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UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
LIBRARY

S

74
E8E8
1 876-80

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

Essex Agricultural Society,

IN MASSACHUSETTS,

For the Year 1876,

"With the

Fl FTY-FO U RTH

^]sr]srxj-A.L a.ddre;ss,

BY CYRUS M. TRACY.

Fublislied Jyy Order of tlie Society.

SALEM:

PEESS OF THE ESSEX COUNTT MERCXJRY.
1876.

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A-DDRESS,

I have, to-day, a double satisfaction. While I will not
weakly dissemble the honest pleasure that one may feel at
being selected for this service, I make that small beside the
honor of addressing an association like this. And as the first
thought of the first man has been supposed to have been, and
as the first thought of any one awaking to consciousness nat-
urally must be, embodied in the question "Where am I?" so
this same inquiry rises now in my mind, to admonish me who
are those in whose presence I am speaking.

You know, gentlemen, that this reflection has no reference
to blood, birth, or fortune. There is a vision of greater
things before me. I see in those who hear me, the best ac-
credited representatives of the American civilization of to-
day. I speak carefully. I might be told that an assembly
of learned men, a body of scientists, a gathering of mercan-
tile boards, or some religious council or congress of legisla-
tion, could better answer my terms ; but I think otherwise.
And if I proceed to develop, somewhat, the character I have
ascribed to you, I hope it may be apparent that I rather point
you to your duties and privileges, than indulge in any word
of adulation.

You represent a territory of some four hundred and seventy
square miles, supporting a population of two hundred thou-
sand ; a territory most remarkable every way, whether in the
present or past. It is busy with almost every modern Indus-

4

try, from the heavy workings of cotton in Lawrence, and
granite in Rockport, of shoes in Lynn, and fishery in Glou-
cester, to the lighter craft of combs in West Newbury, shoe-
threads in Andover, and cigars in Saugus. You stand for
twenty-seven towns, and six incorporated cities of perhaps
twenty thousand souls each, whose school-houses are like
palaces, and whose churches stand thicker than the old cas-
tles that look down on "the wide and winding Rhine." You
are gathered from all political parties, and you stand for
every form of religious thought that calls itself Christian,
and possibly some who do not. You speak the English lan-
guage more purely than any other people, and you read the
authors of every civilized tongue under the whole heaven.
Not only so, but yours is a community marked of history.
You have the first landing-place, almost, of pilgrim feet, and
the first seat where Legislation sat down in the name of this
nation of the West ; and the first-built church of God's wor-
ship no doubt stands to-day within your borders. It was on
your soil that the first defiance was done to the flag of Eng-
land, it was here, too, that the first open collision with that
power occurred, and it was this soil and this community that
earliest drove out the soldiers of the insane king, and gave
timely notice to all the world that here was one spot already
in possession of Liberty. Nor less in Art and Science. The
cinders of the oldest iron-foundry in America lie to-day on
the river-bank, quiet witnesses of their own antiquity ; the
water still brightly flows in the oldest canal, hardly three
miles away, and the first weaving of American linen and
wool is said to have been done in the same region. Why
should I seek to unroll the long list of names of productive
thouo-ht, to recite to you the experimentation of Jacob Per-

kins, the navigation of Nathaniel Bowditch, the skillful han-
dicraft of Joseph Jenks and John Adam Dagyr ? For even
where such names are somewhat less emblazoned of fame,
history, with impartial pen, omits not the pregnant facts, that
here in Essex were made the first dies for mint-coinage, and
the first engine for extinguishing fire ; that here was obtained
the first American patent, and that for the first and only scythe
ever brought to successful use by the haymaker.

But why do I thus, with reiterative memory, array these
things afresh before you, familiar as most of them must be
already? Because, m an account of so rich and abundant
honor, I seek for that which underlies and animates the
whole. In all this reckoning of eminence and leadership, I
look after that calling which may stand as foundation, or as
fountain-head, for all this worthiness. And where shall I hit
upon it — where shall I reach that craft that feeds others, but
is unfed of them, that clothes others, but is not clad by them,
that teaches what nature alone has taught it, and preaches on-
ly the gospel of God — where shall I find such a vocation ex-
cept among the tillers of the ground and the keepers of
flocks, among those whose most ancient ways were even
learned of old within sight of the flaming brand above the
gate of Eden?

You will understand me. I assume the point, and will
prove it if I may, that as our well-esteemed community of
Essex stands high in the scale of talent and enterprise, so the
welfare of that talent, the good fortune of all that enterprise,
have always found, and do to-day find, themselves basing
down upon her agriculture, resting back confidently and se-
curely against that class of men and of minds that in the in-
difierent manner of common speech we call her farmers.

6

Let me guard myself agaiu. In England and elsewhere
there are royal and aristocratic estates, decimated continually
by death ; and lower classes, so called, of coarse, and stern
and rough-hewn humanity, from whose sounder timber the
losses of the other are constantly repaired. This, too, may
not indicate dishonor, yet I would not thus rate the unincor-
porate guild of whom I am speaking. In their case the no-
bility is rather with them, while it is still obvious that theirs
is much the same relationship to the soil, as that which per-
tains to their humbler and foreign prototypes. It is not from
our tillers of fields and feeders of herds that any higher rank
is to be recruited. They have their own nobility. They have
brought their race to its own sceptre, and like Napoleon,
commenced a dynasty for themselves. Here and there are
seen the shining memorials of their canonized great — of Choate
and Tudor by the seashore, of Newell by his own broad river,
and of Newhall by his little brook, of Pickering in the halls
of the nation, and of others, brilliant in church, state and
profession, dotting the county with spangles of eminence.
No doubt the farmers of England may be vigorous and apt
enough to move toward a better civil liberty ; but the farmers
of Essex were never less than noble, and that without wait-
ing for decree of Garter-King at arms, or patent from the
Crown. I speak not of banquctings nor liveries, of servants'
halls nor trappings heraldic ; but of that nobility that enables
the citizen to meet the monarch with calmness, and makes him
to be ready furnished for his place in the nation's highest
councils, whenever her call shall reach him. In the homes
of such have always lain familiar to every hand and eye, the
Bible and the Dictionary, the muse of Goldsmith and the
profundity of Locke, the searching words of Jeremy Taylor

and the fiery visions of the Pilgrim iu his progress. Their
culture has been broad without multiplicity, and deep but not
obscure. And this is the class — these are the men — of whom
I say that they have stood behind and upheld the greatness
of Essex, and propped her emiuence wherever she has-
achieved it.

Need I reiterate, that this judgment is not for the flattery
of the farmers that are its subject. I do but take them for
an example, though I know not another so good, of a great
and general principle. For if, in this favored and historic
county, where letters have thriven, and arts have prospered^
where Science has spread her broadest wing, and Philosophy
wheeled forth like a conqueror, — if still this mass of quiver-
ing, vital thought, like the live and pulsating human flesh,
has found within itself the solidities of agriculture, like the
strong bone, staying the whole and guarding well the marrow
of nervous feeling — if this be so with us, how much more
shall all these things of liberal growth of the mind and spirit
depend on the intelligent culture of the primal earth, in places
where that is strong and they are only feeble ?

Perhaps I need not further elaborate this argument. It
may be admitted that the real strength and patronage of all
that is refined in science and art rests in the sound sense an(i
thrift of those who stand at the plow. It may be sufficiently
obvious, that as the courses of architecture grow lighter and
weaker upward, shading at length into mere decoration and
ornament, so conversely, from the pencil of the artist and the
quavering of the songstress, all human pursuit strengthens
oppositel}^ till the foundation appears where no orator ges-
ticulates and no trumpet is blown, but the cattle tug at the
yoke, and the plain barn is crowded with that which comes of

8

three hundred annual days of well-reasoned labor. If so, I
reach my theme. For Avith such a yeomanry before me, and
such a historic enlightenment kindling in the very ground I
tread, I stop and ask myself, as I ask you to-day to consider,
What are the relations of Agriculture to the best and highest
civilization^

The civilization of to-day is no doubt better than any the
world has seen before. To saj'' that there is no better still
beyond and to come, would be too much ; yet no man knows
of it save by conjecture- We have to do with that of to-day
as the best yet devised, and that for the security and promo-
tion of which we are all obligated and re ponsible. If we
analyze it, it is a composite thing, multiplied in parts, and
full of dependencies. To deal with it in every aspect is more
than enough for the wisdom of every statesman, and the acu-
men of every teacher. Yet, like all stupendous existence,
the more it is studied the better it is known ; and it may be
more useful to work awhile at a few of its most salient points,
and try to understand them, than to do nothing, on one hand,
or, on the other, seek to do the whole when we cannot. And
thus, considering the relations of agriculture to the best civ-
ilization, let me say, at the outset, that it is The JVurse of its
Truest Liberty,

There may be in it something of imagination, but to me it
always seems as if each craft of mankind bore upon its very
face something of its spirit and social tendency. The arti-
san, even in his freest condition, acts and moves like a man
employed under another, and too often, more than this, under
the surveillance of his fellow-workmen also. The mere day-
laborer, though with us the fact is denied, still wears the look
that tells of submissive, unthinking muscle, and too nearly

affiliates him with the beasts he drives. The artist and man
of imagination, with face lialf-spiritualizcd, shows yet in that
face the deep uncertainties of his own living. And so of the
rest. But he who stands upon his own acres bares his brow
to heaven with another aspect. He stands nearer to a cer-
tainty. So far as human hands may hold it, the key of his
life and welfare is in his own grasp, and he knows it. And
thus he meets the world half-way ; able, if need be, to retire
to the fastness of his own economical home, and there defy
the besiegers. They may sit before his walls while they will ;
but the rain and the sunshine are his, and the earth, despite
of foes, shall give him always meat and drink in its season.

To prove the husbandman the original freeman might seem
superfluous. The examples of the world and of history are
almost too many. The freest people of Europe have perched
themselves upon the Alps, where, though the cultivated crops
are slender, the true agricultural spirit leads them, with free
breath and step unfettered, to pasture their herds, and sing
their Ranz des Vaches on the grassy slopes of Mount Rhigi
and the Matterhorn. And shall we not recognize the fact,
that those time-honored stern barons of England, who gave
such resistless dicta to King John that he ground the chips of
the wayside between his teeth for rage when he dared not
deny them, — shall we not recognize in them the hmded agri-
culturists of that day, and the progenitors of those whose in-
fluence has since turned that laud into a garden of fruitful-
ness, and her laws into institutions of liberty?

I anticipate here an objection. It iias been repeatedly said,
for years past, that our Southern States stood, as an agricul-
tural community, opposed in nature to the manufacturing
people of the North. Indeed, all will remember the boast of

10

secession, that they ivere thus agricultural, and such a people
could not be subjugated. Yet it was this same people who
gave to the world the revolting spectacle of domestic slavery,
and a great civil war waged for its defence.

But I see no incongruity. It is not fortunate for the body
politic when any one industry grows to an inordinate or dis-
proportionate bulk. The agriculture of the South was cer-
tainly in this position. There were not wholesome manufac-
tures enough joined with it to make a stable combination,
but it stood as a wall made wholly of mortar, an earthwork
merely. And it were no wonder, if, on an agriculture thus
overgrown and heedless of its natural associations, there were
engrafted the false branches of oppression, fictitious license,
and unlawful ambition. Had it kept to its true relationship,
as that of our own section had been allowed to do, we should
not have seen it fostering slavery, discouraging manufactures,
nor despising liberal arts and education, even as it more than
despised a free government and the rights of the people.
But I hasten forward. A sound agriculture appears as the
Best Friend of Honest Trade.

The highest civilization among men can, probably, never
overtop the necessity of commercial traffic. No speculations
of Fourier, no Republic of Plato, or Utopia of Sir Thomas
More, has yet been able to explain aw\ay the need of mercan-
tile exchanges of some sort among the people, and if so,
there is almost as great need that they should be honestly
condiicted. And here I will ask only your attention to the
facts, since I have not time to enter upon the argument a priori.
Said the great Webster, in one of his moments of triumph,
' 'There is Massachusetts, look at her ! " Adopting his thought,
I say, "There is American Agriculture, look at lierP'' What

11

is her position before the world to-day, in the time when dis-
honesty and brazen robbery have almost their own way, and
more is written and printed upon financial criminality than
was upon the breadth of the civil war a dozen years ago ?
What shall we say less than this, that the robbers and embez-
zlers, the rogues, burglars and defaulters, have not been found
amowj her followers I We will not overpraise the farmer ;
but there is something about his calling that keeps him, ap-
parently, out of, and aloof from, most of such criminalities
as these. Wliat it is, you can say as Avell as I ; but certain
it is, that this infection has broken out, specially, rather
among the classes that cannot afford to wait for gain to grow
by any natural seedtime and harvest, but thirsting, like Orto-
grul of Basra, for that golden stream which is quick and vio-
lent, have broken away from the trammels of the even life of
the husbandman, and thrown themselves into the vortex of
speculation, high contract, and jobbery. A purely spirited
agriculture is too good a friend to honesty to satisfy such ;
they turn their backs on the farms of inner New England,
and, pressing into the cities and greater towns, seek for that
fevery meat that alone can answer the appetite of a Tweed or
a Winslow. I say that the fact that husbandry owns almost
none among such misdoers, is enough to raise more than a
presumption that the field and the pasturage are not good
soils in which to grow a first-class rascality. The motive to
all this obliquity seems, mostly, to be a restless haste for pre-
mature wealth ; but the atmosphere of the farm is, doubtless,
always rather that of contentment. There is meanness
enough, usury enough, hard bargaining enough, among the
agriculture of our country ; but it does not tempt the cupidity
of man like the brokers' board or the stock oflice. The nar-

12

row-souled man may rot his apples rather than lower his
price, or bargain his corn to the whiskey-maker for a slight
advance over the hungry of the land — these are bad enough —
but they are legitimate and fair beside the traffic in building-
jobs, the clandestine trade in patents and pardons, the cor-
ners in fancy shares, and the flying of "kite-paper." And
again I say, the art of the husbandman is blessedly removed
from these by its nature, and its influence on him must always
be in the direction of an honest trade, that seeks to render
equivalent for equivalent, and thus only. But I hold that
Agriculture is related to Civilization, as the Promoter of its
Education.

I am not about to open again the debates that have distin-
guished Massachusetts for the last thirty years, nor to bring
forward for fresh worship the idea, that teaching is good only
in proportion to its magnificence. I think no one will oppose
me if I say that I recognize a true, real, natural education of
youth, before, above and beyond, all special systems yet
enunciated. It is that education that seeks to develope the
young man or woman symmetrically, to give broadening and
deepening views of life, its methods and its needs. It is that
which tells the boy that patient growth is earliest perfect ;
but that soon ripe is soon rotten. It is that which en-
courages him to be excellent in something, but not wholly
ignorant in anything. ' It is that which shows him that
he has a perfect right to be President, but lays its hand
on his head and prays God he never may wish to be. In a
word, it is that which can instruct the child, and will, wher-
ever it meets him, whether in the school-room palace, or the
factory at noontime ; whether in the woods by the sled, with
the oxen chewing stalks in the snow, or at mother's knee by

13

the fireside, where Doddridge learned the story of the Cross,
aud West earned the loving kiss that "made him a painter."

Such, reduced to simple facts, is nearly the education that
our own Essex has always encouraged. I will put this state-
ment on trial for its verity, and any one may look up the ev-
idence. We have not despised the college or the classics ;
yet the 3'oung men who from our midst have entered on them,
have carried thither more of sound and useful education than
they added thereafter ward. It was learned at home, by
snatches, after supper, or in the little common school, a mile
from the house in summer, but surely two when the snow was
deep. It was learned because it was hungered for, and not
because it was fashionable ; because the boy verily thought
that strength and wisdom were the noblest attributes of man,
and to these he labored gloriously to aspire. Such motives
have for two hundred years urged the youth of Essex forward
toward learning, and the result — is it not written and laid up
in the archives of the nation and the world ? Yet all this is
not the way of merchants and manufacturers. It is hardly
the method of the counting-room or the quarter-deck. But
where you see the cows thick on the pastures, where you can
count the corn-rows a mile off in spring, for freedom of
weeds, and the apples are heaped under the autumnal trees
as if busy ants had piled them, — there are boys who demand,
and find out, why they carry one for every ten, and girls that,
being taught the revolution of the earth, would at least get
an idea that it turned over. But a step beyond this shows
Agriculture as (lie Stimulus of Science.

The world is to-day proud of its science — proud of what it
has learned of the laws of nature. It is so proud and so
pleased with its scales and measures of the inanimate world,

14

that it aspires to place them on the pinions of Life, the rain-
bow of the Mind, and even the still small voice of Deity. I
am not abont to declaim at all against its follies, nor utter
loud warning against its excesses ; for that which is true shall
alone endure, and that which it builds of stubble will surely
come to nought. That the verities of science are a benefit to
humanity, one must be weak indeed to deny ; and of these
no one is better prepared to see the value in j)ractice than the
tiller of the ground. For if it be the province of a true sci-
ence to investigate and expound the laws of nature, surely
the man who of all stands most near to her side wMl be the
best customer in that mart. He talks with botanists, for he
needs to know more and more of the structure and style of
vegetation. He consorts with geologists, for the rocks are
the original of soils, and to know something of the material
is to command a surer result. He can welcome the chemist
at all times, for what part of his calling does not need his
lessons ? — and whoever can teach him of climate and the at-
mosphere, is a friend in jieed, whether for drouth or storm.

"VVe may say that some special lines of study fit better some
other pursuit than this. The mariner has greater need of
astronomy and the mathematics than the farmer ; nor will the
latter be urgent after the finer engineering, nor perhaps the
profounder optical and electrical studies. But for science in
general, and especially all that treats of organic and living
existences, he is the man of strongest and most abiding ap-
petite.

Let me be understood. Much has been said of "book-
farming," and, if I mistake not as to its present popularity,
the nays have it by a plain majority. Yet this term, applied
as it usually is, to a merely theoretical agriculture, has no
connection with science as I speak of it. For agriculture, of

15

all the arts in the world, is, and ever must be, thoroughly em-
pirical. No rules for it can be stated beforehand that shall
be general ; no methods contrived that will work well always.
The cultivator must experiment and try ; compare and study
results, and try again. He will not long believe with Licbig
that the ashes of a plant contain all things needed for its
growth, nor with later chemists, that the analysis of a handful
of soil would give a certain indication of the composition of
the whole field. He sees, with the plain eye of common
sense, that in such a pursuit an infinity of causes must be
concerned, and therefore the joint efiect cannot be predicted,
but must be always found by observation. And thus he is
the man to encourage the study of all natural science, whether
in the mutations of temperature, the probabilities of weather,
the habits and movements of insects, the knowledge and
agency of beasts and birds, the reactions of all chemical
forces, and the growth of every green thing, from the hem-
lock to the herdsgrass. I might dwell here long ; but I hasten
to say that agriculture is the Encourager of Art.

Possibly I may here encounter a doubt ; for one may ask if
the painter, the poet, and the sculptor, were not always more
at home and better welcomed in the city than the country, in
the palace more than the homestead. This may be, and yet
be more a statement of what has been, than of what might,
or ought to be. For it is still true, that if the patronage of
the artist be in the metropolis, his best inspirations are far
oftener than otherwise drawn from nature unsubdued, or the
gentleness of country life. And considering the insatiate and
immortal character of that aspiration that makes the artist to
be what he is, may we not reckon that as much for his en-
couragement that gives him food and material for thought,

16

as that which buys his works at a price in the shambles ? Yet
even this is not all my argument. I look out on the innu-
merable scenes of the country and the farmstead, full of
beauty and significant of all that is lovely, and I say if the
undevout astronomer is mad, what shall be said of the unar-
tistic farmer ? I know the yeoman is not blest with much
leisure for the study of Raffaelle or Mendelssohn ; he is not
very familiar with the dialect of Tennyson, or of the sculp-
tor's modelling-room ; but he as well as any one, nay, better,
can and does appreciate the sublime truth, that art is, rightly,
only the visible expression of beauty, and that beauty is a
high gift of God, which let no man despise.

It is the most cruel uncharity to assume that the heart of
the husbandman is hard against the loveliness of art. I have
been among such all my life, and know better. I heard a
wealthy manufacturer say that he had been in the famous
gallery at Dresden, but whether he saw the Sistine Madonna
he was not sure, for it rained, and he was looking after his
umbrella ! I do not believe any farmer of Essex would have
missed that picture, though some might have gaped a very
little while they admired it. For who of all our people seize
most greedily upon all such refinements when avaihible, if not
these? Who likes best to improve his place and make a
graceful drive up from the highway to its door? Who will
try to set his trees to the best advantage, and dispose his
flower beds well before the house, for the finest effect of the
posies that grow there, and of the matron and maidens that
tend them? Who buys a good picture when he can, and a
handsome book often, and is even willing to dare to look on
a premium chromo, rather than have nothing of the kind?
Take your fine performers and go among the farms of New
England with a choice entertainment. You will bring to your

17

hall twenty cultivators for one of, other callings, and their
proportion to the whole population will be fifty per cent,
greater than in any city you can visit. The man who has all
these things crowded and piled along his daily path gets in-
different to them ; but the yeoman's appetite is always sharp,
and more than that, it is rarely unnatural.

After this outline of a proof that need not be further de-
tailed or extended, I will leave it for your oAvn judgment
whether the natural influences of agricultural pursuits are not
related to a high civilization in a way most favorable to the
latter. Nor will I advance the question, almost impertinent
here, whether such a civilization be not the most desirable of
all things for human beings, dwelling together in anything
called society. But a plain conclusion must follow. It may
not happen, as matter per consequence, that the thoughts and
habits of the yeomanry of the country will be fully up to the
natural and theoretical demands of their pursuit. And there-
fore am I here to-day ; not to deck your farms with rhetori-
cal rainbows, nor flatter you with high commendation ; but
to show you that you have a duty, and that the circumstances
of the age are making it more and more imperative.

The common trite expressions as to the antithesis of town
and country, are not necessary to be here repeated. We are
all well aware that the correcting, revising, recuperating force
resides in the country, for the restraint of the hot and seeth-
ing evils that breed so fast and foully in the cities. Nothing
to-day holds the vicious multitudes of New York in check
but the salutary thought and strong hand of the country
behind it ; and were that country more like New England in
social character, there might be found resemblances between
the two capitals where now there are only contrasts.

18

I speak for another reason. The next great period will no
doubt witness large changes from the present social condition.
For twenty years past, at least, the country and its pursuits
have been constantly drawn upon — depleted — roblied of their
natural reproduction by the factitious attractions held out by
the denser communities, to induce the young to forsake the
plough and hayfield, and join in the chase after wealth in an
hour, and eminence in six lessons without a master. To such
an extent has it gone that a smooth-faced boy, even, seeing
in his folly no quicker method, resorts to train- wrecking,
thinking in this bold way to force a large and sudden income
without labor. But it seems as if the insane thirst that had
driven men away from the sure and peaceful path, and made
them cry, as did a distinguished politician of Maine, that he
''within four years Avould be either in hell or in Congress,"
must soon experience a crisis. The land is, meanwhile, starv-
ing for labor, the sod gets thick on the old cornhills, and the
fields that would give the tiller a safe and not too toilsome
living, run to bushes, because he has gone to the city for more
than a living and got considerably less than one. It is against
this unnatural distribution of things that your efforts, O hus-
bandmen of Essex, may well be directed. You are in part
responsible for the leaning of this social tower, that threatens
more its fall than does that of Pisa. The jobbing and man-
aging crowds of State street and Wall street may boast of
refined manners and elegant homes ; I do not care : theirs is
not a high, a noble, a beneficent civilization. They may dis-
play wealth and feed fat in luxury ; but so could the courts of
Pharamond and Charles IL and both were cursed with a cor-
ruption to which our own erratics even now seem tending.
In your hands, I say again, is the medicine for such frenzies,

19

if 3^011 stand for the interests of agriculture, and if you de-
serve the character I have drawn ; and the nation shall hold
you responsible if it is not applied. The elements of a high
civilization are nowhere more developed or more in the hands
of the agricultural class than in Essex : let us see you strike
an early blow at the false life that usurps the true vitality of
the people. Open the resources of your lands and the en-
couragements of your towns, and tr}^ to draw back within
wholesome and unfevered influences those who, in delusion
and mistake, are thronging the streets of our cities, and daily
falling backward in all that belongs to a lofty social culture.
Cry to them, as you can well aflbrd to do, that when God
made man to dress the soil, he proved his perfect and suffi-
cient wisdom. If you have in time past showed discontent
yourselves, and told your boys that farming w^as poor busi-
ness, retrieve your error before they are far gone in business
worse than any forming can be. Call to them that content-
ment dwells indeed in the homestead ; and as the faithful
spies said of the promised land, "Come up and possess it,
for we are well able to overcome it." Then, Avhen by your
judicious ejfforts, you have drawn back to your side some of
those who have wandered away, may we begin to breathe a
clearer atmosphere, and feel that the Simoom that is called
Enterprise and means Madness, has passed us with its deadly
heat. Then, if you have reasonable success, and others fol-
low your example, when the great art of Agi'iculture, first
made of the Almighty, has come more nearly to its true esti-
mation among the people, may we hope for a pure and lofty
civilization, for the prosperity of Liberty, Uprightness, Edu-
cation, Science and Art, and that good Religion of God that
surmounts and includes the whole !

1

THE EXHIBITION.

The Cattle Show and Fair was held at Danvers, Sept. 26th
and 27th, 1876.

The entries in the several departments of the show were as
follows : —

107 cattle of all kinds.
90 horses and colts.
60 swine.
38 sheep.
84 coops poultry.
23 ploughing teams.

7 agricultural implements.
14 carriages.

8 dairy.

49 bread and honey.
About 1500 plates fruit.

124 entries flowers.

75 *' vegetables.
117 " counterpanes, etc.

4 " articles manufactured from leather.
10 " manufactured goods.
40 " children's work.
177 " fancy and works of art.

As the above list shows, the exh.bition in nearly every de-
partment was very full and complete, the exception being a
falling off somewhat of the number of cattle from the last
show.

The show of fruits, flowers, and domestic products, at the
Peabody Institute, is believed to be larger than ever before,
especially that of fruits.

22

The exhibition of vegetables, in the society's tent adjoining,
Tvas remarkable for the line specimens and great variety, that
of J. J. II. Gregory embracing all the vegetables known in
our markets, with many rare specimens not often seen there.

The ploughing and drawing matches showed great skill on
the part of the contestants, and were witnessed by a large
concourse of people.

The address by Mr. Tracy, found on the preceding pages,
was listened to by a large number of people.

The society's dinner was partaken of by five hundred gen-
tlemen and ladies, and was honored by the attendance of His
Excellency Governor Rice and Staff, Hon. Charles P. Thomp-
son, M. C., Mr. Baker, member of the State Board of Agri-
culture, and other distinguished men.

On the whole, the Fair was one of the most successful ever
held by the Society, both in the value and attractiveness of
the contributions and the number of people present from all
parts of the county.

REPORTS OF committp::es, &g.

FAT CATTLE.
Henry Gardner, Salem, pair of oxen, 1st prem., $12.

A. 11. Gould, C. W. Lord, Horace Ware — Committee.

BULLS.

The Committee have made the following awards : —

For the best thoroughbred Bull, of any age or breed, with
five calves of his stock not less than one year old, — to J. Long-
fellow, of Newbury, for his thoroughbred Jersey Bull, "Lit-
tle Micawber," the special premium of $30.

For thoroughbred Ayrshires, two years old and upwards, —
to Asa T. Newhall, of Newburyport, for his bull "Rob Roy,"'
the first premium of $12.

For thoroughbred Jerseys, two years old and upwards, — to
G. W. Russell, of North Andover, for his bull "Son of Ro-
sa," the first premium of $12.

For thoroughbred Jerseys, under two years old, — to Francis
R. Appleton, of Ipswich, for his bull "Royal Duke of Ips-
wich," the first premium of $6.

For thoroughbred Holsteins, two years old and upwards, —
to Wra. A. Russell, of Lawrence, for his bull "Consul," the
first premium of $12.

For thoroughbred Holsteins, under two years old, — ^to Wm.
A. Russell, of Lawrence, for his bull calf "Brett," the second
premium of $4.

The second premium, instead of the first, was given to the
last named animal, not by reason of any deficiency in quality,
but because, in the opinion of the Committee, he was too
young to be entitled to the first premium.

24

In accordance with the laws of the State, and the rules of
the Society, both in the best interests of the stock breeder, the
Committee declined to consider the claims of any animal
whose owners neglected to furnish "a written or printed
statement of pedigree,"

By order of the Committee,

Henry Saltonstall, Chairman.

MILCH COWS.

The Committee on Milch Cows submit the following report :

For the best Milch Cow of any age or breed, with satisfac-
tory record of her daily yield of milk for one or more years,
— to William A. Russell, of Lawrence, the Society's special
jpremium., for his Holstein cow "Lady Clifden," $25.

To this award the Committee think proper to annex Mr.
KusselFs statement, as follows ; —

"Lady Clifden. No. 159, H. H. B. Imported from Mid-
siond. North Holland, by Wm. A. Russell, October, 1874.
Now eight years old. Dropped calf Feb. 1, 1875.

1875^ Record of milk, twelve months, from Feb. 3, 1875 :

February, (27 days,) - - 1600 lbs.

March, ----- 2093 "

April, ----- 1709 "

May, ------ 1639 "

June, - - - , - - 1590

July, ------ 1487

August, - - - - - 1380

September, - - - - -1277

October, - - - - - 1277

November, ----- 1070

December, _ - - - 831

January, 1876, - - - - 321

((

n

16,274 lbs.,
OT 7745 quarts in 363 days. Average, 21^|f quarts per day."

25

1876. "Dropped her calf May 8, 1876. Due to calve,
April 4, 1877. Record of milk from May 23 to Sept. 1st, as
follows ; —

May, (9 days,) _ - - 605 1-2 lbs.
June, - . - - 2052 1-2 "

July, ----- 1755
August, - - - - 1430

5843 lbs. in 101 days
Largest yield in any one day, 75 lbs., or 35 5-7 quarts."
One of the committee witnessed the milking of this cow,

one evening of the last summer, and confirms the truthfulness

of the foregoing statement.

For the best Milch Cow, foreign, native, or grade, not less
than four nor more than ten years old, — to Geo. W. Russell,
of Lawrence, for his Jersey cow "Nellie Blenn, 2d," A. J.
Herd Book. No. 1148. First premium, $12.

The following statement was submitted by Mr. Russell : —

Dropped calf, Nov. 13, 1875. Due to calve, Oct. 12, 1876.
Nov., (15 days,) 442 quarts. Average per day, 29 1-2 qts.

<c

a

ti

it

a

27
24

22 1-2
17

141-4
12
10
8

Total, 4510 qts.

Her feed to 20th of May was clover, two quarts of meal
and four quarts of shorts. From 20th of May to August 1,
pasture only. Since August 1, two quarts of meal and four
quarts of shorts.

Second premium, for best Milch Cow, $9, to Wm. A. Rus-
sell, for his Holstein cow "Maud Marion," No. 181, H. H. B.

December,

837 "

January, 1876,

744 "

February,

630 "

March,

510 "

April,

427 "

May,

380 "

June,

300 "

July,

240 "

26

This cow is four years old. Dropped her first calf January
28, 1875. In twelve months, as appears from statement made
to the committee, she gave 11,112 quarts. Dropped secoud
calf July 8, 1876. From July 12th to Sept. 1st, averaged 24
quarts per day. Feed, pasture and tliree quarts of grain per
day.

For best thoroughbred Jersey, — first premium, to Francis R.
Appleton, of Ipswich, $12, for his cow "Islip, 3d," No.
1883, A. J. C. C. Register.

For the cow that makes the most butter iuany single week, —
first premium, to Charles J. Peabody, Topsfield, $12.

H. G. Herkick, Oliairman.

HERD OF MILCH COWS.

For the best herd, of Milch Cows, not less than five in
number, to be exhibited at the show, and a correct statement
of manner of keeping and yield for the six months preceding
given. 1st premium, $18 ; 2d premium, $12, 3d prem., $10.

The exhibitors were George W. Russell, Lawrence, and
Charles J. Peabody, Topsfield.

Members of the Committee present, besides the Chairman,
D. G. Todd, Wm. C. Sleeper, and E. G. Berry ; and they
were unanimous in their opinion that the statements did not
comply with the above rulej and were therefore unable to
award the premiums ; but recommend that gratuities of $12
be given to both competitors.

This rule is subject to two interpretations : one, that the
yield for the whole or any part of the six months may bo
given. Carrying out this principle, a cow may have been in
milk only a week, or may have been diy all the time. The
other, that the cows mu§t have been in milk during the whole
six months.

Your Committee took the latter interpretation. In conver-

27

sation with officers ind members of the Society, they found
that some agreed and others differed with their judgment.

Our reguhitions ought to be so phiin that he who "runs,
may read," and understand ; and we do not admit that the
above rule is one of that kind, as is shown by the different
interpretations which may and have been put upon it. More-
over, it is not sufficiently explicit, it is too general, it does
not require the minutiae of management, keeping, etc.

We have examined the reports of our Society for the last
five years, and have not found one statement of manner of
keeping and yield from which the reader would derive any
special advantage or instruction.

Here is the statement of one year : —

"Their keeping since June has been grass. They have
averaged 10 quarts of rich milk per day, and from 45 to 50
pounds of butter per week during the season of grass ;" yet
on such a bare and incomplete record as this, the first premium
was awarded.

In another year the first premium was aw^arded to a herd
of cows wath regard to whose manner of keep and yield there
is no statement Avhatsoever.

Does not this show, either that this rule is considered of no
consequence, or that its meaning is not understood?

No matter how good looking the individual animals in a
herd may be, it is their record which ought to govern the
Committee more than anything else, in judging.

Statements in regard to keep and yield of cows are of
comparatively little value, unless they enter into the details,
as to the measure or weight of food, measure or weight of pro-
duct, manner of preparing and kind of food, time of feeding,
etc. Moreover, the time of calving should be always stated.

On such a basis as this, the record of two or more herds
may be easily compared, and a fair judgment arrived at ; but
if loose statements and guesses are allowed, the comparative
merits are not easily recognized, and the public are taught
nothing which can be relied on.

28

We have always supposed that the object of this Society
was, on the one hand, by awarding premiums, to encourage
the exliibitor ; on tlie otlier, by publishing reports, to endeav-
or to instruct its members by giving trustwortliy and vahiable
information. That both purposes may be accomplished more
fully, the Committee recommend the alteration of the rule in
regard to herds of Milch Cows, as follows : —

For the best herd of Milch Cows, not less than five in
number, to be exhibited at the shoAV, and a correct statement
in writing of manner of keeping and yield for any successive
six months between January 1st and September 20th of any
year. Each cow must have been in milk at least three months.
The statement must give every detail possible, — the measure
or weight of grain or roots, an estimate of quantity or weight
of hay, the measure or weight of product in milk or butter,
manner of preparing and kind of food, hours of feeding,
when last calf was dropped. The weight or measure of milk
must be taken each week and stated in writing, then an aver-
age of the whole time may be given. An exact record of the
daily yield of each cow would be preferred. 1st premium,
$18 ; 2d premium, $12 ; 3d premium, $10.

An additional premium is also recommended. For the best
herd of Milch Cows, not less than five in number, with state-
ment as above, only extending over the period of one 3^ear.
Each cow must have been in milk at least six months. First
premium, $20. Second premium, $15.

If we make a comparison between the two statements hand-
ed to the Committee, we find that Mr. Peabody enters more
into the details of management, etc., gives the time when the
last calf was dropped — a very important matter. His cows
yielded 378 pounds of butter and 550 quarts of milk. Al-
lowing 12 quarts of milk to one pound of butter, the whole
yield in milk would be 5086 quarts. Supposing the record of
yield was made up to about Sept. 20th :

29

Cow No. 1 would have been in milk, 150 days.

*' 2 " " 160 "

" 3 " " 125 "

«' 4 << << 128 "

" 5 " " 180 "

Total, 743 days.

Reckoning 5086 quarts as the yield of one cow for 743
days, we have an average of 6.84 quarts, or nearly 7 quarts
per day. For 365 days, or a year, the product would be
2555 quarts, or 5493.25 pounds, — a fair record. We must
bear in mind, however, that this was not the yield of one in-
dividual cow; but the concrete yield of five cows soon after
calving.

Mr. Russell's foreman, Mr. Reynolds, stated verbally that
three of his cows calved in January and two in June. Con-
sidering three cows to have been in milk 180 days, and two
90 days each, total 720 days, at his average of eleven quarts
per day, would give a total yield of 7920 quarts, or 17,028
pounds.

Since August 1st, Mr. R. fed two quarts of meal and four
quarts of shorts, besides corn fodder. Since August 1st, Mr.
P. fed four quarts of fine feed, besides corn fodder.

Mr. R.'s cows' yield in milk far surpasses that of Mr. P.'s,
and reckoning 7920 quarts as the yield of one cow for 720
days, or 4015 quarts for 365 days, would be considered a very
large record for one individual cow.

The Committee make this report, without entertaining the
slightest ill-feeling toward the exhibitors, or any member of
the Society ; but simply for the reason that they consider the
*'rule" is not clear in its meaning, and moreover does not en-
ter sufficiently into the details of management, etc. , which are
necessary for the enlightenment of the public, and also for
the basis of a fair judgment.

The Committee hope that the Trustees will, at least, take

30

such action as will make the matter clearer than it is at pres-
ent, for the benefit of future exhibitors and judges.

J. D. W. French, Chairman.
North Andover, Oct. 12.

STATEMENT OF CIIAnLES J. TEABODY.

To the Committee on Herd of Milch Coivs : —

I enter for premium my, herd of six cows. For convenience
of description, they are numbered from one to six, by cards
attached to their horns. No. 1 calved April 20 ; No. 2 calved
April 10 ; No. 3 calved May 15 ; No. 4 calved May 12 ; No.
5 calved Dec. 10, 1875. They were kept last winter on
meadow and salt hay, with one feed (six quarts) of roots per
day, and one feed of English hay to those giving milk.

This summer they have had a good pasture, with corn fod-
der at night, from August 1 to September 1, and four quarts
of fine feed in the morning; since Sept. 1, corn fodder, both
mornins: and niofht.

The calves were kept four weeks, excepting that of No. 5,
which was sold young. They were worth at that age $7 each.

There has been made from these cows, since April 1 to
date, three hundred and seventy-eight (378) pounds of but-
ter, besides five hundred and fifty (550) quarts of milk used
for other purposes.

Chaeles J. Peabody.

Topsfield, Sept. 25, 1876.

statement of G. W. RUSSELL.

I offer for premium my herd of five cows, pure bred Jerseys.
These were fed in winter Avith good hay, and two quarts of
meal, and four quarts of shorts. With the exception of one
cow, they gave milk up to calving, and calved between Janu-
ary and July. Their feed since May 20th has been pasture
feed only until Aug. 1st. Since then they have had one quart
of meal and two quarts of shorts twice a day, besides some

31

com fodder. Since INIarch 1st they have averaged eleven
quarts per day. Measured their milk one week in each month.

G. W. Russell,

By Wm. B. Reynolds.

HEIFERS.

The Committee on Heifers would report that the stock
entered for premiums was of unusual excellence, and gave the
Committee a difficult task to decide on the relative merits of
the animals.

They award premiums as follows : —

Thoroughbred Heifers under four years old, in milk :

Jerseys — 1st premium, $12, to Francis R. Appleton, Ips-
wich, for his heifer "Bessie." Second premium, $6, to Fran-
cis R. Appleton, Ipswich, for his heifer "Molly."

Dutch — First premium, $12, to Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence.

Thoroughbred Heifers, one year old and upwards, never
calved ; —

Jersey — First premium, $6, to F. R. Appleton, Ipswich.
Second premium, $4, to Frank W. Bly, Dauvers.

Dutch — First premium, $6, to Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence.
Second premium, $4, to Wra. A. Russell, Lawrence.

Heifer Calves, thoroughbred, under one year:

Ayrshire — First premium, $5, to J. S. Ives, Salem.

Jersey — First premium, $5, to George W. Russell, Law-
rence. Second premium, $3, to Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich.

Dutch — First premium, $5, to Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence.
Second premium, $3, to T. P. Pingree, Salem.

Native or grade Milch Heifers, under four years :
First premium, $12, to C. Gafney, Danvers. Second pre-
mium, $6, to S. F. Crossman, Swampscott.

Native or grade Heifers, one year old and upwards, never
calved ;

32

First premium, $6, to Martin Root, Newbury. Second
premium, $4, to Charles Ham, Danvers.

Heifer Calves under one year old :

First premium, $5, to J. Longfellow, Newbur3^ Second
premium, $3, to S. F. Crossman, Swampscott.

Jos. S. Howe, T. B. Fall, Benjamin N. Giles, S. F.
Newman — Committee.

WORKING OXEN.
J. J. H. Gregory, Marbleliead, first premium, $15 ; Clias.
P. Preston, Danvers, second premium, $12 ; R. S. Bray,
Newbury, third premium,

WORKING STEERS.

D. C. Hathaway, Danvers, first premium, $10.

Joseph Kittredge, John Danforth, Edward Kent — Committee.

STEERS.
The Committee on Steers report that there was but one
entry, and that of three-year-old steers, and award the first
premium of eight dollars to George F. Mason, of Andover.

George B. Dodge, H. F. Longfellow, Jas. T. Carlton, A.
P. Fuller — Committee.

STALLIONS.

There were fifteen entries. Premiums were awarded as
follows : —

First premium, four year old stallion, H. E. Holt, Brad-
ford, $18 ; second premium, four years old stallion, C. F.

33

Peiidergrast, Salisbury, |12 ; third premium, four years old
stallion, Wm. A. Keleher, Lawrence, $10.

First premium three years old stallion, John Hathaway,
Salem, $10 ; second premium, three years old stallion, J. P.
L. Wescott,.Newburyport, $6.

Wm. Cogswell, J. P. Cross, H. McGlue, O. S. Butler—
Committee.

BROOD MARES.
The Committee on Brood Mares respectfully report : —
The number of mares entered for premiums was large, and
the quality was remarkably good. It was difficult to decid-
npon the comparative merits of many of them, belonging as
they did to widely diiferent classes. The thoroughbred, the
New England horse of all work, and the heavy Percheron
grade of the West, were all represented. And the Commit-
tee, in arriving at their conclusion, felt obliged to consider
each one of these various families. In awarding the premi-
ums offered by the Society, they do not intend to disparage the
nnsuccessful competitors, many of which came very near the
standard of excellence laid down by the Society. They were
highly pleased with the gray mare of Henry A. Hardy, of
Danvers, with a Patchen colt by her side ; with the bay Patch-
en mare of John Gibney, with a colt by Salem Boy ; with an
admirable and good-sized mare of H. G. Kimball, of Brad-
ford, with her colt b}' Conway ; with the Cleveland bay mare
of Wm. A. Russell, of Lawrence ; and the black mare of
George W. Russell, of Lawrence ; and for these they recom-
mend such gratuities as the Trustees may direct, and they
consider them worthy of honorable mention. In view, how-
ever, of the rules of the Society, on the score of condition
and soundness, they award the following premiums : To
Franklin Alley, of Marblehead, for his thoroughbred mare,
the first premium, $18 ; to Wm. S. Messervy, of Salem, for

34

his Morgan mare, the second premium, $12 ; to A. Knowlton,
of Essex, for his gray mare, the third premium, $10.

Geo* B. Loring, John Hobbs, Samuel Moody, F. H. Allen,
Jos. Longfellow — Committee.

FAMILY HORSES.

Charles H. Gould, Danvers, first premium, $18; E. W.
Jacobs, Peabody, second premium, $12 ; John Hathaway, Sa-
lem, third premium, $10 ; John Swinerton, Danvers, gratui-
ty, $5.

Jonathan King, Chairman of Committee.

FARM AND DRAFT HORSES.

Joshua Roberts, Gloucester, first premium, $15 ; A. T.
Newhall, Newburyport, second premium, $12 ; Paul T. Wink-
ley, Newburj^^^ort, third premium, $10 ; David Knowlton,
Essex, fourth premium, $6.

B. Grifiin, Silvester Dane, Moses Knowlton, J. B. Thomas,
Committee.

PAIRS. OF DRAFT HORSES.

Perry Knowlton, Essex, first premium, $15 ; Burnham
Bros., Beverly, second premium, $10.

COLTS— FIRST CLASS.
The Committee on First Class Colts report as follows : —
They have examined seven colts, and in the performance of

their trying duties, necessarily attending said examination,

have come to the following result, to wit : —

35

Four Years Old — J. Grout, Daiivers, first premium, $12 ;
A. Knowltpn, Essex, second premium, |8 ; J. H. Fitts, Tops-
field, third premium, $5.

Three Years Old — J. F. Dane, Hamilton, first premium,
|10 ; A. T. Newhall, Newburyport, second premium.

Leverett Bradley, Chairman.

COLTS— SECOND CLASS.

Colts Two Years Old — First premium to George Gibney, Sa-
lem, for his beautiful stepping colt, $8 ; second premium to
Wm. Grover, Salem, $3.

One Year Old Colts — First premium to Hugh McGlew,
Newbury, $8 ; second premium to George B. Martin, Dan-
vers, $3.

B. F. Jenkins, Charles Perley — Committee.

SWINE.

The Committee on Swine have awarded the premiums as
follows : — '

Boars, Large Bone — First premium to E. G. Buxton, Pea-
body, Yorkshire, $10; second premium to A. T. Billings,
Topsfield, Chester, $6.

^oars. Small Bone — First premium to A. T. Billings, Tops-
field, Essex, $10.

Breeding Sows, Large Bone — First premium to T. A. Wil-
kins, Danvers, $10 ; second premium to C. F. Goodrich,
Peabody, $6.

Breeding Sows, Small Bone — First premium to Patrick Kir-
by, Danvers, $10 ; second premium to Mrs. Elizabeth San-
ders, Peabody, $6.

Weaned Pigs — First premium to P. L. Day, Bradford, $6 ;
second premium to Daniel Carlton, North Andover, $4.

36

The Committee would make mention of the following con-
tributors, and regret that no premiums were offered for their
classes, and would suggest that the Trustees take some action
on this matter :

H. G. Herrick, of Lawrence, had on exhibition six remark-
ably fine hogs, nine months old, grade Essex. These animals
were too old to come under the head of weaned pigs, and no
premiums are ofiered for fat hogs.

There were three pairs of pigs on exhibition : Charles Em-
merton, of Peabody, one pair Yorkshires, twenty-five weeks
old; M. G. Tenney, of Georgetown, one pair Berkshires,
eleven weeks old ; John L. Annable, of Topsfield, one pair
Essex, twenty weeks old. These were very fine specimens of
their respeptive breeds, and afibrded a fine opportunity to
judge of their distinctive merits.

M. Birmingham, of Salem, showed four Yorkshire pigs,
six weeks old, weaned, that were worthy of a premium, but
the rules that governed this committee distinctly state that
the premium is ofi^ered for the best litter of weaned pigs, not
less than four in number, between two and four months old.

W. J. Dale, Jr., Chairman.

SHEEP.

The Committee on Sheep have attended to their duties,
and report as follows : —

For the best flock of Sheep, first premium, $10, to Francis
K. Appleton. Second premium, $(5, to E. W. Jacobs.
For the best Buck, $8, to Francis E. Appleton.

For the best lot of Lambs, not less than four in number, \.o
Francis R. Appleton.

Charles C. Blunt, M. A. Plummer, H. M. Goodrich, Geo.
Gutterson — Committee.

37

POULTRY— FIRST CLASS.

Light Brahma Fowls — lirst premium to O. Gowen, West
Newbury, $2.

Light Brahma Chicks — first premium, to George Hobbs,
Salem, |2 ; secoud premium, to C. P. Jacobs, Peabody, $1.

Dark Brahma Fowls — first premium, to C. P. Jacobs, Pea-
body, $2. Chicks — first premium, to C. P. Jacobs, Peabody,
$2.

Buif Cochins — first premium, to T. P. Hale, Rowley, $2 ;
secoud premium, to Arthur Elliott, Peabody, $1.

Partridge Cochins — second premium, to H. A. Southwick,
Peabody, $L Chicks — first premium, to H. A. Southwick,
Peabody, $2.

Black Cochins — first premium, to C. O. Putnam, Danvers,
|2. Chicks — first premium, to C. O. Putnam, Danvers, $2 ;
second premium, do, do, $1.

White Cochins — second premium, to G. D. Walton, Pea-
body, $1. Chicks — second premium, to Neal Moynaks, Dan-
vers, $1.

Geese, Houg Kong, — first premium, to Louis P. Hawkes,
Saugus, $2 ; second premium, to Robert G. Buxton, Pea-
body, $1.

Ducks — first premium, to Louis P. Hawkes, Saugus, $2 ;
second premium, to O. Gowen, West Newbury, $1.

Turkeys — first premium, to Geo. B. Dodge, Hamilton, $2.
James Flint, Jasper Rea, H. M. Berry, Farnham Stiles —
Gommittee.

POULTRY— SECOND CLASS.

Plymouth Rock — George D. Walton, Peabody, second
premium, $1 ; Chicks — A. S. Hill, Peabody, second premi-
um, $2.

Dominique Fowls — John Swinerton, Danvers, first premi-
um, $2. Chicks — John Swinerton, Danvers, first premium, $2.

38

White Leghorn Fowls — Joseph Bushby, Danvers, first
premium, $2 ; H. A. Southwick, Peabody, second premium,
$1. Chicks., Josepli Bushby, Danvers, first premium, $2 ;
H. A. Southwick, Peabody, second premium, $1.

Dominique Leghorn Fowls — G. D. Walton, Peabody, sec-
ond premium, $1.

Black Leghorn Fowls — G. J. Johnson, Rowley, first pre-
mium, $2; Allen Lee, Manchester, second premium, $1.
Chicks — Abram J. Welch, Georgetown, first premium, $2 ;
Allen Lee, Manchester, second premium, $1.

Spanish Chicks — George D. Walton, Peabody, second pre-
mium, $1.

Black Leghorn Fowls — D. B. Burnham, Essex, first pre-
mium, $2.

G. Poland Chicks — H. M. Larkin, Beverly, first prem., $2.

S. Poland Fowls — H. A. Putnam, Danvers, first prem., $2.

Dorking Fowls — W. H. Allen, Manchester, first prem., $2.

Game Fowls — A. A. Fowler, Danvers, first premium, $2 ;
Chicks — A. A. Fowler, Danvers, first premium, $2.

Bantam Chicks— G. D. Walton, Peabody, first premium,
$2 ; Thomas C. Berry, Peabody, second premium, $L

S. Duckling Fowls — Charles H. Farmer, Peabody, first
premium, .$2 ; Oscar Gowen, W. Newbury, second prem., $1.

Pigeons — Jerry Monigan, Beverly, first premium, $2 ; J.
S. Ives, Salem, second premium, $1.

Rabbits — Charles D. Winchester, Peabody, premium, $1.

John Swinerton, Chairman.

THE REPORT ON STEERS.

[Since the foregoing pages were printed, it has been ascer-
tained that the cattle of Mr. Hathaway, exhibited as four
years old, were six years old, and consequently are not enti-
tled to the premium awarded them. Mr. Hathaway states
that he was not aware of the mistake in the age at the time
of entry.]

39

PLOUGHING— DOUBLE TEAMS.

First premium to K. S. Jaques aud R. S. Bray, of New-
bury, $12; second premium to D. C. Hatliaway, ofDanvers,
$10.

Joslma N. Kent, W. A. Brown, Jos. Goodridge, D. G.
Todd, D. J. Hale — Committee.

PLOUGHING— SINGLE TEAMS.
Charles P. Preston, Danvers, first premium, $10 ; Asa T.
Newhall, Newburyport, second premium, $7 ; J. J. H. Greg-
ory, Marblehead, third premium, $5.

Elbridge Merrill, D. Bradstreet, B. S. Barnes, M. B.
Avery, Isaac F. Knowlton — Committee.

PLOUGHING— WITH HORSES.

Edward P. Perley, Danvers, first premium, $12 ; Asa T.
Newhall, Newburyport, second premium, $10 ; J. Kavanagh,
Wenham, third premium, $8 ; G. N. Ordway and M. H.
Poore, West Newbury, fourth premium, $6 ; R. S. Bray,
Newbury, fifth premium, $5.

W. B. Morgan, I. A. Rogers, T. G. Ordway, David
Smith, J. D. Hildreth — Committee.

PLOUGHING WITH SWIVEL PLOUGH.

There seems to be an interest felt among manufacturers of
the Swivel Plough to so perfect it that it will do its work as
well, or better, than the common plough. In fact, they claim

40

*

that it does. But your committee to-day feel that that time
has uot fully come. From what knowledge we have acquired
with regard to the Swivel Plough, we fiud that it makes better
work in going one way than it does the other, and that it is
not so easily managed as the common plough. When all ob-
stacles can be overcome, and all the merits of the common
plough be attained, I think that the farmers of Essex County,
and of every other county, will feel that we have advanced
one step forward in the means of cultivating our farms, as it
would enable us to keep our ploughing more together, have a
tendency to keep our land smoother and more free from ridges
and dead furrows, &c.

Yet, in justice to the Charter Oak, that has been upon the
field to-day, the comm.ttee feel that it has done its work well.
There were but two entries made, that of D. C. Hathaway, of
Danvers, with the Charter Oak, and tliat of Sylvester Dane,
of Hamilton, with the Enterprise — a novel constructed plough,
with two mould-boards and a swivel beam, but owing to the
breaking of one mould-board before the trial, exchanged it for
the Charter Oak, using the same kind of plough that his con-
testant used. The committee regret that there were not more
competitors, and different kind of ploughs. Both did their
work very well, but the displacing or breaking of a bolt on
Mr. Hathaway's plough, detained and somewhat discouraged
him, and consequently he did uot do as well as he would
under more favorable circumstances.

The committee feel justified in awarding to Sylvester Dane,
Hamilton, two horse team, first premium, $10 ; D. C. Hatha-
way, Danvers, two horse team, second premium, $6.

There were also a pair of large, young Bulls, well trained,
and did good work, belonging to W. A, Russell, of North
Andover, to which the committee would have given a premium,
had they come within the rules of the Society.

Horace C. Ware, Aaron Knowlton, Albert Kimball, Hiram
A. Stiles, Richard Webster — Committee.

41

PLOUGHING— BY BOYS.

Special Premiimi, by William Sutton.

Aaron Winslow, Swampscott, first premium, 125 ; Charles
S. Smith, Hamilton, second premium, $15 ; Daniel Young,
Newbury, third premium, $10.

A. L. Moore, W. H. Kinsman, Otis L. Kent, James F.
Gwiun — Cotmnittee.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

The Committee on Agricultural Implements respectfully
report : —

For the best collection of Implements and Machines, diplo-
ma and $15, to Whittemore Bros., Boston.

Best Ox Yoke, complete, to S. F. Ayers, Boxford, premi-
um of $3.

Best Hay or Straw Cutter, premium of $3, to Whittemore
Bros., Boston.

For Randal Pulverizing Harrow, gratuity of $3 to E. E.
Lummus.

Gratuity of $3 to Whittemore Bros., for Smith Churn.

Parker & Gannett, Boston, gratuity of $1, for Hay Cutter.

For Galvanized iron-lined Cucumber Pump, gratuity of $3,
to Whittemore Bros., Boston.

Gratuity of $2, to Parker & Gannett, Boston, for Collec-
tion of Implements.

A. B. Fellows, W. H. Felton, Aaron Low — Oommittee.

CARRIAGES.

Dole & Osgood, Peabody, best Top Buggy, $10, and best
Market Wagon, $5 ; E. P. Whipple, Beverly, best Express
Wagon, $8 ; H. H. Dempsey, Wenham, Express Wagon,. %b ;

42

W. B. Peart, Danvers, Express Wagon, $5 ; H. H. Pillsbury,
Dauvers, Display of Carriages, $5 ; C. W. Bruce, Peabocly,
Express Wagon, $2.

Aaron Sawyer, David Stiles, Henry Hobbs, R. A. Smith,
T. K. Leach — Committee.

DAIRY— BUTTER.
Wm, H. Allen, Manchester, first premium, $10 ; Mrs. L.
Lefovor, Danvers, second premium, |8 ; Mrs. Farnham Stiles,
Middleton, third premium, |6 ; G. W. Russell, North Ando-
ver, fourth premium, $4.

Jos. Knowlton, T. K. Bartlett, John Price — Committee.

BREAD AND HONEY.

The Committee on Bread and Honey would make the fol-
lowing report : —

There were thirty-seven entries of Bread and Cake, three
of Honey, and nine of Preserves, and they award the folio w-
lowins gratuities : —

To H. Beal, Danvers, Bread, $2 ; Abbie E. Elliott, Mrs.
George C. Forest, Mrs. George Elliott, Mary Underwood,
Josie Shea, Bridget Donovan, Gertrude Spring, all of Dan-
vers, Bread, $1 each; Mrs. E. Walden, Danvers, Brown
Bread, $1 ; L. S. Moore, Danvers, Rolls, $1 ; Kate Cremins,
Danvers, Bread, $1; J. Hale, Jr., & Son, Georgetown, for
Fancy Cakes and Pastry, $3 ; Jessie E. Abbott, Danvers,
Loaf of Cake, $1 ; Dean Perley, Danvers, Ploney, $1 ; E.
E. Porter, Danvers, Honey, 50 cents ; J. F. Rabardy, Man-
chester, Honey, 50 cents ; R. P. Roberts, Danvers, Preserves,
50 cents ; Mrs. Elnathan Dodge, Danvers, Canned Fruit, 50
cents ; Dean Perley, Danvers, Preserves, 50 cents ; Anna
Fiske, Danvers, Jelly, 50 cents.

J. H. CHEEt'ER, for the Committee.

43

PEARS.

Your Committee on Pears have attended to their duty as
well as they could inider the present system of showing fruit,
and would make the following report : —

There were 83 exhibitors, from 17 towns and cities, show-
ing 420 plates. The award of premiums is as follows : —

T. K. Bartlett, Newburyport, Bartlett ; E. Bradstreet, Sa-
lem, Belle Lucrative ; George Pettengill, Salem, Beurre Bosc ;
Peter Wait, Danvers, Beurre Clairgeau ; George Pettengill,
Salem, Beurre d' Anjou ; A. J. Hubbard, Peabody, Beurre
Supertin ; Henry V. Buxton, Peabody, Buffum ; Peter
Wait, Danvers, Clapp's Favorite ; John S, Ives, Salem,
Duchess d' Augouleme ; John V. Stevens, Peabody, Dana's
Hove}^ ; A. J. Hubbard, Peabody, Doyenne Boussock ; Wm.
Huff, Newburyport, Maria Louise ; T. C. Thurlow, West
Newbury, Ho wells ; Benj. P. Ware, Marblehead, Lawrence ;
John V. Stevens, Peabody, Louise Bonne cle Jersey ; Peter
Tracy, Salem, Seckel ; George Pettengill, Salem, Sheldon;
J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, Urbaniste ; George Pettengill, Sa-
lem, Vicar of Winkfield ; Wm. Huft*, Newburyport, Winter
Nelis ; B. P. Ware, Marblehead, St. Michael Archange ; Wm.
Hull', Newburyport, Golden Beurre Bilboa ; G. W. Taylor,
Peabody, McLaughlin ; E. Bradstreet, Danvers, Onondaga ;
Peter Waite, Danvers, Paradise d' Autumn — each first pre-
mium. «

For the best collection of other varieties, J. Henry Hill,
Amesbury, Glout Morceau ; .W. H. Huse, Newburyport,
Kirtland ; J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, Andrews — $1.50 each.

For the best collection of twenty varieties, J. Henry Hill,
Amesbury.

For the best collection of fifteen varieties, Wm. H. Huse,
Newburyport.

For the best collection of ten varieties, A. J. Hubbard,
Peabodv.

44

For best twenty-four specimens, T. C. Thurlow, West New-
bury, Beurre d' Anjou.

Gratuities ; Peter Waite, Danvcrs, Bartlett ; E. B. Currier,
Lawrence, Lawrence; Sherman Nelson, Georgetown, Parson-
age ; A. J. Hubbard, Peabody, Duchess ; W. H. Huse, New-
buryport, Seckel and Ducliess ; J. Henry Hill, Amesbury,
Nouveau Poiteau ; C. H. Brown, Danvers, Lawrence; A. H.
Gould, Topsfield, Beurre Diel ; Franklin Upton, Danvers,
Sheldon ; E. A. Perry, Danvers, Dix ; Andrew Lackey,
Haverhill, St. Michael.

J. Henry Hill, Hiram Torr, Thomas Hale, Geo. W. Gage,
Committee.

APPLES.

The principal contributors in this department of the Fair
were : J. H. Hill, Amesbury, 31 plates ; James Flint, Mid-
dleton, 31 ; Peter Wait, Danvers, 30 ; B. P. Ware, Marble-
head, 26 ; T. K. Bartlett, Newburyport, 20 ; D. W. Low,
Gloucester, 20 ; John A. Hoyt, Georgetown, 19 ; Elisha
Hyde, Danvers, 17 ; Geo. W. Taylor, Peabody, 16 ; Aaron
Low, Essex, 15 ; William E. Killam, Boxford, 14 ; John H.
Sears, Danvers, 12 ; J. R. Allen, Manchester, 12 ; T. C.
Thurlow, West Newbury, 11 ; J. W. Porter, Danvers, 11 ;
Wyatt Woodman, Danvers, 10 ; making 16 exhibitors of 10
plates, or upwards, each, (representing for each plate a dif-
ferent kind,) with 2 of 9 plates each, 1 of 8, 3 of 7, 2 of 6,
6 of 5, 8 of 4, 15 of 3, 18 of 2, and 61 of 1 plate each, mak-
ing 132 exhibitors of 558 plates, divided among the cities
and towns, with the amount of premiums and gratuities
awarded as shown in the following table : —

45

City or Town. No. of Exhibitors.

No. of Plates.

Amt. Prem's. Amt.

Gratuities.

Amesbury,

1

31

$13.00

Andover,

1

1

$1.00

Beverly,

1

3

1.50

•

Boxford,

1

14

1.50

1.00

Danvers,

73

230

34.00

1.00

Essex,

1

15

3.00

Georgetown,

2

20

3.00

Gloucester,

2

21

Hon. Mention.

1.00

Grovelaiid,

2

3

4.50

Haverhill,

1

1

. 1.00

Lawrence,

1

1

1.50

Manchester,

2 .

13

1.50

Marblehead,

1

26

7.00

Middleton,

3

35

6.00

4.00

Newburyport,

4

34

4.00

Peabody,

18

48

10.50

3.00

Rowley,

4

8

Salem,

2

8

• 4.50

Topsfield,

2

10

West Boxford,

1

4

West Newbury,

3

15

10.50

Wenham,

4

9

Unknown,

2

8

1.50

132

558

$97.50

$22.00

Your Committee awarded for the best twelve specimens
of the following varieties which have been recommended by
the Society, for cultivation in Essex County, premiums of $3
each, — to Thos. J. King, W. Newbury, Baldwins ; E. Brad-
street, Danvers, Danvers Winter Sweet ; Mrs. A. P. Swiner-
ton, Danvers, Drap d'Or ; C. H. Brown, Danvers, Hubbards-
ton Nonsuch; James Flint, Middleton, Hurlburt; Abijah
Fuller, Middleton, Kilham Hill ; Peter Wait, Danvers, La-
dies' Sweeting; Patrick Tracy, Salem, Porter: B. P. Ware,
Marblehead, Pickman's Pippin ; T. C. Thurlow, West New-

46

•

buiy, Roxbiiry Russet aud Rhode Island Greening ; Peter
Wait, Danvers, Seaver's Sweet; J. B. Marston, Danvers,
Sweet Baldwin; A. J. Stetson, Danvers, William's Favorite;
D. H. Stiekney, Groveland, Gravenstein ; Francis P.Put-
nam, Danvers, Hunt's Russet.

For twelve specimens of any other variety, — $1.50 each, to
John H. Sears, Danvers, Blue Pearmain ; D. R. Parker,
Groveland, Northern Spy ; J. R. Allen, Manchester, Golden
Russets ; C. K. Ordway, West Newbury, Vermont Orange ;
James P. King, Peabody, Cloth of Gold; Ann Collins, Dan-
vers, Fall Harvey ; J. W. Trask, Beverly, Baker Sweet ;
John S. Ives, Salem, Osgood's Favorite ; Nathan Bushby,
Peabody, Fameuse.

For best collection of twenty varieties, — premium of |8 to
J. Henry Hill, Amesbury ; fifteen varieties, $6, to Peter
Wait, Danvers ; ten varieties, $4, to B. P. Ware, Marblehead.

Gratuities were awarded, $3 each, for collections, — to Aaron
Low, Essex ; Jas. Flint, Middleton ; John A. Hoyt, George-
town ; T. K. Bartlett, Newbury port ; Geo. W. Taylor, Pea-
body ; — and David W. Low, Gloucester, received honorable
mention for his collection not entered for competition.

For the best twenty-four specimens of Apples, a premium
of $6 was awarded Samuel Newman, of Peabody, for an apple
unknown to fruit-growers present, but was so excellent in
size, looks aud quality, that the Committee unanimously gave
it the name of "Sutton," instead of the name attached, which
did not Ijelono- to it.

For twenty-four best specimens of any variety of Crab
Apple,— to A. P. Blake, Red, $1.50 ; Wm. E. Kilham, Box-
ford, Siberian, $1.50; Solomon Fuller, Danvers, Red, $1.00.
For the best collection, to J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, $5.

Gratuities of $1 each were awarded to Wm. E. Kilham,
Boxford, Golden Russets ; James Flint, Middleton, Sudbury
Sweet; Aug. Verry, Danvers, President; Andrew Lackey,
Haverhill, Porter ; T. K. Bartlett, Newburyport, and Mrs.
Susan A. Stanwood, Gloucester, Graveusteins.

47

In preseuliiig the above list of premiums and gratuities
awarded by your Committee, we wish to state that it was al-
most imposjjible that full justice to all should be done, with
558 plates of Apples of such good quality aud of so many
different varieties, scattered, as they were, among Pears and
other fruits, over six long tables, without regard to kinds.
Is it not too much to expect, and too- much to impose upon
this or any committee, in the limited time assigned them?
We at least think so, and as Chairman of this Committee,
this years experience added to the experience of last
year as Chairman of Committee on Grapes, Peaches, and As-
sorted Fruits, causes me here and now to protest against the
manner of arranging and displaying the fruit upon the tables
of the Society, causing such laborious and unsatisfactory
work for your Committees, who believe it a necessity that a
radical reform should be made in this direction, if it expects
faithful service from its committees, and justice dealt out to
its exhibitors. We therefore would recommend, what has
already been adopted in some societies, the plan of having
stands set upon the tables, labelled with the variety or kind of
fruit there exhibited, with rods to lay across the table to sep-
arate each variety. By having all of each variety by them-
selves so labelled, the kind of fruit and variety can be easily
found, and when found the best can be easily selected, as all
the plates of that variety are together for comparison ; while
as the tables are now arranged it is simply impossible for any
Committee on Fruits to perform their duties in the time al-
lotted for it, and do justice to all the exhibitors ; the labor be-
ing so tiresome and tedious that it is a wonder that men are
found interested enough to undertake it. We consider that
an exhibitor obliged to exhibit fruit in a round dish, or emp-
tied loose upon the table, is not treated with equal fairness
with those using the regular plates of the Society ; and there-
fore the Society should provide plates enough of its own for
all to use, and we would recommend that it do so before an-
other season. We also think more notice ouffht to be taken

48

by the Ti'ustees of the reports of their Committees, and
where recommendations are made in them they should be no-
ticed and acted upon, even if not adopted. Where such notice
is not taken, you add another discouragement to a faithful
Committee.

About Apples and their culture, your Committee, through
their Cliairman, tried -to get tlie experience of every exhibi-
tor, that their statements might be condensed and put in tab-
ular form, that comparisons could be made more readily, and
the information desired found separated like grain from its
chaff; but the responses made to the questions, ashed of all,
have been so few that these statements are appended to this
report for its readers to do their own sifting, which will be
found to recommend as the best and most profitable Apples
for raising in this County, the Baldwin, Hubbardston Non-
such, Gravenstein, R. I. Greening, Danvers Winter Sweet,
Red Astrachan, Hunt's Russet, Roxbury Russet, Porter, and
William's Favorite.

Coal Ashes have been tried by some to their apple trees
with very satisfactory results. The reports on Peaches last
year, showed that coal ashes around peach trees had proved
beneficial. If more experiments were made with coal ashes,
we should find more virtue in it for tree and plant life than it
has been supposed to contain. Salt has been used in manure
with beneficial results to the trees.

We are led to think that pine trees are a great preventive
of the ravages of the canker and currant worm, as some or-
chards with plenty of pines near them are not visited by
them. Will our apple-growers notice this, and if such is
generally the case, make it known to our Secretary, that ex-
periments may be made with pine boughs as a preventive.
Printers' Ink is universally considered the best protector yet
known for apple trees. Mathews' protector has proved itself
an injury to the trees, in one locality at least, trees having
been badly injured by their use.

4i)

a

Your Committee found, among the others exhibited, a most
excellent apple, very large and handsome, crisp and juicy,
with a very tine flavor ; it being entirely unknown among
the fruit-growers present, who, with the Committee, tested its
eating qualities. The name given to it by the exhibitor being
considered incorrect, your Committee unanimously decided to
name it for one so long identitied with and loved by 'our So-
ciety ; we therefore gave it the name of the Sutton Apple,
and as such it will be extensively cultivated for its worth.

The exhibit of apples by our Society, in size and good
looks, was worthy a place second to none we saw at the Cen-
tennial Exhibition, though the average size of some may have
been larger from the States in the prolific West; yet, in
beauty and keeping qualities, our apples beat them. Canada
made a fine show of apples, and in plums she excelled all
competitors, showing that we may hope yet to regain here
this delicious fruit, ripening between the cherry and the ap-
ple, which has been so profitable in this County in the past,
and which our Society should olfer special inducements to
promote their cultivation, that eventually a remedy for the
circulio and black knot can be found.

A variety of opinion prevails in regard to the expediency
and benefit of root pruning. We have found in ploughing
an old orchard, breaking ofi:' roots of various sizes, that the
trees since have started witli fresh vigor in growth, producing
much larger apples, with less tendency to drop, than before.

We have also found an excellent preventive from the rav-
ages of ground mice on young trees, to be a couple of shov-
els full of fresh cow manure put around the butt of the tree
late in the season.

We were in hopes to draw out from the experience of so
many diflerent fruit-growers individual experiments and re-
sults, which would in the aggregate furnish information to
our Society of the most valuable kind ; but the exhibitors
were not so interested in furnishing it as your Committee in

50

seeking it, although we believe it one of the requirements of
the Society. However, enough valuable information has been
furnished to interest and instruct others, and we trust that
hereafter exhibitors, especially those receiving awards, will
feel it a pleasant duty to forward to the Chairman of the
Committee, soon after the close of 'the annual exhibition, an
unsolicited statement in regard to their exhibits, whether it
be fruits or anything else, with items of their own experience
which may benefit others, thus adding to the stock of knowl-
edge for the procurement and dissemination of which our So-
ciety was formed.

Respectfully submitted for the Committee.

David W. Low, Chairinan.

EEPORT OF MRS. LUCY J. PRATT, OF DANVERS CENTRE.

Danvers Centre, Oct. 23, 1876.
D. W. Low, Esq. :

Sir : We received your circular, and although
we have no real report to make, will cheerfully and briefly
answer your questions as far as we may be able.

Our orchard is small, only about 34 apple trees, with some
14 varieties. The soil is heavy and black. The trees are
nearly all in mowing field, and no particular enriching is used
except an occasional top-dressing of good stable manure ; no
digging round the roots or other means are used, — they are
simply let alone.

Some half-dozen of the trees are quite old, but the remain-
der are young, very fair shape, flourish well, and bear well.
Of the starting of it I cannot say, except that no particular
pains were taken with it above the average.

To the question of caterpillars and canker-worms I must
say, yea, yea.

The pill we prepare for caterpillars is simply a bristle brush
on a pole, — give it a few good twists, and step on them.

51

The ^vny we doctor canker-wovms is much the same as
everywhere, but ours may differ in some respects. We use
for protectors, instead of the tarred paper, enamel cloth, such
as wagon tops are made of; then spread on the printing ink
as often as it requires, being sure, however, to keep it moist
all the time. Our neighl:)ors lise the paper, and are obliged
to renew every year, while our enamel cloth will last two
years, and perhaps longer. The cost of course is more in the
beginning, but we think will be cheaper in the end. I think
no others have used this cloth in our neighborhood, except
on -my father's and our own trees. But little pruning is done,
enough to keep them in pretty good order and shape.

The wormy fruit we keep picked up, and is used for ani-
mals.

To the question of the five varieties considered the most
profital)le, with m}^ limited knowledge I would say, for early,
the Astrachan would lead ; it is well and favorablj^ known, —
good cooking and good looking, as well as good selliho^, but
rather short-lived. Of early fall the Graven stein is our par-
ticular favorite, being a handsome color as well as a beautiful
eating apple, and for cooking seems to us to be unsurpassed.
We had some 37 bushels from our little orchard this year,
and they would sell in market when others would hardly get
a passing glance. They are very free bearers, and we think
they are the fall apple.

The Hubbardston is a fine large apple, also a very free
bearer. What it lacks in richness of color, it makes up in
size ; finds a ready market and cooks well. This year ours
have been uncommonly good. William's Favorite is as
bright an apple as one would wish to see, and is good to eat,
too, but wants to be eaten raw. Danvers Sweets are, ac-
cording to our judgment, good as any, but sweet apples never
seem to be very profitable. People do not seem to have any
idea what a varietv of uses can be made of them in cookino-.

Of winter apples we are still old-fashioned enough to cling

52

•to the Baldwin, which seems to me to be an apple that one
does not tire of as we do of many of the new^er sorts.

To speak lastly of a good winter eating apple, none is in
such favor in our immediate vicinity as the Hunt Russet, —
a smallish russet apple, smooth and fair, and very uniform in
size. Will keep good until apples come in the summer.
This kind cannot be too highly spoken of. They sell as read-
ily as bakers' turnovers at cattle show, — which is saying a
good deal for an ap2^le. Of th© ten varieties, I should say,
Astrachans, William's Favorite, Gravensteins, Hubbardstons,
Danvers Sweets, Fall Harveys, Sweet Baldwins, Baldwins,
Roxbury Russets, Hunt Russets, Greenings.

These seem to us to be the leading kinds, but there are
hosts of others with which I am not ftmiiliar, and may be
better than many of those I have spoken of; but I think I
was only asked to tell what I knew, so I think my duty is
done.

This is my humble opinion, humbly expressed. For what
it is worth take it.

STATEMENT OF FRANCIS S. LOVETT, OF BEVERLY.

I have sixty-five trees. Fifty are young, on light land,
with sand or gravelly subsoil. Fifteen old trees are on a
rocky piece of land. I have thirteen kinds ; have not ma-
nured the old trees, but the young orchard I have ploughed,
manured, and planted, as much as possible. I came here
about ten years ago, found the trees in grass land, growing
but very little. Ploughed up and have kept it ploughed up
since then. I cannot tell how the orchard was started. The
trees have grown finely, and bear well of an e^itra quality of
apple, mostly Baldwins ; have not been troubled by canker
worms ; a few borers in old trees ; have had an extra quantity
of caterpillars this year, especially this fall. I think the best of
way to get rid of them is to kill them morning and evening,

53

when iu their web, as soon as they make their appearance on
the tree. I do not believe in too close pruning ; would prune
about the first of June, as the wounds heal better at that time.
My wormy apples are fed to cows and pigs ; when the apples
are lit, into cider.

I should say Early Bough, Red Astrachan, Hubbardston
Nonsuch, Gravenstein, Hurlburt, Minister, Ladies' Sweeting,
Baldwin, Northern Spy, Roxbury Russet, and Hunt Russet,
are the most profitable in this County. The best for the ta-
ble are Early Bough, William's Favorite, Hubbardston Non-
such, Gravenstein, and Minister. Early Bough is one of the
best sweet apples ; good, constant bearer. William's Favor-
ite is a splendid apple, but requires strong soil and high cul-
ture to perfect the fruit ; it is very apt to be wormy in some
locations ; it is a good bearer. Hubbardston, a fine apple,
and an extra good l)earei^ (with me liears every year) ; keeps
well ; I have seen apples of this variety as late as March.
Gravenstein, a very fine apple, good bearer, will sell as well
or better than most any other variety. Minister, a thin-
skinned, tender, acid apple, very nice when well ripened ;
an enormous bearer ; requires very careful handling ; will not
do to "hand-pick" ofl' the grass, as a great many have done
this year. The Northern Spy and Roxbury Russet are both
open to objections ; both require a strong, rich soil to get
fine fruit. A more juicy, better flavored apple than the
Northern Spy cannot, be found ; good for cooking as soon as
they are large enough, and will keep till June or July, with
a good fresh, brisk flavor. Roxbury Russet, apt to be small
and wormy on old trees ; still it is so well known that there
is no trouble to sell good ones at any time. Hunt Russet is
a great bearer ; fine, tender, apple, objected to by some as a
market apple on account of its size ; a fine apple to keep.

54

STATEMENT OF J. M. ALLEN, OF DAN VERS.

We have one orchard, consisting- of eighty young trees,
Baldwins and Danvers Sweetings mostly ; and then we have
scattering trees of different varieties, — Porters, Ministers,
President, Pumpkin Sweets, Northern Spy, and graven-
stein, — amounting in all to about one hundred and thirty
trees, twelve of them very old.

The best trees are on light, gravelly soil. They are en-
riched in the spring with common barn manure. Our best
Baldwin apples this year were enriched with coal ashes ; some
of them weighed three-quarters of a pound. We are not
troubled with apple worms to any account ; we prune in
April, and pull all the suckers we can by hand. We feed
out the wind-fall sweetings, and make the sour ones into cider
■for vinegar. We dori't dr'inh cider-.

For market, we consider Gravensteins as good, or better,
than any other fall apple, and Baldwins for winter ; though
for my own eating I prefer Greenings the first part of the
winter. We have this year ninety barrels of very large ap-
ples, twelve of which are Danvers Sweetings. The Baldwins
fire uncommonly large and fair, although I have noticed that
they are not so red as the smaller variety. We tliink if the
Committee on Fruit could have seen our orchard, we should
have had a premium.

STATEMENT OF ABIJAH FULLER, OF MIDDLETON.

On m}^ farm I have about one hundred apple trees of about
a dozen difierent kinds, the principal of which are Baldwins,
Danvers Winter Sweet, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Kilham Hill,
Rhode Island Greening, Harveys, both summer and fall.
My trees are mostly young, and I do not enrich them only
by ploughing among them. The soil in my orchard is rather
gravelly. I generallj'^ prune my trees in winter or very early
spring. I am troubled but very little with canker worms, —

55

seldom seo them, — and only to a small degree with caterpil-
lars, and these I soon rid myself of by clearing their nests
from any trees. My wind-fall apples I usually make cider
of. My orchard I think bears well, in comparison with my
neighbors. I generally have a very full crop the bearing
^ear, and enough for family use the odd year. As for the
particular kind of apple that is most prolitable for me, I think
the Kilham Hill is one of the best fall apples. Mine are
great bearers, as I always have some every year. They have
nothing done for them but pruning, as they are in a gravelly
pasture by themselves, on a side hill. I cannot so much as
plough among them, and as I always have good fair apples
and a good crop, I think gravel and sandy soil best suited to
that particular apple.

STATEMENT OF PETER WAIT, OF DANVERS.

In answer to the questions put to me by the Committee, I
will say that I have about forty apple trees and twenty or
more kinds of apples. My soil is mostly gravelly, with a
strong clay sub-soil. In regard to enriching, I think one of
the best fertilizers is glue dross. I have used much tan -yard
waste, such as old tan, lime and hair, but to quicken and
warm up my trees, I use night manure. I apply it in the
fall as a top dressing.

My trees are mostly thirty years old, and upwards. In
regard to planting, I made use of no science, but simply dug
a hole sufficient to receive the roots, without manure or any
previous preparation. My treatment ever since has been top-
dressing, keeping them clean and well pruned. The borers
have been quite a trouble to me. I consider them the most
destructive enemy to the apple-trees we have to contend with.
The best treatment for them is a free use of soap about the
time they hatch.

56

After using Mathews' protector for two or three seasons, I
have resorted again to printers' ink for the destruction of the
canker worms. The caterpiUar with me has ahnost become
extinct. Cluster worms and fall caterpillars are easy to des-
troy.

I prune my trees any time when convenient, except large
limbs, which I cut generally in the fall or early winter. I
keep my trees well pruned, taking off all useless twigs and
spurs. Wormy fruit I collect some three or four times in the
course of the season. I sell the best for what I can get, and
what is not sold or given away to those that have none, is
thrown into the hog-pen.

The best apples for cultivation, all things considered, I give
the folio wino- : Baldwins, Rhode Island Greenings, Danvers
Sweet, Seaver Sweet, Fall Harvey, Sweet Baldwin, Hunt
Russet, Roxbury Russet, Northern Spy, Garden Apple, Hub-
bardston Nonsuch, Ben. Apple, Gravenstein, and Porter.

For table use I give in order as they come : Early Harvest,
Red Astrachan, Porter, Gravenstein, Fall Harvey, Minister,
•Hubbardston, Baldwins, Greenings, and Hunt Russet.

I will not speak of the peculiarities of any except the Gar-
den Apple. This apple seems to be but little known, yet I
knew it when a boy, but, like the Hunt Russet, it was kept
in obscurity. I believe I was the first to introduce the Hunt
Russet into the nursery. In its season the Garden Apple is
the best for culinary purposes, growing very large and fair,
and a great bearer. They come early into use, and last until
Thanksgiving. It is highly worthy of cultivation, and should
be encouraged by our Society.

I think our premium list ought to be revised, both apple
and pear, dropping some and adding others.

57

STATEMENT OF GEORGE W. TAYLOR, OF WEST PEABODY.

Peabouy, Oct. IGth, 1876.
D. W. Low, Esq.,

jSir: — Your comraiinication of Oct. 11th arrived, and as
you request, I will take this early opportunity to answer some
of your inquiries. In the first place, I have some three hun-
dred apple trees on my premises, among Avhich there are
about thirty varieties. My soil is a deep loam, rather rocky,
with manv laro-e bowlders. The subsoil is a o-pavellv loam,
which is underlaid by a pan of clay gravel that is almost as
hard as the stone itself. A smart blow with the pick cannot
penetrate it more than an inch or so. My land is not very
apt to suffer much from drought. I have not been in the hab-
it of appl^ying any special manures to my orchard or among
the isolated trees that are scattered over my farm.

When I plough up the ground among the trees, I usually
plant some crop, such as corn, cornfodder, or potatoes, for a
year or two, then lay down to grass. All the manure my
apple .trees ever get is applied when my land is under the
plough. Before leaving this portion of the subject, I will add
my word in favor of mulchiug among trees. Too much, in
my opinion, cannot be said in favor of the practice, and no
work in the orchard will repay the owner so large a percent-
age on time and expense. Any old rubbish that is always
accumulating about a farm will answer, yet we prefer old ha}^
or weeds. Any of the following sul)stances might be em-
ployed for this purpose : potato vines, cornstalks, woodwax,
or old tan. And I have known the pomace from the cider
press to succeed admirabl}^ One of my neighbors has used
this for several years as a mulch, and I have noticed that his
apple crop has been much improved, both as to size and quan-
tit}', where he liberally mulched his trees. I knew an instance,
where the ground under quite a large apple tree was covered
over with slabs for several years, that it produced enormous
crops of fruit much larger and fairer than that produced before
the slabs were piled under the tree.

58

There are trees on my place, ranging from those but a few
years set, up to the old hoary -head, that must have stood the
wear of time for a century at least. There is a young orchard
of about seventy trees, that was set out in the years from 1855
to 1860. These trees were purchased from the proprietor of
a nursery adjoining the lot upon which my orchard stands.
This orchard has been cropped ever since being set out, either
with hoed crops or grass.

I have never been bothered much with the borer or cater-
pillar. Either can easily be gotten rid of, if proper care is
taken at the proper time. To prevent the borer, it is of the
utmost importance to keep all the grass and weeds removed
from near the trunk of the trees, thereby destroying all
chance for a safe harbor for the embryo borer. Caterpillars
can be destroyed by two or three thorough cleanings of the
trees. But canker worms are worse than all the other ene-
mies of the apple combined. No remedy that is within the
reach of farmers has as yet been discovered that will effectu-
ally keep them down. The patent tree protectors are much
too costl}^, and require too much tending to ever become of
much benefit to the fruit grower. They may do well in small
private gardens, where the owner has an eye on them several
times a day. Tar, or printer's ink, applied to the trunk of
the tree, is the cheapest, most effectual, and surest method
that can be adopted to rid the apple orchard of the scourge.
I am of opinion that it would be of decided advantage to all
concerned if one-half at least of all our apple trees were cut
down and removed. I believe that an apple tree lasts and
bears fruit with any profit to the owner for only one genera-
tion. Even if they do live along and produce, it is only as
an unsightly and hollow-hearted nuisance, where grubs and
vermin of all kinds seek a home to breed their kind, and from
which to sally forth and attack the young orchards. Better
far it is to remove the old wornout trees, and take better care
of the young and vigorous.

59

As to pruning, a little each year is the best ; thereby avoid-
ing the necessity of removing large branches, which leave
wounds that it takes years to heal over. As to time, let the
grower be guided by his o^vu inclinations ; 'tis better at any
time of year than not to do it at all ; still I am satisfied that
the last of May or early in June is a good time to perform the
operation. This, however, has a serious objection ; it is the
season when farmers are most busy, and can ill afford the time
to attend to it.

