases. There would be no danger of over-luxuri-
ance from this last application, and the disappearance of a class
of substances difficult to replace, would be greatly retarded. It
is, on most soils, much easier to supply organic matter than in-
organic. By proper management, the former may be obtained
chiefly at the expense of the atmosphere, but the latter must
come from foreign sources.

The time will arrive, even on the richest of our western land,
when the organic matter will begin to fail also ; this period
should be carefully watched for, and organic manures added as
soon as it is found that the land will bear them.

It will have been noticed, perhaps, that I have, during all of
my remarks, spoken of inorganic and organic manures as alike
necessary ; this may have seemed strange to those who have

238 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

seen many of the views now entertained by others on these
points. No agricultural questions have been more vexed. At
first, we were required, by a high authority, to fasten our
faith upon ammonia, alone ; if we succeeded in adding that to
the soil, the work was nearly all done. Within the last two or
three years, however, a wonderful change has occurred ; the
same high authority assures us, that all of our trouble in trying
to catch ammonia, our precautions to prevent its escape, have
been, perhaps, not exactly useless, but rather unnecessary, for
inorganic manures are what we want; ammonia is a very good
thing, but there is an abundance of it in the soil already, even
when that soil is quite barren. The consequence of these succes-
sive changes has been, that we have had wars without end.
The ammonia theory was very beautiful, and was received Avith
great eagerness ; but, by the time that tlie mineral manure theo-
ry appeared, many had tired of nothing but ammonia, others
were disappointed in their expectations of success through its
use, and all of these turned naturally to the new light. In Eng-
land, specific mineral manures were patented, which were to
work wonders, under all circumstances. There was a manure
for wheat, one for oats, one for turnips, and so on, all infallible.
It is just to say, that there is no doubt but many of these ex-
travagances were put forth by interested parties in England,
without the knowledge of the inventor. Those who have pe-
rused the English agricultural papers during the last few years,
cannot have failed to perceive how general has been the dis-
appointment in the use of these manures, and how much
harm has resulted to the cause of rational improvement.

It may be best to explain here, that, in speaking of inorganic
manures, I mean those strictly mineral, as gypsum, lime, salt,
carbonate of potash, ashes, &c. There are also many manures
of a mixed character, containing both organic and inorganic
substances, such are guano, common farm-yard manure, &c.

As ammonia, or no ammonia, has been a species of war cry,
I will take ammonia, or rather manures, containing nitrogen, as
the basis of a few remarks, designed to show that the truth of
this disputed question lies in neithei' of the extreme views above
mentioned. I have noticed, beside ammonia, manures contain-

JOHN P. NORTON'S ADDRESS. 239

ing nitrogen, for this reason : the beneficial action of ammonia,
consisting in the supplying of nitrogen to the plants, I maintain
that some manures containing nitrogen, in another form, such
for instance, as the nitrates, are equally beneficial. That is, 1
believe that plants may obtain their nitrogen in other forms than
that of ammonia.

With this question, however, we have at present nothing to
do. As to the beneficial action of ammonia, J shall only take
up a part of the argument. The scientific grounds of dispute
would, for the most part, be unintelligible to this audience, and
would, moreover, be wearisome from their length. It seems to
me, that, with practical men, the results of experience will be
more impressive, and reasoning, based upon long practice, more
convincing.

The beneficial action of manures containing nitrogen has
been considered as unquestionably established. Ammonia being
the most common form in which nitrogen is applied, the name
has become quite familiar, and manures containing a large
quantity of it have borne a high value. It has been an object,
as I have said before, to secure it, and increase its amount in
every possible way. Now, however, we are told that this has
all been a mistake. It is said that sufficient ammonia is brought
down by rain and snow from the atmosphere, to supply the
wants of any crop, and that, moreover, there is already a large
quantity present in the soil. We are informed that there is,
even in the subsoil, several thousand pounds of ammonia to the
acre, and it is asked, if the small quantity that the farmer ap-
plies, can be expected to produce any additional result. Judg-
ing from the reputation of the gentlemen who made these deter-
minations, they should be correct, and yet I think, that their sam-
ples of soil must have been rather remarkable ones. If there are
thousands of pounds of ammonia in an ordinary soil, why is it
that the addition of two or three hundred pounds of some ma-
nure, containing a certain proportion only of that substance,
produces such a marked and striking effect 7 I have seen many
comparative trials of diflferent manures, on grain crops, for in-
stance, and where each manure occupied a ridge through the
field, those upon which the ammoniacal manures were em-

240 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

ployed could always be selected from among others, by the su-
perior luxuriance, and the peculiar dark green of the leaves and
stalks. That this was owing to nitrogen, was proved by the
appearance of the same distinctive characters where nitrates
had been applied. Every farmer who allows the dark-colored
drainings from his barnyards to run over his grass, has seen the
same dark green color and great luxuriance. Very careful ex-
periments have lately been concluded in England, having, for
their object, the decision of this question. The result arrived
at seems, in the main, to be, that ammoniacal manures have, in
most cases, a marked effect; they do not always increase the
yield of grain, but always the growth of straw. Why is it,
that the small quantity of ammonia, added in the shape of gu-
ano, or very rich barnyard manure, produces such an effect,
when there are already thousands of pounds in the soil ? Clearly,
this large quantity must either be in some form inaccessible to
plants, (and it would be difficult to conceive of any such form,)
or it is not in most cases present.

When the proportion of lime, or any other inorganic manure,
is sufficient in a soil, the addition of more is of no service ; this
we know by repeated experience; might not the same thing be
expected of ammonia? In this way, the objection that ammo-
nia is frequently of no use, should be answered. It is quite
true, that, where it would fail to produce a crop, bones, perhaps,
might succeed perfectly ; but this only proves, that phosphate of
lime, or bone earth, was the particular substance which that
soil wanted. If a soil were entirely deficient in lime, the addi-
tion of every other manure under the sun, so long as they did
not contain lime, would not secure a good crop of any plant,
requiring that mineral ingredient. On the other hand, if there
were already lime enough, tons of it in addition would not com-
pensate for the absence of potash.

So, also, there are soils where an abundance of ammonia is
already present ; on these, further additions do no good, and
even in many cases do harm, by causing an exceedingly rank
and luxuriant growth of stalks, so that the grain docs not come
to maturity, or is injured by lodging ; the inorganic matter, not
having kept pace with the organic, the stem is weak. Such is

JOHN P. NORTON'S ADDRESS. 241

the case, on some of our rich prairie lands. Unhappily, there
are but few farmers who have the good fortune to possess land
of this description, and therefore, in the vast majority of in-
stances, ammonia will be found beneficial, and the farmer will
have good crops, wlio uses it judiciously in connection with
other manures.