Soon after the leaves of the blossoms have fallen, the fruit
commences to form and set on the tree. One after another
of the embryo fruit becomes crowded out and falls to the
ground ; this is continued from the time when the fruit first
commences to grow till the last apple is plucked from the
tree. A great deal of this imperfect fruit is fit for no purpose
whatever, and lies and decays on the ground where it falls ;
later in the season the fruit grows larger, and is gathered up
and fed to the cows or to hogs. Some benefit is claimed, ev-
en if the flow of milk is not increased ; the cows seem to have
such a love for apples that they will not content themselves to
feed until they have visited each tree within their reach and
secured every apple that the breeze' may have caused to fall.
Hogs are also passionately fond of apples, especially the sweet
varieties, and have in some instances been fed for weeks on
little else, and still have thriven well.

The ten varieties which have proved themselves to be enti-
tled to the rank of best in Essex County are the Baldwin,
Rhode Island Greening, Hunt Russet, Gravenstein, Red
Astrachan, Hurlburt, Porter, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Dan-
vers Winter Sweet, and William's Favorite. These ten vari-
eties embrace those which have proved themselves the most
prolific and constant bearers, and whose fruit is the most
sought for b}^ those who have to buy. There are, however,
other kinds, which might be added, that rank high, and which
we would scarcely be willing to omit ; yet we are constrained

60

to say that for profit our belief is that a few varieties of those
kinds wliich are most prolific and reliable, well cared for,
would be of far more profit to the owner than an increased
number of sorts.

A gentleman of my acquaintance who has given his atten-
tion to the cultivation of fruit for the last sixty years, tells
me that he would sooner have less, than more than ten varie-
ties, for any purpose either for pleasure or profit.

For table fruits, we should say the five best would be,
William's Favorite, Gravenstein, Hubbardston Nonsuch,
Baldwin, and Hunt Russet. I have named them in the or-
der that they are ripe and ready for use. We would gladly
add the name of the Hurlburt, Eustis, Drap d' Or, Sweet
Baldwin, Ramsdale's Sweet, and Gillitipwer, but of the hun-
dreds of varieties to select from, we become bewildered, and
are quite willing to leave it to each person to select such as
suits his or her taste, well knowing that the most fastidious
can be suited. All of the varieties I have named are abun-
dant l)earers, the Baldwin, Gravenstein, Hunt Russet, and
Hubbardston Nonsuch, particularly so.

The Baldwin I have placed at the head of all the varieties.
We are free to grant it the title of King of all the apples, for
our soil and climate. While the other sorts some of them
contest the title and vie with it for the honors of royalty,
still the Baldwin wears the crown, for productiveness, long-
keeping, general uses, and for market.

While all the apple-trees are alike in one sense, and have-
the same nature, the ash of the wood and foliage being identi-
cal, and scarcely differing in the most minute particular, still,
like men and animals, each variet}^ seems to have eccentricities
and peculiarities of its own. Some, like the maple, lift high
their erect and shapely branches. Others, like the oak,
spread wide their limbs, and shade the soil for rods around.
Others still, are crooked and gnarled, suggestive of sour and
crabbed fruit. Some are sleek and smooth of limb, while
others wear a rough and scaly coat, but boast of blossoms

61

fair, and luscious fruit. Some have pendulous branches, like
the willow, and their fruit hangs swinging with every breeze,
and joyfully seems to pass the time from summer to harvest.
The fruit spurs of some are stifi" and strong, and the fruit ad-
heres closely to the branches and remains stationary till sud-
denly disturl)ed. All of these different habits or peculiarities
are so marked and distinct, that the cultivator can easily deter-
mine by the tree just what kind of fruit it bears, and in his
selection of trees in the nursery, can decide the different va-
rieties by the color of foliage, and general habits of growth.

In the above treatise I have endeavored to answer your
questions in as detailed a manner as I could possibly, and do
it briefly. There is much that might be said and written in
favor of the cultivation of the apple ; there is no fruit that so
largely enters into all the different uses to which we are in
the habit of placing fruit. For culinarj' purposes the apple
is far ahead of all fruits ; for the table it is not surpassed ;
for preserves and drying, no other fruit is so universally used.
In fact the apple is our constant friend ; from July to July
again we have it on our tables, and with us it is a joy forever.

Year after year we are greeted with the rich abundance of
our orchards. When the trees of the Old Bay State fail to
give us returns, we turn to the Empire State and the great
West for a supply, and seldom look to them in vain. If the
trees in one section of our country fail to produce an abun-
dant crop, those of other sections fiil not, and transportation
from one place to another makes the supply universal, and
distributes the luxury with a balance as just as the wants of

demand and supply call for.

•

Of all the fruits by man possessed,
We deem the Apple much the best.
Yeai- after year on crops depend,
The Apple proves a constant friend.
Both food and drink in it combined,
These, for the body and the mind,
Throughout our land, the East, the "West,
Pronounce it first, pronounce it best.

62

STATEMENT OF T. C. THURLOW, OF WEST Nl5WBURY.

To answer your inquiries in brief, — we have n'ow about
eight hundred apple trees, and over twenty-five varieties.
The soil is generally a good gravelly loam, with a sandy or
gravelly subsoil. A very large proportion are Baldwins, —
budded trees taken from our nursery, and planted in orchard
rows in 1850 to 1855. The orchards were for several years
cultivated, — two or three times planted with corn or pota-
toes,— but for the last sixteen or seventeen years have been
down to grass, and for ten years or more pastured with sheep.
The trees have not been enriched in any other way, except a
small portion of the orchard, which has been partially culti-
vated, and two or three dressings of barn-yard manure
ploughed in.

Occasionally we see a borer, which is or ought to be imme-
diately dug out, or killed with a pointed wire. When our
trees were young, they were washed every year, in June,
with soft-soap and 'water, (half-and-half,) which killed all the
borers' eggs, (if there were any,) and was otherwise benefi-
cial to the trees. Of late years this has been neglected,
hence the increase of the borer.

We have been troubled with canker worms since 1860.
More than half our trees were entirely ruined by them within
five or six years of their first appearance, and our apple crop
reduced to merely nothing, — from eight hundred barrels a
year before their appearance, to less than a smgle barrel of
all kinds six or seven years afterwards, — and our trees re-
duced from four thousand in 1860 to eight hundred at the
present time ; although they were planted much too thickly
at the commencement. After trying various remedies, we
have decided that printers'' ink ( applied fall and spring ) is
the cheapest and most effectual. Our trees this year produced
over nine hundred barrels of good merchantable apples. The
tent caterpillar is at all times very troublesome, but can easily
be taken off when small with the baud or a stiff conical

63

brush. No other insects to any extent trouble our apple-
treetf. The field-mice did considerable damage to our young
trees during one or two winters, but care should be taken
not to allow grass or other rubbish to accumulate around the
trees, and thus afford them a shelter.

We try to prune our trees a little every winter ; should
prefer the mild weather during February and March. For
young orchard or nurser}^ trees, would trim in June. The
wormy fruit that drops is generally disposed of by the sheep
and other animals.

For the ten most profitable apples for this County, I would
name the following, (the most valuable first) : Baldwin,
Hubbardston Nonsuch, Roxbury Russet, (for heavy land,)
Hunt Russet, King 6f Tompkins County, R. I. Greening,
Red Astrachan, Gravenstein, Porter, Danvers Winter Sweet.

For five best varieties for table use, I would suggest Wil-
liam's Favorite, Large Yellow Bough, Gravenstein, Hunt
Russet, and King of Tompkins Co. They are all good bear-
ers. There are probably many other excellent varieties that
would do well in this County, but these are old and tried,
and no one would go very far astray in planting these. Some
of these will do well on a light soil with very little cultiva-
tion, while others require a rich soil and very high cultiva-
tion.

STATEMENT OF A GENTLEMAN OF GROVELAND.

I have perhaps fifty apple trees, consisting of Northern
Spy, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Baldwin and Roxbury Russets,
for winter use, and Gravenstein and Porter for the fall, grow-
ing on a variety of soil, with a subsoil of slate or gravel,
with no especial pains to enrich, but growing upon the natural
soil. My trees are most of thcmi thirty or more years old ;
some of them, however, have been grafted within ten years,
and upon these I have had the best crops.

(J4

While all cii'ound me the canker worm has been busy, I
have as yet escaped, but luitil this year have had plenty of
caterpillars, but consider them of but little account and easily
managed when compared to the canker worm. I know of no
way to get rid of the borer or the latter worm when once
the}^ favor you with a call.

Upon the question of pruning, I know there exists a variety
of opinions. I always prune when I see the need, without
regard to time of year, preferring to do so when the tree is
bare ; if done in the spring or summer, when the tree is full
of sap, very much care must be used to prevent the bark
from being injured.

You ask what disposition I make of the wormy fruit that
drops. The most profitable use I can make of such apples is
to sell them to some neighbor who appreciates early made
cider.

Of the five best varieties, for this part of the County at
least, I would name first the Gravenstein, then the Northern
'Spy, Baldwin, Roxbury and Hunt Russet. I am of the opin-
ion that Northern Essex is the most favorable section to be
found for the first named variety. I have visited many times
the exhibitions of the Mass. Horticultural Society, and very
many of the County exhibitions in various parts of the State,
also the State fairs of New Hampshire and Maine, and have
never seen so good specimens as are here grown. My trees
of this variety arc upon grafts say from six to ten years old,
put into vigorous trees, which bore profusely this year bush-
els of apples that Avould measure twelve inches in circumfer-
ence each.

The Northern Spy, for a late apple, is my favorite. I had
been fearful this variety would be a fiiilure with us, and some
parties had begun to graft them over on account of their
slowness in coming into bearing, and the fruit rotting on the
trees, their ill shape, their lateness in putting out in the
spring ; but this year they have redeemed themselves, and

65

take the first rank, have all produced heavy crops of choice
apples, and at this date outsell any other variety by fifty cents
to a dollar a barrel.

I have written this much in haste ; regi-et not having more
time. You can make what use of it you desire, only I would
ask you to withhold the name of the author, if any part
should go into the report.

STATEMENT OF R. C. WARE, FOR B. P. WARE, OF MARBLEIIEAD.

My father (B. P. Ware) being away for a couple of weeks,
I will answer your questions concerning apples, as I am pret-
ty familiar with those my father raises.

Have three hundred and thirty trees, of twenty-six dilfer-
ent kinds. Soil loam, with gravelly subsoil and clay below
the gravel. Trees manured with compost in the spring. They
are treated very much like other crops. Trees are from fifteen
to fifty years old. The young orchard was started by setting
the young trees twenty feet apart ; the trees were budded
when two years old. The orchard has been cultivated ever
since the trees were set out, and the trees severely pruned,
with the hope of keeping them small and of bringing them
into early bearing. The trees, however, wouldn't be kept
small, and are now so thick that nearly eveiy other tree will
have to be removed this year.

Very little trouble from borers. They are sometimes hunt-
ed with a pliable stick or wire. Caterpillars are kept down
by picking off the young nests. Canker worms are kept off
by tarred paper and printer's ink, applied fall and spring ;
otherwise the leaves would be all eaten off the trees by these
worms. The trees are pruned nearly every April. No
special care is taken of wormy fruit that drops.

Baldwin, Pickman Pippin, Drap d'Or, Eoxburv Russet,
Danvers Winter Sweet, Sweet Baldwin, Greening, Early

6Q

Williams, Gravcnstein, Porter, Shepard's Sweeting, Killiam
Hill, Peck's Pleasant, Phillips' Pippin, and Lyscom, are all
good varieties ; but Drap d"Or, Pickman Pippin, Baldwin,
Early Williams, Roxbury Pusset, and Sweet Baldwin, are the
most profitable to raise for market.

For table, Early Williams, Porter, Gravenstein, Drap
d'Or, Lyscom, Kilham Hill, Baldwin, and Roxbury Russet,
give a constant and excellent supply from August 15 to June
1st. The Drap d'Or is a very abundant bearer, the others
quite good. The Lyscom and Kilham Hill are of little value,
except for table, and are not profitable for market. The
Pickman Pippin is considered the best cooking apple in the
market, by those who know it. It is very tart, high flavored,
fine grained, and of good size ; it keeps until February. The
trees come into bearing late, but bear pretty well after they
begin. The Drap d'Or is a very large fall apple, tart, but
excellent for eating as well as cooking. It keeps well until
the middle of November. Trees come into bearing 3^oung,
and bear very heavily. As the trees grow older, the apples
do not grow quite so large.

I will add the following remarks as the result of my ob-
servation : Trees not in an orchard seldom bear. Trees that
do not bear good apples are worse than useless. There are
only a few varieties that pay. It is better to raise only those
varieties that do pay. Where there are only a few trees of a
kind, there are not enough of that kind of apples raised to
pay for marketing, consequently the}^ are often wasted. An
apple that is unknown in the market is hard to sell. Neg-
lected trees are of no use.

STATEMENT OF SAMUEL NEWMAN, OF PEABODY.

[Manuscript Lost.]

Mr. Newman speaks of the apples, called the Sutton by
the committee, as having been raised on a graft from the orig-
inal tree grown in Salem, which produces even larger apples

67

than were shown at Danvcrs. They keep until November, and
are, as he says, "most excellent for sauce." Your committee
know how nice they were for eating. The tree is a thrifty
grower and good bearer. The tree, he thinks, was bought
from a New York nursery, for "twenty ounce" apple,. some
years ago. Any one interested, Avill find Mr. Newman ready
to give information on the subject.

D. ^y, Low, Cliah'man.

STATEMENT OF J. B. MAKSTOX, OF DANVEKS.

With regard to the culture of apples, I would say that I
have in my garden a few apple trees of a])out fifteen years'
growth. I have but f^ur different kinds. The soil is well
fertilized. The subsoil is loam. With regard to the treat-
ment of young trees, I believe in thorough tilling of the soil,
keeping the ground light about the roots, and free from
weeds. To fertilize the soil, I use a compost of animal ma-
nure and decayed vegetation, together with a liberal share of
superphosphate of lime and wood ashes. This is .'ipplied to
the land in planting time, in the hills and rows, with a portion
around the trees, dug in with a fork. My plan of preparing
the manure is to fork over the compost heap, in early spring,
adding by degrees the superphosphate and ashes, until the
whole is well mixed. Then leaving it awhile to permeate and
heat through, it becomes in good condition for use.

It is of the first importance, in my opinion, in the cultiva-
tion of apple trees, to take care of the roots. It is well to
look after and destroy the insects ; but if the roots are neg-
lected, I think that we shall find worms more plenty than
fruit. I don't believe in the way that some have of tearing
up the roots with a plough. It is better, I think, to kecjj the
ground light by digging around the trees with a fork.

As for the insects, I am not much troubled with borers of
any kind ; when I find any in my apple trees, I choke them
with hard soap. The caterpillars are exorcised on the point

68

of a lono" pole, and the canker worms are treated to a coat
of tar. M.y trees are pruned (but not excessively) in the
month of May ; the cuts on the larger branches I cover with
paint. My wormy fruit I bury deep in the ground away from
the trees. With regard to the choice of apples, I think that
mnst depend principally on the taste and fancy peculiar to
each individual, and among the great variety of apples pro-
duced, it seems as though every one ought to be gratified. It
is well, perhaps, that personal tastes and fancies differ, as
otherwise some things now considered very choice would be'
entirely neglected.

STATEMENT OF H. ALLEY,* OF WENHAM.

I am not a great fruit grower, but I am interested in such
things, and am watching the markets as to prices, quantity,
and quality of the diiferent kinds of fruit, and on this ac-
count, in making a reply to your questions in regard to apples,
I will say that I have twenty apple trees — 'Seven Baldwins,
two Gravensteins, two Porters, two Hubbardston, two Dan-
vers Sweet, two Red Astrachans, two Northern Spy, and one
other, a worthless kind. For profit, and all things consid-
ered, I would select the following five varieties : Red Astra-
chan, Gravenstein, Hubbardston, Baldwins, and Porters. All
the above kinds do well in this part of the county. Have
been troubled with canker worms, but by the use of tar pa-
per and printer's ink, they were nearly exterminated.

I prune all my trees during the winter from the middle of
January to the first of March. Had two Porter trees that
never gave me over one barrel each until I pruned them, then
they gave me three barrels each, of as fine fruit as ever grew
in the county.

The windfalls and wormy apples are sent to the cider mill.
We always found a ready sale for our Red Astrachans and
Gravensteins, and at prices treble those of other varieties,

69

and that was so this year, notwithstanding the large crop of
apples of all kinds.

To make up the ten best varieties, we would add the fol-
lowing to those above named : Williams, R. I. Greenings,
Hunt Russet, Roxbury Russet, and Danvers Sweet.

The Williams Apple is l)ut little known in this county, but
ill the vicinity of Boston they are grown in considerable quan-
tities, and command high prices. In 1875 they were sold for
$5 per bushel. I intend to change my Nortliern Spy trees
and some others to the Williams. What little dressing we
. use is barnyard manure. The abovenamed varieties are all
great bearers.

STATEMENT OF JAMES FLINT, OF MIDDLETON.

I have about five hundred apple-trees ; about one hundred
are old ones, that were on the place when I took it ; the rest
I have set myself. I have over forty different kinds, which are
more kinds than I wish I had. I do not think it a good plan
to have so many varieties. I have in my orchard loam and
gravelly subsoil, enriched with barnyard manure in the spring
of the year. I commenced by setting some over a hundred,
about thirty-two years ago, and have set some occasionally
since, until within ten or fifteen years. I ploughed the land
deep before setting, by going twice in the same furrow, and
digging the holes large ; and keeping the ground cultivated,
and washing occasionally, when small, with potash water.

I am troubled some with the borer, not with the canker
worm or caterpillar, or much with any other worm. The
winters have hurt my trees more than anything else. Take
the borer in season with a knife and wire, and you can soon
fix him. I trim my trees late in the fall or early winter, cut-
tins: off the dead wood and limbs that cross each other. I
have found by sad experience that it is injurious to trim after
the sap begins to flow. The last of June may be as good a

70

time, but we are apt to be more busy, aud iu fields that are
in grass it is not so convenient. Tlie wormy fruit I sell or
make into cider.

What ten or more varieties of apples to cultivate in this
County? — 1, the Red Astrachan, — an early variety, a good
bearer, and good for market; 2, William's Favorite, — a very
showy apple, a good bearer, and finds ready market ; 3, Gra-
venstein, — a very superior apple, but not a great bearer, or
yery saleable fruit ; 4, Porter, — profitable for cultivation, and
a good bearer ; 5, Hubbardston, — a very superior apple, a
great bearer, and iu eating just before the Baldwin, one of •
the best ;, 6, Hurlburt, — ^a very good apple, and worthy of
extensive cultivation, resembling the Gravenstein ; 7, — Dan-
vers Sweet, — a very good sweet apple, though it water-cores
in some soils ; 8, Sudbury Sweet, — a very superior apple for
baking, or boiled in molasses water, after paring and taking
out the cores ; I alwaj^s found a ready market for it ; 9, Ed-
wards' Russet, — a very good apple, large size, and a great
bearer; it bears every year with me; 10, Baldwin, — a very
good apple, and will recommend itself, though I think it af-
fected by cold winters more than almost any other va-
riety; 11, RamsdellSvveet, — a very showy apple, resembling
the William's Favorite ; a very i^reat bearer. S'ood eatinof,
and good for market; 12, Rhode Island Greening, — a very
saleable fruit ; I think it requires a very strong soil ; it d(jes
not bear as well with me as I should like ; 13, Fall Harvey, —
a good apple for cooking or table, and of excellent flavor
where the soil suits it ; I find a great difference in that re-
spect ; 14, Ladies' Sweet, — a very good apple, and valuable
for its late keeping ; a great bearer.

The five or more varieties which are best for the table, are,
William's Favorite, Porter, Gravenstein, Hubbardston, Plurl-
burt, and Baldwin. I find that to raise good apples they
must be well taken care of, and the better they are cultivated
the better apples you will get ; and I have learned by my
own experience, aud that of my neighbors, not to sow small

71

grains among them, and allow them to ripen among them. It
is very injurious, especially when they are young, rye in par-
ticular. I had an orchard that I Avanted to lay doAvn to grass,
and I sowed oats, calculating to cut green for fodder. It so
happened that I did not cut them until ripe ; the trees were
not very large; the bark on the south side was sun-scalded,
so that it killed a good many, and the rest were not good for
much.

As to grafting, I have had considerable experience, both
for myself and others, and I find that sour apple grafts put
into sweet stocks, are not apt to do so well as those of a
sweet or a milder flavor. I think it best to only take those
limbs you want to graft, so as to make a well-balanced head,
and leave the rest on the tree till another year. I think it
best uot to take off too much at once.

STATEMENT OF JOHN H. SEARS, OF DANVERS.

I have two hundred and fifty apple-trees. under cultivation,
and fifty more (most of which are grafted) in pasture land,
(fifteen varieties.) Our soil is from six to fifteen inches
dark loam, underlaid by yellow loam of from one to four
feet in depth. The next lower deposit is a very hard loamy
gravel. This soil may be considered as the general form of
that of North Danvers. Young trees, in my experience,
should be kept under cultivation for twelve or fifteen years,
for the plough will keep the surface roots thinned out, and
those directed down in the subsoil, which are its principal
source of nourishment during our seasons of drousfht, jjrow
deeper and stronger, giving a firmer support to resist the
power of the high winds, which will, if the roots are more
on the surface, so rock the tree as to displace the roots, and,
as is often the case, overturn it. For old trees, once in five
years is often enough to turn the sod over, and if it is well
cultivated the first year in corn, the second to potatoes, the

72

third to Hungarian and grass seed, which crops can in most
orchards be successfnlly cultivated, it will be in good condi-
tion as far as the roots are concerned, to reward the owner
with good crops.

Our trees are nearly all in bearing. One orchard of one
hundred trees, which, when planted, in May, 1858, were one
inch in diameter. New York trees, are now some of them
eight inches in diameter. The soil is rich loam, but very
shallow, the ledges often coming to the surface. Borers, cat-
erpillars, and canker worms destroy the beauty of most or-
chards in this neighborhood. I dig out the borers with a
sharp knife, or probe for them with a piece of small-sized
wire, partly hooked at the end, whenever I see any signs of
them. Caterpillars are quickest destroj^ed by gathering their
eggs after the leaves have fallen ; as they are usually on the
ends of the branches they are easily detected, and after I
gather them I burn them up.

The canker-worm is the worst pest to deal with. She
must be kept down from the trees, for she will deposit her
eggs under the loose scales of bark, either on the body or
limbs of the trea, and so many of them that it is impossible
to destroy them. I have tried several methods to keep the
grubs from going up, and I think that a strip of tarred paper
tacked around the body of the tree, and the preparation called
printers' ink thinned with petroleum put on with a brush, if
attended to, will destroy as many grubs, and with less dam-
age to the tree, than any other mode.

In pruning trees I take off a limb at any season of the
year when I see a chance to improve the shape of the tree,
or when one liml:» interferes with another. If trees have not
been pruned gradually as they have grown, and want much
wood removed at once, I usually take the month of March, as
the dry winds at that time will dry the cut wood, causing it
to shrink, and affording a good chance to heal over. Our
wormy windfalls we grind and turn to vinegar, or throw
them to the hogs.

73

I consider Tompkins Connty King, Bcaldwin, R. I. Green-
ing, Hnbbardston Nonsuch, Roxbury Russet, Danvers Sweet,
Tolman's Sweet, Gravenstein, Red Astrachau, William's Fa-
vorite, and the Gilliflower, — eleven excellent varieties, both
as good bearers and fine fruit. As a late winter apple,
Tompkins County King stands in advance for the table ; as
a late fall, Hnbbardston Xonsuch and Tolman's Sweet; as an
early ftill, William's Favorite or Gravenstein; and for an
early apple, Gillitiowei or Red Astrachau. The Graven-
stein in this section, when grafted on a young stock, is apt to
be a short-lived tree, and on the other hand, when grafted on
limbs of large trees, it continues healthy many years. The
Blue Pearmain, though a fine-flavored apple, soon commences
to decay.

PEACHES, GRAPES AND ASSORTED FRUIT.

The Committee report as follows ; —

PEACHES.

•

For best nine specimens of Whiteflesh, Solomon Fuller,
Danvers, $2 ; best nine specimens of Yellowflesh, E. F. Web-
ster, Haverhill, $2 ; best nine specimens Essex Co. Seedling,
Josiah Newhall, Lynnfield, $2.

Gratuities of $1.50 each were awarded to J. Moore, Pea-
body, and J. S. Ives, Salem, for "Ives's Blood."

GRAPES.

Premiums of $3 each were awarded to Rufus Goo'dwin,
Haverhill, for Best Concord and Hartford ; A. J. Hubbard,
Peabody, Isabella ; James Lowrie, Danvers, Delaware and
lona; Geo. W. Gage, Methuen, Creveling; L. K. Pember-
ton, Groveland, Clinton ; Franklin Upton, Danvers, Allen's
Hybrid ; James Lowrie, Danvers, Diana ; E. P. Richardson,
Lawrence, Adirondac ; F. Upton, Danvers, Israella and Eu-

74

melan ; Geo. W. Gage, Methiien, Rogers, No. 3 ; J. W.
Eopes, Danvers, Rogers No. 4 ; E. P. Richardson, Lawrence,
Rogers No. 15 ; Geo. W. Taylor, Peabody, Rogers No. 19 ;
F. Upton, Danvers, the Salem.

For best collection of Cold House Grapes, W. H. Brown,
Peabody, $6 ; second best collection, R, D. Rogers, Pea-
body, $4 ; third best collection, Aaron Low, Essex, $3.

Best collection ten varieties of Grapes, J. W. Ropes, Dan-
vers, $7.

For best Basket of Assorted Fruit, Peter Wait, Danvers,
4; second best, Aaron Low, Essex, $3.

For the best specimens of other varieties deemed worthy
by the Committee, Geo. W. Gage, Methuen, for Worden
Seedling and Cottage, $1.50 each; D. H. Stickney, Grove-
land, Seedling, $1.50; F. Upton, Danvers, Croton, $1.50.

Gratuities of $2 each were awarded to Geo. W. Taylor,
Peabody, Grapes ; J. Q. A. Batchelder, Danvers.

Gratuity of $1.50 was awarded to B. S, Perkins, Danvers,
Grapes.

Gratuities of $1 each were awarded to H. B. Learnard,
Danvers, Plums ; Peter Wait, Danvevs, Quinces ; T. K.
Leach, Topslield, Grapes ; Pklwin Verry, Salem ; Solomon
Fuller, J. Silvester, and Peter Wait, Danvers ; Franklin
Stiles, Middleton; David W. Low, Gloucester, Basket Wild
Fruit.

Gratuities of .50 were awarded to Benj. Russell and J. W.
Ropes, Danvers, Quinces ; Wm. Huff, Newburyport, Grapes ;
Chas. E. Smith, Danversport, Grapes ; Henry Fowler, N,
Cross, J. L. Smart, and Albert Berry, Danvers ; J. Stimp-
son, Gloucester ; Thos. Capers, Newburyport.

T. C. Thurlow, James Marsh, — Oommittee.

70

FLOWERS.

The following premiums and gratuities are awarded : —

Mrs. L. P. Weston, Danvers, best pair Parlor Bouquets,
$3 ; Mrs. J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, best pair Hand Bouquets,
$2; Mrs. L. P. Weston, Danvers, best Floral Design, $2;
Thomas Capers, Newburyport, best dish Cut Flowers, $2 ;
John Mitchell, Beverly, best twelve Dalilias, Miss S. P.
Towne, Middleton, best twelve Petunias, J. Mitchell, Bever-
ly, best twelve Pansies, Miss S. P. Towne, Middleton, best
twelve Phlox, Mrs. Mary C. Tapley, Danvers, best twelve
Verbenas, each $1 ; Mrs. C. N. Horner, Georgetown, Native
Flowers, first premium, $2; Mrs. M. E. Fuller, Middleton,
Native Flowers, second premium, $1 ; J. J. H. Gregory,
Marblehead, best general display, first premium, $4 ; Mrs. J.
Henry Hill, Amesbury, general display, second premium,
$1 ; J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, best Basket Flowers,
$1 ; Francis Putnam, Salem, Gladiolus, first premium, $3 ;
Mrs. J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, Gladiolus, second premium,
$1.50; T. Capers, Newburyport, Parlor Bouquet, second
premium, $1.

Gratuities of fifty cents each were awarded to, — ]\Irs. W.
L. Weston, Danvers, Orange Tree ; Mrs. Augustus Putnam,
Danvers, Japonica; A. S. Page, Danvers, Wild Flowers;
Mrs. M. E. Fuller, ^Middleton, Winter Bouquets ; Mrs. R.
Hart, Danvers, Flowers ; Mrs. Wm. L. Weston, Danvers,
Coleci ; John Webster, Bouquet; Mrs. Melinda Webster,
Bouquet ; Miss E. Webster, Bouquet ; Mrs. J. Q. A. Batch-
elder, Danvers, Amarillis ; Mrs. E. M. Low, Gloucester,
Lilies and Asters ; Mrs. j\Iary Hawkes, Asters ; Miss N. M.
Putnam, Wild Flowers ; Mrs. D. W. Doherty, Danvers, Cac-
tus ; Mrs. A. Baker, Danvers, Cactus ; Ruth P. Fowle, Dan-
vers, Bouquet ; Mrs. J. Southwick, Danvers, Flowers ; Bertie
Allen, Danvers, Sunflower ; Wallace Legro, Danvers, Bou-
quet; Horace Walton, Danvers, Flowers; Miss Bertha F.

76

Perkins, Danvers, Bouquet; Mrs. Louisa P. IIoocl, Danvers,
Bouquet ; Elizabeth P. Peabocly, Bouquet ; Haunah P. Cross,
Danvers, Flowers; Geo. May hew, Danvers, Basket Flowers ;
Mrs. H. A. Wiggin, Danvers, Abutilon ; Mrs. C. H. Perry,
Danvers, Flowers ; Carrie P. Perry, Danvers, Wild Flow-
ers ; Serena P. Towne, Middleton, Pansies, Verbenas, and
Bouquets ; Sarah E. Marston, Danvers, Cut Flowers ; Elbridge
Trask, Danvers, Fig Tree; Frank Lord, Danvers, Bouquet;
Mrs. D. W. Low, Gloucester, Flowers ; Mrs. S. E. Jones,
Bouquet; David Mighill, Georgetown, Bouquet; Mrs. D. E.
Parker, Groveland, Verbenas ; Andrew Nichols, Danvers,
Century Plant ; Mrs. M. E. Goodwin, Lynn, Acacia; Mrs.

D. R. Parker, Groveland, Petunia ; Mrs. J. H. Hill, Ames-
bury, Petunia ; Mrs. J. A. Hoyt, Georgetown, Pansies ;
Fred. W. Ladd, Groveland, Flowers, ; Mrs. A. R. Rundlett,
Danvers, Bouquet; Miss E. F. Hill, Peabod}^, Dahlia; Lillie
Brown, Pinks; Addie Hood, Pansies; Belle Waldron, Sa-
lem, Nasturtiums; Mrs. E. T. Waldron, Danvers, Wild
Flowers ; John Mitchell, Beverly, Geraniums ; Mrs. B.
McLoud, Bouquet; Mrs. S. B. Edwards, Beverly, Bouquet;

E. P. Ropes, Danvers, Phlox ; M. Waite, Danvers, Ver-
benas ; John Sears, Danvers, Wild Flowers ; Sarah Ewell,
Danvers, Bouquet; Mrs. Legro, Danvers, Wreath; Sarah A.
Cross, Danvers, Bouquet ; Sarah E. Fuller, Danvers, Bou-
quet; Mrs. Wm. B. Tyler, Bouquet; C. F. Newhall, Ver-
benas ; Hannah Whipple, Bouquet ; Emma Tufts, Danvers,
Flowers ; M. Waite, Danvers, Dahlias ; Miss A. Felton, Dan-
vers, Verbenas ; Anna Dodge, Peabody, Bouquet ; Mrs. Hull,
Peabody, Amarillis ; Mrs. A. R. Gage, Boxford, Flowers ;
Mrs. D. J. Preston, Danvers, Flowers.

The Committee were happy to be greeted with such a bril-
liant display of plants and flowers, though the large number
of entries, and so many of nearly equal merit, made the task
of awarding the premiums, from the sums of money at their
disposal, a difficult one.

77

So numerous were the contributions, it was deemed advis-
able to make a departure from the old routine by establishing
Second Preniiiims, in sevei^l instances where justice to the
contributors demanded it. In the case of Parlor Bouquets,
where there was but little difierence in the merits of two very
beautiful contributions, it seemed to be the only way in
which to give a fair expression of the opinion of the Com-
mittee.

Two years ago we called for contributions of Gladiolus,
and requested the Society to ofler premiums for them, believ-
ing the increasino' interest in the cultivation of this beautiful
bulb warranted such a proceeding. The call has been lav-
ishly responded to, — as Avitness the twenty vases of excellent
varieties exhibited by Mr. Francis Putnam, of Salem, and
half as many more by Mrs. J. Henry Hill, of Amesbury, —
but not so the request for authority to award a premium.
What were the Committee to do ? pass these magnificent dis-
plays by unheeded, or assume the responsibility of establish-
ing the premiums themselves? They chose the latter alter-
native, trusting their course will be approved and sustained
by the officers of the Society.

Again we wish to call attention to the fact, that one dollar
is the largest sum ever offered for the best collection of na-
tive flowers. I wish every gentleman having this matter in
charge, would, next September, collect and arrange as we
have done, two hundred and twelve varieties of native plants,
flowers, ferns and mosses, climbing steep ridges for the delicate
Harebell, wading in brooks for the showy Cardinal Flower,
sinking in bogs and swamps, searching for Pitcher Plants and
Frino-ed Gentian, wrestlins^ half an hour with resolute This-
ties that refuse to be gathered ; slipping on treacherous banks,
gathering the prettiest Ferns, and brightest Dragon-root ;
walking miles for the fair field flowers, almost endless in va-
riety ; riding farther still for those specimens that grow only
on the salt marshes of our eastern boundary ; — and then I

78

am confident the Flower Committee would never again be
compelled to beg for better premiums for these Avayside blos-
soms.

No one l)at a true lover of nature would ever attempt to
present a complete collection of native plants ; l)ut even if
one derives • compensation in the pleasure of gathering, and
studying these wild beauties, there is still a satisfaction in
feeling that one's work is appreciated by the Society in whose
interests they labor ; so once more we ask you to establish
good fair premiums for Native Flowers. In the present in-
stance, where one had collected one hundred varieties, and
another presented seventy-five, the arrangement of which de-
served especial notice, we -feel sure that our venture in giving
fu'st and second premiums will be fully sustained by the offi-
cers" of the Society.

The frequent demands made upon the Committee for vases,
by people bringing contributions from a distance, compel us
to suggest the propriety of the Society's purchasing a supply
of vases, dishes, and other receptacles for flowers, for the
convenience of people who favor us with large displays. A
member of the Committee suggests vases, similar to those
exhibited by the Beverly Pottery Company, and small bottles
for Dahlias, Verbenas, &c., as being serviceable and not ex-
pensive.

The giving of so many gratuities we believe to result bene-
ficially both to society and contributors. The floral display
in itself beino- sufficientlv attractive to draw a larsre number
of visitors to the exhibition hall, were there no other attrac-
tion, we should not fail to offer good inducements to the
florists to bring hither their treasures. The gratuities as well
as the larger premiums will no doubt encourage those who
cultivate the floAVcrs, and so each year our towns and villages
will grow in beauty, as the growing taste for the beautiful is
developed, and prompts our people to reclaim many neglected
spots and transform them into bowers of loveliness. Who

79

cannot feel the refining influence of flowers, and in caring for
and studying them, how can one help being led through Na-
ture up to Nature's God I

"In these we liud where Wisdom hides,

And modest Beauty cowers,
And where Omnipotence resides.

And Tenderness,— in flowers." *

Committee — James F. West, Mrs. N. E. Ladd, Mrs. D. W.
Low, Susan Putnam, Mrs. L. L. Abbott, Clara A. Hale,
Ella E. Abbott.

VEGETABLES.

Yonr Committee met promptly in the tent immediately af-
ter the meeting of the Society had dissolved. Messrs. Henry
A. King, Peabody, Joseph Buzzell, Methuen, and the Chair-
man, were present first, but were soon joined by Messrs. An-
sel W. Putnam, Danvers, and Asa T. Potter, Ipswich.

After some discussion as to tlie meaning of the paragraph
which accompanies the list of premiums, and which reads,
"No competitor for premiums to exhibit either more or less
number of specimens of any vegetable than the premiums
are offered for," its meaning was clearly understood. It
seemed to be more the province of the Superintendent to en-
force this rule, than of your Committee.

A number of competitors had displayed more specimens
than are required, while others had shown too few. In the
former case the competitors would have] made an equally
worthy show had they selected the requisite number of the
best specimens, and they would thus have prevented all
chance of overcrowding the tent, and enabled the visitors to
go aw\ay better instructed, and Avithout having been deceived
by inferior specimens. To cite an example of the latter case,
a sample of less than twenty-five ears of field corn appeared

30

most favorably to your Committee, but they could give it no
premium, and could only give it a gratuity.

The Committee believe the rule excellent, and, that it may
be strictly adhered to, I would recommend that the Superin-
tendent of A'^egetables be instructed to see that only as many
vegetables are placed on exhibition as will conform to the
rule of the Society above quoted.

Some exhibitors did not follow the rules of the Society as
to size and weight of vegetables, but premiums were in no
case awarded contrary to your rules in this respect. It was
our endeavor to award premiums to vegetables that were best
suited to the purposes for which they are used, due regard
being paid to the cost of cultivation.

The present manner of arranging the vegetables entered
for premiums, can l^e greatly improved upon by adopting the
plan which the Massachusetts Horticultural Society followed
this year for the first time, and which has been generally pro-
nounced most desirable by connoisseurs. That Society no
longer exhibits by collections, but by specimens, so as to
have all Mangolds together, all Flat Turnips together, etc.,
etc. Thus the Committees can do their work most justly
and much more quickly. All specimens should be distinctly
numbered with the exhibitor's number as contained in the
list of entries ; and no vegetable should have the owner's
name attached until after all awards have been made.

The Committees, having the list of premiums, as contained
in the printed "Order of Arrangements," and a sufficient
number of premium and gratuity cards, then begin their
work. They see before them, in examining for example, the
Mangolds, all that have been entered, without having to wan-
der all about the tent to find them ; and they can at once ex-
amine and place the premium card where it belongs, at the
same time making a note of the number attached to the spec-
imen for future guidance. So on till all the awards have been
made.

81

The owners' names have not yet been known by the Com-
mittees, so that no one (;an have the chance of sayhig that any
partiality has been shown. It is now the time when the
siiperintencleiit of the hall should bo instructed to give the
chairman of the committee the book which contains a list of
exhibitors, with their numbers prefixed to their names, and a
complete list of the articles each exhibits following his name.
Then let the Chairman write on each premium card the ex-
hibitor's name and the name of specimen for which the award
was made.

It would be well to provide cards twelve inches long by
three and a half inches wide, on each side of which should be
printed the names of every vegetable for which premiums are
oifered ; these to be placed in a slit, 'made in the end of a
round stick one-half an inch thick, and the whole supported
on a round base one inch thick and five or six inches in diam- '
eter. If these are placed near what they represent, and the
card at right angles to the length of the tables, we shall have
given to our visitors the means of ascertaining at a glance, up
or down the tables, where everything is. This plan would
also be especialh^ good, if used in the display of fruit, which
is always fine at our shows, and would be the means, among
both vegetables and fruit, of acquiring for our exhibitors even
more credit than they can possibly derive at present. These
opinions are most respectfully submitted b}^ the Chairman of
this Committee, and are based, not only upon his experience
and observation in serviuG; at our last show with a number of
gentlemen most admirably qualified for the place, but also
from what he has seen at many other shoAvs in this country
and in Europe.

The Massachusetts Horticultural Societv had not concluded
to fully adopt this plan until this centennial year ; wh}' can-
not we begin the new century by adopting it before our next
show ?

For the Committee,

Feancis H. Appleton, Chairman.

82

Premiums were awarded to the following persons : —

Beets — Early Turnip Blood, Thos. E. Green, Danvers, $3 ;
Long Smooth Dark Blood, J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, $3.

Carrots — Best Short Top Long Orange, Samuel G. Good-
hue, Hamilton, $3 ; Short Horn Orange, Nathan Bushby,
Peabody, $3.

Mangold Wurtzels — best six specimens, Benj. P. Ware,
Danvers, $3.

Flat Turnips— Best Purple Top, H. A. Stiles, Middleton, $3.

Ruta Bagas — twelve specimens best Yellow, N. P. Proc-
tor, Danvers, $3 ; White Sweet German, J. J. H. Gregory,
Marblehead, $3.

Parsnips — Sweet German, N. P. Proctor, Danvers, $3.

Onions — One peck Best Danvers, Austin C. Peabody,
Middleton, $3 ; Yellow Flat, J. J. H. Gregory, Marble-
head, $3 ; Red, L. C. Hanson, Peabody, |3.

Potatoes — one peck best Early Rose, Allen Lee, Manches-
ter, $3 ; one peck No. 6, or Peerless, J. J. H. Gregory, Mar-
blehead, $3.

Cabbages — three specimens Best Savoy, H. Perry, Danvers,
$3 ; next best Savoy, L. C. Hanson, Peabody, $2 ; best Fot-
tler's Drumhead, James Loouey, Marblehead, $3 : next best
Fottler's Drumhead, C. H. Brown, Danvers, $2 ; best Stone
Mason, J. P. Goodale, Peabody, |3 ; best Early Brunswick,
Henry Bushby, Peabody, $3 ; next best Early Brunswick, M.
F. Batchelder, $2 ;Best Red, M. F. Batchelder, $3 ; next Best
Red, H. Perry, Danvers, $2.

Cauliflowers — Three specimens best, M. F. Batchelder, Pea-
body, $3 ; next best, E. G. Hyde, Danvers, $2.

Celery — Four roots best, M. F. Batchelder, Peabody, $2.

Field Corn — Twenty-five ears best, C. K. Ordway, West
Newbury, $3.

Sweet Corn — Twelve ears in milk. Best Early, Thomas E.
Green, Danvers, $3 ; do. Best Late, John Lynch, Danvers, $3.

Squashes — Three specimens, Best Marrow, M. F. Batchel-

83

der, Peabody, $3; American Turban, James P. King, Dan-
vers, $3 ; Hubbard, Charles O. Putnam, Danvers, $3 ; Mar-
blehead, J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, $3.

Melons — Three specimens Best Green Fiesh, L. C. Han-
son, Peabody, $2 ; Best Musk, M. F. Batchelder, Peabody,
$2 ; two specimens Best Watermelons, Dayton Killam, (six-
teen years,) Boxtbrd, $2.

Tomatoes — Twelve specimens best round flat, Gen. Grant,
and twelve specimens Spherical, J. J. H. Gregory, Marble-
head, $3 ; Essex Smooth, Aaron Low, Essex, $3 ; Paragon,
dish of any other variety, J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, $3 ;
do. for greatest variety, $3.

Cranberries — One peck best Cultivated, Jos. S. Holt, Dan-
vers, $3 ; one peck next best, N. K. Cole, Boxford, $2 ; one
peck next best, H. A. Stiles, Middleton, $1.

Collection Field and Garden Seeds — First premium $8, to
John S. Ives, Salem ; second premium to J. J. H. Gregory,
Marblehead, $5.

Gratuities were awarded to Aaron Low, Essex, Garden
Seed ; Elias Grimes, Mammoth Squashes, (115 and 140 lbs ;)

E. M. Manslield, Danvers, 52 Squashes ; J. J. H. Gregory,
Marblehead, Collection Squashes, — each $2. Geo. H. Win-
chester, Peabody, Early Essex Potato ; J. P. Goodale, Pea-
body, Field Corn ; Nathan Page, Danversport, White Field
Corn; Charles O. Putnam, Danvers, Marblehead Squash;
A. P. Blake, Peabody, collection of vegetables ; F. P. Put-
nam, Turnips and Parsnips; T. Graham, Danvers, collection;

F. W. Lyford, Danvers, Carrots ; Nathan Bushby, Crook-
neck Squashes ; F. S. Lovett, Beverly, Pumpkins ; H. Per-
ry, Danvers, Squash Peppers; L. C. Hanson, Peabody,
Sage, Marjoram, and Savory ; M. F. Batchelder, Peabody,
Sage and Marjoram; E. S. Flint, Danvers, Russian Cucum-
bers,— eachfl. M. F. Batchelder, Peabody, Celery; Gus-
tavus Brown, Georgetown, Big Squash, (90 lbs.)

84

COUNTERPANES, CARPETINGS, AND RUGS.

The Committee appointed to examine Counterpanes, Rugs,
and Carpets, have attended to their duty, and Avould report :

The entries of these articles, (except carpets,) were large,
numbering 115, and were arranged in the hall more as a dec-
oration to it than for the convenience of the Committee to
examine. It was with great difficulty that we examined the
Rugs — very far from being satisfactory to ourselves, and
probably less so to those \vho placed them on exhibition. We
did the best we could under the circumstances, and have
awarded premiums and gratuities as follows : —

COUNTERPANES.

First premium awarded to Mrs. J. C. P. Legro, of Dan-
vers ; second premium to Mrs. Mary P. Morse, of Boxford.

Gratuities — No. 1, Mrs. E. Tucker, Peabody, $1.00; No.
6, Miss Mary Yery, Salem, 50 cents ; No. 28, Mrs. Susan
Hynd, Danvers, 50 cents; No. 30, Miss Augusta Arvedson,
West Peabody, 50 cents ; No. 41, Mrs. E. M. Low, Danvers,
50 cents; No. 43, Mrs. E. Hunt, Salem, 50 cents; No. 58,
Mrs. Abby Green, Salisbury, 50 cents ; No. 73, Mrs. Jane
Hill, Beverly, 50 cents; No. (37, Mrs. J. C. Andrews, Man-
chester, $1.00; No. 75, Miss Susie Bartlett, Newburyport,
50 cents ; No. 84, Mrs. Mary Johnson, Danvers, 75 cents ;
No. 93, Mrs. P. W. Kimball, Beverly, 50 cents; No. 96,
Miss Anna P. Clark, Topsfield, 50 cents ; No. 99, Mrs. J. R.
Peabody, Topslield, 50 cents ; No. 110, Mrs. H. M. Bean,
Rowley, 75 cents; No. 115, Mrs. A. L. Ames, Peabody, 50
cents.

RUGS.

First premium. No. 77, Mrs. Cyrus K. Ordway, West
Newbury; second premium, No. 61, Mrs. Elnathan Dodge,
Danvers.

Gratuities — No. 2, Miss Elizabeth Wilson, Beverly, $1.00 ;
No. 10, Mrs. R. E. M. Richardson, Danvers, 50 cents ; No.

85

IG, Mrs. Wm. H. Price, Lynn, 50 cents; Xo. 18, Mrs. Sa-
rah J. Locke, Danvers, 50 cents ; No. 19, Mrs. Moses Welch,
Danvers, 50 cents; No. 22, Mrs. A. H. Tibbets, Danvers, 50
cents ; No. 29, Mrs. Thomas Trask, Danvers, 50 cents ; No.
42, Mrs. Judson W. Dodge, Danvers, 50 cents; No. 44, Mrs.
John A. Gibney, Salem, 50 cents; No. 45, Mrs. John Hind,
Danvers, 50 cents; No. 49, JNIrs. L. B. Tayior, Danvers, 50
cents; No. 52, Mrs. Maria Ledingham, Danvers, 50 cents ;
No. 47, Mrs. Grace Scampton, Danvers, 50 cents; No. 51,
Master William Robinson, Danversport, 50 cents ; No. 64,
Mrs. George B. Viles, West Peabody, $1.00; No. 68, Mrs.
eTames M. Perry, Danvers, 50 cents ; No. 74, Mrs. Thomas
W. Putnam, Danvers, $1.00 ; No. 79, Mrs. Mary II. Colman,
Newbm-yport, 50 cents ; No. 86, Miss Lillie Clark, Salem, 50
cents; No. 80, ]\Irs. Joseph B. Glazier, Salem, $1.00; No.
87, Miss Alice Edmonds, Salem, 50 cejits ; No., 91, Mrs.
Lydia A. Fuller, Lawrence, 50 cents ; No. 100, Miss S. B.
Peabody, Topstield, 50 cents ; No. 101, Mrs. Simeon Bockford,
Gloucester, $1.00 ; No. 103,Mrs.L.K. Pemberton,Groveland,
50 cents; No. 105, Miss Abbie J. Bazin, Danvers, 50 cents;
No. 108, Mrs. Abel Procter, Peabody, 50 cents ; No. 112,
Miss Stickney, Georgetown, 50 cents.

S. W. Hopkinson, Mary G, Lambert, Clara A. Hale — Com-
mittee.

LEATHER.

To Henry Hobbs, of Wenham, for Harness, gratuity, $10.

To Joseph Merrill, of Danvers, on Hair Calfskin, gratui-
ty, $3.00.

To John E. Todd, of Rowley, on Thick Boots, gratuity, $3.

To John I. Ladd, of Grovel and, on Ladies' Shoes, gratui-
ty, $2.00.

D. H. Stickney, Aaron Sawyer, Geo. H. Peabody — Com-
mittee.

8(5

MAXUFACTURES AND GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

Your Committee on Mauiifactures and General Merchandise
respectfully submit the following report of their awards in
gratuities : —

Mrs. C. A. Lawrence, Antiquarian Ware, $2 ; J. N. Bur-
beck, Display of Soap, $2; Lewis P. Foss, case Dentistry,
$1 ; Mrs, Mary Page, Jar of Cocoons, AO cents; G. F.
Priest, Ottoman, 50 cents ; Perkins & Bradstreet, Display of
Soap, $1 ; Stephen C. Osgood, Chairs, $3 ; Daniel Peabody,
Clothes Wringer, 50 cents ; W. H. Shirley, Flower Bracket,
50 cents.

'N. E. Ladd, Charles Ingalls, D. Bradstreet — Committee.

FANCY WORK AND WORKS OF ART.

The Committee on Fancy Work and Works of Art award
to Mrs. Eben G. Berry, of Danvers, for Oil Painting, Ro-
man Forum, $3 ; Oil Painting, Sea Shells. $2 ; M. P. Need-
ham, of Peabody, for Oil Painting, Pair of Panel, $2 ; Oil
Painting, Pillet, $1 ; Oil Painting, Cherubs, $1 ; Nellie Stan-
ley, oi Salem, for Crayon point Drawing from Model, $1 ;
A. B. Pike, Crayon Picture, $1 ; George F. Priest, of Dan-
vers, Book of Designs, $1 ; Charles H. Masury, of Danvers,
one pair of Alto-Relievo Tablets, $2 ; Eveline A. Fellows, of
Danvers, five Ceramic Paintings, $1 ; S. F. Eveleth, of Dan-
vers, one pair of Terra Cotta Models, $1 ; Mrs. Mary C.
Tapley, of Danvers, Specimens of Marking in Ink, $1 ; An-
nie P. Newhall, of Peabody, Specimens of Marking in Ink,
$2 ; Mrs. Dr. Fowler, of Danvers, two Crayon Pictures, $1 ;
Mrs. G. A. Guun, Embroider}^ Shawl, $2 ; Mrs. Elnathan
Dodge, of Danvers, Ottoman Cover, $1 ; Eliza Trask, of Dan-
vers, Embroidered Night Dress, $1 ; Mrs. Lois A. Dudley, of
Danvers, Embroidered Night Dress, $1 ; Mrs. S. M. Griffin,
of Danvers, Embroidery, $1 ; M. E. Campbell, of Danvers,

87

Embroidered Skirt, $1 ; Mrs. G. P. Buckley, of Danvers,
Embroidered Night Dress, $1 ; Ella Wyman, of Middleton,
Feather Wreath, $1 ; Anna L. Roach, of Daiivers, Ebony
Frame, &c., $1 ; Annie P. Clark, of Topsfield, Rug and
Toilet Set, $1 ; Emily F. Carlton, of North Andover, Sam-
l^les of Tatting, $1 ; Miss Frank L. Gustin, 13 Tidies, $1 ;
Mrs. Anna Southwick, of Danvers, two Ottoman Covers, $1 ;
Eliza Trask, of Danvers, Ottoman Covers, 50 cents ; Sa-
die A. Bushby, of Peabody, Toilet Set, 50 cents; Mrs, Gil-'
man Andrews, of Salelii, Card Receiver, 50 cents; Abby
Sumner, of Peal)ody, Wax Cross, 50 cents ; Mrs. Thomas
Hoyt, of Middleton, Chair Cover, 50 cents ; Mrs. J. P.
Tufts, of Danvers, Air Castle, 50 cents; Jessie R. Merriam,
of Danvers, Toilet Set, 50 cents ; M. Etta Sawyer, of Dan-
vers, Hair Work, 50 cents ; C. L. Silvester, of Danvers,
Embroidery, 50 cents : Mrs. Gilbert B. Emerson, of Danvers,
Towel Rack, 50 cents ; Arthur F. Gray, of Danvers, India
Ink Copies, 50 cents.

Andrew Nichols, for Mrs. Edward W. Jacobs, Mrs, John
Todd, Miss Ellen M. Putnam, Miss Rebecca Goodell — Gom-
mittee.

CHILDREN'S WORK.

Work bv children under twelve vcars of age — Emma J.
Cann, Danvers, Rug, first premium ; Jessie F. Fowler, Dan-
vers, Knit Jacket, ^cond premium.

Gratuities of 50 cents as follows : Mattie Robarts, Bever-
ly, two Tidies and Motto ; Plelen D. Bacon, Danvers, Toilet
Set; Abbie E. Richards, Danvers, ]Motto ; May Vaughn,
Danvers, Lamp Mats ; Gracie H. Putnam, Danvers, Patch-
work ; Martha P. Swinerton, Danvers, Motto ; A. W. Perry,
Danvers, Cushion, Motto, and Tidy ; Arthur Hammond, Dan-
vers, Cigar Stand ; Anna S. Berry, Danvers, Motto ; Lillie P.
Bell, Danvers, Cushion; E. Louise Richards, Danvers, Mot-

88

«
to; Mary F. Brown, Danvers, Motto; Hattie Batchelder,
Danvers, Motto ; Martha Dougherty, Danvers, Motto ; Edna
M Legro, Danvers, Motto; Miry F. Perry, Danvers, Toilet
.Set; Kittle E. Wiley, Peabody, Tidies.

For the Committee, Mrs. E. G. Berry.

FARMS.

Your Committee have had but one application to examine
farms, entered for premium, and this was visited but once,
(iu July,) during the year. This farm (if it may be called
such) is situated in the western part of ILiverhill, and belougs
to Mr. Rufus Goodwin, and consists of about ten acres, near-
ly all of which is under cultivation. In addition to the state-
ment of Mr. Goodwin, which is presented herewith, your
Committee desire to say that, in awarding to him the Socie-
ty's second premium of $20, it is not given because of any
results attained of a magnitude corresponding with such as
have been reached by many farmers in the county, but be-
cause his work indicates the possession of a desirable faith in
:Soil cultivation as a remunerative pursuit, and because he has
«hown, in a comparatively small way, what may be accom-
plished by intelligent industry, patience, and perseverance in
the pursuits of husbandry. Mr. Goodwin is a machinist by
trade, and leaving the shop where he Avas employed at high
wao-Gs, in 1872, he entered upon the work of clearing his ten
acres of land of bushes and rocks, and bringing it into good
tilth. The results of his labors for three years abundantly
proved that it is safe for mechanics and others engaged in in-
dustrial labors to throw down their shop tools and take up the
"shovel and the hoe" on the land. He has proved that "ten
acres is enough" to support a good sized family, and leave
something in the bank each year for "wet days" in life. He
lias turned his rocky laud into what may be called a garden,

89

or what promises to bo a garden after a few years more of
labor is l)est()wed upon it. In accomplishing this result,
great good is done, inasmuch as it encourages others, who
have sm'iU means, to turn in the direction of the land for
support. If it is proved that five, six or eight hundred dol-
lars a year can be realized from the cultivation of a small
homestead in Massachusetts, in Essex County, it surely must
attract attention, and lead to the rapid taking up of the tens
of thousands of acres of cheap, but good, lands whicli are
now entirely neglected. Mr. Goodwin enters largely into
the cultivation of fruits and vegetables, which find a readv
sale in the near cities of Haverhill and Lawrence. His fruit
trees are young, l)ut very thrifty, and his vines give promise
of heavy crops in the coming years. There are many hun-
dreds of acres of gaod pasture land in the county, — land as
good as that upon which Mr. G. is at work, — which can be
purchased at about $25 per acre ; and to these neglected acres
special attention is called. The Chairman of this Committee
purchased, a couple of years ago, sixty acres of most excel-
lent land, at a cost of $20 per acre, and this is situated not
more than two miles from the city hall in Haverhill, with a
population of 15,000. It is this class of lands, of which
there is an abundance, which invites the attention of young
men and mechanics who do not find constant employment. It
is hoped that the Farm Committees will have in the coming
years many "fiirms" to inspect, which are now comparatively
unproductive and valueless, and that Mr. Goodwin's example
will be largely followed.

For the Committee,

Jas. E. Nichols, Chairman.

STATEMENT OF EUFUS GOODWIN.

I bought my place, which contains ten acres, in October,
1871. I did not go on it myself till April, 1873. Three

90

acres of the land were under a fair state of cultivation ; the
remaining seven acres were pasture land, roug'h and stony,
woodland and scattering trees amounting to twenty-five cords
of wood.

I have cleared the land, sinking and blowing out two hun-
dred laro-e stones ; have dug and built one hundred and sev-
enty-five rods of stone wall, put in seventy-five rods of un-
derground drain. I should think I have used forty cords of
manure, seventy-five bushels of salt, and from six to seven
barrels of superphosphate. I have set out 180 pear trees, 30
apple trees, 85 peach trees, 10 quince trees, 100 gooseberry
bushes, 100 currant bushes, 1000 raspberries, 300 hills rhu-
barb, 250 asparagus roots, and 300 grapevines.

In 1873 I sold from my place $412.58 worth of produce.
In 1874, $708.94 worth. In 1875, $841.58 worth. In July,
and August of this year, I have sold $229.42 worth.

IMPROVED MEADOW LAND.

There has been but one application for premium the pres-
ent year on improved meadow land. James J. H. Gregory,
of Marblehead, has improved a piece of meadow land in the
most thorough manner, has raised on it difierent kinds of
vegetables with good success, as his statement shows. He
has done it on a large scale, as he does his other farming, and
there is no doubt has made it profitable.

The Committee visited it in the latter part of August, in a
very dry time, and found it suffering for want of rain. His
onion crop w%as good for this season, but it appeared to have
suffcfed considerably from drought. As to the amount of
the crop, the Committee have not been informed.

Meadow land, where the mud is deep and thoroughly drain-
t^d, is liable to suffer from drought like other land, and your

91

Committee were of the opinion that in some cases such mead-
ows might bebenetitted by damming the water at certain seasons
of the year, at the outlet of the ditch, and retaining such an
amount of Avater in the ditch as may be necessary to keep the
land moist, or to some extent guard against drought.
' Meadows require some dressing from the uphmd iu shape
of sand, gravel, loam, or something of the kind. Most per-
sons use such material as may be nearest at hand, or can be
used with least expense, and if a person is successful, he is
apt to think that the material he used is the best, hence
there are diflerent opinions on the subject. Sand can l)e used
with considerable less expense than gravel, as it is much
easier shovelled. I have been informed by those who have
used both sand and gravel, on the same meadow, that gravel
is decidedly the best. For myself, I have had considerable
experience in cultivating meadow land, but never used sand,
as I had access to none within a reasonable distance. I should
recommend, however, that persons who have access to difler-
ent material, to try the experiment and judge for themselves.
The Committee would recommend that the first premium, of
fifteen dollars, be paid to James J. H. Gregory, of Marble-
head, for his improved meadow land.

It is an old saying that experience is the best schoolmaster.
The writer therefore proposes giving some of his own expe-
rience in cultivating meadow land, believing that he has had
longer experience than most others, although it may not be so
instructive.

Fifty years ago my father had a few acres of meadow land
in the central part of his fai*m, adjoining the road and near
his buildings, which he considered of but little value, as it
produced but little hay, and that of poor quality. He often
said it was an eyesore to him, and that he would gladly give
it away, if it could be removed, and his hill land, (as he call-
ed it,) could be moved in to take its place. The most of the
year it was covered with stagnant water ; in winter it was
covered with ice, where the boys congregated to play and

92

skate ; in spring it was made hideous witli the croaking of
frogs and paddocks, and in summer the blackbirds built their
nests in the tall grass. In the year 1827, (I think it was,)
my father being feeble, I concluded, with his consent, to take
one step at least toward removing the nuisance, which was to
dig across the road six or seven feet deep, make anew bridge,
and thence into the land of my neighbor, to drain off the
Avater. This work I accomplished, and spread the contents
taken from the road on the borders of the meadow, which
produced large crops of hay.

The next year, the water having drained off, I dug a ditch
across the deepest part of the meadow, and found the great-
est depth of mud about three and a half feet, but the outlet
across the road was not sufficiently deep to draw the water
more than about three feet from the surface. I also dug some
ditches in the other direction, as circumstances seemed to re-
quire.

In the spring of 1829 my father died, and I came into pos-
session of the farm by purchase from my brothers and sisters'
Now in regard to the meadow thus far, I had been successful ;
the stagnant waters had been drawn ofi', and the noxious rep-
tiles had abandoned it, and the question now was, how can it
be improved and made protitable?

I attempted to plough it, but was misuccessful, as sedge
beds w^ere scattered over the meadow, which, in addition to
cranberry vines, made it impervious to the plough. Again
the question came back, how can I improve the meadow?
There was no precedent to my knowledge, as draining and
cultivating meadows Avas entirely a new thing, and my neigh-
bors were like Job's comforters, had no faith in my success,
and thought it had better go to cranberries, although they
were of but little value. The next two years I did but little
to the meadow, except draining it more thoroughly, as cir-
cumstances seemed to require, by cutting off the cold springs
on every side, and spreading the subsoil ou to the surface,

93

which, Avith hayseed being sowed, caused good crops of Eng-
lish Hay without manure.

In 1833, I built a new barn, 84 by 40 feet. The cellar was
dug where the old barn had stood for sixty or seventy years.
The contents of the celhir, which was a gravelly loam, were
removed into a large heap, mostly by the plough and ox
shovel. The ground was strongly saturated to the depth of
four or five feet with the leachings of the manure heap, and
the urine from the cattle, where they had been stalled for so
long a time.

In the fall and during the next season, the contents of the
barn cellar were spread on the meadow as top dressing, on
which I sowed herdgrass and red-top seed. The grass soon
sprang up rank and strong, and the next year it produced a
good crop of hay. For several years after it produced two
large crops per year without more top dressing.

I think there was more hay produced on that meadoAV for a
series of years than on any land that I have ever known in
the same length of time. I never have known but once the
amount per acre that it produced at one crop ; that must have
been some years after I commenced mowing it. That was
sold from the field and went to the stable in the villajre. Two
loads, about three tons, were carried away. I then surveyed
the land that produced it, and found it less than one acre. I
then computed it, aud found the product per acre sixtj^-seven
hundred and sixty-five pounds. I thought at the time that
the crop was not so heavy as it had produced some previous
years. The mud in the meadow has settled one-half since I
first commenced draining it, and it requires much more top-
dressing noAv than it did in the early years of its improvement,
to produce a like crop. It rarely suft'ers from drought, as
there is usually water in the main ditch coming from a spring
not far distant.

The most of the ditches are kept open. Some of the ditch-
es that I first dug were filled to Avithin about eight inches of

94

the top of the ground with small stones, after making a small
culvert at the bottom for the Avater ; then covered the ditch
with o-ravel. The most of the ditches that I have filled with
small stones, as above named, have become clogged and filled
up, and it has been necessary to dig new ones. I have sup-
posed that muskrats and meadow moles in some cases have
had something to do in filling up among the small stones on
meadow land, where there is a small depth of mud. On high-
er land the woodchucks will sometimes burrow and clog up
the ditch.

I have used a large amount of stones for underdraining,
and in some cases it has been done to good advantage, as the
subsoil would pay for throwing out for top-dressing, and the
small stones were buried out ot sight. I should, however,
in most cases, recommend tile for underdraining, where they
can be buried sufiiciently deep to protect them from frost, I
have extended these remarks far beyond Avhat I intended
when I commenced, and will now close.

Joseph How, Chairman.

STATEMENT OF J. J. H. GREGORY.

Gentlemen of the Committee : — The Improved Wet Mead-
ow I enter for your examination is a tract of about a dozen
acres, located on the Glover Farm in Marblehead, and bor-
dering on Atlantic Avenue, Avhich extends from Marblehead
to Swampscott. The meadow is muck, from two to six feet
deep, resting on clay. Previous to reclamation, the tract was
but of little value for any purpose ; it was wet, rough, and
mostly covered with rushes and coarse grasses. About twen-
ty-five years ago there was an attempt made to reclaim a small
portion of it, but there then being insufiicient drainage, it
was a failure. The first step taken was to open a deejj ditch
of about eight hundred feet in length, which was walled with
stone its entire length, at the cost, when finished, of about a
dollar a linear foot. The desisrn was that this ditch should

95

serve to drjiiu not only the meudoAv, but a hirge tr;ict of low
land in the rear of it. The second step was to lay tile or
hemlock boards from several springs to the main ditch running
through the middle of the meadow. These steps having made
the meadow sulliciently dry, the hummocks, hillocks, and
tussocks were now attacked with picks and "tormented" with
the harrow until the surface was made comparativelj' smooth.
In the course of the work, some of the rougher material we
carted off and burned. The meadow, duriuii: this and subse-
quent treatment, was handled in four sections of about equal
area, divided by the road running through it, and the main
ditch cutting the road at right angles. One of these sections
was the first season ploughed ruid planted to cabbage, and
gave an excellent crop. Two of the other sections, in the
course of the next two years, were also put under the plough,
and yielded, with about the usual quantity of manure, excel-
lent crops of Mangold Wurtzels, and Squashes. Potatoes
have succeeded well in dry seasons, but in wet seasons are
more affected with rot than those o-rown on common soil.
Carrots, when tried in a dry season, are much inclined to grow
"prongy." xVbout a quarter of the area, after applying to
the surface gravelly loam or sand, at the rate of about seven-
ty-one horse-cart loads to the acre, has been planted to onions
with excellent success. Heavy crops of hay have been taken
from every portion of the meadow, usualh' two crops each
season. In the early handlin": of this meadow, considerable
clay taken from the bottom of the main ditch was spread over
the surface.

IMPROVING PASTURE AND WASTE LAND.

On the 28th of July, your Committee visited the farm of
Joseph Horton, Ipswich, to examine a piece of land entered
for premium. There being no other competitor, the Com-

96

mittee, considering his experiment a deserving one, have
awarded him the first premium of $15. Mr. Horton's state-
ment is enclosed.

The Committee would suggest that one item of expense
the carting off of the sods, &c., might have been saved by
burning' on the land. One of the Committee remarked that
he thought the burning might have been omitted, and that the
simple turning over of the sods and bushes would have been
sufficient to reclaim the land.

This brings in discussion the comparative merits of burning
and non-burning, — that is, merely ploughing. Where there
is a superabundance of vegetable matter, as on peat land and
on some clay soil, burning has proved of much advantage.
Mr. Horton's land seemed to bq somewhat of a clayey nature,
though not decidedly clay land, yet a certain admixture of the
latter with gravel and loam. We should also judge that it
was lackiuG: in humus or vegetable matter.

We think a combination of the two methods mentioned
would have been the best; that is, to have burnt the toughest
sods and l)ushes, vvdiich would have taken a long time in rot-
ting, and to have left all grass or pliant sods on the land.
The process which Mr. H. pursued is called "Paring and
Burning," and is more common in England than in this coun-
try. Mr. Colman, in his "European Agriculture," devotes
some attention to this subject. He says, "The process of
paring and l)urning the surface of land has been practised
with great, though not always Avith equal success, in many
parts of the country. The ol)jccts of it are threefold : first,
to reduce the coarse vegetable matter on the surface to a state
of decomposition, that it may be supplanted by a more profit-
able vegetation ; the second, to destroy grubs, insects, and
the larvfB of insects, which infest the soil and are pernicious
to the cultivated crops ; and the third, to convert the coarse
vegetable matter on the surface into ashes, for the nutriment
of the crops which are to follow. This process is not to be

97

confounded with that of burning cUiy for the purpose of ma-
nure, and of rendering the soil friable and pervious to the
roots of plants." The mode of burning described is the same
as practised by Mr. H., — that of sIoay, mouldering fires, — but
the burning itself seems to have taken place on the land,

Mr. C. quotes the following, which certainly seems a re-
markable statement : ' ' An acre of land from which the turf
was taken in the common mode of paring and burning, ap-
peared to have produced an average of 2' 60 bushels of ashes,
which, at their mean weight of 65 pounds to a bushel, when
dry, would give 172,900 pounds, or rathei' more than 77 tons
per acre."

We hardly know how to estimate the quantity of ashes pro-
duced on Mr. Horton's land from the information oriven. He
says twenty loads. Without knowing the size of the loads,
we shall estimate that each load contained fifty bushels, which
would give a total of 1000 bushels, and at 25 cents a bushel,
would be worth $250,

Mr. C. also goes on to state what has a very important
bearing on the subject, that "it has been said that the de-
struction of vegetable matter in the soil must necessarily im-
poverish it ; and that it Avould be much better to bury this
vegetal )le matter, where, by a slow decomposition, it might
serve to afford nutriment to the crops to be cultivated. There
are, in the first place, some mechanical difficulties in the case.
Where a piece of heath land, covered with coarse grasses and
low bushes of furze or fern, is ploughed, it is extremely diffi-
cult, even by the most severe process of pressing or rolling,
to make it lie flat, and so consolidate it that it can be culti-
vated to advantage. This is stated to have been the fact, on
an extensive heath in Surrey, where cultivation, under the
practice of paring and burning, succeeded well, out very ill
where the land was only turned over without paring and burn-

ing."

"There are certainly strong reasons, in such cases, for par-

98

ing and burning fields of this description ; but tliey do not
apply to those lands where the vegetable matter is of a differ-
ent description, and would, by being covered over, be speed-
ily brought into a state of decomposition. In the process of
burning, it is evident that none of the earthy or mineral con-
stituents, or what are called inorganic portions of the soil,
are consumed. But all the vegetable matter, with the excep-
tion of that portion which has become charred in the process,
is destroyed."

"The humus of the soil serves to render it more friable ;
it absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, and it retains heat,
and, in these respects, if in no other, contributes to vegeta-
tion. In dissipating this matter, then, by burning, Ave must
look for some compensation in the ashes which are produced,
or in the mechanical efiects which this burning operates upon
the soil. The ashes themselves are powerful absorbents and
retainers of moisture, and they answer a valuable purpose in
the disintegration, or loosening, of the soil. They certainlj^,
in many cases, operate as an efficient manure."

"The expediency of paring and burning land must, as I
have remarked, depend upon the nature of the soil which is
to be subjected to the process. On light, sandy, or gravelly
soils, where the vegetation is thin and sparse, it is strongly
objectionable."

After having given Mr. Colman's instructive analysis of the
subject, we shall only add that we would suggest to Mr. Hor-
ton that the ploughing under, of several green crops, like
clover, would be likelj^to restore any loss of vegetable matter
which may have been incurred in the process of burning.

J. D. W. French, Chairman.

STATEMENT OF JOSEPH HORTON.

To the Committee on Improved Pastures and Waste Lands:
Gentlemen. — As the land that I have offered for the society's
premium, having been inspected by you, received the same

99

treatment as a parcel offered last year, I quote in full from the
"Transactions" of 1875, page 110, which gives in detail my
method of treating such lands :

STATEMENT.

"The land upon which I operated was about two and one-
half acres of old pasture. The surface was raised into ridges
and hillocks, and for the most part covered with bushes.
Treatment : by ploughing I levelled the ridges, tore up the
bushes, getting out Avhat roots I could. I then carted the
whole into a pile and started a fire, which I kept going until
all were consumed. The field was then ploughed again and
seeded to grass. Twenty cart loads of ashes, the amount
obtained from the fire, being applied for dre sing."

But as a great part of this dressing was blown off by the
Avind, I afterwards applied four cords of stable manure as a
substitute.

"This method has decided merit over all others that I have
tried, as it thoroughly and at once clears the land of all nox-
ious growths, Avorksthe soil, leaves it in such a condition that
it can be treated readily and in a first-class manner, and, as it
furnishes its own manure, comparatively cheap. In regard to
the chemical properties or value of these ashes, I can give no
information. I simply knoAV that the land upon which they
were used does well, and as yet shows no sign of running out.

EXPENSE or IMPROVEMENT.

Ploughing and clearing, $20.00

Ploughing and preparing for seed, 20.00

Seed, 3.00

Four cords of manure, 28.00

Total, $71.00

Income the first year, 4 1-2 tons of hay, at $25.00

per ton, $112.50

Income beyond expense, 41.50

100

OBSERVATIOl^S ON THE ABOVE STATEMENT AND REPORT.

The reading of the above report gave rise to considerable
discussion at a meeting of the Trustees of the Society, when
reports of committees were under consideration, and I was
requested to append to the report some remarks.

I desire to call attention briefly, first, to the written statement
of Mr. Horton, and second, to the observations of the Commit-
ee, and the extract presented from Mr. Colraan's "European
Agriculture." The points in Mr. H.'s statement which seem
extraordinary, relate not so much to the simple method
adopted in clearing his land, as to the alleged ash results ob-
tained and their assumed fertilizing influence upon the field.
To obtain ' ' twenty cart loads of ashes from two and one-half
acres of pasture land," it would be necessary for Mr. H. to
cut down in bushes, and dig up in roots, and haul to his "pile"
at least Jive hundred "cart loads" of the material. This is
apparent from the fact that such woods contain only about two
and one-half per cent, of ash constituents. A "cart load" of
ashes may be assumed to be forty bushels, weighing forty
pounds to the bushel; this gives in weight to the load 1600
pounds, and to the twenty loads, 32,000 pounds. It seems
utterly impossible to obtain 32,000 pounds of ashes from
bushes and roots taken from "two and one-halt acres of old
pasture land ;" and if obtained, the dressing would be enor-
mous. Another inexplicable point in this statement is : how
could Mr. H. plough the land, cut down the crop of bushes, dig
up the roots, and cart away the immense amount of material, at
a cost of only twenty dollars f Asa" great part of the dress-
mg, (ashes,) was blown ofi" by the wind," the fertility of the
field is presumably due to the manure applied. The loss of
twenty "cart loads" of dry wood ashes is a serious one, the
cash value being, upon the estimate above given, at thirty
cents a bushel, $240, more than twice the value of the hay
crop secured.

It only need be said that it requires but a glance at this

101

statement to learn that it was prepared in a liasty manner,
and witliout due consideration. Tliere is probably no inten-
tion of inaccuracy of statement, and these strictures are
kindly made with the view of securing in the future more ex-
act and reliable accounts of farm labors and farm improve-
ments. The estimates here made differ from those of the
Committee, in item, cost, &c., but not essentially in general
result.

As regards the astonishing yield of ashes from an acre of
land, alluded to by Mr. Colman, and quoted by the Commit-
tee, it may be said that, that ash result came from the burning
of turf, and the ash was composed of at least ninety j^er cent*
of silica or sand, and therefore it was comparatively value-
less. ^wvQ peat ashes, I have found to give, upon analysis,
eighty-one per cent, of silica, which accounts for their small
value as plant food. Tarf is saud, with a small amount of
vegetable matter diffused through it, and when it is burned,
the sand remains behind in a heap, resembling pure ashes.
Mr. Hortou's experiment is different ; he alleges that his
ashes were the result of the burning of bushes and roots.
The "heath" and peat lands of England and Ireland are very
different from our waste lands, and the methods of treatment
for recovery cannot well be the same.

The treatment pursued by Mr. Horton is essentially that
which was adopted by our forefathers one and two hundred
years ago. A rare old book may be found in the lil^rary of
the Essex Agricultural Society, entitled, "Essays upon Field
Husbandry in New England, by Jared Elliot, A. M.,". pub-
lished in 1760, in which a statement is made on page 6, of
experiments in reclaiming Avaste land, which in methods
adopted closely resemble those of Mr. Horton. It is to be
regretted that we have so little which is new to present upon

so important a branch of husbandry.

Jas. E. Nichols.

102

MANURES.

The Committee on Manures have not received any applica-
tion for the premiums offered for the most exact and satisfac-
tory experiments in the preparation and application of ma-
nures, Avhether animal, vegetable, or mineral.

This is to be regretted, inasmuch as the successful prose-
cution of agriculture lies in a knowledge and supply of those
ingredients to the soil which are found, by oft-repeated ex-
periments, to be most conducive to the full development of
cultivated plants.

The discoveries of chemistrj^ show that all plants are built
up of organic and inorganic materials. Their organic part
consists of about nine-tenths of their weight, or that part
which can be consumed by fire, and the inorganic that which
remains in the ash.

Their organic elements are derived from the atmosphere,
viz., carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Over these
man has no control, for when the present harvest is consumed,
or decays, these elements, without loss, return to the atmos-
phere, and are laid up for future use. Hence it is seen, that
in the divine economy the same materials are Avorked over
and over aijain, in the annual harvests forever.

But it is the inorganic elements of plants with which the
cultivator has to deal, and over which he has control ; for the
living plant draws from the dead earth those materials which
are indispensable to its healthy growth.

If, therefore, certain plants require in their growth, potash,
soda, lime, sulphuric acid, or any other inorganic constitu-
ent, and the farmer, repeatedly raises the same crops, upon
the same ground, without returning the inorganic matter
which he removes in each successive harvest, it is obvious
that his crops must diminish from year to year, for it has been
found that however small the inorganic matter which a plant
requires, if it cannot be found in the soil, the plant sickens
and dies.

103

A striking instance of the fiiilure of grass upon a portion
of a piece of peat meadow, whicli we reclaimed a few years
since. The meadow was drained, the surface levelled, and in
winter, when frozen, about one hundred ox-cart loads of gravel
were liauled upon it to the acre. In the follownig summer
this was spread, covering what grass was growing. In the
autumn a compost was spread upon it, and grass seed soavu.
The next summer the crop of hay was two and one-half tons
to the acre.

The herdsgrass standing four feet upon a level upon the
lot, with the exception of a small piece upon one end, on
which no gravel was spread ; upon this part of the meadow,
clear peat, with the exception of the compost, the grass at-
tained but half the height of the gravelled part, was very
soft, and fell to the ground, for want of silex to give strength
to the stem. It is thus seen that for the want of a single
element of inorganic matter in the ground, the crop failed,
one half.

There can be but little doubt that many of the cultivated,
fields of the county, which produce but a scanty crop Avithout
being enriched by stable or barnyard manure, might be great-
ly improved, at a comparatively small expense, by the appli-
cation of some inorganic element of manure, (for any matter
which makes land productive is manure,) like lime, potash,
soda, or any other inorganic element of plants, of which the
soil has been robbed by long continued cultivation.

There is ground which at siijht looks as if it might be natu-
rally productive, but which scarcel}'' produces grass enough to
form any sward. Here, perhaps, one or two simple elements
of plant growth are wanting, which, if supplied, might render
the land productive.

It is hoped that cultivators the coming season will make

careful experiments with the mineral preparations which are

for sale, and which are said in some instances to double the

crops. For the Committee,

J. Newhall.

104

EOOT CEOPS.

The first crop viewed by the Committee, was a piece of
Summer English Turnips, entered by Hiram A. Stiles, of
Middleton. We found the crop suffering badly from the ex-
treme dry weather, and being a vegetable that needs con-
siderable amount of moisture to grow well, and to be of good
quality, it seemed that unless rain came soon, the crop must
be nearly a failure.

By the statement submitted by Mr. Stiles, the crop does
not appear to have been near an average of what he has usu-
ally raised. But considering that hardly any crop is up to
an average this year, and as Mr. Stiles has given us an excel-
lent description of his method of raising the Summer Tur-
nip, a crop usually very difficult to raise early in the season,
the Committee award him the premium of $10.

The Committee nexf visited the Onion crop of Ira F.
Burnham, of Essex. Mr. Burnham's onions were on the
same piece of land on which he was awarded the premium on
Onions last year.

The dry weather had lessened the crop considerably, as
the onions were of rather small size, but very handsome and
well ripened. By the statement of Mr. Burnham, his crop
appears to be a very fair one, and if he had a suitable sea-
son, it doubtless would have been a very large one, as the
onions were very even all over the piece.

The Onion crop of Daniel Carleton, of North Andover,
was the next entered.

The Chairman of the Committee not being able to visit Mr.
Carleton's, it was viewed by other members of the Commit-
tee, who found the piece looking finely. The onions were of
good size, and apparently would produce a large crop.

By the statement of Mr. Carleton, the amount was some-
what lessened by the ravages of the maggot on some parts of
the piece ; but, on the whole, it was a very satisfactorj^ yield.
It appears, by the statement, that he manured a part of the

105

piece with a compost, composed of meadow muck, cattle,
horse, and hog manure, and the remainder with Cumberland
Superphosphate alone.

The yield was the largest on the part manured with the
compost. In the extreme dry weather of the past season,
the compost would naturally be better adapted to the crop
than the Superphosphate. Most of the concentrated manures
need a larger amount of moisture than barn manure or com-
post, to show as good results.

We think the experience of most farmers and gardeners to
be, that unless the season is rather wet, they cannot be used
to good advantage. We were well pleased to see that Messrs.
Stiles and Carleton both had used various kinds of manures,
to find out by actual experiment, if possible, what one was
best adapted to their respective crops. It is only by such
experiments we can decide the comparative value of any new
manure that may be ofiered for sale.

The Committee award to Mr. Carleton for his crop of Dan-
vers Onions, the premium of |10.

We next visited Hayden A. Merrill, of North Beverly,
who entered a piece of Marrow Squashes, also a piece of
Fottler's Improved Brunswick Cabbage.

The Squashes were handsome and of very uniform size,
and of that variety commonly known as the Boston Marrow.

Mr. Merrill's statement of the amount of crop, and cost of
producing the same, is annexed, and 'the Committee award
him the premium of $10.

The piece of Cabbages we found to be very handsome,
most of the heads being large and solid. The piece was un-
broken, Mr. Merrill not having cut any for market at that
time. The Committee were unanimous in the opinion that a
better lot of cabbages are seldom seen. By the statement of
Mr. Merrill, it appears he used quite a number of kinds of
manures, mixed with meadow muck, as a compost, putting it
in the hill.

106

The Committee award to him for his crop of Fottler's Im-
proved Brunswick Cabbage, the premium of $10.

Ou the same day we visited the farm of Francis R. Apple-
ton, of Ipswich, who had entered a piece of Ruta Baga Tur-
nips, also a piece of Mangold Wurtzels.

The piece of Turnips was very uneven in appearance, and
injured badly by lice, occasioned, doubtless, by the dry
weather; but as the turnip will grow late in the season, there
was a chance for the crop to recover and produce a good yield.
From the statement of Mr. Appleton, it appears there was
not as large a crop as he has usually grown on his farm.

The piece of Mangold Wurtzels was, like the Turnips, very
uneven, with many vacant spaces. The seed of the Mangold
Wurtzel is very hard to get up evenly.

The better way, we have found to be, is to soak the seed
in warm water for twenty-four hours, then dry it so it will
not cling together in sowing, or roll it in ashes or plaster and
sow at once, covering deep enough to insure moisture, so that
the seed will germinate freely.

In the statement of Mr. Appleton, his method of raising,
and the amount of each crop, is given ; but as the whole
amount is consumed on the farm, he makes no estimate of
the cost of producing, or value of the same.

The Committee award to him for his crop • of Ruta Baga
Turnips, the premium of $10. ; also for his crop of Mangold
Wurtzels, the premium of $10.

On reading the statements of the cost of producing the
crops entered for the premiums of the Society, this question
naturally suggests itself. For what purpose does the Society
offer these premiums ? Is it simply for the pleasure of pay-
ing out the amount awarded the successful competitor? or
does it rather expect in return that their statements shall fur-
nish some new ideas or iuformation gained as to the cost of
producing the crop in question?

No new iuformation can be acquired unless we step out of

107

the old routine, and endeavor by carefully conducted experi-
ments to determine Avhether the new idea is an improvement
on the old, or the new method demonstrated to be a success
by the results.

If by using any of the many different kinds of concentra-
ted fertilizers now in the market, we can produce as large a
crop as we can by using barn or stable manure, and at one-
half the cost of the "latter, it is certainly a step in the right
direction ; a step which we are all in favor of, — that of de-
creasing our expenses, and increasing our receipts.

If, by taking a few hundred pounds of a concentrated fer-
tilizer, and applying it by a few hours' labor to an acre of
land, Ave can produce as large a crop of Potatoes, Squashes, "^
Onions, Cabbages, or Turnips, as could have been produced
by the old and more laborious method of applying six cords
of stable manure to the same, Ave have demonstrated practi-
cally a fact Avhich commends itself at once to every farmer.

Many farmers do not knoAV the cost of raising any given
crop ; keeping no record Avhereby they can judge AA^hether
they have made or lost by the operation. Many labor on in
the old routine of applying a small amount of barn manure
yearly, and adopting the old methods of cultivation, trusting
to a propitious season to produce a pajing crop.

At the preselit low rates Avhich farm produce is bringing in
the markets, the farmer of this vicinity must of necessity
avail himself of every opportunity to lessen the cost of the
same, if he would compete successfully with the more favored
farmers AA^ho cultivate the fertile lands of the West.

Two years ago, in some experiments made to determine the
comparative value of the folloAving kinds of manure : Muriate
of Potash, Brighton Fertilizer, Barn-cellar Manure, for cab-
bages,— AA^e broke up a piece of light loamy soil, on the 26th
day of July, harrowed ^uld furrowed it on the 27th. On the
28th I manured six rows Avith a table spoonful of Muriate of
Potash, and six roAVs Avith a handful of Brighton Blood Fer-
tilizer to each hill, mixing both kinds well with the soil. On

108

the remaining six rows I put a good shovel-ful of fine barn
cellar manure to each hill. On the same day I set the whole
piece to Fottler's Improved Brunswick Cabbage plants, two
and one-half by three feet apart. The plants all started fine-
ly, but those on the Potash soon went ahead, showing very
plainly that the Potash was better adapted to their wants than
either the Blood or the Barn cellar Manure, although they
were doing very well. The piece was cultivated and hoed
twice.

On harvesting the crop, almost every plant grown on the
Potash had a large solid head, with but very few loose leaves.
Those grown on the Brighton Blood Fertilizer had done well,
about three-fourths having made good sized solid heads.
Those grown on the Cellar Manure had done very well, but
evidently needed longer time to form as solid heads as those
grown on the other two kinds of manure.

On the next season, (1875,) I tried the same kind of ma-
nure on the same piece of land, but changed the crop to Po-
tatoes, using the manures in the same manner as on the pre-
vious year. Planted the Late Rose in the second week in
May. During the season they were cultivated and hoed twice.
The result was somewhat changed ; those on the Blood Fer-
tilizer taking the lead, followed by the Cellar Manure, — the
Potash evidently being too caustic, the vines not looking
thrifty. On digging, I found the crop a third larger on the
Blood Manure than on either of the other two ; the potatoes
were larger, fairer, and more in a hill.

The experiment on Cabbages, in 1874, having been so
marked, to test it more fully, I again, in 1875, tried the same
kinds of manure, but on a heavier soil. The piece was broken
up about the 20th of July, and treated in the same manner
as that the year before. The plants were set on the 25th.
They started well, but were followed by very dry weather, so
that no part of the piece did as well as that the year before ;
still those on the Potash showed the best result.

109

I again tried the same experiment the past season, but
varied it by sowing the seed in the hill on the lOtli of June.
The seed came up nicely, but the extreme dry weather that
followed through June and July was very unfavorable to the
young plants, especially to those on the Brighton Fertilizer,
a large part of the plants dying for want of moisture. Those
sown on Potash and Barn Manure withstood the drought much
the best, and have yielded a very good crop.

In all three cases the Muriate of Potash has produced the
most satisfactory results, giving each time the largest product
for the least expense.

We would respectfnlly suggest to members of the Society,
who intend to compete for premiums in the Vegetable depart-
ment, that instead of waiting for a crop that has happened to
be better than usual, (but why, they cannot tell,) they select a
piece of land of the required dimensions, dividing the same
into as many parts as convenient, manuring each part diifer-
ently, with such manures as convenience or fancy may sug-
gest. Keep a careful watch throughout the season, noting
particularly any dilierence which may appear in the several
parts, whether for or against the crop, and tracing it, if pos-
sible, to the original cause, whether that may be owing to the
manuring, depth of planting the seed, or varieties of the
same, manner of cultivation, dryness or wetness of the sea-
son, or many other causes which may appear small in them-
selves, but which combined go ftir toward making the crop a
success or a failure.

It is only by following such methods we can acquire the
necessary information to conduct farming intelligently and
profitably, and which every farmer should endeavor to obtain
from his own experience.

Aaron Low, James P. King, Jos. S. Howe, Franklin Al-
ley— Comfmttee.

no

STATEMENT OF H. A. STILES.

Having entered for inspection and preminm my crop of
Summer English Turnips for the market, it becomes my duty
to report some of the obstacles encountered in growing this
vegetable the present year. In no season Avithin the history
of my exi^erience of twenty years in turnip culture, has it
come so near a failure as the present one.

Turnij) seeds were sown the last days of April and the first
of May, and germinating rather quickly, which is favorable to
growth, seldom appeared more promising for a bountiful har-
vest. The time of harvesting and marketing the early turnip
is from the 20th of June until the 20th of July, and before
the former period the effects of dry weather were visible on
portions of the crop, which continued with extreme heat to
check the growth, injure the quality of the turnip, and seem-
ingly lessen the quantity fully one-half to what it would have
been with seasonable rains.

The most important requisite to the successful culture of
the crop is suitable land. Gardeners sometimes assert that
they can raise just as good, clear, and nice a turnip in Autumn
as can be grown. True, they may be grown clear upon land
unfit for the early turnip, but a difference may be noticed in
the quickness of groAvth, fineness of texture, and in its but-
tery flavor, and glossy whiteness.

The best varieties for table use aie the Strap Leaved, White,
and Red Top. Questions are often propounded like the fol-
lowing : What kind of land do you have ? Do you use ham
manure or ferlilizers? Do you sow in drills or broadcast?
Do you salt your lands? You must have some secret of
which you will not inform us, for we cannot get an early tur-
nip fit to eat.

Having no secrets to reveal, I will briefly state my meth-
od of culture this year. In the first place, my land is light,
sandy, loamy, and leachy ; is quite level and free from stones,
and has been under cultivation a hundred years or more.

Ill

Lot No. 1 contains abont one hundred rods. Ploughed
April 20th, using the Michigan Sod Plough. It has been in
grass for the last eight years with no manure. Ploughed to
the depth of nine inches. Applied evenly upon the furrows
about thrqe cords of barn cellar manure, made line, and har-
rowed it in with the Randall Harrow. Applied two hundred
pounds of Bradley's Superphosphate of Lime, harrowing again
with Randall, and smoothing the surface Avith the brush, the
land was ready for the seed. Sowed at the rate of one pound
to the acre, of seed, in drills eighteen inches apart, and after
the rough leaf appeared, the plants were left six inches apart.

Lot No. 2 contains eighty-seven rods. This lot has been
in turnips two years. Applied two and one-half cords of
barn manure with 175 pounds of Bradley's Superphosphate of
Lime, giving Ihe land the same treatment as No. 1.

Lot No. 3 contains eighty rods. This lot has been in tur-
nips one year. No barn manure was used on this lot. After
harrowing with the Randall, I spread by hand broadcast on
fifty rods of this lot, one bag of the Stockhridge Fertilizer,
of the formula recommended for the Rata Baga Turnip.
Weight of bag, 200 lbs. Cost, $6. On the remaining thirty
rods spread 100 lbs. of Bradley's Superphosphate, and har-
rowed both lots with the Randall harrow.

There was not much difference to be observed between the
turnips side by side. Have formed a favorable opinion of
the Stockbridge Fertilizer, and think \t fully equal, if not su-
perior, to Bradley's, for turnips. Turnips are taken from
the ground when about three inches in diameter. After being
trimmed and washed, using a brush, are put in bunches con-
taining five in number. June 20th, took from the ground
forty bunches, and about six hundred before the fourth of
July.

Sold mostly in Lynn and Boston markets, about six thou-
sand bunches, for which I received $300. Gathered in Oc-
tober, for stock feeding, 115 bushels. Value in cellar,

112

12 1-2 cents per bushel. Total, $14.37 1-2.

Judo-ino' from the past, and takhig an average season,
about 90 bushels, or 4000 bunches, would have been fit for
market in Jnly.

Cost of Ploughing 267 rods, $ 8 00

" " barn manure, 5^ cords, and applying same, 50 00
" " fertilizers, 20 00

" " weeding and hoeing, 50 00

" '• cleaning turnips and marketing, 70 00

$198 00

Cr. by 6000 bunches, 300 00

" " 115 bushels at 12J cents, 14 37i

.$314 37^

Balance, $116 37^

STATEMENT OF HAYDEN A. MERILL.

The piece of Cabbage which I enter for premium, was on
broken up sod, and was planted about the first of June with
Fottler's Brunswick, with the exception of about one-fourth
part, which was set out with plants of the same variety,
which I procured of one of my neighbors.

I used two cords of compost in the hill. The compost con-
sisted of one-half muck, the balance being horse and cow
manure, night soil, fish waste, sea manure, with about 175
pounds of Muriate of Potash, the whole being well mixed
and fermented. The cost of the compost could not, to the
best of my calculations, have been over six dollars a cord.
And the same estimate would apply to the squash, with the
exception of the cost of the potash.

I have marketed only one hundred and fifty of the cab-
bao-es, they bringing eight cents each. They were sold two
weeks ago, and would probably at this time have brought
from $10 to $12 per hundred.

I have counted the heads, and find 1200 that would sell
for about $10. per hundred, (the average weight of which

113

being 16 lbs., four hundred that would sell for about $5 per
hundred, one hundred that would sell for about $2 per hun-
dred, and a few that would not be marketable, they being
hills that, owing to the dry weather, had to be set out twice,
and did not therefore have time to mature.

The piece was measured by Mr. Appleton, and, according
to the certificate, measured one-half acre.

COST OF RAISING CABBAGES.

To ploughing and preparing land, $ 4.00

To sowing seed and setting plants, 3.00

To cost of seed, 1.25

To cost of manure, 17.25

To hoeing twice, 5.00
To cost of marketing, and estimated cost of marketing

the rest, 24.00

$54.50

VALUE OF CROP.

To 150 heads, at 8 cents per head, $ 12.00

To 1050 heads, at 11 cents per head, 115.50

To 400 heads, at 5 cents per head, 20.00

To 100 heads, at 2 cents per head, 2.00

To fodder, 12.00

Value of crop, $161.50

Cost of raising, 54.50

Net profit, $107.00

The piece of Squashes which I enter for premium to the
above Society, according to statement of H. A. Appleton,
sworn surveyor, measures ninety-five rods, on which I have
grown seven tons of Marrow Squashes, which, with the excep-
tion of one-half ton, have been fine marketable squashes. I soJd
the earlier squashes, about two tons, at $1.50 and $1.25 per

8

114

cwt. Then sold at $1.00 about one and one-half tons. The
remaining three tons were sold at $15.00 per ton. The re-
maining one-half ton was sold at less price, and fed out to
the cows.

I used four cords of compost, spreading on and harrowing
in with Randall's harrow, three cords, and puttiug the re-
mainder in the hill. The compost consisted of one-half
muck, with the balance made up of horse and cow manure,
niijht soil, and a small amount of fish waste. It was well
thrown over and pulverized. The land has been up for sev-
eral seasons, and was a very dry piece. The latter fact,
considering the dry season, was against the raising of a
larger crop.

COST OF RAISING SQUASHES.

To ploughing and preparing laud, $ 6.00

To sowing seed, ' .50

To cost of seed, 2.00

To value of manure, 24.00

To hoeing twice, 5.00

To harvesting and marketing, 25.00

$62.50

AMOUNT OF CROP.

Two tons, at $37.50 per ton, $75.00

One and one-half tons, at $20 per ton, 30.00

Three tons, at $15 per ton, 45.00

One-half ton, at $10 per ton, 5.00

Value of crop, $155.00

Cost of raising, 62.50

Net profit, $92.50

STATEMENT OF DANIEL CARLETON.

The half acre on which my Onions grew was divided into
two pieces b}'^ your Committee — one piece of forty-one rods,

115

and one of 39 rods. On the first piece, the crop of 1874 was
onions. Barn cellar mannre, at the rate of about twenty-five
loads, and Cumberland Superphosphate, at the rate of half a
ton per acre, were used. On the second piece the crop and
manure for 1874 were the same as on the first. In 1875 the
crop on both pieces was onions ; the first piece was manured
with Cumberland Superphosphate alone, at about twelve hun-
dred pounds per acre. The second piece was manured with
barn cellar manure alone, at about thirty loads per acre. For
the crop of 1876, the first piece was manured with about
twenty-five loads of thirty bushels each per acre, being a
compost of meadow muck, and cattle, horse and hog manure,
ploughed in, in the fall of 1875. The yield on this piece was
158 bushels and a fraction over.

For 1876, the second piece was manured with Cumberland
Superphosphate alone, at about 1500 pounds per acre, applied
just before sowing the seed, and raked in. The yield on this
piece was 136 bushels.

The soil of both these pieces is a dark strong loam, with a
rocky subsoil. The land was ploughed once in the fall of
1875, and twice this spring, at the last time ploughing six
furrows at a time, and then raking level with a common hay
rake. The seed was sown on the 8th day of May with Mat-
thew's Seed Drill, in rows fourteen inches apart, using four
and a half pounds of the yellow Dan vers seed per acre. The
crop where the superphosphate was used ripened the earliest.
"Where the manure was used, the onions had been just pulled
when viewed by your Committee, and then looked rather
green, but they all dried olf, so that they were housed before
the close of September. The onions were harvested by pull-
ing them by hand, and throwing three rows together, and let-
ting them lie a few days ; then turned them by raking six
rows together, and, when thoroughly dry, carted them to the
barn, wnere they were topped, and every basket of onions
weighed, allowing 52 pounds per bushel. The yield of the
crop was somewhat affected by the ravages of the maggot.

116

The onions, however, were very sound and hard, and of good
size, there being but few small ones and scarcely any scul-
lions. The cost of raising crop on the half acre was as fol-
lows, viz. : —

To plowing and preparing land, $ 9.00

To sowing seed, 1.00

To cost of seed, • 3.50

To Superphosphate, 8.50

To value of manure on the land, 16.00

To weeding live times, • 25.00

To harvesting, 20.00

$83.00
Amount of crop, 294 bushels, at 75 cents, 220.50

Net profit, $137.50

STATEMENT OF FRANCIS R. ARPLETON, OF IPSWICH.

The half acre of Ruta Baga Turnips, which I enter, was a
part of a field of about one acre. They were planted on the
middle of June, in drills two feet and a half apart. The soil
is a heavy clay loam, thoroughly drained with tile, and has
been in grass for the previous years. It was ploughed last
Fall, and again this Spring, and thoroughly harrowed. To
prepare the land for the seed, trenches were made with the
plough, and barn-yard manure put in them, — twelve ox-cart
loads in all for the half acre. These were then covered by
the plough, making a ridge where before was a trench, and
rolled. Just before the trenches were covered, there was
sown upon the barn-yard manure a mixture of ashes, super-
phosphate of lime, plaster, and Brighton manure, in all six
bushels. The seed was put in with a hand-drill, care being
taken to do this immediately after the rolling. It is impor-
tant that the above operations should follow one another in
quick succession, leaving the least possible interval between

117

the stirring of the soil and the planting "of the seed. The
phmts were thinned to about ten inches distance from each
other. They were cultivated by a horse once, and the thin-
ning and weeding was done by a man with a common hoe.
The yield from the half acre was 256 bushels; weight sixty-
three pounds per bushel, or over eight tons in all for one half
acre.

This result is not satisfactory, nor does it equal the average
crop of this form, owing to the long drought. No rain of
any account fell for two months after the seed was planted.

The half-acre of Mangold Wurtzels which the Committee
viewed, was a part of the same field, as described in tho
above statement in reference to my crop of Ruta Bagas. The
seed, was planted in the middle of May, and the ground re-
ceived the same treatment as the Ruta Baga crop, excepting
that they were cultivated, weeded, etc., twice during the
season, and the land had upon it in the season of 1875, a crop
*of Indian corn, and in the three preceding years, grass.

The yield of the half acre was five hundred and sixt}^ bush-
els, weighing sixty pounds per bushel, or nearly seventeen
tons in all. The superiority of this yield over that of the
Ruta Bagas, is greatly owing, probably, to the month's earlier
planting, which gave the seed the benefit of the May rains.

STRAWBERRY CROP.

The Trustees awarded to Benj. F. Huntington, of Ames-
bury, for his crop of Strawberries, the premium of $10.

STATEMENT OF BEX.J. F. HUNTINGTON.

The crop of Strawberries which I present for premium,
was raised on ninety rods of laud the present year, on land

118

which was the preceding year phiuted with potatoes, and in
the spring of 1875 was manured with five cords of stal)le
manure, and fifty bushels of ashes, which I estimate at one
half the cost, the other half remaining in the soil for future
crops. The plants were set in May, 1875, in rows three feet
apart, and twenty inches apart in the rows, making beds five
and one half wide, and paths one and one half Avide. The
runners were allowed to grow and fill the space between the
rows. In the autumn, about the middle of November, the
whole piece was mulched with a light coat of pine leaves,
which was left on the following summer. On top of the pine
leaves was put a good coat of meadow hay, which was re-
moved about the middle of April.

The manure was harrowed in with a Randall Harrow,
(which, by the way, is an excellent tool to have on a farm.)
When I entered my crop, (about the middle of June,) the
plants were looking finely, but soon after, the rust injured the
vines very much, so that I cannot report over two-thirds of
an average crop.

The following is the cost of cultivation : — *

Preparing ground, setting plants, weeding, &c.,

33 days $49.50

Picking 2700 boxes, at 2j- cents, . . 67.50

Marketing, .15.00

Manure and ashes, .... 25.00 — $157.00

Credit by 2700 boxes of berries, at 15 cents, $405.00

2500 plants sold, . . . 12.50— $417.50

Balance in favor of crop, . . . $260.50

From actual measurement I hereby certify that the above
crop covered ninety rods of land.

Joseph Merrill.

119

TREAD WELL FARM.

The Committee on the Treadvvell Farm respectfully sub-
mit the following report : —

The farm is still under the management of Mr. Philbrook,
by direction of Thos. W. Pierce, Esq., the lessee of the farm.
The Committee is pleased to be able to state that the farm
has been well cared for during the past season. It has been
kept clear of weeds, the cultivated crops have been bounti-
fully dressed with barnyard mannre and other fertilizers, and
the products have been very satisfactory, notwithstanding the
severe drought of last summer.

By permission and under direction of the Committee, very
many bushes, that of late years have been encroaching upon
the borders of the fields along the walls, have been thorough-
ly eradicated, improving the appearance of the farm as well
as its power of production. Desirous of aiding Mr. Pierce
and his able foreman, Mr. Philbrook, in their efforts to im-
prove the appearance as well as the utility of the farm, the
Committee has with pleasure fulfilled the instructions of the
Trustees, in making all necessary repairs to the buildings,
preparatory to painting. The buildings were painted with
one coat this last fall, and it is proposed to put ou the second
coat in the spring, after which it is believed that no member
of the Society need be ashamed to direct the attention of a
stranger to the farm of the Essex Agricultural Society.

The experiment begun two years ago for the purpose of
showing the comparative value of barnyaixl manure, and of
two popular commercial fertilizers, has been continued this
year. By referring to the reports of the two 3'ears previous
to this, it will be seen that one* acre of land was divided into
four equal lots. No. 1 was manured with an amount of Rus-
sell Coe's superphosphate, which should equal in cost barn-
yard manure at the rate of eight cords to the acre. Lot No.

* By a clerical error it was made to read two acres iu the two reports above referred to.

120

2 was raaimred with Brighton Abattoir fertilizer, of the same
cost. Lot No. 3 was manured with barnyard manure, at the
rate of eight cords per acre. Lot No. 4 had no manure at
all. All the above fertilizers were applied the first year with
nothing else. The product of the lots for each of the
years is as follows : —

Lot No. 1, first year, 1510 lbs. Barley; second year, 400
lbs. Hay; third year, 130 lbs. Hay. Lot No. 2, first year,
overgrown with charlock ; second year, 1200 lbs. Hay ; third
year, 460 lbs. Eowen, 280 lbs. Hay. Lot No. 3, first year,
1890 lbs. Barley ; second year, 1300 lbs. Hay ; third year,
530 lbs. Rowen, 375 lbs. Hay. Lot No. 4, first year, 1310
lbs. Barley ; second year, 382 lbs. Hay ; third year, 75 lbs.
Hay.

An experiment with the so-called Stockbridge Chemical
Fertilizer has been conducted on the farm during the last sea-
son, upon a piece of thin plain land that had not been ma-
nured for several years, — land that would probably not yield
over 20 or 25 bushels of corn per acre without manure.

The formula for 50 bushels corn per acre in addition to the
natural production without any fertilizer, (which cost $27.00)
was applied to a part of the land, and on an adjoining part of
the same quality green barnyard manure Avas applied, at the
rate of five cords per acre. The part manured with barnyard
rnanure ripened someAvhat earlier, and when harvested the
stover was somewhat drier than the other part ; so that really
there was but very little difierence in the amount of stover
grown upon the different lots. One-quarter acre of that
grown with the. chemical formula produced 35 bushels of ears
at the rate of 70 bushels shelled corn per acre, and 1005 lbs.
stover. The quarter acre grown upon the barn manure, pro-
duced 45 bushels ears, at the rate of 90 bushels shelled corn
per acre, and 920 lbs. of stover.

The total amount of products of the farm the last year, is
as follows :

121

1 acre of Cabbages yielded 2522 heads ; 1 1-2 acres of
Carrots, 820 bushels ; 1 acre 30 rods of Mangold Wurtzels,
480 bushels; 2 acres of Potatoes, 119 bushels; 1 1-4 acres
of Onions, 60 bbls. first quality, 28 bbls. small ; 5 1-4 acres
of Corn, 630 bushels ears; Beets, 100 bushels; Apples, 30
bbls. ; Cider Apples, 70 bushels ; 2 acres of Hungarian
Grass, 5 tons ; Corn Stover, 10 tons ; Corn Fodder, cured,
4 tons ; English Hay, 18 tons ; Meadow Hay, 19 tons.

There have been applied to the farm 26(5 ox-cart loads of
barnyard manure, equal to 99 3-4 cords ; 20 bushels Ashes ;
worth of commercial fertilizers.

For the Committee,

Benjamin P. Ware.

ESSAYS.

COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS AS FOOD FOR

CATTLE.

BY ANSEL W. PUTNAM, OF DANVERS.

During the year 1875, the American Agriculturist, in arti-
cles from Prof. Atwater, gave to practical farmers the funda-
mental principles by which they may determine the value of
crops as food for cattle.

The corner-stone upon which economical feeding rests, has
been discovered, and is composed of albumenoids and carbo-
hydrates mixed in certain proportions. For dry cows, and
oxen at rest, the ratio may be one of albumenoids to eight of
carbo-hydrates. For oxen at hard work, and milch cows,
one of albumenoids to four or five of carbo-hydrates. Ger-
man experiments have proved that it is as important to have
these elements in about the right proportion to get good re-
sults from feeding, as it is to have lime and sand in about the
right proportions to make good mortar.

122

•

If crops having' an excess of albumenolds are fed by them-
selves, a part of the albumenoids will be lost, for the want of
carbo-hydrates to nnite with, as a part of the lime will be
lost in making mortar if there is not the proper amount of
sand for the lime to miite with. Also if crops having an excess
of carbo-hydrates, are fed by themselves, a part will be lost.

As it is a loss to the bricklayer to have pebbles in the
mortar, that he must pick out from under every brick before
it can be laid, so it is a loss to have large amounts of indiges-
tible material mixed with cattle food.

Perhaps good food for cattle may be defined as that in
which the albumenoids and carbo-hydrates are in the right
proportion, and a large per cent, of the fodder digestible.

By mixing cotton seed meal with wheat or rye straw, all
the digestible carbo-hydrates of the straw can be utilized ;
but as about one half of the straw is indigestible, under any
conditions, it will not become first-class food, even with the
cotton seed mixed with it.

The scientific question of to-day is not, '-What is any crop
worth when fed by itself, as compared with good English
hay?" but rather, "How can we grow, harvest and mix other
crops so as to make them equal to English hay?" Good pas-
ture grass, — that is, grass that is eaten in a week after it is
grown, — is the most perfect food for cattle. The elements
are in the right proportion, it is easily digested, and a very
large per cent, of it is digestible. Very early cut, well-cured
English hay, is the best dry food, if but one kind is to be
used.

For making milk, in ripe hay, — except, perhaps, that made
from Hungarian grass, — in corn fodder, and in corn meal,
there is not enough of the albumenoids to use up all the car-
bo-hydrates. It is probable that a part of the nutritive value
of much of the corn meal, corn fodder, Englisii hay, — from
being too ripe, — salt hay and fresh meadow hay, fed in Essex
County to-day, is lost for the want of albumenoids.

123

Prof. Atwater says, " There are two great sources of loss
in our common systems of feeding. One is that we often fail
to have enouijli albumenoids in the food to secure the most
complete digestion. Another is, that forage crops are not
cut when young and easily digested, but are allowed to stand
until they are nearly ripe, and much of their material has be-
come indigestible, and of course nearly useless as nourishing
food."

I look upon the discovery of this loss in stock feeding, to-
gether with the discovery of how this loss may be saved, as
one of the greatest discoveries of modern times.

Decorticated cotton seed meal and Huna^arian o-rass are
sources from which plenty of iilbumenoids may be drawn to
utilize our carbo-hydrates. 100 lbs. of the best cotton seed
meal has 28 lbs. of digestible albumenoids, and 17 of carbo-
hydrates. Now as it needs but 4 lbs., — even when used for
making milk, — of albumenoids, for its own carbo-hydrates,
it has 24 lbs. of surplus albumenoids in every hundred pounds,
that may be used to utilize the carbo-hydrates of crops defi-
cient in albumenoids. Take first quality salt hay, for exam-
ple,— it has 3.4 lbs. of digestible albumenoids, and 41.6 of
carbo-hydrates in 100 lbs. ; it needs, say 10 lbs. of albumenoids
to make its 41.6 lbs. carbo-hydrates available for making
milk, or about 6 lbs. in 100 short ; the 24 lbs. surplus in 100
lbs. of cotton-seed will supply what 400 lbs. of salt hay needs
to make it good milk-making food.

Hungarian grass has nearly twice as much albumenoids as
it needs for its own carbo-hydrates ; therefore a ton of good
early cut Hungarian grass mixed with a ton of good salt hay,
will probably make as much milk as two tons of average Eng-
lish hay.

There is much probability, as yet, about the proportions in
which to mix our crops to get the best results ; the quality of
crops vary so much when grown and harvested under so
many dilfereut conditious, that there will be many problems

124

for each farmer to work out for himself, after getting all .the
information he can I'rom the chemist and the experiment sta-
tions. My object in writing is to induce the farmers of Essex
County to work out the problem, how best to utilize the fod-
der they have or can get most conveniently. Let each one
solve the problem for himself, and follow the practice best
suited to the conditions of his farm.

I wish to call attention to principles, and do not intend, —
for I am not prepared, — to give rules for any one to work by.
Dr. E. L. Sturtevant, in the July number of the Scientific
Farmer, gives us a very valuable article on Hungarian grass,
and says : "As the feeding values of articles are usually cal-
culated on the percentage of albumenoids, these analyses
would indicate a higher feeding value than we usually see as-
cribed to millet. It is hard to believe, but it must be at least
equal, and probably better, than grass ; but if to such an ex-
tent as is here shown, whence the discrepancy of opinion in
the practical estimates?" As I understand the principles
given us by Prof. Atwater, the analysis of Hungarian grass
does not show that it is better, or even equal to grass, if fed
exclusively by itself, for then about one-half of its albumen-
oids are lost. The beauty and value of good grass, is, that
the nutritious elements are in the right proportion ; it is good
food by itself; it asks nothing from any other crop, and it has
nothing to give to any other crop. But to get the full bene-
fit of Hungarian grass, it must be used with some crop defi-
cient in albumenoids.

Dr. Sturtevant asks, "Wlience the discrepancy of opinion
in the practical estimates?" I answer, because of the differ-
ent conditions under which it is grown, harvested and fed.
Some let it get quite ripe, — think it better so than green, —
and if it is to be fed by itself it may be well to let it stand
longer than most crops, for after it is ripe it probably has
enough albumenoids to utilize all its carbo-hydrates ; but
there is a loss in letting it ripen, because a much larger per-

125

cent, becomes indigestible. A l)etter way is to cut it young,
and then feed it witli sometliing that needs Avhat it has to
spare.

One important and fundamental principle which underlies
the securing of good fodder, has been discovered and clearly
proved to be correct, by the German experiments. It is this :
The younger any crop is cut, the greater its ratio of albu-
menoids, and the greater the per cent, of digestible to indi-
gestible matter. This shows us why it is that our cows give
us most milk in June, when the grass is growing fast enough
for them to till themselves one day with what grew a few days
before. They always eat the youngest that is to be had, and
the younger the grass they eat, the more milk they will give.
I know Dr. Nichols, a chelnist and practical farmer, and Dr.
Loring, a practical and scientific farmer, have taught the re-
verse of this.

Dr. Nichols, at the meeting of the State Board of Agri-
culture, at Fall River, said, "I find that corn fodder, sown
broadcast, is perfectly worthless. I demonstratsd that prac-
tically by experiments upon my herd of cows, and I demon-
strated it positively by an analysis of the plant. The results
of my observations and researches, up to the present time,
have been these : that in raising fodder corn, we must allow
it to reach a certain point before we cut it. In the first place
we must sow it in drills ; it must have access to sunlight and
air, and it must be allowed to proceed to a certain stage, —
and that stage is the formation of the ear, — before we begin
to cut it. Corn fodder fed to animals before that period, will
not increase the milk."

At the same meeting Dr. Loring said, "Now every kind
of grass has just so much nutriment in it. You want to get
rid of the refuse, the woody fibres, and save the sugar, starch,
and soluble salts, that go to make up the nutritive properties
of the plants. * * * Immature grass is very deficient in the
nutritive elements that I have spoken of; ever}'" chemist

126

knows it. * * * You cut, for instance, a large crop of ro wen,
which is entirely immature, and every farmer knows that it is
the most unprofitable thing he can put into his animal. An
animal fed on rowen will make an abundance of everything
else but milk or meat."

Thus Dr. Loring and Dr. Nichols, in 1871, called both
chemistry and practice before the State Board as witnesses, to
prove that immature grass and immature fodder corn are not
good. Although the testimony of these witnesses now looks
to us practically erroneous, yet from a certain scientific stand-
point, they were then, and are now, scientifically correct;
and my object in making the quotations, is to show Avherein
they are correct, and where erroneous. Take the corn sown
broadcast, for example : It may be very thick, and it may be
of the Southern or Western variety, and both practice and
chemistry have proved that it may be cut 3'oung, and make
first quality milk-producing food ; but let the same crop stand
a few weeks longer, and it will get into a condition that "will
not increase the milk."

There is a time in the growth of the corn plant, when it
has grown all the leaves that belong to the butt stalk. Up to
that time it has been the work of the plant to grow leaves
filled with elements to be used later in the growth of the
plant. After all the leaves that belong to the butt stalk are
grown, then the process of hardening the stalk begins. In-
digestible matter is rapidly formed, the nutritive matter that
was in the leaves is rapidly drawn upon by both stalk and
root, and the leaves become like a honey-comb, with the
honey drawn out. Now if we wait until this change has taken
place before we use our thickly sown fodder corn, it is nearly
worthless ; but if we use it before it has finished growing its
butt stalk leaves, every part of it, from tip to root, is as good
as any part is when the ears are formed.

There are two ways to grow good fodder-corn, and the
way Dr. Nichols recommends is one of them. He says, "We

127

must sow our com, the sweet variety, in drills, and not sow
it too thick." One reason why we get good fodder in this
way is, b}^ sowing thin in drills, the corn has a chance after
it has grown its butt stalk leaves, to go right on growing top
stalks and husks, and if we begin to use it before the top
stalks and husks have poured their contents into the ear, we
get the same quality of fodder that we get before the butt
stalk leaves discharge their contents.

Another reason is, by using the sweet variety, the stalks
do not become as hard and indio;estiblo as when the harder
varieties of corn are sown.

But my cows, and the French chemists, tell me there is a
way to get as good fodder, and in about one-half of the time,
and that is to sow Southern or Western corn thick, and use
it before it has finished growing its butt stalk leaves.

There are two ways to have very poor fodder corn. One
is, to sow it thick and not use it before the stalks have hard-
ened. If the corn is very thick, it cannot go on and make
that perfect growth of top stalks and husks which make such
good food when it is thin.

Another way is to sow the Western corn thin, and let it
stand until the ears are formed, and the butt stalks are too
long for cord wood, but not quite large enough for good saw-
logs. This same principle of discharging the contents of the
leaves applies to Dr. Loring's rowen. As I understand the
laws of growth, the object of the first growth of leaves in
the season is to help grow seed stalks and mature seed ; but
as far as the welfare of the plant is concerned, the late growth,
or rowen, is mainly to strengthen the roots for the next season.

Mr. Johnson, of Framingham, at the same meeting in Fall
River, said, "August is the time for our grass to start for
next year." Very few farmers as yet give the grass roots the
benefit of that start, or anything as a substitute for it. Row-
en may become over-ripe for fodder, as well as the first
growth, or as fodder corn may, but the contents of the leaves,
instead of going into stalks, return directly to the roots to be

128

utilized in the spring, by giving the plant a thrifty start. If
we wait until this return process has taken place before we
cut our rowen, we have a lot of empty cells. But cut it when
the leaves are full, dry it well, and it will be as palatable and
profitable to the cow that eats it as the full honeycomb is to
the dearest lover of sweets that can be found.

Two years ago I was sadly disappointed by losing the milk
from a heavy second crop on a field mowed early in June, and
which I intended to feed down close and plough in the fall.
The season was wet, grass grew finely through the summer,
and as I had plenty of green food without pasturing that
field, I thought I would save it till after I cut and fed the
rowen on the later cut fields. When I turned the cows into
that lot, I supposed I should get an increase of milk ; instead
of that, ten cows shrunk twenty quarts a day — an average of
two quarts each. It took me some time to answer to my own
satisfaction why. The solution, as I understand it, can be
gathered from what I have said about over-ripe rowen.

All differences of opinion as to the comparative value of
crops as food for Ccittle, will be harmonized when all condi-
tions relating to the different crops are well understood, and
all will be found valuable when we know how best to utilize
the good that is in them. The questions that arise about full
and empty leaves are important, and we need more knowledge
before they can be correctly answered. The mixing of differ-
ent crops to utilize the surplus elements of each, is a very
important matter, and I wish particularly to call the attention
of such as have salt hay and river meadow hay to use, to the
fact that if cut at the right time and well cured, the carbo-hy-
drates in them are worth as much per pound as in English hay.
The best quality of mixed salt hay, according to Prof. Storer,
of the Bussey Institute, has 41.6 lbs. of carbo-hydrates in 100
lbs. ; black grass has 43.8 lbs. ; best upland hay has 43.1 ; me-
dium quality has 41.1 ; fresh meadow hay has about the same ;
the best upland hay has about 9 lbs. of albumenoids in 100 lbs. ;

129

and the best salt hay and meadow hay have about 3 lbs. 6
lbs. of albumenoids in 100 lbs. is mainly what makes the best
upland hay better than the best salt hay. Medium quality of
upland has 5.4 lbs. of albumenoids, 41.1 of carbo-hydrates,
ratio about 1 to 8, — the proportion that is right to keep dry
stock in fair condition. Practice for years has proved that
dry stock will do very well on plenty of medium quality up-
land hay. As salt and meadow hay need but two lbs. addi-
tional albumenoids per 100 lbs. to make the ratio right for
dry stock, and as cotton seed meal has 26 lbs. in 100 to spare,
if fed to dry stock, it follows that 1300 lbs. of salt hay, or
good river meadow hay, mixed with 100 lbs. of cotton seed
meal, is equal to 1400 lbs. of medium quality upland hay. If
this is so, — and I ask the farmers of Essex County to prove
that it is or is not, — then it must be economy for those farm-
ers who have been in the habit of wintering their stock on
salt and meadow hay, and have them very poor in the spring,
to sell part of their hay, buy cotton seed, utilize the carbo-
hydrates of what they do feed, and have their stock fat, sleek,
healthy and happy, profitable to their owners, and a credit to
the county. If this essay shall be the means of leading one
farmer to feed his stock so as to better supply their wants
and make them more comfortable, the writer will be well
paid. It is well to know the conditions under "which wheat
bran is more economical than corn meal.

When they are fed so as to utilize all their nutritious ele-
ments, their value is as five to seven; thus, if wheat bran is
worth $20 per ton, corn meal is worth $28 per ton ; but as the
bran has a surplus of albumenoids, there may be conditions
in which a ton of wheat bran will make more milk than a ton
of meal ; thus the farmer needs to know the composition of
the material he is to feed with his grain, before he can tell
which it is best for him to buy, at the market price.

Knowledge of how and when to use roots for stock, is im-
portant. To feed any of the beet family with average quality

130

Eilglish liay and corn meal, is very unprofitable, because beets
are deficient in albumenoids, much more so than turnips, but
all roots can be used to the best advantage with poor hay and
straw, together with grain rich in albumenoids. This is so
because in poor hay and straw the per cent, of indigestible
organic matter is large, in all root crops it is small, and by
feeding them together, the per cent, of indigestible matter is
reduced ; and if care is taken to get the proportion of albu-
menoids and carbo-hydrates right, roots are profitable. This
shows us why it is that the English buy so much of the Ameri-
can oil meals. Their climate is well suited to turnip grow-
ing ; they feed turnips with their straw to get the proportion
of digestible matter right, and feed oil meal to get the pro-
portion of albumenoids right. Whether it is economy to
grow roots, depends upon what one has to feed with them.

There are other branches of this subject which it would be
pleasant to follow, but space forbids.

ORIGINATING NEW POTATOES.

BY JAS. J. H. GREGORY, OF MARBLEHEAD.

Since the general prevalence of the disease popularly known
as the "potato rot," which virtually annihilated some standard
varieties, and so seriously affected the health of others as to
render profit in their cultivation precarious, the public have
given great attention to the originating of new varieties, with
the object of obtaining in these a constitutional vigor that
should manifest itself in greater productive powers, better
quality of tuber, and greater capacity to withstand disease.
The result of these most laudable efforts has been to give,
within the past dozen years, thousands of new varieties of
potatoes.

Among these about two dozen stand out prominently as

131

decided acquisitions, and have nearly replaced all the kinds
known previous to that time as standards. How vast a gain
these new varieties, from their greater productiveness, have
been to these United States, may be inferred from the fact
that an annual diiference of but a few bushels to the acre
makes an addition of millions of dollars in the agricultural
returns. Another fact bearing on the importance to agricul-
ture of encouraofing the originating of new varieties, is found
in the fact that, at the present day, most if not all varieties
appear to be so far weak in their constitutions that they dete-
riorate either in yield, quality, or keeping properties, earlier
in their history than was the case with the standard kinds
before the dread "potato rot" appeared. There being, there-
fore, this necessity for new varieties, it appears but wise that all
who make efforts thereto should be informed of such facts as ob-
servation and experience have to contribute. It is therefore
proposed in this paper to contribute a few facts, observations,
and reflections, bearing on this subject, to the end that efforts
to produce new seedlings may be more intelligently directed
than is often the case.

If the various new seedlings that have become established
in the community by reason of their real merits, be classified,
it will be found that nearly all of them originated in a latitude
north of southern New York. If with this fact, we connect
one other, viz., that the natural home of the potato is on the
high, cool, table lands of South America ; and yet a third fact,
that taking any variety of the Irish potato, we find that, all
other conditions being equal, the farther north it is grown,
the better is its quality, I think we may conclude that to de-
velop the best results possible in raising new seedlings, the
experiments had best be confined to latitudes north of central
New York. If, now, we analyze this matter a little farther,
and classify the various new varieties that have become stand-
ards, and do this in the light of the number of seedlings
raised by seed cultivation, to each.new one of real merit ob-
tained, we shall find that by far the greater success has been

132

obtained in the northern section of this area. In support of
this position, we need take for ilhistration the experiments of
the lamented Goodrich of New York, and of Albert Breese of
Vermont. Mr. Goodrich, out of thousands of seedlings, ob-
tained half a dozen standard varieties, while Mr. Breese, out
of less than a dozen, obtained at least three seedlings that,
either universally or in large sections of country, are recog-
nized as standard varieties. Such wonderful results as were
obtained by Mr. Breese, are, it is true, rare ; but taking the fact
in connection with another, that so many of the standard
seedlings, and formerly new before the public, such as the old
Chenango, Orouo, Excelsior, Early Vermont, and Snowflake,
originated in the northern portion of this area of country, I
think we may advance a step farther in our suggestions, and
state that within the area north of the latitude of southern
New York, those dwelling in the northern portions have prob-
ably the best chances to originate first class seedling potatoes.

"We now propose to discuss, 1st, What is required in a new
seedling to make it an acquisition? 2d, What steps are most
likely to produce such a seedling?

1st. What is required in a new seedling to make it an ac-
quisition? The requirement in a potato to be accepted by
the public as a standard, is, that while it equals standards al-
ready accepted in other characteristics, it shall also excel them
in one or more. Now the characteristics that make up a
model variety, relate to yield, quality, flavor, freedom from
rot, shape, size, color of skin, number of eyes, depth of eye,
color of flesh, keeping properties, soundness at the heart,
earliuess or lateness of maturity, manner of distribution in
the ground, and habit of growth of the vines. I think that
it may be assumed that before any originator has the right to
send forth any new variety as an acquisition, he must be able
to demonstrate that his protege is a decided acquisition in
some one of these characteristics and fully up to the average
in the remainder. In determining this, he must make more

133

than a comparison on his own grounds, for from the discrep-
ancy between tlie results that some originators state tliey find
in a comparison between their seedlings and the standard
sorts, and the results that others find when they make the same
comparison, it is evident that it is true of seedling potatoes,
as with seedling strawberries, new varieties will often do their
best on the land where they originated. I would here suggest
that it may be a wise step for growers of new varieties to
state the kind of soil in which they originated, as the point is
not yet settled as to whether or not new sorts do their best in
the same soil on which they originated.

From an experience in testing hundreds of seedlings sent
to me from different States, in the course of several years,
almost all of them claimed as decided acquisitions, by their
sanguine originators, I deduce the following suggestions rela-
tive to the various characteristics required in a new seedling
before its claim to be admitted as a standard variety should
be allowed. Taking them in the order given, the yield, under
good cultivation, should be at least two hundred bushels to
the acre. Fancy cultivation of small area will at times give
a yield of three or four hundred bushels to the acre, when the
same variety, on good potato soil, with good average manur-
ing and cultivation, will fail of yielding two hundred bushels.
The flavor and quality, by which latter word I more especially
mean dryness, should be up to such a standard as the Jackson
White, or Chenango of olden time. For a standard of shape,
a medium between the standard oblong and round varieties is
most desirable, as there is the least waste in the paring of
potatoes of this form, while a larger proportion of the smaller
ones will be marketable. Here let me remark that I have
noticed that oblong potatoes that are usually equally large at
each end, oftentimes under unpropitious circumstances, grow
smaller in the middle than at the ends, which makes any po-
tato unmarketable. Another fact noted is that any variety
that tapers to a small and rather projecting point where the

134

stem is attaclied, is apt to sport in its form, and is unreliable
as a cropper. Another fact is, that while all varieties of pO"
tatoes that have had their growth stopped by drought before
maturity, make the remainder of their growth when they start
anew after a rain, by additions which farmers designate by the
word "prongy;" «ome Tarieties are far more inclined this
way than others. In size, while it is absolutely necessary
that the}^ shall average as large as the average of accepted
standards, it is also necessary that the large ones shall not be
excessively large, and the small ones not more numerous than
those of the average of received standards. The color of the
skin is much a matter of fiishion. When the Early Rose first
came before the public, man}'' prominent dealers said it would
not be accepted, as the public wanted a w^iite-skinned potato,
after the style of the Orono. Now I have a letter of inquiry
for a potato equally good as a white variety, cultivated by an
■extensive grower, but with a change of the color of the skin
to red, as the Early Rose has trained the public to red as the
standard of color. Of the eyes, an unusual number, and
•especially an unusual depth, is undesirable, from the greater
difficult}^ and greater waste to the housewife when peeling for
the table. The color of the flesh should be the most snowy
white, except it maybe when designed for a Southern market,
where I understand the general preference is for a yellowish
fleshed potato of a waxy structure.

HoUowness at the centre, except in overgrown specimens,
should be a fatal fact. Good keeping properties demand that
they should not acquire bitterness with age, the capacity
to keep free from sprouting, other conditions being equal,
turning, as far as my experience goes, on the earliness or
lateness of the variety. Of the distribution of the potatoes
in the hill, compactness is desirable, as the labor of digging
is much lessened, and also the liability to cut the tubers. This
compactness of the Early Rose, lying in a mass as in a pocket, is
an excellent characteristic, while with the Shaker Fancy it is an

135

illiistratiou of an erratic distribution. Of the habit of growth
of the vine, the short jointed, compact growth of which the
Excelsior is a good ilhistration, is desirable, as such a habit
admits of greater ease in the cultivation of the crop.

While these are the desirable qualities in every new seed-
ling which applies to be admitted as a standard, and while
man}' of these characteristics are absolutely essential, yet
were a variety presented that excelled to a remarkable degree
in the leading points of a good potnto, the public would be
ready to waive many minor points in its favor.

The late Mr. Goodrich, who had a far larger experience in
producing new seedlings than au}^ other man in the United
States, gave, as the result of his observation, that a seedling
potato was liable to sport in shape until the fourth year ; in
other words, it did not acquire its true normal shape until the
fourth year from the seed. From the great number of seed-
lings introduced the third year from the seed, it is to be pre-
sumed the public lack either faith or information on this point.

Having presented the characteristics of a seedling potato
worthy to be admitted among the standard kinds, the question
naturally arises, can experience or science help the persever-
ing cultivator to the attainment of such a model ? I think
each can help somewhat. In my own experience, I have
found that there is a great tendency in some varieties to re-
peat themselves, such, for an instance, as the Orono. And
here let me put in a word of advice. It is not desirable to
iave a seedling follow too closely its parent, for the result is
apt to create confusion and dissatisfaction with the public. It
is unfortunate that that excellent variety. Early Vermont,
should so closely resemble Early Rose ; and for this same
reason, a dozen or more seedlings of Early Rose, which I
Jiave tested the few years past, with the single exception of
Early Ohio, have diftered so little from their progenitor as to
be practically worthless.

The procuring tubers of the native wild stock, on the pla-

136

teaus of Peru, and the raising of seedlings from these, has
not, so far as my knowledge goes, given the satisfactory re-
sults anticipated. In Mexico, varieties of potatoes are grown
which have never suffered from the rot. Should this Sfreat
plague again become prevalent, this may be a good source
to obtain potatoes from which to raise new seedlings.

Science suggests that the pollen of choice varieties might
be crossed, and thus choice seedlings be insured ; and I have
known of one experiment in this direction which promises
well, yet the sum of extensive experiments in this direction
may be like those of the distinguished Van Mons, of Belgi-
um, with the pear, — from many thousands of trials he secured
as result but two or three high class pears ; while another
cultivator, among comparatively a few chance seedlings, pro-
duced more and better varieties than his distinguished co-^
temporary.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ESSAYS.

The Committee on Essays find it rather difficult to discrim-
inate, in some cases, between the merits of different essays
and reports. Five essays were submitted for premium.
Three of these did not, in the judgment of the Committee,
fairly come within the range of treatises for which the Society
contemplated the awarding of premiums. The essays entitled
"Reflections," "Farm Homes," and " Progress in the Art of
Cultivating the Soil," were all well written and creditable
performances, and they all contained thoughts that would be
no discredit in an annual address before the Society.

The Committee were also in some doubt regarding the
award upon the Reports, several of those for which a premi-
um was not awarded, having been well written and by no
means destitute of merit in other respects.

137

The first premium on Essays, of $15.00, is awarded to
Ansel W. Putnam, of Danvers, for the essay on the " Com-
parative Vahie of Crops as Food for Cattle."

The second premium, of $10.00, is awarded to James J. H.
Gregory, of Marblehead, for the essay on " Originating New
Potatoes."

The first premium, of $10.00, for Reports, is awarded to
Aaron Low, of Essex, for his report on " Root Crops."

The second premium, of $8.00, is awarded to David W.
Low, of Gloucester, for his report on Apples, in which he
has evidently taken pains to collate testimony of value re-
garding this crop, the profitableness of which has been a sub-
ject of considerable discussion.

The third premium, of $6.00, was a matter of considerable
doubt with the Committee, as several of the remaining re-
ports appeared to present claims where there was 'no very
marked preponderance of merit. But it was finally awarded
to Francis H. Appleton, of West Peabody, for his report
on Vegetables, which contained some practical suggestions
regarding the arrangements at shows, that tend to facilitate
the annual work of the Committees, thereby lessening the
liability to make awards that may not in fact be just, even
though made with the best intentions.

N. A. Horton, Daniel E. SalEford, Charles P. Preston, —
Committee .

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OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY,

IPOI?. 187S-77,

PRESIDENT.

BENJAMIN P. WARE, of Marblehead.

VICE PRESIDENTS.

GEORGE B. LORING, of Salem.
PAUL T. WINKLEY, of Newbuiyport.
WARREN ORDWAY, of Bradford.
JAS. J. H. GREGORY, of Marblehead.

SECRETARY.

CHARLES P. PRESTON, of Danvers.

TREASURER.

EDWARD H. PAYSON, of Salem,

HONORARY TRUSTEES.

JOSEPH HOW, of Methuen.
ALLEN W. DODGE, of Hamilton.
WILLIAM SUTTON, of Ipswich.

141

TPwUSTEES.

■Jos. Akcrnian, Newbiiryport ; Miloii S. Jenkins, N. Andover ;
Charles C. Blunt, Andover ; James P. King, Pea])ody ;
Jas. H. Clieever, Manchester ; Joshua N. Kent, Newliury ;
George CogsAvell, Bradford ; Oliver P. Killani, Boxford ;
Caleb Childs, Marblehead; Aaron Low, Essex;
Thomas J. Clark, Salisbury ; Nath'l E. Ladd, Groveland ;
George A. Dodge, Wenham ; Jarvis Lamson, Hamilton;
John Dauforth, Lynnfield ; James R. Nichols, Haverhill ;
Henry W. Foster, Beverly; Sherman Nelson, Georgetown;
Alonzo B. Fellows, Ipswich ; C. K. Ordway, W. Newbury;
James Flint, Middleton ; Francis P. Putnam, Danvers ;

Ariel H. Gould, Topslield ; Wm. H. Patch, Rockport ;
Bennett Griffin, Gloucester; Moses P. Payson, Eowley;*

A. E. Goodwin, Merrimack ; Geo. W. Russell, Lawrence ;
Joseph S. Howe, Methuen ; John L. Shorey, Lynn ;
Samuel Hawkes, Saugus ; Geo. W. Simmons, Nahant;

B. F. Huntington, Amesbury ; Horace C. Ware, Salem.

NEW MEMBERS-1S75-76.

Aug. T. Billings, Topstield ; James Lawrie, Danvers ;

Walter F. Blake, Peabody ; Mrs. Lefavor, Danvers ;

W. H. Brown, Peabody ; Gyles Merrill, Haverhill ;

Ira F. Burnham, Essex ; Ansel W. Putnam, Danvers ;

O. B. Burnham, Beverly ; H. H. Pillsbury, Danvers ;
Joshua H. Chandler, Andover ; J. F. Pendergast, Salisbury ;

Wm. F. Dole, Peabody ; E. P. Richardson, Lawrence ;

John Grout, Danvers ; Jacob E. Spring, Danvers ;

B. C. Hathaway, Danvers ; H; P. Whipple, Danvers;

C. F. Johnson, N. Andover; F. A. Wilkius, Danvers.
Patrick Kirby, Danvers ;

142

%:^ Any citizen in the County may become a member by
paying the sum of three dollars to increase the permanent
funds of the Society, and he will receive a certificate of his
membership from the Secretary. No fines or assessments are
ever imposed. Members are entitled to the free use of the
Library, and a copy of the Transactions each year. All or-
dained Ministers of the Gospel residing in the County, and
editors of newspapers, published therein, are entitled to the
privileges of the Library.

LIST OF PREMIUMS, &c.

FAT CATTLE.

Henry Gardnerj Salem, first premium, $12 OO

BULLS.

J. Longfellow, Newbury, Bull with five calves, first premium, $30 00

A. T. Newhall, Newburyport, Ayrshire, two years old and

upwards, first premium, 12 00

George W. Russell, North Andover, Jerseys, two years old and

upwards, first premium, 12 00

F. R. Appleton, Ipswich, Jerseys, under two years oldj first

premium, 6 00

W. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein, two years old and up-
wards, first premium, 12 00

"W. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein, under two years old, sec-
ond premium, 4 00

MILCH cows.
Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, special premium, for best milch

cows of any age or breed, $25 00

George W. Russell, Lawrence, for best milch cow, first prem., 12 00
Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, for best milch cow, second prem., 9 00
Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich, Jersey, first premium, 12 00

Charles J. Peabody, Topsfield, best butter cow, first premium, 12 00

HERD OF cows.

George W. Russell, Lawrence, for herd, gratuity^ $12 00

Charles J. Peabody, Topsfield, for herd, gratuity^ 12 00

HEIFERS.

Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich, thoroughbred Jersey, under four

years, milch, first premium, $12 00

Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich, thoi'oughbrcd Jersey, under four

years, milch, second premium, 6 00

144

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, thoroughbred Dutch, first prem., 12 00

F. R. Appleton, Ipswich, thoroughbred Jersey, one year old

and upward, never calved, first premium, 6 00
Frank W. Bly, Danvers, thoroughbred Jersey, one year old

and upwards, never calved, second premium, 4 00

Wm. A. Russell, Lawi-ence, thoroughbred Dutch, fii'st prem,, 6 00

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, thoroughbred Dutch, second prem. , 4 00

J. S. Ives, Salem, thoroughbred Ayrshire Calves, first prem., 6 00

G. W. Russell, Lawrence, " Jersey Calves, first prem., 5 00
Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich, thoroughbred Jersey Calves,

second premium, 3 00

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, thoroughbred Dutch Calves, first

premium, 5 00

Mrs. T. P. Pingree, Salem, thoroughbred Dutch Calves, sec-
ond premium, 3 00

C. Gafi^'uey, Danvers, grade under four years, (milch,) first

premium, 12 00

S. F. Crossman, Swampscott, grade under four years, (milch,)

second premium, G 00

Martin Root, Newbury, grade heifers, never calved, one year

old and upwards, first premium, ' 6 00

Charles Ham, Danvers, grade heifers, never calved, one year

old and upwards, second premium, 4 00

J. Longfellow, Newbury, calves under one year old, first prem., 5 00

S. F. Crossman, Swampscott, calves under one year old, sec-
ond premium, 3 00

WORKING OXEN.

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, first premium, $15 00

Charles P. Preston, Danvers, second premium, 12 00

R. S. Bray, Newbury, third premium, 10 00

WORKING STEERS.

D. C. Hathaway, Danvers, first premium, $10 00

TOWN TEAM.

Danvers Horse Team, first premium, $30 00

STEERS.

George F. Mason, Andover, first premium, $8 00

145

STALLIONS.

H. E. Holt, Bradford, four years old, first premium,
C. F. Peudergast, Salisbury, second premium,
William A. Keleher, Lawrence, third premium
John Hathaway, Salciii, three years old, first premium,
J. P. L. Westcott, Newburyport, second premium,

BREEDING MARES.

Franklin Alley, Marblehead, first premium,
William S. Messervy, Salem, second premium,
A. Knowlton, Essex, third premium,

FAMILY HORSES.

Charles H. Gould, Danvers, first premium,
E. W. Jacobs, Peabody, second premium,
John Hathaway, Salem, third premium,
John Swinerton, Danvers, gratuity,

FARM AND DRAFT HORSES.

Joshua Roberts, Gloucester, first premium,
A. T. Newhall, Newburyport, second premium,
P. T. Winkley,' Newburyport, third premium,
David Knowlton, Essex, fourth premium,

PAIRS OF DRAFT HORSES.

Perry Knowlton, Essex, first premium,
Burnham Brothers, Beverly, second premium,

COLTS FIRST CLASS.

J. Grout, Danvers, four year old colt, first premium,

A. Knowlton, Essex, second premium,

J. H. Fitz, Topsfield, third premium,

J. F. Dane, Hamilton, three year old, first premium,

A. T. Newhall, Newburyport, second premium,

COLTS — SECOND CLASS.

George Gibney, Salem, two year old colt, first premium,
Wm. Groves, two year old colt, second premium,
Hugh McGlue, Newbury, yearling first premium,
George B. Martin, Danvers, yearling, second premium,

%,>

$18 00

12

00

10

00

10

00

6

00

18

00

12

00

10

00

$18 00

12

00

10

00

5

00

815

00

12

00

10

00

6

00

S15 00

10

00

S12 00

8

00

5

00

10

00

5

00

$8 OU

3

00

8

00

3

00

146

SWINE.

R. G. Buxton, Peabody, large bone Yorkshire Boar, Istprem., $10 00
A. T. Billings, Topsfiekl, " Chester '' 2d preni., G GO

A. T. Billings, Topsfield, small bone Essex Boar, first prem., 10 00
F. A. Wilkins, Danvers, large bone Sow, first premium, 10 €0

C. F. Goodrich, Peabody, " " " second premium, 6 00

Patrick Kirby, Danvers, small bone Sow, first premium, 10 00

Mrs. Elizabeth Saunders, Peabody, small bone Sow, 2d prem., 6 00-
P. L. Day, Bradford, Weaned Pigs, first premium, 6 00

Daniel Carlton, North Andover, Weaned Pigs, second prem., 4 00

SHEEP.

Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich, flock, first premium,
E. W. Jacobs, Peabody, flock, second premium,
Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich, buck, first iDremium,
Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich, lambs, first premium,

PLOUGHING DOUBLE TEAMS.

R. S. Jaques and R. S. Bray, Newbury, first premium,
D. C. Hathaway, Danvers, second premium,

PLOUGHING — SINGLE TEAMS.

Charles P. Preston, Danvers, first premium,
Asa T. Newhall, Newburyport, second premium,
J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, third premium,

PLOUGHING — WITH HORSES.

Edward P. Perley, Danvers, first premium,

Asa T. Newhall, Newburyport, second premium,

J. Kavanagh, Wenham, third premium,

G. N. Ordway and M. H. Poore, West Newbury, 4th prem.,

R. S. Bray, Newbury, fifth premium, 5 00

PLOUGHING — SWIVEL PLOUGH.

Silvester Dane, Hamilton, first premium,
D. C. Hathaway, Danvers, second premium,

boys' ploughing — SUTTON PREMIUMS.

Aaron Winslow, Swampscott, first premium,
Charles S. Smith, Hamilton, second premium,
Daniel Young, Newbury, third premium,

$10 00

6 00

8 00

4 00

$12 00

10 00

$10 00

7 00

5 00

$12 00

10 00

8 00

G 00

$12

00

10

00

$25 00

15

00

10

00

147

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

Whittemoro Bros., Boston, best collection, prem. and diploma, $15 00

S. F. Ayers, Boxford, Ox Yoke, • " 3 00

Whittemore Bros., Boston, Hay and Straw Cutter, premium, 3 00

E. E. Lummus & Co., Boston, Randall Harrow, " 3 00

Whittemore Bros., Boston, Smith's Churn, gratuity, 3 00

Parker & Gannett, Boston, Hay Cutter, . " 1 00

Whittemore Bros., Boston, Cucumber Pump, " 3 00

Parker & Gannett, Boston, collection, " 2 00

CARRIAGES.

Dole & Osgood, Peabody, Buggy and Wagon, premium,

H. P. Whipple, Beverly, Express Wagon, gratuity,

H. H. Dempsey, Wpnham,

W. B. Peart, Danvers,

H. H. Pillsbury, Danvers, display of Carriages,

C. W. Brine, Peabody, Express Wagon,

BUTTER.

W. H. Allen, Manchester, first premium,
Mrs. L. Lefavour, Danvei'S, second premium,
Mrs. Farnham Stiles, Middleton, third premium,
G. W. Russell, No. Andover, fourth premium,

FARMS.

Rufus Gordon, Haverhill, second premium,

RECLAIMED MEADOW.

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, first premium,

IMPROVED PASTURE LAND.

Joseph Horton, Ipswich, first premium,

ROOT CROPS.

Hiram A. Stiles, Middleton, Summer Turnips, first premium, $10 00
Daniel Carlton, No. Andover, Onions,
Hayden A. Merrill, Beveidy, Squashes,

" " " Fottler's Cabbage,

Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich, Ruta Bagas,

$15 00

8 00

5 00

5 00

5 00

2 00

$10 00

8 00

6 00

4 00

$20 00

$15 00

$15 00

((

Mangolds,

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

148

SMALL FRUITS.

Benj. F. Huntington, Amesbury, Strawberry crop, first prem., $10 00

ESSAYS.

Ansel W. Putnam, Danvers, Essay on "Comparative Value

of Crops as Food for Cattle," first premium, $15 00

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, Essay on Potatoes, second

premium, $10 00

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.

Aaron Low, Essex, Root Crops, first premium,
David W. Low, Gloucester, Apples, second premium,
Francis H. Appleton, Peabody, Vegetables, third premium,

Awarded by Committee on Poultry,

" Vegetables and Seeds,

" Fruits,

" Flowers,

$10 00

8

00

6

00

$71 00

145

00

348

00

62

00

37

00

11

00

20

00

Counterpanes, Rugs, &c.,

General Merchandise,

Bread and Honey,

Articles Manufac'd from Leather, 18 00

Fancy Work, &c., 39 50

Children's Work, 14 25

.,925 75

KECAPITULATION.

FARMS.

Amount awarded to Ploughing,

$149 00

a u

Farms,

20 00

(I (C

Reclaimed Meadow,

15 00

c( u

Reclaimed Pasture,

FARM STOCK.

15 00-

-$199 00

Amount awarded to Fat Cattle,

$12 00

U ((

Bulls,

76 00

(( u

Milch Cows,

70 00

(C ((

Herd of Milch Cows,

24 00

Amounts carrried forward, $182 00 $199 00

CONTENTS.

Address of Cyrus M. Tracy,

• • •

The Exhibition,

Report

on Fat Cattle,

i(

Bulls,

a

Milch Cows,

k(

Herd of Milch Cows,

ii.

Heifers,

k I

Working Oxen,

ki

Working Steers,

kk

Steers,

kk

Stallions,

kk

Brood ]Mares,

• «

*

ii

Family Horses,

• •

kk

Fai'm and Draft H

orses.

kk

Fairs of Draft Horses,

ki

Colts,

•

kk

Swine,

• ,

kk

Sheep,

•

kk

Poultry,

•

kk

Ploughing,

•

kk

Agricultural Implements,

• k

Carriages,

k k

Dairy,

kk

Butter,

ii

Bread and Honey,

kk

Pears,

, ,

kk

Apples, (including

Statements,)

kk

Peaches, Grapes and Assorted Fruits,

k b

Flowers,

• • •

kk

Vegetables,

• •

(t

Counterpanes, Carpetiugs ai

id Rugs,

Paqe.
3
21
23
23
24
26
31
32
32

32, 38
32
33
34
34
34
34
35
36
37
39
41
41
42
42
42
43

44-73
73
75
79
84

156

Report on Leather, ....

Manufactures and General Merchandise,

Fancy Work and Works of Art,

Children's Work, .

Farms, ....

Improved Meadow Land, .

Improving Pasture and Waste Land,

Manures, ....

Root Crops, . . . •

Strawberry Crops,

Tread well Farm, .
Essay by Ansel W. Putnam, on "Comparative Value

as Food for Cattle," ...
Essay by J. J. H. Gregory, on Originating New Potat
Report of Committee on Essays,
Treasurer's Report, ....
Officers and New Members, .
List of Premiums, ....
Constitution of the Essex Agricultural Society,
Library, .....

of Cro

ps

oes.

85

86

86

87

88

90

95

102

104

117

119

121
130
136
138
140
143
150
154

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

Essex Agricultural Society

IN MASSACHUSETTS,

FOR THE TEAR 1877,

WITH THE

FIFTY-FIFTH

A.NN"XJ^I1. A.DDRESS

BY OLIVER S. BUTLER.

I*xil:>lislxecl \>y Ox-dei' of* tlxe Society.

SALEM, MASS.:

PRESS OF THE ESSEX COUNTY MERCURY.
1877.

X ■

^IDIDI^ESS.

Mr. President^ and Members of the Ussex Agricultural So"
ciety. Ladies and Gentlemen :

It is a matter of the most interesting nature, calculated to
call forth our most sincere congratulations, that we come up
to our annual festival covered and crowned with so many
blessings, which the good and gracious God of the seasons
has been pleased to vouchsafe unto us.

We have come, inmost instances, from homes oi peace,
and plenty, from fruitful fields and meadows, rich with corn
and crops of various kinds in great abundance. We have
come from our flocks and herds, bearing it may be upon our
persons the invigorating breath of our healthful companions,
mingled with the aroma of new mown hay and the fragrance
of the wild flowers upon which our careless feet have trodden.
We have come from the scenes of our toil and our triumphs,
where we have learned many a valuable lesson, both in suc-
cess and defeat. From the earth that received the seed into
her generous soil and returned it back to us increased a thou-
sand fold, and from our helpers in our work, in the house,
in the stalls, and on the farm, lessons oi faith and trust, of
h(ype and courage, oi patience and perseverance, even from the

sturdy ox, that bends his willing neck to take the yoke, as
well as from the subtle forces and elements that have arrested
our attention and challenged our progress ; and there is abun-
dant cause for thankfulness to the bountiful giver of all good,
that we can meet together at this beautiful season of the year,
under this autumnal sky, and surrounded by such auspicious
circumstances, to greet each other with such cordiality and
friendship. For more than the display of our flocks and
herds, or of our fruits and flowers, and more even, than the
display of the products of genius, or the mechanism of man
or maiden, more, and better than all of these, is the meeting
and the joyous greeting of old friends. It is this that gives
to our society more than half of its power. As the old Ro-
mans looked forward to the return of their harvest festival
with supreme delight, so we of old Essex look forward to
our annual feast, through all the swift flying days of the year,
not as the old Romans, to ofier sacrifices to their idol gods,
but to meet together as fellow- workers, in a common calling,
to give and to receive the congratulations of our friends, and
to examine and admire the works of God and man, to look
into the faces that have browned under the summer sun, and
brightened under the harvest moon, and if we do not fill our
halls with idol gods, we do what is better, for we bring with
us our sons and our daughters, our wives and our mothers ;
and this feature of our feast is all the more enjoyable when
we reflect on the fact, that we bring together the best minds
and the best hearts, the best men and the best women, of
Essex County.

In the midst of our congratulation, with some of us at
least, our hearts like mufiled drums are beating, as we think
of those who have fallen in death the past year ; for the fatal

reaper has been busy among our chief men, and an unusually
larg^e number of our most honored and honorable members
have jjassed away. There was Edward H. Little, of New-
bury, George W. Boynton, of Georgetown, Samuel Moody,
of West Newbury, Thomas J. Clark, of Salisbury, Moses
P. Payson, of Eowley, Thomas E. Payson, formerly of
Rowley, Andrew Dodge, of Hamilton, Henry A. King, of
Peabody, all of them good men and true. Peace to their
ashes, and all honor to their memory.

In addressing you to-day, I am somewhat perplexed in
making choice of a subject for your consideration. Not that
the rauofe of thought is at all limited, but more because it is
spacious ; and my perplexity is increased as I contemplate
the long list of honored personages who have discoursed to
you upon almost every subject connected with your high vo-
cation. "Surely what shall the man do that comes after the
King's ?" As I looked abroad over the varied list of subjects,
several of them have invited my attention. The soil we till
has not been exhausted yet ! The crops we cultivate are so
numerous and varied in their nature and their adaptation to
soil and climate, as well as the means of transporting them
to market, that we might spend an hour profitably in their
consideration. The cattle that graze in our pastures, or stand
in our stalls, present a most interesting subject, and as I was
thinking of these, my old familiar friend, the family Horse,
called my attention to his condition and wants, and asked me
to speak in his behalf, or at least to ask this venerable Society
why it is that the ungainl}'' Ox is allowed to pull and back the
heaviest load possible, to the grbat admiration of his owner,
and the winning of the first premiums ? And why the drafb
Horse is allowed and encouraged to lift at the cart or the

6

Plough until the stars fly from his eyes and the splints and
spavins from his limbs? Why this favoritism for these,
while the family roadster must be kept circumscribed as to
speed, so that if he desires to go faster than five miles an
hour, he must go to the great New England Fair ? And he

•

wishes to know how it is, that the wise men who control and
applaud the great Moral Show, come here and boast of the
fact that this Essex Fair has not been ruined by Horse Rac-
ing? But I told my old friend that I could not ask such
practical questions in such an august presence, and of course
I shall not, but there is one character that rises up before me
as I contemplate the scene of our labor, that exceeds all oth-
ers in importance. It is the man, it is the farmer himself.
The man who selects the land and the seed, the stock that he
improves, and so plans and works as to win success out of
apparent defeat. And as the man is more than lands, how-
ever rich, or seed however prolific, or stock however im-
proved ; 3^ou will permit me to call your attention for a few
moments, to the successful farmer, and in calling your atten-
tion to some of the characteristics of a successful farmer, you
will allow me to qualify my remarks by saying, that I do not
mean, by the term successful farmer, the man who enters this
pursuit with a fortune in his hand that has been obtained in
other callings, and is now rated as a fancy farmer; nor do I
refer to the man who may take to the farm as a means of re-
storing enfeebled health ; neither do I refer to the man, who,
after failing in every other pursuit, falls back upon the ex-
hausted acres of his ancestors as a last resort to maintain a
cheap aristocracy, or to find a decent burial ; but I do refer
•to the man who obtains his first acre by his own efforts, and
then ^dds to then} as he h^-s need, and improves them too.

The man that makes farming his business ; his first and last
business !

This character becomes of some importance when we re-
member that the question of success in farming, as to whether
farming is profitable or unprofitable, depends entirely upon
the man and not upon the business or its accidents, for it is
true of agricultural pursuits, as it is of all others, that the
right man in the right place is a success always and ever, for
in God's great plan of this our universe and all that pertains
to it, there is a place for everything, and a thing for every
place. Every drop of water that trembles in the sunlight,
every grain of sand on the seashore, every atom in the uni-
verse, has its place or sphere in which to move, and the suc-
cess or failure of any agent or thing, depends upon its being
and moving in its proper orbit or place. Most of the failures
that occur in this our world, are the result of the violation
of this law of creation, either from ignorance of their true
position in society, or an unwillingness to take the place
where God intended they should move. This is pre-eminently
true of the professions so called, and, sometimes, painfully
true.

Take the Medical Fraternity, and how apparent is this fact.
Not one in a thousand of them has any real genuine skill in
detecting or describing the ailments of our bodies, or in cur-
ing them, either. Not one in a thousand of them that has
any natural fitness or adaptation for their difficult and respon-
sible work, or any real love for the beautiful science they at-
tempt to practise. Hence quacks increase and diseases mul-
tiply in an exact ratio to the increase of these second rate
practitioners.

8

The same is true of the Legal profession. At the present
time the rapid increase in the number of law students and
law practitioners, is truly alarming. But we are somewhat
relieved of the fear of any serious consequences when we re-
flect that not one in a thousand will ever make a decision that
will go down to posterity as the basis of law. The trouble is
found in the fact that there are too many limbs of the law for
the parent stock.

The Sacred calling or profession furnishes no exception to
this rule. We have started out from the wrong premise when
we have acted as though we thought the morals or the salva-
tion of our communities depended more upon the number of
our religious societies and teachers, than upon their character
or quality. Consequently we have built more churches than
we can pay for, and crowded dwarfs into their pulpits who do
well enough in reading their little essays and in taking up the
usual collections, but have no conception of the nature of
their calling, or adaptation to the work of visiting the sick,
of comforting the mourner, or of instructing the people in
the awful science of life and death, and fail entirely in lifting
the soul-life Godward from the low plane of worldly thought
and feeling, up into the purer and holier atmosphere of the
Heavenly. The remark holds good, that there are many men
in the pulpit that ought to be in the pews, and so vice versa.

Now it does not follow of necessity, that either of these
characters are intentionally out of their place, or wickedly
pursuing a calling for which they have no fitness ; but still the
fact remains, that they fail of success because they have failed
to find the proper orbit in which God intended they should
move, and on this pivot turns the failure or the success in
farming. The principal factor in this difficult problem is the

9

man. We remark, the successful former is one who chooses
his vocation for love of it, and comes to it with just and
proper conceptions of its nature and duties, and in pursuing
it is not disappointed.

If a man really hates or detests his business, and pursues
it from necessity, he ought not to expect to succeed ; and his
failure ought not to l)e attributed to the nature of his busi-
ness, but to the nature of the man. Of course this rule en-
forced would exclude all that horde of adventurers, now
denominated farmers, includinfi: the men of whom I have
spoken. He must not only come to his calling with a love
for the same, but with just and proper conceptions of its na-
ture and duties. If a man enters upon any business with
wrong conceptions, or improper notions in regard to its na-
ture, or the duties required, he will be sure to fail of success.
First they will be disappointed, and then comes discontent,
and then defeat and faikire ; and many a farmer has failed of
success in his chosen calling, from this very cause. I have
known many a young man, who, having read our agricultural
literature, or perhaps listened to our after-dinner speeches at
our fairs, have come to entertain a sort of rose-colored
view of agriculture, and having chosen farming for their busi-
ness, have been undeceived, when it was too late to retrieve
their steps. Perhaps they did not really think that the corn
would grow without plant ng ; or that the cows would come
up into the parlor and ask to be milked ; or that the hens
would lay three eggs a day in the dairy-maid's lap. But then
they had no adequate conceptions of the skill required, and
the labor to be performed, in order to force from the reluc-
tant soil the richest treasures, and to wring from apparent
defeat the assured success for which they have toiled. The

10

successful farmer, then, is one that brings to his calling an
ardent love for the same, and the most just conception of its
nature aud its duties. And he must also possess a sound,
healthy, physical system ; we regard this qualification as in-
dispensable. While we freely admit that the invalid may
regain his health, by gentle, moderate exercise among the
healthful scenes of farm life, and that the imbecile may not
starve on the farm so long as his inherited acres remain to
him, and that the gentleman farmer may do much to improve
his lands, and his stock, as well as for the development of
new methods of culture, in which all his brethren may share,
without putting his own hands to the plough or the hoe, — and
that it show^s both goodness of heart, and wisdom of the
mind, when the aged and the infirm retire among the scenes
and the associations of their youth, to spend the evening of
their days in peace, and the happy reflections that come from
a well-spent life, — still we must insist that the man who
must expose himself to the elements, and brave the storms of
winter, and bear the heat of summer ; the man who must
guide his plough with his own hands, and pitch his neAv mown
hay over the great beams without a patent fork ; the man
who must build his own walls, and ditch his own meadows, —
will need to have a strong, healthy body, well developed, well
trained, and under ^e?yec^ control. He needs, and must have,
a physical system that does not need any of your bitter drugs
to give a relish for its food, or a cathartic to work it oif, or
powerful opiates to bring sleep to his eyelids. The success-
ful farmer not only needs a healthy, vigorous body, but a
sound, well-balanced mind, with the broadest culture. Away,
forever away, with the notion that any ignoramus w^ill do w^ell
enough for a farmer, or that farming is to be prosecuted sim-

11

ply by main strength aud stupidness. Oh, uo. Such is the
nature of your calling, that it requires the broadest culture
and the most varied acquirements.

In almost every other vocation, the man of one idea may
succeed, but not so with farming. Why, think for a moment
of the elements, the forces, the properties, the influences, the
laws, developed and undeveloped, that he must come in con-
tact with, and understand, if he would succeed. Take the
young farmer out on to his broad acres, and let him look
beneath his feet, and contemplate the soil out of which he is
to draw his treasures, and ask him to make that his study,
until he understands its component parts, its marvellous mys-
teries, its various needs and adaptation to the different crops
he may wish to cultivate, and how long would it take him?
Then let him attemi:^, to enumerate and analyze, and annihi-
"late, if he can, all the countless horde of insects, and vermin,
and reptiles, with their modes of life and propagation, that
lie in ambush, waiting to devour the precious seed as soon as
it falls from his open hand. Then let him attempt to analyze
the influence of light and heat, of wet and dry, upon his va-
ried crops. Then let him look into his barnyard or stalls and
watch his growing herds ; let him attempt to become familiar
Mith the different breeds of cattle, the best adapted to his
climate and business, with the best methods of treatment, and
feeding, that will give him the best results. Then let him
look above into the Heavens o'erhead, and what mysteries
meet his gaze and invite his investigation ! From the shifting
clouds, the varying winds, and the mellow sunset tints, to
the storms and tornadoes that devastate his fields and blast
his hopes. How endless the variety of subjects that meet
him on every side and challenge his investigation. The sue-

12

cessful farmer an ignoramus 1 Impossible 1 Impossible I But
in order to the most varied and thorouo;h cultivation of the
man, or the successful investigation of these varied subjects,
he must become familiar with the agricultural literature of his •
times ; and, if possible, of all times ; for a farmer without an
agricultural library would be like a hoe without a handle, or
a rake without a tooth. But the successful former must be
more than a reader of books ; he must do more than take the
products of other minds and experiments, and use them with-
out knowing why ! He must be a thoughtful man, a pro-
gressive man. Now the diflerence between the automatic
reader of books and the thoughtful man is as wide as from the
centre to the poles. The unthinking man is like the bucket
that goes to the well to be filled with water, or -the sack that
goes to the mill to be filled with grain. . The water that fills
the bucket, or the grain that fills the sack, cannot do either
vessel any good, it may do them much harm by over-filling,
or filling beyond their capacity. This filling process is all
too common/ There are too many empty buckets and sacks
on our farms to-day, and they are found everywhere, even in
our churches and lecture rooms. Empty heads waiting to be
filled.

The thoughtful man is altogether a difierent person. He
finds a subject for his thoughts, and a lesson for his learning,
in everything around him. The thoughtful fiirmer never
takes the tiny seed into his hand without studying the law of
germination, of development, and death. He never takes
hold of the handles of his plough, without studying the form
and structure of the machine, and how it might be improved,
so as to leave his furrow straight and smooth, and if he is very
thoughtful, he goes down below the furrow of his plough, and

13

studies geology" and mechanism at the same time. He not
only looks into books and reads them well, but he makes
books for others to read. He not only consults authors and
compares their different theories, but he becomes an author
himself, and constructs theories for others to follow. He not
only reads history, but he makes history. He not only fa-
miliarizes himself with the deductions of science, but he de-
velops, and elaborates, and utilizes science, and makes it
contribute to his success as a farmer.

Another necessary element of success in the character of
the farmer, is a well balanced and well developed moral
nature. For no man can be truly honest who has not a well
developed moral nature. And honesty or integrity of char-
acter is the basis of all greatness or goodness in any individ-
ual. But such is the condition of the farmer's life, and such
are the natures of the elements and properties with which
he constantly comes in contact, that all tricks, all deceptions,
all sham and duplicity, should be forever banished from the
farm. This is all the more needful for the farmer, in order
to strengthen his faith and confidence in the God of the sea-
sons, against the time of trial. There comes to every man,
and every family, a time of trial and disappointment, when
the mind is bewildered, and the heart grows faint, and hope
dies out, and comes not back with the morning light. But
there are trials and disappointments that are peculiar to the
tiller of the soil ; for, after he has selected the seed with the
greatest care, and planted it in the most congenial soil, and
cultivated the growing crops with the greatest care and per-
sistency, and Avhen every indication would seem to warrant a
large, and even bountiful harvest, and he begins to count his
gains as snre, then comes the drought of summer, and he

14

waits for the coming rain, but it comes not. The earth is
parched and dry beneath his feet. The Heavens above him
are red with their brazen heat, and the disheartened farmer
must look on his withering and wasting crops, as helpless as
the shipwrecked mariner, floating on at the mercy of the
great deep sea. For to make an effort of resistance is to cope
with the Infinite forces of nature. But suppose a remnant of
what gave so much promise a short time since, is left him ;
and he begins to hope that something after all will be left
him ; then come the swarming insects and the countless
hordes of vermin that crawl at his feet, or fly in the air, and
after these have taken their share of the precious fruits, there
is but little left for the early frost, that leaves our corn fields
as black and as barren as the plains of the Nile, when the
overflowing tides refuse to come. But suppose this picture
to be a little overdrawn. Suppose the harvest redeems the
promise of the spring time and the summer, and the root
crops groan and gTow, and the corn fields laugh in the sun-
light, and the trees are loaded with their golden fruit ; the
granaries are full, the barns can hold no more, the store-
houses burst forth with their rich treasures. Then he is told
that the markets are full, and that there is no sale for his
products, at a remunerative price, and he knows not whether
to pray to be delivered from his friends or his enemies. Now
the farmer standing in the presence of such defeat, and some-
times disaster, as this, needs a well cultivated moral nature,
that will produce in him a faith and confidence in God, the
Creatorandthe Ruler of this universe, to whose infinite mind all
these mysteries of nature are as apparent as the daylight, and
under whose control all the elements move in their order,
and who has sworn by himself that seed-time and harvest,

15

Summer and Winter, shall not fail. With such a sublime
faith as this in the God of the universe, the husbandman goes
forth to his labor again, in the returning spring-time. He
sows in faith, he cultivates in faith, and gathers in the precious
fruits of his toil with rejoicing. Then let every man be true.

•' To thine own self be true,

And it must follow,

As the night the day,

Thou canst not then be false to any man."

And now, Mr. President, if the question should be asked
you i does farming pay ? or is farming as profitable as other
business ? then give the same answers you would with refer-
ence to any other business or prefession, (for it is just as
pertinent to any other business as to this,) and if the question
comes to you, answer it by saying yes, when the right man is
found in the right place. Farming is a failure only when the
wrong man is in the right man's place ; and it is more truly
the case with reference to farming than it is to any other
branch of business. If tlie business man, as he is called,
fails, from losses by fire or flood, his losses are usually made
up by insurance companies ; or if his losses come from other
causes, then he repudiates his obligations by taking advantage
of the bankrupt laws. But the honest soil we till has never
yet issued an insurance policy for special cases ; and as special
legislation is as yet unknown in the legislative halls of the
material universe, bankrupt laws are as yet unknown. If the
lawyer loses his rich client, by his failure to defeat the ends
of justice, and clear his client from the penalties of the law,
he need not despair, for the "fools are not all dead," and the
very next day he may find a client who is willing to spend a
fortune to gain a dollar. But if the harvest time comes and

16

finds you with an empty corn crib, dame Nature sends you no
new client to enrich your store, until the frosts and snows of
winter have come and gone, when you may again try your
hand at the plough and the hoe. If the clergyman seems for a
time to fail of success in his chosen calling, he need not de-
spair, (and usually does not,) for back of him is the dignity
of his sacred calling. The associations with which he is now
or has been connected, the college, the seminary, the confer-
ence, (all of them a kind of mutual admiration society,) then
there is the religious press, for which he has solicited sub-
scriptions, the missionary society, for whose treasury he has
taken the annual collections. Then last, but not least, the
ladies' sewing society, which very often is more powerful than
all the others combined. With all of these at his back, how
can he fail ? But the farmer has none of these powerful in-
stitutions or agencies to aid him in his work, but, crops or no
crops, he must contribute to sustain them all. The physician
may sometimes seem to fail of all that success which his
qualifications would seem to warrant, because of the health-
fulness of his patients. But he has only to wait for the
changing of the seasons, when his rejoicing eyes shall see his
patients sickening and dying to replenish his depleted treas-
ury. But the old earth needs feeding and feasting, not purg-
ing and depleting. In the chemistry of the natural elements
there is no partiality shown for allopathy or for homoeopa-
thy, they as yet not having made a record of the doings of
the Massachusetts Medical Society.

Hence it must be seen that in order to the most successful
cultivation of the soil, the breeding and developing of cattle,
and bringing them to a profitable market, the right man must
be found in the right place.

17

Then we come back to our first statement, that the man is
more than his accidents, even in farming ; and although

" It may not be our lot to wield
The sickle in the ripened field,
Nor ours to hear on summer eves
The reaper's song among the sheaves ;
Yet, when our duty's task is wrought
In unison with God's great thought.
The past and future blend in one,
And whatsoe'er is willed is done."

And now, Mr. President and members of the Essex Agri-
cultural Society, thanking you for the courtesy of your invi-
tation to address you at this time, and for the attention you
have given to my feeble utterances, you will allow me to ex-
press the hope that at some future time we may be permitted
to listen to a description, not of the successful farmer, but of
the next most important character on the farm, (or in the
house,) the successful farmer's wife.

THE EXHIBITION.

The Cattle Show and Exhibition was held at Lawrence,
Sept. 25th and 26th, 1877.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, &c.

FAT CATTLE.

The Committee on Fat Cattle have attended to their duty
and report that but one pair was entered, and that by Wm.
Peters of North Andover, and they award to him the first
premium of $12.

The Chairman of the Committee being absent, the duty of
making out the report fell on one poorly qualified for that
duty ; but we would say, that where we see so many oxen
around our show, in the town teams, and ploughing teams,
worthy of a premium for fat cattle, we regret that the owners
of them do not enter them as such.

The export of beef, which will be likely to increase rather
than decrease, has raised the price of beef to that point which
it will be for the interest of the farmers to look after. When
good beef brings from nine to ten dollars per hundred, and
corn can be bought for sixty-five cents per bushel, a farmer
who keeps a pair of oxen for his own comfort and convenience
in doing his work, and does not work them very hard, can
well ajSbrd to buy meal and give them, and in from six to
twelve months have them good beef, and make a good profit
on the outlay. We are of the opinion that at present prices
of beef and grain, it will pay the farmers to look more to
this branch of husbandry.

Committee — John P. Foster, Albert Titcomb, J. Z. Gordon.

20

BULLS.

Ayrshire Bulls, two years old and upwards, — the Committee
award to J. D. W. French, of North Andover, for his Bull
" Andover," first premium, $12.00.

George B. Bradley, of Methuen, second premium, $6.00.

Ayrshire Bulls, under two years old — Doane Cogswell, of
Bradford, first premium, $6.00.

Charles Perley, of Boxford, second premium, $4.00.

For the best Bull of any breed, with five Calves of his
stock not less than one year old, the premium of $30.00 is
awarded to J. D. W. French, of North Andover, for his
Ayrshire Bull "Fitz James."

Jersey Bulls, — Z. C. Wardwell, of Groveland, first premi-
um, $12.00.