The soils of the best districts in England are in higher con-
dition than any of ours, except in peculiar cases, for their aver-
age crops of wheat, oats, turnips, &c., are much larger than
ours. These soils, then, might be supposed well stocked with
ammonia, and ought to contain a number of tons per acre. It
is, however, a singular fact, that the price of guano, in the Eng-
lish markets, has for several years been ruled by the quantity
of ammonia that it contained. During my stay in Edinburgh,
samples from more than five hundred cargoes were analyzed in
the laboratory of Professor Johnstone, and were sold by his
analyses, fluctuating in price as they indicated more or less
ammonia. Had there been any mistake in this method of esti-
mating value, experience would soon have detected it.

The farmer then, I should say, ought to collect and apply ni-
trogen in every accessible form ; not because it is more necessary
than other constituents of the soil, but because it does not so
often abound there, and because plants obtain it from the at-
mosphere with less facility than they do the other elements
of their organic part. Ammonia being the most common com-
pound, containing nitrogen, his attention will naturally turn
chiefly in that direction.

I have touched upon this subject at the present time, from a
conviction of its importance to the cause of agricultural im-
provement. When farmers are told, on the one side, that a cer-
tain substance is valuable to them, and, on the other, that it is
useless to trouble themselves about it, they are of course per-
plexed, and can only fall back upon results ; even these are lia-
able to misinterpretation, but, when they are so nearly uniform,
as in the case of ammonia, the practical man is justified in dis-
regarding mere assertions to the contrary.

I am not so vain as to suppose, that my views upon this ques-
tion will convince those who hold contrary opinions, but if they
31

242 SELECTIONS FROM ADDRESSES.

lead them to reconsider the question calmly, with minds as far
as possible divested of mere theoretical considerations, I shall
be satisfied.

I have already, perhaps, wearied my audience, and yet my
task is very imperfectly accomplished, for I have noticed but a
small part of the interesting topics connected with my subject.
The varieties of chemical composition in the soil would alone
occupy another hour. Enough has been said to show, that the
field is of immense extent, and also that the applications of sci-
ence are directly practical. I am sure, that not a point has
been touched, with regard to which the intelligent, practical
man will not say, that more light is needed.

And still, these were only parts of the great agricultural tract
which 1 attempted to occupy. The quickly passing moments
warn me that I must resign the rest to other hands, and to un-
satisfied hearers.

And now, it is quite probable, that there are those among my
hearers, who do not understand many of the subjects upon
which I have spoken. Still, I cannot see how they can well be
presented in a plainer form ; there is but one remedy — the farm-
ers must inform themselves as to these things, or, if they do not
feel like entering far into new paths, let them give their sons
the opportunity. But many will say, this is book-farming, and
what if it is ? is a man any worse because his knowledge is in-
creased ]

Cannot every farmer see, that he would work to better ad-
vantage, if he knew exactly, what his soil and his plants need-
ed, in the manner indicated by the foregoing tables ? Would
this knowledge spoil a practical farmer ? surely not — it would
enable him to go on improving from year to year, uniting more
and more, scientific discoveries with practical skill.

It is this union of science with practice, that I desire to advo-
cate. In place of each decrying the other, there should be a
combination of effort toward a great common end.

To this, we are surely coming; for public attention is turned
in the proper direction, and thousands of experiments in the
fields of enterprising men have proved, that science may greatly
benefit practical agriculture. The advances that have been

J. E. TESCHEMACHER'S REMARKS. 243

made are but the beginning of a progress which will be almost
unlimited.

The intelligent farmer then, is, I think, imperatively called to
the examination of this subject, and I shall be content when this
is a general impression, for those who once commence such an
examination in a proper spirit, will not require farther induce-
ments to continue it. In its pursuit, they will find pleasure as
well as profit ; profit, in an increasing ability to obtain the
largest return with the smallest expense, and pleasure, as light
is thrown upon the simple and yet beautiful systems, which the
Great Author of all things has established, and which he is
permitting us gradually to unfold.

Remarks by J. E. Teschemacher.

[The following report of remarks made by J. E. Tkschemacher, Esq., at
several meetings of the Legislative Agricultural Society, during the month of
January, last, has been furnished by that gentleman, on request made to him.
The importance of the subject, and the experience of Mr. Teschemacher, with
reference both to practice and theory, give a value to these remarks, which
warrants their insertion in this place.]

FIRST EVENING.

The important, vast, and almost inexhaustible subject of ma-
nures had always divided itself in his mind, into three great
considerations : —

1st, on the nature of the crops required to be raised.

2nd, on the nature of the soil from which these crops were to
be obtained, and,

3d, and the most important, on the nature and application of
the manure itself

It was necessary to condense, into the briefest form, what he
had to say on all these considerations

Every one knows, that, if clover was wanted, a large quan-
tity of lime, and also sulphur, was requisite, if tobacco, potash
and soda. In England, after many years' cultivation of wheat,
all the barnyard manure that could be heaped on the ground,

244 J. E. TESCHEMACHER'S REMARKS.

would not raise any more, until bone dust was added, and, with
this, many acres hitherto considered barren, had given excellent
crops. The size and quality of turnips have been found to be
much benefited, by the use of the soluble phosphate of lime,
(vitriolized bones).

One question then, is, what does the crop we require, abstract
from the soil, during its growth and progress to maturity? This
question is answered by the various analyses of crops, which
are to be found in every agricultural treatise. But another, and
a much more important question, now arises. What part of the
ingredients of these crops, puts most bone and muscle in the
animals which feed on them ? Also, can we, by particular ma-
nures, increase, in these crops, the quantity of these ingredi-
ents? Part of the first question has been answered by TJebig's
last treatise. We knew, before Liebig was born, that the bones
of animals were chiefly formed of phosphate of lime, but we did
not know, before the publication of this last treatise, that the
phosphates of other alkalies formed essential parts of the flesh
and blood of animals ; this, he has there completely and satis-
factorily proved. In the lime districts in Switzerland, the cattle
are much larger than in those where lime is scarce in the soil.
The great test of the quality of a crop then, is, its nutritious
action on the animal, this is of more importance than its ap-
pearance, or even weight. Now it is evident, that, by offering
as food to these crops, a manure abundantly supplied with these
ingredients, combined with others ensuring a luxuriant growth,
we enable them to obtain a maximum thereof. It would take
too much time to enter into the detail of numerous experiments
made by him, on this subject, the result of them is a difference
of thirty per cent, in these ingredients dependent on the diflfer-
ence of the manure. Thus, if the ashes of wheat contain thir-
ty-five per cent, of phosphates, the difference of manure will
increase this to forty-five per cent. Hence, the consideration
on the nature of the crops is of much interest.

Consideration on the nature of the soil. All soils are com-
posed chiefly of sand (silica,) clay (alumina and silica,) lime,
magnesia, some organic matters, sources of carbonic acid, and a
few oxides of metals ; these ingredients in various proportions.