F. R. Appleton, of Ipswich, second premium, $6.00.

Holstein Bulls, under two years old, — W. A. Russell, of
Lawrence, first premium, $6.00.

W. A. Russell, of Lawrence, second premium, $4.00.

A splendid Jersey Bull, of George W. Russell, of Law-
rence, was on exhibition, but as he was awarded the first
premium last year, he could not compete for the premium.

William B. Carlton, of Haverhill, ofiered a Durham Bull,
three years old, a very handsome animal, and in the opinion
of your Committee worthy of the first premium of $12.00.
His pedigree, with the test of the Herd Book, is not perfect.
He is a descendant of the stock of Maj. Ben. Perley Poore,
of Indian Hill. The father of Major Poore introdutied pure
Durham cattle on his farm forty years ago ; and although
he has not kept his cattle registered, the Major has never al-
lowed anything but pure blood to be infused into it. His
stock is perfectly acclimated, is hardy, produces fine milkers
as to quantity and quality, and in the opinion of your Com-
mittee, is quite as likely to improve the stock as a Herd Book
animal is. But fearing to establish a precedent, we would
not award the premium without the sanction of the Society.

Committee — Joseph Kittredge, S. E. Noyes, Nath'l. Gage.

21

STATEMENT OF J. D. W. FRENCH.

To the Oommittee on Bulls :

I enter for premium my thoroughbred AyrsMre Bull, "An-
dover," 1549, recorded m the "Ayrshire Record," published
by the Ayrshire Breeders' Association. Calved April 18,
1875 ; bred by me. Dam, Lillie Douglas, 549, A. R. Sire,
Fitz James, 550, A. R.

For the premium of $30, to be awarded for best thorough-
bred Bull of any age or breed, with five calves of his stock,
not less than one year old, I enter my Ayrshire Bull, "Fitz
James," 550, A. R. Calved June 10, 1870. Dam, Jessie,
493. Sire, Tarbolton, 372, imported.

Calves of his Stock — Heifers.

1. Privet, 3107, A. R. Calved May 11, 1874. Dam
Primrose, 711, A. R.

2. Lizzie Burke, 3629, A. R. Calved Dec. 26, 1874.
Dam, Betty Burke, 933, A. R. ; imported.

3. • Roxanna 4th. Calved April 12, 1876. Dam, Roxan-
na, 1816, A. R.

4. Mary Brand, 3662, A. R. Calved Dec. 12, 1875.
Dam, Alice Brand, 833, A. R. ; imported.

5. Primula, 3096, A. R. Calved May 18, 1873, Dam,
Primrose, 711, A. R.

MILCH COWS.

Report of Committee upon Milch Cows : —

Ayrshires. — The Committee award to J. D. W. French, of
North Andover, first premium to his Cow Betty Burke, $12.
Second premium to Roxanna, $6.

To this award the Committee annex the very clear and full
statement of Mr. French, as follows ; —

STATEMENT OF J. D. W. FRENCH.

To the Committee on Milch Coivs :

I enter for premium for thoroughbred Ayrshires, four years
old and upwards, Betty Burke, 933, A. R., imported, calved

22

1865; and Roxanna, 1816, A. R., calved April 10, 1870,
bred by me. Dam, Rose, 743, A. R. Sire, McDonald 3d,
263, A. R.

Both these Cows are recorded in the " A3^rshire Record,"
published by the Ayrshire Breeders' Association.

Betty Burke dropped her last calf November 12, 1876,
Roxanna dropped her last calf May 27, 1877.

The milk account has been made up to Sept. 1st. Betty
Burke, 270 days, product in milk, 5610 lbs. ; average per
day, 20.77 lbs. Roxanna, 95 days, product in milk, 2968
lbs. ; average per day, 31.24 lbs.

For account of treatment, food, &c., see statement in regard
to Herd of Milch Cows.

In 1875 Betty Burke gave, in 308 days, 8138 lbs. of milk,
an average of 26.42 lbs. per day. In 1875 Roxanna gave, in
300 days, 7431 lbs. of milk, an average of 24.77 lbs. per day.

My feed has been very moderate, as the statement will show.

Thoroughbred Holsteins. — To W. A. Russell, of Lawrence,
first premium to his Cow Lady Andover, $12. Second pre-
mium to Mabit, $6. We give his statement, as follows : —

STATEMENT OF W. A. RUSSELL.

Entered for the best Milch Cow of any age or breed, "La-
dy Andover," H. H. B., No. 16. She is eight years old,
calved Sept. 14, 1876 ; is due to calve Sept. 28th, 1877.
Her milk record from Oct. 1st to July 1st : October, 1562
lbs. ; November, 1296 lbs. ; December, 1127 lbs. ; January,
1288 lbs. ; February, 1024 lbs. ; March, 1223 lbs. ; April,
876 lbs. ; May, 885 lbs. ; June, 645 lbs. In 273 days she
gave 9856 lbs., or 4693 1-2 quarts; average, 17 52-273 per
day. Feed in winter, two quarts meal, four quarts shorts,
one-third bushel roots, and good hay ; has had nothing but
what she got in the pasture after May 15th ; milked her until
Aug. 16th, but no record kept.

"Mabit," H. H. B., No. 178. She is eight years old;
dropped her last calf Sept. 12th ; for the past eight days she

23

has averaged 50 lbs. milk per day. Feed, pasture and two
quarts of grain. Last season she calved in May. For the
months of June and July she averaged 56 lbs., or 26 2-3
quarts per day.

J. C. PovE, Foreman for Wm. A. Russell.

Grades. — To Wm. A. Russell, of Lawrence, first premium,
$12. Second premium, $6. Statement as follows : —

One Grade Cow entered by Wm. A. Russell. She is seven
years old ; three-fourths Holstein, one-fourth Ayrshire.
Dropped her last calf July 28th. For the last ten days in
August she averaged 18 quarts of milk per day. Feed, two
quarts of meal and pasture.

One Grade Cow entered by Wm. A. Russell. She is seven
years old ; one-half Holstein and one-half native. Dropped
her last calf March 27th; is due to calve April 14th, 1878.
She gave 21 quarts of milk per day for the first ten days in
June, and 12 quarts per day for the last ten days in August.
Feed, two quarts of meal and pasture.

J. C. PovE, for Wm. A. Russell.

A special premium of $25 for the best Milch Cow of any
age or breed, to Charles Perley, of West Boxford, for his
Thoroughbred Ayrshire, Madge Day. We give his statement
with a record of her milk for the first ten days in June, and
the last ten days of August, as folloAvs :

STATEMENT OF CHARLES PERLEY.

I enter my Ayrshire cow, Madge Day, 4038, for premium.
She dropped her last calf Dec. 18th, 1876. After turning
out to grass in May, she had no feed in addition to the pas-
ture until the last of August, when the pasture became very
dry, and a small foddering of corn stalks was given to her
each day.

24

RECORD OF MILK.

June 1st, 34^ lbs. August 21st,

a

a

2d,

34

3d,

33J-

4th,

34

5 th,

34i

6 th,

33f

7th,

34

8th,

34^.

9th,

33f

10th,

34

u

18
19

lbs.

18^

22d,
23d,
24th, 18
25th, 18
26th, 19
27th, 20
28th, 21
29th, 21
30th, 21^

31st, 22

There were several other entries of very fine cows, which
the Committee would have been glad to have considered ; but
were obliged to pass them, as the owners had omitted to ac-
company their entries with a written statement, according to
the rules of the Society. We give below for future refer-
ence the rule referred to :

"A written statement will be required of the age and breed of all
Milch Cows entered, and time they dropped their last calf, and when
they will next calve ; the kind, quantity, and quality of their food
. during the season ; and the weight or measure of their milk during
the evening and morning of each of the first ten days of June, "and
the last ten days of August."

The Committee decided before entering upon their duties,
to keep strictly to this rule and take no verbal statements.
We need facts taken at the time and recorded, that we can
print. Many cows, kept year after year to no profit, would
be sent to the shambles if the owner could see an exact rec-
ord of their milk.

John L. Shorey, for the Committee.

HERD OF MILCH COWS.
The Committee on Herds of Milch Cows have carefully
attended to their duty, and have awarded the premiums as
follows, viz. : The first premium of $18 to J. D. W. French,

25

of North Andover, for his herd of Ayrshires ; and the second
premium of $12 to George W. Russell, of Lawrence, for his
herd of Jerseys.

Qommittee — James P. King, John Danforth, Edward R.
Lee, John Swinerton, J. Otis Winkley.

STATEMENT OF J. D. W. FRENCH.

Committee on Herd of 3Iilch Ooivs :

I enter for premium for best Herd of Milch Cows, my
Ayrshires, Lillie Douglas, 549, Lilac Douglas, 2721, Alice
Brand, 833, imported, Primula, 3096, and Jenny Burke,
2556. These animals are all recorded in the "Ayrshire Rec-
ord," published by the Ayrshire Breeders' Association. The
last two were bred by the exhibitor. The milk of each cow
has been carefully weighed twice a day.

THE RECORD FOR 2 SUCCESSIVE YEARS, EXCEPTING PRIMULA, WHO
WAS IN MILK 424 SUCCESSIVE DAYS.

Name, No. and Age.

Year.-;.

No. Days in Milk.

No. Lbs.

Av.prdy.

( Lillie Douglas, No 549.
\ Calved May 2d, 1864.

1875.

305

5657

18.15

1876-77.

290

5179

17.85

f Lilac Douglas, 2721.
I Calved April 4, 1873.

1875-76.

330

5301

16.06

1876-77.

283

4966

17.54

( Alice Brand, 833.
\ Calved Jan. 27, 1870.

1876.

271

5688

20.98

1875.

285

6342

22.25

1 Primula, 3096.

I Calved May 18, 1873.

1876-77.

424

6752

15.92

( Jenuy Burke, 2556.
\ Calved Oct. 21, 1873.

1875-76.

258

4745

18.39

1876-77.

288

4889

16.97

You will notice that Lillie Douglas is 13 yrs. old ; Alice
Brand 7 yrs. old; Lilac Douglas 4 yrs. old; Primula 4 yrs.
old; Jenny Burke 4 yrs. old in October, 1877.

Lillie Douglas dropped a b. c. April 1st, 1875, and J^gain
ab. c. May 26, 1876-77.

Lilac Douglas dropped a b. c. March 16, 1875; ab. c.
April 24, 1876.

26

Alice Brand dropped a c. c. Dec, 1874; a c. c. Dec. 12,

1875.

Primula dropped a b. c. Jan. 29, 1876.

Jenny Burke dropped a c. c. Nov. 7, 1875 ; a b. c. Sept.,
1876.

RECORD SINCE DROPPING LAST CALF, TO SEPT. 1, 1877.

No. dys. in Milk. No. Lbs. Av. pr. dy.

Lillie Douglas dropped c. c. July 4, 1877. 55 1307 23.76

Lilac Douglas

u

u

Apr. 17, 1877.

126

3760

29.84

Alice Braud

((

u

Nov. 22, 1876.

272

6384

23.47

Primula

1 i

41

May 25, 1877.

97

2522

26.

Jeuuy Burke

ii

11

Aug. 24, 1877.

7

214

30.57

STATEMENT OF MANNER OF KEEPING, &C.

Summer Treatment. — From about the middle of May to
November 1st, milking begins at a quarter before 5 A. M.,
and 6.30 P. M. The food during that time, is pasturing with
a feed of fodder corn or grass during the inonths of August,
September and October.

Winter Treatment. — From November 1st to about the mid-
dle of May, milking begins at 5 A. M. and 5 P. M. After
milking in morning, each cow is given one feed of good hay ;
after that is eaten, 10 quarts of cut mangolds and turnips, or
mangolds alone. They are then carded, cleaned and bedded.
At 11 o'clock A. M. watering begins. At noon each cow
receives a foddering of corn fodder or poor hay ; at 4 P. M.
a foddering of good hay and 2 quarts of corn meal ; (the corn
is generally ground with the cob.) After the evening milk-
ing, the cows are bedded, and then left for the night. The
Committee will observe that my feed is not excessive ; but on
the other hand very moderate. My cows could be forced in-
to giving much more milk than is shown in the record. The
dry cows do not receive any grain. The amount of hay fed
per day, is from 25 to 30 lbs.

27

STATEMENT OF GEORGE W. RUSSELL.

I offer for premium, my herd of seven cows, pure bred Jer-
seys. They were fed in winter with hay, and four quarts of
shorts, and one peck of roots, morning and night. In sum-
mer they have been kept in a common pasture and had four
quarts of shorts per day.

"Nellie Blenn, 2d," dropped bull calf October 13, 1876;
due to calve August 3, 1877.

RECORD OF MILK.

October, (15 days,) 405 quarts. Average per day, 27

November,

810

December,

790

Jamiary, 1877,

775

February,

651

March,

682

April,

600

May,

558

June,

450

July, (15 days,)

105

5826

in 273 days.

qts.

27

25.484 "
25

22.45
22
20
18
15
7

u
u

21:34 "

"Nellie Blenn," dropped calf December 14, 1876.
to calve October 27, 1877.

Due

RECORD OF MILK.

December, (10 days,) 205 quarts. Average per day, 20.5 qts.

January,

1877,

581 " «

' 18.74 '

February,

504 " '

18

March,

503 " *

' 16.23 '

April,

427^ " '

' 14.25 '

May,

403 "

13

June,

360 " '

' 12 '

July,

325^ " *

' 10.5 '

August,

186 " '

' 6 '

3495 " in 253 days. '

' 13.82 '

28

'< Belle," dropped calf Sept. 6. 1876 ; due to calve August

2, 1877.

RECORD OF MILK.

L'ts. Average per day, 17.9 qts.

October,

555 quar

November,

488 "

December,

434 "

January, 1877

372 "

February,

283 "

March,

279 "

April,

270 "

May,

248 '^

June,

195 "

July,

155 "

a

16.27

li

14

a

12

ii

10.11

a

9

((

9

u

8

ii

6.5

((

5

3279 " in 304 days.

10.79

"Sultana," imported, dropped calf May 14, 1877. Due
to calve March 25, 1878.

RECORD OF MILK.

May, (15 days) 215 quarts. Average per day 21 quarts.

June, 600 " '^ 20 "

July, 573| " " 18.5 "

August, 465 " " 15

((

1953J " in 107 days.

u

18.26 "

"Daphne," dropped calf Feb. 25, 1877. Due to calve
March 17, 1877.

RECORD OF MILK.

March,

4491

quarts.

Average per

day.

14.48 quarts.

April,

390

ii

13 "

May,

360

((

12

June,

315

((

10.05

July,

248

ki

8 "

August,

186

ii

6

1,948^ " in 184 days.

ii

10.59

29

"Daphne 2d ;" dropped calf March 26, 1877 ; due to calve
March 2, 1878.

RECORD OF MILK.

April, 607^ quarts. Average per day, 20.25 qts.

May, 589 " " 19 "

June, 525^ " " 17.52 "

July, 496 " *' 16 '*

August, 372 " " 12

((

2590

*' in

153 days.

((

16.93 "

**Rosa R.,

" two years old ;

dropped

calf July

19,

1877.

RECORD

OF MILK.

July, (10 days

,) 92

quarts.

Average per

day,

9.2 qts.

August,

248

11

((

8

340

" in

41 days.

((

8.29 "

HEIFERS.

The Committee on Heifers, in submitting their Report,
would state that they found much difficulty in deciding in so
satisfactory a manner as they could have desired, as to the
relative merits of so large a number of entries scattered over
the grounds, as they were generally of uniform excellence in
quality.

The Committee make the following awards :

Thoroughbred Heifers in Milk — First premium to J. D. W.
French, of North Andover, of $12.00, for his Ayrshire Heif-
er "Privet;" and also the second premium of $6.00 for his
Ayrshire Heifer "Lizzie Burke."

Jersey Heifers in Milk — First premium to Levi Emery, of
Lawrence, for Jersey Heifer, $12.00.

Second premium to George W. Russell, of Lawrence, $6.

Jersey Heifers not in Milk — First premium to Levi Em-
ery, of Lawrence, $6.00.

30

Second premium to F. R. Appleton, of Ipswich, $4.00.

First premium to J. D. W. French, of North Andover,
for his Ayrshire Heifer "Mary Brand," $6.00.

Second premium to Charles Perley, of Boxford, $4.00.

Native or Grade Heifers in Milk — First premium to George
B. Bradley, of Methuen, $12.00. Second premium to George
B. Bradley, $6.00.

Native or Grade Heifers not in Milk — First premium to
Daniel Carlton, of North Andover, $6.00.

Second premium to W. B. Carlton, of Haverhill, $4.00.

Holstein Heifers — First premium to W. A. Russell, of
Lawrence, $6.00.

Thoroughbred Heifer Calves — First premium to J. D.
W. French, of North Andover, $5.00.

Second premium to Charles Perley, of Boxford, $3.00.

First premium to F. R. Appleton, of Ipswich, $5.00.

Second premium to George W. Russell, of Lawrence, $3.

Native or Grade Calves — First premium to W. B. Carlton,
of Haverhill, $5.00.

Holstein Calves — First premium to W. A. Russell, of Law-
rence, $5.00.

Committee — Hiram A. Stiles, James Nason, Abel Stickney,
Daniel G. Todd, Albert Kimball.

STATEMENT OF J. D. W. FRENCH.

Committee on Heifers :

I enter for premium for thoroughbred Ayrshires, under
four years, in milk, my Heifers Privet, 3107, and Lizzie
Burke, 3629, both recorded in the "Ayrshire Record," pub-
lished by the Ayrshire Breeders' Association.

"Privet" calved May 11, 1874. Dam, Primrose, 711;
Sire, Fitz James, 550.

"Lizzie Burke" calved Dec. 26, 1874. Dam, Betty Burke,
933, imported; Sire, Fitz James, 550.

Both Heifers were bred by the exhibitor.

31

Privet,

(;

THE MILK

RECORD.

Year. No.

Days in Milk.

No. Lbs.

At. pr. Day.

1876-77

265

3750

14.15

1877

■ 28

688

24.57

1877

175

3245

18.54

Lizzie Burke,

Both Heifers are still in milk.

Privet dropped a b. c. Sept. 28, 1876, and again a b. c.
Aug. 3, 1877.

Lizzie Burke dropped a b. c. Feb. 23, 1877.

I enter for premium for one year old and upwards, never
calved, Ayrshires, my Heifers Mary Brand and Roxanna 4tli.
Mary Brand, 3662, calved December 12, 1875. Dam, Alice
Brand, 833, imported; Sire, Fitz James, 550.

Roxanna 4th, calved April 12, 1876. Dam, Roxanna, 1816*
Sire, Fitz James, 550.

Both Heifers bred by exhibitor.

I enter for premium for Heifer Calves, Ayrshires, four
Calves bred by me : —

*' Sarah Brand," calved Nov. 22, 1876. Dam, Alice Brand,
833, imported ; Sire, Fitz James, 550.

"Sophora Douglas," calved Jan. 5, 1877. Dam, Sophie
Douglas, 2d, 3205 ; Sire, Fitz James, 550.

"Lilac Douglas, 2d," calved April 17, 1877. Dam, Lilac
Douglas, 2721 ; Sire, Fitz James, 550.

<'Roxanna 5th," calved May 27, 1877. Dam, Roxanna,
1816 ; Sire, Fitz James, 550.

WORKING OXEN, BULLS AND STEERS.

The Committee award as follows : —

To George A. Butters, Methuen, for Working Oxen, first
premium, $15.

To B. H. Farnham, North Andover, second premium, $12.
To Moses A* Bailey, Andover, third premium, $10.

32

To George F. Mason, Andover, Working Steers, iSrst
premium, $10.

To John P. Foster, North Andover, second premium, $6.

To W. A. Russell, Lawrence, Working Bulls, first premi-
um, $15.

Committee — Jos. Kittredge, J. M. Titcomb, Dudley Brad-
street.

TOWN TEAMS.

The Committee on Town Teams respectfnlly submit the
following report : —

There were three town teams of horses and four of oxen
entered for premium, as follows ; From Lawrence, four pairs
of oxen ; North Andover, eight pairs of oxen and eleven pairs
of horses ; Andover, nineteen pairs of oxen and three 'pairs of
horses ; Methuen, twelve pairs of oxen and four pairs of
horses. The quality of nearly all the stock was so excellent,
that it was not easy to make the award of premiums. Hav-
ing regard, however, partly to number in the team, and
partly to quality of the cattle, the Committee recommend the
following awards : —

For Horse Teams — To North Andover, first premium of
$30.00. To Methuen, second premium of $15.00.

For Ox Teams— To Andover, first premium of $30.00. To
Methuen, second premium of $15.00.

We do not know as there is need of any extended remarks
on Town Teams. The cattle thus collected and shown on the
day of exhibition, simply contribute to the interest of the
show, and also indicate the manner in which the fanners of
the exhibiting town carry on their work.

A few suggestions, however, on the kind of stock best to
be employed upon the farm, may not be out of place. With-
in a few years, a great change has taken place in the manner
of doing farm work, particularly that requiring animal labor.
Horses have to a great extent been substituted for oxen, and

33 '""1

we now iiiid few farmers owning working oxen. This has
resulted from several causes. The small profit in making
beef since the supply has come mainly from the West, the
greater quickness with which many kinds of work caii be
performed by horses, and the high price of fodder in past
years, have all contributed to this result. But we have some-
times thought that farmers have gone too far in this direction,
and we hold that the comparative value of horses and oxen
for ordinary farm labor, is really quite an important question
for every fiirmer.

Undoubtedly the use of horses is most economical for the
performance of many kinds of work, such as ploughing " old
ground," harrowing, and many kinds of teaming, but yet
there are some things which can be done best by oxen. It is
seldom that a horse team can turn over grass ground so well
as oxen, especially if the ground be rough or stony, and gen-
erally for any kind of work requiring especial strength and
steadiness, oxen are preferable. Still it is absolutely neces-
sary for every farmer to keep a horse, and of course if he
can perform all his work with it, he does not need a pair of
cattle. But if his farm is large enough to require more ani-
mal labor, then it becomes a question whether he had better
employ oxen or horses. There are several points to be
considered in deciding this question, which will readily sug-
gest themselves ; but we will only refer to one or two. If
the faruler has carts and harnesses for horses, and no equip-
ments for oxen, he must consider whether it will pay him to
go to the expense of an outfit for an ox team. If his business
is such as to require a large amount of teaming on the road,
he must consider whether his work cannot be done more
economically by horses. But then we suppose it is the expe-
rience of almost every farmer, that when he finds it necessary
to' sell his horse, he cannot get as much as he gave, even if
his horse has not depreciated in value. We do not think
this applies particularly to farmers, but suppose it to be a
general law, — with now and then an exception, — that the man

34

who buys a horse, does not usually get his money back when
he sells. If he buys a good sound horse, the animal is sub-
ject to the ten thousand ills to which horse flesh is heir, and
he is liable any day to find that by some unlucky wrench or
strain, or carelessness, fifty per cent, of the value has van-
ished. If he makes an unlucky trade, and finds that his
horse has some quality which he don't like, or is utterly
Wanting in the traits he most desires, he cannot easily sell,
but must wait months for a customer, and then sell at a low
fio;ure. It is true it is not much easier to find a customer for
a poor, thin pair of oxen, than for a horse ; but we don't be-
lieve a good farmer will often have that kind of oxen. If
oxen are fat enough for beef, they will always sell at the mar-
ket price ; so that if one buys a pair of cattle to work for a
short time, he need not lose anything if the price of beef re-
mains the same. The difference in the cost of keeping a pair
of horses and a seven-foot pair of cattle for a year, is not
very much. The oxen probably cost the most in the winter,
and the horses in the summer. We do not advocate the use
of oxen for farm work by every farmer, but we think that by
proper manasfement they can be used profitably to a greater
extent than they are. And the first and principal point is to
buy the right kind of cattle. It is a common notion that it
is most profitable to buy thin cattle, and by good keeping
get them fat, thus making a gain. We believe this is a great
mistake. Our own experience is, that the most unfortunate
trades we ever made were in buying that kind of stock.
There is always some reason why cattle are thin, and unless
we know all about them it is impossible to tell whether it is
for want of good keeping, or because they are dainty, or by
reason of hard work. If it is because of poor keeping, they
will thrive and fatten on good living. But nine times in ten
cattle are thin and lankj either from daintiness or hard
work. There is nothing more provoking than to see cattle
poke over their feed, only eating the choicest bits, and it is

35

almost impossible to fatten such stock. And as far as profit
is concerned, one might about as well turn his grain into a
rat-hole as to feed it to cattle that have been worked down
thin on good keeping. If one finds himself possessed of
such a pair, he cannot easily sell them for work, and cannot
fatten them in any reasonable time, and he concludes that ox
labor is very unprofitable.

Instead of buying such stock because it seems cheap, we
believe it better economy to purchase young, thrifty, good-
shaped stock already in condition to make decent beef. The
first cost may be a little greater, but so will be the receipts
when they are sold. If they are fat, good provender will
keep them so, and the chances are that they will continue to
gain. If they do not work well, they can be sold any day to
the butcher for the market price. It will also generally be
found that good-natured, docile animals, such as take on fat
readily, and "keep themselves well," are the best workers.
The fractious high-tempered cattle worry more at their work,
are more liable to be abused by drivers, and consequently do
not thrive as well.

We have found, too, that oxen fat enough for the butcher,
if good shaped and thrifty, stand the heat better than thin
ones.

Other points, such as the breed of cattle best for tarm
work, the most economical mode of feedins:, and kindred
questions, might be discussed, but this paper is of suflicient
length. To sum it all up, we believe that every farmer will
do well to consider whether or not it is prudent for him to
employ oxen instead of horses ; and also if he decides to do
so, that he should be careful in his purchase, and see whether,
in the matter of oxen, it is not cheapest in the long run, to
buy the best.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Jos. S. Howe, Chairman.

36

STEERS.

The Committee award to Joseph Kittredge, No. Audover,
Yearling Steers, lirst premium, $5.00.

A pair of Steer Calves were exhibited by J. H. Farumn,
which attracted a good deal of attention, as they were per
fectly handy, and were teamed by a boy twelve years old.
Your Committee award them a gratuity of $3.00,

Committee — Geo. F. Mason, Daniel Carleton.

STALLIONS.

There were fifteen entries for premium.

Dr. William Cogswell, Bradford, was awarded the premi-
um of $30 for Stallions of any age, for his "Prince William,"
with eight of his colts.

W. A. Keleher, Lawrence, was awarded the first premium
for Stallions four years old and upwards, of $18.

Geo. W. Russell, Lawrence, second premium of $12.

M. B. Merrill, West Newbury, for his "Emperor Gold
Dust," the third premium of $10.

Geo. W. Rogers, of Salem, was awarded the first premium
of $10 for Stallions three years old.

H. E. Holt, of Bradford, the second premium of $6.

Warren Ordway, Chairman.

BROOD MARES.

The Committee on Brood Mares respectfully report :
The exhibition of animals in this class was excellent, and
many valuable mares were present on the grounds. After
careful examination they award the following premiums :
To Justin E. Bradstreet, of Bradford, first premium, $18.

37

To Albert Titcomb, of Rowley, second premium, $12.

To Abiel Wilson, of North Anclover, third premium, $10.

The mares of Peter Holt, Jr., of North Andover, E. A. &
J. Webster, of Haverhill, and J. G. McAllister, of Law-
rence, are worthy of honorable mention.

Geo. B. Loring, Chah^man^

FAMILY HORSES.

Committee met at 2 o'clock and examined all the horses
entered except L. P. Bradley's, of Haverhill, and A. E. Am-
brose's, of Newbury, whose horses could not be found.

Awarded tirst premium to John E. Gale, Haverhill, Mass.,
$18; second premium to S. K.Johnson, Andover, Mass.,
$12 ; third premium to H. E. Holt, Bradford, Mass., $10.

Committee — G. W. Russell, Doane Cogswell, David Stiles,
E. F. Little, Ansel W. Putnam.

FARM AND DRAFT HORSES.

The Committee award the first premium to Joshua Roberts,
Gloucester, $15 ; second premium, to S. F. Newman, New-
bury, $12 ; third premium, to J. O. Winkley, Newburyport,
$10 ; fourth premium, to R. Welch, Methuen, $6.

Committee — Thos. K. Leach, Bennett Griffin, M. A. Plum-
mer, David Knowlton, Leverett Bradley.

PAIRS OF DRAFT HORSES.

The Committee on Pairs of Draft Horses have awarded the
following premiums, viz. :

First premium to T. O. Wardwell, North Andover, $15 ;
second premium to E. P. Perley, Danvers,

38

Nine entries were made, but only six teams contested for
the prizes, and your Committee were unanimous in making
the awards.

Whilst finding much to condemn in the general manage-
ment of the fair, we take great pleasure in commending the
efficiency of the Chief Marshal and his aids, who, by their
prompt attention to duty, and gentlemanly deportment, con-
tributed largely to the success of the "Old Essex. Society."
Too much cannot be said in their praise, and we trust that in
the future the marshals will take pattern from the example
set them in 1877 at Lawrence.

It has of course occurred to the mind of every farmer, how
rapidly oxen as beasts of labor are being superseded by
horses. But perhaps it is worth recording in the Transactions
of our Society, that in the year 1870 the United States had
7,145,370 horses, nearly one-eighth in the whole world.
This fact alone demonstrates that to us as a nation the horse
is a matter of importance, — of supreme vital importance, —
and should be treated accordingly ; should be bred according
to scientific principles ; should be reared, handled and trained
with care ; and the result will show, as it has already shown
in the United States, that what contributes to the welfare of
the whole countr^^, also contributes to the individual welfare
of all classes ; of all citizens ; but more particularly to the
farmer, with whose interests he is closely identified.

It is our belief, and it seems to be the universal judgment
in this section of the country, that kind, tractable horses,
weighing from 1000 to 1200 lbs., are best adapted to the
present wants of the New England farmer, and we would
urge that in the selection of draft horses, especial attention
be given to their fast walking, as well as to their good work-
ing qualities.

Coimnittee — Horace F. Longfellow, Wm. P. Bailey, Jas.
H. Cheever, Henry C. Harnden.

39

COLTS— FIRST CLASS.

The Committee award as follows : —

To J. O. Winkley, Newbmyport, for fom* years old Colt,
first premimn, $12.

E. T. Northend, Newburyport, for three years old Colt,
first premium, $10.

Benjamin S. Barnes, Boxford, for three years old Colt,
second premium, $5.

Oommittee — Geo. B. Loring, 2d, S. B. George, John J.
Downing, M. C. Andrews.

COLTS— SECOND CLASS.

The Committee award as follows : —

To Daniel Tenney, Newbury, for his two year old Colt
"Wheeler," first premium, $8. For his two year old Colt
"Hayes," second premium, $3.

To Otis Mann, Newbury, for yearling Colt, first premium,
$8.

To J. J. Downing, Andover, for yearling Colt, second
premium, $3.

Committee — Otis F. Putnam, Jas. A. Montgomery, O. L.
Kent, M. H. Poor, Jas. T. Johnson.

SWINE.

The Committee on Swine report :

FIRST CLASS.

To Virgil Dow, Mcthuen, for Breeding Sow, first pre-
mium, $10 ; to H. G. Herrick, Lawrence, for Breeding Sow,
second premium, $6 ; M. Birmingham, Salem, for Boar, sec-
ond premium, $6 ; Levi Emery, Lawrence, for Pigs, first
premium, $6 ; C. T. Emerton, Peabody, for Pigs, second
premium, $4.

40

SECOND CLASS.

To Benj. P. Ware, Marblehead, Essex Boar, first premi-
um, $10 ; J. D. W. French, No. Auclover, Essex Boar, sec-
ond premium, $6 ; Daniel Carlton, No. Andover, Breeding
Sow, first premium, $10 ; Jos. Kittredge, No. Andover,
Breeding Sow, second premium, $6.

Committee — A. H. Gould, J. F. Burnham, R. Buxton.

SHEEP.

The Committee on Sheep report as follows :

To Joseph Kittredge, No. Andover, for his flock, special

premium by D. F. Appletou, with statement, $25 ; to F. R.

Appleton, Ipswich, best flock ^Cotswold,) first premium,

$10 ; Henry G. Kimball, Bradford, Buck, first premium, $8 ;

F. R. Appleton, Ipswich, Lambs, first premium, $4.

C. C. Blunt, Chairman.

STATEMENT OF JOS. KITTREDGE, ON EXPERIMENT IN RAISING

LAMBS FOR THE MARKET.

Committee on Special Premium of D. F. Appleton :

Dear Sirs. The flock of ewes for raising lambs kept by
me last winter, was twelve in number. Two of them are
Cots wolds, purchased at the sale of the late Francis Dane ;
the others were selected in diflerent places and are of mixed
breeds. They were fed through the winter on fair hay, but
not the best, and about half a pint each of damaged beans
per diem, until their lambs were born. Afterwards they had
about a pint each of wheat shorts per diem, and better hay,
a part of which was second crop. The oldest lamb was born
Jan. 26th, all the rest early in February. A box of meal
was kept, to which the lambs had access at all times. Ten
of the ewes raised fourteen lambs, four pairs of twins and
six single lambs. A part of the lambs were sold, and the

41

rest consumed iu the family. Taking the price of those sold,
and the market value of those consumed, the lambs of the
ten ewes amounted to one hundred and live dollars ($105.00,)
making an average of ten and one half dollars (10.50,) for
each ewe. Tlie sheep sheared about six pounds each of un-
washed wool, which I sold for thirty-seven cents a pound,
making the net income from each sheep twelve dollars and
seventy-two cents ($12.72.) The sheep were turned to pas-
ture about May 25th, and have had no grain since.

Respectfully submitted.

Joseph Kittredge,

No. Andover, Mass.

Sept. 25th, 1877.

POULTRY.— FIRST CLASS.
The Committee on First-Class Poultry, respectfully submit
the following report :

The number of entries was very small, and with the ex-
ception of a few coops, was of a very inferior quality. We
find only eleven entries, where a few years ago there were
twenty-five or thirty, and these, according to the report of
1875, were of the very best quality.

' We are satisfied that the cause of this is the want of pay-
ing sufiicient premiums to pay for running the risk and ex-
pense of exhibiting first-class Poultry ; and we also think
that if the rules in regard to premiums on Poultry are not
changed, in a short time you will not have any "Poultry
Show" connected, with your annual exhibition, except a few
"mongrels," as was formerly the case.

You are willing to give two dollars premium on a plate of
Grapes, and three dollars on a plate of Apples or Pears, and
from ten to twenty-five dollars for a Cow or Bull, and we
would ask if good Poultry is not as deserving of high premi-
ums as good fruit or beef.

42

Your Committee would respectfully recommend that the
premium on Poultry be as follows : First premium five dol-
lars, ($5.00;) second, ^/iree dollars, ($3.00;) and third pre-
mium owe dollar, ($1.00;) and we would also recommend
that the present "American Standard of Excellence" be
adopted as a guide for the judges, and that birds scoring less
than eighty points, shall not be entitled to first premiums.

Of the coops entered this year, Chas. P. Jacobs, of Pea-
body, had a very fine trio of Light Brahmas, and CO. Put-
nam, of Danvers, had some good Black Cochins. The fol-
lowing premiums and gratuities were awarded :

Light Brahmas, — C. W. Mann, Methuen, gratuity, 50 cts.

Light Brahmas, Chicks, — C. P. Jacobs, Peabody, first pre-
mium, $2.

Dark Brahmas, — Frank J. Bradley, Methuen, gratuity, $1.

Black Cochins, — C. O. Putnam, Danvers, first premium, $2.

Black Cochins, Chicks, — C. O. Putnam, Danvers, second
premium, $1 ; gratuity, $1.

Pekin Ducks, — C. W. Mann, Methuen, first premium, $2 ;
second premium, $1.

Aylesbury Ducks — M. W. Keyes, Methuen, first premium,
$2.00.

Committee — W. M. Ward, Jasper Rea, John Swinerton.

POULTRY— SECOND CLASS.

The Committee award : —

Brown Leghorn Chickens — George J. Johnson, Rowley,
first premium, $2; M. C. Andrews, Andover, do., second
premium, $1 ; L. F. Weston, I^iiivcrs, gratuity, $1 ; Frank
J. Bradly, Methuen, do., gratuity, 50 cents.

White Leghorn Chicks — Frank J. Bradly, Methuen, first
premium, $2.

Plymouth Rock — Frank J. Bradly, Methuen, gratuity, $1.

43

S. S. Poland — L. F. Weston, Danvers, gratuity, 50 cents.
White Bantams — S. M. Davis, Lawrence, gratuity, 50 cts.
Collection of Pigeons — C. O. Putnam, Danvers, gratuity, |1.
Committee — W. H. Allen, C. D. Orclway, Wm. Ho\V-e
Burnham.

PLOUGHING— DOUBLE TEAMS.

The Committee on Ploughing with Double Teams report :
First premium to Benjamin H. Farnham, of North Ando-

ver, $12.00.

Second premium to J. D. W. French, of North Andover,

$10.00.

Committee — A. B. Fellows, Anthon^-^ Hatch, T. G. Thur-
low, G. S. Phippen, J. L. Farnham.

PLOUGHING WITH HORSES.

The Committee on Ploughino; with Horses beg leave to of-
fer the following report. The inequality of the land render-
ed a decision in some cases difficult.

First premium to Joshua N. Kent, of Newbury, $12.00.

Second premium to R. S. Bray, of Newbury, $10.00.

Third premium to M. H. Poor, of West Newbury, $8.00.

Fourth premium to George W. Russell, Lawrence, $6.00.

Fifth premium to Paul T. Winkley, of Newburyport, $4.

Committee — W. J. Dale, Jr., Charles W. Ordway, "Wm.
Thurlow, Israel Herrick, Thomas H. Balch.

PLOUGHING WITH SWIVEL PLOUGHS.

In addition to the mere announcement of premiums in this
department, it seems desirable to say something in regard to
the merits of the different ploughs used.

44

We judge from the interest taken in the match that the
farmers of the county are generally interested in the Swivel
Plough, and note with attention the improvements made from
year to jeav.

The Ploughs used were the "Holbrook," — an old favorite
with many, and as held by Mr. Poor, ploughing for Mr. Rus-
sell, doing so well as to claim the first premium for work
done with double team.

We noticed that this Plough ran deeper than required by
the rule of the Society, averaging nine inches, and turning
the sod at that depth as well as is usually done at six or eight
inches.

Mr. Foster used the "Lufkin," — a Plough noticeable for
the absence of the usual hasp for holding the mould board in
position ; a self-locking arrangement securing it firmly as soon
as the Plough is reversed. This also did excellent work.

Mr. Smith used the "Holbrook," but for some reason not
apparent to the Committee, the work done was not as good
as we expected from a strong team and experienced plough-
man. The Swivel Plough was Jirst constructed to run on
side-hills, so as to avoid turning half the furrows up-hill, —
and many Ploughs do good work on land of that description
which fail when put on ground as level as that ploughed at
the show this year.

It has been the aim of manufacturers of late to construct a
Plough that should turn as flat a furrow^ on level land as any
Plough not swivel that could be produced.

In two Ploughs used this year we have the latest results of
this efibrt, — the "Ames' Centennial," used by Mr. Norwood,
and the "Pettengill," run by Mr. Perley, either of which
would be a valuable addition to the outfit of most of our
farms.

Several of the Committee thought that we should have had
a better test of the quality of the Ploughs and skill of the
ploughmen, if the land ploughed had been like most of our

45

farms in this county, in having stones to throw out the plough,
or roots of trees to prevent its even running.

As it was, however, no obstruction was met witli, and the
teams could go at their fastest walk with no danger of being
"brought upstanding" by striking a fast rock, as so often
happens to many of us in breaking up.

We think too much importance cannot be attached to good
ploughing, as in actual farming the success of the crop de-
pends largely on the thorough ploughing of the land at the
start.

It seems to me that an additional argument to the one often
presented for keeping fields free from stones and bushes, —
(namely, that they may be mowed easier,) — can be adduced
from the fkct that it is possible to plough a clean lot thorough-
ly with even furrows and at a uniform depth, at an expense
which will be less per acre than is required to imperfectly
plough a rough and rocky field.

Of course this must be restricted within reasonable limits,
as on my own farm, in fields from which stones have been
dug out and removed every time the soil has been broken up
for many years, we still find some at every ploughing, as they
are worked up from below by the frost. Hence it is only in
degree, not absolutely, that we farmers of Essex can clear our
lands and give free course to the plough.

But doing this as well as Ave can, with our hands made
skilful by practice at home, and our eyes trained to accuracy
in the width of our furrows, we shall be ready to enter the
lists in friendly rivalry at our annual shows, and shall hope
to secure not only the premiums of the Society, but also the
larger rewards which skill and enterprise always bring to
those who possess them.

Premiums awarded : —

To William A. Russell, Lawrence, with oxen, first premi-
um, $12.

To John P. Foster, North Andover, with oxen, second
premium, $10.

46

To Peter Smith, Andover, fourth premium, $5.
To C. J. Norwood, Ipswich, with horses, first premium, $10.
To Edward P. Perley, Danvers, with horses, second pre-
mium, $6.

Chas. J. Peabody, Ghairman.

CARRIAGES.

The Committee on Carriages award to Johu E. Bailey, of
Marblehead, for Foster rubber spring Buggy and Sleigh, di-
ploma; Charles Manson, of Haverhill, for three wagons, gra-
tuity, $6 ; J. W. Joyce, Lawrence, Meat Wagon, $5 ; Spear &
Fifield, Methuen, Grocer's Wagon, $5, and for Wagon,
(Provision Dealer's) diploma; William Poor, Andover, Meat
Wagon, $5 ; Geo. H. Ferguson, Lawrence, Light Express
Wagon, $5, and for Top Buggy, diploma; M. Barnes, Law-
rence, two Top Carriages, $10, and Sleighs, $5.

Committee — A. E. Goodwin, William Gunnison, David
Smith, Henry Hobbs.

BREAD AND HONEY.

There were fourteen entries of Bread, one of Honey, and
three of Preserves. The Committee award gratuities as fol-
lows, viz :

To Mrs. W. Leitch, of Andover, $1.50; Abby Haseltine,
of Lawrence, $1 ; Mrs. J. Pillsbury, of Lawrence, $1 ; Mrs.
Sarah Birtwell, of Lawrence, $1 ; Mrs. William Brown, of
Lawrence, $1 ; Mrs. E. L. Kent, of Lawrence, $1 ; Mrs.
Jasper Rea, of Andover, $1 ; Mrs. Stephen E. Abbott, of
Andover, $1 ; Mrs. Rebecca F. Cole, of Andover, $1 ; Mrs.
N. E. Ladd, of Groveland, $1 ; Broadway Cracker Bakery,
Lawrence, $3.

Honey — H. Alley, of Wenham, $2 ; Silas M. Locke, of
Salem, one Model Hive and Observatory Hive, $1.

Preserves — Mrs. J. Pillsbury, of Lawrence, $1 ; Mrs. A.

P. Webster, of Haverhill, 50 cents ; N. T. Kimball & Co.

of Bradford, 50 cents.

J. A. Putnam, for the Committee.

47

PEARS.

The Committee award as follows :

Premiums of $3 each, for the following varieties : H. B.
Robie, Lawrence, Duchesse ; John O'Brien, Bradford, Beurre
Clairgeau ; Wm. Huff, Newburyport, Marie Louise and Belle
Superfin ; Albert Kimball, Bradford, Sheldon and Belle Lu-
crative ; S. Sawyer, Lawrence, Winter Nelis ; A. J. Hub-
bard, Peabody, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Swan's Orange, and
Urbaniste ; T. C. Thurlow, West Newbury, Doyenne Bous-
sock ; J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, Buffum and Dana's Hovey ;
Wm. H. Huse, Newburyport, Seckel ; Wm. H. Perkins,
Newbury, Howell ; D. H. Stickney, Groveland, Lawrence ;
Peter Waite, Danvers, Bartlett ; Edward F. Webster, Ha-
verhill, Beurre Bosc ; John Preston, Georgetown, Beurre
d'Anjou ; Mrs. Dr. Kenney, Lawrence, Vicar ; A. Lackey,
Haverhill, St. Michael.

Premiums of $1.50 were awarded for the following: M.
B. Kenney, Lawrence, Flemish Beauty ; J. C. Craig, Law-
rence, Beurre Diel ; John Preston, Georgetown, Bergamot.

Premiums of $1 each were awarded for the following : Wm.
H. Huse, Newburyport, Kingessing, Wm. Huff, Newburyport,
Summer Orange ; H. G. Herrick, Lawrence, Seckel ; H. A.
Prescott, Lawrence, Sheldon ; S. M. Davis, Lawrence, Duch-
esse ; Q. Bradley, Methuen, Duchesse ; P. H. How, Lawrence,
Sheldon ; T. Johnson, No. Andover, Beurre Clairgeau ; J. W.
Nichols, Lawrence, Sheldon; Baldwin Coolidge, Lawrence,
Sheldon ; B. F. Stanley, Newburyport, Lawrence and Duch-
esse ; Albin YeaAv, Lawrence, Winter Nelis ; E. B. Currier,
do Beurre Bosc; J. S. Ives, Salem, Sheldon; Solomon Ful
ler, Danvers, Duchesse ; Franklin Upton, Danvers, Beurre.
Bosc ; D. H. Stickney, Groveland, Anjou ; B. F. Hunting-
ton, Amesbury, B. Hardy ; T. H. Balch, Groveland, Louise
Bonne ; Elbridge G. George, Groveland, Sheldon.

T. C. Thurlow, West Newbury, best plate, 24 specimens,
premium, $6 ; A. J. Hubbard, Peabody, best collection, 20

48

varieties, premium, $8 ; Peter Waite, Danvers, second best
collection, 15 varieties, premium, $6 ; Wm. H. Huse, New-
buryport, 10 varieties, premium, $4.

Committee — John W. Marshall, Edward Harrington, Josi-
ah Newhall, Thomas Hale.

APPLES.

The Committee beg leave to report that the quantity offer-
ed for exhibition was less, and the quality not as good as is
usually shown at the Essex County Fairs.

They award the following premiums of $3 each : —

Henry Thwing, Groveland, Baldwins ; Joseph Moore,
Peabody, Danvers Winter Sweet; Solomon Fuller, Danvers,
Hubbardston : Peter Waite, Danvers, Kilham Hill ; B. F.
Huntington, Amesbury, Ladies' Sweet ; Peter Waite, Dan-
vers, Porter; Peter Waite, Danvers, Pickman's Pippin; W.
W. Perkins, Newbury, Roxbury Russet ; J.Henry Hill, Ames-
bury, Rhode Island Greening ; Solomon Fuller, Danvers,
Sweet Baldwin ; J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, Gravenstein ; Peter
Waite, Danvers, Hunt's Russet.

W. W. Perkins, NeAvbury, best collection of fifteen varie-
ties, $() ; Peter Waite, Danvers, best ten varieties, $4.

Gratuities of $1.50 each to J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, Minis-
ter ; W. W. Perkins, Newbury, Northern Spy ; D. Plum-
mer, Newbury, King of Tompkins Co. ; C. C. Barker, North
Andover, Baldwin ; S. Sawyer, Lawrence, Baldwin ; J. Henry
Hill, Amesbury, Hyslop Crab ; Edwin B. George, Grove-
land, Hubbardston.

Gratuities $1.00 each, to Peter Waite, Danvers, Fail Har-
vey ; Solomon Fuller, Danvers, Twenty Ounce ; D. H. Stick-
ney, Groveland, Hubbardston ; A. J. Hubbard, Peabody,
Danvers Winter Sweet; D. H. Stickney, Groveland, North-
ern Spy.

Committee — F. P. Putnam, John T. Wood, James Flint.

49

PEACHES, GEAPES, AND ASSORTED FRUIT.

The Committee have awarded the following premiums and
gratuities, viz. : —

Peaches — For the best nine specimens of Freestone White
Flesh, $2, to Caleb Saunders, of Lawrence ; for the best do.
Yellow Flesh, $2, to E. F. Webster, of Haverhill; best do.
Essex County Seedling, $2, to A. V. Bugbee, Lawrence. A
gratuity of $1 to J. H. Eaton, Lawrence, for Orchard House
Peaches ; 50 cents each, for single plates, to Joseph Moore of
Peabody, Solomon Fuller of Danvers, and Norman S. Cole
of West Boxford.

Grapes — For the best four bunches of Concord, Rogers'
No. 3 or Massasoit, and Rogers' No. 39, $3 for each variety,
to George W. Gage of Methuen ; for the best four bunches
of lona, Creveling, Rogers' No. 4 or Wilder, No. 19 or Mer-
rimac. No. 22 or Salem, $3 for each, to E. P. Richardson, of
Lawrence ; for the best Hartford Prolific, $3, to B. Goodwin,
of Haverhill ; for the best Isabella and Rogers' No. 15 or
Agawam, $3 each, to D. H. Stickney, of Groveland ; for the
best Delaware, $3, to James Lowrie, of Danvers ; for the
best Clinton, $3, to L. K. Pemberton, Groveland; for the
best Allen's Hybrid, $3, to Baldwin Coolidge, of Lawrence;
for the best Diana, $3, to John O'Brien, Bradford ; for the
best collection of ten varieties of Native Grapes, $7, to Geo.
W. Gage, of Methuen.

Your Committee would also award a premium of $1.50 to
each of the following persons : E. P. Richardson, Lawrence,
for Worden ; George W. Gage, Methuen, for Cottage ; D.
H. Stickney, Groveland, for " Stickney's Seedling;" George
W. Ladd, Bradford, "Ladd's Seedling."

This last so nearlv resembles the Delaware that the Com-
mittee were in doubt — a majority thinking it might be the
Delaware not fully ripe ; but later information, and an exam-
ination of the vine by one of the Committee, has led us to
place it on the list of "other worthy varieties."

50

Gratuities — To Peter Smith, of Andover, for a fine collec-
tion of Hot House Grapes, $2 ; to. H. B. Robie, Lawrence,
$1 ; to N. Bodwell, Georgetown, $1, for a collection of Native
Grapes ; to John O'Brien, Bradford, and B. Goodwin, Haver-
hill, $1 each ; to M. W. Bartlett, West Newbury, and Henry
Shaw, Lawrence, 50 cents each.

For the best basket of Assorted Fruit, $4, to Peter Wait,
Danvers ; second best, $3, to A. J. Hubbard, Peabody.

Quinces — For the best plate of Orange Quinces, $1, to Pe-
ter Wait, Danvers ; for the second best plate of Orange
Quinces, $1, to Baldwin Coolidge, of Lawrence.

We congratulate the Society on the decided step in advance
which has been made this year in the arrangement of fruit in
our hall of exhibition, — that is, of having each variety by it-
self, and not scattered promiscuously on several tables, as has
formerly been the case. It has in former years been impos-
sible for any fruit committee to do justice to the exhibitors,
and this year we find many of the exhibitors themselves de-
cidedly opposed to this "new arrangement;" especially those
who had for many years been in the habit of heaping all their
fruit too;ether — thus aimins: more for a laro^e "collection,"
than for more choice specimens of fewer and better varieties.
We trust that in future this plan will be more perfectly car-
ried out, and that all the contributors will see the propriety
of the new method. We would suggest the importance of
having the several fruit committees commence work at an
earlier hour, so that a larger part of their duties may be per-
formed before the hall is crowded with visitors.

The display of grapes this year was very fine indeed, and
the neat arrangement of the tables was a credit to those who
had charge in this department.

This year has been a favorable one for the grape in all this
vicinity, as it always does best in a dry warm season, without
any hinderauce from early frosts. Hence we should plant the
grape only in the driest and earliest locations. Even in
western New York and Ohio, where the climate is much more

51

favorable for this fruit than here, exi^erience has proved to
them that grapes can only be grown with any amount of ccr-^
tainty upon the rockiest and driest hillsides. Again we
think that experience has proved to us that only the most
hardy vines of our purely native species, (the Lobrusca,) can
be depended upon for a term of years. This may not be the
decision of the whole Committee, for we know that many
still adhere firmly to the Rogers and other hybrids, but those
of us who have for years made the growing and testing of
vines a business, are careful not to invest largely in any grape
of foreign parentage ; and wheji any new grape presents it-
self as the "best yet introduced," the first inquirj'^ should be,
does it inherit foreign blood from either of its parents ? If
so, it will most likely inherit a feeble constitution, followed
by mildew and an early death. Careful cultivators may, and
often do, succeed for years with these high blooded grapes,
but they require constant watchfulness, and a good covering
every winter is indispensable. We would not by these re-
marks discourage any from raising this, one of the most
healthful and delicious of all fruits, but would rather encour-
age every one whose circumstances will permit, to do it intel-
ligently— to select none but the most approved hardy varie-
ties, and plant and cultivate as experience has proved best
for this locality. The discouragements which seemed to hang
over us a few 3'ears ago in the shape of blight and mildew,
have in a great measure passed away, and we can but hope
that a " new era in grape culture " is about to dawn upon us.
There were but few peaches presented this year, the crop
having been very nearly a failure, and only the latest ones
could be kept for this exhibition. This crop, which is gen-
erally considered ijncertain in New England, has for several
years past been a partial success, especially in certain high,
dry locations in this vicinity, where an entire failure has not
occurred for something over twenty years before. Just
warmth enough to swell the fruit buds at a certain time dur-
ing Avintcr, and then a sudden freeze afterwards, was evi-

52

dently the sole cause of this failure, as the trees never look-
ed more healthy and promising, than in the autumn before.

This fall again we have reason to take courage and hope
for the best, and trust that at some future time, "vvhen we
have learned more [fully the requirements of the peach, we
shall be blessed with plentiful crops, as of old. We would
suggest to novices, however, who design to plant peach trees,
that they require a dry soil, thoroughly cultivated, but no
animal manure of any kind, but rather muck, and especially
potash in liberal quantities. The aim should be not to pro-
duce a late growth, but healthy, well ripened wood, which is
the only kind that will endure our winters. Trim out all
dead and sickly wood every year about the first of June.
Plant hardy and rather early varieties. Many kinds recom-
mended by nursery agents are too late, and will not ripen at
all in this latitude. For orchard culture, do not plant too
thickly. — 16 or 18 feet is near enough. Training upon
fences, and pegging down branches to be covered in winter,
is very pretty amusement for the amateur, and orchard house
culture for those who can afford it is very pretty and some-
times profitable.

Premiums are annually offered for the best Baskets of As-
sorted Fruits, but scarcely ever more than two competitors
appear for the prizes, and these with very little variation from
year to year. Cannot others take hold in this department,
and give us something still more tasty and elaborate than we
are accustomed to see? It certainly would add much to the
attractions of the hall, besides giving us a little more pleasant
rivalry.

Quinces, your Committee have taken under their special
charge, as neither the Committee on Apples nor Pears thought
they belonged to them. Two very nice plates of Orange
Quinces were presented, and both took the first premium ;
but certainly this fruit ought not to be overlooked, especially
as long as it brings such high prices and can be so easily
raised.

53

One other fruit is worthy of remembrance, which we for-
merly raised in great abundance in this county, but which
now we never see upon our exhibition tables, — namely, the
Plum. Why should this fine fruit be wholly abandoned, as
long as it has been fully proved that its two greatest enemies,
— the Curculio and the Black Knot*, — can be successfully
dealt with? Then we have new, but coarse varieties, that are
hardly affected by these enemies at all, and which even for
cooking purposes would well jepay the trouble of raising.
We sincerely hope we shall see the time when this fine old
fruit will be cultivated to some extent, if we do not have it
in its former abundance.

Respectfully submitted.

Committee — T. C. Thurlow, D. H Stickney, J. Henry
Hill, Richard Ward, Peter Wait.

FLOWERS.

The display in this department was very good, and yet the
Committee could but regret that so few of the towns in our
County sent contributions to this most attractive feature of
our Fair. So much progress has been made in the last few
years, in the public taste as well as in the cultivation of
flowers, that we are led to expect a finer display each year
from the many gardens of our good old county.

Those ladies who sent the numerous and varied collections
of wild flowers deserve especial commendation. There were
many rare and beautiful varieties, and their tasteful arrange-
ment added much to the beauty of the floral department.

The ladies of Lawrence deserve much credit for the kindly
interest and zeal they manifested in this exhibition of the So-
ciety. The fine efiect of the flowers and plants displayed was
due to their skilful arransrement.

The Committee found a serious drawback in the lack of
vases or dishes suitable for the display of cut flowers, and

54

hope the Society will heed the suggestions of the Committee
of last year, and furnish better accommodations for future ex-
hibitions.

We would suggest that the younger portion of our county
be encouraged to contribute to this department, by the offer-
ing of premiums for bouquets or flowers raised by youth un-
der fourteen years of age.

While we are glad to welcome the beautiful plants and fine
flowers of the professed florist to our exhibitions, yet we
would suggest that premiums should rather be awarded to
individuals who cultivate a few flowers for their own pleasure,
and succeed in raising fine specimens.

We hope to see the premium list revised, or enlarged, be-
fore another exhibition, so as to include some ne\V and fine
varieties of flowers.

The Committee award as follows ; — ^

Best pair Bouquets, first premium, E. W. Hatch, Haver-
hill, $3. Gratuities of 50 cents to E. Flynn, Lawrence, Em-
ily F. Carletou, North Andover, Mrs. J. II. Hill, Amesbury.

Best Hand Bouquets, first premium, E. Flynn, Lawrence,
$3, Gratuity, 50 cents, L. P. Weston, Danvers.

Floral Designs, first premium, Miss Emma Gage, Methuen,
$2. Gratuities, E. Flynn, Lawrence, |2 ; Mrs. N. E. Ladd,
Groveland, $1.

Cut Flowers, first premium, Mrs. L. P. Weston, Danvers,
|2. Gratuities,. $1 each, to Mrs. Henry Brickett, West New-
bury, and Industrial School, Lawrence ; 50 cents to E. J,
Craig, Haverhill.

Dahlias, first premium of $1 to E. Flynn, Lawrence. Gra-
tuities of 50 cents each to Mrs. J. H. Hill, Amesbury ; Mrs,
E. W. Hatch, Haverhill.

Gladiolus, first premium of $1 to Mrs. Henry Hill, Ames^
bury.

Petunias, first premium, $1, to Miss Emma Gage, Methu-
en. Gratuities, 50 cents, to Mrs. J. H. Hill, Aniesbury ;
Miss A. Page, Groveland.

55

Pansies, first premium, $1, to Mrs. John L. Hutchinson,
Lawrence. Gratuities, 50 cents, to Mrs. J. H, Hill, Ames-
bury ; Mrs. M. S. Jenkins, North Andover ; Miss Addie
Page, Groveland.

Phlox, first premium, |1, to J. H. Hill, Amesbury. Gra-
tuity, $1, to Miss Emma Gage, Methuen.

Verbenas, first premium, $1, to E. Flynu, Lawrence. Gra-
tuity, 50 cents, to Industrial School, Lawrence.

Best Native Flowers, first premium, $1, Mrs. M. E. Fuller,
Middleton. Gratuities, $1, to Miss Emma Gage, Methuen;
Mrs. Wm. Horner, Georgetown; 50 cents to A. D. Batchel-
der, Georgetown.

Largest and Best Display by one individual, E. Flynn,
Lawrence, $4. Gratuities, 50 cents each. Cut Flowers, J.
W. Smith, Andover ; Orpine Plant, Mrs. Jane Sweet, Law-
rence ; Fernery, Mrs. W. S. Horner, Georgetown ; Aloe,
Mrs. E. W. Hatch, Haverhill ; Apple Blossoms, G. H. Tufts,
Middleton ; Egg Plants, Mrs. F. F. Tucker, Lawrence ; Ar-
butulon, Mrs. W. T. McClure, Lawrence ; Ferns, A. R. Gage,
Boxford ; Begonias, E. Flynn, Lawrence, $1; Japan Lilies,
50 cents, to Mrs. J. H. Hill, Amesbury ; Climbing Fern,
Charles Flynn, Lawrence ; Hand Bouquet, Mrs. S. S. Knox,
Lawrence ; Hand Bouquet, Mrs. J. H. Hill, Amesbury ; Cac-
tus, Mrs. A. D. Grifiin, Haverhill ; Orange Tree, Charles
Flynu, Lawrence; Rustic Stand, $1, to E. F. Webster, Ha-
verhill ; Cactus, Coleus, and Ferns, Charles Flynn, Lawrence,
three gratuities, $2.50.

Mrs. Charles Perley, for the Committee.

VEGETABLES.
The Committee, on repairing to the tent devoted to the
show of Vegetables, found the display not as large as usual,
but were much pleased that the superintendent of this depart-
ment of our show had arranged the different varieties of vesr-

56

e-tables in their respective classes, so that the labors of the
Committee were much facilitated by having all the specimens
of each variety exhibited together.

We would strongly urge all exhibitors to coniovm. precisely
to the rule adopted by the Society in relation to the amount
and size of vegetables to be exhibited.

We found some exhibitors showing a much larger amount
than was necessary to compete for the premiums, exhibiting
a bushel when only a peck was required. If they would se-
lect only the required number or amount, taking none but the
most perfect and best adapted for the use to be made of them,
they would be much more likely to secure a premium than
before. If, for instance, in selecting the Potato for e^^hibi-
tion, as that is almost entirely used for the table, every one
would admit at once that those specimens best adapted in size
and quality for that use, would be entitled to the premium
over other specimens, though larger, but of coarse and infe-
rior quality.

Or, supposing the vegetable exhibited is devoted entirely
to the use of stock, as the Mangel Wurtzel, all would say
that the largest specimens, or those furnishing the most food
and nutriment, should take the premiums.

So on through all the varieties of vegetables, if exhibitors
would be more critical in their selections, according to the
uses to be made of them, and exhibit only the requisite
amount, our tables would show a more tasteful and uniform
appearance, and give better satisfaction, not only to the Com-
mittee and exhibitors, but to all visitors who look upon them.

Hoping these few suggestions may be acted upon in our
future shows, your Committee submit the following awards of
premiums : —

A premium of $3 is awarded for each of the following va-
rieties : — Levi Emery, Lawrence, E. T. Beet; Virgil Dow,
Methuen, L. O. Carrots and P. T. Flat Turnip ; M. F. Batch-
elder, Peabody, S. H. Carrot and Musk Melon; T. O. AVard-
well, North Andover, Mangolds ; A. W. Phippen, Methuen,

57

Ruta Baga ; G. W. Russell, Lawrence, Parsnips ; R. T.
Jaqiies, Newbury, Danvers Onion ; J. J. H. Gregory, Mar-
blehead, Y. F. Onion, Red Onion, Hubbard Squash, Mar- ,
bleliead Squash, Melon, green flesh. Acme Tomato, best
collection of Tomatoes ; Henry Webber, North Andover, E.
R. Potato ; N. G. Abbott, Andover, Fottler Cabbage, Stone
Mason Cabbage ; R. Goodwin, Haverhill, Savoy ; C. R. An-
derson, Boxford, Red Cabbage, Cauliflower; Peter Smith,
Andover, Celery ; C. K. Ordway, West Newbury, Field
Corn ; G. B. Bradley, Methuen, Sweet Corn ; G. S. Phip-
pen, Methuen, Marrow Squash; C. O. Putnam, Danvers,
Turban Squash; Frank M. Dow, Methuen, Watermelon; A.
E. Low, Essex, Paragon Tomato, Trophy Tomato ; H. A.
Stiles, Middleton, Cranberries.

A second premium of $2 each for the following : M. F.
Batchelder, Peabody, Fottler Cabbage, Red Cabbage ; C. O.
Putnam, Danvers, Savoy Cabbage ; M. C. Andrews, Ando-
ver, Stone Mason ; O. P. Killam, Boxford, Cranberries ; Jo-
seph S. Holt, Andover, Cranberries, $1 ; J. J. H. Gregory,
Marblehead, Garden Seed, premium, $8.

Gratuities of $2 each as follows : G. W. Russell, Lawrence ;
G. B. Bradley, Methuen ; Colin Johnson, North Andover ;
Luke Cunningham, Andover ; Edwin Upton, Andover ; C.
R. Anderson, Boxford; $L50 to Allen Lee, Manchester; $1
each to Miss Dove, Andover ; A. F. Clark, Lawrence ; Henry
Nice, Lawrence ; 50 cents each to Richard Warwick, Law-
rence ; Amos B. Poor, Haverhill ; Daniel Carlton, North An-
dover ; R. Goodwin, Haverhill ; E. F. Webster, Haverhill ;
E. P. Richardson, Lawrence.

A AEON Low, Chairman.

COUNTERPANES, CARPETINGS AND RUGS.

WROUGHT COUNTERPANE.

First premium, no award. The Committee did not judge
any of the entries as combining sufficient excellencies to be
worthy of the first premium.

58

Second premium, $2, awarded to Abbie R. Howe, for meri-
torious combinatioD of colors, giving good general effect, and
good workmanship.

Gratuities of $1 each, were awarded to Mrs. S. Allison,
Lawrence, two quilts, well wrought and arranged ; Mrs.
J. M. Ingalls, Danvers, one Centennial quilt, well wrought
and designed ; Mrs. R. M. Leavitt, Danvers, Quilt made of
two colors only, giving good eflect ; Mrs. N. G. White,
Lawrence, Silk Counterpane, well wrought and designed ;

Mrs. Henry R. Abbott, of , one Quilt of many

pieces, very neatly sewed and arranged; Mrs. Frank C.
Came, Haverhill, one Quilt, simple design, giving good effect,
well wrought.

HAND-WROUGHT CARPET.

First premium, $5, awarded to the Orphan Asylum, Law-
rence. This was the only entry, well and neatly made, and
of good design.

WROUGHT HEARTH RUGS.

First premium, $3, awarded to Mrs. H. C. Crocker, Ha-
verhill, for harmonious arrangement of colors in design, ex-
cellence of workmanship, and utility.

Second premium, $2, Mrs. T. P. Frost, Lawrence, Rug,
thoroughly and neatly made, nicety of finish and appearance.

Gratuities of $1 each were awarded to C. W. Kendall,
Lawrence, Braided Rug, well made and very serviceable ;
Mrs. Mary S. White, No. Andover, five Rugs, for variety of
designs, and good work ; Mrs. Ada Trull, Lawrence, four
Rugs, well made and nicely finished ; Mrs. Rebecca Colby,
Lawrence, one Rug, well aud neatly made and finished.

CARRIAGE ROBE.

Gratuity of |2 to Mrs. Anna H. Rowe, Lawrence.

F. E. Clarke, Cliairman.

59

LEATHER WORK.

The Corainittee have extiinined the articles exhibited, and
regret that a larger number of articles could not have been
presented. But the articles are of superior workmanship
and stock, and well worthy of a premium. We therefore
award each exhibitor a premium of Five Dollars.

Thomas F. Hill, Georgetown, one Single Harness, gratui-
ty, $5 ; E. A. Putnam, Beverly, one Single Harness, $5 ; P.
B. Robinson, Lawrence, one case Shoes, $5.

Committee — John I. Ladd, E. W. Jacobs, Warren Ord-
way.

MANUFACTURES AND GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

The Committee award to Thomas Hall, Lawrence, Mangle,
$3 ; B. S. Hale & Son, Lawrence, Fish Lines, $2 ; Smith &
Dove, Andover, Flax and Flax Threads, $2 ; Carter & Wil-
son, Lawrence, Hosiery, $2; John M. Richards, Lawrence,
Piano, $2 ; W. L. Dustin, Lawrence, Planes, $1 ; Mrs. Sy-
monds, Lawrence, Case Millinery, $4 ; Mrs. M. S. Ander-
son, Case Millinery, $2 ; Chas. J. Gillou, Lawrence, Steam
Engine, $1 ; J. Batchelder, Lawrence, Lap Board, $1 ; G.
A. Osgood, Haverhill, Spring Bed, $1 ; M. Donovan, North
Andover, Hand-made Horse Shoes, $1 ; H. C. Sleeper, Ha-
verhill, three Canes, $1 ; A. J. Walker, Lawrence, Spice
Holder, $1 ; A. Nichols, Dan vers. Silk Cocoons, $1.

Committee — A. P. Bateman, H. M. Goodrich, Wm. D.
Lamb.

FANCY ^YORK AND WORKS OF ART.

Premiums of $3 to Mrs. J. Hosmer Kendall, Lawrence,
Oil Painting; Miss M. P. Needham, Oil Paintings; Mrs.
Walter R. Rowe, Lawrence, Pillow Sham Embroidery ; Mrs.
A. P. Newhall, Lynn, Pen Marking, twenty-four pieces.

60

Premiums of $2 to L. Joseph Fell, Lawrence, eight pic-
tures ; H. Bimdy, Lawrence, Oil Portraits ; A. C. Puffer,
Methuen, Butterfly collection ; Mrs. Parker Cross, Methuen,
Collection of Insects; F. W. Coffin, Marblehead, Fancy
Worsted Work ; W. F. Roaf, Lawrence, Jack Knife Carv-
ing; George C. Stevens, Lawrence, Carved Wood, Frieze.

Premiums of $1 to Miss M. E. Morrison, Lawrence, Oil
Paintings ; A. C. Saunders, Haverhill, Leather, Felt and
Paper Canes ; Mrs. C. T. Wilcox, Lawrence, Sofa Pillow ;
Miss A. E. Foster, Methuen, Worsted Wreath; Mrs. D. G.
Myrick, Lawrence, Hair Wreath ; Miss D. L. Fisk, Law-
rence, Pillow Cases ; Mrs. H. G. Cummings, Lawrence, Silk
Embroidery ; Mrs. E. E. Mann, Lawrence, Mottoes ; Mrs.
L. S. Blanchard, Lawrence, Birch-Bark Pictures; Mark
Knipe, Haverhill, Stuffed Birds ; Anson L. Griffin, Law-
rence, Stuffed Owl ; S. Huse, Methuen, Chair and Foot Rest ;
N. E. Abbott, Lawrence, Jig Sawing ; Miss L. S. Blanchard,
Birch Bark Pictures ; Mrs. Caleb Saunders, Lawrence, Fire
Screen ; George Jones, Lawrence, Model Ship ; T. C. Rog-
ers, Lawrence, Button Cross ; Miss N. G. AVhite, Lawrence,
Fancy Work.

Premiums of 50 cents to Miss M. O. Barrett, Peabody,
Oil Paintings; Maria Kimball, Haverhill, Sofa Covering;
Chester Chubb, Lawrence, Picture Frame ; Mrs. F. C. Wig-
gin, South Lawrence, Wax Cross ; Mrs. Joseph Churchill,
Lawrence, Motto ; Mrs. Charles Hodge, Lawrence, Tidy ;
Miss E. H. Sugatt, Lawrence, Wreath ; Miss E. F. Carleton,
North Andover, Tidy ; Mrs. J. E. Kimball, Lawrence, Moss
Cross; A. L. Griffin, Lawrence, Stuffed Owl; James San-
derson, Lawrence, Crayons. Baldwin Coolidge, Lawrence,
$3, for specimens of Modelling.

Committee — Mrs. A. P. Clark, Mrs. H. L. Bowdoin, Mrs.
F. S. C. Herrick.

61

CHILDREN'S WORK.

The Committee have examined the articles exhibited, and
have awarded the following premiums and gratuities : —

Maud Hunkins, Lawrence, 3 years 5 months old, one quilt,
$3 ; Charles Dunning, Lawrence, one Painting of Peaches,
$1 ; Laura F. Dunning, one Picture, (Spatter Work,) $1 ;
Georgie F. Whitcomb, Doll's Dress, $1 ; Hattie Morrill, Law-
rence, Rug, $2 ; Minnie L. Bean, Lawrence, one case Wor-
sted Birds, $1 ; Martha E. Coupe, Worsted Motto, $1 ; John
S. Colby, one Bracket, $1 ; Maud Rodencizer, Edging, $1 ;
Caddie Hutchinson, Hair Pin Holder, 25 cents ; Clara A.
Day, Motto, $1 ; Mary M. Blanchard, Silk Quilt, $1 ; Nellie
Bingham, Tidy, 25 cents.

Committee — Mrs. Edward W. Jacobs, Mrs. L. H. Bow-
doin, L. B. Hood.

IMPROVING PASTURE AND WASTE LAND.

Two members of your Committee met upon the 12th day
of July, visited the farm of Joseph Horton, of Ipswich, and
inspected the tract of land entered by him for premium.
There being no other competitor, we award to him the pre-
mium of $15. The mode of experimenting by Mr. Horton,
is fully set forth, and in a clear manner explained, as appears
by his statement annexed.

The nature of the soil, and all results of his experiments,
appear to the Committee as well worthy of mature considera-
tion by members of our Society, — that from the experience
of one, large numbers may derive material benefit, as upon
every farm in the County there are tracts of land which may
be greatly improved.

Benefits resulting from experiments upon unproductive
tracts of land, tend to strengthen the cultivator of the soil,
and any improvement advancing the value of land, is of pe-
cuniary benefit, not only to the actual owner of the soil, but
to the community as a whole. No prosperous business can

62

be carried on which confines the advantages derived thereby
within a narrow circle, as snccess in one branch of Imsiness
assists another. Each acre of land, now unproductive, that
is made to produce any description of crop whatever in pay-
ing quantities, adds so much to the general welfare of the
whole, and should thus be recognized.

The experiments of Mr. Hortou are only starting points,
from which others may begin and extend their operations,
and prove more successful than they have heretofore done.
We cannot rest on present results with a confidence that noth-
ing more permanent or productive can be realized. The
wheels of improvement are constantly moving, and happy is
the originator of any experiment which will tend to accelerate
the movement toAvards prosperity. Every unproductive acre
of land treated by Mr. Horton's method, is enhanced in value,
and makes the owner thereof more prosperous and wealthy.

Your committee Avould recommend to all to try experi-
ments upon some piece, large or small, marking the results,
and keeping a full record of every item of expense and the
amounts realized, preparatory to a more extended and thor-
ough development upon a, larger scale ; thus exhibiting plain-
ly the advantages made to appear yearly, and giving to the
agriculturist the result of the various modes employed to
bring about favorable results.

We trust that Mr. Hoi-ton may still continue to im-
prove his pastures, making known to us future opera-
tions upon other lands to be reclaimed by him ; and that the
termination of his annual labors may be presented to us,
showing more profit over the expenditure made ; and that
from his experience many others may in a similar manner
present for our consideration improvements in the same line
of procedure, thus presenting greater inducements to the
husbandman to advance in his profession, with good profits
upon the enterprises he may undertake for the benefit of him-
self an/1 posterity".

Committee — Amos Poor, Benj. S. Barnes.

63

STATEMENT OF JOSEPH HORTON.

To the Committee on Improved Pasture Lands. Gentle-
men:— The land that I offered for your inspection, has been
in pasture a great many years, — not having been ploughed or
cultivated within the memory of my oldest neighbors, — and
measures 152 sq. rods. The soil varies from a stiff clay to a
light, yellow loam ; and the surface, for the most part, is cov-
ered with small, Ioav bushes.

Treatment. With a strong pair of oxen and a plough, —
and I find that a medium-sized plough, with a straight, sharp
coulter reaching to the plough-point, is the best, — I plough off
the hillocks and ridges, frequently assisting the team by cut-
ting through the roots with an old axe. After ploughing I
leave the furrows exposed to the sun for a few days, and
then cut and cart into a heap to burn.

A fire is started at once, and is kept burning until every-
thing is consumed. The field was then ploughed, rolled, and
harrowed, in the usual manner, and seeded to Winter Rye,
nine cartloads of ashes, the product of the fire, being applied
as a dressing.

The next spring the piece was sown to grass, as the rye,
which looked well in the fall, was badly winter-killed. I got
but ten bushels of rye. The following gives the cost of the
improvement : —

Dr.

To 2 men and 1 pair of oxen ploughing off sods 1 day |(5 00
" " " " clearing " 2 days 12 00

" " " *' ploughing " 1 day 6 00

To 1 man and 1 pair of oxen harrowing & rolling 1 day 4 00
To 2 men and 1 pair of oxen spreading ashes 1-2 day 3 00
Cost of seed, — rye and grass 3 00

$34 00

64

Cr.

By 10 bushels of rye, at $1.00,
By 2 1-4 tons of hay, at 20. OQ,

$10 00.
45 00

$55 00
34 00

Balance in favor of improvement, $21 00

The grass was of the first quality, and was estimated by
the Committee to average two tons per acre.

To satisfy others as to the value of these ashes, I selected
a piece adjoining the former, that was free from bushes, and,
after the usual preparation, sowed it to grass.

The piece measured 100 sq. rods, or 5-7 of an acre, and
instead of ashes eight heaping cart-loads of stable manure
were applied as a dressing.

The Committee saw the grass upon both pieces, and my
figures, in regard to the crops are taken from their estimate.
The following is the cost of preparing the second piece :

Dr.

To 2 men and 1 pair of oxen ploughing 1 day (nearly) $5 00

To 1 man and 1 pair of oxen harrowing and rolling, 3 00

Carting and spreading manure, 6 00

Seed, 1 00

Value of manure, ' 16 00

$31 00

Cr.
By 28 cwt. of hay, at $20.00 per ton, $28 00

Balance, $3 00

Notwithstanding the great amount of opposition that I
have met with from those who consider themselves authority,
I still persistently adhere to my former opinions, both as re-
gards the value of the ashes and the method of clearing.

65

I have given both a fair trial, extending over quite a num-
ber of years, submitted them to repeated tests, and am satis-
fied in my own mind that they have a value which is not by
all appreciated.

As to the statement, I can furnish responsible parties who
will act as vouchers should it be desired ; and no inaccuracies
of accounts in the main will be found.

Leaving all to your better judgment, the whole is very re-
spectfully submitted.

MANUEES.

Three statements of experiments with Manures have been
received by the Chairman of the Committee. They came
from Benjamin P. Ware of Marblehead, James P. King of
Peabody, and Francis H. Appleton of West Peabody. The
first premium, of $15, is awarded to Mr. Ware ; the second, of
$10, to Mr. King. Mr. Appleton's statement came after the
Trustees' meeting, at which the awards were accepted, and
therefore too late for a premium, but not too late for the
Society to get the benefit of his experiment.

Mr. Ware's statement leads one to infer that the main
pomt of his experiment was to determine which of two prom-
inent commercial fertilizers is the best for his land. For that
purpose the experiment was very successful, for one gave a
much better crop of corn than the other. But as Mr. Ware
did not test the productive capacity of the land without ma-
nure, we have no data from which to calculate the cost of
the corn produced by either fertilizer.

The main point of Mr. King's experiment seems to have
been to determine whether it is good economy for him to grow
corn with the Stockbridge Fertilizer. His crop was large ;
his land was evidently in good condition without the fertilizer,
but as he did not test its capacity, we cannot tell how much
the fertilizer increased the crop.

5

66

Mr. Appleton's experiment was a test between the Stock-
bridge and Stable Manure, with present results very much in
favor of the Stockbridge Fertilizer.

I think it well for practical farmers, one and all, to admit
that chemical fertilizers are, and aye to be, to stable manure,
what coal is to wood, what kerosene is to whale oil ; they are
to come out of the earth to supply the wants of man, when
the surftice supply gets short*

The first question for every farmer to ask about chemical
manures is, do I need them at present prices? Second, if
needed, how determine what is needed? Some buy what is
supposed to be a complete fertilizer for all plants. If they
get this, they get what is needed, and probably pay for much
that is not needed^ Some buy a complete fertilizer for the
special crop they wish to grow ; if they get this, they get
what is needed, and perhaps some that is not.

The Connecticut farmers, undei* the advice and direction of
Prof. Atwater, of the Connecticut Experiment Station, are
finding out what their land needs, by experimental tests with
separate ingredients of plant food. By so doing, they are
cultivating their powers of observation, and reducing the
cost of fertilizing to the lowest point.

Prof. Atwater says i "Chemists cannot prescribe for soils
as doctors do for patients." He also says : "Stable manure
is a complete fertilizer. It contains all the ingredients of
plant food, and its organic matter improves the mechanical
condition of the soil besides. , It is a standard fertilizer, and
useful everywhere. To learn by what artificial fertilizer this
can be supplemented, in any given case, is, as I have often in-^
sisted, best settled by experience and experiment."

Mr. Ware's experiments show that Darling's Animal Fer-
tilizer is much better for gi^owing corn on his land than the
Stockbridge ; also that the Stockbridge grew better onions
than stable manure.

Mr. King's experiment shows that the Stockbridge Fertil-^
izer works well on his land, and if he can continue to grow

67

such crops year after year with the same amount of fertilizer,
he can get his corn cheap ; but if Darling's will do as much
bettier for him as it did for Mr. Ware, he can grow it still
better with that.

Mr. Appleton's experiment is the most interesting to me,
because the Stockbridge Fertilizer is brought in competition
with stable manure. Mr. Ware's experiment, combined with
Mr. Appleton's, shows me that I do not need either the
Stockbridge or Darling Fertilizer, for I can get all the good
barn cellar manure I think it good, economy to use on what
land I have, at $4 per cord, or less, including the cost of
putting it on the land. I get it by buying hay and grain, and
making milk and manure. Since the spring of 1874, I have
bought between three and four thousand dollars' worth of hay
and grain for making milk. I know the milk has paid for the
hay and grain, besides keeping the stock of cows good, and
that the labor of tending stock and manure will not amount
to more than $4 per cord for the manure, after it is spread
on the land. I have barn room enough for as many animals
as I have acres of land, and aready market at the door for
as much milk as I care to make. These are conditions which
few farmers have, but under these conditions I have no need
for chemicals. If Mr. Applcton had been able to get stable
manure for $4, instead of $10, the cost of manure and fertil-
izer would have been about equal, and the manure crop would
have been 22 1-4 bushels of ears more than the fertilizer crop.

Admitting that the Darlino; Fertilizer would have done as
much better for Mr. Applcton as it did for Mr. Ware, the
manure crop would still have been ahead. The fertilizer
question is a very important one to the market gardener, who
has to buy all his manure, and experiments which determine
the relative value of chemicals to stable manure are very val-
uable to all who purchase manure. There is a valuable lesson
to onion growers in Mr. Daniel Carlton's plan of using barn
manure one year, and Cumberland Superphosphate the next,

68

on the same land, and thereby growing premium onions every
year.

It is safe to add that one reason wliy farmers need so much
is because they have let so much ruu to waste. My advice
to all is, to save all before buying any.

Ansel W. Putnam, for the Oommittee.

STATEMENT OF BENJAMIN P. WARE.

The one acre of land upon which the following experiment
was tried, was ploughed up four years ago, having been in
grass for eight or nine years before, and was quite run out.
It has a gravelly subsoil, is level, and is what would general-
ly be considered good corn land. The first year after break-
ing up, it was manured with seven cords of good compost
manure per acre, and planted with squashes. The second
year it was manured as above and planted with potatoes.
The third vear it was manured with sufficient of Stockbridffe
Corn Fertilizer, purchased of W. H. Bowker & Co., as
would produce, according to his formula, seventy -five bushels
of corn per acre over and above the natural yield of the land
without any fertilizer, which I considered would be forty
bushels per acre, and the product was eighty-one bushels of
very sound shelled corn.

The fourth and last season I divided the acre into two equal
parts, with no noticeable difference in the quality or location
of the land. After ploughing, I spread upon one half, which
I will designate as lot No. 1, 704 lbs. of Darling's Animal
Fertilizer, bought of Whittemore Bros., costing, with freight,
$15.08, and 40 lbs. of Muriate of Potash, costing $1.40, both
amounting to $16.48. On the other half, lot No. 2, I spread
three bags of Stockbridge's Corn Fertilizer, which, according
to his formula, was expected to produce at the rate of sixty
bushels per acre above the natural product of the land, cost-
ing, with freight, $17.25.

The corn was planted with Ross & Co.'s corn planter, and
cultivated wholly with his cultivators, without any hand la-
bor, except pulling out a few scattering weeds that the culti-

69

vator failed to cover sufficiently. This system left the crop
clean of weeds, and reduced the cost of cultivation very ma-
terially, which cost of cultivation and harvesting in the barn
I make $19.50 for the whole acre. The product of lot No. 1
of sound ears of corn was 2597 lbs., of which it took 74 lbs.
to make 56 lbs. of shelled corn, making 35 1-10 bushels of
shelled corn, and 3070 lbs. of stover, at $8 per ton, would
be worth $12.28, which, being deducted from the cost of
production, — fertilizer, $16.48 half of cultivation, $9.75=
$26.23, — would give the cost of 35 1-10 bushels corn $13.95,
which is .39 per bushel. The product of lot No. 2 was 2085
lbs. of ears =i to 28 1-10 bushels shelled corn, and 2360 lbs.
of stover, valued at $9.44, which deducted from cost of pro-
duction,— fertilizer $17.25 -[-cultivation $9.75 =$27. 00 — leav-
ing $17.56 cost of 28 1-9 bushels, or 62 1-2 cents per bushel.
Thus showing that, all other things being equal in this exper-
iment, it cost 39 cents to grow one bushel of 56 lbs. of shell-
ed corn with Darling's Animal Fertilizer, and 62 1-2 cents
with Stockbridge's Fertilizer.

In connection with the foregoing, I also submit the follow-
ing experiment, not carried out with so much exactness, but
showing important results : —

With one half acre of good strong land, that had been well
manured for two years, and upon which onions were sown
last' year, but owing to an unfavorable season the crop was a
failure. Upon four-sixths of this lot I spread, after plough-
ing, four bags of Stockbridge's Onion Fertilizer, prepared by
W. H. Bowker & Co., of whom I purchased it for $6 per
bag, costing at the rate of $72 per acre, and on the rest of
the lot I applied good compost manure, such as I thought
would be suitable for onions, at the rate of eight cords per
acre, costing, I judge, when applied, nine dollars per cord,
or $72 per acre. I called upon several disinterested gentle-
men to examine the crop when growing, and pass judgment
upon the different parts of the piece, and all agreed with me,
that, without measurement, the crop where the Stockbridge

70

Fertilizer was applied was considerably better than where the
manure was used, the cost being the same.