J. E. TESCHEM ACKER'S REMARKS. 245

The stones accompanying the soil have the same composition,
and suffer, annually, some small disintegration : from such dis-
integration soils are formed.

Sand, (silica,) besides lightening too stiff a soil, is chiefly of
use to strengthen and stiffen the stems of plants, enabling them
to resist the wind : for this purpose, it must be dissolved by con-
tact with an alkali, (potash or soda). These are usually found
in clay, (alumina,) which, as an ingredient of the soil, or of the
compost heap, is invaluable, although it never enters into the
organization of the plant. When the chemist analyzes a min-
eral containing alumina, it is almost impossible for him to wash
it free from the alkaline substances, which he has used in his
analysis, or which were originally combined with it. It grasps
and retains them with the most invincible obstinacy. Clay, in
its natural, original state, is formed from the disintegration of
felspar, and is, therefore, always combined with notable por-
tions of potash and soda.

The president had spoken highly, but by no means too much
so, of charcoal, as an absorbent of the useful part of manure
ammonia. He, himself, had experimented many years with
this substance, in various ways, and could amply confirm all
the president had said. Clay appeared to him, however, more
retentive than charcoal, certainly, more so as regards potash and
soda, and may be had where charcoal is hardly to be procured.
Clay, then, well pulverized by frost, is a most valuable addition
to the compost heap, and a soil containing a fair proportion of
clay may, by manuring, be rendered the most permanently rich
of any. A light soil, besides permitting the ammonia to be
drawn up into the atmosphere by the heat of the sun, also, al-
lows the valuable salts of the manure to be easily leached
through by heavy rains, and a soil with too much clay does not
permit them to mix freely, so that the roots of the crop can ob-
tain easy access to their nourishment. The farmer who studies
the nature of his soil, will, while manuring liberally, be able
to manure much more economically than one who knows noth-
ing on the subject. It is probable that much of the labor and
expense wasted in manuring some lands with lime and plas-
ter, as well as many of the differences of opinion on these ma-
nures, have been owing chiefly to ignorance on this subject.

246 J E. TESCHEMACHER'S REMARKS.

He had time only to allude to the third, yet most important
consideration, the nature and application of the manure itself.
In some parts of England, where much seed wheat is raised,
and where seeds of vegetables and herbs, are grown to a large
extent, he had seen compost heaps formed as follows : — a layer
of four or five inches of good loam and turf, then about eight
to twelve inches seaweed, carted up fresh from the beach, then an
equal quantity of farm-yard manure, then loam again, and these
layers repeated, until the mass was several feet high, the last
layer being loam and turf This is left eight or twelve months.
to decompose, is turned over and applied to the land. The
grains raised are large, plump, beautiful and heavy. Now,
here the ingredients are, clayey loam to absorb, seaweed, con-
taining soda, and a good proportion of the phosphates, and the
barnyard manure, which, besides its soluble salts, contains am-
monia ; its solid parts are, by fermentation, converted into char-
coal and humus, which absorb the ammonia, and preserve it for
the use of the crops; the whole mass being well protected b)?^
an ample covering of turf and loam. Here, then, is not only
nearly every ingredient the plant requires, but also, the store-
houses of alumina and charcoal, from which it fetches its food,
as wanted. He alluded to a discussion on the subject, whether
manure was better used in a green state, or after it had been
kept a year or more, and had become a black saponaceous mass.
The question appeared to be settled in favor of this latter state,
and this agreed with his own experience. If a manure heap be
fermented under a good cover, it is converted into a black, car-
bonaceous mass, containing nearly all the ammonia, condensed
in its pores, and is a most powerful manure.

SECOND EVENING.

He wished now, in the most concise manner possible, to give
his ideas on the separate value to vegetation, of some of the in-
gredients of manures — and here, as before, he would omit all de-
tail of the various experiments on which he had formed his
judgment, merely offering these remarks, as his own opinions on
this subject, which, however, he could not help considering of
much importance.

J. E. TESCHEMACHER'S REMARKS. 247

Ammonia, he considered as the great promoter of kixiiriant
growth of stem and leaves ; by its means, a large surface of
healthy, dark-green vegetation is produced, which, exposed to
the action of the atmosphere and light, matures the various
juices, such as gum, starch, sugar, 6cc. contained in the plant.
But all the ammonia which can be got into a crop, unless there
be also, abundance of the phosphates, sulphates, and other inor-
ganic substances, will give nothing but a worthless vegetation,
and no grain, of value. Those who have raised crops, by the
application of nitrate of soda alone, unless the soil contained, of
itself, a sufficiency of these inorganic salts, have found, that,
however beautiful they appeared when green, they were com-
paratively of little value when dried.

So, with trees, superabundance of ammoniacal manure will
give beautiful looking, thick, long shoots; but they will be
spongy, long-jointed, and will neither bear fruit in quantity or
quality, at all resembling those which are manured with abun-
dance of inorganic salts, combined with the ammonia. In these
latter, the shoots are hard, very short-jointed, and full of fertile
blossom buds ; the fruit also has a much better flavor, although
perhaps, not quite so large as the other. The reverse of this, is
also true, that inorganic salts alone, without ammonia, to give
a healthy breadth of vegetable surface to the maturing influ-
ences of the light and air, will afford nothing but barrenness.
This, he had repeatedly proved, and preserved specimens
of various growths. It seems very easy to comprehend that, if a
tree, or other plant, has all the requisite ingredients to feed on,
as soon as the light and air induce, in the juices, the necessary
changes of ripening, a bud, (blossom, or otherwise,) is formed,
vegetation proceeds ; in another short space, another bud is form-
ed. Now, if one or other of these ingredients are insufficiently
supplied, vegetation must go on, until, from this niggardly sup-
ply, sufficient thereof is obtained to form a bud. Ammonia in-
creases the vegetable growth rapidly, and this continues until
sufficient inorganic salts are procured thereby, to form first, a
leaf-bud, or, if more is procured, a blossom-bud; if, in forming
a blossom-bud, these salts are exhausted, leaf-buds will next be
formed, until the supply is again obtained for blossoms. He had

248 J. E. TESCHEMACHER'S REMARKS.

made many experiments with flowers and their seeds, which
appeared to him to confirm these views thoroughly, but still he
merely offered them as his own individual opinions.