In submitting the statements of these experiments on the
application of manures, I desire to call your attention to the
importance at the present time of carefully conducting such
experiments, that we, as practical farmers, who have a living
to get by our farming operations, may be able to decide first,
can we afford to buy the chemical fertilizers at the prices de-
manded for them ; and, if so, are they an economical sub-
stitute for animal or barn manure? Or if used, will our lands
retain, their present fertility, or increase it, by their use?
These are vital questions, that can only be decided by careful
experiments and for several years. And I trust the members
of our Society may take an active part in solving these ques-
tions to our benefit.

Very respectfully,

Benjamin P. Ware.

STATEMENT OF JAMES P. KING.

The crop of Indian Corn which I offer for premium as an
experiment, grew on one acre of land. The land is of a
black soil, with somewhat of a clay bottoni. The land was
first ploughed in 1875, eight inches deep. Raised a crop of
cabbage the same year, using about five cords of manure of
inferior quality. In 1876 I planted the same piece with po-
tatoes, using about the same quantity of dressing, of good
quality, from my barn cellar. The present year I planted the
same piece to Indian corn, using $20 worth of Stockbridge
Fertilizer, a little less than is recommended per acre for corn.
It was planted June 5th in rows both ways, hills three and
one half feet apart, putting the fertilizer in the hill, with the
following result: Cost of ploughing and harrowing, $5.00;
cost of fertilizer, $20.00 ; hoeing with horse hoe, $2.00 ; cost
of cultivating six times, $9.00 ; cost of Avccding twice, by
boys, $2.00 ; cost of seed and planting, $4.00 ; cost of har-
vesting and storing, $10.00. Weight of corn on the ear.

71

7650 lbs. Estimating 85 lbs. of corn on the cob to make a
bushel of shelled corn, leaves 90 bushels per acre.

90 bushels of corn, at 70 cents per bushel, IG3.00
Value of stover, 20.00

$83.00
Deduct expense, 52.00

$81.00

The above statement I believe to be correct.

• ' James P. King.

STATEMENT OF FRANCIS H. APPLETON.

I have this season used some of the Stockbridge Fertilizer
for corn, which is manufactured by W. H. Bowker & Co.,
Boston, and I believe that the facts in the case, which I give
herewith, will not only be interesting but useful to farmers
in the county. I trust that you can publish them under some
headino; in the Transactions for 1877.

I have carefully surveyed the land, and computed, as accu-
rately as possible, the labor, etc., employed, and also with
equal care the results. I have also, for the sake of compari-
son, studied in a similar way a piece of land sown to corn
and manured with stable manure.

The land was all manured the season of 1876 with stable
manure, (about six cords to the acre,) for potatoes, on an
inverted grass sod. This year's corn crop got an earlier and
better start on the fertilizer piece than on the stable manure
piece, both pieces being sown at the same time.

The question arises, as to how much each crop depended
upon the manure left by the potatoes of 1876. Also how
much succeeding crops will benefit by the manure left in the
land from the stable manure applied this season, and whether
any of the fertilizer remains in the land for future use.

The larger crop on the manured piece cost more to harvest,
as is shown by the figures. In my cost the manure has to be
hauled seven miles. Every farmer can calculate the compar-

72

ative cost of fertilizer and stable manure, which must vary
accordins: to circumstances. I have reduced the results to an
acreage, and give them below : —

Total cost of raising crop, including interest and tax-
es, labor in planting, tending and harvesting, per
acre, not including cost of fertilizer, $36 08

Cost of fertilizer, (Stockbridge Manure,) 23 03— $59 11

2613.19 lbs. tops,

5536.30 lbs. butts.

8149.49 lbs. stover, at $8, • 32 30

112 1-2 bushels corn on cob, per acre, $26 81

Total cost of raising crop, including interest and
taxes, labor in planting, tending and harvesting,
per acre, not including cost of stable manure, $38 33

Cost of six cords stable manure, delivered on farm, 66 00 — $104 33

2655.67 lbs. tops,

5669.62 lbs. butts,

8325.29 lbs. stover, at $8 per ton, 32 66

134 3-4 bushels of corn on cob, per acre, $71 67

The corn was equally good and of excellent quality in each

case.

Yours very respectfully,

Feancis H. Appleton.

GRAIN CROPS.

The Committee on Grain Crops were notified to view the
corn crop of George L. Flook, West Newbury, and accord-
ingly, on the fifteenth day of October, three members of your
Committee met at Mr. Flook's farm, on old "Craneneck
Hill," proceeded at once to the duty assigned them, and
submit the following report, asking that the careful consider-
ation of all interested in the cultivation of corn be given to

73

the experiments of Mr. F., and to the facts herewith presented.

We found a field of nearly three acres of excellent corn,
growing upon a gravelly soil, on the southeasterly slope of
the hill. One acre of this field was entered for the premium.
Mr. Flook stated that the land was broken up last spring,
and upon one half acre a compost of hen manure and barn-
yard scrapings, valued at $10, was spread broadcast and har-
rowed in. The other half acre was treated with $10 worth
of the Stockbridge Fertilizer, in the same manner. A few
rows adjoining received a dressing of ashes. Here the dif-
ference was plaiuly visible, and showed greatly to the disad-
vantage of the ashes, for not only was the crop very much
smaller, but the quality of the corn was also inferior to that
raised upon either the compost or the Stockbridge formula.

The corn was tarred, to prevent the depredations of the
birds, and planted in checks three and one-half feet apart,
each way, care being taken never to exceed six kernels to the
hill. It should be stated that the compost was applied to the
lower, and the Stockbridge formula to the upper, and conse-
quently earlier and dryer end.

Your Committee selected one rod, an average, from both
the lower and upper ends, husked and weighed the corn, re-
marking that the crop on the upper end was filled out better
and also dryer.

The corn raised upon one rod, with the Stockbridge formu-
la, weighed 59 1-2 lbs. The corn' raised upon one rod, with
the hen manure compost, weighed 59 lbs.

The Society's standard has been from 72 to 80 lbs. to the
bushel. This would give in the one case over 131 bushels,
and in the other over 118 bushels of shelled merchantable
corn per acre — an unprecedented crop. We were not satisfied
with this result, and believing that it requires more than 80
lbs. of corn on the ear to the bushel, we determined to test
the matter thoroughly. Mr. Flook, entering earnestly into
the question, hung the corn over the kitchen stove, where it
remained two weeks drying. At the request of Messrs.

74

Ordway and Day, I examined and again weighed the corn on
the day it was shelled, Oct. 29th, and the result j)rores what
your Committee expected it would — the corn was dr}^ hard,
flinty, and lit to grind.

The shelled corn raised upon one rod with Stockbridge
formula, weighed 36 3-4 lbs., (a shrinkage of 22 3-4 lbs,,)
105 bushels per acre.

The shelled corn raised on one rod with hen manure com-
post, weighed 36 lbs., (a shrinkage of 23 lbs.,) 102 6-7
bushels per acre, making Mr. Flook's actual croj) nearly 104
bushels per acre, instead of 131 bushels, as tested by the
standard of 72 lbs. per bushel. It will be seen that the
shrinkage from the gross weight when harvested, to the net
weight when merchantable, is nearly 40 percent., and we
hope our Trustees will hereafter make the standard 90 lbs.
per bushel.

The Committee were unanimous that Mr. Flook's crop was
well worthy of the iirst premium. Mr. J. J. H. Gregory's
crop was viewed by Mr. Akerman, and the result [see his
statement annexed] being so satisfactory, we award him a
gratuity of eight dollars.

When we take into consideration the enormous amount of
corn exported in 1876 — 50,910,532 bushels, — nearly seventy
per cent, greater than the previous year, — and also the fact
that New Hampshire last year raised 2,029,000 bushels of
corn, and Massachusetts only 1,150,000, — would it not be
well for the ' ' Old Essex Society " to endeavor to increase
this all-important crop, by oifering more than one premium
for corn ?

We award to E. P. Eobinson, of Hamilton, for his Rye
Crop, the premium of $10. For particulars, see his state-
ment annexed.

Committee — Horace F. LougfelloM^ Hanson Ordway, John
Day, Joseph Akerman.

75

STATEMENT OF G. L. FLOOK.

The crop of 1875 and 1876 was grass ; the nature of the
soil was gravelly, low; broken up in the spring of 1877;
ploughed to the depth of eight inches ; spread on about ten
dollars' worth of- Stockbridge Manure and about ten dollars'
worth composted of hen manure and barnyard. Cost of plant-
ing, harrowing, and ploughing, seven dollars ; amount of
seed, one peck of eight rowed yellow corn, worth twenty-five
cents ; cultivated twice and hoed three times. Cost of culti-
vation, ten dollars ; cost of harvesting, eleven dollars and a
quarter. Amount of fodder I estimate worth twenty dollars.
Amount of crop, 104 bushels.

STATEMENT OF J. J. H. GREGORY.

Previous to 1875 the land was in grass, and had been for
many years. In 1875 it was broken up, being at the time
badly run out. The crop of that year was Drumhead Cab-
bages, the ground being well manured with ^glue waste and
leached ashes broadcast, with ground bone and hen manure in
the hills. The crop of 1876 was Potatoes, which received a
liberal manuring with fish waste, glue waste, potash, and su-
perphosphate, the two latter in the drills. It was ploughed
both last fall and spring, about seven inches deep. Previous
to the spring ploughing, eight cords, half of barn manure
and half a compost of waste fish and soil, at the rate of one
part of fish to three of soil, were spread broadcast. Four
hundred and fifty pounds of muriate of potash were harrowed
in, and seven hundred and fifty pounds of the pomace of the
castor oil bean were scattered in the drills. The drills were
made three and one-half feet apart, and the corn dropped a
foot between the kernels. The entire cost of ])reparing the
ground and planting was about $12.00. Cost of the manure :
barn manure, $32.00; fish waste, $15.00; muriate of potash,
$12.00; bean pomace, $7.00. The corn was planted Ma}^
15th, but owing to devastation from the crows, a considerable
portion of it had to be replanted at various intervals up to

76

the middle of June, which, as every former knows, is unfa-
vorable to the crop, the late planted not yielding as well, that
first planted overgrowing and overshadowing it. The variety
was a new kind, named the "Compton," originated by Mr.
Compton of Pennsylvania, by planting the abnormal ears
which sometimes grow in place of the spindle. The seed for
the acre cost about $5.00, and the planting of it $2.00. The
corn was cultivated four times, at a cost of $5.00, and hoed
and weeded at an additional expense of $5.00. It required
no thinning. Owing to great press of other work, it was not
harvested until the close of October, having suffered consid-
erably from the depredations of crows and rats. In Septem-
ber it was topped, and the stover secured in good condition.
The cost of gathering and husking was $10.00. The yield of
the acre was two hundred and two bushels of ears, of which
only twelve were inferior in size and quality, the remainder
making the handsomest lot of ears I ever saw grown on an
acre of ground ; they were remarkably large, many of them
being twelve and fourteen rowed, and were almost uniformly
filled out to the tips. Many of the stalks had three good
sized ears on them. Some of the ears were glazed in seventy
days from the date of planting. The stalks were quite tall,
and suckered freely, making the stover of more than ordinary
value. Large as was my crop, it was much below that for
which Mr. Compton was awarded the Conrad Wilson prize,
by a committee of intelligent gentlemen. An objection to
the Compton Corn is the size of the cob, which is a partial
offset to the size of the ear, and to its habit of filling out to
the butt, its earliness and productiveness.

It will be seen that the cost of the acre of corn, charging,
as customary, one-half the cost of the manure to the crop,
was $69.00. At 87 cents a bushel for northern corn, the
value of the crop would be $87.00. If to this $25 is added
for the value of the stalks, which abounded in suckers, and
were unusually tall, the value of the crop would be $112.

James J. H. Gregory.

77

[CERTIFIOATE.]

Middleton, Mv., 1877.

I hereby certify that the 202 bushels of Comptoii Corn en-
tered by Mr. Gregory, grew on one acre of land, as measured

by me.

Henry B. Winslow.

statement of e. p. robinson.
Dr.

To Ploughing, Harrowing and Sowing 4 acres Rye,

To 250 bushels Ashes, unleached.

To 12 bushels Rye,

To Reaping, &c..

To Threshing, by hand.

To net proceeds, or profit,

Cr.
By 80 1-2 bushels Rye,
By 5 tons Rye Straw,

$48

00

44

50

12

00

5

00

12

00

46

93

1168

43

$68 43

100

00

$168 43

By actual measurement the field contained four acres, or so
near that as to authorize it being so called. This land
has not had any manuring for at least seven years, and was
so demoralized that less than one ton of hay was cut on it in
1876. This last fact led the writer to break it up and sow
rye. The statement shows a net profit of $46.93. This
would be a handsome per cent, on investment, (and is,) but
should be carried on more largely.

Hoping to hear from you soon, and in proper time, I am

Yours, E. P. Robinson.

78

EOOT CROPS.

The Committee went first to the "Cochichewick Farm," in
North Andover, owned by Mr. J. D. W. French, Potatoes,
Mangolds, and Ruta Bagas were the crops offered. There
were no other entries for the same kind of ves^etables. These
crops were all good, though not a very extra yield. The po-
tatoes were large, better to sell than to keep. The Commit-
tee award to Mr. French the premium of $10 for each of his
entries.

The science which Mr. French has brought to bear upon
the surroundings, and conditions under which he farms, has
enabled him to unite the ornamental and practical, the artis-
tic and needful, the landscape beauty of good clean cultiva-
tion with the solid satisfaction of good crops and handsome
and productive cattle. The farm and the country seat are
well joined together in '"Cochichewick Farm."

Daniel Carlton, of North Andover, comes next on the list.
Here we saw a very good crop of Onions, for which the Com-
mittee award him the Society's premium of $10.

The conditions under which Mr. Carlton farms are very
different from the surroundings of Mr. French ; and yet Mr.
Carlton's agricultural science has enabled him to unite his
farm with a genuine New England farmer's home, a home in
which the sons seem to be content to remain and work with
the father. If any readers of this report have not a clear and
comprehensive idea of what a " farmer's home " means, let
them get Dr. Loring's Portland speech and learn what it
means.

The next visit was to the form of Mr. Rufus Goodwin,
Ayer's Village. Here we saw a good crop of Onions, but
not as good as Mr. Carlton's.

Mr. Goodwin's farm is very different from either Mr.
French's or Mr. Carlton's. It is a village farm of ten acres,
but with agricultural and mechanical science, Mr. GoodAvin is
uniting and wcldinof together, — machinist fashion, — all that
needs to be united in farm, garden, and home.

79

Mr. H. A. Merrill, of North Beverly, entered Cabbages.
By selecting the best one-half acre in a four acre lot, he
showed the Committee a fair crop of cabbages for a dry sea-
son. With more rain at the ri ht time, and a good market,
his crop might have been very profitable, for he has reduced
the cost of growing to a very small sum. He had premium
cabbages last year, and grew $161.50 worth with $17.25
worth of manure.

The conditions under which Mr^ Merrill farms are well
calculated to teach economy of production. Growing vege-
tables for the Boston market, on land rented by the year in
North Beverly, makes economy of production a necessity, if
one expects to add satisfactory net cash returns to the pleas-
ure of o'rowing cabbao-es and cartino; them to Boston.

The Committee give Mr. Merrill the credit of havino- done
well under the circumstances | but they were not at liberty to
give him the premium, because Mr. J. J. H. Gregory, of
Marblehead, entered a much better crop, and to him the
Committee award the premium of $10.

The conditions under which Mr. Gregory farms are very
ditFerent from those under which most farmers work, and it
is very fortunate for all purchasing seeds from him, that he
has been able to bring to the conditions under which he works
the practical skill which enables him to produce very superior
l^arent seed stock, from which to grow his seeds. It is per-
haps well that he is not compelled to study economy of pro-
duction as closely as some of us, for half fed stock of any
kind are not likely to be first class producers. ,

Mr. French, in his statement, has called attention to the
manure value of Mangold tops. It is well for all growing
mangolds to solve, to their own satisfaction, how best to
utilize this value. My experience with them has led me to
think that, when fed under the right conditions, instead of
being a "very indifferent" food, they are, on the contrary, a
very superior food for milch cows.

80

I infer, from German experiments, and tables given us by
Prof. Atwater, of the Connecticut Experiment Station, that
the tops of all the beet family are very rich in mineral, or ash
ingredients, and also in nitrogen or albuminoids. Being rich
in both of these makes them very valuable as manure ; being
rich in albuminoids makes them valuable as food. Green
clover is good manure, it is also good food, and though the
organic matter in beet leaves is much less than in clover, —
7.7 in 100 lbs. of the leaves, to 20.3 in 100 lbs. of clover, —
the ratio of albuminoid to carbo-hydrates is nearly the same,
— 1 to 2.37 in the leaves, and 1 to 2.33 in the clover. I
think a pound of the organic matter that is in mangold tops
will make more milk than a pound of organic matter in green
clover, for, four years' experience in soiling for milk, has
led me to think, that, other things being equal, the more
water in the form of sap there is connected with the organic
matter, the more milk I can get from a given amount of the
organic matter. There is no water like sap water for making
milk, and therein lies, as I think, the great value of root
crops, — tops and bottoms. In feeding the tops, we lose but
a small per cent, of their manure value — less than they charge
at the bank to discount a note for the same time ; I can col-
lect two dividends from the plant food, which is the fiirmer's
trading capital. In the mangold tops, before they are ready
for plant food, if ploughed in, I can feed them in October,
put out the manure and sow rye, feed the rye in the spring,
use the manure to grow fodder corn, and feed that by the
time the leaves ploughed in are decayed enough to become
plant food. There are facts connected with the problem of
collecting dividends from plant food that are not generally
understood. When I grow mangolds, my plan is to begin to
harvest early, so that I can have some time in which to use
the tops. I top them in the field and while standing ; the
tops can be taken off much better than after they are pulled.
Put the tops, as taken off, into a large basket, and from the

81

basket into a cart. After as many rows are topped as we
want leaves for a day or two, then the roots are gathered 5
that clears the ground, so that the cart can get near for more
leaves. As the tops must be taken from the roots, it is but
little labor to get them to the barn, and into the farmer's
chemical laboratory — the cow's stomach, — and extract the
milk from them, thereby changing the refuse at once into
good plant food.

Comjiiitlee — Ansel W. Putnam, Chairman ; Henry W. Fos-
ter, Willis P. Sargent, Andrew Mansfield, A. P. Fuller.

STATEMENTS OF J. D. W. FRENCH.
POTATOES.

The following is the account of my Potato crop, entered
for premium : —

The land used for this crop, previous to 1875, had never
been in cultivation, but was a piece of low meadow land,
covered with wild grasses and bushes. In the summer of
1875 the whole meadow was drained with tile drain running
into an open ditch, stoned at the sides, which extended the en-
tire length of the meadow.

In the fall of that year the land was ploughed for the first
time. In 1876 the crop was corn. Stable manure was used
at the rate of six cords to the acre. The soil is of a peaty
nature, mixed with sand. The land was not ploughed in
1876, but horse hoed. In the spring of 1877 it was cross
ploughed, that is, ploughed in the opposite direction from
the ploughing of 1875. The depth of furrow was eight
inches. The planting took place May 4th. The drills were
furrowed out three and one-half feet apart, and planted with
small potatoes fifteen inches apart in the.drills. The quantity
X)f land entered is one-half acre. Finished digging and hous-
ing potatoes August 24th.

82

Dr.

To seed, six bushels small Potatoes,
To ploughing and harrowing, two days.
To planting and weeding, four days,
To manure, two and one-half cords.
To harvesting, two and one-half days

Ce.
By 140 bushels saleable Potatoes at 60 cts.,
" 20 " small " at 25 cts.,

Profit on 1-2 acre, $53 25.

$ 3

00

3

00

6

00

20

00

3

75

$35

75

$84 00

5

00

$89 00

In the above no account is made of the tops, or of the
Value of the manure for future crops.

Boussingault says, in his "Rural Economy," that, from
experiments made, he found that the Potato tops from an
acre of ground might be equal to six or seven hundred weight
of that manure presumed to be dry. See also statement oil
Mangolds.

MANGOLDS.

I herewith present the account of my Mangold crop entered
for premium :

This crop was grown on part of the same meadow as de-
scribed in statement on Potato crop.

Variety, Long Eed. Sowed seed May 12th by machine,
in drills forty inches apart. The plants were thinned out to
twelve or fifteen inches apart. Extent of land, 1-2 acre.
Roots put in cellar October 20th.

During the month of September, the land suflfered severely
from drought, so that the crop is not as large as usual. Thir-
ty-six tons per acre have been raised on my farm, whereas this
year the crop is only twenty-six tons. The salt was broad-
cast, and the hen manure put in along the drills. The barn

83

manure was spread on the whole piece. It is my practice to
leave the tops on the land to be ploughed in.

My experience agrees with that of Boussingault, that they
should only be given to cattle in cases of necessity. He states
that "it is generally much better to bury them in the ground
immediately after the crop is gathered. If they be very in-
different food, they are, on the contrary, excellent manure,
superior in quality even to the best farm dung;" also, that
the leaves of the beet from an acre of ground, are equal to
six or seven hundred weight of that manure in a state of dry-
ness ; but in another place he says that an acre produced
85 3-4 cwt. of green, and 9 3-4 of dry leaves. His average
crop is only 10 1-2 tons, probably about half what it is in
this country.

Composition of Dry Leaves; — Carbon, 38.1; Hydrogen,
5.1; Oxygen, 30.8; Azote, 4.5; Salts and Earths, 21.5;
equaling 100.0.

Dr.

To seed 1 1-2 lbs.,

Ploughing and harrowing 2 1-4 days,

Hidging and sowing 1 1-2 days,

Weeding and thinning, 6 days,

Barn manure, 3 cords,

Hen manure, 3 bushels.

Salt, 2 bushels,

Harvesting, 5 days.

Balance to credit,

$108 75

Cr.

By 435 bushels Mangolds, at 25 cents per bushel,

or 13 tons, ^ $108 75

$1

12

3

37

2

25

9

00

24

00

1

50

.50

7

50

$49

24

59

51

84

RtJTA BAGA8.

I present the following statement of Ruta Baga crop en-
tered for premium : —

This crop was grown, as well as the Mangolds, on part of
same meadow as the Potato crop entered for premium.
Sowed seed June 16th; this proved to have been much too
early, as the crop went strongly to tops. Drills forty inches
apart, and plants thinned out to twelve or fifteen inches
apart. Harvested Oct. 27th. The quantity of land occupied
by this crop is 1-2 acre.

Dr.

To seed, 1-2 lb., $ 25

Ploughing and harrowing, 2 1-4 days, 3 37

Ridging and sowing, 1 1-2 days, 2 25

Weeding, 1 3-4 days, 2 62

Barn Manure, 3 cords, 24 00

Stockbridge Fertilizer, 1 bag, 6 00

Harvesting 5 days, 7 50

$45 99
Balance to credit, 32 01

$78 00

Cr.

By 260 bushels Ruta Bagas, at 30 cts., or 7.8 tons, $78 00

SEEDLING POTATOES.

Your Committee on Seedling Potatoes would report that
on invitation of Mr. R. Goodwin, of Haverhill, (Ayer's Vil-
lage,) it visited his farm, and heard his statements under oath
regarding a seedling potato ofi'ered by him for premium. The
Committee, all of whom were present, examined the seedling
offered and other seedlings, and compared them in connection
with the Early Rose, especially the seedling offered for pre-

85

miiim, with which it is very nearly allied in looks and taste.
Your Committee also had the pleasure of tasting this seedling
boiled, and of comparing it with other potatoes cooked in the
same manner. Your Committee saw this potato taken from
the hills in several localities, and was much pleased with the
enthusiasm of Mr. Goodwin in this department of agricul-
ture, and also in the apparent honesty shown in presenting
his different statements.

Mr. Goodwin makes this statement in writing to your
Committee, under date of Sept. 17, 1877: "In 1873 I
planted potato seed from the ball of the Orino potato planted
beside the Early Rose. Near them were the Peerless, Davis
Seedling, Riley Red, and State of Maine. I got from the
seed twelve or fifteen different seedling potatoes. From the
one I offer for premium I raised six potatoes in 1873. I
planted the six potatoes in 1874, and the yield was one-half
bushel. In 1875 raised eight bushels from one-half bushel,
on ground manured with common stable manure, three cords
on acre, cultivated in. In 1876 planted about six bushels,
and raised from them ninety-five bushels, manuring as the pre-
vious year. This year I planted seventeen pounds of the
seedling, cut in one-eye pieces, and sprouted them in boxes,
planted them on May 5th, and the yield was six bushels, with
but few small potatoes. Seventeen pounds of the Early
Rose, of the same size, treated the same way, yielded four
bushels of smaller potatoes and a larger amount of small
ones." He says the yield of some planted by him and not
sprouted was heavier.

Mr. Joseph How, under date of Sept. 13, 1877, writes
that, "In the spring of 1876 Mr. Rufus Goodwin gave me
two of his seedling potatoes, which I planted, and gave him
the result. Last spring I planted the proceeds of last year's
crop by the side of the Early Rose. The amount of the crop
was a very little in favor of the Early Rose. I was not quite
satisfied with the experiment. The most convenient place I
had to plant them was in the garden, where it was partially
shaded, and I think the Early Rose had a little the best

8G

chance. I think, therefore, that my experiment the present
year should have but little or no influence in the case. As to
the quality of the potatoes, we have cooked but few of them,
and thus far find but little or no difierence between them and
the Early Rose."

Mr. T. J. Goodrich states in writing that he planted this
year "a few of Mr. Goodwin's potatoes. As to earliuess
and yield I think they are equal to the Early Rose, and bet-
ter in quality."

Mr. Chandler, of Andover, under date of Sept. 17, 1877,
writes that, "In 1876 I raised ten pounds from one potato
given me by Mr. Goodwin. This year planted four pounds
in the field, had 125 pounds of good market potatoes, not
weighing little ones. Planted four pounds of Early Rose by
side of them, did not cover much more than half the ground
that the others did ; had 84 pounds ; could not say in regard
to their being earlier than the Early Rose, but they cook as
well or better than the Early Rose. They are very smooth
and fine, but look so much like the Early Rose that it would
be hard to pick them out if put side by side."

George Cogswell, Chairman of your Committee, would
state that on the evening of July 20th last, Mr. Goodwin
called on him at his Riverside Farm, where he was stopping
for the summer, and gave him, perhaps a peck, of his seed-
ling potatoes. He stated that these potatoes were planted on
the 16th of May, 1877, being two months and four days.
These potatoes were fine looking, cooked well, and were of
excellent quality, — as good or better than the Early Rose in
its best days.

In conclusion your Committee would state that they regard
the seedling potato, pi-^sented by Mr. Goodwin, of even size,
smooth and fine looking, and good in cooking qualities, and
according to the testimony presented, earlier than the Early
Rose, which it much resembles. In fact the likeness was so
great that the Committee hesitated in recommending a premi-
um, and would advise that the decision be referred to next

87

year, and that in the meantime Mr. Goodwin place in the
hands of two of your Committee, such as he might be in-
clined to select, to be by them tested, some of these seedling
potatoes, for the purpose of reporting thereon ; and, further,
your Committee would suggest that in making up the Com-
mittee for another year, a majority of the Committee of the
present year be placed thereon.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Geo. Cogswell, Chairman.

THE EXHIBIT OF MANUFACTURES AT THE FAIR.

Among the varied interests exhibited at the hall during the
Essex Agricultural Society's Fair, the one great attraction
was the manufactures of Lawrence and vicinity. The marked
improvement in the quality, finish, textui'e, and variety of
products, was quite evident since the last exhibition some
twelve years ago, and places Lawrence in the front ranks for
producing fabrics not excelled as to quality and superb finish.
The varied products will bear me in the assertion that these
fabrics are what the people require, and fully equal to any
foreign production suitable for lady or gentleman to wear.

The Arlington Mills is an establishment devoted almost
entirely to the production of ladies' wear ; the only exception
is the manufacture of Lasting for Shoes. Their exhibit con-
sisted of ten qualities of Alpaca ; three qualities of Twilled
Brocade ; one quality of Matallasse ; three qualities of Twilled
Bunting for Dresses ; one quality of Lasting for Shoes. The
product of this corporation yearly is $225,000. Annual pro-
duct, yards, 5,000,000.

The Atlantic Cotton Mills, as its name implies, manufac-
tures first-class plain cotton goods in different grades, which
are found in all our home markets ; also shipped largely to
foreign countries.

8S

Everett Mills product consisted of Cottonades, Denims,
Cheviot Shirtings, and Dress Goods. Samples of all were
placed on exhibition, all of which were much admired by the
Committee, and the general expression was that they were
suitable for the use of the most fastidious.

Pacific Mills exhibited an assortment of their every day
production, of Printed and Dyed Cottons and Worsted Goods,
comprising Worsted Goods, Cashmeres, Merinos, Alpacas,
Poplin Lustres, Serges, Printed and Dyed Cottons, Percales,
Corded Jaconets, Organdies, Lawns, Cretons, Prints, &c.

Pacific Mills goods are too well known to call for a descrip-
tion. There is not a dry goods store in the land where Pa-
cific Mills productions are not known. They are staples such
as are required by the people. Pacific Mills are known in
Europe by their productions. There is scarcely a maker of
textile fabrics in England, France, or Germany, that caters
for the United States market, that does not know and respect
the productions of these mills. There is no establishment in
Europe devoted to the manufacture of textile fabrics so ex-
tensive as the Pacific Mills of Lawrence. In this connection
it is pleasant to know that the enterprise has been a financial
success from the beginning. The Company leave no efibrt
untried to elevate their employes, morally, physicallj', and
intellectually.

Lawrence Woollen Mill exhibited some very fine Shawls,
Cloths, Cassimeres, Coatings, Fancy Cloakings, Suitings,
Repellants, and Opera Flannels. These cloths are made from
fine wool, and are finely finished fabrics.

Pemberton Company made a very fine display of Cotton
and Woollen Goods in variety. This mill was erected upon
the same spot where one fell in January, 1860, and has, since
starting, run to its full capacity upon a large variety of pro-
ducts in both wool and cotton. Through the excellent man-
agement of David Nevins, Esq., its President, who is also at
the head of the selling house of Nevins & Co., who sell its
products in all markets, the mill has maintained a high repu-

89

tation for the style and quality of the great variety of fabrics
it produces. Through good times and bad times, buoyancy
or depression of trade, it has been kept constantly in opera-
tion, giving employment to a large number of operatives, and
a living to those dependent upon them.

In its display at our exhibition, there were fine All-Wool
Goods for ladies' wear, in all shades of color, Bourette and
Matallasse Goods of both Wool and Cotton, for ladies' dress-
es, stout, closely-woven Cottonades for men's wear, Shaker
Flannels, Shirting Flannels, Cotton Flannels, with many
other varieties skilfully and tastefully manufactured.

The Washington Mills made an extensive exhibit of Ladies'
and Gentlemen's wear, which Avas admired alike by Commit-
tee and the public, all uniting that quality and finish fully
equalling any foreign production. The Cloakings and Suit-
ings were the finest of fabrics. The variety exhibited con-
sisted of Shandons in fancy suitings of fine wool ; Trosachs
and Inverness fancy suitings from American and Canadian
wool, in. black and blue and fancy colors ; Vienna Coatings,
Black Worsted Cloth for Sontags, with worsted face and
woollen back ; Gilderslieve Superfine Worsted in black and
numerous fancy colors ; Matallasse Cloakings for ladies' wear,
made from worsted for face, and mohair and wool backs, in
black, blue, brown and green shades of color; Chantilly Su-
perfine Cloaking for ladies' wear, in fancy weave and fancy
colors, superfine worsted on the face, and fine wool backs ;
Blue Flannels and fine cloths from XX American and Aus-
tralian wool ; Extra Bay State Shawls, from Super and XX
wools in various styles and colors ; Eider Shawls, in imitation
of Camel's Hair Shawls ; also Serge in five shades ; Extra
Cashmere in seven shades ; Winter Cashmere in seven shades ;
Poplin in four shades ; Cretons in five shades ; Alpaca, 22
inch and 6-4, ten shades ; Wool-Dyed Brilliantiues in seven
shades; Wool-D3^ed Serge in eight shades; Fine Serge, six
shades ; Washington Fancies in six styles ; Costume Cloth
in seven shades ; Polonaise Cloth, two styles ; Fabrique Brou-

90

sette in seven shades, two different styles ; Twilled Biege,
five shades ; Biege Fancies in six shades, three styles ; Diag-
onals, four shades, three different styles. Total, one hundred
and thirty pieces, in one hundred and four shades and in
thirty different styles of Dress Goods,

Smith and Dove Manufacturing Co., of Andover, is one of
the successful enterprises of this vicinity, whose products are
known at least over the entire country. Their exhibit con-
sisted of Flax, Undressed Flax, Dressed Flax Sliver, Robing,
Yarns and Carpet Yarns, Shoe Thread and Machine Thread,
Engine Hose Twine ; Warp and Filling for weaving Linen ;
Fire Hose ; and Bookbinders' Twine. To witness the differ-
ent stages of manufacture, from the raw to the marketable
product, was very interesting to all.

B. S. Hale & Sons' manufactory, of Lawrence, is a new
industry in our city, and they are producing in their line some
superior goods in workmanship and finish. The goods ex->
hibited were Laid Linen Fish Lines, braided of linen and
silk ; Laid Waterproof Lines ; Braided do. ; Bleached Chalk
Lines ; Silk and Cotton Covered Wire, Copper and Iron, for
electrical purposes ; Silk and Worsted Covered Flexible Roll
Cord ; and Patent Asphalt Covered Copper and Iron Wire,
for Waterproof and Insulation.

Methuen Company. The display of Jute and Cotton Goods
made by this Company, was one of exceeding interest, especi-r
ally of the Jute goods. The manufacture of Jute goods into
various fabrics, is a comparatively new one to this country.
Heretofore it has been largely confined to Scotland, in Great
Britain, where the fibre is admitted free of duty, audit enters
into a large variety of the cloths manufactured there.

The fibre is grown in the swamps of India, and being
planted, gathered, and put up for market, by the very cheap
labor of natives, is not so costly as wool or cotton. The
manufacture of this fibre into cloth was introduced into Me-
thuen at the Methuen Company's Mills several years ago, by
David Nevins, Esq., and through his indomitable will, perse-

91

verance, and energy, it has been successfully wrought into
many kinds of useful fabrics. To make this Jute manufac-
ture thoroughly successful in this country, it only needs that
we should have the same advantage as Great Britain, namely,
that the raw Jute should be brought into this country free of
duty ; it now has to pay a large one. Samples of the fabrics
made at Methuen were shown at our fair. Draperies for halls
and parlors. Carpets in bright or subdued shades of color,
Canvas for U. S. Mail Bags, Grain Bags, Cotton Bagging,
together with man}^ other fabrics of Jute, made one of the
most interesting features of the display of manufactures, and
was doubtless a new revelation to most who visited the hall
durins: the exhibition.

This mill also displayed excellent Cotton Goods, — Cotton
Flannels, Tickings, Awning Stripes, and Skirtings, — with
other kinds, all equal to those manuftictured in this or any
other country.

Wm. D. Lamb, for Committee.

Lawrence, Oct. 27th, 1877.

TREADWELL FARM.

The Committee on the Treadwell Farm respectfully submit
the following report : —

The buildings received a second coat of paint in April last,
and now have a very neat and tidy appearance. They will
not need repairs to any considerable extent for many years to
come. Further improvements have been made by Mr. Phil-
brook in clearing bushes from the highly ornamental pine
grove, and along the borders of a brook within the bounda-
ries of the farm, and also from a small pond that was formerly
filled with unsightly brush. This, with the improved condi-
tion of the farm buildings, and the clean culture bestowed

92

upon the farm, give it a very neat and thrifty appearance ;
excelled in that particular by very few farms in the County,

It may be interesting to those who have followed the three
years' experiment that closed last year, to know that lot No.
1, which was fertilized three years ago with Russell Coe's Su-
perphosphate, showed little or no effect from it this year ;
the growth of grass being about the same as on lot No. 4,
where no fertilizer was used. Crop not worth mention.
Lot No. 2, that was fertilized with Brighton Abattoir Fertili-
zer, compared favorably with lot No. 3, which had an appli-
cation of barn-yard manure.

The growth of grass was fair, showing unmistakably the
effects of the application made three years ago.

This year 67 1-4 cords of barn-yard manure, and $115.50
worth of Stockbridge Fertilizer have been applied to the farm.

The products of the farm were : 20 barrels of apples, 9
bushels cranberries, 225 bushels of potatoes, 415 bushels of
mangolds, 250 bushels of carrots, 265 bushels of turnips, 20
bushels of green peas, 3 1-2 bushels of beans, 20 bushels of
onions, 850 bushels of corn in the ear, 44,084 cucumbers,
4560 cabbages, three cartloads of pumpkins, 12 tons of Eng-
lish hay, 20 tons of meadow hay, 5 tons Hungarian hay.

An experiment with Stockbridge Fertilizer was tried upon
five acres of very thin poor pine plainland, that had not been
manured for very many years, and had not virtue enough to
support a sod of any kind before ploughing, which was done
in the autumn of 1865, and sown with winter rye. It pro-
duced but a very small growth of rye last year, showing how
very poor the land was. Stockbridge's formula for corn fer-
tilizer sufficient to produce fifty bushels of corn per acre, was
api^lied to the five acres, and to two of the five one bag per
acre in addition was used in the hill, which seemed to increase
the crop fully one third. The product of the whole five acres
was 420 bushels of ears of corn.

Benjamin P. Ware, for the Committee.

93

NEW WINTER APPLES.

There has been offered for several years the liberal premi -
um of one hundred dollars for a new kind of winter apples
equal to the Baldwin or Roxbury Russet. We suppose it
means for late keeping as well as for quality. We well re-
member the discussion that took place among the trustees
about offering this large premium. It was said by some of
the oldest and most experienced members, that, in their
opinion, apple trees would in time deteriorate and become
less productive, and the fruit inferior in quality, and the im-
portance of new kinds of late keeping apples was particular-
ly alluded to. If it is a fact that apples deteriorate, as above
stated, it is wise to look for new kinds. Notwithstanding the
large premium that has been offered, we believe there has
been no application for it.

We well remember the old orchards and the great quantity
of apples they produced in our early days, nearly all of which
were made into cider, as there was but little or no market for
them within a reasonable distance.

There were several kinds that originated in our neighbor-
hood, that were of superior quality which would not have
dishonored the tables at our County Fair. The origin of
those trees, some of which are yet standing, would, we think,
date back about 150 years. The Methuen Pippin, the Bean
apple, the Orange apple, the Red apple, and other kinds, are
all now in existence in our locality, but have so deteriorated
that they are now considered of but little value.

The Roxbury Russet, we suppose from the name, originated
in Roxbury; as to the time, we have no knowledge. Among
our earliest recollections, were the Russet trees on our father's
farm, one of which was sufficiently large to bear several bar-
rels of apples. And in imagination we can see the tree loaded
with large fair fruit, yellowed with golden russet tinged with
red from the rays of the sun ; and when kept till spring , they
tasted quite as well as they looked on the tree.

94

There was the Rhode Island Greening, which came, as we
have been informed, from Rhode Island, which produced,
like the Russet, a very beautiful fruit, but noAv, like the
Russet, has greatly deteriorated. There was but little en-
couragement at this early day to cultivate apples for market,
as Salem was the only market, and the manner of convey-
ance was such that it was not easy to convey them there.
The most of the marketing was done at this time on horse-
back. We well remember seeing the horses loaded with
sacks, containing the products of the farm, such as butter,
cheese, eggs, poultry, and other light articles, and sometimes
grain was carried on horseback. The good women also some-
times went, carrying the products of the dairy, the spinning
wheel and loom. These companies Would naturally remind
one of the children of Israel carrying corn in sacks out of
Egypt.

It will be seen at once that apples would be an inconven-
ient article to carry on horseback, and as there were no wag-
ons, our father adopted the following plan for carrying his
apples to market. He took the top of his chaise from the
carriage, then placed boards on the axle and crossbars, on
which he placed his bags of apples and other things he car-
ried to market.

As to the pnce of apples at this early day, we recollect
hearing our father say that he got a barrel of flour for four
bushels of apples. He sold his apples for two dollars per
bushel, and paid eight dollars per barrel for the flour.

A man who is our senior in years, related the following in-
cident : He says the first wagon he recollects ever seeing,
was a new one hired by his mother before it was painted, to
go to Salem to market, and he went for the first time with
her, she having been previously accustomed to go to market
on horseback. Among other things carried to market at this
time were some checkered handkerchiefs of her own manufiic-
ture, for the soldiers in the service of the war of 1812.

95

From the above, and our own recollection, wagons were not
much used until about this time, 1812 or 1813.

Tli^ Sawyer apple originated in Methuen, on the bank of
the Merrimack, and on the farm of the late Aaron Sawyer,
which gave name to the fruit, the origin of which will date
back probably as far as those above named. There was an
important and protracted trial at which we were present, be-
tween Mr. Sawyer and the Essex Company, about the value
of this tree, which was then in a decayed state j and would
have soon been likely to die a natural death* The Essex
Company, by building their dam at Lawrence, flowed the
land where the tree stood, and large damage was claimed for
its value. Many witnesses were called and much time was
consumed to prove the large amount of valuable apples it had
previously produced, and consequently the great value of the
tree. We have no doubt, from the amount of the award of
the referees, that it had considerable influence in their deci-
sion. The tree we suppose was unusually large, a prolific
bearer, and of superior autumn fruit. It now appears, from
those that were grafted from it within our knowledge, that
the fruit is depreciating like other varieties of about the
same age.

The Runnels apple, or iron apple, as they are sometimes
called, were formerly prolific bearers, and were considered
profitable apples to cultivate. Their value consisted in their
late keeping and good cooking qualities, but not for the
table.

We remember many years ftgo being on the farm of the
late John Barker, of North Andover, who was then known
to be famous for his late-keeping winter apples, and his care
of keeping and marketing them.

A tree was pointed out to us of the Runnels variety, from
which it was said that he got fifty dollars for a one-horse load
carried to Boston. He carried twenty-five bushels, and sold
them for two dollars per bushel. Whether the tv\^enty-tive
bushels were all the tree produced, we were not informed.

96

The Currier apple originated in our neighborhood, proba-
bly within the present century, and on the farm of a Mr«
Currier, which gave name to the apple. They are jujey, of
good flavor; in form like the Porter apple, but not quite as
large ; a little striped with red, and will keep longer than the
Baldwin, and the tree is an uncommonly great bearer.

We were informed by Mr. Gorden, the present owner, that
he picked from the original tree in one year, about twelve
years ago, seventeen barrels, which he sold in the winter or
spring for $5.50 per barrel at the cellar, amounting to the
handsome sum of $93.50, not including the apples that
dropped from the tree. A few years previous to this time
there was said to be gathered from the tree 28 barrels at one
time, not including those that dropped from the tree.

As to the price for which they were sold, we were not in-
formed. They have been grafted to some extent m our vicin-
ity, and a neighbor who had a large orchard of mostly Bald-
wins, said to us that if his orchard had been Currier apples
instead of Baldwin, it would have given a much larger income
in the last few 3''ears than it has. The reason he assigned,
was they have often produced a good crop, when the Bald-
wins have failed, and as they keep better than the Baldwins
they usually bear about the same price.

The President apple originated in Pelham, N. H., within
the present century, — an excellent fall apple and good bearer.

The Hubbardston Nonsuch, — we know not when or where
they originated, — is a prolific bearer, of superior quality^
suitable for use in late fall and early winter.

As to the origin of the Baldwin Apple, we have the follow-
ing information from the Hon. Josiah Newhall of Lynnfield ;
The Baldwin apple, he says, was found growing wild in the
town of Wilmington, on the farm of a Mr. Butters, more
than a hundred years ago. They were known as the Butters
apple, also known as the Woodpecker apple, the woodpecker
having perforated the bark. Being disseminated by Col.
Baldwin, they were called the Baldwin apple. For many

97

years the Baldwin apple we think has been more extensively
cultivated in this County than any other winter apple, if not
more than all other winter apples put together, and its good
qualities are such and so well known, that no recommenda-
tion is necessary.

The best apples are not always the most profitable. We
have many times had apples highly recommended, have
grafted them, and when they came into bearing, have grafted
them over again in consequence of their being unproductive
and not so profitable as other varieties.

Some varieties produce better fruit in some localities than
in others. Better Roxbury Russets are produced near the
seashoi'e than in the north part of the County, although they
are in our opinion far inferior to what they were sixty or sev-
enty years ago. The Rhode Island Greening has greatly de-
teriorated with us, but is said to do well in some other
places. The same may be said of the Hunt Russet.

The Northern Spy was said to be a late-keeping winter
apple. It is a good apple, but with us not profitable to cul-
tivate. On some trees they rot on the tree, on other trees
they are of inferior quality.

We again quote from Gen. Newhall's letter : He says the
English Permain was brought to this country by the early
settlers. In his early life he set out several trees of that va-
riety, which produced fruit for a few years, then the fruit be-
gan to decline and become worthless. He also mentions the
Russet Permain, — Codlin— Catshead — Redstreak &c., which
were popular apples one hundred years ago, but are now
worthless.

He further says he believes the apple tree is no exception
to the law of nature in regard to every living thing which
has its youth, maturity, and decline. From our own experi-
ence and observation, we fully agree with our venerable
friend, and we think the opinion he has formed from his long
experience should have weight. If it is a fact that apples

98

deteriorate in quantity and quality, as we think they do, then
it will be a great blessing to posterity if new varieties can be
procured of superior quality, particularly of late keeping
winter apples, as we think we are most deficient in that class
of fruit. The apple crop is of immense value, not only as a
luxury, but as a necessary healthful food, and the fruit con-
tinues fresh nearly the whole year. If a new variety of ap-
ples can be obtained like the Roxbury Russet of seventy
years ago, the fruit large and fair, rich and juicy, a prolific
bearer, which would come into the market after the Baldwin
in late spring and early summer, thej'' would be of great
value ; and also a variety to take the place of the Baldwin,
should they decline, as other varieties have done.

Several years ago we sowed a small nursery nearly all from
the seed of the Baldwin apple. Being desirous, if possible,
of procuring a new and valuable variety of fruit, we selected
about one hundred of the most thrifty, stocky, broad-leafed
trees, the most of which were removed to the field for an
orchard, the others remained in the nursery, all to remain
ungrafted until they bore fruit. In due time they all pro-
duced fruit. What was the result ? There was not a Bald-
win, nor any one like a Baldwin, but all were greatly inferior
to the various varieties that we now have. From the above
experiment, and as nearly all the young trees that are trans-
planted are budded or grafted before bearing, how can we
procure new varieties of superior fruit ? From the aforesaid
history of the Baldwin apples, and the knowledge that we
have of their being disseminated over the community, we
think they must have remained in obscurity for many years,
with their great value concealed from public view.

Is it not possible that there may be a tree in some retired
place equal to the Baldwin, or to what the Roxbury Russet
formerly was, which a large premium would bring to public
notice? Or may it not be possible that a superior quality of
late keeping winter apples may be found in our markets,

99

which d large premium would lead some one to trace to theii"
origin, and, if worthy, procure grafts therefrom?

There are other enemies of the apple to contend with,
which we think are worse than those above named. We
mean the insects in the tree and in the apple. They are not
in some respects uulike some of the human species. They
work in the dark, and cannot be effectually met. The canker
worm find caterpillar can with care and labor be destroyed.
But what can Ave do with the borer? One says, dig them
Out ; another says, we wash the trees and destroy their eggs.
This may be done to some extent in small orchards of young
trees, but to destroy them in large orchards of large trees is
much easier said than done. We believe the borer is doinsr
much more damage in our orchards than is generally supposed.
They not only perforate the body of the tree, but the branch-
es also, which causes premature decay.

There are now many difficulties to contend with that did
not formerly exist. The canker worm and caterpillar existed
then as now. The canker worm ravao-ed the orchards in the
latter part of the last century, and were killed by a late frost,
and the apples were also killed at the same time ; and it was
said that the loss of the apples was not considered a calamity,
as the destruction of the worms more than balanced the loss
of the apples. They appeared again in the early part of the
present century. Many remedies were applied for their de-
struction, but nothing proved effectual, except tarring the
trees. We well remember assisting in tarring our father's
trees. The custom then was to mix blubber with the tar,
heat it, and apj^ly it warm every day late in the afternoon,
which proved effectual. We think if ink were applied every
day, as we then applied tar, it would be more effectual, as
we have seen the insects passing over the ink the second even-
ing without trouble. .

We think the destruction of birds has had much to do with
the increase of insects, as many kinds of birds live mostly on
them.

100

How to prevent the depredation of the apple worm is a
diiEcult subject to determine. Sometimes they are very in-
jurious to tlie fruit, other seasons we get a good crop, nearly
perfect. The cause of the change is hard for us to understand.

Atmospheric influences sometimes operate on the crop.
The year 1874, it will be recollected, was an apple year, par-
ticularly for the Baldwin. The crop was generally large, and
the price of apples low. In our locality there was a large
blossom, which looked healthy and strong. When in full
bloom, a blight came over them which gave the blossom and
foliage an unhealthy appearance ; many of the leaves curled
up and dropped oflf, and many of the trees did not recover
from the shock during the season. There was a small crop of
apples of very inferior quality. Some orchards not far dis^
taut had a full crop of good fruit. In 1876 some of the or-
chards that failed two years before produced a full crop of
nearly perfect fruit, with few wormy apples.

The present year there is almost a total failure. We are
aware that a great crop of Baldwins could not be reasonably
expected. There were, however, some orchards that blos-
somed tolerably well. What was the cause of the failure ?
It was not the canker worm nor caterpillar, for in many of
our orchards there are none.

It was said by one of old, "Except the Lord build the
house, they labor in vain that build it ; except the Lord keep
the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Although we
may cultivate our orchards well and protect them as well as
possible against insects, yet without the smile of Him who
rules the elements, our crops may fail.

Now in closing, we would recommend to those who have
good orchards to cultivate and protect them as well as possi-
ble against insects, and we trust in most cases they will, with
the blessing of a kind Providence, be rewarded.

Joseph How, Chairman.

101

ESSAYS AND REPORTS.

The Committee ou the award of premiums for Essays and
Reports find the same difficulty in making a decision that so
often besets the other Committees called upon to pass judg-
ment in cases where there does not seem to be much to choose.
Only two essays were offered this year, — one by Ansel W.
Putnam, of Danvers, upon "The Comparative Value of Crops
as Food for Cattle ;" and the other by James J. H. Gregory,
of Marblehead, upon "The Angle Worm." As regards gen-
eral merit, there may not have been much to choose between
these, but that of Mr. Putnam, — which seemed to be more of
a statement of experiments than what is understood by a for-
mal essay, — appeared to be of the most practical turn, and
the Committee therefore gave it the preference, without as-
signing it to the rank of such essays as they understand to be
contemplated in the award of a first premium. Mr. Gregory's
essay is interesting as a newspaper article or as a paper to be
read before a natural history society. It may also be useful
as tending to awaken the farmer's attention to the consoling
probability that worms and insects may have a legitimate use
in the economy of nature, and that this side of the question
may be worth a more careful hearing than farmers usually
give to it. Beyond this, the utility of the treatise, as a help
to farming, was not clear to the Committee. No first premi-
um was awarded ; but the second, of $10, was given to An-
sel W. Putnam, for his essay on crops as food, and the third,
$8, to J. J. H. Gregory, for his essay on the angle-worm.

There was not a great deal to choose between those reports
that appeared most worthy to come within the range of a
premium. A report of intrinsic value, taken as a whole,
would not, of necessity, be entitled to a premium, especially
where the main value resides in the different statements of
the farmers who contribute to it, and where these statements
have not been specially utilized, by the writer or compiler of
the report, with some new and fresh thought or conspicuous-

102 .

ly useful deduction throwing new light or valuable suggestion
upon the subject in hand. Very likely this Committee may
not haye made the most judicious discrimination ; but they
finally decided upon the following awards : First premium,
|10, to Jos. S. Howe, Town Teams; second, of $8, on the
deterioration of the apple, to Joseph How ; third, of $6, to
T. C. Thurlow, on peaches, grapes, and assorted fruit. •

Qommittee — N. A. Horton, Salem; D. E. Safford, Hamil-
ton, Hamilton ; Charles P. Preston, Danvers.

ESSAY ON THE COMPARATIVE VALUE OF CROPS AS

FOOD FOR CATTLE.

BY ANSEL W. PUTNAM, OF DANVERS.

The feeding value of crops depends upon the conditions
under which they are fed, as well as upon the character of
the crops. There may be conditions under which a ton of
meadow hay, worth in market $15, has a higher feeding value
than a ton of upland hay, worth in market $25.

Fodder crops are now classified according to their ratio of
albuminoids to carbo-hydrates. Animals to be fed are divided
into two classes, — those at work and those at rest. Animals
that are being fatted, or that are giving milk, are classed as
work animals. The fodder tables, published hj Professor
Atwater, of the Connecticut Experiment Station, which are
founded upon German experiments, show that it is not good
economy to feed animals at rest with food rich in albuminoids ;
such food should be saved for the work animals.

The results of a winter's experience with these tables may
interest some members of the Society. The summer of 1876
was very hot and dry ; the hay crop and crops for soiling
were short, and when winter came there was very little in the
barn. Whether to sell stock or buy food was the question to
be answered. After a careful study of the tables, and of the

103

market price of the diflerent kinds of fodder, it was decided
to buy food. A comparison of the tables with the price list
showed that carbo-hydrates would be furnished at much lower
rates in bog-meadow and salt-marsh hay than in good upland
hay, and that albuminoids were lowest in shorts and cotton
seed meal. A car load of shorts was bought at $16*per ton,
and four tons of cotton seed meal at $2() per ton. Meadow
hay was bought at $8 per ton, in stack on the meadow ; some
fine salt hay at $12 ; some early cut black grass at $16. For
two months our milch cows were fed a mixture of bog-meadow,
salt hay, and black grass, at an average cost of $12 per ton,
and our dry cows a mixture of bog-meadow and salt hay, at
an average cost of $10 per ton. Cows that were giving from
15 to 18 quarts of milk a day, were fed 8 lbs. of shorts,
6 lbs. of corn meal, and 4 lbs. of cotton seed meal each per
day. Cows that wefe giving less milk, had a smaller al-
lowance of grain. The dry cows had no grain or roots with
their $10 hay. I never have had cows give more milk than
they gave on that $12 hay, and the dry cows kept in good
condition ; our horses were fed the same hay, and did well on
it. Between two and three months there was no upland hay
in the barn. Towards spring meadow hay and good salt luiy
were scarce ; the roads were bad, and some baled hay was
bought ; it was not first quality, was over-ripe, and it did no
better than the other mixture, though it cost more. Late in
the spring I was in a neighbor's barn ; he had some river
meadow hay that he asked $15 a ton for, and some early cut
upland hay that he asked $25 for. He said, "the meadow
hay would do for dry stock, but there was no milk in it ; but
the upland hay would make milk." I told him I would take
a small load of the meadow hay. It weighed 1500 lbs. ; cost
$11.25. I fed it from the wagon, and fed no other hay while
it lasted, which was just one week. All the hay sixteen cows
and three horses had for one week was that 1500 lbs. of
meadow hay, and they had all they wanted of that kind of
hay. They produced $36 worth of milk from that $11.25

104

worth of hay, and the grain that was put with it. There
were three or four dry cows in the barn at that time, but the
cows that were giving milk gave enough to pay for all the
hay and grain that was eaten for the week by all the stock, —
horses and hens included.

The merit of meadow hay lies in its bulky character, and
in what may be called its stand-by capacity. A daily ration
of 20 lbs. of meadow hay, will, I think, make larger paunches
and keep fuller stomachs, than 30 lbs. of early cut upland
hay ; this is why it is valuable to feed with large quantities of
grain, and to animals at rest it does not take as much to keep
them full.

Why is it that dry cows and young stock, classed as ani-
mals at rest, are often so poor in the spring, when fed on salt
marsh and meadow hay? It is because, though classed with
animals at rest, they have no opportunity to rest ; an animal
cannot rest unless it is comfortable. On one of the coldest
mornings of last winter, I went to a neighboring town for
hay. At the barn where I loaded I saw cattle eating the same
kind of hay that I was after ; they were very poor, and looked
as though they were growing poorer. Why ? The barn was
very open and cold — nearl}'^ as cold as out doors, — the hips
and sides of the cattle were covered with frozen manure ;
they were curled up and shivering with the cold. It made
my teeth chatter to look at them ; and when I asked for some
water for my horses, they told me that their stock drank out
of a hole back of the barn, but horses not used to it would
not drink it, they would bring me some from the house. It
is not strange the stock was poor, but it is strange that they
were alive. Now look at the conditions under which I fed
the same kind of hay. The same morning, with the ther-
mometer below zero out of doors, the one hanging behind our
cows stood at forty degrees above zero ; the cows were clean,
and they had clean and dry beds to lie on ; they had an op-
portunity three times a day to drink as much good well water
as they wanted, — temperature of the water about forty-six

10')

degrees, — and they had the privilege of drinking in the barn,
where it was warm. The cows were comfortalile, they were
at rest, and under these conditions tlie $10 hay kept them in
foir condition, at a cost of ten cents per day.

Last year the writer advised those accustomed to feeding
salt and meadow hay with the result of i)oor stock in the
spring, to buy cotton seed meal, to help utilize the carbo-hy-
drates in the poor hay. But after another year's experience
and observation, my first advice to all such is, keep your
stock warm, and give them all the good water that they need,
and see if the quality of 3'our hay is not good enough to keep
animals that are comfortable, and at rest, in fair condition.

A knowledge of the comparative value of clear corn meal
to cob meal, and also of the difference in feeding value of our
round home grown corn and the flat Southern and Western
corn, is very important at this time, to help farmers settle the
question whether it is best to grow corn. German experi-
ments show that 71 per cent, of clear corn meal is digestible,
and that 52 per cent, of corn cobs is digestible matter. If
we allow 74 lbs. of ears to give 56 lbs. of clear corn, 100
lbs. of ears will give 75.6 lbs. of corn, 24.4 lbs. of cobs;
53.6 lbs. of the corn, and 12.6 lbs. of the cobs are digestible,
making 66.2 lbs. of digestible matter in cob meal, to 71 lbs.
in clear meal, or about as 13 to 14. It is well to bear in mind
that most of the digestible part of corn cobs is carbo-hydrates,
and that to get the full value of cob meal it needs to be fed
with other food rich in albuminoids.

Many are ready to admit that 100 lbs. of cob meal, made
from round corn, is worth as much to feed as 100 lbs. of clear
meal made from flat corn. Some, after chaniifinof from one to
the other, back and forth for several times, claim that the
same quantity by measure of cob meal is worth as much as
the clear meal bought at our mills. There are 64 qts. in 100
lbs. of clear meal, and 86 qts. in 100 lbs. of cob meal. If a
quart of our Northern cob meal has the same feeding value
that a quart of clear Western meal has, then at the present

106

time 100 lbs. of cob meal are worth $1.80. My experience has
led me to put the value of 100 lbs. of ears in the corn crib,
when dry enough to grind, at the price of meal per bag at the
mills. It costs us 20 cents per 100 lbs. to get our cob meal
ground. I think 100 lbs. of it worth, for making milk, 20
cents more than a bag of the average meal we get at the mills.

The value of the cobs, and the difiereuce in quality between
the round and flat corn, are important items in making up
statements of the cost and value of the corn crops grown in
our county, and yet these items have generally been over-
looked. Take for example the statement of James P. King
for this year. He reports 7650 lbs. of ears, allows 85 lbs. of
ears for a bushel, and calls a bushel worth 70 cents, 90 bush-
els $63.00. If I had such a corn crop as that, I should say,
7650 lbs. of ears worth in crib, $1.35 per 100 lbs., cash value
of corn $103.27. This may seem too high to many, if they
have not carefully watched the practical working of cob meal.
But I think a large majority of the farmers in Essex County
who have grown corn this season, will admit that four quarts
of cob meal are worth as much as three quarts of the clear meal
mills ; with that data we have 7650 lbs. of ears, worth in the
crib $1.15 per 100 lbs. ; -cash value of the corn $87.97.

It is well for the farmers of Essex County to know the full
value of their meadow hay, butt-stalks, and corn-cobs. It is
also well for them to know the exact conditions under which
they can realize full value for all their crops, for, economy in
using is as important as economy in producing.

ESSAY ON THE ANGLE WORM.

BY JAMES J. H. GREGORY, OF MARBLEHExVD. .

Twenty-four years ago, in the year 1853, being too unwell
to attend to any business, I gave a portion of my time during
the spring and summer to the study of the common angle or

107

ground worm, With the view of determining his place in
agriculture. I was led to this in part from a desire to learn
something about a little animal about whom there were but
very few facts on record ; and in part to ascertain whether the
general sentiment of the comnninity, and one to which even
so eminent an observer as the late Prof. Agassiz seemed to
give sanction, namely, that it was not a friend to agriculture,
was correct.

I selected for special observation portions of my father's
garden, located in Marblehead, Massachusetts, on the sea-
coast. Much of it had been under cultivation off and on for
a long series of years, and for the twenty years prev^ious in a
high state of cultivation. The soil was a strong loam, under-
laid at about three feet in depth with hard pan. Selecting an
area containing about a square rod, on which for several
years the vegetable refuse of a large family had been thrown,
and into which, as it accumulated, it was at times dug, I aim-
ed to determine the weiijht of worms the soil could be made
to produce under very favorable circumstances. With this
end in view I turned over the soil with a six-tined fork sev-
eral times during the season, each time carefully collecting all
except the very smallest of the worms. The sum of the dif-
ferent collections, when weighed, showed that this rod of
ground had yielded a crop of worms at the rate of somewhat
over 12,000 pounds, or six tons to the acre. The entire
grounds, of about half an acre, were very rich in the worm
crop, but not in the same proportion as the piece experiment-
ed on. A part of the worms so collected were fed to fowls,
whose appetites appeared almost insatiable ; and a part, after
they were dead, were used as manure for hills of corn, in rich
old garden soil. When used as manure, they had turned to a
watery jelly, saturating the earth in which they had been
kept while collecting, into a pasty, soggy mass. I could not
see any beneficial efiects on the corn crop ; still it seems prob-
able that there must be some mauurial value even in
such low organizations ; for the conditions of even the lowest

108

forms of animal life imply the presence of fertilizing elements,
such, for example, as nitrogen; and again, it would be con-
trary to the economy which is evident throughout the Divine
plan in creation that an animal, though individually small,
yet in the aggregate making so vast a bulk, should perform
its functions and die beneath the surface of the earth and not
feed vegetation. If it were so in this instance, I think it
would be the one exception. In the experiment tried, the
land was previously in such high condition, that it is doubt-
ful if any of the commercial fertilizers would have shown any
effects on the crop ; perhaps for the same reason my worm
manure failed.

To ascertain how often during the growing season worms
come to the surface, I selected a square foot of ground, near
the edge of a low embankment, where the soil was rather
dryer than that of the average of the garden. From early
spring until the hottest weather of summer had passed, I vis-
ited this every morning to collect the earthy borings that
the worms had deposited during the night. To my great sur-
prise I found by these borings, that, with but two exceptions
in the very hottest portion of the summer, they came to the
surface every night during spring and summer. The collect-
ed mass of borings for the season was about a quart in bulk,
sufficient to raise the surface of the garden if deposited all
over it in the same proportion half an inch in height.

And here it may be in place to describe briefly the struc-
ture and habits of the angle worm. Naturalists tell us that
it is hatched from an egg. When developed, as we find it in
our gardens, it is a most simple structure, quite low in the
scale of animal life, appearing to be but little more than a
. series of connected rings with a tube running through them.
At one end of the tube is the mouth. If we draw our finger
up and down the worm, we will usually feel a degree of rough-
ness when drawing it up toward the head. Naturalists ex-
plain this by the presence of hair. These hairs are so ar-
ranged and inclined as to be somewhat prehensile in their

109

character. If we watch a worm in the evening, when most
of its body is stretched out of its hole, we will see it sweep-
ing around, having the hole as a pivotal centre, until it has
come in contact with some bit of refuse matter, such as a
fallen leaf or blossom, which, sticking to the slimy exudation
that always covers the body of the worm, it draws into its
hole. The common opinion that the angle worm feeds on
growing plants, which leads housekeepers to take special
pains to kill any that may be found in their flower pots, and
gardeners at times to apply strong alkaline solution to kill
those found in their grounds, my observation and experience
have led me to believe is a great mistake. Their place in the
Divine economy appears to be the same in relation to vegeta-
ble matter as that of the vulture family to animal matter, — '
to remove and devour dead and waste vegetable refuse.

To test the thoroughness of their work in this direction,
towards the close of an afternoon in spring I spread three
dozen abortive pears, that had been shed from the tree at the
time of blooming, over a piece of ground about a foot square.
In the morning I found that every one of them had been re-
moved, and all but three or four which could be seen at the
mouths of the holes of the worms, had entirely disappeared.
A study of a worm hole is quite suggestive of the probable
office of the ground worm in the economy of nature. We
find it winding its way down through the surface into the
subsoil, in a line which appears to deviate from a perpendicu-
lar only so far as stones or hard substances render it neces-
sary for the little excavator to make it so. The depth of the
holes depends mostly on the character of the subsoil, and its
distance from the surface. On my grounds I found them
three and four feet in depth, penetrating some ways into the
hardpan.

One great object in agriculture is to aerate the soil, to the
end that the air may so act on its elements that the}^ may be
converted into plant form. When we consider that the little
quiet worker bores its holes by the hundreds of thousands to

no

the acre, far down into the subsoil, we have some measure of
our indebtedness to him. If next we examine these passage-
ways of the worm, by which it descends to itg subterranean
abode, we will tiiid that the portion of them below the sur-
face soil can be to a greater or less degree traced by their dark
lining, which may be surface soil carried down on the slimy
body of the worm in his descent^ — or excrementative matter,
perhaps part of each. In either case it must enrich and
improve the subsoil for agricultural uses.

There is a third office of these, numberless galleries, which
must not be overlooked ; as it is a fact that their little tenants
come to the surface about every night of the growing season,
then it must follow that the galleries are open in times of
drought to admit the air which then is heavily loaded with
moisture, which must be deposited on the cooler interior.
Again, these myriad openings probably serve as conductors to
convey the water of summer showers into the subsoil, and
thus hold in numberless tiny reservoirs that which otherwise)
would be wasted in the hurried dash on a dry, dusty surface^
which characterizes most of our summer storms.

If then the angle worm is a friend to agriculture, the fact
may have some bearing on the manure question, — for thosei
manures which abound most in vegetable matter are favora-
ble to his growth, and vice versa. • Among those favorable to
his development, barnyard manure would doubtless rank the
highest, while tl>e guanos, phosphates, and the various other
chemical fertilizers, cannot any of them be favorable, whild
some must be prejudicial to his development.

To one who has been accustomed to the abundance of the
angle worm in highly cultivated gardens, the fact is a striking
one that in Northen New England there are locations where
it is veiy scarce, and yet in these very localities, if once
brought there, and put in land where the house waste is
thrown, they will rapidly increase and become as plenty as I
have ever seen them elsewhere. The fact that the worm
^-omes to the surfiice during the nights of summer, is alluded

Ill

to in the old adage, "it is the early bird that catches the
worm ;" the robin may be seen to pull them up any morning
by those who rise as early as the early bird. As has been
stated, the ground worm is very low in the scale of animal
life, — having but little besides the extremity of a tube for a
mouth, while it can neither see nor hear, and its sense of taste,
if it has any, must be of the simplest. If we take a lantern
and go out at night, after a summer shower, we will find the
ground in old gardens abounding with them, stretched some-
times to a foot in length over the surface, and all in slow mo-
tion. We may bring the light as near them as we please,
provided they do not feel the heat of the flame, and they
show no consciousness of its presence ; we may clap our
hands, or make other noise, provided we cause no vibration
of the ground, and still they show no consciousness ; but if
we now stamp with the foot, or in any way cause a vibration
of the ground, simultaneously every one within reach of it
will instantly draw into his hole. If they are very numer-
ous, a singular effect of this sudden, instantaneous withdraw-
ing is to give an impression that the earth has moved under
our feet, and cause a slight feeling of giddiness. While they
appear to be so insensible to lamp light, (I have not exposed
them to it for any length of time,) why do they retire at the
approach of day ? Can it be that natural light exercises any
chemical action on their bodies? Those in the vicinity of any
stronsT manure I have noticed are not as laro^e as the averasfc,
but are more intensely red, and sometimes quite yellow iu
color. Can it be that these are of a species or variety differ-
ent from the common angle worm?

In the heat of summer by day they retire to the bottom of
their holes, as the boys know who dig for them in vain for
bait, (dig for them late in the evening, boys, when the^'^come
up to the surface,) and there they may be found, rolled into
a ball, or tied up into a knot, (probably they were the first
of knot-tyers.) Doubtless this is to prevent the too great
evaporation of the slimy moisture which appears a necessity

112

for their existence. Though cold to the touch, yet they need
a degree of heat to preserve life, and, doubtless for this reason
in part, they descend below the reach of frost. As soon as
the frost breaks ground, they come to the surface, and should
the gardener in early spring be in doubt as to whether his
grounds are fully thawed, he has but to turn up a forkful of
earth, and the presence or absence of the angle worm will
settle the question ; for if he is at the surface then there can
be no icy barrier remaining between him and his winter
home. At one time, while collecting some late in the fiiU,
I threw them into a shallow box, in which were a few hand-
fuls of earth, and left them out over night. It was cold,
and the surftice of the ground was frozen about an inch in
depth. In the morning I found them all gathered and in-
tertwined into a round ball, about the size of a child's fist.
I inferred that their object was to endeavor to maintain the
low temperature necessary for their existence, and the form
they had chosen was certainly the very best possible for that
end.

113

RESOLUTIONS ON THE DEATH OF MEMBERS OF

THE SOCIETY.

At the Annual Meeting at Lawrence, September 25thj
1877, Maj. Ben : Perley Poore, of West Newbury, offered the
following Preamble and Resolutions, which were unanimously
adopted : ,

•

Whereas, the Essex County Agricultural Society has lost
by death, since its last annual meeting, a number of valuable
members, who have occupied conspicuous positions, viz :
George W. Boynton, of Georgetown, Edward H. Little, of
Newbury, Samuel Moody, of West Newbury, Thomas J.
Clark, of Salisbury, Moses P. Payson, of Rowley, Henry
A. King, of Peabody, Andrew Dodge, of Wenham, and
Thomas E. Payson, of Providence, Rhode Island :

Resolved, That the Society remembers with pride the de-
votion to agricultural pursuits which characterized our de-
ceased associates, and expresses its sincere regret at their
loss.

Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and resolutions be
communicated to the respective families of our deceased asso-
ciates;

114

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OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY,

:F0:E^ 1877-78.

PRESIDENT.

BENJAMIN P. WARE, of Marblehead.

VICE PRESIDENTS.

GEORGE B. LORING, of Salem.
JAS. J. H. GREGORY, of Marblehead.
DANIEL H. STICKNEY, of Groveland.
THOMAS K. LEACH, of Topsfield.

TREASURER.

EDWARD H. PAYSON, of Salem,

SECRETARY.

CHARLES P. PRESTON, of Danvers.

HONORARY TRUSTEES.

JOSEPH HOW, of Methuen.
ALLEN W. DODGE, of Hamilton.
WILLIAM SUTTON, of Ipswich.

117

TRUSTEES.

Charles C. Blunt, Andover ; Joseph Hale, Kowley ;
Thos. 11. Balch, Grovelaiid ; MiloiiS. Jenkms, N. Andover ;
John H. Cheever, Manchester ; James P. Kin_^, Peabody ;
William Cogswell, Bradford ; Oliver P. Killam, Boxford ;
Caleb Childs, Marblehead ; Aaron Low, Essex ;
W. H. B. Currier, Salisbury ; Jarvis Lamson, Hamilton ;
Wm. B. Carlton, Haverhill; Wm. B. Morgan, Wenham ;
John Danforth, Lynnfield ; John W. Marshall, Rockport ;
Alonzo B. Fellows, Ipswich ; Sidney F. Newman, Newbury ;
James Flint, Middleton ; Sherman Nelson, Georgetown ;

Henry W. Foster, Beverly ; Francis P. Putnam, Danvers ;
Ariel H. Gould, Topsfield ; John P. Palmer, Swampscott ;
Bennett Griffin, Gloucester; Geo. W. Russell, Lawrence;

A. E. Goodwin, Merrimac ; John L. Shorey, Lynn ;

J. Z. Gordon, W. Newbury ; Geo. W. Simmons, Nahant ;
Joseph S. Howe, Methuen ; Horace C. Ware, Salem ;
Samuel Hawkes, Saugus ; J.Otis Winkley, Newburyport.

B. F. Huntington, Amesbury ;

NEW MEMBERS-1877.

Henry V. Buxton, Peabody ; J. Adams Ilsley, Georgetown ;
David L. Foster, Beverly ; J. D. Drew, Lawrence ;
Hayden A. Merrill, Beverly; Edwin H. Barnard, Andover;
W. A. Keleher, Lawrence ; James B. Smith, Andover;
Francis R. Appleton, Ipswich ; John L. Smith, Andover ;
PI. E. Holt, Bradford ; Frederic Oilman, Lawrence ;

Perry B. Knowlton, Essex; S. K. Johnson, Andover;
Richard Newell-, W.Newbury ; Solomon Fuller, Danvers ;
Chas. AV.Ord way, W.Newb'y; John E. Gale, Haverhill;
PaulT. Winkley Jr., Newb'p't; Geo. G. Creamer, Hamilton;
Doane Cogswell, Bradford; M. B. Merrill, W. Newbur}^ ;
Geo. W. Ellis, Hamilton ; C. J. Norwood, Ipswich ;
Geo. Buchan, Andover ; Moses A. Bailey, Andover :

118

Geo. C. Foster, Andover; Geo. B. Bradley, Metbuen ;
Jos. E. Bus well, Methuen ; M. B. Ames, LaAvrence ;
E. A. Fiske, Lawrence ; Otis Mann, Newbury ;

Jobn O. Wiley, No. Andover ; Daniel Tenney, Newbury;
John Mitchell, Beverly; Edward Flynn, Lawrence.

Virgil Dow, Methuen ;

(^^ Any citizen in the County may become a member by
paying the sum of three dollars to increase the permanent
funds of the Society, and he will receive a certificate of his
membership from the Secretary. No fines or assessments are
ever imposed. Members are entitled to the free use of the
Li])rary, and a copy of the Transactions each year. All or-
dained Ministers of the Gospel residing in the County, and
editors of newspapers, published therein, are entitled to the
privileges of the Library.

LIBRARY.

The Library is established at the Plumraer Hall, Essex
Street, Salem, where members can obtain books under the
following Regulations : —

1. Each member shall be entitled to take from the Library
TWO VOLUMES, ou signing a receipt for the same, and agree-
ing; to be accountable therefor.

2. No member shall keep any book more than two weeks,
after being notified (by the Librarian) that the same is want-
ed by another member.

3. All books belonging to the Library shall be returned
on or before the 15th of November in each year; that the
same may be examined and the condition of the Library re-
ported to the Trustees.

4. Any member who shall neglect or refuse to conform to
these regulations, shall thereby forfeit the privilege of taking
books from the Library.

LIST OF PiiEMIUMS, &c.

FAT CATTLE.

William Petei's, North Andover, first premium, $12 00

BULLS.

J. D. W. French, North Andover, Ayi-shires, two years old

and upwards, first premium, $12 00

George B. Bradley, Methueu, Ayrshires, two years old and

upwards, second premium, 6 00

Doaue Cogswell, Bradford, Ayrshires, under two years, first

premium, 6 00

Charles Perley, Boxford, Ayrshires, under two years, second

premium. 4 00

J. D. W. French, North Andover, best bull of any breed,

with five calves of his stock not less than one year old,

Ayrshire Bull "Fitz James," premium, 30 00

Z. C. Ward well, Groveland, Jersey Bulls, -first premium, 12 00

F. R, Appletou, Ipswich, Jersey Bulls, second premium, 6 00

W.A.Russell, Lawrence, Holstoin Bulls, under two years,

first premium, 6 00

W. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein Bulls, under two years,

second premium, 4 00

WORKING OXEN, BULLS, ETC.

George A. Butters, Methuen, Oxen, first premium, $15 00

B. H. Farnum, North Andover, Oxen, second premium. 12 00

Moses A. Bailey, Andover, Oxen, third premium, 10 00
George F. Mason, Andover, Working Steers, four years old,

first premium, 10 00
John P. Foster, North Andover, Working Steers, four years

old, second premium, 6 00

W. A. Russell, Lawrence, Working Bulls, first premium, 15 00

12

00

6

00

18

00

25

00

18

00

12

00

120

MILCH COWS.

W. A. Russell, Lawrence, best grade Cow, first premium, $12 00
W. A. Russell, Lawrence, best grade Cow, second premium, 6 00
W. A. Russell, Lawrence, best Holstein Cow, first pr-jmium,
W, A. Russell, Lawrence, best Holsteiu Cow, second prem.,
J. D. W, French, North Andover, Ayrshires, first and second

premiums, ($12. and $6.,)
Charles Perley, Boxford, for best Milch Cow, special prem.,

HERDS OF MILCH COWS.

J. D. VV". French, North Andover, first premium,
G. W. Russell, Lawrence, second premium,

HEIFERS.

J. D. W. French, North Andover, thoroughbred Ayrshires in

milk, first and second premiums, ($12. and $6.) $18 00

J. D. W. French, North Andover, thoroughbreds not in milk,

first premium, 6 00

Charles Perley, Boxford, thoroughbreds not in milk, second

premium, 4 00

J. D. W. French, Nort|i Andover, Calves, first premium, 5 00

Charles Perley, Boxford, Calves, second premium, 3 00

Geo. B. Bradley, Methuen, Native or Grade Heifers under four

years, in milk, first and second prem., ($12 and $6.) 18 00
Daniel Carleton, North Andover, Native or Grade Heifers,

under four years, not in milk, first prerhium, 6 00

W. B. Carleton, Haverhill, Native or Grade Heifers, under

four years, not in milk, second premium, 4 00

W. B. Carleton, Haverhill, Calves, first premium, 5 00

Levi Emery, Lawrence, Jersey Heifers in milk, first premium, 12 00
George W. Russell, Lawrence, Jersey Heifers in milk, second

premium, 6 00

Levi Emery, Lawrence, Jersey Heifers not in milk, first prem, 6 00
F. R. Appleton, Ipswich, Jersey Heiters not in milk, second

premium, 4 00

F. R. Appleton, Ipswich, Calves, first premium, 5 00

Geo. W. Russell, Lawrence, Calves, second premium, 3 00

W. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein Heifers not in milk, first

premium, 6 00

W". A. Russell, Lawrence, Calves, first premium, 5 00

121

TOWN TEAMS.

North Andover, Horse Teams, first premium, $30 00

Methuen, Horse Teams, second premium, • 15 00

Andover, Ox Teams, first premium, 30 00

Methuen, Ox Teams, second premium, 15 00

STEERS.

Joseph Kittredge, North Andover, Yearlings, first premium, 5 00

J. H. Farnum, North Andover, gratuity, 3 00

STALLIONS.

William Keleher, four years old and upw^ards, first premium, S18 00

George W, Russell, Lawrence, second pi'emium, 12 00

M. B. Merrill, West Newbury, third premium, 10 00

George W. Rogers, Salem, three years old, first premium, 10 00

H. E. Holt, Bradford, second premium, 8 00
Dr. Wiu. Cogswell, Bradford, Stallion with Colts of his own

stock, special premium, 30 00

BROOD MARES.

Justin E. Bradstreet, Bradford, first premium, $18 00

Albert Titcomb, Rowley, second premium, 12 00

Abiel Wilson, North Andover, third premium, 10 00

FAMILY HORSES.

John E. Gale, Haverhill, first premium,
S. K. Johnson, Andover, second premium,
H. E. Holt, Bradford, third premium,

FARM AND DRAFT HORSES.

Joshua Roberts, Gloucester, first premium,
S. F. Newman, Newbury, second premium,
J. O. Winkley, Newburyport, third premium,
R. Welch, Methuen, fourth premium,

PAIRS OF DRAFT HORSES.

T. O. Wardwell, North Andover, first premium,
E. P. Perley, Dan vers, second premium,

$18 00

12

00

10

00

$15 00

12

00

10

00

6

00

$15

00

10

00

122

, COLTS — FIRST CLASS.

J. O. Winkley, Newburyport, best four year old, $12 00

E. T. Northend, Newburyport, best three year old, 10 00

B. 8. Barnes, Boxford, second premium, 5 00

COLTS — SECOND CLASS.

Daniel Tenney, Newbury, two years old, first and second

premiums, ($8. and $3.,) $11 00

Otis Mann, Newbury, one year old, first premium, 8 00

J. J. Downing, Andover, second premium, 5 00

SWINE FIRST CLASS.

Virgil Dow, Methuen, Breeding Sow, first premium, $10 00

M. Birmingham, Salem, Boar, second premium, 6 00

H. G. Herrick, Lawrence, Breeding Sow, second premium, 6 00

Levi Emery, Lawrence, litter of Pigs, first premium, 6 00

C. T. Emerton, Peabody, " " second premium, 4 00

SWINE SECOND CLASS.

Benj. P. Ware, Marblehead, Essex Boar, first premium, $10 00

J. D. W. French, No. Andover, " " second premium, 6 00

Daniel Carlton, North Andover, Breeding Sow, first premium 10 00
Joseph Kittredge, No. Andover, Breeding Sow, second prem., 6 00

SHEEP.

Joseph Kittredge, No. Andover, first premium best flock, *

Appleton premium, $25 00

F. B. Appleton, Ipswich, best flock Cotswold, first premium, 10 00
Henry G. Kimball, Bradford, Yearling Buck, first premium, 8 00
F. R. Appleton, Ipswich, flock of four lambs,. 4 00

PLOUGHING — DOUBLE TEAMS.

Benjamin H. Farnham, No. Andover, first premium,
J. D. W. French, No. Andover, second premium,

PLOUGHING — WITH HORSES.

Joshua N. Kent, Newbury, first premium,
R. S. Bray, Newbury, second premium,
M. H. Poore, West Newbury, third premium,
Geo. W. Russell, Lawrence, fourth premium,
Paul T. Winkley, Newburyport, fifth premium,

$12

00

10

00

$12 00

10

00

8

00

6

00

5

00

123

PLOUGHING — SWIVEL PLOUGH.

Wai. A. RussuU, Lawrence, witli oxen, first premium, $12 00

Johfi P. Foster, North Andover, second premium, 10 00

Peter Smith, Andover, fourth premium, ^ 5 00

C. J. Norwood, Ipswich, Horses, first premium, 10 00

Edward P. Perley, Danvers, second premium, 6 00

CARRIAGES.

John E. Bailey, Marblehead, for Rubber Spring to Buggy and

Sleigh,
Spear & Fifield, Metiuien, Grocer's Wagon, premium,
*' " " Provision Dealer's Wagon,

Wm. Poor, Andover, Meat Wagon, gratuity,
Geo. H. Ferguson, Lawrence, Liglit Express Wagon,

" " " one Top Buggy,

M. B. Ames, Lawrence, Sleighs,

" " " two Top Carriages,

Chas. Manson, Haverhill, three Wagons, gratuity,
J. W. Joyce, Lawrence,

IMPROVING PASTURE AND WASTE LANDS.

Joseph Horton, Ipswich, fii-st premium,

EXPERIMENTS WITH MANURES.

Benj» p. Ware, Marblehead, first premium,
James P. King, Peabody, second premium,

GRAIN CROPS.

Geo. L. Flook, West Newbury, Corn Crop, first premium,
Jas. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, " "■ gratuity,

E. P. Robinson, Hamilton, Rye, first premium,

Diploma.

So 00

Diploma.

6 00

5 00
Diploma.

3 00,
10 00

6 00
5 00

15 00

$15 00
10 00

$10 00

8 00

10 00

ROOT CROPS.

J. D. W. French, No. Andover, Potato Crop, first premium, $10 00

Ruta Baga crop, first prem,, 10 00
Mangold Crop, first premium, 10 00
Daniel Carlton, No. Andover, Onion Crop, first premium, 10 00

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, Cabbage Crop, first premium, 10 00

u

ESSAYS.

Ansel W. Putnam, Danvers, first premium,

Jas. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, second premium.

$10 00
8 00

124

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.

J, S. Howe, Methuen, Report, first premium, $10 00

Joseph How, Methuen, Report, second premium, 8 00

T. C. Thurlow, W. Newbury, Report, third premium, 6 GO

Awarded by the Committee on Poultry, 22 00

" " Vegetables and Seeds, 131 50
" " Bread, Honey, and Preserves, 18 50

" ■ " Flowers, 48 00

" " Fruits, 258 00

" " Counterpanes and Rugs, 24 00

" " Leather Goods, 15 00
" " Manuf s and Gen. Merchandise, 25 00

" " Fancy Work, &c. 52 50

'^ '^ Work by Children, 14 50

Total, $1802 OO

RECAPITULATION.

FARMS.

Amount awarded to Ploughing,

$106

00

U (b

Improving Pasture, &c.,

15

00

(( u

Experiments with Manures,

FARM STOCK.

25

00-

-$146 00

Amount awarded to Fat Cattle,

$12 00

Bulls,

86

00

Working Oxen and Bulls,

68

00

Milch Cows,

109

00

Heifers,

116

00

Town Teams,

90

00

Steers,

8

00

'

Stallions,

88

00

Brood Mares,

40

00

Family Horses,

40

00

Farm and Draft Horses,

43

00

Pairs of Draft Horses,

25

00

Colts,

51

00

Swine,

64

00

Sheep,

47

00

Poultry,

22

00-

-$909 00

125

FARM PRODUCTS.

Amount awarded to Fruit,
" " Flowers,

" " "Vegetables,

" " Grain Crops,

" " Root Crops,

" " All other objects,

$258 00 •

48 00
131 50

28 00

50 00
231 50— $747 00

Total,

$1802 00

126
AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION*

Article 1. The President, Vice Presidents and Secreta-
ry of the Society shall be elected at the an-nual meeting by
ballot.

Article 2. The Trustees shall be elected annually, one
for each town in the County, and the Trustee for each town
shall be elected by the members of the Society in said town
at a meeting called for that purpose, in accordance with no-
tice issued by the Secretary; and such election shall be final,
and shall constitute the Trustee so elected a member of the
board of Trustees of the Society ; and the result of the elec-
tion in each town shall be communicated as early as possible
to the Secretary.

CONTENTS.

I*AGB.

Address

of Oliver S. Butler, . . . * .

3

The Exhibition, . . . .

19

Report on Fat Cattle, ......

19

a

Bulls, ......

20

a

Milch Cows, . . . . .

21

((

Herd of Milch Cows, . . . .

24

((

Heifers, .....

29

^^

Working Oxen, Bu^ls, and Steers, .

31

11

Town Teams, . . . . .

32

n

Steers, ......

36

((

Stallions, ..;...

36

((

Brood Mares, . . . . .

36

a

Family Horses, ....

37

a

Farm and Draft Horses, . . . .

37

11

Pairs of Draft Horses,

. 37

n

Colts, .....

39

t(

Swine, . . . . .

39

((

Sheep, . . . . ;

. 40

li

Poultry, .....

41

((

Ploughing, . . . . .

43

i(

Carriages, ......

46

((

Bread and Honey, ....

46

((

Pears, .....

47

t(

Apples, .....

. 48

ii

Peaches, Grapes and Assorted Fruits,

. 49

n

Flowers, .....

. 53

n

Vegetables, . . . . .

55

.f

Counterpanes, Carpetings and Rugs,

. 57

it

Leather Work, ....

. 59

ki

Manufactures and General Merchandise,

. 59

n

Fancy Work and Works of Art,

. 59

128

Report on Children's work,

" Improving Pasture and Waste Land,

" Manures, ....

" Grain Crops,

" Root Crops, ';

" Seedling Potatoes,

" Exhibit of Manufactures at the Fair,

" Treadwell Farm,

" New Winter Apples,

" Essays and Reports, ■.

Essay by Ansel W. Putnam, on "Comparative Value of Crops

as Food for Cattle,"
Essay by J. J. H Gregory, on The Angle Worm,
Resolutions on the Death of Members of the Society
Treasurer's Report, ....
Officers and New Members,
Library, . ■ .

List of Premiums, ....

Amendment to the Constitution,

61
61

65
72
78
84
87
91
93
101

102
106
113
114
116
118
119
126

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

Essex Agricultural Society

IN MASSACHUSETTS,

For the Year 1878,

WITH THE

F I FT Y -S I XT H

A-ISrisrXJJ^ILi ^IDIDZ^/EISS,

BY T. C. THURLOW,

OF n^EST WEWBURT.

I*«.l>lislxe<i lyy Order of tlie Society.

SALEM :

PRESS OF THE ESSEX COUNTY MERCURY.
1878.

A.IDIDK.ESS.

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Essex Agricul-
tural Society : —

111 choosing me to deliver the aiiiuial address before this
Society, you have selected one who though wholly unused to
public speaking, is not unfamiliar with practical farming ;
one who has been accustomed from his youth to guide the
plough, to handle the hoe, the spade, and the pruning-knife,
and can not only say, as men of other professions are apt to
on occasions like this, "I lived on a farm when a boy" — but
more — I have remained, and intend to die upon one.

I have chosen for ray subject "Suggestive Hints," and it
will perhaps be excusable if I indulge in a few friendly criti-
cisms on the general management of farms in this vicinity,
at the present time.

In the first place, every former, if he has not already done
so, should sit down carefully and candidly to consider to
what crop, or crops, his farm is best adapted; in relation to
its iiearness to, or distance from a market ; the quality of the
soil, whether heavy or light, 'svliether best adapted to grass,
and the raising of stock, and the production of milk — or the
growing of early vegetables and small fruits. He might with
profit consult his more experienced neighbors in regard to it,
.and after being fully persuaded what course to pursue, let
him stick to it ; not changing from one crop or system to
another, but making a specialty of some particular branch of
husbandry, he will in the long run succeed in any, provided
he combine with it a sufficient amount of skill, prudence and
industry. Perhaps there is no one thing in which farmers as

a class are so deficient, as in a regular system of keeping ac-
counts ; in knowing in dollars and cents what this or that
crop costs, or what is the actual profit from each animal. In
what other business could a man succeed, who was so gener-
ally negligent of his accounts ? These can be kept every day
in the most simple manner ; so that at the end of the year
he can easily see what it has cost the famil)^ for sugar, for
butter, for milk and for flour ; the cost and proceeds of every
animal and crop can also be very nearly estimated. The re-
sult would be that the yearly income from one cow would be
found to be thirty or forty dollars, that of another sevent}^-
five to a hundred ; one yoke of oxen would have depreciated
in value twenty-five or thirty dollars, while another would
have gained as much. It would be seen that two old broken
down horses would be less serviceable than one good one
well kept, and so on.

A short time since, in talking with a smart, active New
Hampshire farmer, he said to me, "I can raise corn at thirty
cents per bushel." Being asked if he reckoned the loss to
his land, interest, taxes, etc., he replied, "No, if you reckon
all these, there is no profit in any crop." But they should
all be taken into the account ; then if it is found there is no
real profit, it shows the need of still closer observation and
care.

Kecently, at a very pleasant dinner party, given by a gen-
tleman of this county, supposing he had owned his farm but
a few years, I asked him how long he had lived upon his es-
tate. His reply was, "Two hundred and fifty years." This
he immediately qualified by saying, "Perhaps one hundred
and fifty years, or ever since the settlement of the country."
Friends, many of you have lived upon your farms a hundred
and fifty years, and as you look back and see the work that
your fathers have accomplished, will you rest satisfied with
your present attainments ? The world moves forward ; in
science, in art, in agriculture, and those of you who will oc-
cupy these farms one hundred and fifty years hence, will, or

5

ought to be, as much in advance of us of the present day, as
we are ahead of our fathers of a hundred and fifty years ago.
Make improvements ; commence at home. Is there noth-
ing about your house which can at a trifling expense be made
more attractive and beautiful? A new coating of paint —
the old chimneys modernized and repaired ; a bay window
here to contain the flowers, or a portico there both for com-
fort and ornament? Have your family all the conveniences
they require and deserve? Are the best modern improve-
ments in kitchen, pantry and living room? Is a good supply
of dry fuel always on hand in a convenient place? Is pure
healthful water accessible at all times to the house and stable ?
Have you carefully examined the drainage about your premi-
ses, to see that no subtle undercurrent is gradually destroy-
ing the health of yourself and flmiily? While this subject
has received so much attention from sanitary committees and
physicians in our larger cities, I think it has been very much
neglected in our country homes. Have you good ventilation
in every apartment of your house ? If not, secure it as soon
as possible. Make home pleasant for the children — while
they have their books, their papers, and their games for win-
ter, they should also have their croquet ground, their pet
animals, and their flower garden. Who of us that are older
does not remember with pleasure the old cherry, pear, or
early apple tree in our father's garden ? What boy who has
ever owned a pet colt, or a pair of steers, and called them
his, if he lives to be a man and becomes a farmer, will not
love his profession better, and be a better farmer for having
owned them?

Many a boy has been driven from his paternal home, who
would otherwise have stayed and adopted the profession of
his father, had not that father, Avith too close a grasp and
too arbitrary a disposition, treated him merely as a hireling —
not consulting with him in his plans and purposes, and finally
threatening to disinherit him if he should leave his home, and
not become a farmer. You fathers, who have children grown

6

up to years of disoretion, why not lot out your property to
them, or at least have it understood what part, in case of
your death, each one is to have — whether of land or money
— that they make improvements upon and take an interest in
what is to be theirs, and not feel that only at death will it be
released from your tight grasp, and look forward to that
event with pleasure rather than with sorrow.

Next to the house, the barn should receive special atten-
tion. It should be convenient and airy, at the same time
tiffht and comfortable for the domestic animals. There
should always be a cellar under it, if practicable. Plenty of
dry muck and loam should be on hand to mix with the ma-
nure aud absorb the ammouia. Everything about the premi-
ses should be kept sweet aud clean. The wash from the house
and sink drain should all be utilized and saved ; mixed with
dry earth, it contains very much of fertilizing material.
Good water at all seasons of the year is indispensable iu the
baru yard. Many a farm in this county, at a trifling outlay
of a hundred, or a hundred and fifty dollars, could be sup-
plied with pure ruuniug w^ater the year round ; while now a
great vunouut of hard labor is expended in drawing or pump-
ino" water for the cattle, and by the inmates of the house, in
goiug perhaps rods, through winter's snow and summer's suu,
to briug water for household purposes.

A large amount of money is every year wasted by the
neglect of tools. Carts and farm wagous are often left un-
painted and uncared for, till they fall to pieces through sheer
neglect. A plough, cultivator, mowiug machine, or steel
tooth horse rake is often more injured by being exposed iu
one rain storm, or even in several heavy dews, than by years
of use. Get the best, and take good care of them, and buy
no more than are absolutely needed, should be the motto of
every farmer. The farmer should plan out his work for
weeks and months ahead. There are, in every season, cer-
tain days that are most suitable for planting, for haying, and
for harvesting ; these, if neglected, often result iu serious

loss. It was the maxim of a successful farmer, always to
have work under cover for rainy days, and never to work in-
doors in pleasant weather.

No fiirnier who cares for the health and comfort of his fam-
ily will be without a good vegetable garden, the real value
and luxury of which cannot well be reckoned in dollars and
cents.

A neat and well kept flower garden is always a source of
pleasure and refinement, and it is surprising to notice the im-
provement in floriculture, within a very few years. Nearly
every door-yard contains asters, verbenas and geraniums, for
which ten years ago any florist in the country would have
taken first prizes.

The farmer should think as Avell as work. His library,
however small, should contain a few of the best standard
works, and the leading agricultural papers ; none of them
but will suggest some idea, and the thought goes before the
act.

A farmer's club is of great value always, both for its prac-
tical utility and for drawing out the best social qualities. The
rural town where I live has sustained such an one uninter-
ruptedly for over twenty years, and although many of the
earlier members have left us, their words, their thoughts, still
live in our community.

Shade trees, which are indispensable in their proper place,
are often planted too thickly and too near our dwellings, es-
peciall}^ in towns and villages, thus causing them to be dark
and unhealthy, when they should be light and cheerful. The
larger species of evergreens are very much out of place on
the sunny sides of our houses, while they would be very ap-
propriate and necessary as screens and windbreaks along the
cold and exposed sides of our buildings. I would recommend
that a permanent committee on planting and locating shade
trees be chosen in every town and village ; the office would
seem almost as important as that of the architect or landscape
gardener. Rows of deciduous trees, planted along our road-

8

sides, would add much to the beauty and fertility of our
farms, and a proper alternation of the maple, ash, beech, and
chestnut, would produce a very pleasing and beneficial effect.

If the roads, especially near our houses, were kept clean
of bushes, and instead of unsightly holes, piles of stones
and other rubbish, the rough places were made smooth and
sown down to grass, — then might our roadsides present the
appearance of beautiful lawns, and at the same time be made
profitable from the crops of grass, which could every year be
taken from them. Formerly hogs were allowed to run at
large in the public roads, but modern civilization has confined
these animals to proper limits ; it is to be hoped that at no
distant day cattle and horses will be thus restrained, and not
allowed to trespass where they have no more legal right than
in your neighbor's fields and garden.

Many of the apple orchards of this county have of late
years been sadly neglected. Perhaps the trees were formerly
planted too thickly, and there were too many of them, but if
they had received proper care and been protected from in-
sects, they would today have been a source of great profit,
Thirty years ago, according to a careful record kept at that
time by my neighbor Maj. Poore, there were fourteen thou-
sand barrels of apples raised in the town of West Newbury
in a single year — very largely of Roxbury Russets. Now
there are probably not over five thousand barrels raised in
the same town in a productive year. Good winter apples,
like the Baldwin and Russet will always sell at fair prices.
Foreign markets are just being opened for them, and wo,
near the sea coast, have the advantage for shipping, of those liv-
in<y inland- Let us learn to pick and sort our apples with more
care, and put them up honedly in clean nice barrels, then our
fruit will soon have a reputation abroad, and will be always
sought for at good remunerative prices.

There are other fruits which might be raised to advantage
in this county, and with experience, and a fair amount of
skill, could be made as profitable as any other farm crop.

9

Pears, peaches, quinces and plums are adapted to this sec-
tion, and can be grown here to perfection. Grapes, which
ripen tardily in our New England climate, are desirable for
family use ; some of the earliest varieties should be culti-
vated, and may possibly be raised with profit for the market.
Cherries are a luxury, but they add much to the pleasures
of home, and no fruit garden is complete without them.
Strawberries and the other small fruits are a fixed fact. No
town or village in the future but will have them ; even at the
present low prices, they are a paying crop. While people
in cities, even of moderate means, have learned to use fruit
freely as a necessary article of food, it is to be feared that in
the country the fruit garden has been too often neglected.
This is next in importance to the vegetable garden, and no
farmer should fail to furnish his family witli a supply of fruit,
from the earliest strawberries to the latest winter apples and
pears. It is to be regretted that many varieties of fruit
which were formerly raised here in great abundance should
have been almost wholly abandoned. For instance, winter
pears, very delicious for cooking, were found on many farms
almost as plenty as apples ; now the trees are cut away and
destroyed ; instead, we see long named exotics, which never
can or will fill the places of our former fiivorites. The same
will apply to plums and some other fruits. While it may be
said that the varieties have deteriorated or the soil become
exhausted, or that insects have increased more than formerly,
it may be replied that what is worth little, costs us little ;
what is worth having is Avorth Avorking for ; that he who be-
comes discouraged or fainthearted because of drought, mil-
dew, or a few insects, is not deserving of the fruits which a
bountiful Providence would bestow upon us.

There is scarcely a farm in this county but what contains
some piece which would well pay for underdraining ; some
unsightl}^ hollow, some damp meadow, usually the best and
most productive land on the farm, if properly underdrained.
Have you who raise strawberries for the market ever tried

10

such a piece ? Did not the crop surprise you who have un-
derdraiued for grass? Two inch tile from a neighboring
town can now be delivered at any depot in this county at
twenty dollars per thousand feet. These should be laid at a
depth of not less than three and a half feet, with a fall of at
least one inch to the rod. With the low price of labor at the
present time, the cost is not as much as one would at first
suppose.

Probably there is no better stock for the farmer in general
in this vicinity than milch cows. In order to maintain the
fertility of our soil, we should keep as many as possible, get
the best, and feed well. But what to do with the milk is the
problem. A few years ago, when there appeared to be an
unlimited demand, the prospect was good ; it is so now to a cer-
tain extent ; still many of us have been obliged the past sum-
mer, to sell our milk at less than the cost of production.
The demand for good butter is unlimited, and my own opin-
ion is that butter making under the Harnden system (that is,
setting the milk in deep cans at a low temperature), would
be better for many of us, than selling milk at the present
prices.

Some of our farmers refuse from year to year to bring up
their best stock to this exhibition,- saying they have very little
chance with the petted animals of the few, who generally
take the premiums. This difficulty may be all imaginary,
but is there not some danger that even this old societ3^ which
has always so nobly excluded the race course, shall through
her committees refuse a premium to a colt, which Avould
otherwise be a valuable family or draft horse, because its
ancestors could not show a record of less than three minutes ?
The impression too seems to have gone abroad, that, under
the rules of this society, none but members will be allowed
to take premiums. This is erroneous, as the prizes are open
to all residents of the county, who will conform to the print-
ed rules and regulations.

A great improvement has been made of late in cutting

11

grass earlier than formerly ; it is now generally admitted by
our most practical formers, that all kinds of grasses should
be cut when they are in flower, or very soon afterwards. We
have along our sea coast several thousand acres of land,
known as salt marshes, which might be made more valuable
by judicious ditching and dyking. The grasses on these
meadows are very apt to be neglected till late in the season,
one or two months after they have blossomed and gone to
seed ; then the hay is comparatively worthless. The most
valuable of these, the Bhick-grass (Juncus Gerardi), was iu
blossom this year, June 20th, and the Foxgrass {Spartlna
Juncea) July 20th. Bordering on the Parker River in New-
bury, are about two thousand acres of these marsh lands,
which by a dam near the mouth of the river, at the estimated
cost of thirty thousand dollars, might be rendered very valu-
able for growing any of the upland crops.

Those who have travelled through this county for the past
few years, must have noticed the very poor condition of
many of the roads, especially in the vicinity of this city, and
in the interior. The roads in several of the towns in the
southeastern section of the countv are excellent, and those
who have the care of them deserve much praise. Would it
not be well for towns in choosing surveyors, to select men
who know the difference between ijravel suitable for roads,
and soil adapted to the compost heap ?

On some of our farms the fences are in bad condition.
Many a man spends more time in driving the cattle from the
mowing lot and corn field in hay time, than he would in
making good fences at the proper season. If we w^ould keep
our cattle and sheep from l)eing unruly in summer, we must
have good fences to start with in the spring.

The farmer should be temperate in everything ; in eating
and drinking, in sleeping and working ; not doing two days'
work in one, or overworking his tired body, because he sees
so much to do. It is to 1)e hoped, that the day will soon
come wdien the use of rum, or even cider, in the harvest field,

12

or on any other occasion, will be entirely among the things
that were ; and if those who possess wealth and culture,
would set an example in this respect, and abolish from their
tables and entertainments, all wines and other liquors, and join
heart and hand in the good work, how soon might this de-
mon of intemperance be entirely abolished from our state
and nation.

The question may arise, how can a young man without
capital or experience get his farm? I reply, work for others ;
working steadily, honestly and perseveringly,he will soon have
the trade, and if he is prudent will save as much money, on
the average at this, as at any other business. Let him begin
with a small farm in a careful way, not expecting too large
profits ; perhaps by leasing one for a term of years he can
acquire the requsite skill and capital. He should plan event-
ually to own his farm, for a man is twice the man every way,
who owns the land he works upon. A man of my acquaint-
ance, who had lived upon a farm for several years and after-
wards bought it, said, after he owned his place, the very
stones of which he built his fences seemed lighter than before.
A farmer to succeed should be in earnest, should be enthu-
siastic in his work. In what other business can one excel
without ^enthusiasm ? But you may reply, these are hard
times, milk is down to the lowest figure ; butter, cheese,
pork and beef command only the lowest prices, — what is left
after the potato bug, the canker worm, the cabbage fly, and
the onion worm, is hardly worth marketing. My friends, if
half the time which is spent in grumbling were devoted to
earnest, cheerful work, times would have been better than
they are, before this. Perhaps this may be true of other pro-
fessions than farming?

A friend and neighbor of mine recently having failed in
the mercantile business, went immediately back to his former
occupation, took charge of a small schooner, and as it were,
began life anew. Being asked if he could make anything,
he replied, "Perhaps not, but I shall be all ready and in

13

business when the good times do come." So with us farmers,
we canuot aford to let our farms go to waste — to let our
trees die of neglect, and be eaten up by insects. We should
be ujp and doing ; the " good times" will come before we are
aware of it. More than half of the farmers in this county
with whom I have any acquaintance have money in the Sav-
ings Bank. Which is the best investment, money in the
Five Cent Savings Banks, and Railroad shares, or in beautify-
ing and making comfortable our own homes, in underdrain-
ing land, buying manure, reparing fences, and in a thousand
ways adding to the value and convenience of our farms, at
the same time aiding the unemployed, who stand waiting and
asking for our assistance.

But it is not all dollars and cents that we live or should
live for. Culture and refinement are equally to be sought
after. It is a law of our being, that after the immediate
wants of the body are supplied, we turn to the study and en-
joyment of the beautiful, both in nature and art. The man
who leaves his New England home among the hills for the
western prairie, goes for gain ; a very commendable object
certainly, if it is not carried too far, but as soon as he has
made himself a comfortable home, and provided for the wants
of his domestic animals, he naturally thinks to beautify his
surroundings — planting a group of trees here, or a line of
evergreens there, not forgetting the vines, shrubs and flowers,
which will do so much to make his home cheerful and his
family happy. In older countries this is carried still further,
till the parks and gardens of England, France and Germany,
are known world-wide, and are held out as examples to us
on this side of the Atlantic, oftentimes not so much to our
help as discouragement.

Our two largest cities. New York and Philadelphia, have
expended immense sums in laying out public parks, and in
both instances have copied and imitated nature as far as
possible. Beautiful lawns, wooded glens, and primeval trees
are preserved in their natural beauty, and the highest style of
landscape gardening takes nature for its teacher.

14

Many of the farmers of this county look out of their own
windoAvs upon lawns as fair and sloping, as can be found in
Fairmount or Central Parks. Their estates contain grottos
and glens as lovely and secluded as in either of these, and
forest and woodland as varied and more extensive than in any
public park in the country.

I know of no way of enjoying these scenes in nature so
profitably as by doing as we have in West Newbury (you
will excuse me for referring again to my own town by way
of illustration). We have a little Botanical Club, some
three years of age, which having struggled hard for an ex-
istence in its earlier days, now numbers over forty-five mem-
bers, including manv of our most intelligent and valuable
citizens. Our two physicians were unwittingly drawn in, not
suspecting that the thing was interfering with their means of
a livelihood, and we hope at an early day to dispense with the
services of both these gentlemen, although we value them
highly as friends and townsmen. Our plan is to hold field
meetings about once a month, especially during spring and
autumn. A pleasant grove in some neighboring town is gen-
erally selected as a place of rendezvous, to which the mem-
bers go by different routes, at their own convenience. A
basket picnic at noon is usually followed by a discussion in the
most friendly and familiar way, of the various specimens we
have gathered, and all return home at an early hour, pleased
and delighted with the occasion; and we are unanimously
agreed that our minds and bodies are so refreshed and invig-
orated by these little respites, that we can perform more la-
bor, both mental and physical, than if we had not indulged in
them. We meet once a month during winter, at the house of
some member, to hear an essay and enjoy asocial chat on any
subject connected with botany ; but the principal enjoyment
comes from our rambles in summer through woodland and
pasture in search of wild flowers, which is delightful in itself,
besides being eminently healthful. We believe thoroughly
in out of door exercise for all classes ; and that walking, suit-
ably dressed, with a pleasant object in view, is far better for

15

health thcan riding in fashionable luxurious carriages. We
have known several invalid ladies who have entirely recovered
their health by this same sort of exercise.

Are there any young ladies here, who are losing the color
from their cheek, or the elasticity of their step, — whose pa-
rents are contemplating a trip to Florida, to avoid our New
England winter, or have sought the mountains in summer, —
did you ever try the medicine of walking? Do you know
where in all your vicinity to find the earliest Arbutus, Hepa-
tica, or Bloodroot ? Do you know iji what meadows to look
for the Orchids, and every knoll that is congenial to the Col-
umbine and Saxifrage? At this season, can you find the
Fringed Gentian ? Or can you tell how many varieties of
Aster and Golden Kod are within sight of your homes ?

Are there any professional gentlemen here, or those of sed-
entary habits, who are troubled with dyspepsia, and are look-
ing forward to a longer summer vacation as their only hope ?
Do you know all the species and varieties of trees and shrubs
within five miles of your doors ? Or have you studied the
rocks and minerals which compose these hills, and form these
valleys ? Probabl}^ none of us realize and appreciate as we
should the beauty and grandeur of these scenes around us.
Bayard Taylor, after having travelled over all Europe, when
standing on the top of Pow-wow Hill in Salisbury, is said to
have remarked that he never before had seen anything so
beautiful. Why need any of us go abroad in search of beau-
tiful scenery when nature has done so much for us at our very
doors ? Do you in this section fully appreciate your lovely
Merrimac, with its tributaries, the Spicket and Shawsheen ;
those hills of Andover — Boxford with her twenty ponds,
Wenham and Essex with their deep damp woods, — Cape Ann
with its unsurpassed drives, its variety of ocean woodland
and villa ; the shore towns with their seventy-five miles of
sea coast? All these form a scene of beauty and loveliness
nowhere excelled, if equalled, in this country'or the world.

Farmers of Essex County : I congratulate you upon this

16

the return of our annual festive occasion. This beautiful
day — this large assemblage of friends and neighbors — the fine
display of domestic animals, and the unusually rich one of
fruits and flowers in yonder hall, are all auspicious omens.
Let us then together take courage for the future. Let us be
enthusiastic in our work, making the most of our circum-
stances,— ever ready to stand firmly for the right, for morali-
ty, for temperance, for good and wholesome laws, — not be-
ing deceived by the promises of politicians and demagogues ;
then shall our future be even more prosperous than the past,
and we be proverbially the strength and hope of the nation.

OAITLE SEIOAV AND FAIR,

The SIio\v was held at Lawrence, Sept. 24th and 25th, 1878.
It was very largely attended on both days. The show of
Stock was on the Essex Company's gronnds, near the Merrimac
River. The exhibition of Fruit, Domestic Manufactures,
etc., at City Hall, and Vegetables in a tent adjoining.

The entries in the several departments were as . follows : —

STOCK, Etc.

I^at Cattle i . 1 Entry.

Bulls 12 Entries.

Milch Cows 13 "

Herds of Milch Cows ; 2

Heifers 60 "

Calves 8

( «

Working Oxen 10 "

Steers 3 "

Town Teams 2 "

Stallions 11 "

Brood Mares 6 "

Family Horses 10 "

Farm and Draft Horses 13 "

Pairs of Draft Horses 7 "

Colts 2.5

Swine 13 "

Sheep 3 "

Poultry 49 Coops.

Ploughing, single teams 1 Entry.

" double " 7 Entries.

18

Ploughing, Horse team 9 Entries.

♦ ' 3 or more Horses .... 3 "
" Swivel Plough 2 "

Agricultural Implements 80 articles.

Carriages 5 entries.

There were on exhibition : —

550 plates apples.
287 plates pears.

89 plates peaches, grapes, etc.
240 lots of vegetables.

12 parcels butter and cheese.

28 parcels bread, cake, etc.

25 traces corn.
4 entries shoes.

86 entries counterpanes and rugs.
360 entries fancy work, etc.

15 entries children's work.

The annual meeting of the Society was held at the Court
House, and was fully attended. Benj. P. Ware, the Presi-
dent, in the Chair. The officers chosen, as will appear in
another place in this volume, were a president, four vice
presidents, and a secretary, the trustees having been previous-
ly chosen by the members in their several towns, according
to an amendment to the Constitution of the Society, adopted
last year.

An unusual number of members have died during the year.
Among those who have occupied prominent positions in the
government of the society may be mentioned Hons. Allen
W. Dodge of Hamilton, and Daniel H. Stickney of Grove-
land, Dr. Joseph Kittredge of North Audover, and Samuel
C. Pitman of Swarapscott.

Among other members — Benj. Haskell, M. D., Eben
Pool of Kockport, the latter having been a member for over
fifty years, and Samuel Preston of Dan vers.

19

Rev. O. S. Butler, of Georgetown, presented resolutions
on the death and character of Allen W. Dodge and D. H.
Stickuey, with the following remarks : —

Mr. President : — It has been our custom since the earliest
history of our society, at its annual meeting, to mark with
suitable resolve and reference the decease of our official mem-
bers. During the past year, two of our official members
have died, the Hon. Allen W. Dodge and the Hon. D. H.
Stickuey. It seems to me eminently proper that we should
stop a moment at this juncture of our business and record
with tearful interest our just estimate of their lives and char-
acters.

We have come up to our annual feast ; we shall take each
other by the hand ; we shall look into the faces of these stal-
wart men ; we shall walk among the flocks and herds of our
noble animals ; we shall go into the hall across the way and
gaze with unmingled delight upon fruit and flowers, as well as
the handiwork of man and maiden. But the noble, manly
form, the genial, glowing countenance, the words of wisdom
and sparkling wit, of our old friend and co-laborer, will not
be seen or heard among the living, for Allen W. Dodge is no
more here.

And we shall nowhere meet our familiar and loving friend,
D. H. Stickuey. That tall and graceful form is low in the dust.
No, my fellow laborers, they are not here ; they have entered
upon a higher and nobler life, and are now engaged in the
activities of the great beyond.

At the request of the officers of the society, I have reluc-
tantly consented to prepare and present to your attention the
following resolutions, as expressive of our regard and esteem
for these our brethren, whose loss we greatly deplore : —

The Essex Agricultural Society has learned with profound sorrow
of the decease of two of its oificial members, durin^^ the past year,
the Hon. Allen W. Dodge and the Hon. D. H. Stickney, In view
of this sad bereavement it is therefore resolved : —

First, That we recognize the goodness of our Heavenly Father in
giving unto us such honorable and useful lives, as well as we do His
hand in that mysterious providence that has removed ihem from our
midst.

Second, That we recognize and record our highest appreciation of
the service rendered to our Society in particular, and the cause of

20

agriculture in genersil, in the county and state, both in their private
membership of the society, and in their official capacity so long and
so foithfully filled, — Mr. Dodge having served the Society as Trustee,
Orator, Secretary and President, and Mr. Stickncy as Trustee and
Vice-President.

Third, Thai we recognize with unmingled pleasure, tlieir ardent
love of agriculture, horticulture and floriculture, in all their refining
and elevating influences, that invite our admiration and excite our
emulation.

Fourth, That as man is more than his accidents, so the purity of
their lives and the true nobility of their natures, have impressed us
Avith their worth while living, and of our irreparable loss iu their
death.

Fifth, That we tender to their bereaved families our warmest sym-
pathies, and commend them to the mercy of our God, and to the
hopes and relationship of the world to come.

Sixth, That a copy of these resolutions be placed on the records of
the society, and a copy sent to the families of the deceased members.

After presenting the above resolutions Mr. liutlcr pro-
ceeded to say : —

Mr. Dodge was my friend, long cherished and dearly
beloved, the first to turn my attention and interest towards
this society, in whose prosperity and success lie took so great
an interest. For from his earliest years he showed a fondness
for agriculture, horticulture and floriculture. His fondness
for these i)ursuits 2,re\v witli his ijrowth and strengthened
with his strength, so that when quite a young man he became
a member of this then young but growing society, whicli
relation continued until his death.

Among the early compeers and fellow-laborers were the
Hon. Daniel P. King, Hon. James H. Duncan, Hon, John
W. Proctor, Hon. Joseph Howe, Dr. Andrew Nichols, Gen.
William Sutton, and Gen. Josiah Newhall.

Such was his interest and activity in the cause of agricul-
ture, that as early as 1842 he was invited to deliver the annu-
al address before the society, which he did, to their delight
and satisfaction. The subject of the address was "The cul-
tivation of the apple," a subject upon which he was thorough-
ly conversant at that time, and at the time of his death there
was no man in the county so well informed in regard to the

21

ditiorent v;irioties of tipples, their inethods of culture, their
iid:iptatiou to soil luid climate, and everything that pertained
to the cultivation of apples.

Mr. Dodge continued to manifest his interest for the socie-
ty to such an extent that in 1844 he was chosen Secretar}',
with very great unanimity, and continued to serve in that
capacity for seventeen years, or until 18()1, when he was
elected President, in which capacity he served us for two
years, when he declined a re-election, and for the remainder
of his life he sustained the relation of Honorary Trustee.
But Mr. Dodge was more than an agriculturist, he was a man,
a true nobleman by nature, and one of the most thoroughly
cultivated men in our society, if not in the state.

His character as a friend and neighlwr, as a man of the
strictest integrity in all of his official relations, as a devout
and faithful christian, has been most justly and worthily em-
balmed in the memories of the public, whose servant he was,
and I will not repeat them here. Peace to his ashes and
honor to his memor^^

Of Mr. Stickney it may be said that he was very active
and useful to our society from the first of his membership,
devoting his time and money to the best interests of the soci-
ety. Although not a large farmer, his knowledge of the sci-
ence Avas evinced by the productiveness of his land, and the
variety of his production of the grape and the pear. He was
for several years one of our Trustees, and in interest or ac-
tivity was not excelled by any other member; in many re-
spects he was harder worked and better known than any
other member of our society. At the time of his decease he
was one of our Vice-Presidents.

Mr. Stickney was one of the most companionable of men.
warm in his attachments, zealous in his defence of the inter-
ests of his friends, wise in council, persistent in his efforts to
secure his ends, of necessity his life was a success. Begin-
ning life in comparative obscurity, he, by his own unaided
efforts, became the peer of his superiors, until he sat beside
Governors and Councillors, and was consulted by some of
the foremost men of the nation.

When he was unexpectedly cut otF in the prime and
strength of his manhood, it was proper that business and
pleasure should cease in the village where he was born, on
the day of his funeral, and that the whole community should

22

join in the mournful services and procession, as we lifted the
snowy covering from the white-robed earth, and laid our dear
friend among the dust of his kindred, on the sloping banks
of the beautiful Merrimac he loved so well.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, &c.

FAT CATTLE.

The Committee on Fat Cattle have attended to their duty,
and report that but one pair was entered, and that by Chas.
A. Butterfield of North Andover, and they award to him the
second premium of $10.

The Committee were disappointed in not finding more
cattle entered for premiums, as they are fully aAvare that
there are many fat cattle in the county well worthy of a pre-
mium.

Jas. P. King, John C. Gage, A. H. Gould, R. T. Jaques,
H. G. Kimball — Committee.

BULLS.

The Committee on Bulls submit the following award of
premiums : —

Wm. A. Eussell, Lawrence, Holstein Bull, with five Calves
of his stock, 1st premium $15.

Chas. S. Bradley, West Newbury, Devon Bull, 2d premi-
um, $6.

Chas. S. Bradley, West Newbury, Short Horn do, 2d pre-
mium, §4.

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein under 2 years, 1st
premium, $6.

Chas. Perley, Boxford, Ayrshire Bull, 1st premium, $10.

Doane Cogswell, Bradford, Ayrshire Bull, 2d premium, $6.

J. D. W. French, North Andover, Ayrshire under 2 years,
1st premium, $G.

24

S. F. Newman, Newbury, Ayrshire under 2 years, '2d pre-
mium, $4.

Geo. W. Russell, Lawrence, Jersey under 2 years, 1st pre-
mium, $G.

MILCH COWS.

The Committee ou Milch Cows respectfully submit the fol-
lowing report : —

The number of entries in this department of stock was
not large, but the animals shown were very tine. Five com-
petitors entered their stock for premium, and their state-
ments are herewith submitted. Mr. French, Mr. Eussell,
and Mr. Thurlow, give an interesting statement of the
amount of milk produced by their cows, from an actual daily
record kept by them. It is hardly fair to place the small
compact Ayrshires of Mr. French in competition with the
large square built Holsteins of Mr. Russell, but the premium
oflered for the best milch cow of any breed, required this to
be done. Undoubtedly the Holsteins exhibited produced the
largest amount ot milk, and the Ayrshires are more cheaply
kept. To be equally profitable the Holsteins ought to pro-
duce the most. The relative value of large and small cows
for milking purposes is a matter which has l)een much dis-
cussed, but after all must be decided by every farmer for him-
self, and must depend almost entirely on his means of feed-
ing. The Committee recommend the following awards : —

Special premium $25, to Wm. A. Russell of Lawrence.

Best Milch Cow.—lst premium $12, to Wm. A. Russell,
*of Lawrence ; 2d premium $9, to J. D. W. French, No. An-
dover.

Ayrshires. — 1st premium $12, to J. D. W. French, No.
Andover ; 2d premium $6, to J. D. W. French, No. Andover.

Jerseys. — 1st premium $12, Chas. O. Cummings, Andover.

Holsteins. — 1st premium $12, to Wm. A. Russell, of Law-
rence ; 2d premium $(>, to AVm. A. Russell, of Lawrence.

25

Grades. — 1st premium $12, to David W. Noyes of Me-
thuen ; 2d premium $6, to .Tames E. Thurlow of Metliuen.

For the Committee,

Joseph S. Howe, Chairman.

STATEMENTS OF WM. A. RUSSELL.

To the Committee on Milch Cows: —

I enter for tlie special premium of $25, cow Maid Mariou,
181. Imported. Calved iu 1872. Recorded iu the "Hol-
steiu Record," published by the Holstein Breeders' Association.

Her milk record for 3 years.

Year. No. days in Milk.

No. lbs.

Av. per day

1875-76 421

11,990

28.48

1876-77 304

9,375

30.83

1877-78 304

9,560

31.38

She dropped a c. c. Jan. 28, 1875 ; again, b. c. July 8,
1876, and again a c. c. Sept. 17, 1877. Is due to calve Oct.
10, 1878.

For account of treatment, food, etc., see statement in re-
gard to Herd of Milch Cows.

I enter for the best Milch Cow, Lady Andover, 16. Calved
in 1869. Bred by the exhibitor. Sire, Zuider Zee, 2d, (57).
Imported. Dam, Midwoud, 4 {2Q), by Hollander (19).
Grandam, Lady Midwoud (17). Imported. Recorded in
the "Holstein Record," published by the Holstein Breeders'
Association.

Her milk record for 2 years.

Year. No. days in Milk. No. lbs. Av. per day.

1876-77 273 9,856 36.11

1877-78 334 10,159 30.41
is still in milk.

She dropped a c. c, Sept. 14, 1876, and again a b. c,
Oct. 1, 1877 ; is due to calve, Nov. 19, 1878.

For account of treatment, food, etc., sec statement iu re-
gard to Herd of Milch Cows.

26

I enter for premium for thoroughbred Holsteius, four years
old aud upward, Lavinia, 168. Calved in 1869, and Alema-
ria, 75. Calved in 1872.

Both these coavs were imported, and are recorded in the
"Holstein Eecord," published by the Holstein Breeders'
Association.

Lavinia dropped her last calf March 6, 1878, and is due to
calve again Feb. 4, 1879.

For the first ten days in April she gave 560 11)s. of milk,
an average of 56 lbs. per day. For the last ten days in Au-
gust she gave 355 lbs., an average of 35 1-2 lbs. per day.
She has been dry but two weeks in four years, and has had a
calf every year.

STATEMENT OF J. D. W. FRENCH.

To the Committee on Milch Cozvs : —

I enter for special premium of $25 for best milch cow of
any age or breed, my Ayrshire cow "Roxanna."

3Iilk Record.

Name.

Roxanua
(Calved 1870.)

A. R.

No. of days in

milk.

Yield

Iq lbs

•

1874
360

1875
300

1876
335

1877
256

1874
8183

1875
7431

1876
6785

1877

1816

5535

The above record is for 4 years. Roxanna dropped her
last calf April 30, 1878. Her yield since, for 123 days, has
been 4173 lbs. Average per day 33.9 lbs. (nearly 34 lbs.).
The Committee will observe that Ro Joanna is a small cow,
even for an Ayrshire. That is, below the average size.

I enter for premium for best Milch Cow of any breed, with
evidence as to quantity of milk, 1st premium $12, 2d premium
$9, my Ayrshire cow, Julia, 2578, A. R. Calved May, 1872.
Milk record begins in April, and runs to Sept. 1, 140 days.
Total yield 4062 lbs. Average per day, 29 lbs.

27

Dropped her last calf March, 1878. Her dam is Susan,
1875. Imported, A. R. Her Sire is Conqueror, 1574. Im-
ported, A. R.

I enter for premiums for best Ayrshire cows, 4 years old
and upward, premiums $12 and $G, my Ayrshire cows, Nina
Lyman, 4611, A. R. ; calved April 15, 1874 ; Dam, Nina 4th,
1034, A. R., Sire, Lochiel, 243, A. R. ; and Privet, 3107,
A. R. ; Calved May 11, 1874; Dam, Primrose, 711, A. R.,
Sire, Fitz James, 550, A. R.

Nina L. dropped her last calf Feb. 15, 1878. Her milk
record begins Feb. 17 and runs to Sept. 1, 196 days. Total
yield 5105 lbs. Average per day, 26 lbs. Privet, during
the year 1877, in 32!) days yielded 4755 lbs. Dropped her
last calf Aug. 27. Her yield for 2 weeks since has been 436
lbs. xlverage per day, 31.1 lbs.

The milk is weighed morning and night of each day
throughout the whole year, so that the amounts given are as
accurate as it is possible to make them.

All my animals entered for premiums are recorded in the
Ayrshire Record (A. R.), published by the Ayrshire Breed-
ers' Association, and all trace directly to importation from
Scotland.

Feed. — In the summer season, after about August 1, the
cows in milk have received, in addition to pasturage, fodder
corn or grass, but no grain. In winter, 10 quarts of Man-
golds, 2 quarts meal (Indian), besides the usual rations of

hay have been fed to each cow.

J. D. AY. Feexch.

STATEMENT OF JAMES E. THURLOW\

To the Committee on Milch Coiva : —

Number of quarts of milk given by cow Nelly, belouging
to James E. Thurlow, between the dat6 of Oct 9, 1877, and
Sept 23, 1878, dropping her calf Oct, 9, 1877 :—

Oct. 9 to Nov. 1, 359 1-2 qts. average 15 29-46

November 516 " " 17 5-6

28

December,

428

qts.

average

13 5-6

January,

409

( (

13 6-31

February,

357

( (

12 3-4

March,

387 1-2

( c

12 1-2

April,

332

((

11 1-5

May,

360 1-2

((

11 2-3

June,

351 1-2

( (

11 2-3

July,

336

( i

10 5-6

August,

298 1-2

((

9 2-3

Sept. to 23d,

166 1-2

((

7 1-2

Total, 4302 Average, 12 101-175

The feed of the same cow for the winter season was dried
corn fodder, Hungarian and English hay of equal parts, from
1-2 to 3-4 bushels brewery grain, 2 quarts meal, 1-2 peck
potatoes ; the summer season being 1-2 bushel brewery
grains, one quart of meal, and pasture, per day. She is to
calve Dec. 2^, 1878. She also the year before calved Oct.
10. From Oct. 24 to Nov. 1, gave 147 1-2 qts. Average

21 1-15 per day.

James E. Thurlow.
Methuen, Sept. 23, 1878.

STATEMENT OF D. W. NOTES.

To the Committee on Milch Cows: —

This Milch cow, entered by David W, Noyes, Methuen,
gives 20 quarts of milk per day. Her feed is pasture, corn
fodder, one peck shorts, and three quarts of meal, per day.

D. W. Notes.

HERDS OF MILCH COWS.

Committee on Herds of Milch Cows report as follows : —
1st premium to Charles Perley, of Boxford, $18.
2d premium to William A. Russell, of Lawrence, $12.

For the Committee,

John L. Shorey, Chairman.

29

STATEMENT OF CHARLES PERLEY.

2h the Committee on Herd of Milch Coivs : —

I enter for premium, for best herd of Milch cows, my Ayr-
shire cows, — Madge Day, 4038, calved March 5, 1878. Rosa
McDonald, 2d, 5053, Feb. 15, 1878. Rosa McDonald, 3d,
505G, Dec. 12, 1877. Milly Day, 5049, June 10, 1878.
Flora Frolic, 5056, March 10, 1878.

These cows Avere kept through the winter on meadow hay,
straw and corn fodder, with about six quarts of roots to each
cow per day. This was their feed until March, then they had
good English hay, and those that had calves had each about
two quarts of meal per day. About the 10th of May they
were turned out to pasture, and have had nothing except
what they got in the pasture from that time.

The Record of their Milk.

Madge Day, due to calve March 8, 1879.

April 840 lbs. July 938 lbs.

May 871 " August 962 "

June 969 " September" . . .624 "

Rosa McDonald, 2d, due to calve February 15, 1879.

March 496 lbs. June 560 lbs.

April 515 " July 575 "

May 520 " August 558 "

Rosa McDonald, 3d, due to calve December 14, 1878.

January 465 lbs. May 600 lbs.

February 470 " June 675 "

March 500 " July 650 "

April 540 "

Milly Day.
August 826 lbs. Sept., 21 dys. 546 lbs.

30

Flora Frolic, due to calve May 16, 1879.

May 620 lbs. August 720 lbs.

June 660 " September 575 "

July 672 ''

Charles Perley.
West Boxford, Sept. 24, 1878.

* STATEMENT OF WM. A. RUSSELL.

To the Committee on Herd of Milch Ooios: —

I enter for premium for best herd of Milch cows, my Hol-
steins : Lady Clifeden, 159; Maid Marion, 181; Lady An-
dover, 16 ; Mabit, 178 ; Lady Clay, 158 ; and Cathrena, 105.
These animals are all recorded in the "Holstein Record,"
published by the Holstein Breeders' Association. They were
all imported or bred by the exhibitor. The milk of each
cow has been carefully weighed every milking, the cows be-
ing milked three times a day through the heaviest flow.

The milking record for Lady Clifeden and Maid Marion for
3 years and Lady Andover for 2 years.

Name, No., Age. Years. No. days in Milk. No lbs. Av. per clay.
Lady Clifeden, 159, 1875-76 362 16,274 44.95

Calved in 1868. 1876-77 282 12,243 43.60

1877-78 396 13,327 33.40

Maid Marion, 181. 1875-76 421 11,990 28.48

Calved in 1872. 1876-77 304 9,375 30.83

1877-78 304 9,560 31.38

Lady Andover, 16. 1876-77 273 9,856 36-11

Calved in 1869. 1877-78 334 10,159 30.41

The record for Mabit, Cathrena, and Lady Clay, since
dropping last calf, to Sept. 1st.

Mabit dropped last calf Sept. 14, 1877 ; is due Sept. 25,
1878 ; number of days in milk, 318 ; number of pounds,
8,973; average, 28.20.

Lady Clay dropped last calf May 10, 1878 ; is due June
10, 1879 ; number of days in milk, 101 ; number of pounds,
4,785 : average, 43.5

Cathrena dropped last calf March 24, 1878 ; is due March

31

1, 1879; nimiber of days in milk, 153; number of pounds,
6,325; average, 41.34.

Lady Clifedeu dropped a c. c. Feb. 1, 1875, again a c. c.
May 8, 1876, and again a c. c. April 8, 1877 ; is due Oct. 10,
1878. Maid Marion dropped a c. c. Jan. 28, 1875, again a
b. c. July 8, 1876, and again a c. c. Sept. 17, 1877 ; is due
Oct. 13, 1878. Lady Andover dropped a c.'c.'Sept. 14,
1876, and again a b. c. Oct. 1, 1877 ; is due Nov. 19. 1878.

Summer Treatment. — From the last of May to the first of
November, milking begins at 5 A. M. and 6.30 P. M., and
with new milch cows giving a heavy flow, I make a practice
of milking three times a day. The food during this time is
pasture, with two quarts of meal (corn ground with cob),
and after the first of August a feed of fodder corn morning
and nisrht.

Winter Treatment. — From the first of November to the
last of May, milking begins at 5 A. M. and 6 P. M. ; after
milking in the morning, the cows in milk are given two quarts
of meal and two quarts of shorts ; after they have eaten that,
they are given a feed of good hay ; after eating the hay they
are watered. They have been carded, cleaned and bedded
meanwhile. At noon they are given the same quantity of
grain, excepting the heifers with first calf, which have grain
but once a day ; after eating the grain they are given a feed
of corn fodder, cut up and mixed with hay. Watered at 4
o'clock. After milking at night they are given a feed of
mangolds and turnips, or mangolds alone. After eating
the roots they are given a feed of corn fodder ; they are then
left for the night.

Wm. a. Russell,

by J. C. Poor.

HEIFERS.

The Committee on Heifers report the following premiums :

32

Chas. Perley, Boxford, Thoroughbred Ayrshires in milk,
1st premium, $12.

J. D. W. French, North Andover, do, 2d premium, $6.

Frank J. Bradley, Methuen, grade do do, 1st premium,
$12.

G. S. Phippen, Methuen, do do, 2d premium, $6.

J. D. W. French, North Andover, Thoroughbred Ayrshire
that had never calved, 1st premium, $6.

Chas. Perley, Boxford do do, 2d premium, $4.

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein do do, 1st premi-
um, $6.

C. S. Bradley, Methuen, Durham do do, 1st premium, $6.

C. S. Bradley, Methuen, Devon do do, 1st premium, $6.

S. F. Newman, Newbury, grade do do, 1st premium, $6.

M. C. Andrews, Andover, do do, 2d premium, $4.

Chas. Perley, Boxford, Heifer Calves, 1st premium, $5»

S. F. Newman, Newbury, do do, 2d premium, $3.

C. H. Ordway, J. N. Rolfe, J. B. Spiller — Committee.

WORKING OXEN AND STEERS.

Your Committee tested the drawing of Oxen and Steers
entered for premium, all except Chas. Hazeltine's of Bradford,
and made the following awards ; —

Oxen. — First premium, Jos. H. Reynolds ; second premi-
um, A. M. Bodwell ; third premium, G. F. Mason.

Steers. — First premium, B. H. Farnum ; second premium,
R. S. Bray.

Your Committee allowed Mr. Poor, foreman of W. A.
Russell's farm, to draw his Holstein bulls, 4 and 5 years old.
They wore hitched to one of the ox AVagons containing 4,400
pounds, to which were hitched two other wagons, loaded, one
with 3,000 and the other with 4,000 pounds, making a total
of 11,900 pounds, besides 75 persons, averaging 125 pounds

33

each ; and your Committee Avoiild recommend that in future
a special premium be offered for Working Bulls.

Geo. W. Kussell, Geo. C. Foster, T. H. Balch, James Na-
son, Joshua N. Kent — Gommittee.

TOWN TEAMS.

The Committee award to the farmers of the town of North
Andover, for their team of eighteen yokes oxen, 1st premi-
um, $30-

For Horse team, consisting of seven pairs of horses, 1st

premium. $30.

James T. Johnson, Chairman.

STEERS.

The exhibition of the well matched and thoroughl}'" broken
yearling Hereford steers of Master Byron Faruum, of North
Andover, was one of the features of the show, and reflected
great credit upon their youthful owner and trainer. We
unanimously award him the first premium of $5. Benny and
Ralph Farnum, also of North Andover, entered one pair
yearlings and one pair steer calves. We award them the
second premium of $4 on their yearlings, and recommend that
a gratuity of $3 be given to them on their calves. These
steer calves were broken to the yoke, were nicely matched,
and, in the opinion of the Committee, were Avell worthy of a
premium, and it is to them a matter of regret that no premi-
um was placed at their disposal.

"Experience is a hard master, but a good teacher." The
farmers of Essex County, after passing through a iavf years
of unexampled adversity, are becoming apt scholars, and it is
a matter of congratulation that we are fast realizing the fact
that the reckless and spendthrift style of the "flush times" is
one of the things of the past — that we recognize we are now

3

34

iu the midst of an economic era, and consequently must raise
and produce upon our farms that which we consume. Here-
tofore Maine and New Hampshire have furnished ahuost en-
tirely our working oxen. There should be a stop put to this.
It is our belief that Essex County farmers can and should
raise their own oxen. The Farnum lads have demonstrated
that this can be done successfully.

We would respectfully suggest to the board of trustees the
advisability of offering premiums for steer calves, as it seems
to us that the raising of steers should be as carefully fostered
by the society as the rearing of heifers.

Perhaps, without going into an extended essay upon the
merits of the different breeds, it might be well to offer a few
hints, which are suggested by personal experience as well as
by observation, concerning steers and their raising. After
deciding upon the breed best adapted to your farm, and above
all else to your pastures — for I should as soon think of stock-
ing a milk farm Avith a herd of Brittany cows, as to raise
Durham or Dutch steers on the poor pastures to be found in
some parts of Essex County — use your best judgment in
selecting a thorough bred bull, as near your ideal of what
a perfect bull in shape and form should be, as possible. All
breeders agree that the blood of the bull is one of the most
essential features of breeding, for the strong-blooded sire al-
most invariably transmits his leading characteristics to his
progeny; frequently several generations are stamped and
marked by some strong-blooded ancestor. When purity of
blood is one. of the main objects of breeding, one should be
very careful that the cow had never been with calf by a bull
of another breed. In selecting your calves, do not, as is
often the case, let the fancy price offered by some butcher
bias and warp your judgment. Make it a rule to sell the
poorest. Ahvays raise the best, and then good feed, kind
treatnieat, and the boys will do the rest.

Horace F. Longfellow, Joshua N. Kent, Dudley Bradstreet,
Abel Stickuey — Committee. •

35

STALLIONS.

The Committee on Stallions report the foUoAving awards : —

G. W. Russell, Lawrence, for Stallion "Plucky," Avith 5
colts of his stock, premium $25.

J. G. IMcAllister, Lawrence, Stallion 4 years old, 1st jDre-
miura, $15.

Chas. S. Clark, Salem, do do, 2d premium, $10.

H. M. George, Saugus, Stallion 3 years old, 1st premium,
$10.

Daniel Tenney, Newbury, do do, 2d premium, $6.

A. B. WooDis, for Committee.

BROOD MARES'.

The Committee on Brood Mares have attended to their
duties and report as follows : —

There were five entries of Brood Mares with their foals by
their side. After a verj^ careful examination of these ani-
mals, your Committee awarded premiums as follows :

B. G. Gutterson, Methuen, Messenger Mare, 10 years old,
1st premium, $15.

P. R. Gutterson, Methuen, Morrill Mare, 10 years old, 2d
premium, $10.

Henry Small, Lawrence (no pedigree given), 3d premium,
$8.

There were two other entries. One by D. B. Webster of
Lawrence, but your Committee received no statement, written
or verbal, and as the mare was without a keeper, we were
unable to judge of her merits.

The other entry was by J. T. Griffin, North Andover.
The age and size of his mare would not entitle her to a pre-
mium, but there were points of merit both in the dam and
her foal that would entitle them to favorable notice.

M. S. Jenkins, O. S. Butler — Committee.

36

FAMILY HORSES.

Your Committee, every member being present, attended to
the duty assigned them, on the afternoon of the 24th of Sep-
tember, 1878, and made the following awards : —

First premium, $15, to C. D. Hunking, Haverhill, for his
black horse, 7 years old, weight 950 pounds, and shown in a
top buggy.

Second premium, $10, to Samuel G. Bean, Andover, for his
black horse, 11 years old, weight 1100 pounds, and shown in
a top buggy.

Third premium, $8, to George F. Mason, Andover, for
his black horse, 5 years old, weight 1245 pounds, and shown
in a Concord wagon.

The other entries were : —

Paul T. Winkley, Newbury, gray horse, 9 years old,
weight, 1050 pounds, and shown in a Concord wagon.

George W. Bray, Newbury. Withdrawn.

Charles Perley, Boxford, bay mare, 18 years old, weight
1000 pounds, and shown in Concord wagon.

D. G. Todd, Rowley, light bay horse, 5 years old, weight
1125 pounds, and shown in Concord wagon.

G. S. Phippeu, Methiien, horse, 5 years old, weight 1000
pounds.

Levi Emery, Lawrence, two horses ; the nigh horse, 10
years old, weight 1120 pounds; the ofl' horse, 7 j^ears old,
■weight 1140 pounds ; and shown in double harness on a farm
wagon.

David Smith, Newburyport, chestnut horse, 7 years old,
weight 1070 pounds, and shown in a carryall.

Lnmediately after meeting, the Committee selected a stretch
of ground where they could examine the animals and be able
to see them move. The Marshal, who was assigned to duty
with the Committee, was at once directed to order the horses

37

to be brought out iu harness. Some of them were ready, so
that work was begun without any unnecessary delay. An
inquisitive crowd of lookers-on caused some inconvenience to
your Committee, and it was impossible for the Marshal or the
Committee to keep them back to a proper distance. A space
properly roped off and guarded would have been of much
assistance, but that is not always possible.

The unevenness of the ground was an obstacle to seeing
the horses move to the best advantage, but it was as good as
we could obtain, and all were sent over the same ground.

After having carefully examined all the horses, and taken
the necessary notes, the Committee withdrew to a part of the
field where they could be by themselves, and soon gave their
written votes upon the first premium, and it was awarded as
above stated.

The vote for the second resulted in a tie at the fii*st ballot,
but the next decided the award after some discussicm. Then
after two more votes, with discussion between them, the third
premium was decided.

All the horses were first examined for marks of unsound-
ness. Splints were found on three of the rejected animals ;
some of these had interfering marks, and one had a peculiar
action of the off hip.

Then each was driven at a good road gait, so that his ac-
tion could be seen, and how readily he obeyed the rein and
voice.

The drivers were also requested to stop their horses, lay
down the reins, get out and walk slowly around their team,
get into their vehicle again, then take up the reins, and after
that start their horses.

We were much pleased with Mr. Winkley's horse, which
had a fine gait, was perfectly gentle, powerful, a good size
for general use, was in the prime of life, and had many
marks of being an extremely good animal. Unfortunately a
very slight splint was cause for his receiving no premium.

Mr. Todd's five year old seemed a pattern of a useful

38

horse, which farmers would do well to copy. He appeared
to be. perfectly sound, capable of doing any work well, either
on the road or in the field. The objection to him was that
he still had some of the movements of a colt. He v/as thor-
oughly gentle, and was said to possess much endurance in
travelling long distances.

It should be stated that the horse which took the second
premium, was a stallion until a year ago, when he was cut at
10 years old.

Respectfully, for the Committee,

Fkancis H. Appleton, Chairman,

FARM AND DRAFT HORSES.

The Committee on Farm and Draft Horses, submit the fol-
lowing awards : —

W. A. Dane, Hamilton, 1st premium, $15 ; W. H. But-
ters, Methuen, 2d premium, $12 ; Joshua N. Kent, New-
bury, 3d premium, $10 ; D. L. Goodrich, West Newbury,
4th premium, $6.

T. T. Paine, D. T. Morrison, J. Longfellow, D. Brad-
street — Committee.

PAIRS OF DRAFT HORSES.

The Committee report that nine pairs were entered ; eight
appeared on the ground ; all did their work well, considering
the space allowed them by the crowd, which rather inter-
fered Avith their performance.

Awards. — Oliver Stevens, No. Andover, 1st premium,
$15 ; George W. Bray, Newbury, 2d premium, $10.

Amos Poor, Hermon Phelps, David Knowlton. George S.
Hawkes, Bowman Viles — Committee.

39

COLTS— FIRST CLASS.

The Committee on Colts of the First Class have awarded
the premiums as follows : —

Four Years Old — Henry Eiley, North Andover, first pre-
mium, $12 ; George E. Davis, North Andover, second premi-
um, $8 ; S. P. Bradley, Haverhill, third premium, $5.

Three Years Old — Goodwin Brothers, Lawrence, first pre-
mium, $10 ; George W. Russell, Lawrence, second premium,

Sherman Nelson, Nathaniel Gage, Thomas K. Leach — Com-
mittee.

COLTS— SECOND CLASS.
The Committee award as follows : —

Two Years Old — S. M. Titcomb, West Newbury, first pre-
mium, $8 ; Geo. B. Bradley, Methuen, second premium, $5.

Yearlings — Peter Holt, Andover, first premium, $6; H.
M. George, Saugus, second premium, $4.

Geo. W. Duncan, for the Committee.

SWINE.
The Committee on Swine, report : —

Small Bone Hogs. — Breeding Sow: First premium, J.
D. W. French, North Andover, $10 ; second premium, B.
H. Farnham, North Andover, $6. Boar: First premium,
Charles Perley, Boxford, $10 ; second premium, J. D. W.
French, North Andover, $6.

Large Bone Hogs. — Breeding Sow : First premium, Al-
bert Berry, North Andover, $10 ; second premium, Daniel
Carlton, North Andover, $6. Weaned Pigs : First premium,
Albert Berry, North Andover, $10 ; second premium, J. F.

40

Colqorhoun, Lawrence, $6, Boar : Second premium, Levi

Emery, Lawrence, $6.

C. C. Blunt, Chairman.

STATEMENT OF J. 1). W. FRENCH.

To the Committee on Sivine: —

I enter for premium in second class (small bone), my small
Yorkshire Boar, "Weston," farrowed May 9, 1877; Sire,
Middlesex ; Dam, Cherry, by Duke of Yorkshire, imported.
2d Dam, Minnie, bred by Jacob Dove, England.

I enter for premium in first class, for best Breeding Sow,
my Grade Chester Sow, with 9 pigs by my small Yorkshire
Boar. These pigs were farrowed Sept. 14.

J. D. W. French.

SHEEP.

The awards of the Committee are as follows : —

Charles Perley, Boxford, for Buck, first premium, $8.
Chas. Hazelton, Bradford, flock Sheep and 2 years old
Buck, first premium, $10.

Jasper Rea, James Marsh, E. C. Upton, Albert Kimball —
Committee.

POULTEY— FIRST CLASS.

Light Brahma Fowls — W. M. Ward, Peabody, first pre-
mium, $3; C. L. Beckett, Peabody, second premium, $1.50.

Light Brahma Chicks— C. L. Beckett, Peabody, first pre-
mium, $o; W. M. Ward, Peabody, second premium, $1.50.

Turkeys — J. D. W. French, first premium, $2.

Geese — C. W. Hatch, first premium, $2.

Ducks— C. A. Andrew, first premium, $2 ; C. W. Hatch,
second premium, $1.

C. D. Ordway, Daniel Buxton, J. L. Colcord, James Wil-
son— Committee.

41

. POULTRY— SECOND CLASS.

The Committee award as follows : —

Plymouth llock Fowls— S. F. Chase, West Newbury, tirst
premium, $3 ; L. F. Weston, Danvers, 2d premium, $1.50.
Chicks— S. F. Chase, West Newbury, lirst premium, $3 ; S.
F. Chase, West Newbury, second premium, $1.50.

White Leghorn Fowls— F. J. Bradley, Methuen, first pre-
mium, $3. Brown Leghorn— F. J. Bradley, Methuen, sec-
ond premium, $1.50. Chicks— G. J. Johnson, Rowley, first
premium, $3; E. H. Barnard, Andover, second premium,
$1.50.

Silver Poland Chicks— Geo. Riley, No. Andover, first pre-
mium, $3.

B. B. Red Game Bantam Fowls— E. E. Smith, Haverhill,
first premium, $3. Chicks— H. W^ Field, North Andover,
first premium, $3.

The Committee would, in addition to their report of Award
of Premiums, beg leave to submit for your consideration, the
following : —

That, as the success of all eftbrt to establish the Fair and
Cattle Show of Essex County, in the front rank of county
fairs, has been due in the past to the advanced ground taken
bv the trustees, in ofFerins: jjenerous premiums, and adopting

•^ , OO 1 ••11

new rules in regard to exhibitions, in conformity with the re-
quirements of the times, and as the desideratum of these
fakirs is the improvement of all agricultural pursuits ; and, as
the poultry business of the whole country has undergone a
very marked change within a period of ten years, — almost
destroying the value of the rules laid down by the society, for
judging poultrj', — your Committee would recommend that
a change be made in the manner of Award of Premiums, for
the followins: reasons : —

1st. The breeding of fowls for purity of blood and excel-
lence of points — as is the case in herds of Jersey, Ayrshire,
and other cattle, — has become a business of consideral)le im-
portance, as is illustrated by the very remunerative prices
paid for fancy fowls, scoring 90 to 95 points in a possible 100.
We shall see, by giving a moment's thought to the subject.

42

that the object of those who exhibit fjmcy fowls at fairs, is not
the direct money vahie of the premiums obtained, but their
far greater vakie as descriptive adjectives in advertising their
stock for sale throughout the country. It is, then, not only
our duty to ourselves to protect the reputation of the society,
as one qualitied to confer such premiums, in accordance with
the acknowledged standard for judging poultry, in use by all
poultry associations ; but it becomes a duty, a point of
honor, as it were, between man and man, because, perchance,
some poultry breeder in a distant State, seeing an advertise-
ment containing the award, buys, and pays a good price for
our first premium fowl, expecting that we, as good judges,
have made the award as his society have made theirs, in ac-
cordance with the said standard. We therefore recommend
that the poultry exhibit be divided into two distinct classes,
the first class to consist of those bred as fancy fowls, whilst
the second class shall be composed of those bred as egg pro-
ducers.

2d. That the standard of authority for judging poultry be
changed from Halstead to the "American Standard of Excel-
lence," now in use by all poultry societies.

3d. That the Board of Judges shall ho chosen with rcijard
to their special knowledge of the difterent varieties for which
premiums are oftered.

4th. That all fowls exhibited shall be entered with the Sec-
retary, and designated only by entry number and variety ex-
hibited, until after the award of premiums.

Recommended — That the second class shall consist of poul-
try kept for profit from eggs and meat. That this is the
direct poultry business it is needless to dispute, as a glance
at statistics gives us no chance to gainsay that it is an
important form adjunct. In New York city, in 1870, the
sale of eggs amounted to 19,900,700 dozen at a value of
$4, 928, 2U). 20. In 1873, 31,148,007 dozen, amounting to
$6,976,G03.25, showing an increase of nearly 50 per cent, in
three years. Somebody raised and sold them, and somebody
will raise and sell eggs and poultry, thereby increasing the
productive industry of the country hy a very considerable
sum yearly, besides making the old farms look pleasanter to
the boys and girls. It might be said here as well as any-
where, that all these little things which tend to make life
pleasanter to the boys and girls on the farm, should be en-

43

coiiraged to the extent thiit they niny choose to stay there,
rather than to rush to the city to mingle in the great whirl of
financial ruin. We therefore believe that it is for the inter-
est of the County of Essex that this society shall so encour-
age these small endeavors of its patrons and exhibitors, that
a spirit of competition may be aroused, that the l)est manner
of feeding, the l)est variety of fowl, and all the difierent de-
tails of poultry management, may be brought out.

We therefore recommend that special premiums of $5.00 as
first and $3.00 as second, shall be offered the exhibitor who
shall obtain the greatest results for a, given time, from a given
number of fowls, a trio of said fowls to be entered for exhibi-
tion at the fair, together with a written statement of results
obtained, manner of treatment, etc., the same rules of entry
to apply as are snggested for fowls of the first class.

We would also suggest that an assistant marshal shall
take charge of the arrangement of the difierent coops of fowls,
so that the several varieties may be kept together, thereby
lessening the work of the judges, and increasing the eflfect of
the show.

W. H. Allen, for the Gommittee.

PLOUGHING— DOUBLE TEAMS.

The Committee on Plouohing with Donble Teams have
attended to their duty, and would report the following
awards : —

Jaques & Bray, Newbury, first premium, $12 ; Joseph
Goodrich, West Newbury, second premium, $10 ; Edward
Adams, North Andover, third premium, $9 ; Frank J. Brad-
ley, Methuen, fourth premium, $8.

Sherman Nelson, Nathaniel Gage, David Smith, C. K.
Ord way — Committee.

PLOUGHING— SINGLE TEAMS.
The Committee on Ploughing, Single Teams, report but
two entries ; only one appeared on the ground, that of R. T.

44

Jaques, of Newbury, with No. 16 Hussey plough. Mr.
Jaques had a team well trained to their business, had a good
plough, and knew well how to manage it. He performed his
work well, and at a uniform depth of about seven inches, full
an inch more than required by the society.

The Committee award to E. T. Jaques, of Newbury, the
first premium of $10. Not because he was the only competi-
tor, but because we thought he would have obtained it, if
there had been two or three competitors, which the commit-
tee regret there were not.

Horace C. Ware, D. F. Harriman, John L. Colcord, John
W. Allen — Oommittee,

PLOUGHING WITH HORSES.

The Committee award as follows ; —

Paul T. Winkley, Newburyport, first premium, $12 ; H.
M. Goodrich & A. L. Plummer, West Newbury, second pre-
mium, $10 ; A. T. Newhall, Newburyport, third premium,
$8 ; T. O. Wardwell, North Andover, fourth premium, $G ;
R. S. Bray, Newbury, fifth premium, $4.

Otis F, Putnam, Chairman.

PLOUGHING— THREE OR MORE HORSES.

The Committee were unanimous in giving the first premi-
um of $10 to Sidney F. Newman & J. N. Kent, of Newbury ;
second, $6, to Geo. W. Bray, of Newbury.

Ansel W. Putnam, Wm. B. Reynolds, J. B. Tewksbury,
G. S. Phippeu — Committee.

In addition to the report made in the ploughing field, by
the Committee on Ploughing wath three or more horses, the
Chairman wishes to say, that this being the first time premi-
ums have been oflered for ploughing with such teams, the

45

rules by which committee and ploughmen should be guided do
not seem to be correct and definite enough to meet the case.
One of the rules of the society is, that "only double ox
teams shall have drivers." I think it well to adhere strictly
to that rule in the future ; but as the ploughmen all come ex-
pecting to plough Avith a driver, and with one exception were
not prepared to plough at all without a driver, it did not
seem best to enforce the rule. Then again, these teams of
three or more horses are practically double teams, and should
be required to do the work of double teams, but the rules only
required them to do the work of single teams, that is, to
plough six inches deep, and though all the work was well
done, there was none of it good, practical, everyday work,
because it was uot economical ; it is not economy to use a
double team and two men to do work that can be as well done
with a single team and one man.

The team, driver, ploughman and plough, which took the
first premium, each and all of them did as artistic work as I
have ever seen. The team, driver and ploughman which
took the second prize, seemed to do as good work as the first,
but the plough they used was not in condition to make as
handsome work as the other. These were both four horse
teams. The team with three horses abreast worked well and
were well handled, but the ploughman failed to do artistic
work in two respects. The first was taking more land than
his plough would at all times turn well over to its place, the
sod doublino' down and leavinsr cavities which it would take
considerable harrowing to fill up. The other respect, of no
practical importance except the very important one of good
looks, was that he did not straighten the crooks made when
cutting out the lauds, but continued to plough as crooked as
the copy set for him to work by.

Perhaps he thought it best to imitate the copy as exactly as
possible ; at any rate I can thank him for doing it, for it gives
me an opportunit}^ to say that ploughing out the centres of
lands after the}^ have been marked out, looks to me like

46

apprentices' work — a master workman can cut out his own
lands.

I know of" no direction in whicli a little more know^ledge
would be of so much practical benefit to the farmers of Essex
County, as a little more knowledge of the art of economical
ploughing. There are very few ftirmers in the County Avho
can take a pair of spirited horses, drive the team themselves,
and cut out lands, or furrow out with one or two horses, or
cultivate their crops, as well Avithout a driver as with one ; and
yet there are very few farmers in the County, who, if they
had a little more practical knowdedgc of the art of hold-
ing and driving at the same lime, w^ould not be perfectly
independent of drivers for any of their ploughing or cul-
tivating, for they would soon learn what some have already
learned, and that is, that they can drive better when holding
the plough or cultivator, than any one can drive for them.

I wish to ask if it is not time for our society to begin the
work of educating the farmers of the county, so that they
can cut our their lands and do all their ploughing and culti^
vating without a driver.

I wish to ask if it would not be well for the society to offef
premiums for the best single furrow ploughed in sod lands ?
the team and plough to be furnished by the Committee ; all
competitors to use the same team and plough ; and also, if it
would not be w^ell to ofler premiums for the best three or five
furrows with a single horse, as in marking out for potatoes.
This work could be done after the ploughing match, if the
land was well harrowed.

Ansel W. Putnam, Chairman.

PLOUGHING WITH SWIVEL PLOUGH.

The Committee report : —

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, first premium $12*

Wm. B. Carlton, Chairman^

47

AGRICULTUEAL IMPLEMENTS.

The Committee award as follows : —

Whittomorc Bros., Boston, best collection of Implements,
premium, $15.

Whittemore Bros., Boston, for Grant Hay Cutter, gratuity,

IpO.

Parker & Gannett, Boston, second best collection of Im-
plements, premium, $10.

E. E. Lumnius & Co., Boston, third best collection, $5.

Frank Ayor, Boxford, Ox Yoke, gratuity^ $3.

Warren A. Bailey, Audover, Stone Lifter, $3.

Urius Urry, North Andover, Cultivator, $1.

Honorable mention is made of the Richardson Manufactur-
ing Company, of Worcester, New Model Buckeye Mower ;
also of Whittemore Bros. Champion Cider Mill.

Our attention was particularly drawn in the exhibit of the
Messrs. Whittemore Bros., of Boston, to the Oliver's Chilled
Ploughs, manufactured at South Bend, Ind., and introduced
into New England by this house last November. The metal
is the hardest and finest grained of any metal used in ploughs,
and the only one perfectly adapted for use in all soils. The
plough is of very light draft, easily adjusted, does excellent
work, and is very durable, and must come into extensive use
as it becomes known. Also well adapted for meadow land ; the
team walking on the sward. This house also show their Cham-
pion Wheel Rake, with patent sled runner teeth, so made
that they do not scratch up the ground and dust the hay, a
decided improvement over all other steel-tooth rakes. This
is very simple in construction and can be easily handled by a
boy.

Walter A. Wood's new enclosed gear Mower, was also
shown. The well earned reputation of this company being
a sufficient guarantee of its excellence both in workmanship
and working qualities in the field.

48

The Victor Lever Hay Cutter is a new and simple imple-
ment. The knife has a heavy iron handle, which materially
decreases the labor of cutting. It must be an extra machine
for cutting corn stalks.

The Committee make honorable mention of the large ex-
hibits of Parker & Gannett. Would recommend the atten-
tion of formers to their Nourse new IXL Swivel Ploughs.
They claim that to-day it is the plough for both side hill and
level land, that it is 25 per cent, lighter draft than any other
side hill plough.

The Buckeye Mowing Machine has strong claims on the
farming community for strength, durability and light draft.
They are the Boston agents, having sold in 22 years 6,000,
every one giving perfect satisfaction.

We were fovorably impressed with the Bay State Horse
Rake. It has just won the medal of honor at Paris. It has
all the latest improvements.

The Lion Plough is claimed by them to be the best land-
side plough in use. Besides, they claim to have had all the
improved ploughs in the market. They made a worth}^ ex^
hibit of Root Cutters, Meat Choppers, Prize Blanchard C. C.
M. Churn. In fact their exhibit comprises nearly every thing
necessary to a well regulated farm.

The Committee would do injustice to the firm of E. E.
Lummus & Co., not to mention their fine exhibit, although
small in numbers. Our attention was called particularly to
the Randall Harrow, so well known, having been many years
in the market. It has undergone many improvements since
it was first ofiered to the public, and now they claim for it
superiority to any harrow in use.

The Randall Corn Hoe is a new machine. It is claimed
by the manufacturers that it will supersede all others, it being
made to straddle the row. It is on the same principle as the
Randall Hari-ow.

They also exhibit the New Model Warrior Mower, which is
the old Warrior much simplified and reduced in weight, and

49

the King of the Lawn, lawn mower, which is comparative-
ly new in the market. The main features of the machine are
its simplicity and cheapness.

There beins: no opportunity to test the different Mowing
Machines in the field, the Committee cannot make as thor-
ough examination of them as they otherwise would like to.
We have no doubt that most mowing machines, Avhen new
and in good order, will do the Avork required of them, but the
points most desirable to the farmer are simplicitj'' of con-
struction, ease of management, and durability. In our opin-
ion the New Model Buckeye, entered by W. A. Kimball,
possesses many desirable points, from the fact that it has
stood the test of time, and we can with confidence recom-
mend it to the farmers of Essex County.

Leverett Bradley, George Buchan, John Swinertou, T.
K. Leach — Committee.

CARRIAGES.
The Committee make the following awards : —

A. J. Hcnly, Boxford, Two Horse Wagon, gratuity, $2 ;
J. W. Joyce, Lawrence, Wagon, gratuity, $2 ; J. W. Gra-
ham, Lawrence, Wagon, $2; D. E. Gale & Co., Salisbury,
Jump Seat AYagon, gratuity, $3 ; Samuel G. Bean, Audover,
Old Sleigh, gratuity, $1.

T. K, Leach, Aaron Sawyer, William Gunnison — Cbm-
niittee*

DAIRY.

There were ten specimens of butter presented for pre-
mium, the most of which were of superior quality, and it
was with some difficulty that the Committee could decide
which were entitled to the several premiums. After cousid-

4

50

erable deliberation they coucluded to recommend the follow-
ing premiums : —

John J. Downing, Audover, first premium, $10 ; Mrs. John
Day, Boxford, second premium, $8 ; S. R. Griffin, Grove-
land, third premium, $6 ; E. H. Jenkins, Andover, fourth
premium, $4.

There were but two specimens of cheese exhibited for pre-
mium, both of which were of superior quality, and the Com-
mittee, could they have done so, would gladly have divided
the tAvo premiums equally between them. As this could not
be done, they would recommend the premiums as follows : —

D. L. Goodrich, West Newbur}^, first premium, $8 ; John
Lefavor, Danvers, second premium, $5.

The majority of the Committee being ladies, were all pres-
sent in season, as they usually are on all important occasions,
but the Chairman, a gentleman, was not present. After
waiting a long time, the writer was requested to aid and
assist them, as they Avere all inexperienced in the business.
We readily accepted their invitation, knoAving them to be of
good judgment and intelligence. It proved rather a pleas-
ant task, good company, and as Ave Avere in near proximity
to the bread that had been examined by another committee,
it was said that the quality of the butter could be better
tested when used Avith bread.

Joseph Hoav, for (lie Committee.

STATEMENT OF JOHN J. DOAVNING.

To the Committee on Dairy : —

The ten pounds of Butter entered for premium, is made in
the folloAving manner : — Cream raised by the Cooley system ;
churned every day in a Davis Oscillating Churn ; time, from
forty-five minutes to one hour; Butter washed in churn until
most of the butter milk is removed, then taken out and- bal-
ance worked out by hand and salted, use from one-half to-

51

one ounce, according to taste of customers ; put up in any
style to suit customers ; delivered twice per week, summer
and winter; number of cows now in milk 21, Jerseys and
Grades ; feed at present, grass and Indian meal, from two
quarts to one peck per cow.

STATEMENT OF MRS. JOHN DAY.

To the Committee on Dairy : —

I enter for premium five pounds of September Butter.

This Butter was made from the milk of Ayrshire cows that
have had no feed through the season but i3asture grass ; it
was taken from a churning of seventeen pounds, churned
within a week ; the milk is strained into tin pans — about
three quarts in each pan — and set in a clean, cool room in the
cellar ; it is set on iron bars, instead of shelves, (so there can
be free circulation of air around the pans, and the bars are
much easier to keep clean than wooden shelves) ; twent}^-
four hours after the milk is set the cream is skimmed into tin
pails, and the paiis are set near ice ; as cream is added to the
pails each day, it is well stirred. When sufficient cream has
been gathered to make fifteen pounds of butter or more, it is
churned in a Blanchard churn, the butter is taken from the
churn and all the butter milk that can possibly be worked
out of it is got out then ; it is then salted and allowed to stand
until the next morning, when it is Avorked over and made
into lumps like the sample I send you. I have made butter
by this method for more than fifty years, and have never
failed to have good, sweet butter.

STATEMENT OF D. L. GOODKICII.

2b the Committee on Dairy : —

I present for your examination fifty-two pounds of Cheese.
The following is the process of making : — Strain the eve-
ning's milk, warm it in the morning and add to the morning's
milk, making it about blood Avarm ; then add the rennet, no
more than enough to form a curd in twenty or thirty minutes ;

52

let it stand about an hour, cut and drain thoroughly, scald
with water, chop fine, add one cup of salt to sixteen pounds
of curd, and press twenty-four hours.

BREAD AND HONEr.

The bread offered for inspection was nearly all of good
quality. In some instances, no statement being given of the
manner in which the samples were made, in accordance with
the rule of the society, no award could be given. After
careful examination and discussion your Committee recom-
mend the following gratuities : —

Mrs. D. B. Fogg, Methuen, $2 ; Mrs. G. M. Stoddard,
Lawrence, $1.50 ; Mrs. Willard Messer, Lawrence, $1 ; Miss
Mary Kennedy, Lawrence, $1 ; Mrs. Parker Cross, Methuen,
$1 ; Mrs. N. E. Ladd, Groveland, $1 ; Mrs. M. A. Bennet,
West Andover, $1 ; Master Harry Tucker, Lawrence, 75
cents ; Bertha L. Childs, Lawrence, 75 cents ; Alice M.
Hunkings, Lawrence, 75 cents ; Alice M. Rea, Andover, 75
cents ; Mrs. Joseph Poor, Andover, Cream Cakes, 50 cents ;
Mrs. M. N. Hindish, Cake, 50 cents; Mrs. J. II. Spofford,
Lawrence, 50 cents ; Mrs. Hannah Lenney, North Andover,
50 cents ; Fred Peet, Lawrence, 50 cents.

Mrs. Joseph Howe, Mrs. E. W. Jacobs, Miss Lucy A.
Blunt, Nathaniel Lambert, G. W. Hill — Committee.

PEARS.

Your Committee on Pears attended to their duties and
submit the following report : —

The whole number of Exhibitors, or Entries of Pears, 62 ;
number of Plates of Pears exhibited, 285 ; number of varie-
ties G8 ; Amesbury exhibited 29 plates of 25 varieties, from
2 persons, for which $25 in premiums were awarded; An-

53

dover, 9 of 7 from 4, $1 gratuity ; Bradford, 8 of 7 from 3,
$6 premiums ; Danvers, 44 of 34 from 4, $13.50 premiums ;
Georgetown, 3 of 3 from 1 ; Gloucester, 5 of 5 from 1 ;
Groveland, 6 of 4 from 4, $3 premiums, $1 gratuity; Haver-
hill, 25 of 20 from 3, $7.50 premiums, $2 gratuity; Law-
rence, 6(j of 22 from 26, $13.50 premiums, $7.50 gratuities;
Mancliester, 1 of 1 from 1, $3 premium; Methuen, 1 of 1
from 1 ; Newbury, 1 of 1 from 1, $1 gratuity; Newburyport,
33 of 32 from 2, $7 premium ; North Andover, 14 of 14 from
3, $2 gratuity; Peabody, 33 of 27 from 3, $12 premiums, $5
gratuities; Kockport, 3 of 3 from 1, $1 gratuity; Topsfield,
4 of 4 from 2.

Of varieties of pears recommended 6y the 8odet}j, there
were 13 phites of Bartletts, 9 of Belle Lucrative, 12 Beurre
Bosc, 12 Beurre Clairgeau, 16 Beurre d'Anjou, 11 Bufl'um, 2
Clapp's Favorite, 14 Duchesse d'Angouleme, 3 Dana's Hovey,
4 Golden Beurre of Bilboa, 9 Lawrence, 23 Louise Bonne de
Jersey, 5 Maria Louise, 14 Onondaga ; 3 Paradise d'Automne,
17 Seckel, 1 St. Michael Archange, 15 Sheldon, 7 Urbaniste,
9 Vicar of Winkfield, 7 Winter Nelis.

There was one exhibitor of 34 varieties, 1 of 33, 1 of 24,
1 of 21, 1 of 19, 2 of 11, 1 of 10, 1 of 8, 1 of 6, 4 of 5, 4
of 4, 10 of 3, 9 of 2, and 25 of 1, to whom were awarded
premiums and gratuities as follows, viz. : —

First premiums for best dish of 12 specimens, of certain
varieties of Pears, for which special premiums of $3 each
are offered.

Bartlett, Mrs. B. McAllister, Lawrence ; Belle Lucrative,
J. Henry Hill, Amesbury ; Beurre Bosc, Chas. B. Emerson,
Bradford; Beurre Clairgeau, Peter Wait, Danvers ; Beurre
. d'Anjou, John V. Stevens, Peabody ; Buffiun, M. B. Ken-
ne}', Lawrence ; Duchesse d'Angouleme, Dr. George W.
Sargent, Lawrence ; Dana's Hovey, E. F. Webster, Haver-
hill ; Golden Beurre of Bilboa, John Price, Manchester ;
Lawrence, Wm. H. Huse, Newburyport ; Louise Bonne de

54

Jersey, J. Heiny Hill, Amesbiuy ; Marie Louise, A. J. Hub-
bard, Peabody; Onondaga, S. B. George, Groveland ; Para-
dise d'Automne, John V. Stevens, Peabody; Seckef, S. B.
W. Davis, Lawrence; Sheldon, E. F.Webster, Haverhill;
Urbaniste, E. Bradstreet, Danvcrs ; Vicar of Winkfield, A.
J. Hubbard, Peabody; Winter Nelis, Albert Kimball, Brad-
ford.

The only plate of Clapp's Favorite Pears worthy of the
premium, was exhibited by D. W. Low, of Gloucester, who,
being one of the Committee, was not entitled to it. Other
varieties, for which special premiums are offered, were not
exhibited, being past their season, or else were not of such
quality as to be deemed worthy of it.

For each dish of 12 best specimen-! of any other variety,
$L50. Deemed worthy by the Committee : — Howell, E. F.
Webster, Plaverhill ; Flemish Beauty, M. B. Kenney, Law-
rence ; Beurre Hardy, Peter Wait, Danvers.

Best dish of 24 specimens, premium, $6 : — Beurre d'An-
jou, J. Henry Hill, Amesbnry.

Best collection of 20 varieties, premium $8, to J. Henry
Hill, Amesbnry.

Best collection of 15 varieties, premium $6, to Peter
Wait, Danvers.

Best collection of 10 varieties, premium $4, to Wm. H.
Huse, Newbury port.

Gratuities for Collections : J. V. Stevens, Peabody, $3 ;
E. F. Webster, Haverhill, $2 : A. J. Hubbard, Peabody, $2 ;
Theron Johnson, North Audover, $2 ; Daniel Saunders, Law-
rence, $2.

Gratuities of $1 each for Beurre d'Anjou, Ella C. Corliss,
Lawrence; Onondaga, John W. Marshall, Rockport ; Ur-
baniste, Wm. W. Perkins, Newbury; Scckel, Baldwin Cool-
idge, Lawrence ; Marie Louise, Daniel Cummings, Andover ;
Beurre Hardy, George E. Taylor, Lawrence ; Beurre Clair-
geau, John O'Brien, Bradford; Sheldon, Mrs. D. H. Stick-

55

nej, Groveland ; Louise Bonne cle Jersey, Samuel Barrett,
Lawrence; Buffum, H. H. Hill, Lawrence.