Dr. Krocker, in Giessen, had analyzed many soils, some from
the western parts of this country, in all, he had found large
quantities of ammonia salts, in some, as much as eight thousand
pounds to the acre twelve inches deep, from these experiments,
an opinion had prevailed, and was now held by many, that it
was quite unnecessary to put ammoniacal manures on the soil.
Now, theory alone, unless confirmed by practice, was not only
useless, but injurious. Large quantities of inorganic salts were
prepared in England, with exact instructions from Liebig, under
the idea that they alone were necessary to produce luxuriant
crops, but they had failed, in every instance of application.
And nearly all the artificial manures there manufactured, and
it was now a large business, contained ammonia in some shape
or other. It is, however, not to be doubted, that large quanti-
ties of ammonia come down with the rain and snow, and, when
these fall heavily, some portion of the ammoniacal salts are
washed down below the influence of the heat of the sun, and
thus become permanently stored in somes ubsoils; these, when
brought to the surface by the subsoil plough, exhibit very luxu-
riant crops. The ammonia, however, of moderate, summer
rains, is either used by the crops, or is raised from the surface,
by evaporation, to return again in the next shower. The vari-
ations of soils and circumstances, however, had led him not
to trust implicitly in any general, scientific theories, unless con-
firmed by very numerous and very well authenticated experi-
ments.

THIRD EVENING.

At the period of the commencement of the application of sci-
ence to agriculture, the scientific calculation was as follows : —
If the farmer sells annually, the produce of his farm, say, hay,
grain, milk, butter, cheese, calves, hogs, &c., he carries from
that land more produce than he can restore to it, in the shape of
manure, from his own farm, and the land must be soon exhaust-
ed, unless he buys manure — and the calculation appeared very
fair. But practice, as well as theory, had shown it to be erro-

J. E. TESCHEMACHER'S REMARKS. 249

neons. He had only to refer to the kicid and interesting state-
ment of Hon. Mr. Brooks, to show that, even with the sale of
his produce, he had increased his manure to superabundance.
How had he done it ? He had carefully saved every particle of
urine and fceccs, and all rubbish and otial on his premises, and,
to mix with and absorb this, he had carted loads of stuff from
his peat bog. Now this peat muck, called by chemists, under
various names, as geine, humus, coal of humus, vegetable
mould, is, as far as regards agriculture, cJiarcoal, the absorbent,
the storehouse of ammonia. Mr. Brooks's next process is, to
pare his meadow, burn these parings, and mix them also with
the urine and faeces. Now here is another storehouse, both of
ammonia, and of inorganic salts, and nothing is lost, as it used
to be; all is stored up for use. Every horticulturist, who has
grown plants in garden pots, which are nothing but burnt clay,
the same as Mr. Brooks's burnt parings, knows, that the roots of
plants leave the soil in the centre of the pot. and push for the
sides of the pot itself, and why ? Because the salts, dissolved
by watering the plants, have been absorbed by the burnt clay,
and there the roots go to find their nourishment. These store-
houses, also, absorb the ammonia, which comes down in rain
and snow, as well as the inorganic salts, arising from the an-
nual disintegration of stones and rocVs.

A preference has been stated fo/ plaster, as an absorbent of
ammonia, because plaster is a manure, which charcoal is not.
Plaster may be, and, in some cases, not the majority certainly, is
a manure ; by the absorption of ammonia, it becomes sulphate
of ammonia and lime. Nov one hundred parts of sulphate of
ammonia contain about sl^ij parts of sulphuric acid, not very
advantageous to vegetation, about twenty-six parts of ammonia,
and about fourteen parts of water. Charcoal can condense in
its pores about ninety parts in bulk of ammonia. Plaster is an
excellent material to strew in stables, where many horses are
kept, as it destroys all noxious effluvia, and it is then, unques-
tionably a good manure, but it appears far inferior to charcoal,
as an absorbent, and certainly where plenty of peat muck exists,
it is bad economy to purchase it for this purpose.

The notes read by Mr. Newhall, of his observations on his
32

250 J. E. TESCHEMACHER'S REMARKS.

manure composts, are very interesting, if every agriculturist
would make such notes, and place them where men of science
could have access to them, they would soon be classified, sifted
out, and compared ; this would unquestionably lead to gen-
eralizations of some importance to agriculture.

A desire, in which everyone must cordially join, has been ex-
pressed for definite experiments in agriculture. In order to have
definite experiments, however, it is necessary to work with defi-
nite compounds, and this, with the immense diversity of soils,
although not absolutely impossible, is difficult. A farmer may.
year after year, add seaweed to his manure composts, and al-
ways produce excellent crops ; if, to spare labor or expense for
one year, he omits this ingredient, he may still have as good
crops, nay, even a second year ; then, from this, which he con-
siders a definite experiment, he will conclude seaweed to be of
no use. The third year, another may be in possession of the
farm, and, having heard of seaweed, determines to try it on half
the land, the other half without. From that half manured with
seaweed he obtains much better crops than from the other, and
he concludes, from this definite experiment, that seaweed is a
valuable manure. No v, the probable truth would be, that, from
the seaweed put on, there had been a superabundance of phos-
phates and other inorganic salts, enough to supply the crops, for
the two years, and that then a fresh addition of them was re-
quired. No doubt this case often occurs in the application of
lime and plaster, and has caused so much diversity of opinion.

But definite experiments, though difficult, are not absolutely
impossible ; for instance, that stated by the president, at San-
dusky, Ohio, where, on a breadth of twenty or thirty acres, fifty
bushels charcoal were spread per acre, on land hitherto barren,
with intervening spaces, where none was used. The spots with
charcoal gave from twenty to twenty-five bushels wheat per
acre, those without, from three to five bushels per acre.

There is, however, one definite experiment of t'ne utmost im-
portance, to be tried ; it is the experiment of establishing agri-
cultural schools, and experimental farms throughout this vast
and flourishing agricultural country. What is the rejison why
youth pant after commerce or the learned professions'? It is

M. P. WILDER'S REMARKS. 251

because they require the exercise of the utmost energy of the
mind, and this exercise is precisely what youth demand • the
want of it drives them into all kinds of foolish excesses- for
the desire for it is invincibly strong, and will be gratified. Now,
is it not possible to divert these energies of the mind to the suc-
cessful pursuit of agriculture? The experience of other nations
answers, yes, but only by the preparation of a previous, suita-
ble education, of the first order. Young men generally consider
a farmer as a mere machine, a plough, a cart, or a hoe, with
nothing to do but what their fathers did before them. Will
these ideas apply to any other industrial pursuit, or any other
profession? Had they been so applied, the railroad, the steam-
boat, the electric telegraph, had still been unknown— and, as
long as these ideas exist amongst them, so long will the best of
our agricultural population flock to the cities, and many a fme
mind be irretrievably lost.

Remarks by M. P. Wilder.

[At the same meetings of the Legislative Society, at which Mr. Teschema-
cher made the foregoing remarks, Hon. M. P. Wilder, the President, made
the subjoined statement of his own experience, in the making and applying of
manures.]

Mr. Wilder said that he was no chemist, and made no pre-
tensions to farming, except, as it is connected with gardening
and the horticultural art.

He had made some experiments with manures, some of which
he would relate : — He did not wish it to be understood, that he
undervalued stable or barnyard manure ; but such as was pur-
chased from the stables of the city, by the cord, when deprived
of straw, or decomposed, was, in reality, only half or three-
fourths of a cord. To obtain a real solid cord of manure, equal
in quality, and at less price, had, with him, been a great desid-
eratum, and he believed he had succeeded, by making a com-
post of meadow muck, crushed bones, and leached ashes, in the
following proportions : —

252 M. P. WILDER'S REMARKS.

One cord of meadow muck, having been exposed

to the action of air and frost, at least one year, $1 50
Twelve bushels of leached ashes, . . 1 20
Six bushels crushed bones, . . . . 1 50
Labor, 30

Total cost per cord, $4 50

The bones and ashes were mixed together, while the latter
were in a damp state ; and, when fermentation had taken place,
these were incorporated with the meadow muck. In this con-
dition, the mass should remain, until heat is generated again,
when it will be fit for use.

He had found this compost equal to any stable manure for
root crops, grass land, gardening purposes generally, and for
fruit trees. For the last two years, he had mixed his stable
manure with the compost, and also had added to it, one-eighth
part in bulk, of fine refuse charcoal, from the depots of venders.
This can be purchased at five dollars the cord, delivered, and
does not much increase the cost above named.

Since Liebig first promulgated his opinion, as to the wonder-
ful influence of charcoal, in rooting cuttings of plants, and as a
component part of soils, experiments have been making, veri-
fying its importance. He also informs us, that the volatile gas,
which arises from our stables and manure heaps, and descends
in the rain and snow, and which we call "ammonia," is the
great fertilizer of the earth. To secure this subtle element, Mr.
Wilder had added charcoal to his compost heap, and, as he
thought, with great advantage. It is very durable, if not inde-
structible ; a substance of great porosity, and we are told, he said,
by chemists, that it will absorb ninety per cent, of its bulk of
ammonia ; but its beneficial efiects are supposed to arise from
its power of retaining this volatile gas, and yielding it up only,
as it is washed out by rains, or as the vital force of the root
searches for food. He did not consider it a fertilizer in itself, but
that it was a medium of administering nourishment, having used
it with good success, for greenhouse plants, for many seasons.

Mr. Wilder said the compost — with the charcoal and stable
manures combined — was the best he had ever used, as a general
manure. On fruit trees, its effects were remarkable.

M. P. WILDER'S REMARKS. 253

In the spring of 1847, he planted a square in his nursery,
with imported trees from England, this compost having been
spread and ploughed in. These trees were from four to five
feet in height, and, although it is not usual for trees to make a
large growth the first year, they acquired branches of three to
four feet, and were so handsome as to command one dollar
twenty-five cents each, for a row of fifty trees, without any
selection.

In June last, which is very late to set out trees, he prepared
another square, on rather poor land, and planted trees, just re-
ceived from England, upon it. The soil had been thrown up to
the frost the previous winter, and the compost here was applied
in the trenches, near the roots. Mr. Wilder exhibited two shoots,
which had grown from those trees, since they were set out in
June. The shoots were four feet in length, and the wood hard,
and well ripened.

It is stated, that, on old beds, where charcoal had been burn-
ed ten years before, the corn and wheat, to this day, are uni-
formly better than on the adjoining lands, being more vigorous,
of a darker green color, and producing larger crops. A farmer
remarks: — "I sowed fine charcoal over my land, in strips.
These strips have increased one-half in product, and without
any apparent diminution, for five years."

Mr. Wilder mentioned several instances, showing the benefi-
cial effects arising from the use of fine charcoal, one of which,
in the State of New York, was an extraordinary product of
wheat.

Says an English gardener: — " My composts consist of noth-
ing but loam and charcoal, without a particle of manure, of any
sort; and I never saw the plant that did not delight in it, and
every plant under my care, has some charcoal used about it."

As a deodorant, or disinfector, Mr. Wilder related the follow-
ing experiment, which appeared in a late English paper : —

" Two fluids, and charcoal from peat, were prepared espe-
cially, by diflerent chemists, for the purpose of depriving night-
soil, stable, and pig-stye manures, of their offensive smell. The
fluids both proved ineffectual, but the charcoal not only instantly
neutralized, and destroyed the offensive odors, in each of these
substances, but also deodorized the fluids themselves."

254 M. P. WILDER'S REMARKS.

Remarks by M. P. Wilder.

[At the ninth meeting of the Legislative Society, Mr. Wilder, the Presi-
dent, made the remarks which follow, on the subject oi fruit and fruit trees : — ]

Formerly, the cultivation of the finer fruits was limited to
the gardens of the opulent, or to the immediate proximity of a
market, but the multiplied facilities of intercourse and trans-
portation, the emulation excited by horticultural exhibitions
and conventions, and the increasing importance of this product,
in a commercial point of view, have awakened an interest which
has spread as with magnetic speed, throughout our land. Thou-
sands of trees are planted, instead of dozens : orchards and
gardens, on the most extensive scale, have been commenced,
and so generally has this taste been diffused in our vicinity,
that the cottage, even of the most humble laborer, without its
fruit tree or grape vine, would almost be considered an anomaly.
Amateurs and nursery-men have congregated into their collec-
tions hundreds of varieties for trial; and, so great is this enthu-
siasm, or mania, that the cry is not simply, " who will show us
any good," but who will show us any thing new ? Fears have
been expressed, that \h\s fruit-growing mania would overstock
the market, but thus far it has tended to foster a taste for better
quality, better specimens, and to augment rather than to dimin-
ish the price.

In no part of the world is this enterprise crowned with better
success than in our own. The fame of American fruit is already
proverbial in foreign markets, and the day is not distant, when,
in addition to the enormous consumption at home, we shall sup-
ply England, not only with the finest apples, but also, with the
finest pears.

A gentleman, (P. Barry, Esq., of Rochester, N. Y.,) who has
just returned from Europe, remarks, that, in the English market,
there will be an " unfailing demand for the products of our or-
chards," that apples, such as would scarcely sell at home, were
there cried up, as " nice American apples," "beautiful American
apples," and brought from three to six cents each. Mr. B. says

M. P. WILDER'S REMARKS. 255

lie examined, in the fruit rooms of the London Horticultural
Society, "two hundred to three hundred varieties of fruit, and
that there was not a single large, clear, well-colored specimen
among them." The same gentleman took out with him spe-
cimens of the Northern Spy apple, (which we now have before
us,) and some other varieties ; they elicited the admiration of
all, and indeed, says he, " there are no such apples in England."
With the zeal so generally manifested on this subject, it be-
comes a matter of importance to ascertain the best mode of cul-
tivation; but, so much has already been published on the soil,
management, and selection of fruit trees, that I can hardly ex-
pect to add any thing new. There are, however, some consid-
erations, "that lie at the root of the matter," and which, it is
believed, must be adopted, as a sine qua non^ to ensure success,
viz : —

1. The selection of such sorts, and only such, as by uniform-
ity of character, in various localities, particularly our own, have,
after a trial of years, been proved to be hardy, productive, and
of excellent quality.