Tlie Pear, we believe to be the favorite fruit of to-day, and
we recommend to any one setting out trees for profit, to de-
vote as much land, at least, to the raising of Pears as he does
for his Apple orchard, for we consider it, ivhen not groion in
too many varieties, and only of those varieties that are adajJt-
ed to the soil, to be the most profitable crop that can be raised.

The Pear tree, on soil adapted to its growth, is very lon«>-
lived and very proliiic. There are trees on record of im-
mense size and age, abroad, several of which are known to
be upwards of 400 years old, one in England, known as the
Perry pear, on account of 15 hogshead ot^ perry having been
made for several years, from its fruit, in a year. (The juice
of the pear, when pressed out the same way as cider, is
called "perry," and is esteemed by many persons for its
richer qualities.) This tree, in 1805, covered more than an
acre of land, the branches bending down and taking root,
thus produced others. In a late work on trees this was
stated to be in fine health, though reduced in size.

We have in our own countrj^ very old pear trees, two of
which, most famous, are the Stiujvesant and Endicott pear
trees. The Stuyvesant pear tree was planted nearly two
hundred and fifty years ago, by the old Dutch Governor of
New York, and was standing in the heart of the cit}', until
within a few years, when it Avas cut down and the place
built upon — the fruit being a very pleasant summer pear.
The Endicott was planted by Governor Endicott, the first
Governor of Massachusetts, 245 years ago, on his estate,
now OAvned by Mr. Page, in Danversport, in this county.
The tree is yet alive and vigorous, having borne about t\vo
bushels of pears the past season.

These pear trees Avere introduced from the old continent,
as the tree is not a native of this country, "although now,
some of our best pears are natives, such as the Seckel, Shel-

56

don, Lawrence, Dana's Hovey, Onondaga and Clapp's Favor-
ite, recommended by our society for culture. Other varie-
ties of excellent quality, which have originated in this coun-
try, are not so Avell adapted to our soil and climate.

One of the largest pear trees in this country, as reported
in Hovey's Magazine, is growing in Illinois, which, when not
more than forty years old, one foot above the ground its
trunk was ten feet in girth, and at nine feet from the ground,
six and a half feet in girth, its branches extending over .in
area sixty-nine feet in diameter. In 1834 it yielded one hun-
dred and eighty-four bushels of pears. The tree is stated as
enormously productive always, the fruit pretty large, of fair
flavor, and ripening in early autumn.

Your Committee noticed, in the Exhibition Hall, that while
the fruit of some exhibitors Avas very line, the same varieties
by others, were greatl}^ inferior, and as each are likely to
show their best fruit, others in the county have, without
doubt, the same varieties entirely unfit for exhibition.

To enable your Committee to ascertain the practical ex-
perience of the different fruit growers in raising their pears,
that the information might be reported to the Society, the
following questions Avere sent to each exhibitor, as, also, Avith
slight alteration, to members of the Committee and a few of
the other fruit growers who made no exhibit this year, of
their pears ; viz. : — -1. What different varieties of pears did
you exhibit at the County Fair at LaAvrenee ? Indicate on
what kind of tree raised, by marking S for Standard, and D
for Dwarf, over each variety. 2. What kind of soil? 3.
Sub-soil? 4. How often is soil enriched? 5. WhatAvith?
6. HoAV much do you prune, and when? 7. Have your trees
been troubled Avith the blight or insects? 8. If so Avhat
remedy have you tried ? With Avhat success ? 9. What are
the most profitable trees to set out. Standards or Dwarfs?
lO. Why? 11. When do you pick your difie rent varieties of
pears? 12. Hoav long afterwards are they ripe for eating?
X3. How do you keep them best and longest? 14. What

57

ten varieties are recommended b3^ you for profit? aud "why?
15. Give such other information as you think may be of in-
terest to others.

The above fifteen questions were sent in such a form that
they could be readily answered on the same sheet. Had it
not been that the varieties exhibited were, in most cases (as
should always be in all), entered upon the Entry Book, it
would have been impossible to have ascertained, except from
each exhibitor afterwards. Ev^en if a few of the questions
had been answered hy all, it would have shown that each loas
loilUng to contribute even a little to the stock of general in-
formation, which our Society is organized to promote, and
which should be considered the duty of every Committee
to obtain, regarding the special object of which it is made
the judges, and report it. The mere looking at an object in
the pens of the Fair Gromids, or on the tables of the Hall,
is only a gratification to the eye ; to know how the objects
have reached such perfection as to gratify the eye, imparts
knowledge, that too of the very best kind, it being the prac-
tical experience of exhibitors from all parts of the county,
whose information of their manner of feeding, cultivating, or
making, to arrive at the result exhibited, is the most valu-
able, and most desired b}^ our Society, and which each ex-
hibitor should feel it a pleasure, as well as a duty, to impart
unsolicited, to be made use of by the Committee in their re-
port. The good points of such information, adopted by
others, will not injure him, its only result would be to raise
the standard of excellence.

Some of the replies to the questions asked, are appended
as part of this report, and will be read with interest and in-
struction (especially that of Mr. John O'Brien, of Bradford),
for much valuable information can be derived from them.

The almost unanimous reply as to Standard or Dwarf trees
for profit, is in favor of Standards, on account of their lar-
ger and thriftier growth, longer life, greater productiveness,
and requiring less care, being more hardy than the Dwarf.

58

The Ducliesse d'Angoulemc is the exceptional pear, that
grows better on Dwarf stock. There are others that pro-
duce better fruit on Dwarf. If an amateur Avishes a hirge
variety in a small space, to fruit quickly. Dwarfs of some
varieties are good for ten or twelve years, if well cared for.
The soil for pear trees should not be too rich, if it is, they
will grow too rank, be more liable to blight, and less likely
to form strong fruit buds. You cannot starve them, how-
ever, no more than you can any crop, and expect it to suc-
ceed, Keep them thrifty ?

We would urge upon all, who have not already tried it,
the use of a pen or hogsheads, into which all the sweepings
9f the house, chamber slops, meat bones, old shoes, leaves
and other refuse of the house and garden, which, when
scattered around the house, make the yard untidy and un-
wholesome, and which would, when accumulated in a mass,
and deodorized with fresh earth thrown upon it from time to
time, be a surprise, in the amount and richness of the com-
post that would be so beneficial for the fruit trees.

The soap-suds of the washing day of an average sized
family, is equal to a wheelbarrow load of manure if emptied
around the grape vines and fruit trees.

Ashes from coal or wood, — from the latter being best, — are
excellent for fruit trees. Coal ashes put around trees, say
ten inches to one foot high at the trunk, extending back two
or three feet, is recommended as a good protection to the
roots, like mulching, giving the trees a better start in the
Spring.

Tojp dressing in the Fall is by for the best time and mode
of manuring fruit trees, whenever they are not making a
thrifty growth. We think that trees when so treated are less
likely to blight than where manure is ploughed or dug in. We
should not advise manuring heavily at any one time, but give
them a slight top dressing every Fall with luell rotted manure,
(as straw, or coarse manure, harbors mice), and it will be
found more favorable to thriftiness, productiveness, and ex-

59

emi)tion from disease. One or two shovelfuls of fresh cow
manure applied to the trunk of the tree, wo have tried with
success against mice in winter.

Change of soil by transplanting, accomplishes astonishing
results sometimes. AVc have known of a tree barren for
years taken up and transplanted a hundred feet, to soil dryer
and more gravelly, and producing fruit abundantly after-
wards. A Birtlctt pear tree, considered worthless, growing
in the border of a cold grapery, in rich deep garden soil, on
which the fruit, not much larger than an English walnut,
was black and badly cracked, was given to our Chairman by
Dr. Davidson, in Gloucester, to try the eifect of change of
soil. It was taken two miles away, and planted in a strong,
clayey, virgin soil, just broken up. The result was, that a
new vigorous life was imparted to the tree, and this season it
produced from two to three bushels of as line pears as any
one need desire. The first year that it fruited, after re-
moval, not a pear was cracked, all were of fair size, but a
large number were gnarly : they have improved in size and
quality every year since. The tree has grown to thrice its
original size, and is very prolific every year.

The right kind of soil for the right kind of tree, will pro-
duce superior fruit on that tree, wherever located, although
protection from bleak winds adds greatly to the eifect of the
soil. We think the soil in and al)out Lawrence is of that
kind of soil for a number of varieties.

George E. Taylor, of that city, who had a plate of line
Beurre Hardy pears in the Fair, says of his fruit, "Isold
my Bartletts before the Fair, Jifly of lohich filled a half
bushel. I had some very nice Duchesse, many iveighing six-
teen ounces apiece ; the trees are all standards, growing be-
tween houses, on low, sandy soil." Mrs. Benj. McAllister,
of same city, who had the finest Bartlett pears, and was
awarded the premium, states they were grown on a Standard
tree; that she "simply let them grow in the gai,xlen until
Fall, and then picked them."

60

The remarkable size and quality of Dr. Kenney's fruit,
raised in same city, attracted much attention. Flemish
Beauties, that grow so badly cracked in most parts of the
county, and are considered almost worthless, were there of
great size and very fair. He states that they are of the
finest quality, and the richest pear he has, in a variety of ten
or twelve kinds, all of which produce the same good quality,
according to their kind, as those exhibited.

His manner of setting out and treatment of his trees after-
wards, probably had a considerable efiect upon the result,
for when he set out the trees, about sixteen years ago, he had
holes dug about four feet in diameter, and two and a half
feet deep, then tilled in about one foot of compost, bones,
old shoes, lime and old scraps of iron, then covered that
with about six inches of soil, then set his trees and "filled in
with rich soil, which in Lawrence, and all about there, is the
common soil." In addition to enriching the soil around the
trees by spreading on sink deposits every two or three years,
he also spreads on the ground over the roots; not very near
the body, about a pint of iron turnings, or filings, with half
a pint of salt, around each tree, every four or five years.
His trees are protected from all winds except from the east,
and he prunes ofi* half the previous year's growth in the
spring.

We think that iron is of great benefit to pear trees, as well
as other kinds of fruit trees, our Chairman having used the
sweepings of a blacksmith's shop, where horses are shod,
containing old nails, bits of iron, hoof chips, &c., around
apple and pear trees, with an occasional dressing from the
sink drain, to much advantage, as regards the size and fair-
ness of the fruit, having readily disposed of what Clapp's
Favorite and Bartlett pears he had to sell, at from $2.25 to
$2.50 per bushel, and several bushels of "Duchesse" at
$3.00, which in contrast with apples, in such abundance that
twenty to forty cents per bushel were the selling prices, with
two hundred bushels for cider, and notwithstanding the So-

61

ciety's premium awarded him for the best fifteen varieties of
• apples, may be added, leaves a large margin in favor of pear
culture, for the area occupied, although it detracts nothing
from the value of the dressing used for both kinds of trees.
Opinion differs in regard to pruning ; some advocate much,
others little or none ; some at certain times of year, and others
at any time ; we think, however, that the majority decide
upon the Spring as the best time for it, though we believe
that at any time between Fall and Spring will answer as well.
Whenever done, it should not be done harshly ; it is better,
when the growth requires it, to prune moderately every year
sufficient to keep the tree stocky and able to bear up under
the weight of its fruit, and open enough to obtain the benefit
of sun and air to mature it. It is also of great benefit to
trees and fruit, to thin out the fruit, especially on Bartlett,
Louise Bonne, Vicar and Seckel pear trees, as those varieties
are apt to overbear.

The blight, now so well known in pear culture, is cured
best by the free use of saAv and knife, cutting away the part
affected until sound wood is reached, covering large wounds
on the tree with a dressing of clay and cow manure, or a
coating of linseed oil, both of which have been tried with good
success by your Committee and others. Our Chairman had
a Bartlett pear tree about four years old, blighted on the
westerly side of its trunk, commencing about nine inches
from the ground, extending upwards over eighteen inches,
and extending around about one-third of the circumference.
All of the affected part was cut out, and a coat of linseed
oil applied, resulting in having the tree to-day, as good as
any in growth and fruit, and, although the growth of the
bark has nearly covered the wound, the symmetry of the
tree is marred. In most cases, however, the disease and its
remedy are a serious drawback to the welfare of the tree.
The slug and most insects, if they are taken in season, on
almost all kinds of trees, can be got rid of by a dusting with
wood ashes, or air slacked lime, when the tree is wet.

62

(Pe.ich trees with the "curled leaf" can be cured by a dust
ing one or twice with wood ashes when the tree is wet.)
Mr. Wra. McRae, of Lawrence, states that his pear trees
were troubled with "Rose bugs," which were destroyed by
burning tar under the trees.

We would advise our farmers and fruit o:rowers, intending
to set out pear trees for profit, to carefully ascertain what
varieties are the most profitable in their immediate vicinity, on
similar soil as their own, and not try, except for experiment,
other varieties, until tested by themselves or their neighbors,
as the same variety that does well in one place, is unprofitable
in another, so that although a certain number of varieties are
recommended by our Society for general culture, some of
them do much better in that part where the soil is best
adapted for them, which can only be ascertained by actual
test, and if done thoroughly throughout the county, and the
mode of culture of the trees, with the result attained, in-
cluding the number and variety of trees planted and the
varieties succeeding the best, communicated to our Society,
would enable it not only to recommend a larger number of
varieties, but also state the parts of the county best adapted
to the successful culture of each variety.

All unite in stating the best time for picking fruit to be
when the stem separates readil}^ from the twig upon lifting
the fruit. Change of color and the premature dropping of
the fruit, forced rijpe as it is commonly called, is another
good indication. All kinds of pears should be picked off
before ripening; many choice varieties are almost worthless,
if allowed to ripen on the trees. Mr. Barry, when editor of
the "Horticulturist," aptly stated: "The process of ripen-
ing on the tree, which is the natural one, seems to act upon
the fruit for the benefit of the seed, as it tends to the forma-
tion of woody fibre and farina. When the fruit is removed
from the tree at the very commencwnent of ripening, and
placed in a still atmosphere, the natural process seems to be
counteracted, and sugar and juice are elaborated instead of

65

fibre and farina. Thus, pears which become mealy and rot
at the core, when left on the tree to ripen, become juicy,
melting and delicious, when ripened in the house." Winter
pears should not be picked until absolute danger from freez-
ing approaches, they will then ripeu up firm, with high color
and finer flavor. All pears should be picked off, Avith the
stem on, carefully, and handled as little as possible and very
carefully afterwards, as every scratch will turn dark on mel-
low fruit, and every bruise will rot it. The practice of some,
of rubbing fruit to make it shine, injures the keeping quali-
ties of the fruit, destroys its natural look, and any exhibition
committee should give the natural fruit the preference.
Fruit with an unnatural shine on the whole in the plate,
more properly belongs to the huckster's stand than the tables
of an Agricultural Society's Exhibition.

To keep pears longest and best, they should be kept in a
dark, cool, dry place, with temperature, if possible, at about
40 degrees, taking them to a warm, moderately moist place
to ripen and soften them, an even temperature of 70
degrees is best. If laid between papers in Summer, and
blankets in Winter, to ripen, they will come out with better
flavor and color, ripening quicker and without wilting ; fruit
loses flavor if ripened in a place too cool.

The two large plates full of Clapp's Favorite pears and
William's Favorite apples, exhibited by our Chairman, at-
tracted attention, not so much for being handsome specimens
of their kind, but for being "past their season," having been
kept by wrapping each one in paper and packing them in a
keg heavil}' lined with newspapers. The keg was then
headed up and placed in a large ice-house near his premises
until the day before the Fair. A neighbor of his wraps
apples separate!}'' in papers, packs them in paper lined bar-
rels, and then fills the barrels with dry sand, sending them
to hot climates with success, as regards their keeping. A
w^riter in the London Garden says that "he keeps fruit in
this way all the year round. He has kept French Crab Ap-

64

pies two years. The Cattilac pear has remained sound twelve
months. The fruit must be sound "when stored, and the
sand must be quite dry."

"The chief advantages of packing in sand arc the exclusion
of air currents, the preservation from changes of tempera-
ture and the absorption of moisture, which favors decay.
Much will depend on the apartment in which the experiment
is tried ; a dry, cool one being best."

Mr. Russell thinks that he holds the A'ey to the solution of
the problem of how to keep pears longest and best." He re-
plies, ^^ Lock them up." We believe that if the place where
locked up, is as cool as his rcplj' , there would be danger of
freezing, which might not be the best.

The varieties recommended in the replies to the inquiry,
What ten varieties recommended by you for profit ? and why ?
are given below, in the order in which they received the
highest number. For their special claims in rank you are re-
ferred to the replies appended, extracts from which, for the
first ten varieties, are given here, viz. ; —

1. Bartlett; bears early and abundantly, quality admirable,
is a great favorite, always sells, ripens in September. 2.
Sheldon, grows well, bears well, and sells at highest prices;
ripens in October. 3. Louise Bonne de Jersey ; good grow-
er, very productive, finds a ready market ; ripens in Sep-
tember. 4. Beurre d'Anjou ; excellent, productive and
profitable, excellent keeper ; ripens from November to
March. 5. Dnchesse d'Angouleme ; of the highest quality
and most popular ; ripens in November and December. 6.
Seckel ; of the highest flavor known among pears, produc-
tive, bringing a good price; ripens in October. 7. Beurre
Clairgeau ; early, abundant bearer, large and handsome, ready
market at highest prices : ripens November to January. 8.
Beurre Bosc ; excellent and high flavored, much in demand ;
ripens in October. 9. Lawrence; free bearer of excellent
winter pears, sells high ; ripens November and December.

C5

10. Vicar of Winktield ; great productiveness, ripens when
others are nearly gone, finds a ready sale at good prices ;
ripens December to March. 11. Rostiezer. 12. Belle Lu-
crative. 13. Onondaga. 14. Clapp's Favorite. 15. Win-
ter Nelis. 16. Howell. 17. Urbaniste. 18. Buffum. 19.
Beurre GifFard. 20. Marie Louise. 21. Paradise d'Au-
tomne. 22. Glout Morceau. 23. Dearborn's Seedling. 24.
Bloodgood. 25. Kingsessing. 26. Tyson.

Your Committee, like others, labored under the disadvan-
tage of scattered fruit on the tables in the Exhibition Hall,
while some of the fruit tables Avere intersected with manu-
factured goods, making it laborious, difficult and unsatisfac-
tory for the Committees. The fruit was, however, better
arranged than at most, if not all, of the previous exhibitions.
The manner of quickly increasing the table space, when nec-
essary, with a wide board upon supports, put on so readily
(after the table was filled with fruit) in a way that did not
interfere with showing the fi-uit Under it, we considered a
commendable expedient, worthy of notice and recommenda-
tion. The plates of pears being scattered among other
classes of fruit, or with other varieties of the same class, and
where varieties were together, the removal of plates back to
the collections from whence taken, to enable the Committee
to judge the collections, consumed so much time that some
of the Committee were obliged to leave before completiou ;
those that were left received the valuable assistance of Hon.
J. J. H. Gregory and Aaron Low, Esq., for which the Com-
mittee here express their indebtedness.

The delay and labor of fruit committees, at all the So-
ciety's exhibitions, caused your Pear Committee to give the
subject careful consideratiou, and they concluded that the
Society was to blame more than Hall Superintendent, Ex-
hibitors, or any Committee connected with the fruit exhibit,
from the fact that the Society had n»t any special rules gov-
erning such exhibit, except the matter of entry and certify-

6

66

ihg. That such special rules were necessary was so obvious
that reconimenclatious governing fruit exhibits, were pre-
sented at the Trustees' meeting in November, and unanimous-
ly adopted by the Society, so that collections and single
l^lates would not be classed together, and to have each varie-
ty of each class together, so that their merits (as far as the
eye reached them) could be contrasted quickly and surely by
all. Exhibitors and Committees, by such rules, would know
beforehand what was expected of them, the exhibitors would
see, when they entered the hall, on Avhat tables to place their
fruit, by the prominent notice (name of class and variety)
there displayed. It is expected, however, that the Ilall and
Fruit Committees will assist them all in their power. A
copy of the Special Eules adopted by the Society, to govern
Fruit Exhibits hereafter, is appended hereto.

Respectfully submitted for the Committee,

David W. Low, Chairman.

JSpecial Mules to govern Fruit Exhibits, adojited by the So-
ciety, JSfovember 13, 1878.

All Fruit must be entered in the name of the producer,
and each exhibitor must certity to the same on lists of the va-
rieties, to be filed lohen entry is made, or on the Entry Book*
(Committees are not authorized to make awards to those who
do not comply with this rule.)

Tables will be labelled in a consjncuous manner by the
Hall Committee, previous to the entry of exhibitors, with the
names of fruit, or collections of fruit, for which premiums
are offered, all others to be classed and labelled as Miscella-
neous.

Exhibitors must place their several varieties where indica-
ted by such labels, or be considered by the Committees as not
competing for premiums.

Collections where premiums are offered for a number of
varieties, must be entered and placed by themselves on the
tables assigned for collections of that class of fruit.

67

Specimens of any vjiriety, in such collections, are not to
compete with specimens of same variety placed elsewhere.

N'o collection can he awarded more than one premium.

Exhibitors of collections are not prevented from exliihiting
additional specimens of any variety loith, and for competition
with others of that variety.

Plates of 24 specimens of Fruit, M'hen premiums are of-
fered therefor, must be entered and placed by the Exhibitor
on the table assigned for that class of fruit exhibit.

To entitle Exhibitors to receive the premiums and gratui-
ties awarded, they are required to give information to the
Committees (when requested) in regard to the culture of
their fruit.

REPLY OF BALDWIN COOLIDGE, OF LAWRENCE, MASS.

I only exhibited Seckel this year, raised on a Standard
tree. I should have shown Duchesse d'Angouleme, from a
Dwarf tree, as I found on gathering them that I might have
taken first premium over any shown. My place is quite
small, a half acre only. The Seckel is ordinary nursery
stock, the Duchesse is imported. My soil is a clayey loam,,
with a hard clay gravel-packed subsoil. The soil is en-
riched once in two or three years Avith night-soil, deposited
in a series of holes diii? around the trees, three or four holes
to each tree, and from four to six feet from tree to nearest
edge of hole.

I prune my trees a good deal, almost mutilate them, keep-
ing them stocky and short, except when growing them for
wood, and not fruiting. I prune usually in the spring, but
sometimes in the fall ; think fall the best on account of snows
and storms having less of the tree to act on, the tree then
knows just what to work on in the spring.

I have lost two trees by blight I su[)poie, the trees dry up
and they die. I keep insects (red spiders) off with soap or
potash, put bar soap in the crotches of the trees and let it

68

gradually waste away all summer. I found some left when
picking this falL

In regard to the most profitable pear trees to set out, that
depends upon kinds, location, whether to eat or sell, &c. I
have both Dwarf and Standard Duchesse, and the Standard
is not to be compared with the Dwarf» but the Dwarf is from
France, the Standard common. I pick my pears when the
stem will break off in the right place, with a moderate degree
of force, such as Seckel, Bartlett, Louise Bonne de Jersey,
Clapp's Favorite, Belle Lucrative, Rostiezer and Tyson.
The Duchesse I gather the first week in October, and they
ripen from October to Christmas. I keep my pears cold,
dark and dry.

I have not had the experience to recommend ten varieties
for profit.

I get iron dust from machine shops and dig in around the
trees as one would dig in guano, rub soap all over the trunk,
keep the tree propped up. I think I lost one tree by its
leaning ever with fruit, three years in succession, (a Passe
Colmar) ; it seemed to tear the small roots off.

Respectfully submitted,

Baldwin Coolidge.

reply of m. b. keifner, m. 13., of lawrence.

I exhibited the following varieties of pears at the Count}''
Fair, at Lawrence, viz. : — Duchesse, from Dwarf tree, and
Buffum, Flemish Beauty, and Vicar of Winkfield, from
Standards, raised on a sandy loam, mixed, enriched once in
two or three years with sink deposits, spread on surface. I
prune off about half the previous year's growth in the spring.

My Vicars, Rostiezers and Buffums, have suffered badly
with the blight. My other varieties have not been touched
by it. A radical cutting is all that I have tried, and have
saved some of them, although 7nuch injured, of course.

The most profitable trees t© set out, I think, are Stand-

69

ards ; we don't get the fruit so quick, but they have a longer
life, aud just as sure to bear a crop as the Dwarf.

I pick my pears as soon as they get their growth and begin
to turn yellow. They ripen in from two to four weeks. I
have never tried how to keep them best and longest.

I cannot recommend varieties for profit, as I do not con-
sider myself a competent judge. I do not raise them for
market. I go more for quality than quantity. I am aware
that the Flemish Beauty has the reputation of cracking badly,
but mine has never had but very few cracked, and that very
seldom. They are of the finest quality, and the richest pear
that I have in a variety of ten or twelve kinds.

M. B. I^NNEY, M. D.

Lawrence, Oct. 24, 1878.

In reply to inquiries for more particulars on certain points,
Dr. Kenney kindly furnished the following : —

"When I set out the trees, about sixteen years ago, I had
a hole dug about four feet in diameter aud two and a half
feet deep, then tilled in about one foot of compost, bones,
old shoes, lime, and old scraps of iron, then covered that
with about six inches of soil, then set my trees and filled in
with rich soil, such as is all around Lawrence and everywhere
in these parts the coiiinion soil. I cannot tell its component
parts, as I am not skilled in that science. The sub-soil is
gravelly. All my trees do produce the same good quality,
according to their kinds, as those exhibited. / do not thin
out the fruit when young, but probably it would do better to
do so on trees that start very full of young fruit. I have no
doubt that the fruit would be larger. In addition to putting
on the sink manure every two or three years, I also put on
the ground over the roots, not very near the body, about a
pint of iron turnings or filings, with about half pint of salt
around each tree every four or five years. In regard to the
protection from severe cold, my garden is surrounded on all
sides, except the east, by buildings, which of course does
protect them very much from the cold and winds, and very
probably that helps much to produce good fruit.

This answers all your questions as near as I can ; and if

70

there is anything else that I can say, that I have not, be
assured that I will freely and gladly answer all, and give all
the 2;f/r^icu?rtrs that is possible for me. Although 1 am no
gardener or farmer, 1 do enjoj spending my few leisure
hours among my little fruit trees and vines.

Yours very truly,

M. B. Kenney, M. D.
Lawrence, Nov. 4, 1878.

REPLY OF GEORGE W. RUSSELL, OF LAWRENCE.

I exhibited at County Fair, Sheldon pears, raised on soil
of a clay nature, enriched once a year with stable manure.
Have done very little pruning, and usually in the fall. Oc-
casionally a tree dies from blight. Have tried no remedy.

The most profitable pear trees to set out. Dwarfs — because
my experience is, that they yield more for space occupied.
Children pick the pears as fast as they ripen, as long as they
remain on the trees. To keep them best and longest — Lock
them up.

REPLY OF H. B. ROBIE, OF LAWRENCE.

I exhibited at the County Fair the following varieties of
pears, viz. : — Louise Bonne de Jersey and Lawrence, grown
on Standard trees, and Duchesse d'Angouleme and Beurre
d'Anjou, grown on Dwarfs. My soil is sandy loam with
gravelly sub-soil, enriched every year Avith barn yard ma-
nure.

I prune very little. Have had two trees die this year with
blight. Did not try any remedy. Do not know enough
about them to say whether Dwarfs or Standards are best. I
pick Louise Bonne in September, Duchesse and Beurre d'An-
jou in October, and Lawrence in November. They arc ripe for
eating three or four weeks aftei'wards. I keep them best and
lono'cst in a dark, cool room, I cannot recommend varieties
for profit, as I am acquainted with but few of them.

Respectfully,

H. B. EoBiE.

71

REPLY OF HENRY A. PRESCOTT, OF LAWRENCE.

I exhibited the followinj^ varieties of pears at tlic County
Fair at Lawroiiee, viz. ; — Diu-hesse cl'Ani>"ouleine, Bourrc
d'Aiijoii, Winter Xclis and Louise Bonne do Jersey, raised
on Dwarf trees, and Scckel, Sheldon, Beurrc Ciairgeau and
Lawrcnee, raised on Standard trees, sfrown in a strong loam,
with *a hard, chiy siflj-soil, enriched lightly every year with
stable manure, icell rotted.

In pruning I head back severely every spring. Have been
troubled very little with blight or insects. For blight, cut
off, with generally good success. For insects, have done
nothinsf.

I consider the most profitable pear trees to be, generally,
Standards; some kinds do better on Dwarfs. I am not ex-
perienced enough to tell why.

I have not noted my times of picking fruit ; ray pears
ripen in from four days to four weeks, keeping them longest
and best by spreading them in a dark, cool place, and cover
with woollen.

As my experience in raising pears has been rather limited,
I do not feel competent to give further information.

Henry A. Prescott, LaAvrence, Mass.

REPLY OF 11. G. IIERUICK, OF LAAVRENCE.

I exhibited at the Fair the following varieties of pears,
viz. ; — Swan's Orange, or Onondaga, Louise Bonne dc Jer-
sey and Beurre Bosc, all grown on Standard trees, in garden
loam, Avith clayc}" gravel sub-soil, enriched every year with
old manurey Avith some of the mulching (coal ashes) dug in.

I prune, not much, except suckers, and enough to keep
trees in symmetrical sha[)e, in spring. I keep the branches
open enough for sun to shine through them.

My trees have been troubled Avilh blight heretofore — not
much this year. For a remedy, tried knife and saw — heroic
treafmcnt. If done early enough the tree has been saved.
If not, then not. I have had no experience Avith Dwarf
trees. I pick my early fall pears when they have attained

72

full growth, and before they change color ; they ripen ia
from one to three weeks, keeping them longest and best in
a dark, dry, cool place, with plenty of air. Can not recom-*
mend the varieties of pears for jprqfit^ as I have had no ex-
perience in marketing pears. In enriching the soil for my
trees, I dig in the manure around the trees every year — usu-<
ally in the fall — and put a pile of coal ashes about the .tree,
say ten inches to a foot high at the trunk, running back two
or three feet. It seems to be a protection to the roots, like
mulching, giving the trees a better start in the spring.

Yours truly,

H. G. Herrick.

REPLY OF E. W. GREENE, OF NORTH ANDOVER.

I exhibited at the County Fair, at Lawrence, two kinds of
pears, viz. : — Bartlett and Beurre Bosc, both varieties raised
on Standard trees, grown in a heavy loam, with a hard-pan
sub-soil, enriched yearly with light dressing of stable ma-
nure. I prune very little, in spring. Have been troubled
with both blight and insects, to some extent ; have tried no
remedy. I pick my pears — Rostiezers when ripe, most of
the others when the stem separates from the wood by lifting.
They ripen in from one to four weeks, the earlier varieties
quickest. I keep and ripen them best in a cool place, free
from air. I recommend the following varieties for profit ;—

Madeline and Rostiezer, early and productive. Bartlett,
productive and universally known. Louise Bonne de Jersey
and Seckel, productive and of good quality. Beurre Bosc,
Beurre Clairgeau and Swan's Orange (Onondaga), all pro-
ductive, and of good quality and fine appearance. Winter
Nelis, productive and good keeping qualities. Buffum,
hardy. I find the Bartlett, Swan's Orange, and Beurre Bosc,
the most reliable to bear, and best for market with me.

Respectfully yours,

E. W. Greene.

North Andover, Oct. 31, 1878.

73

REPLY OF THERON JOHNSON, OF NORTH ANDOVER.

The different varieties of pears exhibited by me at the late
County Fair at Lawrence, and the kinds of tree on which they
were raised, were as follows : — Vicar of Winkfield, Sheldon,
Howell, Butfum, Lawrence, Swan's Orange (Onondaga),
Belle Lucrative, all from Standard trees, and Beurre d'Anjou,
Seckel, Glout Morceau, from Dwarfs, Louise Bonne de Jer-
sey, and I think the Seckel, were partly from Dwarf and
partly from Standard.

jSoU — dark heavy soil, underdrained, sub-soil clayey, en-
riched last year a little, but not before for five or six years,
with barn-yard manure, about two shovelfuls to each tree,
last fall ; this spring it was spread over the orchard.

Have not pruned except to cut away dead wood. Have
lost a number of trees by blight ; have tried no remedy.

I think Standards the most profitable on our soil ; cannot
say why they are best, except that it is very difficult to make
Dwarfs grow here ; on lighter soils I think Dwarfs generally
do better.

In picking and ripening pears, my usual rule is to let all
kinds hang till by lifting the pear it readily parts from the
tree. Vicars and late pears I let hang as long as safe. Dif-
ferent varieties vary in ripening from one to two weeks after
picking, some longer, Have not tried many ways of keep-
ing, but find thiit by placing them as soon as picked, on a
shelf in a cool cellar, they kept better than any other way
tried.

Cannot recommend any varieties for profit, as have never
tried to sell any; but should say for early, Rostiezer and
Dearborn's Seedling ; second, Bartlett, Belle Lucrative, to be
followed by Sheldon, Howell, Seckel, Swan's Orange, Glout
Morceau, Vicar of Winkfield, and I believe the AVinter Nelis
is considered profitable with some, but I have not got that.
I mentioned the above because all are good eating pears,
most are good cooking, and with me arc all good bearers and
hardy. I believe some considered the Buffum a profitable

74

pear, it certainly bears well and is hardy, but I call it a very
poor eating pear. The Kirtland, I have two trees, did not
bear this year, and I shall graft it, for I think I never saw a
worse pear. Bcurrc Clairgeau is a very nice pear, but a sliy
bearer with me. Lawrence also nice but shy. Flemish
Beauty cracjks badly.

James T. Johnson,

For TnERON Johnson.

REPLY of JOHN O'bRIEN, OF BRADFORD.

I have exhibited at the County Fair, in Lawrence, the fol-
lowing varieties of pears, all raised on Standard trees : —
Beurre d'Anjou, Sheldon, Onondaga, Scckel, Lawrence,
Belle Lucrative and Beurre Clairgeau. Mv soil is a sort of
dark brown loam, neither light nor heavy, from twelve to
fifteen-inches deep, with a sub-soil of very fine yellow, hav-
ing as near the color of ground ginger as anything I can
imagine, and I am satisfied that it is the soil for the apple,
pear and grape. It is enriched every fall, as my pear orch-
ard is my kitchen garden. I plough under a very liberal
supply of barn-yard manure, excrement of horses and cows,
which is the best fertilizer that I know of for all kinds of
plants, (of course trees are plants, also), when properly ap-
plied to the soil, though wood ashes are excellent, but they
are too scarce and too costly for profit. As to pruning, I am
not very definite on this point, as I have been equally suc-
cessful Avith pruning done soon after the fall of the leaf, and
that done the 20th of JNIarch, on both pears and ap})les,
though I think the most proper time to prune is during the
dormant period, when there is no upward flow of sap. I
believe pruning, systematically dono, regulates the growth
and welfare of the tree, and has a great tendency to induce
the maturity of fruit spurs, thereby producing fruit earlier
and of better quality, than if permitted to go unpruned, to
say nothing of the uniformity of the tree, I am opposed to
sawing off large limbs, as in so doing the tree receives a

75

severe shock, which must necessarily retard its growth, but
if it must be done, the wound should be immediately covered'
with a mixture of cow manure and clay. This helps to heal tht)
wound, and is a protection from the weather. To do away
with this butchering entirel3% permit no surplus wood to
grow, or in other words pinch off all surplus young shoots
when about five inches long, heading down, especially thrifty
trees, by cutting off two-thirds of the last year's growth witl
a sharp knife, and make a smooth cut slanting upwards on :
level with the point of the bud. In soft-wooded, pith^
trees, half an inch ought to be left above the bud ; the posi-
tion of the bud cut to, is also of much importance in chang-
ing the form of the tree, that is, if you wish a shoot to grow
upright, prune to a bud on the inside of shoot ; and to spread,
prune to a bud on the outside, for if you cut every year to a
bud on the same side, in two or three seasons it will show an
inclination to that side, a great injury to the symmetry of the
tree. It is essential to head down cnce a year, in order that
ever}' limb should grow strong enough to stand up under its
burden when it fruits.

llcgarding blight — I had a very thrifty Standard Seckel
tree in my orchard, which had about six inches of every
branch on it blighted in the winter of 1871-72, and, singular
to relate, it was not the last growth but the growth of the
year previous that got blighted, while the growth above it,
and all below it, remained sound, you could see at a distance
a black line about six inches long. On discovering this, early
in spring, I cut off with my shears every branch six inches
below the blighted part, so as to stop its spreading any fur-
ther, and now I ani glad to say that the tree is thrifty and
healthy, and last year I exhibited at the County Fair, at Law-
rence, a dozen of its pears that I thought would bring the
first premium.

The most profitable trees to set out, for permanency and
profit, by all means Standards, because they grow larger, are
more thrifty, live longer, and produce more fruit, the

76

Duchesse d'Angouleme alone excepted, which thrives best
on quince stock. The Dwarf as a rule goes to bearing soon
after planting, and bearing a few specimens every year, keeps
it in a stunted and sickly state, and when a dozen years old,
it is next to worthless, whereas the Standard, being as I ma}'"
say a natural tree, goes to growing wood for future use,
which is necessary before it ought to bear fruit for profit. We
must not think that they are backward in bearing either, for
we find our best varieties six years from planting (soon
enough) well spurred for fruiting, with suflicient dimensions
to bear two bushels of pears, and with me such varieties as
the Bartlett, Belle Lucrative, and Beurre Clairgeau, have
produced abundantly the fourth year from planting ; but I
would rather my trees grow wood than fruit, until they ob-
tain sufficient size to hold up the fruit. In picking and
ripening fruit,' a good rule to follow when to pick pears is,
on gently lifting the fruit the stem will separate from the
limb, and the best place to keep them, is a dark, cool, dry
room, with a good circulation of air. I pick Bartletts, Sept.
1st, ripe the 15th; Beurre Clairgeau, Oct. 1st, ripe Nov.
10th ; Beurre Bosc, Oct. 1st, ripe the 20th ; Duchesse d'An-
gouleme, Oct. 10th, ripe Nov. 10th ; Louise Bonne de Jer-
sey, Sept. 20th, rijje Oct. 5th ; Sheldon, Sept. 25th, ripe
Oct. 15th ; Seckel, Sept. 25th, ripe Oct. 10th ; Lawrence,
Oct. 10th, ripe from Dec, 1st to Jan. 1st ; Beurre d'Anjou,
Oct. 10th, ripe Dec. 1st ; Vicar of Winkfield, Oct. 10th, or
as long as you can safely leave them to grow ; they will keep
in a good, dry cellar till March, and are fit to eat from De-
cember to that time ; treat Winter Nelis the same as the
Vicar. Another good pear, that I raise myself, I must not
pass over, that is the Belle Lucrative, very productive,
though a good pear it is not very salable in the market. You
must bear in mind that the seasons and circumstances have
a great deal to do with keeping fruit. I give you these dates
as the proper time to pick, and when ripe in our climate,
considering all things favorable to the fruit.

77

For the ten varieties for profit, I give yoil a list*of the
best varieties and most profitable in the whole catalogue of
the pear family. There are other varieties worth raising, but
without much profit.

Bartlett, bears early and abundantly, a great favorite, al-
ways sells, sold this year $2 to $2.50 per bushel.

Seckel, the highest flavored pear known, productive, and*
brings good price, sold for $2 to $2.50 per bushel.

Sheldon, a fine grower and a goo(J bearer, sells for the
highest price, sold for $2.50 to $3 per bushel.

Beurre Clairgeau, an early abundant bearer, a magnificent
market fruit, large and handsome, sold mine this year for $3
per bushel.

Beurre Bosc, excellent and high flavored, ranks high with
fruit dealers, sold for $3 this year per bushel.

Beurre d'Anjou, a fine pear, productive and profitable, no
orchard is complete without it, sold for $2.50 to $3 per bushel.
Duchesse d'Angouleme, one of the best and most popular
in the list, sold $2.50 to $3 per bushel.

Louise Bonne de Jersey, very productive, good grower,
finds a ready market, sold for $2 to $2.50 per bushel.

Lawrence, an excellent bearer, one of the very best winter
pears, sells high, selling for $2.50 to $3 per bushel.

Vicar of Winktield, on account of its great productiveness,
ripening when most all others are gone, it finds a ready sale
at $2 to $3 per bushel.

It gives me great pleasure to answer your list of questions
bearing on the cultivation of that most excellent fruit, the
pear. I am never at home so much as in the midst of a
thrifty bearing pear orchard, but to do anything like justice
to the subject, would require more time and space. In an-
swering your questions, however, I give you that which I
have learned from practical experience, though not on a very
large scale. I have a little orchard of 75 trees, all Stand-
ards, save some Duchesse. I grew the ten varieties I named
in the list for profit. I can rely on them even when apples

78

fail ; atid when apples are a drug, as is the case this year, they
sell for a fair price, and the demand for the fruit is constantly
increasing j^car after year. Tlie pear succeeds best on a rather
heavy loam, the soil should bo kejit clean and mellow, and a
broadcast cultivation, which they require during the growing
season. If a hill of corn requires cultivation to accomplish
its mission -well, how much more so does a bearing tree.
Trusting that my answers and remarks may be of some bene-
fit to others, '

I am very respectfully yours, ,

John O'Brien.

reply of wm. ii. huse, of newburyrort.

I exhibited the following varieties of pears at the County
Fair, viz. : — Beurre Clairgeau, Lewis, Beurre Diel, Glout
Morccau, Marie Louise, Beurre Bergamot, Louise Bonne de
Jersey, Beurre d'Anjou, Lawrence, Beurre d'Amalis, King-
sessing, Butfum, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Bartlett, Peerless,
Vicar, Cross, Abbott, Sheldon, Curtland, Howell, Beurre
Bosc, Beurre Langelier, and one for a name, all raised
on Standard trees ; Seckel, Urbaniste, Catillac, Duchesse
d'Angouleme, Soldat Laboreux, Washington, Doyenne Bous-
souck, and one for a name, raised on Dwarf trees, grown
>n a rich loamy soil, with gravelly sub-soil, enriched every
year with common barnyard manure.

I prune not much on old trees. Head them in young.
My trees have been troubled with blight some. Have tried
no remedy for it.

It depends upon circumstances Avhat are the most profitable
pear trees to set out. Should say Standards for most varic
ties, because they are longer lived.

I pick my pears when the stem parts from the twig easily,
and keep them best and longest in the coolest place where
they will not freeze.

I recommend for profit the following varieties of pears,
viz. : — Seckel, Lawrence, Bartlett, Beurre d'Anjou, Louise

79

Bonne de Jersey, Kingscssing, Sheldon, Beurre Clairgeau,
Diichessc d'Augouleme, Urbauistc. Because they arc all
good quality, steady bearers, and bring a high price.

Respectfully yours,

WiLLIAJI H. HUSE.

Newburyport, Nov. 13, 1878.

REPLY OF JOHN PRESTON, OF GEORGETOWN.

I exhibited at the County Fair, at Lawrence, the following
varieties of pears : — Beurre d'Anjou, Onondaga, and a variety
without luime, all grown on Dwarf trees.

My soil is a very dark rich loam a foot or more in depth,
with sub-soil of a yellowish rich loam a foot or more in depth,
resting on a stratum of extremel}'' fine white sand, or sand
and clay intermixed, the sand very largely predominating.
This stratum of sand is so compact as to form a hard pan.

I enrich the soil around my trees yearly, usually in the
spring of the year, with "Stockbridge's Fertilizer for Fruit
Trees," and "Bradley's Superphosphate of Lime." I prune
only enough to give the trees perfect form. I usually cut
back the leaders about the last part of August, or late
enough in the season to prevent a succulent growth. By this
method of pruning, the sap is impeded in its circulation, and
the result is a larger growth of fruit spurs and buds.

My trees have been troubled with the blight and insects,
to some extent. If some part of the tree is diseased, I im-
mediately remove that part from the tree ; if the tree is dis-
eased generally, I immediately cut it down and commit it to
the flames.

Some three or four year since my pear trees were infested
with pear slugs, but by several applications of air slacked
lime to the foliaofe of the trees, when moist with dew or rain,
destroyed most of them. No other insect has done me much
damage.

For the most profitable trees to set out, should say Stand-
ards ou most soils, and Dwarfs on some soils, because Stand-

80

ards will grow and thrive on most soils in Essex County^
Dwarfs require a very deep and rich soil, and high cultivation,
to make them thrive well, with more attention on the part of
the cultivator.

As regards picking, ripening and keeping, I usually gather
early summer and early fall varieties from one to two weeks
before maturity, late fall and winter varieties the last of Sep-
tember or first of October ; the early kinds ripening from one
to live weeks after picking, according to variety. The late
fall and winter varieties I can give no definite time. I keep
them in small, tight boxes placed in the coolest part of my
room or cellar.

Ten varieties recommended for pirofit, are ; — Clapp's Favor-
ite, Bartlett, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Buflum, Sheldon, On-'
ondaga, Urbaniste, Beurre d'Anjou, Duchesse d'Angouleme,
and Vicar of Winkfield, because that of some thirty or more
varieties that I cultivate, the ten above named varieties grow
more pears on the same number of trees, are salable in the
market, and command, usually, remunerative prices.

I am just recovering from a fever, and am so feeble that I
can hardly write a legible hand, or give much information in
regard to pear culture, &Ci

Respectfully yours,

John Preston.
Georgetown, Oct. 27, 1878.

IIEPLY OF JOHN W. MARSHALL, OF KOCKPORT.

I exhibited, at the County Fair, Sheldon pears and Beurre
d'Anjou, grown on Standard trees, in what was a swamp,
having been filled in with a foot of loamy gravel ; the soil
under the swamp foundation is clay. The soil is enriched
every year with barn manure and compost, a good liberal
dressing. I have a pen in which house ofRil, leaves, &e., are
put, with an occasional throwing on of soil, to prevent its
becoming offensive, making with my small family and garden
about a cord and a half of very rich compost;

81

1 prune any time. When I see a limlj growing out of
shape I clip it, without regard to the season of the year.
My trees have been troubled with fire blight ; several trees
have been killed and others injured. I always have noticed
that the fastest growing trees are the ones most affected.
The blight was noticed in mid-summer by the limbs and leaves
turning black, just as if fire had struck them. I cut off the
parts affected.

I believe that Standards are generally the most profitable
pear trees to set out, with exception ef the Duchesse, Louise
Bonne, Vicar, and perhaps some others, which do better I
think on Dwarf trees — bearing better fruit. Standards with
room enough will last longer and be the most profitable for
most varieties.

I recommend for profit the Bartlett, Louise Bonne de Jer-
sey, Sheldon, Beurre d'Anjou, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Belle
Lucrative, Vicar of Winkfield, and Lawrence, because they
are well known in the market.

Very respectfully yours,

John W. Marshall.

reply of peter waite, of danvers.

I exhibited 34 varieties, but I will name only a few of
them ; of course all the common varieties, such as Bartlett,
Belle Lucrative, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Paradise d'Au-
tome, Beurre Bosc, Marie Louise, Beurre Clairgeau, Beurre
d'Anjou, Howell, Sheldon, and others. I also had some new
varieties, which I think should have more notice, and their
culture encouraged by premiums instead of some of the
worthless kinds now on the list, such as the Buflum, Rostie-
zer and Doyenne d'Ete, which are not worthy of cultivation.
I would recommend in their place the Pratt, Doyenne de Co-
mice and Beurre Hardy. Of this last variety I had a dish of
25 specimens, which I think no dish of pears in the Show ex-
celled. I did not exhibit so many varieties because of their
excellence, but to show the contrast between the poor and

6

82

the good, so that people cculd see and select for themselves
such as are worthy of culture.

My soil is a heavy gravelly loam, with a subsoil of clay
and hard gravel, enriched generally, once a year, with quite a
variety of manure, sometimes one kind, and then another. A
compost of barn manure, hog and night soil, makes a good
stimulant. The offal from the tan yard is good.

I prune considerable. I think a small amount of good
fruit is better thari much poor. Spring and summer I like
best for small-pruning, and the fall for large limbs. Some
kinds need much pruning, while others need but little. It
needs good judgment and practical experience, and should be
attended to.

My trees have been troubled considerably with the blight \
my remedy for it is amputate immediately, as you would
your leg or arm, if they were affected with gangrene, and
you must be careful to get below all the affected part, for the
poison runs down in the sap and destroys as far as it goes.
•My success, when the work is done in season, is complete,
but neglect is fatal.

For the most profitable pear trees to set out, Standards
are the only kind I would set, unless Dwarfs are set deep
enough to root from the pear stock. The Dwarf makes only
a small tree, the roots not being sufficient to support it ; then
it is short lived, and affords but little fruit.

When to pick pears is altogether governed by circumstances,
but most pears should not ripen on the trees. By giving at-
tention, with very little experience, a mere novice might
know when to pick his pears, which will ripen, some in three
da^^s, others weeks. I keep them best and longest in a dark
cool place. I find for late pears no better place than a cool
cellar. Light and heat ripen them up quickly. Some seasons
some kinds will not ripen up good. This is peculiar to the
Vicar, and in consequence some think it not worth raising ;
but it is an excellent pear, and often will keep till spring, but
it must be grown large.

83

The ten varieties I should recommend for profit are the
Bartlett, Marie Louise, Paradise d'Automne, Bcurre Bosc,
Beurrc Clairgeau, Beurre d'Anjou, Howell, Sheldon, Pratt,
Bcurre Hardy, and Louise Bonne de Jersey. The Bartlett is
the best early pear, and fills up quite a space between other
early and later kinds. The Louise Bonne comes soon after,
and is a fine pear for the table and for shipping ( ?) . The
other kinds are all late Fall or early Winter. There are
mau}^ other varieties of late pears that stand high, such as
the Duchesse, the Vicar, Dana's Hovey, Lawrence, Merriam,
&c. ; also Pratt, Beurre Hardy, and Doyenne de Comice.

It has become a fact that almost every one that has a foot of
land must have a pear tree on it, and those that have more
land must have more trees accordingly. Hence almost every
one has tico trees ivhere they ought to have but one. I
know of some fine pear orchards that have double the trees
they should have on the same ground, and by this meth-
od ot setting trees, is made a great loss in the outset, two
dollars for one, and then you can't get so good fruit, and
there are other disadvantages by being so much crowded.

Respectfully yours,

Peter Waite.

reply of renjamin p. ware, of marblehead.

In reply to your questions of what pears I raise, and their
culture, &c., I think we generally grow too many varieties
of pears for profit. For Summer, I approve of Beurre Gif-
fard, Clapp's Favorite, Golden Beurre. Fall : Bartlett,
Scckel, Beurre Bosc, Sheldon, Beurre Clairgeau, Duchesse
d'Angoulerae. Winter : Beurre d'Anjou, Lawrence, Vi-
car of Winkfield. I grow many other varieties, but not of
suflicient value to recommend for general culture. The above
are all standard trees.

My soil is a strong kind, not subject to drought, with a
subsoil of gravelly loam, some clay. The soil is enriched
With a compost of barn manure and sea kelp, for five or six

84

years in succession, then rest in grass for three or four years.
My trees are pruned a little annually in the spring ; avoid
cutting large limbs, by cutting out, while small, such as will
interfere, when grown, with others.

My trees have been troubled by fire blight, so called, and
more, I think, when manured the most ; also somewhat by
slugs in August. I know of no remedy for the blight.
When attacked by it, the tree usually dies in about three
years. I have tried cutting off the diseased branches, but
with little success. The slugs may be destroyed by dust of
any kind.

I think Standards the most profitable to set out for orchard
culture, and Dwarfs for amateurs, or small gardens. Stand-
ards will produce larger results, and are more easily culti^
vated.

Summer and Fall pears should be picked when they begin
to drop, which is before they are ripe ; Winter pears about
the middle of October. Summer pears ripen in about a
week, and Fall pears in about two weeks after picking.

Pears should be picked carefully into boxes or barrels and
placed in a cool, dry, (^. e.) not damp cellar, not allowing
them to wilt by being too dry, and as near 35 or 40 degrees
as possible.

For profit, only well known Standard varieties should be
grown. The Beurre Giffard is good size and quality for an
early variety ; bears well. Clapp's Favorite comes next in
ripening, is very showy, good quality, and productive. Bart-
lett is perhaps the most profitable of any, comes in bearing
young, very productive and popular, large and showy, quali-
ty that almost every one admires. Seckel, best quality, pro-
lific, sells well, very small unless thoroughly thinned out.
Beurre Bosc is large and beautiful, sells well, but comes late
into bearing ; does well on gravelly sub-soil. Sheldon, very
beautiful and fine, sells well. Beurre Clairgeau is a great
bearer, commences young, very large and beautiful, but noj;
of first quality; sells well. Duchesse d'Angouleme is lar-

85

gest size, fair quality, good bearer, sells well, does best on
Dwarf stocks. Beurre d'Aujou is probably the best of all,
bears well, keeps all winter under good conditions, or may
be brought out in December, is large and very fine. Law-
rence is excellent, aromatic, productive, keeps well, and is
valuable. All pears should be thinned for the best results.
I am very happy to have received your circular, and have
endeavored to briefly answer your inquiries.

Very respectfully yours,

Benjamin P. Ware.

REPLY OF T. C. THURLOW, OF WEST NEWBURY.

I raise the following varieties of pears, viz. : — On Stand-
ard trees — Bartlett, Sheldon, Lawrence, Buffum, Doyenne
Boussouck, Clapp's Favorite, Onondaga, Seckel, Howell, and
Abbott. On Standard and Dwarf trees — Beurre d'Anjou,
Urbaniste, Rostiezer, Doyenne d'Ete, Belle Lucrative, and
Vicar of Winkfield.

My soil, most of it, is strong clayey loam, part is good
sandy or gravelly loam, but the first is best, the sub-soil is
gravel, with a little clay. The soil is enriched once in three
years, on an average. We would like to enrich every year,
on the surfiice in the fall, with any kind of manure. I pre-
fer to prune a little every year, in summer, say in June,
though early in spring is a very good season. We have
sometimes seen a very little of the blight, but not often ; we
have cut away and destroyed any diseased tree, or branch of
a tree. The "Slug" sometimes troubles young trees. These
can be easily destroyed by dusting them with a little dry
ashes, or air slacked lime. No other insect troubles our pear
trees to any extent. For the most profitable pear trees to
set out, I should generally prefer Standards, and should
recommend them to my customers, because they are hardy,
and will last longer, under ordinary cultivation. The Dwarf
pear, especially on the quince, is very liable to be killed in
the root, and is short lived generally. I pick the summer

86

and fall varieties one or two weeks before they are ripe. The
winter varieties we leave on the trees as long as possible, or
till there is danger of freezing. It depends upon the
weather and circumstances, how long after picking they are
ripe enough for eating. We keep them best and longest in
a cool, dry place, in thin layers. Winter pears should be
barreled up and put in a cool, dry cellar.

The ten varieties recommended for profit by me, are, Bart-
lett, Lawrence, Beurre d'Aujou, Sheldon, Belle Lucrative,
Beurre Bosc, Duchesse, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Blood-
good, and Seckel, in the order named, because these are the
most hardy, productive, and popular in the market.

I think if you should recommend to the Society in your
report, some changes in the arranging of the fruit, so tliat all
the varieties may be put together, it would be an excellent
plan.

Very respectfully,

T, C. Thurlow.

REPLY OF AARON LOAV, OF ESSEX.

I have raised the following varieties of pears, viz. : — Bart-
lett, Sheldon, Buifum, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Stephens's
Genessee, Beurre Diel, Beurre d'Anjou, and Lawrence, on
Standard trees ; and Bufium, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Louise
Bonne de Jersey, Vicar of Winkfield, and Winter Nelis, on
Dwarf trees.

The soil on which they were grown was rather heavy loam,
with a clay sub-soil, enriched yearly around small trees, and
every other year around larger trees, with stable manure,
ashes, and bone dust.

I prune lightly every spring ; have not been troubled with
blight or insects.

The most profitable pear trees to set out are Standards for
most kinds ; Dwarf for the Duchesse and Vicars.

I pick my fruit when they will part freely from the tree.

87

Different kinds of pears vary in ripening ; some are ripe in a
week or two after picking, otliers will keep a number of
months, Iveeping best and longest when kept as cool as possi-
ble.

The ten varieties recommended by me for profit are Bart-
lett, Sheldon, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Belle Lucrative, Buf-
fum, Beurre d'Anjou, Beurre Bosc, Duchesse d'Angouleme,
Lawrence, and -Vicar of Winkfield.

Pear trees should not be manured very heavily, for the
reason if they make too large a growth they are more apt to
V winter-kill, as the wood does not get hardened up and ripe
enough to withstand severe cold.

Burtletts, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Buffum and Vicar, do
better if the fruit is thinned out when small, as these varieties
are very apt to overbear.

The above are brief answers to your questions, which, if

of any benefit to pear raisers, I shall be well paid for writing

them.

Yours truly,
« Aaron Low.

keply of j. henry hill, of amesbury.

• (Receiyed after Report hid been sent in.)

I exhibited the following varieties of pears at the County
Fair, at Lawrence, viz, : — Sheldon, Belle Lucrative, Law-
rence, Dana's Hovey, Swan's Orange (or Onondaga) , Stevens's
Genessee, Mount Vernon, and Winter Nelis, all raised on
Standard trees, and Louise Bonne de Jersey, Urbaniste,
Doyenne Boussouck, Beurre Diel, Duchesse d'Angouleme,
Andrews, Beurre Bosc (double worked), Bufl^'um, Beurre
d'Anjou, Glout Morceau, Seckel, Beurre Langelier, Bartlett,
Beurre Clairgeau, Vicar of Winkfield, and Nouveau Poiteau,
all raised on Dwarf trees. The soil is a gravelly and clay
loam, with a sub-soil from a coarse gravel to a hard clay, en-
riched annually with stable manure and ashes. I have never
used any commercial fertilizers on my trees, but consider

88

flour of bone and German salts good for all varieties of
fruit.

I give my trees an annual pruning, using a sharp knife,
I do not let any limbs get large that should be removed, but
do it when small, and then it will make no difi'erence when
they are cut. If the tree has been neglected until the limbs
that should have been removed grow large, I would advise
cutting them either in November or June. My trees have
been free from blight and insects.

The most profitable tree to set out depends on the nature
of soil, amount of land to be planted, and number of varic
ties wanted. For heavy clay loam, I should plant Dwarfs.
For light, gravelly or sandy soil, plant Standards by all
means ; because Standards in the garden would require too
much garden room and give too few varieties, while Dwarfs,
properly planted, (two inches below the union,) can be set
closer, giving a larger number of varieties and quicker returns.

When, by taking hold of the pear, it will readily separate
from the stock, then I consider is the proper time to pick
the pears. It depends on the temperature of the weather
whether warm and dry, or cool and moist, how long after
picking they will be ripe enough for eating.

I keep them best in my cellar, which is cool and d^y, keep-
ing them in shallow boxes, closely covered. I put a half-
inch of hard wood saw-dust in the bottom of the box, laying
the pears in very carefully to the depth of four to six inches,
then cover with paper, placing a mat or blanket over the pa-
per to keep all close.

The ten varieties of pears I would recommend for profit
are Doyenne d' Ete, Beurre Gifiard, Bartlett, Seckel, Shel-
don, Swan's Orange, and Lawrence, on Standards. Louise
Bonne de Jersey on Dwarfs, and Rostiezer, Beurre d'Anjou
and Mount Vernon on Standards or Dwarfs ; because the
above varieties do well in almost all localities.

A person who is about setting pear trees, should be very
particular in selecting the same, — never setting poor trees, as

89

they are dear at any price. Procure your trees of some re-
sponsible nursery-man, and if possible go and select the
trees yourself and see them properly dug and packed. Hav-
ing your ground thoroughly prej^ared, all mutilated roots
should be smoothly cut, and you 'should see to it that the
trees are properly set and the soil well packed about the roots.
Then set a stake and secure your tree properly to it. Have
the tops thinned out and cut back two-thirds of last year's
growth, and then give good clean cultivation and an annual
trimming and dressing.

J. Henry Hill.

Thinking that the recommendations of Hon. Marshall P.
Wilder, President of the American Pomological Society, a
gentleman who, although four score of years has passed over
his head, has not wearied in imparting information in the di-
rection Avhich has been a specialty with him for many years,
I addressed him a request, if not trespassing upon his valu-
able time, to give, for the benefit of our County Society, a
list of the ten varieties of pears which, from his mature ex-
perience in pear culture, he considered the best for profitable
culture, which elicited the following reply, too late to be for-
warded with the Report of the Committee, but will make a
valuable annex, and is submitted for that purpose.

D. W. Low, Chairman.

REPLY OF HON. MARSHALL P. WILDER.

Boston, Dec. 2, 1878.

Dear Sir: — The following list of pears comprises an ex-
cellent collection. They are all healthy trees, and the fruit
is good, either for the table or market, in their season.
Clapp's Favorite, Bartlett, Doyenne Boussouck, Paradise
d'Automne, Merriam, Sheldon, Beurre Bosc, Lawrence,
Beurre d'Anjou, Vicar of Winkfield, for baking, tine speci-
mens are also good for dessert.

Clapp's Favorite, the best early large pear, should be
gathered by 20th of August.

Doyenne Boussouck, splendid healthy tree, very produc-

90

tive, and salable in market. Half the crop should be gath-
ered by the 25th of August, and ripened in the house, the
remainder when the fruit comes to size, thus the tree is kept
in bearing every year.

Merriam, one of the most profitable for market, on account
of its fine golden russet color, which it assumes after it is
picked.

Beurre d'Anjou, the best and most profitable, very late fall
and winter variety, covering the mouths of November and
December, and with care may be kept to February, popular
throughout the United States, the most valuable pear that I
have introduced in forty years.

The other varieties are too well known to need qualifica-
tions.

Maeshall p. Wilder.

APPLES.

Your Committee have the pleasure to report that the quan-
tity and quality of the entries in this department far exceed-
ed those of previous years.

The superior quality of apples gathered from our own or-
chard, we attribute, in part, to the absence of the Codlin
Moth, which has done much injury to the crops of other
years ; we did not find any in the traps and bandages that
readily capture them if any appear. We believe one cause
of the large proportion of cider apples in our orchards is that
more fruit is allowed to remain on the tree than can mature ;
this may be prevented by judiciously thinning the small
fruit, or what is better, the blossoms, before the fruit sets, and
if, as some claim, this will give us a crop the next year, a
double advantage will be gained.

550 plates were exhibited. The following premiums and
gratuities were awarded : —

$3 each, first premiums for best dish of twelve specimens
of the following varieties, viz. : To E. B. George, Groveland,
Baldwin; John Titcomb, Groveland, Hubbardston ; Thomas
A, Sides, Groveland, R. I. Greening; S. B. George, Grove-

91

land, Porter ; John P. Foster, North Andover, Koxbury Rus-
set; S. B. George, Groveland, Hunt Russet; T. K. Leach,
Topsfield, D. W. Sweet ; S. M. Titcomb, West Newbury,
Drap d'Or ; Peter Wait, Danvers, Pickman Pipphi ; Charles
Perley, Boxford, Sweet Baldwin ; D. W. Low, Gloucester,
William's Favorite ; Mrs. John Taylor, Amesbury, Graven-
stein ; J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, Haskell's Sweet. Premi-
um for the best twenty varieties, $8, J. H. Hill, Amesbury;
for best fifteen varieties, David W. Low, Gloucester, $6 ; for
best ten varieties, Charles C. Blunt, Andover, $4; for best
twenty-four specimens of apples, W. W. Perkins, Newbury,
$6.

Gratuities of $1.50 each, to Peter Wait, Danvers, Minister
Apple ; E. B. George, Groveland, Northern Spy ; E. F.
Webster, Haverhill, New York Greening; Mrs. A. R. War-
ren, Lawrence, Pound Sweeting ; Joseph Pratt, Lawrence,
Maiden's Blush ; Charles Perley, Boxford, President ; W.
J. Brown, Bradford, Crimson Bough ; Z. C. Wardwell,
Groveland, Summer Queen; B. F. Huntington, Amesbury,
Ladies' Sweet ; B. F. Huntington, Amesbury, Alexander ;
E.B.George, Groveland, Russet Sweet; S. M. Titcomb,
West Newbury, Garden Royal; John C. Webster, Methuen,
Blue Pearmain ; Z. C. Wardwell, Groveland, Crab ; Z. C.
Wardwell, Groveland, Wagner.

Best assortment of Crab Apples, J. H. Hill, Amesbury,
premium, $5 ; H. N. Chubb, Lawrence, Crab Apples.

Gratuities of |1 each to the following : Virgil Dow, Me-
thuen, Porter; John P. Foster, North Andover, Sweet natu-
ral fruit; T. O. Wardwell, North Andover, Sweet natural
fruit; E. G, Hardy, North Andover, King Apple; John
Barry, Andover, Twenty Ounce ; J. M. Jones, Groveland,
Hubbardston ; J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, Rhode Island
Greening; H. A. Prescott, Lawrence, Hubbardston; S. F.
Newman, Newbury, R. Russet ; F. P. Putnam, Danvers,
Hunt Russet; A. H. Gould, Topsfield, Danvers Winter
Sweet; E. Woodfull, Lowell, E. Spitzenburg; Peter Wait,

92

PanTers, Twenty Ounce Pippin ; Frank Goodson, North An-
dover, Gravenstein ; M. S. Jenkins, North Andover, R. Rus-
set; Z. C. Wardwell, Groveland, Crab; Horace Ware, Mar-
blehead, Baldwin ; Geo. W. Chadwick, Boxford, R. Russet ;
George A. Rea, North Andover, Fall Harvey ; John Barr}^,
Andover, Porter ; Morris Murphy, North Andover, Graven-
stein.

G. W. Gage, For the Committee.

PEACHES, GRAPES AND ASSORTED FRUITS.

The Committee on the above named articles respectfully
report that they were much disappointed in the exhibition of
peaches, the specimens presented being inferior to what
might have been expected in a season more favorable than
most years to this fruit. No specimens of any white fleshed
peach, or of any Essex County Seedling, were shown, which
the Committee thought worthy of the premium. The latter
failure they particularly regret, as they deem the production
of new varieties of this fruit, of superior quality, and hardy
and healthy in the tree, a most desirable object Even if
such varieties are not sufiiciently distinct to be worthy of
propagation, the growers will be fully rewarded by the pos-
session of trees which will probably produce more abundant-
ly and give more satisfaction than grafted trees. But great
care should be taken to plant seed only from trees showing
no sign of disease. A large proportion of the peaches which
have come under the eye of the writer the present season,
have, in their premature ripening, pimply and spotted sur-
face, and stained flesh, shown marks of the yellows — a fatal
disease. We repeat, therefore, that the utmost care should
be taken to propagate, whether by seeds or buds, only from
perfectly healthy trees.

The season has not been favorable for grapes, and here at
the northern limit of grape culture, we cannot in such a sea-

93

son, expect a satisfactory exhibition of this fruit. Even the
Concords were not up to the standard of that variety. The
Committee regret that they were unable to award the pre-
mium for the best collection, only one lot containing the
requisite number of varieties having been presented, and this
not coming up in other points to the requirements of the
ofler. The Committee, however, think the exhibitor of this
collection entitled to great credit for the pains taken to dis-
play it, and as they believe much instruction may be derived
from such a collection, they have given it the largest gratuity
awarded, and as they deem it desirable to add to the number
of early varieties, adapted to this latitude, they would es-
pecially mention one variety, the Warden, of which good
specimens were contained in this collection, as early, and as
giving promise of value in other respects. Another variety
of similar promise (though not exhibited on this occasion)
is the Moore's Early, which the Committee recommend for
trial.

Your Committee would take the liberty to remind exhibit-
ors of the importance of showing the exact number of speci-'
mens — no more and no less — mentioned in the offer of the
premium. If, for instance, a dish of grapes entered for pre-
mium contains more than four bunches, the comparison is
made only Avith the best four, and all others are simply in. the
way of the Committee. But it should be understood that
this remark applies only to fruits offered for premium, and
that a dish presented for exhibition only may contain as many
specimens as the exhibitor may choose.

Three baskets of assorted fruit were presented, containing
a variety of handsome specimens and well arranged. All
were so good that the Committee had much difficulty in de-
ciding between them. If they may be allowed a word of
criticism, they would say that, in their judgment, the colored
and scalloped paper placed around one of them was hardly in
better taste than the "bouquet papers" with which bouquets

94

are ornamented (?) by New York florists, but which are hap-»
pily seldom seen here. A covering of green moss or trailing'
wintergreen would have been much more appropriate. Anoth-
er basket was decorated with a row of pears around the out-
side, which were made to hang down by breaking the stems
partly through — a violence which the Committee could not
approve, and which, if unavoidable, should have been in some
way concealed.

Your Committee regret to find themselves unable to speak
in higher terms of commendation of the fruits submitted to
their examination by those who have contributed of the best
which their gardens afforded. They are aware that this ina-
bility is largely caused by an unfavorable season and not by
any less of care or skill on the part of cultivators than usual.
Though the skill of the gardener is most forcibly shown in
counteracting the effects of unfavorable seasons, it cannot
wholly overcome them. In what the Committee have said,
they have been actuated only by a desire for improvement,
which cannot be promoted by indiscriminate praise. But it
is much pleasanter to praise than to point out defects, and
your Committee trust that another year may bring a more
genial season and afford the Committee appointed to pass up-
on these products an opportunity to congratulate the Society
and the exhibitors upon a fuller exhibition and l)etter speci-
mens, more carefully displayed, than ever before.

The following premiums and gratuities are awarded : —
W. P. Bailey, West Newbury, best Yellow Flesh Peach, $2.
Premiums of $3 each for the following varieties of Grapes :
H. H. Wright, Lawrence, Concord ; H. H. Wright, Law-
rence, Hartford Prolific ; Mrs. D. H. Stickney, Groveland,
Isabella; R. Goodwin, Haverhill, Delaware ; S. J.Richards,
Lawrence, loua ; L.Bradley, Methuen, Clinton; R.Good-
win, Haverhill, Diana; Peter Wait, Danvers, Israella ; B. D.
Beadle, Lawrence, Wilder (Rogers) ; E. Grimes, Methuen^
Merrimac (Rogers 19) ; J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, Rogei's

95

22. Theron Johnson, North Andover, for Cold House Grapes,
second premumi, $4. George W. Gage, Methuen, best bas-
ket of Assorted Fruit, $4 ; Peter Wait, Danvers, second beet
basket of Assorted Fruit, $3.

Gratuities are awarded as follows : H. B. Currier, New-
buryport, Peaches, $1 ; I. H. Boardman, Newburyport, Craw-
ford's Early, 50 cents ; R. H. Call, Lawrence, Grapes, $1 ;
G. W. Gage, Methuen, Concord Grapes, $1.50 ; G. W. Gage,
Methuen, collection, $3 ; James Lawrie, Danvers, Delaware,
$1.50; Z. C. Wardwell, Groveland, Delaware, 50 cents; L.
K. Pemberton, GroTeland, Hartford, $1 ; George Lightfoot,
Lawrence, Concord, $1 ; H. H. Hall, Lawrence, Concord, 50
cents ; Michael Madden, Lawrence, Diana, 50 cents ; Peter
Smith, North Andover, Black Hamburg, $2 ; H. B. Robie,
Lawrence, Black Hamburg, $2 ; Mrs. G. P. Waterman, Law-
rence, Syrian, $1 ; Peter Wait, Danvers, Orange Quinces, $2 ;
Coolidge, Lawrence, Orange Quinces, 50 cents ; H. A. Hale,
Law^rence, Orange Quinces, 50 cents.

Robert Manning, Josiah Newhall, Jos. W. Ropes, W. H^
B . Currier — Committee.

FLOWERS.

The following premiums and gratuities are awarded : —
T. D. Halley, best pair Parlor Bouquets, $3 ; T. D. Hal-
\^y, best pair Hand Bouquets, $2 ; J. C. Craig, Lawrence,
best Floral Design, $2 ; Emma H. Gage, Methuen, best Cut
Flowers, $2. Mrs. Hill, Amesbury, best twelve Dahlias, $1 ;
best twelve Gladiolus, $1 ; best twelve Petunias, $1 ; best
display Pansies, $1 ; best twelve Phlox, $1. T. D. Halley,
Lawrence, best twelve Verbenas, $1 ; M. E. Fuller, Middle-
ton, Native Flowers, $1 ; Edward Flynn, Lawrence, best
general display, $4.

Gratuities of $1 each were awarded to t Mrs. Weston, Dan-
vers, Parlor Bouquets ; J. G. Craig, Lawrence, Parlor Bou-

96

qiiets ; N. E. Ladd, Groveland, Floral Design ; Industrial
School, Lawrence, Floral Design ; Annie M. Greene, North
Andover, Floral Design ; T. D. Halley, Lawrence, Cut Flow-
ers ; Mrs. Waterman, Andover, fine display ; T. D. Halley,
Lawrence, fine display ; Mrs. E. F. Childs, Lawrence, Win-
ter Basket ; Mrs. F. Symonds, North Andover, German Ivy }
T. C. Thurlow, West Newbury, Evergreens; Mrs. T. F*
Tuttle, Lawrence, 19 varieties Cactus.

Gratuities of 50 cents each were awarded to : M. J. Wil-»
son, Methuen, Parlor Bouquets; E. W. Hatch, Haverhill,
Parlor Bouquets ; Emily Carlton, North Andover, Parlor
Bouquets ; Mrs. John Hoyt, Georgetown, Parlor Bouquets ;
J. G. Craig, Lawrence, Hand Bouquets ; Mrs. Waterman,
Andover, Hand Bouquets ; S. M. Titcomb, West Newbur}^
Floral Design ; M. J. Wilson, Methuen, Floral Design ; Mrs.
S. H. Harris, Methuen, Cut Flowers ; Mrs. G. W. Chandler,
Lawrence, Cut Flowers ; Peter Smith, Andover, Dahlias j
Jackson Webster, Haverhill, Dahlias ; Nettie Buckell, Dah-
lias ; Addie Page, Groveland, Petunias ; Emily Gage, Me-
thuen, Petunias ; Nettie S. Webster, Haverhill, Pansies ;
Herman Juenger, Lawrence, Pansies ; J. G. Craig, Lawrence,
Pansies ; Nettie S. AVebster, Haverhill, Phlox ; J. G. Craig,
Lawrence, Phlox; Peter Smith, Andover, Verbenas; J. G.
Craig, Lawrence, Verbenas; Emily Carleton, North An do-=
yer, Native Flowers ; eJ. G. Craig, Lawrence, Heliotrope ;
Alice Moore, Caladium ; Alice Clark, Lawrence, Caladium ;
Mrs. H. M, Porter, Lawrence, Squills ; Mrs. Waterman, Ando-
ver, Dracena ; Mrs. Dr. Kenny, Lawrence, Century Plant ; Geo.
E. Morris, not entered. Fernery ; Mrs. Keniston, Methuen,
Fig Tree ; Edward Flynn, Lawrence, Coleci ; J. H. Rey-
nolds, Lawrence, Geranium ; E. F. Webster, Haverhill, Rus-
tic Stand; Mrs. Wm. Russell, Lawrence, Palms; Hattie
Green, Andover, Basket Everlastings ; C. A. Lyons, Law-
rence, English Ivy.

Gratuities of" 25 cents each awarded to : Herman Juenger
Lawrence, Datura; Peter Smith, Andover, Helioti-ope ; Mrs.

97

M. E. Fuller, Midclleton, Dried Bouquets ; Nettie Webster,
Haverhill, Pinks; Ed. Fiynn, Lawrence, Tritonia ; Lucy
Chubb, Lawrence, Balloon Plant; Mrs. Jane Sweet, Law-
rence, Irish Shamrock; E.J. Farwell, Lawrence, Cactus;
Edith Nason, West Boxford, Fernery ; E. Webster, Haver-
hill, Coxcombs ; T. H. Kelley, North Andover, Princess
Feather; Lydia Griffin, Lawrence, Cactus; Lizzie Maine,
Lawrence, Or. Pine; C. M. Godkin, Haverhill, Bouquet;

Mrs. F. Symonds, North Andover, Geranium ; — Coanes,

not entered, Cactus; Sarah J. Williams, Lawrence, Jerusa-
lem Cherry.

The display in this department was much finer and more
extensive than that of last year. Many of the contributions
showing much artistic taste were passed by the Committee
with a small i^ratuity, owing to the large number of contri-
butions and the small amount of money allowed, $50 being
the appropriation.

The Committee desire to offer the following suggestions :
As this department is one of the most attractive features of
the Show, it seems to them desirable that a larger amount of
money should be appropriated to it. It may not be necessa-
ry to increase the premium in amount, but there should be
mone3^ enough to give something to a larger number of the
contributors than can be done with the amount now allowed.

Your Committee also think first and second premiums
should be allowed for bouquets, as it Avas so difficult in many
instances to decide between bouquets of nearly equal beauty.
It also seemed to them the premiums for native flowers are
much too small, when we consider the great amount of labor
involved in making such a collection.

Separate premiums, we think, should be awarded for green-
house bouquets and those of garden culture. It is impossible
for flowers grown in home gardens to compete with those
grown in the green-house.

Your Committee would also suggest that the premiums for

7

98

Dahlias be stricken from the list. So many other flowers,
more beautiful and popular, have taken their place in modern
garden culture, and whatever premiums are given should be
awarded to more desirable varieties of flowers.

Your Committee found their duty one of considerable dif-*
ficulty and labor, and desire to return their thanks to Mr. Ed-
ward Flynn, for his valuable assistance.

The exhibition made by A. H. Dunlap & Son deserves
honorable mention, although under the rules no premium
could be awarded them. Their exhibit of Asters, Larkspurs,
Snapdragons, etc., was especially fine.
For the Committee,

Mes. Joseph S. Howe, Chairman.

VEGETABLES.

The Committee report premiums and gratuities as follows t
Premiums of $3 each to Levi Emery, Lawrence, Early B.
Beet; M. F. Batchelder, Peabody, Short Horn Carrot;
Charles R. Anderson, North Andover, Long Orange Carrot;
T. O. Wardwell, North Andover, Mangold Carrot; H. A.
Styles, Middlcton, Purpletop Turnip ; Byron Chadwick, Box-
ford, Yellow R. Baga ; M. F. Batchelder, Peabody, Parsnips \
R. Goodwin, Haverhill, Danvers Onion ; Granville Bradley,
North Andover, E. R. Potatoes ; Moses B. Abbott, Andover,
Savoy Cabbage ; B. P. Ware, Marblehead, Fotler's Drum-^
head ; Herman Phelps, Andover, Stone Mason ; M. F. Batch-
elder, Peabody, Red Cabbage ; Moses B. Abbott, Andover,
Cauliflower; J. W. Bailey, Bradford, Field Corn; Levi Em-
ery, Lawrence, Sweet Corn ; J. G. Craig, Lawrence, Pop
Corn ; Levi Emery, Lawrence, Marrow Squash ; David War-
ren, Marblehead, Tuiban Squash ; David Warren, Marble-
head, Marblehead Squash : Byron Chadwick, Boxford, Toma-
toes ; Aaron Low, Essex, Red Flat Tomatoes ; Aaron Low,

99

Essex, Spherical Tomatoes. Scott & Veitor, Lawrence, best
collection Garden Seeds, $8.

A second premium of $2 each to M. F. Batchclder, Peabo-
dy, Savoy Cabbage ; Moses B. Abbott, Andover, Brunswick
Cabbage ; jNI. F. Batchelder, Pcabody, Brunswick Cabbage ;
C. R. Anderson, North Andover, Red Cabbage; C. R. An-
derson, Andover, Cauliflower ; Edward Rostron, Lawrence,
Celery ; J. G. Chad wick, North Andover, Water Melon, first
premium ; M. F. Batchclder, Pcabody, Hubbard Squash.

Gratuities of $2 each to Aaron Low, Essex, greatest vari-
ety; Industrial School, Lawrence, Vegetables; E. G. Nason,
West Newbury, Wheat Seed ; E. G. Hide, Danvers, Vege.
tables; E. F. Webster, Haverhill, variety Seeds.

$1 each to M. F. Batchelder, Pcabody, Long B. Beet ;
George R. Bradley, Methuen, White Ruta Baga ; R. T.
Jaques, West Newbury, Danvers Onion ; R. S. Bray, West
Newbury, Danvers Onion ; M. F. Batchelder, Peabodj'', Yel-
low Flat Onion ; Andrew Lackey, Haverhill, Burbank Onion ;
George W. Chandler, Boxford, Brownell's Beauty Onion ;
Frederick Syraonds, North Andover, Potatoes; S.Longfel-
low, Groveland, Trace Corn ; David Warren, Marblehead,
Hubbard Squash ; D. W. Low, Gloucester, Cape Ann Squash ;
M. F. Batchelder, Pcabody, Canteloupe Melon ; Eben
Grimes, Methuen, Citron Melon ; C. M. Abbott, Andover,
Watermelon ; A. M. Robinson, Andover, Tomatoes ; Chas.
S. Clark, Lynnfield, Cranberries; Virgil Dow, Methuen, va-
riety Vegetables; S. R. Bodwell, Andover, Corn; Willis
Lassiter, Andover, Sweet Potatoes ; Herman Phelps, Ando-
ver, Sweet Potatoes ; Nathan C. Abbott, Andover, Crook-
neck Squash ; M. F. Batchelder, Peabody, Crookneck Squash ;
E. Tennant, Lawrence, Onions ; Moses B. Abbott, North
Andover, Lima Beans; Charles R. Anderson, North Ando-
ver, Endive ; M. F. Batchelder, Peabody, Herbs ; J. B.
•Knight, Newbury, Vegetables.

50 cents each to F. Kimball, Lawrence, Vegetables; The-
rou Johnson, North Andover, Celery ; Daton Kilham, Box-

100

ford, Gourd ; Nellie S. Stevens, Lawrence, Marrow Squash ;
Bernard Young, variety Vegetables ; D. M. Nolan, Haver-
hill, Corn; C. F. Waitt, Danvers, Egg Gourd; G. W.
Green, North Andover, Golden Millet; Theron Johnson,
North Andover, Kohl ; J. K. Chadwick, North Andover,
Peppers ; Henry Nice, Lawrence, Japanese Beans ; S. M.
Davis, Lawrence, Gourd Beans; G. S. Phippen, Methuen,
Turnips ; Aleck Burk, Peabody, Cauliflowers ; J. G. Down-
ing, Andover, Mangolds; John Lonergan, Lawrence, Beans.

COUNTERPANES AND RUGS.

WROUGHT COUNTERPANES.

1st premium, |4, to Mrs. A. C. Buckley, Danvers ; 2d
premium, $2, to Mrs. J. S, Arnold, Methuen. Gratuity of
$1 to Mrs. A. J. Henry, West Boxford ; Mrs. Harris, Law-
rence : Mrs. Jane Williams, Lawrence ; Mrs. Lydia South-
wick, Lawrence. Gratuity of 50 cents to Mrs. S. W. Ken-
drick, Lawrence; Mary Curran, Haverhill; Abigail Board-
man, North Andover ; Mrs. Julia Seaver, Lawrence.

WROUGHT HEARTH RUGS.

1st premium, $3, to Mrs. Thos. D. Davis, Beverly. 2d
premium, $2, to Mrs. John W. Frederick, Methuen. Gratu-
ity, of $1 to J. Balch, Groveland ; Mrs. D. R, Parker, Grove-
land. Gratuity of 50 cents to Mrs. B. F. Gorham, Lawrence ;
Mrs. Mary W. Leach, Methuen ; Mrs. R. Wheelock, Law-
rence.

F. E. Clark, H. A. Learoyd, Mrs. H. H. Proctor, Mrs.
W. L. Bowdoin, Andrew Nichols — Committee.

LEATHER AND ARTICLES MANUFACTURED

THEREFROM.

Your Committee on Articles Manufactured from Leather
and Rubber award the following gratuities : —
To I. O. Nash, Lawrence, one light single Harness, gratui-

•

101

ty, $3. To E, A. Putnam, of Beverly, one heavy single Har-
ness, $3. P. B. Robinson, of Lawrence, a very fine display
of hand-made Boots and Shoes, and also a variety of Rubber
foot wear, gratuity, $5.

Aaron Sawyer, I. H. Putnam, David Stiles. — Committee.

MANUFACTURES AND GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

J. A. Fogg, Lawrence, Brass Founders, $3 ; J. V. Carr,
North Andover, Horse Shoes, $2 ; A. S. Bunker, Lawrence,
Pea Sheller, Tobacco Cutter, Strawberry Huller, Raspberry
Picker, and Paper Tunnels, $3 ; J. W. Bolton, Rockport,
Tree Protector, $2 ; C. T. Morrison, Lawrence, Fret Sawing,
$3 ; J. W. Marshall, Rockport, Railroad Gauge, $1 ; S. S.
Hickock, Methuen, useful inventions for invalids, and other
purposes, as Right and Left Bed Pans, Car Starter, Grape
Shears, Boot Jack, and Stocking Puller, $3 ; «Tohn Stafford,
Lawrence, Brushes, $3 ; Mrs. M. L. Caverly, Lawrence, Bon-
nets, $3 ; Mrs. A. W. Belcher, Lawrence, Bonnets, $2 ; Misses
S. and M. Kay, Lawrence, Bonnets, $1.

Wm. D. Lamb, Charles Ingalls, E. G. Berry. — Committee.

FANCY WORK AND WORKS OF ART.

The committee make awards as follows : —

Gratuity of $3 to Mrs. Wilbur Jordan, Lawrence, Affghan.
Gratuities of $2 each to Mrs. S. Henry Wilson, Lawrence,
Embroidery ; Mrs. A. P. Newhall, Lynn, Ink Marking ; Miss
Mary Coffin, Lynn, Ink Marking; Mrs. S. M. Beach, Law-
rence, Knitted Cover ; John Gill, Lawrence, Embroidery ;
Mina Kelley, Pillow Lace ; M. J. Eastman, Lawrence, Lace
Work ; Chester Chubb, Lawrence, Agr. Wreath ; Eliza
Trask, Danvers, Pillow Shams.