2. The right soil, and the proper preparation of it.

3. The appropriate manure.

Much disappointment has been experienced, by selecting va-
rieties from their high-sounding names and novelty, rather than
from any known superiority of character. To avoid this prevalent
error, and in compliance with frequent requests, I submit a list
in the various classes of fruits, which, from the united experi-
ence of cultivators, appears well adapted to our region, and to
possess generally, the characteristics alluded to; and, to make
this as useful as possible, I have graduated it to limited selec-
tions for small gardens —

APPLES.

For three varieties : Large Early Bough, Gravenstein, Bald-
win.

For six varieties, add : Red Astrachan, Porter, Rhode Island
Greening.

For twelve varieties, add : Early Harvest, Williams, Fall
Harvey, Minister, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Roxbury Russet.

For Winter Sw-eet Apples : Danvers Winter Sweet, Scaver
Sweet, Tolman Sweet.

256 M. P. WILDER'S REMARKS.

Our country abounds with native varieties of apples, and
there are, no doubt, many others equal or superior to the foreign
sorts, but which have not been so generally tested. Among
those of high reputation, are the Northern Spy, Melon, Mother,
Magnolia, Foundling, Jewett's Red, Twenty Ounce, and the
Ladies' Sweeting, which last now before us, should it prosper
in our soils, will take high rank as a very late keeper, and su-
perb fruit.

PEARS.

For three varieties : Williams's Bon Chretien, or Bartlett, Yic-
ar of Winkfield, Beurre d'Aremberg.

For six varieties, add : Bloodgood, Louise Bonne de Jersey.
Flemish Beauty.

For twelve varieties, add : Seckel, Fondante d' Automne, Ur-
baniste, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Beurre Bosc, Winter Nelis.

For eighteen varieties, add: Dearborn's Seedling, Andrews,
Tyson, Heathcot, Long Green, Buffum.

For new foreign varieties, of good promise, and partially
proved : Beurre d'Anjou, Paradise d' Automne, Doyenne Bous-
sock, Duchesse d'Orleans, Jalousie de Fontenay Vendee, St.
Andre.

For new native varieties, of high reputation, the Pratt, West-
cott, Abbott, Ott's Seedling, Brandywine, Leach's Kingsessing.
Howell.

PEACHES.

For three varieties : Early York, (serrated leaf,) Crawford's
Early, Old Mixon Freestone.

For six varieties, add : George Fourth, Grosse Mignonne.
Crawford's Late.

For twelve varieties, add : Walter's Early, Nivette, Bergen's
Yellow, Late Admirable, Jacques, Old Mixon Clingstone.

CHERRIES.

For three varieties : May Duke, Black Tartarian, Downer's
Late.

For six varieties, add : Black Eagle, Elton, Downton.

For tiDelve varieties, add: Knight's Early Black, GrafRon, or
Bigarreau, Sweet Montmorency, Sparhawk's Honey, Coleur
de Chair, Late Duke.

REMARKS ON FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. 257

PLUMS.

For three varieties : Green Gage, Jefferson, Washington.

For six varieties, add: Lawrence's Favorite, Purple Gage,
Imperial Gage.

For twelve varieties, add : Bingham, Bleeker's Gage, Yellow-
Gage, Red Gage, Smith's Orleans, Royale Hative.

The President closed by saying, that, having occupied his
share of the time, the other points alluded to would be deferred
to another opportunity.

Remarks on the Subject of Fruit and Fruit Trees.

[At the tenth meeting of the Legislative Society, the subject of " Fruit and
Fruit Trees," was further discussed. The following are among the Remarks
made : — ]

The president, Mr. Wilder, said, in reference to the proper
preparation of the soil ; one of the greatest and most disastrous
errors, in the preparation of the ground, for trees, has been the too
prevalent practice of digging simply a hole, (and I use this term
in a double sense,) either of the exact dimensions of the roots,
or one into which they could be crowded. Fortunately, more
enlarged views are now entertained, by intelligent cultivators,
and with them there is no difference of opinion on the subject.
All agree that the proper and only judicious method is the sub-
soiling, or trenching of the earth, to the depth of eighteen inches
or two feet, and that, during this process, the upper and lower
soils, together with the appropriate manure, should be thorough-
ly incorporated ; and the cultivator who is not willing to take
these preliminary measures, had better abandon the project of
growing fruit trees, and save both his time and money.

By the adoption of the system recommended, the work will
not only be " well done," but one tree will produce more than
five, with ordinary treatment, and will not require more than
common tillage, until it commences fruiting, and then only, when,
by the imperfection of the fruit, warning is given, that the neces-
s ary ingredients of fertilization have been exhausted from the soil.
33

258 REMARKS ON FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES.

The appropriate manures. Much has been written, of late, on
the subject oi special manures, that is, tlie adaptation of an ap-
propriate fertilizer, to each class of vegetation — and I entertain
no doubt, that the great secret of successful cultivation, so far
as manure is concerned, is the application of the rigJU sort, to
each particular crop. Chemists tell us that for wheat we
want Zi/ne ; for turnips, phosphate of lime, bone dust ; and, for the
leguminous plants, peas, beans, &;c., gypsum, (plaster of Paris.)
They also inform us, that the ashes of trees and plants contain
the ingredients which constitute the food they require, and that
it can be administered with almost as much precision, as that
given to sustain and nourish the animal system. What then, is
the appropriate manure for fruit trees ?

By the analysis of Dr. Emmons, it is found, that the bark and
sapwood of the apple tree are composed of more than one-half
Zime, one-fifth 79o^«s A, and about one-sixth phosphate of lime ;
therefore, the compost for the apple should consist largely of
lim,e, and less oi potash and6o«c5.

The analysis of the bark and sapwood of the pear tree shows
that the ashes contain nearly one-third part phospliate of lime,
more than one-fourth potash, and about one-third lime; and,
following out this theory, the compost for the pear should con-
sist more largely oi bones and potash, than for the apple.

This view of the subject might be further illustrated, but
sufficient experiments have already been made, to establish the
importance of specif c manures, not only for fruit trees, but for
crops generally ; and from soils worn out by continued cropping,
or from our old orchards and gardens, where the proper fertiliz-
ing substances have been exhausted, although overloaded with
other manures, we cannot expect a favorable result, either as it
regards the health of the tree, or the perfection of its fruit.

A French chemist had received a medal, for the discovery of
a method of preventing the early defoliation of trees, particular-
ly the young pear stocks in nurseries — this was a weak solution
o{ sulphate of iron (copperas;) the oxide of iron had also been
named as a specific, both for the premature falling of the leaf,
and for the restoration to health of worn-out pear trees. He had
made experiments with both, and entertained a favorable opin-
ion of their effect.

REMARKS ON FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. 259

Col. Wilder closed by remarking that lie had, for many years,
used, for fruit trees, the compost alluded to in the discussion on
manures, viz. : meadoio iiuick, leached ashes, and crushed bones-
that, where these could not easily be obtained, no better manure
could be had, than wood ashes, containing, as they do, both pot-
ash and lime.

Mr. Bartlett, editor of the Cultivator, confined his remarks
to the subject of appropriate manures : —

A fertile upland soil, cleared of its first growth by burning,
with the ashes left upon the surface, and the roots beneath, as
sustenance for the new tree, was the best soil for a nursery.
The materials required in the growth of the young trees already
existed at hand. But, as time passes on, these materials are
exhausted ; the potash, lime, and phosphoric acid, enter into the
composition of the wood and bark of the tree. Dr. Emmons had
shown, from the analysis of the ashes of the apple, pear and
grape vine, that lime, potash and phosphoric acid, entered into
their composition, in certain definite proportions. In addition
to this, the leaves also consumed large quantities of the ingredi-
ents existing in the soil. The dry leaves of the elm contain
eleven per cent, of mineral matter, while the wood contains only
two per cent. ; the leaves of the beach contain seven per cent, of
mineral matter, while the wood contains only one-third of one per
cent. Fruit supplies the organic substances for the support of
animal life — and the constant drafts upon the soil impoverish
it. Now the great problem to be solved is — what is the best
manner to keep up the growth of the tree, and restore the pow-
ers of the soil, which have been nearly exhausted ?

Dr. Emmons, Beecher, and other authors, by their investiga-
tions and writings, have done much towards afibrding a solution
to this problem. It is well known, that each species of the ani-
mal kingdom requires different food for its nourishment and
support. For example, the cow and the dog will not subsist
upon the same food. Now it is not the less true, that the field
requires food, and food suited to the crop which is raised upon
it. — Plants, nourished or manured with the ashes of the same
plant, will flourish, as they are then supplied with the materials

260 RExMARKS ON FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES.

which nature demands. Liebig lays this down as a truth. Our
prairie and forest lands furnish a good illustration in point.
They are never impoverished, their fertility never dies out, and
because the materials which are required for the growth of the
grass or tree, are furnished by the decay of the leaves, &c. of
the tree, and the fruit and spears of grass. Thus, for the orchard,
the ashes, leaves and pumice furnish the best manure, as they
contain all the ingredients which enter into the growth of the
apple. But these materials may not exist in sufficient quanti-
ties, and then resort must be had to composts or other manures.
Stable manure will do well, but it is so stimulating, that the
wood does not ripen well.

The gentleman had, upon one occasion, used a large quantity
of this kind of manure upon his fruit trees. — There was a rapid
and apparently thrifty growth of the trees, but yet the wood did
not ripen ; the cold of the succeeding winter killed a great many
of them. The speaker concluded with the observation, that the
time was not far distant, when the cultivation of fruit trees
would be infinitely better understood, than it has been in times
past, but that this knowledge would only be gained through the
union of science and practice.

Mr. Rice, of Newton. — Can we prevent the yellows on the
peach tree ? The speaker had seen recommended an application
of urine as a good remedy for this disease. He had tried the
experiment upon an orchard, of about three hundred trees — say,
one-half of a pailful to each tree — and, out of the three hun-
dred, he had lost only two. One tree, nearly dead, certainly re-
vived, after the application. He thought that the suggestion
was worthy of consideration.

Can any thing be done to save our peach buds ? He had ex-
amined his trees, this spring, and found nearly all the embryo
blossoms destroyed. Many contend, that these buds are killed,
in consequence of very warm weather in the fall, or early part
of winter, being succeeded immediately by severe cold. The
President observed that the cherry blossoms, or man^'- of them,
were destroyed.

Many orchards, continued Mr. Rice, are lost, from a want of

REMARKS ON FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. 261

care and cultivation. Some set out their trees, and there leave
Ihern ; but an orchard requires as much attention as a corn-
field. Mr. Rice had sent his fruit abroad for a market, and the
average return had been above the price of Boston market.
Such was the demand for American fruit, that cultivators need
not fear that the market will ever be overstocked.

Major Wheeler, of Framingham, thought, that the best rem-
edy for the yellows was careful cultivation — that bad cultiva-
tion caused them. The peach is a great bearer, and thrives
vigorously for a time ; and then it is neglected, until disease has
firmly seated itself. He did not doubt, that proper attention
would ensure, to this tree, a long life in this country. In
France, peach trees, a hundred years old, bear excellent fruit.

The cause of the destruction of the peach bud was extreme
cold weather, and not warm and cold weather, immediately
succeeding each other. Observations, extended through a long
series of years, had convinced him that this was the case. It
"was well known, that it is colder upon low, marshy grounds,
than upon the hills ; the buds of the peach growing upon the
hills have not been injured, while those of the peach growing
in the immediate neighborhood, on low lands, have been entirely
destroyed. The hill sides formed the best site for a peach or-
chard.

For forty years. Major Wheeler had cultivated the apple tree,
and had never been troubled with the borer. He was accus-
tomed to wash his trees in a strong lye — say, two pounds of
potash to a pailful of water. The caterpillar, he destroyed with
the brush and the hand. He did not stake his trees, when set-
ting them out ; did not water them ; and did not use litter, al-
though it was undoubtedly very good as a fertilizer. He dug a
hole two feet deep, and some five or six in circumference — placed
a good tree from a good nursery in it, and seldom lost a tree,
from transplanting.

In answer to a question. Major Wheeler said, that the buds of
his peach trees were nearly all destroyed. Those of his neigh-
bors, upon higher and more favorable ground, he had not exam-
ined. He had ascertained, that, when the thermometer sank as
low as ten degrees below zero, the buds were generally killed.

262 REMARKS ON FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES.

The President remarked, he was of the same opinion as Ma-
joi' Wheeler, that extreme cold weather killed the huds. His
psaches were planted upon a dry, gravelly soil, with a northerly
exposure, and the buds were nearly all killed. Many of the
cherry blossoms were also destroyed. The winter has been a
remarkably cold one. (It was suggested by a gentleman pres-
ent that we had quite warm weather in December, which was
succeeded by severe cold.)

Major Wheeler remarked, that, four or five years since, we
had very warm weather in February, so much so that the peach
blossom opened on the 10th of March. After that time, we had
severe, cold, and heavy snow storms, and still the peach bore
most abundantly that year.

Mr. Samuel Walker, of Roxbury, (President of the Massachu-
setts Horticultural Society) thought, that the subject of ma-
nure and transplanting was of great importance. The first
thing to be done, in transplanting, was, to properly prepare the
soil, by trenching, incorporating the loam with the subsoil, and
supplying the appropriate manure. There was no necessity for
special matiiires until the powers of the soil had bee?i exhausted.

Regard must also be had to the kind of soil, its location on
high or low land, its exposure, &c. Mr. Walker would admit,
that peaches grow best on high lands. The trees must be adapt-
ed to the soil, and the fruit must be selected with a view \o
the market which is to be supplied. Mr. Walker thought, that
fruit-growers make a great mistake, in multiplying varieties ;
this would do well enough for amateurs, but it was very un-
profitable business for the farmer. He proceeded to speak of
the varieties of the apple, which he thought it most profitable
for the farmer to cultivate. First, was the Rhode Island
Greening, a good second-rate fruit, which adapts itself readily
to most soils, and is in good order for the table, from November to
April. It was, by no means, the best apple that could be named,
but its combined qualities rendered it exceedingly valuable
for cultivation in this state. Then comes the Gravenstein.
in good order for cooking and eating, as early as the month of

REMARKS ON FRUIT AND FRUIT TREES. 263

August, and continues so for eight or ten weeks. It is an apple
now little known, but it will, at no distant period, come into very
general favor. Then there is the Baldwin, well known for its
many good qualities. With these three varieties, remarked Mr.
Walker, I could make more money than with one hundred va-
rieties. The gentleman made some remarks upon the demand
which exists in all quarters of the globe for American fruit, and
he thought this demand should furnish sufficient inducement
for its extensive cultivation.

The Hon. Mr. Russell was accustomed to keep his apples
well barreled in the coldest place he could find in his buildings,
provided it was not so cold as to cause them to freeze. He ex-
hibited russet apples, which had been kept for one year and a
half, and sweet apples which had been kept for two years, per-
fectly sound and in admirable condition. He took care that no
water should be near where his apples were placed.

Col.. HuBBELL, of Lanesborough, stated, that he preserved
apples, by placing them in barrels : the apples are stowed away,
in oat chaff, with a considerable sprinkling of air-slacked lime :
the preservation is very complete ; and the flavor of the apple
is retained fully. Any other kind of chaff*, sawdust, and other
similar, dry substances will answer as well as oat chaff".

INDEX.

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Page iii

Returns of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting AoRicuLTtmE, . 1

Report on Imported Cattle, ....... 2

Returns of the Middlesex Agricultural Society,
Report on Farms,

" " Reclaimed Meadows,

" " Compost Manure,

" " Fruit Trees,

" " Ploughing,

« " Milch Cows,

Statements respecting particular Cows,

Returns of the Berkshire Agricultural Society,
Report on Agricultural Products, .

" " Stock,

" " Horses,

.1 (t Agricultural Implements,

" " Ploughing,

" " Butter and Cheese,

7

8

14

19
20
24

24

25

27
27
30
30
31
31
33

Returns of the Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden Agricultural So-
cieties, ....

Report on Horses, .
" " Ploughing,
" " Fruits and Vegetables,
" " Poultry, .

Returns of the "Worcester County Agricultural
Report on Ploughing,

" " Fat Cattle,

" " Working Oxen, .

« " Milch Cows,

Statements respecting particular Cows,

34

Society,

34
35
36
38
49

51
52
53
55
55
59

266

INDEX.

Report on Bulls under one year old
" " Heifers, .
" " Steers,
" " Poultry, .
•' " Cheese, .
" " Carrot Crops,

Statements respecting particular Carrot Crop;

Returns of the Essex Agricultural Society, .... 75

Report on Farms, .,....., 79

Statements respecting particular Farms, ... 81

" " Meadow and Swamp Lands, ..... 83

Statements respecting Reclaimed Meadows, ... 86

" " Milch Cows, ....... 92

" " the Dairy, ....... 95

Statements respecting particular Dairies, ... 96

" " Fattening Cattle and Swine, ..... 98

Francis Dodge's statement concerning the Fattening of Swine, 101

" " the Comparative value of Crops as Food for Cattle, . . 102

English Hay, ..... 103

Carrots and Beets, .... 105

Ruta Baga, English Turnips, Parsnips, and

Potatoes, . . . . .106

Indian Corn, ..... 107

" " Grain Crops, ....... 108

John Hathaway's statement concerning a crop of Winter Rye, 109

" " Root Crops, ....... 110

Statements respecting Onion Crops, . . . 110,111

" " Forest Trees, ....... 113

Essay on Destroying Weeds, by Andrew Nichols, .... 120

" " the improvement of Wet Meadows and Swamp Lands, by

Temple Cutler, ...... 126

" " the establishment of Agricultural Libraries, by Allen W. Dodge, 131

Page 63
63
63
64
65
67
69

Returns of the Plymouth County Agricultural Society,
Supervisor's Report, ....

Statements respecting Compost Manure,
" " crops of Oats,

" " " " Indian Corn,

" •'' a crop of Turnips,

" Beets,
" Wheat,
Report on Ploughing, ....

Statements respecting particular Dairies,

Returns of the Bristol County Agricultural Society,
Report on Ploughing, . .

139
139
145
147
149
153
154
155
155
156

160
160

INDEX.

267

Report on Working Oxen and Steers, .... Page 161

'•' " Breeding Stock, ....... 163

Statements respecting particular Cows, . . . 164

Report on Grain and Vegetable Crops, ..... 167

Statement of a crop of Carrots, .... 168

" " " " " Corn, ..... 169

James M. Bishop's statement respecting his Farm, . . . 170

Report on Domestic Manufactures, ..... 174

Returns of the HiMPDEN Agricultural Society, .... 175

Report on Reclaimed Swamps and Grain and Root Crops, . . 178

Returns of the Barnstable County Agricultural Society, . . 180

Statements respecting Improved Wet Meadows, , . 180

Report on Produce, ........ 183

Statements respecting crops of Corn, .... 183

" " a crop of Potatoes, . . . 184

Report and statements respecting Cranberries, .... 185

Abstract of Premiums offered by Agricultural Societies, in 1848, . . 186

" " " awarded by " " " " . . 188

Selections from an address by Josiah Newhall, Esq., before the Essex;

Agricultural Society, " How to make farming profitable," . . 191

Selections from an address, by Hon. John C. Gray, before the Middlesex
Society, " The difficulties and obstacles to be encountered in Agricul-
ture," ......... 198

Selections from an address, by Hon. A. H. Bullock, before the Worcester
County Agricultural Society, "The progress of Industry, and the har-
mony of Labor," ........ 208

Selections from an address, by Hon. William H. Wood, before the
Plymouth County Agricultural Society, "Intellectual labor essential to

success in Agriculture," ....... 214

Address by Professor John P. Norton, before the Agricultural Societies of
Berkshire and Hampshire Counties, " The structure, the physical prop-
erties, and the chemical composition of the Soil," . . . 221

Remarks by J. E. Teschemacher, Esq., before the Legislative Agricul-
tural Society, ........ 243

Remarks by Hon. M. P. Wilder, before the same Society, . . .251

Remarks, on the subject of Fruit and Fruit Trees, made at a meeting of

the same Society, by different gentlemen, .... 257