Gratuities of $1 each to M. I. Tucker, Lawrence, Worsted
Work; Lizzie Huse, Lawrence, Lace Work; Mrs. S. M.
Colby, Lawrence, Lace Work; Lillie Hammond, Andover,

102

Crochet Work ; Mary Furbush, Lawrence, Embroidery ; Mrs.
C. M. Arthur, Lawrence, Embroidery; Mrs. Augusta Gage,
Lawrence, Embroidery ; Miss B. M. Gilbert, Haverhill, Em-
broidery; Lucy A. Chubb, Lawrence, Hair Chairs ; Mrs. R.
FUmders, Lawrence, Preserved Flowers ; Mrs. S. Webster,
Methuen, Hair Work ; Mrs. Edgar E. Mann, Lawrence,
Worsted ; Mary T. Conway, Worsted Pictures ; Hattie L.
Green, Lawrence, Immortelles; Mrs. L.Chase, Haverhill,
Embroidery; Mrs. Carlton Grimes, Lawrence, Embroidery;
Mrs. Margaret Longley, Haverhill, Knitted Shawl ; Emily
F. Carlton, North Andover, Tatting; C. W. Mann, Law-
rence, Drawing; Georgie E. Briggs, Lawrence, Shams, &c. ;
Mrs. O. F. Churchill, Lawrence, Shawls; L. A. Cummings,
Andover, Embroidery ; M. L. A. G. Saunders, Lawrence,
Embroidery; Mrs. E. G. Woodward, Haverhill, Mrs. J. H.
Kendall, Lawrence, Mr. E. C. Colb^^ Lawrence, W. H.
Barker, Methuen, Mrs. E. Palmer, Lawrence, Mrs. Olivia S.
Holmes, Lawrence, each Work of Art.

Gratuities of 50 cents each to Mary Flavel, Lawrence,
Tidy ; Clara Lang, Lawrence, Tidy ; Chas. Runlett, Haverhill,
Silk Box ; Emma I. Smith, Lawrence, Worsted Work; E.
R. Merrill, Lawrence, Wax Work ; N. M. Clark, Lawrence,
Fancy Basket; M. A. Wood, Lawrence, Mottoes; Mrs. Dor-
cas Osgood, North Andover, Embroidery ; Laura Ames, Law-
rence, Worsted Work ; Lottie Upton, Lawrence, Worsted
Work ; Abby Kelsey, Lawrence, Feather Flowers ; Etta Mc-
Gibbon, Lawrence, Feather Flowers ; Mrs. E. C. Colby, Law-
rence, Miss Lizzie Woodford, Lawrence, Mrs. Christopher
Howe, Methuen, Miss Daisy Blanchard, Methuen, S. T.
Woodbury, Lawrence, Miss Lizzie Currier, Lawrence, John
W. M. Smith, Lawrence, Miss S. C. Lane, Lawrence, each
Work of Art. Honorable mention is made of the works by
the following persons : Mrs. A. P. Clark, Mrs. G. W. Rus-
sell, Baldwin Coolidge, John H. Gilman, Willis H. Plummer.

For the Committee,

Mrs. A. P. Clakk.

103

• CHILDREN'S WORK.

Work by children under twelve years of age — Alice A.
Hale, Georgetown, 5 years. Quilt, first premium, $3.00;
Gracie M. Spofford, Georgetown, 9 years, Stockings, second
premium, iip2.00; Gertrude G. Chadwick, West Boxford, 11
years. Braided Mat, third premium, $2.00.

The following gratuities were awarded : — Freddie H. Clark,
Lawrence, 9 years, Painted Tiles, $2.00; Eddie Morgan,
Lawrence, 11 years, Mottos, $1.00; Eumia Burnley, Law-
rence, 12 years. Mottoes, $1.00; Minnie M. Holt, Lawrence,
11 years. Match Safe, $1.00; Ethel M. Emerson, Lawrence,
7 years. Picture Frame, $1.00; Maud V. Rodinizer, Law-
rence, 12 years. Lace Work, $1.00 ; Lillian Colby, Lawrence,
6 years, Scrap Bag, $1.00.

Mrs. J. S. Shattdck and others. Committee.

FARMS.

The only Farm entered was that of Mr. Samuel Dane, of
Hamilton. Three members of the Committee have visited
this farm during the season ; two of them at haying time, and
one of them later.

Mr. Dane's farm and farming lands comprise about sixty
acres in all, somewhat over thirty of them making the home-
stead. When Mr. Dane purchased his place, the land w^as to
a large extent a waste, but poorly fenced, and the buildings
in very poor repair. The improvements have been in clear-
ing the land of trees and bushes, the underdraining and re-
claimins; of most of the land in tillaije : erectino^ a substantial
stone fence, over four feet in height, around most of the
premises, enlarging and materially improving the farm-house,
the erection of various outbuildings, and the building of a
large and elegant centennial barn.

The farm has but few fruit trees, and the quantity of stock
kept on the premises has varied from two to four coavs and

104

from two to four horses. The Committee found* everything
about the barn arrangement very judiciously planned, and
everything about the farm in ffood order.

The Committee have hesitated about the propriety of rec-
ommending the premium to a farm so much below the average
in the quantity of the stock and orcharding ; but on reflec-
tion, considering that this deficiency is more than made up by
unusually large portion of reclaimed land, they would recom-
mend that a premium of thirty dollars be awarded by the
Trustees. The Committee noted with great pleasure the
magnificent elms, bordering the main road, which Mr. Dane
has preserved with a care most praiseworthy, and they con-
sider that they come fairly into the class of facts which make
up the best conducted and most improved farm within a wise
interpretation of the premium.

For the Committee,

J. J. H. Gregort.

GRAIN CROPS.

The Committee on Grain Crops report seven entries,
classed as follows, viz. : — Four of Rye. by Messrs. Rolfe
and Knight of Ne^dmry, Bailey of West Newbury, and Dane
of Hamilton. Corn, two entries, by Abel S. Harriman of
Groveland, and John Pearl of Boxford. Wheat, one entry
by Nathaniel Little, Jr. of Newbury. Your Committee have
met five times to view the same and make their awards,
which are as follows : —

Rye, first premium, $10, to J. B. Knight of Newbury,
whose statement, together with that of Mr. Dane, is an-
nexed.

Mr. Rolfe's crop did not come within the rules of the So-
ciety, as it contained only one-half acre. But your Com-
mittee would feel that an injustice had been done Mr. Rolfe
if honorable mention were not made of the crop, which they
hereby do. Had it contained the full acre, Mr. Rolfe would

105

undoubtedly have received the premium. Mr. Dane's crop
was good, but the heads were not well filled, the straAV was
heavy — some of it measuring 6 feet, and 8 inches in length.
His crop would have been much larger had it not been for
the severe drought. jNIr. Bailey's crop looked well, but he
failed to put in a statement.

Wheat, first premium, $10, to Nathaniel Little, Jr., of
Newbury. Mr. Little had an excellent crop, and we refer to
his statement, where full particulars will be found.

Corn, first premium, $10, to John Pearl, of Boxford.

We recommend a gratuity of $6 to Abel S. Harriman, of
Groveland. Mr. Harriman's corn was planted in drills, and
showed the effects of good cultivation, as does evcrA^thing
about his farm. Mr. Pearl's crop was a little larger than Mr.
Harriman's, and filled out better. When everything is taken
into consideration, the crop is wonderful. Planted June 11th,
on a wet and very stony piece of pasture land that had never
before been ploughed, and scantily manured at that, the crop
of eighty-seven bushels of dry shelled corn on one acre is
remarkable. Had the season ])een wet, instead of dry, your
Committee are of the opinion that Mr. Pearl would not have
raised a sound ear of corn on the whole acre.

In our trips about the county Ave noted, with no small
amount of satisfaction, the large increase in the average of
grain, for it seemed to denote that returning ^o the ''do'lar
of our daddies," alst) brini»'s us back to the o'ood old wavs of
"our daddies." The hue and cry of old fogyism in our style
of farming, lasted too long, and Ave hail Avith joy the fast ap-
proaching time Avhen every farmer "shall produce that which-
he consumes."

In the cultivation of grain we are not only producing, as
a country, Avhat we consume, but Ave are, to a greater extent
than many are aAvare, feeding the people of other countries.
The importance and magnitude of our grain crop cannot be
over-estimated. The last monthly report of the Department
of Agriculture estimates this year's Avheat crop at 400,000,000

106

bushels, the corn crop at 1,300,000,000 bushels, cand an oat
crop in excess even of the veiy large product of last year.
The esthnate of the wheat ci-op, two months ago, was 407,-
000,000 bushels, or 87,000,000 bushels more than the yield
of 1877.

During the last six years we have more than doubled, nearly
trebled, our exports of corn, wheat and flour, sending abroad
last year no less than 85,000,000 bushels of corn, 4,000,000
barrels of flour, and about 100,000,000 bushels of wheat.

Are not these statistics well calculated to make the Ameri-
can farmer proud of his vocation and prouder still of his
country?

Horace F. Longfellow, Hanson Ordway, Charles Perleyj
Sidney F. Newman — Committee on Grain CrojpSi

Byneld, Nov. 9, 1878.

STATEMENT OF J. B. KNIGHT*

Statement to the Essex Agricultural Society of a crop of
Rye raised by J. B. Knight, of Newbury, 1878.

The crop of 1876 was potatoes ; twenty loads, 30 bushels
per load, of l^arn-yard manure, was put on and ploughed in.
The crop of 1877 was oats, with ten loads of manure per acre
ploughed in, valued at four dollars per cord. The soil is a
gravelly loam, with a gravelly sub-soil. The oats "were cut
before they headed, and when again grown were ploughed in
six inches deep, and once harrowed, the middle of September*
Cost of ploughing, three dollars per acre.

Rye mixed with an equal quantity of wood ashes, and moist*
ened, was sown, two bushels of seed per acre ; value of Rye
one dollar per bushel. It was harrowed twice after sowing,
at a cost of one dollar per acre for sowing and harrowing.
It was harvested by reaping the first of August, at a cost of
four dollars per acre for reaping and binding. Cost of
threshing by hand, five dollars per acre; amount of strawj
one and three-fourths tons.

107

Remarlcs. — In cousequeuce of the quantity of seed sown
the straw was quite thick on the ground, as your Committee
saw at the time of their visit, but it did not lodge, and it was
pretty well filled out, although it was somewhat pinched by
the dry weather coming a little too soon for it to fill plumply.

J. B. Knight.

By this I certify that I measured one acre ot Rye ground
for James B. Knight, of Newbury, in August, 1878.

N. Little, Jr.

I hereby certify that I measured the Rye grown on the
above mentioned acre of ground — 44 12-56 bushels.

Paul A. Perkins.

STATEMENT OF SAMUEL DANE.

The acre of Rye which I enter for premium, was cradled
and threshed in August ; of which I had 31 1-2 bushels of
nice Rj^e ; the weight of the straw was 3,650 pounds. The
land where raised Avas light and loamy, nearly worn out land.
It was ploughed last year and planted with potatoes, ma-
nured in drills, with about three and a half cords of barn-
yard manure and meadow-muck compost, from which I raised
a good crop of potatoes.

Ploughed again in September and about two cords of the
above compost harrowed in, and sowed down to rye and
grass seed.

EXPENSE OF RYE CROP.

Dr.

To 2 cords manure, at $7, $14 00

Ploua:hing and harrowins; 3 50

Seed, sowing, &c 2 00

Cradlins:, storinar, &c 3 50

Threshinjr 2 50

c"

Total $25 50

108

Or.

By ai 1-2 bushels Rye at 90 cents $28 35

3,650 pounds straw (nt barn) at $15 00 27.37

Total $55 72

$25 50

Net proceeds, or profit $30 22

I have straw taken from the ground by the Committee,

that measures 6 feet 8 inches Ions'.

Samuel Dane.

Hamilton, July, 1878.

STATEMENT OF JOHN PEARL.

Statement concerning a crop of corn raised by John Pearl,
in town of Boxford, year 1878.

The land used for the crop, previous to 1877, had never
been in cultivation, but was a low piece of pasture land,
covered with wild grass and bushes. In the fall of 1877
it was ploughed eight inches deep. In the spring of 1878 har-
rowed with wheel harrow. Soil dark, with a clay bottom.
Planted June 11th, 3 feet 8 inches apart each way, with 5
quarts 8 rowed yellow corn.

Cost of ploughing, harrowing and planting $11 70

" " cultivating and hoeing once 3 00

" " 3 cords stable manure in hill 24 00

" " 5 quarts of corn for seed 20

" " harvesting 10 00

Amount of fodder estimated at 4 tons 24 00

" " crop 87 1-7 bushels.

John Pearl.

statement of n, little, jr.

The land has produced a crop of onions for two years pre-
vious, that is in 1876 and 1877, and received for dressing

109

about twenty loads of barn-yard manure each year. Soil, a
rich, black loam, on a clay sub-soil.

The method of" treatment for the present year was simply
once ploughing about six inches deep, and harrowing twice
before sowing, then sowed one bushel and three pecks of
seed, and harrowed twice alternately cross-wise ; sowed
grass seed, and lastly rolled the ground once with a heavy
ox-roller. No manure whatever used.

Result. — The yield on one hundred and seventy-five rods
of land was 2522 pounds of wheat, or forty-five bushels and
two pounds; of fifty-six pounds to the bushel. (The kernel
was badly pinched, supposed by the severe drought in July.)
Three tons of straw, thirty-seven hundred weighed, the bal-
ance estimated.

Dr.

To ploughing $ 3 00

harvestinof 1 00

seed and application 5 00

harvesting and threshing 10 00

Total $19 00

Cr.

By forty-five bushels wheat at $1.50 $67 50

three tons straw at $12.00 36 00

Total $103 50

$19 00

Profit $ 84 50

Respectfully submitted,

N. Little, Jr.
Newbury, Nov, 5, 1878.

This certifies that the above measurement of grain is cor-
rect.

N. W. Moody.

110

This certifies that the above measurement of land is correct.

Sidney F. Newman.

ROOT CROPS.

There were but three entries made with the Committee this
year. One of Early Rose Potatoes, by Mr. J. B. Knight, of
Newbury, one of Onions, by Mr. G. A. Randall, of New-
bury, and one of Cabbages, by Mr. J. J. H. Gregory, of
Marblehead.

The Committee visited the several crops entered, and al-
though there was not any competition, we considered each
and all worthy of the first premium.

The statements of the method of cultivation, amount of
the several crops, and the cost of producing the same, are
hereunto annexed, and the Committee award as follows : —

To Mr. J. B. Knight, of Newbury, for his crop of Early
Rose Potatoes, the first premium of $10.

To Mr. G. A. Randall, of Nowbur}^ for his crop of Dan-
vers Onions, the first premium of $10.

To Mr. J. J. H. Gregory, of Marblehead, for his crop of
Cabbages, the first premium of $10.

Aaron Low, James P. King, Albert Titcomb, John Price
— Committee.

STATEMENT OF J. B. KNIGHT.

Statement concerning the crop of Early Rose Potatoes en-
tered for premium : The crop of 1876 and 1877 was grass,
no dressing applied ; the soil is a rather heavy loam. For
the crop of 1878 the ground was ploughed in the Fall of 1877
seven inches deep, at the cost of four dollars per acre. About
eight cords per acre of barnyard manure was hauled on the
ground in the Spring of 1878, at an estimated value of four
dollars per cord, and cut in with the wheel harrow.

Planted with Potatoes the first and second week in May,

Ill

using the small or medium size, taken from the pile put in,
iu the Fall, for market ; about twelve or fourteen bushels per
acre, stt an estimated cost of twelve dollars per acre, for seed
and planting. They were planted in rows three feet apart,
and three feet between hills. The cultivator was passed be-
tween the rows before the potatoes came up ; after they came
up they were cultivated and hoed twice, at a cost of six dol-
lars per acre. They were harvested the latter part of Sep-
tember, at a cost of eight dollars per acre.

Remavhs. — A part of this piece was planted with one po-
tato, of small or medium size, in a hill, and a part with a
large potato, cut in two, with one piece to a hill. Where
the whole potato was planted, the appearance for the first part
of the season was much more forward than where the piece
was planted, and I think that a good start in the Spring has
much to do with the crop late in the season, and the harvest-
ing of this crop goes far to confirm this opinion.

Respectfully submitted^

J. B. IVNIGHT.

This certifies that I have measured a piece of ground on
which the above crop was grown, and there were ninety -four
rods in said piece.

N. Little, Jr.

I hereby certify that I measured the potatoes grown on the
before-mentioned piece of land, and there were one hundred
sixty-four and one-half bushels, of sixty lbs. to the bushel,
of merchantable potatoes.

Jeremiah Mahonet,

statement of g. a. itandall.

Statement of G. A. Randall, concerning a crop of Onions
raised in 1878, in the town of Newbury.

The crop raised upon this land the past three years has
been Onions. The ground was ploughed in the fall of 1877
and manured with compost manure, about one part fish and

112

four parts cow and horse nifinure, which was spread on top
after ploughing, at the rate of about eiglit cords to the acre,
and laid until spring, and was then ploughed in, the land har-
rowed, brushed, raked, and sowed at the rate of four pounds
of seed to the acre. Land rather light loam. The crop was
hoed six or seven times with a wheel hoe, and weeded three
times.

This half acre was surveyed by J. N. Rolfe, and is a part
of a six acre bed, and I think four acres of it produced near-
ly as many Onions per acre, as the half acre which I enter
for premium. The crop was harvested about September 10th,
two loads were weighed by Daniel Lunt, the others were
loaded as near as possible, in the same carts, making 307
bushels on the half acre.

Cost of ploughing and harrowing $ 4 00

*' " raking and sowing? 3 00

" " hoeing and weeding 20 00

*' " harvesting 8 00

*' '• manure 24 00

" " seed 3 00

The crop has been sold at $2.10 per ])urrel, including bar-
rel. The above statement is correct, to the best of my knowl-
edge.

G. A. Eandall.

STATEMENT OF J. J. H. GREGORY.

The crop of Cabbages entered for premium are the Early
Bruns\yick, commonly known as the Fotler Cabbage. They
were raised in Middieton, on "Bear Hill" Farm. The piece
was of al)out two acres. It was planted from June 16th to
20th. Owing to the drought, nearly half of the piece had to
be set with plants taken from the portion tirst planted, which,
having the advantage of a shower just after the seed was
put in the ground, came up very uniformly. More or less of
transplanting was done up to the latter part of July, but the
growing season being unusually prolonged, about every plant

113

on the piece made heads of good size and hard. Towards the
close of the season, a few hundred were started to prevent
the heads from bursting, but I have noticed that oil what
might be termed country farms, as distinguished from those
on the sea-board, cabbages are far less likely to burst their
headS; which I attribute to the fact that the ground is not so
filled with manure, not haviug been so long in tillage, nor so
highly manured by the annual dressing of the soil. This fact
is of value to the farmer, as he can safely plant his late Cab-
bage earlier in the season, and get as large and as hard heads,
as on the seaboard, with less manure; the extra length ot
season for their growth being an equivalent. In saying this,
I would not be understood to state that large and hard heads
can be got without liberal manuring, but simply that as the
bursting of the heads being an end to all profitable growth,
and they are more apt to do this, and at an earlier day on the
rich lands of the sea coast, the country farmer can count on
this extra season for groAving as an equivalent for a propor-
tion of the manure that his seaboard brother is compelled to
use.

The land had for the two previous years been devoted to
the growing of Onion seed, and had consequently received
liberal manuring, though of the varieties and quantities ap-
plied I have no record. The soil being very moist, and
having many large boulders, weighing from a few hundred
pounds up to several tons, scattered over the surface, last
spring I had it tile-drained and cleared of stone. In June I
applied a compost, composed in part of fish waste and soil,
and in part of glue waste and soil, about one part' fish waste
to four parts soil, and one part glue waste to two parts soil,
six cords tothe acre. This was plouo-hed in. After harrowinof
and furrowing out, I had applied to each hill — the rows
were three feet apart and the hills nearly three feet — one-third
of a shovelful of a compost made up of one part bone dust,
well deca3^ed, two parts Riverside super-phosphate, ten parts
ashes, and twelve parts of the fish and glue compost. The
8

114

cost to me of the fish and glue compost was about three dol-
lars a cord ; that of the compost used in the hills very nearly
two-thirds of a cent for each' hill, the materials entering into
it having been purchased wholesale.

The soil was strong loam, about seven inches deep, with a
sub-soil of admixture of sand and clay. In preparing the
land it was ploughed but once, about seven inches deep.
The cost of ploughing, harrowing and furrowing, I should
estimate per acre, at eight dollars. The quantity of seed
was half a pound to the acre, at a cost of two dollars. The
cost of planting the seed I should put at two dollars per acre.
The crop was cultivated and hoed three times, at a cost of
thirty dollars per acre. The thinning and transplanting I put
at five dollars per acre. As the Cabbages were for seed pur-
poses, the cost of harvesting could hardly be estimated. As
to the value of the crop, at the time it was gathered seed
Cabbages were worth about eight cents each in Boston market.

James J. H. Gregoky.

NEW VAEIETr OF WINTER APPLES.

On the latter part of the second day of the Fair, the at-
tention of the Chairman of your Committee was called, by
Mr. James W. Bailey, of Bradford, to a plate of apples
(Ropes apple, so called) which he represented to be a new
kuid of fruit, for which he asks for the |100 premium.

The premium is large, and I think ought not to be paid
until the applos are fully tested and proved to be of superior
quality, and it will take years to prove the bearing qualities
©f the tree, and the keeping qualities of the fruit. I there-
fore thought it unnecessary to call on the other members of
the Committee, as no premium would be awarded this year.
Such measures can be taken hereafter as may be thought

proper.

Joseph How, Chairman.
Methuen, Nov. 13, 1878.

115

INDIAN CORN.

At the meeting of the Trustees, in November, it was voted
to refer to a Special Committee, the whole subject of the
premiums offered to the Farmers' Club making the best ex-
hibit at the Fair, at Lawrence, with writtln statements of
the culture, varieties of corn, and products, that would show
what variety is capable of the largest product per acre ; to be
submitted to the Committee on or before Nov. 1. The Com-
mittee thus appointed have carefully examined all the state-
ments that have since been presented from members of the
North Andover Farmers' Club, viz. : — Albert Berry, John P.
Foster, J. D. W. French, Frederick Symonds, E. G. Green,
Charles S. Foster, Charles F Bisbee, and also the report of
the Committee of the West Newbury Farmers' Club, which
is annexed.

It is quite apparent to the Committee that the object for
which the premium was offered, has been entirely overlooked
by the applicants, as in no instance can any one form an
opinion from the statements made, what variety of corn will
give the greatest yield, as no comparison has been made be-
tween the m'ost popular varieties. As the conditions on
which the premiums were offered, have not been complied
with, nor the information sought obtained, the Committee do
not feel authorized to award the premiums.

Within the last three years the corn crop has been receiv-
ing in Essex County more of the attention that its import-
ance demands, than for many years previous. It is believed
by the Committee that a difference in the quantity of product
of from twenty to fifty per cent, may be obtained from the
quality and variety of seed planted, thereby making it a very
desirable and profitable crop, or one of- disappointing results.
Therefore your Committee feel the great importance of ascer-
taining by careful experiment, what variety will produce the
largest profit, and it is hoped that the premiums offered may
induce the necessary care to develop the desired informa-
tion.

116

The Committee would suggest for the guidance of future
applicants, that the only way to obtain satisfactory evidence,
is to plant several varieties of corn that are well known to
be productive, on land of similar quality and location, with
the same fertiliser and cultivation, and carefull}' note the re-
sults by weight.

Benjamin P. Ware, Charles P. Preston — (Jommitlee.

REPOET OF THE WEST NEWBUEY FAEMEES'

CLUB.

The Corn offered to the Essex Agricultural Society by the
Farmers' Clul) of West NeAvbury, was raised by ten or twelve
members of that Club, and the manner of cultivation was
somewhat different, but in most cases it was raised with barn-
yard manure spread broadcast, about six cords per acre.

With this manner of cultivation the amount per acre has
averaged 65 bushels of shelled corn, two of them had 85
bushels per acre. We do not know what it cost to raise a
bushel of corn with barn-yard manure, inasmuch as we do
not know the amount of fertilizer remaining in the soil after
the crop is off. Three of our members have tried the Stock-
bridge fertilizer with^the following result, with the presump-
tion that the Corn took from the soil the amount of fertilizer
applied. Their statement is as follows. Planted according
to the Stockbridge formula, the cost per bushel has been 43
cents ; the amount per acre 47 bushels of shelled Corn.

The Corn crop of this town is all of 15 bushels less per"
acre than last year, owing to the severe drought in July.

Our seed is the Danforth Corn, eight rowed, and, every-
thino' taken into consideration, the best variety we have ever
planted. We tried the Hapgood Corn this summer, Avith
very poor results.

I have an early variety ; the seed I brought from Maine
last spring ; it was on exhibition at our Fair, also at the Essex

117

Fair, in Lawrence. It is three weeks earlier than the Danforth.
For h'ght soil, everything considered, I think it the best kind

for general cultivation.

E. G. Nason, For the Committee.

TREADWELL FARM.

The Committee on the Treadwell Farm, respectfully sub-
mit the following report : —

The farm still continues under the lease to Hon. Thomas
P. Pierce, and under the management of Mr. Philln-ook, who
devotes a large part of the tillage land of the farm, to the
raising of vegetables for the market, corn and roots for feed-
ing to his large stock of milch cows and breeding horses.
The farm buildings are now in excellent repair ; the land is
carefully cultivated, kept clean of weeds, and may be con-
sidered as a good example of a well managed farm, that no
member of the Society need be ashamed of, but on the con-
trary refer to ii with satisfaction, as a farm worth3»of the
reputation of the Essex Agricultural Society.

There have been used upon the farm this year, as fertilizers,
fish pomace to the value of $57.62, Stockbridge fertilizer
costing $175, and sixty-two and three-fourths cords of barn-
yard manure. The products are, — of English hay, 15 tons ;
Meadow hay, 18 tons; Cabbages, 4818 heads; Potatoes, 403
bushels ; Carrots, 250 bushels ; Turnips, 820 bushels ; Corn,
in the ear, 1110 bushels; Beans, 10 bushels; Peas, 25) bush-
els; Apples, 116 barrels.

Benjamin P. Ware, for the Committee.

MANURES.

The Committee on Manures have been called upon to ex-
amine two reports of experiments, offered for premium, one
made by Francis H. Appleton, of Peabody, and one by

118

Benjamin P. Ware, of Marblehead. Edmund Smith, of New-
biiryport, also presented a statement of an experiment which
he did not enter for premium, but oifered for publication.
It was expected that Dr. James R. Nichols, Chairman of the
Committee, would write a report to accompany these state-
ments, but ill health prevented, much to the regret of the
Committee and of himself, and we are sure the Society was
thus deprived of a discussion of the subject of manures which
at his hands could not fail to be instructive and interesting.
The details of the experiments made by the applicants for
prennum, as well as b^^ Mr. Smith, are very interesting and
valuable, and the Committee recommend the award of the
first premium of $15, to Francis H. Appleton, of Peabody,
and the second premium of $10, to Benjamin P. Ware, of
Marblehead. The experiments were very similar in their
nature, all of them being trials of the relative value of barn-
yard manure and Stockbridge fertilizer, and in two instances
Darling's fertilizer. As was well stated by the Chairman of
the Committee, "It is to be regretted that no information is
given of the nature or composition of Darling's* fertilizer.
The past season, owing to the extreme drought, was very un-
fortunate for experiments with commercial fertilizers. The
wonder is that they were heard from at all." Notwithstand-
ing this drawback, the experiments seem to give like results
in each case, and are quite convincing. The whole subject of
commercial fertilizers is of immense practical importance to
farmers, and any reliable collection of facts showing their
relative value as compared with barn-yard manure, or with
each other, is of great value, and will be eagerly sought. It
costs something to try experiments, and the fault with them
usually is that the details are not kej)t with suiScient exact-

* Note. — From annual report by Professor Goessmann. Darling's Animal Fertilizer
with Potash. Volatile and Organic Animal Matter, 56.50 per cent. ; Ash constituents,
43.50 ; Moisture, 6.3G ; Nitrogen in Organic Matter, 8.58 ; Phosphoric Aoid in Ash, 9.40 :
Potassium Oxide, 5.07; Insoluble Matter, l.'Xi.

Valuation of 2QQ0 pnuyuls.— \l\.<j-^o\ii\<\9 ot Nitrogen, $36.04; 11 2.8 pounds of Phosphoric
Acid, $11.28; 101.4 pounds of Potassium Oxide, $6.08. Total, |55.40.

Manufactured from blood-meat and bones of animals, with addition of potash.

119

ness. Probably in a majority of cases the farmer does not in-
tend to make an experiment to be reported, when he enters
upon it, but after its completion, knowing it to be of value to
himself, he thinks it will be to others, and he then narrates the
details from recollection. The value of many of the state-
ments concerning crops raised and oll'eredfor premium, is ma-
terially lessened by the evident fact that they are estimates of
cost made up after the crop is raised, rather than statements
of details kept during the progress of its culture and growth.
It is likely that in the item of labor there is generally more
time actually laid out in the cultivation of a crop than ap-
pears in the statement, for the reason that the cost is esti-
mated, and this because the farmer does not in the beginning
expect to report his experiment. The great merit in the
statements herewith submitted is, that the details of the ex-
periments are given with unusual clearness and accuracy,
and show what the crops actually did cost. Mr. Appleton
kept his account of labor with a care we seldom see equalled
in like cases. The three experiments seem to show that the
Stockbridge fertilizer, and perhaps Darling's compound, are
worth quite as much for a year as an equal value in animal
manure. We know that when the latter is applied to
the land, an important part remains for future crops. All,
or nearly all commercial fertilizers heretofore in general use,
have failed in this particular, and in most cases their constant
and exclusive use has resulted in exhaustion of the land.
Whether this is true of the Stockbridsre and Darlins; com-
pounds, is a point that can only be settled by protracted
trial, and this we conceive to be a point on which our farmers
earnestly desire more light. We hope the gentlemen who
have given us the results of their experiments this year, as
well as others who have made similar trials, will continue
their experiments for the purpose of showing Avhether these
newly introduced fertilizers can be profitably used, and the
fertility of the soil kept undiminished, without the use of

other manures.

Jos. S. Howe, for the Committee.

120

STATEMENT OF FRANCIS H. APPLETON.

1 send ill this statement of ray experience in raising Indian
Corn during the season of 1878, as il seems to me quite in-
teresting, be^^ond being an accumulation of carefully made-
up facts. As distances from barn, and other circumstances,
vary in different fields, so must my figures vary from others
of a similar kind.

I have taken much pains to keep an account in my diary
of the time expended in the fields, from which my figures are
taken. Both these crops were raised on worn-out sod land,
upon which almost no grass could be cut in 1877. The
one with stable manure makes by far the worst showing,
even after deducting the cost of one-half of the manure, as
being in the land and still good for next year's crops. In
the case of the Stockbridge fertilizer crop, it will be seen that
more fertilizer was applied than is generally recommended ;
anckthe question arises whether any of it still remains in the
land for the next crop, or whether the extra quantity has
been washed down too deep in the land to be available ma-
nure, on account of its greater solubility than stable manure.
In my figures I have made no deduction for the value of any
fertilizer that may remain in the land for next year's crop.

Had six bags only of the fertilizer been, used (the general
amount recommended by Bowker & Co., the makers,) with
the same result, which would, theoretically, have been possi-
ble, and I given credit for the extra three bags, the cost would
have been 19.4 cents for a bushel of corn on cob. The corn
I used for seed, was the eight rowed variety.

In harrowing, cultivating and hilling, some saving could
be made by employing an intelligent boy to drive, or ride the
horses ; and in the second cultivating, and the hilling, one
careful man with a good horse would be all that is needed, the
corn being high enough to perfectly mark the track for the
horse. I also sec in the "American Aoriculturist " that
three cents a bushel is the price to be paid for husking, which
would decrease that charge one-half, where it could be done.

121

My experience has been thtit about twenty bushels per man
in ten hours, was the amount huskocl.

I should state that I used the Ross machine, wdiich sowed
my corn in drills, and dropped the fertilizer immediately
after the kernels, in such a manner that they did not fall in
contact with each other, and the former has in no way
seemed to have been injured by the latter. The Ross Hiller
has also done me good service. By these machines I have
been able to cultivate more land with my labor than I other-
wise could.

Next year I intend to raise corn on a similar kind of land,
•with six bags of fertilizer to the acre, ^nd shall hope to tell
the result next year.

I report as follows : — 3 acres, 31,424 feet of Indian Corn,
on land which was run out in the previous year, excepting
21,329 feet where potatoes were raised with manure in 1877,
and which was, in 1878, only enriched with fertilizer in drill ;
the remaining 3 acres, 10,095 feet was manured wii;h stable
manure at the rate of six cords to one acre, with the same
fertilizer in drill. I have charged my labor at $1.50 per day
of 10 hours, and each horse at 75 cents per day. Stable
manure at $10 per cord, spread on the field. The manure
was harrowed in by Randall wheel harrow. The time is
given below in hours and minutes.

Men. Horses,

h. m. h. m.

Ploughing in A utuniu of 1S77 41 50 43 40 § 6 55

22 1-2 cords stable manure 225 00

Harrowing (Randall) 19rh April, lapping^one-half 5 34 11 8 167

Harrowing (straight tools), 17tli May '• " 5 34 11 8 167

Sowing seed and ff-rtilizi-r at same time (Ross Machine) 18 May 17 24 8 42 3 26

850 pounds Bowker's Hill and Drill Phosphate 21 25

Seed 1 20

Sowing after Crows. 1st June 6 40 100

2 cultivatinjrs with " Scarifier" 20 27 10 13 4 86

1 hilling (Ross iNIachine), 6tli July ,. ]3 20 6 40 2 50

Harvesting, 3 loads tops, cut 20th S -pt 105 16 16 95

Harvesting, 7 loads corn and butts, 1 1th Oct 57 32 10 95

Husking 441 bushels, at 6 cents per bushel 26 46

Interest and taxes 12 02

$335 34
5.175 pounds tops
16,600 " butts.

16,776 pounds stover at $6 per ton , $50 33

9 3-4 cords stable manure unused , 97 50—5147 83

441 bushels corn on cob §187 51

Equal to 1 bushel corn costing 42 1-2 cents.

9

122

One acre, 5,867 feet of Indian Corn on land which yielded
a very light crop of Hungarian grass in 1877, without any
manure or fertilizer. In 1878 it was manured with seven bags
Stockbridge corn fertilizer, sown broadcast and harrowed in
by Randall wheel harrow, and also two bags of same fertilizer
in the drill. My charges are the same as I have already
stated for the other field.

Men. Horses,

h. m. h. ta.

Ploushing 7 34 15 8,$ 2 2S

9 bags Stockbridge corn fertilizer (2 iu drill) 45 00

Spreading fprtilizer 1 42 26

Harrowing (Randall), lapping one-half 1 42 3 24 32

Harrowing (straight tools), " ■» " 1 42 3 24 32

Sowing seed and fertilizer at the same time (Ross Machine),.. 3 24 1 42 64

Seed • 30

2cultivatings with- Scarifier"...! 6 48 3 24 128

1 hilling ( Ross Machine) 3 24 1 42 64

Harvesting 1 load tops 39 6 6 30

Harvesting 6 loads corn and butts 12 8 2 40

Husliing 184 busliids, at 6 cents per bushel 4 11 04

Interest and taxes 3 67

$74 45
1,848 pounds tops
6,070 pounds butts

7,918 pounds stover at $6 per ton 23 75

|184 bushels corn on cob < |50 70

Equal to 1 bushel corn costing 27 1-2 cents.

Respectfully submitted,

Francis H. Appleton.

Peabody, Nov., 1878.

STATEMENT OF BENJAMIN P. WARE.

To the Committee on Experiments vditli Manures: — The
land taken for my experiment with fertilizer, this year, is the
same acre that was used for my experiment last year ; this
making the third year that it has been planted with corn, and
only chemical fertilizers used. To this land I have added
one-half an acre adjoining of the same quality of land. Last
year this half acre was planted with corn and peas on a fair
dressing of barnyard manure. The whole has been planted
and cultivated by the Ross system of implements, which re-
quires no hand labor except once weeding, and with that the
field has been clean of Aveeds. By this system the cost of
cultivating is very much reduced.

123

I divided the acre and one-half of land into four lots. Oi
lot No. 1, (which contained the same land as lot No. 1 in my
last year's experiment,) I spread on broadcast, after plough-
ing, 658 Ibsi. of Darling's Animal Fertilizer, which cost $13.36,
and 70 lbs. Sulphate of Potash, costing $1.75, making a total
of $15.11.

Lot No. 2 contained half an acre, and is the same as lot
No. 2 of last year's experiment. I spread on as above three
bags of Stockb ridge Fertilizer, prepared and sold by Bowker
& Co., at a cost of $15.

Lot No. 3, containing one-fourth of an acre, had no fertiliz-
er whatever.

Lot No. 4, which also contained one-fourth of an acre, I ma-
nured with good quality of cow manure at the rate of 7 cords
per acre, valued at $7 per cord. It was spread on after
ploughing, and harrowed in as were the other fertilizers. The
land was planted with corn May 20.

The cultivation was the same on the whole field, and the
natural quality of the land as much alike as ]3ossible, beinsf a
gravell}^ subsoil, not subject to drought or wet ; would be
called good corn land. The corn was cut and stooked Sept.
15, and remained in stook until Nov. 11, when it was husked
and weighed, being quite dry, 72 lbs. of ears yielded 56 lbs.
of shelled corn.

Lot No. 1 produced 2193 lbs. of ears, (equal to 30 45-100
bushels of shelled corn,) and 1975 lbs. of stover.

Lot No. 2 produced 2210 lbs. of ears or 30 69-100 bushels
shelled corn, and 2000 lbs. of stover.

Lot No. 3 produced 710 lbs. of ears or 9 86-100 bushels
shelled corn, and 645 lbs. stover.

Lot No. 4 produced 985 lbs. of ears, or 12 98-100 bushels
shelled corn, and 1136 lbs. stover.

Cost of cultivation per acre is as follows : — Ploughing,
$1.75; Harrowing, $.75; Planting, $1.50 ; Cultivating three
times, at .75, $2.25; Hand Weeding, $1.00; Cutting and
Stooking, $4; Husking, $3; Carting in Stover, $3. Total,
$17.25.

124

For convenience, I propose to reduce the results of the
experiments to an acre, each lot, and summarize them as fol-
lows : —

Lot No. 1, fertilized with Darling's Animal Fertilizer, pro-
duced 60 9-10 bushels shelled corn, at a cost of 52 cts. per
bushel. In 1877, on same lot and with same fertilizer, cost
39 cts. per bushel.

Lot No. 2, fertilized w^ith Stockbridge Fertilizer, produced
61 38-100 bushels, at a cost of 50 9-10 cts. per bushel. In
1877, on same lot, with same fertilizer, cost 62 1-2 cts. per
bushel.

Lot No. 3, with no fertilizer of any kind, produced 39 1-2
bushels, at a cost of 11 1-3 cts. per bushel.

Lot No. 4, fertilized with cow manure, produced 53 bush-
els, at a cost of 85 cts. per bushel.

Benjamin P. Waee.

STATEMENT OF EDMUND SMITH.

The soil on which this crop was raised is a dark sand. It
is in Newbury, near Plum Bush Bridge, on the Plum Island
Turnpike, and contains one acre. It is very little higher
than the marsh adjoining, and is often covered by the tide.
It has been in grass, but was pretty well run out. In 1877
it produced only three hundred pounds of hay. It w^as
ploughed and harrowed May 28th. It was furrowed, and the
fertilizers applied, the 29th, and one peck of corn planted the
next day, the 30th ; 400 lbs. of Stockbridge corn fertiliz-
er costing $12.32, was applied to one-half by measure, and
334 lbs. of Darling's Animal Fertilizer, costing $7.52, to the
other half; they were both applied by dropping a handful in
the hill, covering with a hoe, with about three inches of soil,
dropping five kernels of corn in the hill, and covering w^ith
the hoe, about three inches ; the whole came up well, and
grew rapidly. Cultivated both ways, and hoed the last week
in June. Cultivated both ways July 23d ; hoed August 2d
and 3d. The crop was cut October 1st, tied in bundles, six
hills to a bundle, and put in stooks immediately about twelve

125

bundles to a stook. October 18th, the corn was husked in
the field, leavhig the husks on the stover. The crop was
weighed as taken from the field ; the product being as fol-
lows: — From one-half acre, (Stockbridge), 2000 lbs ; from
one-half acre, (Darling's), 1791 lbs; Total, 3791 lbs.

No other manure or fertilizer was applied to the crop. A
high tide, when the corn was about six inches high, flowed
in a low place, of about fifty hills, to the depth of three inch-
es on the Stockbridge, reducing the crop on that part some.
The Darling, being nearest the marsh, was raided upon by the
rats, destroying, in my judgment, considerable more of the
crop than Stockbridge was injured by the tide. The corn
was the eight rowed variety, and the percentage of unsound
or pig corn, was very small. The stover (butts, husks and
top stalks) were sold and weighed from the field, for $18.10,
weiofhins:, 5870 lbs. The financial statement is as follows : —

Interest and tax on land $3 00

Seed 25

Plouofhing and harrowins: 6 00

Furrowing, applying fertilizers, and planting 6 25

Cultivating and hoeing twice 8 95

Cutting and stooking 2 75

Husking and harvesting 4 75

$31 95

Ck., from Stockbridge, 2000 lbs. ears Corn $20 00

Half of Stover 9 05

$29 05

Dk., one-half of expense, as above $15 97

400 lbs. Stockbridge Fertilizer 12 32— $28 29

Profits on Stockbridge $ .^G

Cr., from Darling's, 1791 lbs. ears Corn $17 91

Half of Stover 9 05

$26 96

126

Amount brought up |26 96

Dr., one-half expense, as above $15 97

334 lbs. Darlmg's Fertilizer 7 52— $23 49

Profits on Darling's $ 3 47

ESSAY.
CI.EARING A NEW ENGLAND FARM OF BOULDERS,

BY JAMES J. H. GREGORY.

Boulders are the large stones, weighing from a few pounds
to many tons each. They were more or less rounded in the
course of their transportation from their parent ledges in the
Northwest, long before man was created, as geologists tell us ;
such stones as we find on nearly all the farms of New England
that are not along river courses and of alluvial formation,
These are the stones that have given New Enofland her net-
work of stone fences, and which, when they abound on the
surface, are considered in the popular judgment as indicating
soil of good natural capacity.

When on or near the surface, every farmer finds that they
interfere seriously with the cultivation and harvesting of his
crops. They are in the path of all horse work ; they are the
nuclei around Avhich gather bushes in the mowing and weeds
in the tillage ; they consecrate a large area around them to
waste, where the plough never enters, and stones and general
refuse accumulate ; they are unsightly to the eye, and in the
judgment of him who would buy, hold a first mortgage on the
premises; and, finally, in the same proportion as agriculture
progresses, all these objections grow in emphasis.

Shall the boulders be removed? The hard-worked, prac-
tical New England farmer replies by a counter question,
"will it pay?" If a man has any leisure, of course it will
always pay to invest his time in improvements ; but if clear-

127

ing his land of boulders means giving time that the farmer
recognizes other calls for, and especially if it means the em-
ployment of hired help, then the question becomes somewhat
complex. When time given to this work means money, on
many farms it would be cheaper to invest what it would cost
to clear land of boulders in the purchase of land already
cleared, the farmer showing practical wisdom under such cir-
cumstances in planting his boulder-covered acre to wood,
throwing it into pasture, or still continuing to do the best he
can with it, under the circumstances, as tillage.

There is, however, a large class of farmers, whose land^
either from its natural quality or in its vicinity to a market,
is so valuable that they are led seriously to discuss the prac-
ticability of removing these hereditary obstructions to their
progress in thrifty farming. To that class I address myself.
Let us examine the boulders as to their size, their number,
how they lie, w^iether mostly above or below the surface, for
digging around them is one of the serious items of cost,
while those deeply sunk never blast as w^ell as those near the
surface, and when blasted require extra work to get them out
of their deep beds. Again, we should regard the kind of
rock they are of, for the granites smash up far better than
the rocks into whose composition hornbleud enters. Finally,
the value the rock may have after removal is to be considered,
either to the public for building purposes, or to the farmer
himself. Sometimes this may come by using the rock for
buildins some lono: needed house or barn. Havino; had to con-'
sider some of these points on three of my own farms, the past
three years, while removing thousands of tons of boulders, I
will present my method of dealing with these hard headed
obstructionists, with what experience has taught me, always
ready to light my taper at the lamp of any of my fellow far-
mers w^hose experience may supplement my own. The man
with some patent lever will be apt to come along about the
time you begin to start your boulders ; a something to lift
the boulder from its bed after a couple of stout hooks are
fastened to it by holes an inch or so deep drilled into the

128

i*ock. Some of these sare-labor contrivances afe good in
themselves, but my experience teaches that whether they are
of vahie to you or not turns on the readiness with which yoti
or your foreman take to the plan — for instance, one man will
hit at once the knack of drilling? these holes at the ri^ht
angle, so that the hooks scarcely ever draw out, while with
another the hooks as often as not draw out.

With me the lifting apparatus has not proved a profitable
investment, while with my next neighbor it has worked AvelL
After various experiments, I have found it more profitable to
lay out the luicovering and drilling as piece work, paying a
price per inch for drilling, which includes uncovering alsoj
when the boulders need blasting ; otherwise, then a special
price for uncovering.

At the present time I pay six cents an inch, find powdel*
and drills, and pay for the sharpening of the same. I have
no doubt but that to many this reads like very good wages ^
and some shrewd yankee who is reading this is itching to get
his pen and ink and offer better rate, with the idea that there
is money in it. By the old time way of blasting, there would
be very good wages to be made at these rates ; l)ut there has
been a change in the character of explosives, and of these I
lijuve availed myself. My boulders are of all sizes, up to
twenty tons to a single stone, but those we blast average
about four tons weight. The average depth of the holes
drilled was at the start about ten inches, but with increased
experience and improved explosives, the depth has been de-
creased to the average of about five inches, while the diameter
of the holes has at the same time been much lessened. The
explosive I now use is Rendrock, an admixture of gunpow-
der while in a pasty state Avith nitro-glycerine. This powerful
explosive, though well known and very generally in use by
contractors on public works, is yet so little known by far-
mers in general that I think it will be worth while for me to

give them an introduction to it, as its use enters so largely
into the economy of handling boulders.

Rendrock is sold (I get mine of George H. Sampson, 25

129

Congress street, Boston) in paper cartridges of various sizes,
at the rate of 50 cents for lots under 50 pounds. It is fired
with a powerful cap, which cost two cents each. The mate-
rial is generally used by tearing open the cartridge and tak-
ing as needed. As will bo seen, it is over twice as costly
as comtnou blasting powder, but, as every fanner knows,
the great cost in blasting is the drilliug, and this is where
the saving comes, as it will do as much execution as gunpow-
der in a hole of one-third the capacity. Again, it can be
loaded far more readily ; push it down hard with a stick, and
inserting the cap, fill up with any coarse soil at hand, giving
it one or two sharp pushes down with the same stick, put a
few handfuls of earth above and an3^ forty or fifty pound rock
at hand on that. After, on firing, stand a good distance from
the hole, as the rocks fly more than with common poAvder.
There is capacity in this explosive which is .wanting in gun-
powder ; that of blasting a rock by putting it on the sur-
face, when an}^ appearance of a seam can be detected. I
have had boulders weighing ten tons, and very solid and hard
ones too, knocked all to pieces without any hole having been
drilled in them, the first attack being made in a small crevice,
just large enough to receive a quarter of a pound of rend-
I'ock, which was plastered in there by hand, just like so much
mortar. This "strained" an opening into the rock, and two
more blasts finished the monster, reducing him into pieces so
small that a single horse could handle the largest one. The
capacity of smashing into smaller pieces, I find one of the
good traits of rendrock. The extra power becomes of value
in enabling one to do in a single blast what gunpowder
would require two to accomplish. I had two such instances
this morning, where fragments of two very large boulders
were left in their respective holes that were too near the sur-
face and needed removal ; cartridges of rendrock thrust be-
tween them did the work capitally, when there was not work-
ing surface sufficient for powder to have done any work. As
to any extra danger from this compound, there is none to any

10

130

man of common prudence, who knows how to treat a cow as
a cow and a horse as a horse. Full histructions, with neces-
sary precautions, come with the material, and if desired, a
man is sent to give practical illustrations.

Havino; reduced our boulders to frao:ments that cattle can
handle, what shall we do with them? For myself I have no
market for them ; having used up all needed for cellars, there
still remain thousands of tons to be handled. My way of
handling them is set forth in the wisdom of the old proverb,
"make one hand wash the other." I need, as every farmer
does, or should need, more or less soil for my compost heaps,
amounting to some hundreds of cords annually. Having
used all the waste that ditches and other resources afforded,
I was driven to my pasture land, and had begun to make
unsightly holes that pained me to look at, — when a resource
occurred to me in the various roadways of the farm, leadiug
to the different fields. I remove the surface soil as deep as
of value (and for compost a portion of sand or hard-pan
does no harm as an absorber of liquids), then dig a suffi-
cient depth into the gravel to receive the boulders, tumble
them in, fill up the spaces between with the smaller rocks,
which I take from some of the too many walls, level off with
the smaller stones, and finish with the gravel thrown out of
the roadway. I could not afford to blast these boulders to
make a roadway, nor to make a roadway simply to get rid of
these boulders ; but the compost material is the happy make-
save — while at the same time I get a splendid road, complete-
ly underdrained, that knows nothing of the coming or going
of frost, but is always as magnificent a road bed as the fa-
mous highwa3'^s of the ancient Romans. If it were merely a
question of sinking boulders and thus disposiiig of them, I
question whether this would notibc the still more economical
way of management ; for I have found when single stones
are handled in this way, to make sure of getting them at the
right depth below the reach of the plough, it is necessary to
dig a hole much larger than the boulder; whereas, in the ex-

131

cavated roadway there is ftir less waste, while the digging
that is necessarily all spade and pick work in individual
holes, here is mostly done by the plough. If in handling
blasted rocks I find some with good building faces, these I
haul into soiiie waste angle, to avail myself of their possi-
bilities. This, my fellow formers, is the best paying way I
have yet found for disposing of these obdurate tenants-at-
will, whose principal business, since the coming of civiliza-
tion, has been to break, or wear away plough points and
strain the patience of industry. The other day I studied the
record of a single stone measuring two feet by two and a
half. On its hard greenstone face, located just below the
surface of the soil, I counted, side by side, as close as they
could stand, over forty well-defined grooves made by the
points of ploughs, all along down from the ancient Puritan
days, to the present year of possession. With feelings some-
what allied to indignation, I pitched that stone into the
bottom of my roadway trench, and so closed the record.

ESSAYS AND REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.

The Committee on Essays and Farm Accounts would re-
port that but one essay was ofiered for premium, and no
statement of " actual fiirm accounts." As the authorship of
the essay was (without thought evidently), made known to
the Committee, they felt that they could not deliberately
transcend the rules of the Society by considering a premium
in connection with it, though, with the author's consent, the
essay is published. For the best report, they award the first
premium, of $10, to D. W. Low, of Gloucester, for the re-
port on Pears. There are other valuable reports, like that
on Manures, for instance ; but as the chief value lies in the
statements which accompany experiments that are the subject
of distinct premium, the Committee did not feel that they
could, in such cases, grant additional premiums.

N. A. Horton, D. E. Safford, C. P. Preston — Committee.

132

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OFFICE] E'vS OF THE SOCIETY.
FOTb 1878-79.

PEESIDENT.

BENJAMIN p. WARE, of Marblehead.

VICE PRESIDENTS.

GEORGE B. LORING, of Salem.
JAS. J. H. GREGORY, of Marblehead.
THOMAS K. LEACH, of Topsfield.
THOS. C. THURLOW, of West NeAvbury.

SECRETARY.

CHARLES p. PRESTON, of Danvers.

TREASURER.

EDWARD H. PAYSON, of Salem,

HONORARY TRUSTEES.

JOSEPH HOW, of Methuen.
WILLIAM SUTTON, of Peabody.

TRUSTEES.

M. C. Audrews, Andover; Hemy W. Foster, Beverly;
Francis R. Allen, Hamilton;* J. P. Foster, No. Andover;
O. S. Bailey, Amesbury ; J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead ;

William Cogswell, Bradford; A. E. Goodwin, Merrimac ;
Wm. B. Carlton, Haverhill; Ariel H. Gould, Topsfield;
John H. Cheever, Manchester ; Geo. L. Hawkes, Lynniield ;
W. H. B. Currier, Salisbury ; J. Sidney Howe, Methuen ;
Zachariah Cole, Wenham ; Samuel Hawkes, Saugus ;
Levi Emery, Lawrence ; Romulus Jaques,W. Newbury ;

135

James P. King, Peabody ; Ansel W. Putnam, Danvers ;
Aaron Low, Essex ; John P. Palmer, Swampscott ;

David W. Low, Gloucester; Abel Stickney, Groveland ;
John W. Marshall, Rockport ; Nathaniel Shatswell, Ipswich;
Chas. P. Mighill, Rowley ; John L. Shorey, Lynn ;
Sherman Nelson, Georgetown ; David Stiles, Middleton ;
Sidney F.Newman, Newbury ; J. O. Winkley, Newburyport ;
John M. Pearl, Boxford ; Horace C. Ware, Salem.

Nl^CW MEMBP:]RS, 1878.

Moses B. Abbott, Andover ; B. G. Gutterson, Methuen ;

John W. Allen, Newbury; H. M. George, Saugus ;

J. E. Bradstreet, Bradford ; John Goodwin, Lawrence ;

George W. Bray, Newbury ; C. D. Hunking, Haverhill ;

Samuel G. Bean, Andover; David W. Noyes, Methuen;

Frank J. Bradley, Methuen; John O'Brien, Bradford;

W. H. Butters, Methuen; A. M. Robinson, Andover;

Dan'l A. Carlton, N. Andover ; E. P. Robinson, Hamilton ;

John W. Carter, Beverly; Benj. F. Smith, Andover;

William Dodge, Wenham ; Henry Small, Lawrence;

Mrs. John Day, Boxford ; J. E. Thurlow, Methuen ;

Geo. E. Davis, N. Andover; George H. Taylor, Wenham;

Geo. L. Flook, W. Newbury ; F. M. Victor, Lawrence.

1^^ Any citizen in the County may become a member by
paying the sum of three dollars to increase the permanent
funds of the Society, and he will receiv^e a certificate of his
membership from the Secretary. No fines or assessments are
ever imposed. Members are entitled to the free use of the
Library, and a copy of the Transactions each year. All or-
dained Ministers of the Gospel residing in the County, and
editors of newspapers, published therein, are entitled to the
privileges of the Librar3^

LIST OF PKEMIUI^IS, &c.

6

00

10

00

6

00

6

00

4

00

FAT CATTLE.

Charles A. Butterfield, North Aadover, second premium, 010 00

BULLS.

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein Bull with five calves,

first premium, ^15 00

Chas. S. Bradley, West Newbury, Devon, second premium, 6 00

Chas. S. Bradley, West Newbury, Durham, second premium, 4 00
Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein under two years, first

premium,
Chas. Perley, Boxford, Ayrshire bull, first premium,
Doaue Cogswell, Bradford, second premium,
J. D. W. French, North Andover, Ayrshire bull under two

years old, first premium,
b. F. Newman, Newbury, second premium,
Geo. W. Russell, Lawrence, Jersey under two years, first

premium, 6 00

MtLCH C0W8.

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holsteia, special premium, $25 00

Wm. A.. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein best milch cow, first

premium,
J. D. W. French, North Andover, Ayrshire, second premium
J. D. W. French, North Andover, Ayrshire cow, first pre-
mium,
J. D. W. French, North Andover, second premium,
Chas. O. Curamings, Andover, Jersey, first premium,
Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, Holstein, first premium,
Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, second premium,
David W. Noyes, Methuen, Grade, first premium,
J. E. Thurlow, Methuen, second premium.

12

00

9

00

12

00

6

00

12

00

12

00

6

00

12

00

6

00

$12 00

6

00

12

00

6

00

6

00

4

00

137

HERD OF MILCH COWS.

Chas. Perley, Boxford, first premium, $18 00

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, second premium, 12 00

HEIFERS.

Clias. Perley, Boxford, thoroughbred Ayrshire in milk, first

premium,
J. D. W. French, NorthjAndover, second premium,
Frank J, Bradley, Methuen, grades in milk, first premium,
G. S. Phippen, Methuen, second premium,
J. D. W. F'rcnch, North Andover, thoroughbred Ayrshires

that had never calved, first premium,
Chas. Perley, Boxford, second premium,
Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, thoroughbred Holstein that had

never calved, first premium, 6 00

C. S. Bradley, West Newbury, thoroughbred Durham that

had never calved, first premium, 6 00

C. S. Bradley, West Newbury, thoroughbred Devon that had

never calved, first premium, 6 00

S. F. Newman, Newbury, grades that had never calved, first

premium,
M. C. Andrews, second premium,
Charles Perley, Boxford, heifer calves, first premium,
S. F. Newman, Newbury, second premium,

"WORKING OXEN AND STEERS.

Jas. H. Reynolds, North Andover, Oxen, first premium,

A. M. Bodwell, Lawrence, second premium,
G. F. Mason, Andover, third premium,

B. H. Farnham, North Andover, Steers, first premium,
R. S. Bray, Newbury, second premium,

TOWN TEAMS.

Town of North Andover, 18 yokes of oxen, first premium, $30 00
Town of North Andover, 7 pairs of horses, first premium, 30 GO

STEERS.

Byron K. Farnham, North Andover, first premium, $5 00

Benj. and Ralph Farnham, North Andover, second premium, 4 00

Benj. and Ralph Farnham, No. Andover, steer calves, gratuity, 3 00
11

6

00

4

00

5

00

3

00

$12 00

10

00

8

00

10

00

6

00

I, "US

MAI \ IONS,

C\. \V . Kussoll, l,f\\vro\u'o, vStalUo(\ with .'> oolls. pi'on\i\n\i, $'J.'> 00

♦I. It. Mt'AUislor, l,!»\\roi»oo, Tonr vojtrs oM, llrst promiiim, I.') 0()

V\u\^, S. V.Mi>rk, Salouj. .vooud proiwimii, \0 (U)

U. M. lu>or>iv, S«>uji»f», tliroo yours oM, llrsl iM\M\»ium, 10 00

Uivuiol Tonuov, Nowlmrv, vsoooud nronvium, (« 00

lUJOvM* M VKKS.

W. {\. (.{udvM'sow, Motluion. iwiu-o •.\\u\ t"o;»l. llr^.( |M>M\\iun<. $1.'> 00

l\ K. i?uttorso», !*«v»M\»l pro\uiuiu, 10 00

Uowrv NnuUl, l.,»\\ro\u\\ (hird proiwiuiu, ^^ 00

(\ P, lldukinii', lltuorhiU, llrst jMoiwimu. $1'> 00

S{\nvuoU». Uo!>u, AuiloviMS socouil pioiuium, 10 00

(too. K M;»MM\, Vndovor, ilurd proiuiiu)), S 00

v.v\;m \m» »»KM-r UOKSKS.

\\ \n. A. OiUio. ll;\mil(on, lirst pro\vum\u $!«'> 00

\N . II. Hiutors. MoJhuou, sooond pivmiuin. l^ 00

,loslui;> N. Koul. Nowbuvv, ihird pronuiuw. 10 00

P, I.. vJovHlrioh, Wost NowUury, Touiih promiuin, (> 00

\'MKS vM- l>K,\Kr IIOKSK.S.

DUvor 8lo\o\»s. N^>rtlv .\ndo\or. lirst promiuiu, $!.'> 00

Goo. W. Hrrtv, Nowburv, s«>o*>ml prou»iua\, 10 00

ooi.rs — KJKsr oi.ass.

UouvY Kilov. Nv>rth A»»do\oi\ 0\>U 1 yoars oUl. lirst piv-

\>\iu\>». $1- 00

l>oo K. Uaxis. North AiuUtvov, .'sooowvl piviuium, ^"^ 00

S, I*. Unuilov, UjvvorluU, lluj>l p«vuumu, '> 00

ViiHuiwin U>\>s., l^»\v»vnvHS ooU throo yoju^s v>KK lust pro-

mium. 10 00

Uoo. ^V . Kn.ssolK son>'>iui piviwimn, ^ 00

I»i»

H. M. 'i'itr'f)nil), N('-wl»iiry, l.vvo yi-nvH old, I'iimI prorniMiri, $H 00

^M^^(). li. lii'iidli^y, MrUiiitin, Hticotid pitiiriidiii, Ti ()()

I'dlcr Hull, Aiiflovcr, ycnrlinjf, flt'Hl, |»i<i(iiiii(i, V, 00

II. M. (i(;or;/<!, Siiiij^ui*, mccoikI prf-niiiiiii, 4 00

HWINK.

.1. I>. VV. I''r' ii'li, NorlJi Aiii|(<v<!r, \>vi;ciViu{r «(»w, hmkiII

lioric, (ii'Hl {M'tiiiiiiiiri,
li, l(. i'tiriilinrn, Hrcorid |ir'<'iiii(Mri,
f !liiiH. I'crlcy, lioxlord, lionr do., CumI, jM'i'MiiiMri,
.1. I). W, Krcucli, Norlli Aiid(>vc.r, hccoikI |)iciiiiiiMi,
Allxrl, l»f.rry, Norl.li Atid(;V(5r, brctulirig how, lur^(5 Ijonc,

(ir«t jirfMiiiiim,
I)(irii(d (/'arlcton, North Atidov«!r, xcriond pn'riinun,
AllxTt. Uf.iry, Noiih Andovcr, wc.unc.d i»ij<», lai'j<<! bono,

lir'Hl pmiiiiiiii,
J. I'. Colr)uolioiMi, Liiwrf.ri';*', H«if;oiid pcriiiiirri,
I/<!vi I'/rriciy, liiiwrciict!, hoar, lar;/c, Immm!, muuiuil \>i(.\iu\iu\,

CliuB. IV,rl«?y, Boxford, Imrk, firHt prciniiim, $8 00

CliUH. IInH'dtifM!, Uriidlord, flo(;k, /irnf, |M-c.i(iiurri, 10 00

jHrpicN A- Uniy, i\«!wl)ury, flrHt pniiniurri, $12 00

JoH<;pli (ioodrici), WcHt N«!wbury, ««;<!orifl pr(;rriiiirn, JO 00

ICdvvfird Ad(im«, North Aiidf>v<;r, third pr«;iiiiiii(i, U t)0

Frank J. IWadlcy, Mclhiicji, fourth |)r<;riii(irri, 8 00

i'f,or;oniwo — «iNOf,B tkam.
It. 'I'. JaquoH, Newbury, firnt j»r(;rniijiri, $10 00

iM.'>t;oifiNo — Wf'i If n(>tinm.

Paul T. Wirikhiy, N(;whiiryport, tir«t, pr«!fniurri, 812 00
II. M. (/oorlrirdi <fe A. L. I'lurfiiricr, VV«;»t Newbury, f.crond

prfrrniiirri, 10 00

A. T. N<;whall, N«5wburyport, third pn-rfiiurn, fi 00

T. O. Ward well, North Andover, f'oiirtli proj/iium, C> 00

R. 8. Bray, Newbury, fifth prer/iiurn, 4 00

10

00

0

00

JO

0(t

(',

00

10

00

<;

00

10

00

r,

0(^

f;

00

140

PLOUGHING — WITH THUEE OR MORE HORSES.

Sidney F. Newman, Newbury, and J. N. Kent, first pre-
mium, $10 00
Geo. W. Bray, Newbury, second premium, 6 .00

PLOUGHING — SWIVEL PLOUGH.

Wm. A. Russell, Lawrence, first premium, $12 00

FARMS.

Samuel Dane, Hamilton, first premium, $30 00

EXPERIMENTS WITH MANURES.

Francis H. Appleton, Peabody, first premium, $15 00

Benj. P. Ware, Marblehead, second premium, 10 00

GRAIN CROPS.

J. B. Knight, Newbury, Rye Crop, first premium, $10 00

John Pearl, Boxford, Corn, first premium, 10 00

Abel S. Harriman, Groveland, Corn, gratuity, 6 00

Nathaniel Little, Newbury, Wheat, first premium, 10 00

ROOT CROPS.

J. B. Knight, Newbury, Potato Crop, first premium, $10 00
J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, Cabbage Crop, first premium 10 00

G. A. Randall, Newbury, Onion Crop, first premium, 10 00

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.

David W. Low, Gloucester, first premium, 10 00

Awarded by the Committee on Agricultural Implements, $ 40 00

Carriages, 10 00

Dairy, 41 OO

Poultry, 41 QO

.((

^^

u

((

a

((

i(

((

((

141

Awarded by the Committee on Bread,

a

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ki

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li

a

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ii

Fruits,
Flowers,

Vegetables and Seeds,

Counterpanes and Rugs,

Leather Goods,

Manufactures, &c..

Fancy Work, &c.,

Work by Children,

Total,

14

00

2G6

00

55

00

150

00

20

00

11

00

26

00

72

00

15

00

81,775

00

KECAPITULATION,

FARMS,

Amount awarded to Farm,

((

((

"• Ploughing,

" Experiments Avith Manures,

$ 30 00
117 00
25 00-

-$172 00

FARM STOCK,

aouut

awardi

2d to Fat Cattle,

e 10 00

n

ik

'' Bulls,

63 00

il

*i

" Milch Cows,

112 00

((

n

" Herd Milch Cows,

30 00

i(

a

" Heifers,

82 00

((

((

" Working Oxen,

&c.,

46 00

((

(i

" Town Teams,

60 00

((

((

" Steers,

12 00

n

n

" Stallions,

66 00

it

a

" Brood Mares,

33 00

l(

ti

" Family Horses,

33 00

(4

u

" Farm and Draft

Horses,

43 00

((

((

" Pairs of Draft Horses,

25 00

((

u

" Colts,

63 00

((

((

" Swine,

70 00

((

((

" Sheep,

18 00

41

(t

" Poultry,

41 00-

-$807 00

142

TABM PRODUCTS.

Amount awarded to Fruit, $266 00

" " Flowers, 65 00

" " Vegetables, &c., 150 00

" " Grain Crops, 36 00

" " Root Crops, 30 00

" . " all other objects, 259 00—^796 00

'^ Total, $1,775 00

LIST OF MEMBERS

OF THE

Essex Agricultural Society.

Note — Those marked with a * deceased since 1869 ; with f ^^'
moved from the couaty. For Names of members deceased previous
to 1869, refer to list published that year.

Bailey, O. S.
* Bailey, Thomas
fBinney, William C.
Hill, J. Henry

Abbott, Nathan F.
Abbott Asa A.
Abbott, George A.
Abbott, Moses B.
Abbott, Hartwell B.
Abbott, John B.
Abbott, Jonathan
*Abbott, Moody B.
Abbott, Stephen D.
*Abbott, Sylvester •
Andrews, M. C
*BalIard, Joshua
Bardwell, Simeon
Barnard, Edward H.
Bailey, Moses A,
Beau, Samuel G.
Blunt, Charles C.
*Bond, William
Buc'hau, George
Callahan, Robert
Carter, Charles S.
Carruth, Isaac
tCliamberlain, N. Jr.
*Chandler, Joseph

AMESBURY.

Huntington, B. F.
Jones, Philip
t Moore, Appleton
Morse, Daniel L.

ANDOVER.

Chever, James O.
Chickering, William
*Chipman, Degrass
*Clark, Hobart
Chandler, Joshua H.
Cummiugs, C. O.
Downing, J. J.
*Farnham, John C.
*Flint, John
Foster, George
Foster, George W.
Foster, Moses
* Foster, Thomas C.
Flmt, John H.
Foster, George C.
*Gray, David
Guttersou George
Harnden, Henry C.
Hazen, Nathan W.
Hidden, David I. C.
*Holt, Dean
Holt, E. F.
*Holt, Herman

*Morse, John S.
♦Nichols, Stephen, Jr.
Sawyer, Aaron.

*Holt, H. P.
Jenkins, John B.
Jenkins, E. Kendall
Johnson, Francis H.
Johnson, S. K
Kimball, Walter H.
Mason, George F.
*Merrill, William
Morton, Marcus
*Needham, Samuel
*Pettingill, Merrill
* Phelps, Herman
PiUsbury, Paul P.
Raymond, Samuel
Rea, Jasper
Robinson, Addison M.
Rogers, Fitzwilliam
Smith, Peter
Smith, Jas. B.
Smith, John L.
Smith, Benj. F.
Upton, Edward C.
♦Whitlier, Nathaniel

144
BEVERLY.

Appleton, Isaac
Avery, Mark B.
Baker, John I.
Baker, Stephens
Bell, John
Burnham, O. B.
Carter, John W.
Chase, Samuel
Conelly, Stephen
Cressj, Joseph
Dodge, Aaron
Dodge, Andrew
Dodge, Benjamin N*
Dodge, Benjamin S.
Dodge, Joshua S.
Dodge, Richard
Dodge, Forest C.
Dodge, Walter F.
*Dodge, William E.
Edwards, Ephraim A;
Edwards, Israel O.

Foster, David L.
Foster, Henry W.
* Friend, Seth
Friend, Seth
Giles, Benjamin V.
Gould, Thomas
*Hathaway, John
Haven, Franklin
Herrick, Joseph H,
Hill, Hugh
Johnson, Geo. E.
Larcom, David
*Lord, Abraham
Lord, Cvrus W.
Lawrence, C. A.
Lovett, Francis S.
Lummns, E. E.
*Marshall, Timothy
Mason, Alfred A.
, Mason, Alphonso
Mason, George

Mason, Lyman
Meacom, John
Mitchell, John
Mitchell, Charles
Munsey, Jolin G.
Faiue, Charles C.
Pitman, Mark
Porter, Adoniram
* Porter, John
•f" Porter, Robert
Raymond, John W.
fSafford, Nathaniel T.
*Sheldon, Jesse
Standley, Sam'l D. G.
*Scott, Benjamin
Stephens, Augustus
Trask, James W.
Walker, Lawson
Waters, Richard P.
tWaters, William C.
Wilson, Joseph

Anderson, Chas. R.
Andrew, Isaac W.
Barnes, B. S.
Chadwick, Geo. W.
Cleveland, James P.
*Cleveland, Wm. N.
Cole, David M.
Cole, John K.
*Curtis, Francis
Day, John

BOXFORD.

Day, Mrs. John
*Day, Joshua T.
y Gould, Jacob
*Hale, Isaac
Hale, John
Hairiman, Daniel F.
Herrick. Israel
Killam, Oliver P.
Kimball, Samuel

BRADFORD.

Ladd, John I.
■f-Palmer, Chas. Lane
Palmer, F. H.
Peabody, Stephen
Pearl, John M.
Perley, Charles
Sawyer, Thomas
Wood, Enoch
Wood, John T.

Bradstreet, Justin E.
*Carlton, James T.
*Chadwick, Henry M.
Cogswell, Doaue
Cogswell, George
Cogswell, William
Day, Albert J.

Day, Hiram
Day, Lafayette
Day, Royal
*Elliot, William
Ellis, John A.
Emerson, Charles B.
Haseltine, Thomas

Haseltine, William
*Holt, H. E.
Hopkinson, Sam'l W.
Johnson, A. P.
*.Iohnson, Charles G.
Johnson, Laburton
Kimball, Albert

Kimball,

* Kimball

Kimball,

Kimball,

*Kimball

*KimbalI

Kimball,

Kimball,

Little, M

A. Laburton
, David
lleury G.
Leverett
, Seth
, Sylvester
William B.
W. Eustace
. P., Mrs.

145

*Locke, Oliver
Merrill, Jolm F.
Morse, C. E.
O'Brien, Jolm
Ordway, Alfred
*Ordway, Enoch F.
Ordway, G. W.
Ordway, Warren

DAN VERS.

Peabody, Frank
Peabody, Daniel
Perley, John
Perry, Samuel B.
f Sawyer, Samuel C.
Tewksbury, John B.
Thornton, William
Webster, Charles E.

Abbott, L. L.
Allen, Henry C.
f Adams, Marshall C.
Bartlett, James A.
Berry, Allen A.
Berry, Eben G.
Batchelder, J. Q. A.
Bradstreet, Elijah
Blake, John A.
Brown, William H.
Barnard, Willis
Black, William
Boardman, I. P.
Brown, Amos
*Browu, Charles W.
Butler, J. C.
Clark, N. J.
*Cummings, Sam'l P.
•f-Devereux, Geo. F.
Demsey, L. P.
Dodge, Elnathan
Dodge, Francis
*Dodge, W^illiam, Jr.
Eaton, Wiuslovv W.
Fellows, Alfred
Fisher, Franklin W.
Faxon, George
Fowler, Augustus
Fowler, Samuel P.
Fuller, Solomon
*French, George W.
GafFny, Coruelius
Gookin, Samuel F.
Gould Charles H.
Grosvenor, David A.
Grout, John

12

|Holden, Seth
Hyde, Elisha G.
Hill, Edward L.
*Ham, Elias
Hood, R. B.
tHatch, W. G.
Hathaway, D C.
Hood, Joseph E.
Hutchinson, Edward
fHam, Albert G.
Kimball, Joel, Jr.
Kirby, Patrick
Lane, Benjamin T.
Langley, J. R.
Lawrie, James
Learoyd, A. F.
Lefavor, Mrs.
Legro, Edmund
Legro, John C. P.
Lewis, Samuel W.
Lyford, Francis W.
*Massey, S. D.
Martin, George B.
Martin, Walter F.
McCrillis, Ransom F.
*Merrill, Ernest S.
Merrill, Levi
Merrill, Walter S.
Moulton, Beverly S.
Mudge, Edwin
Mudge, Augustus
fMurphy, Patrick
Nichols, Andrew
Newhall, Benj. E.
Nourse, Samuel W.
Page, Nathan, Jr.

Patch, Abraham, Jr.
Peart, William B.
Perley, A. P.
*Perley, Frederick
Perkins, Henry A.
Perley, Edward P.
Perry, James M.
Pettingill, David A.
Peabody, George H.
Pillsbury, H. H.
Pope, Ira P.
Porter, Benjamin F.
Pratt, Amos,
Preston, Charles P.
*Preston, John
*Preston, John S.
*Preston, Samuel
Prince, Amos
Putnam, Ansel W.
Putnam, Charles O.
*Putnam, Eben
Putnam, Edwin F.
Putnam, Francis P.
Putnam, Israel H.
Putnam, Joseph C.
Putnam, J. A.
Putnam, Joel
Putnam, Orrin
Putnam, Otis F.
*Putnam, Rufus
Pratt, George
Porter, John W.
Pope, Daniel P.
Richardson, J. B.
Richardson, James
Richards, Daniel

146

Richards, C. S.
Richards, Geo. D.
Ropes, Joseph W.
Rice, Chark^s B.
Sears, John A.
Silvester, Joshua
Spauldiug, Sam'l W.
Swan, Sylvanus B.
Swinerton, John
Smart, John L.
Swazey, E.

Spring, Jacob E.
Tapley, Charles
Tapley, George
*Tapley, Gilbert
Tapley, Gilbert A.
*Tapley, Nathan
*Tut'ts, Benjamin F.
Tracy, Joseph
Upton, Franklin W.
Waite, Peter
Walcott, Wm. H.

Waldron, E. T.
Wallis, Samuel
Warren, Aaron W.
* Warren, Jonas
Weston, Wm. L.
White, Amos A.
White, Henry A.
*Wilkins, Joel
Woodis, Alden B.
Whipple, John F.
Wilkius, Fred'k A.

Andrews, Elias
♦Andrews, Elihu
Andrews, Joseph
Andrews, Miles S.
Burnham, D. Braiuard
Burnham, Ira F.
Burnham, Washington
Burnham, Wm. Howe
*Choate, David
Choate, Rufus

ESSEX.

Cogswell, Chas. B.
Dodge, Grover
Haskell, David L.
Haskell, George
Kuowlton, Aaron
Knowlton, David
Knowlton, Moses
Knowlton, Herbert A,
Knowlton, Perry B.

GEORGETOWN.

Lee, Edward K.
Low, Aaron
Low, Josiah
Lufkin, A. E.
McDonald, Daniel
Mears, Wm. H.
Perkins, John
Story, Andrew
Story, Ephraim

*Adams, George E.
Bateman, A. P.
*Boynton, George W.
Butler, Oliver S.
Chapman, Jonathan
Dole, Moody S.
Dole, Richmond
Harriman, Hiram N.
Hoyt, John A.
Illsley, I. Adams
Jewett, .lacob F.
*Jewett, Robert

Lambert, Nathaniel
Little, Samuel
Lovering, John H.
Moulton, Daniel E»
*Nelson, Charles
Nelson, Sherman
Nelson, Solomon
Nelson, William
Osgood. Stephen
Pettingill, Henry
Pillsbury, J.
Poor, Samuel T.

Preston, John
*Sanborn, George W.
Spofford, Sumner P.
Tenney, George J.
Tenney, Gorham D.
Tenney, Milton G.
Tenney, Moses
Tenney, Orlando B.
Tenney, Richard
Wheeler, William S.
* Wildes, Green,
*Wilson, Issac

GLOUCESTER.

Atkinson, John Babson, Horatio

Babson, Daniel T. Babson, John J.
Babson, Fitz J. Barrett, Charles P.

f Babson, Gustavus, Jr. Bradford, George R.

Bray, Aaron W.
Brown, Edward H.
Burnham, A. M.
Burnham, H. A.

147

Burnham, S. A.
Butler, Benjamia F.
Calef, John C.
Campbell, C. II.
Carter, Johu S.
Carter, Shennaa J.
(/lark, Jolin
Cole, Israel H.
Conaut, Tlioinas
Cook, Beujamin F.
Corliss, Beiijamiu H.
Corliss, John
Cressy, Curtis C.
Crouiti, John
Dale, Ebeu, Jr.
Davis, James
Davis, William P.
Day, Abraham
De:inin, George
Denuison, C. W.
Docld, Stephen
Dolliver, John II.
Dolliver, VV'illiam C.
Dolliver, William P.
Dyer, J. Franklin
Emanuel, Heury
Fears, Robert
Fears, Robert R.
Fer^usfHi, Thomas B.
Foster, Jeremiah
Friend, Elbridge G.
Garland, Joseph
Gilbert, Addison
Grilliu, Heiitiett
Griswold, A.

Atwood, Daniel
Atwood, Moses P.
B.ilch, Thomas H.
Burbaiik, John
*Clark, Elijah
Curtis, Eduiu T.
fDay, Isaac C.
Fegan, Henry C.
George Edwin B.
Hardy, Ira
Harrington, Edward

Grover, Charles E.
Harvey, Alouzo F.
Haskell, H. C. L.
*Haskell, Tiiomas
Haskell, William H.
Herrick, Gardner W.
*IIough, Benjamin K.
*Hoyt, Edward C.
James, George
James, Samuel
Knowles, Thomas J.
Lane, Andrew
Lane, George
Lancaster, T. S.
Lawrence, R. C.
*Lindberg, A. F.
Loring, Francis M.
Lovett, John H.
Low, David W.
Low, Gorham P.
Marr, Chester, Jr.
Mayo, Israel C.
Mayo, Josiah, Jr.
Merchant, E. W.
Norwood, George
Parsons, William, 2d
Parsons, W. Frank
Patch, Isaac
Pattillo, Alexander
■^'Pearce, Edward H.
Perrin, Henry S.
*Perrin. William H.
Pew, W^illiam A.
Phillips, N. H.

GROVEL AND.

Hopkinson, W. H.
* Kimball, Charles
Ladil, Nathaniel E
Longfellow, Samuel
*Ordway, Lcverett S.
Ordway, Moody
^•'Parker, Benjamin
Parker, Eldred S.
Pemberton, L. K.
Savary, Charles G.
Savary, Charles P.

Plummer, David
Presson, David S.
Price, Augustus E.
Proctor, Joseph 0.
Proctor, Wilbur, F.
Ricker, Richard W.
Roberts, Joshua
Rogers, Allen
Rogers, John S.
Rogers, John S. E.
Rust, W^illiam P.
Sanford, H. G.
Sawyer, Samuel E.
Shepard, Joseph C. .
Smith, Benjamin H.
Somes, John E.
Stacey, Eli F.
Stacey, John H.
Stanwood, Barnard
*Staten, P^dward
*Stevens, Zachariah
Story, Cyrus
Thompson, Charles P.
Tibbetts, Robert A.
Todd, John
Webster, Nathaniel
Wetherell, M. L.
Wilson, John J.
Witham, Addison
Wonson, Augustus H.
Wonson, F. G.
Wonson, George M.
Wonson, J. W.
York, Nathaniel S.

SpoflTord, Jeremiah
Spoffbrd, Morris
Stickney, Abel
Stickney, Charles
*Stickney, Daniel H.
Stickney, Niles T.
Stiles, Charles F.
Walker, George S.
Ward well, Z. C.
Woodman, Ira S.

148

Abbott, Joseph B.
Allen, Francis R.
* Brown, Jacob
Brown, William A.
Creamer. Geo. C.
Dane, Ephraim A.
*Dane, Francis
*Dane, George
Dane, George E. F.
Dane, Samuel
Dane, William A.
Dane, Sylvester
Do'dge, Albert W.

Berry, J. M.
*Bartlett, James A.
Bodwell, Stephen
Brickett, Barnard
Brickett, Daniel
*Brickett, Daniel H.
Brickett, Franklin
Butters, Charles
Caldwell, William
*Carlton, John
Carlton, Samuel
Carlton, William B.
Carlton, Nathaniel
Chase, Abel W.
Chase, C. W.
Cheever, H. VV.-
*Clark, William P.
fCoburn, A. M.
Coffin, George
Cook, Justin T.
Corliss, Charles
Cummings, Henry
Currier, Samuel M.
Cushman, R. P.
Davis, George W.
Davis, Phineas E.
Dewhurst, James
*Dunbar, Charles H.
Duncan, George W.
Eaton, Harrison

HAMILTON.

*-Dodge, Allen W.
Dodge, Emerson P.
Dodge, George B.
Dunuels, Ira A.
Ellis, George W.
Gregory, Samuel B.
Kimball, Isaac W.
Knowlton, Isaac
Knowlton, Isaac F.
Knowlton, Joseph
Lamson, Jarvis
*Morgan, Luther S.
Norris, George

HAVERHILL.

Elliott, Samuel
Ellioit, Samuel H.
Emerson, Albert
Emery, Benjamin E.
Emery, Moses G. J.
Earns worth, J. H.
fFai-rar, Joseph E.
Fellows, Samuel
Fitts, D. F.
Flanders, Daniel D.
fFletcher, Edmund
*Frothingham, E, G.
Gale, John E.
Gale, James E.
Gage, Edmund
*Gardner, John
Goodwin, Rufus
*George, M. D.
Gile, James F.
Oilman, John P.
Goodrich, T. J.
Grieves, J.
Hale, Samuel
*Hardiug, Thomas
*Harmon, David P.
Haseltine, Amos, Jr.
*Haseltiue, Hazen
Holt, Charles
fHooke, Daniel
Howe, Moses

Patch, Mrs. Oliver
Porter, Dudley H.
Porter, Oliver
Rankin, Eli C.
Rankin, George C.
Robinson, E. P.
Safford, Daniel E.
Smith, Alvin
Smith, John
*Whittredge, John
Whipple, Em. A.
Winslow, Aaron
Winslow, G. W.

*Howe, Nathaniel S.
*Hoyt, George H.
"^'Hoyt, Humphrey
Hunking, C. D.
lugalls, E. T.
JefFers, William
*'Keeley, John
*Kittredge, Alfred
Lackey. Andrew
f Lee, George W.
fLittle, Edmund B.
Little, J. G. S.
Marsh, John J.
Merrill, William
Mitchell, E.
Mitchell, Seth K.
Moody, H. L.
Morse, John
Morse, S. E.
Merrill, Gyles
Nichols, James R.
|Nichols, John A.
Nichols, John B.
^Noyes, James
Noyes, Johnson
fOberton, W. W. S.
Ordway. Joshua H.
*Patch, Paul D.
*Plummer, Hiram
Porter, Dudley

*Porter, Ebenezer
Putnam, Moses W.
Raudiill, Jolm P.
Richards, William B.
Ricliardsun, Jolm B.
Ridgwaj, Josei^h N.
*Roberts, IStepheu
Robinson, Edwin
Savaiy, Robert
*lSleeper, Sherburne C.
*Slocum, Rut'us
Smiley, James V.
iSmith, Jesse
Saunders, A. C.
Saunders, Thomas

^Andrews, David
AndreAvs, Theodore
Appleton, Francis R.
Appleton, B. D.
Appleton, Daniel F.
Baker, S. N., Jr.
Bond, James VV.
*Bray, Frederick
Brown, Aaron F.
Brown, John
Brown, Mauasseh
Brown, William G.
Caldwell, Abraham
Clark, Erastus
Cogswell, Ebenezer
^Cogswell, William
Conant, Gilbert
*Dodge, Richard T.
Fall, Tristam B.
tFarley, Alfred M.
*Farley, Joseph
fFarley, Robert, Jr.

149

Spiller, J. B.
Stewart, John
Swett, Jackson B.
Taylor, Levi
Taylor, Martin
Taylor, Oliver
Titcomb, Benaiah
*ToiBpkins, Christ'r
Towle, Samuel K.
fTurner, James
Wadleigh, Levi C.
Wales, Herbert E.
* Webster, David
Webster, Ebenezer

IPSWICH.

Fellows, Alonzo B.
Gould, John J.
*Grant, John
Grant, Joshua B.
Green, George H.
Haskell, George
Hobbs, John
Hodgdon, George
Hodgkins, Augustine
Hortou, Joseph
Hunt, Samuel
Hurd, Y. G.
Jevvett, Israel K.
Jordan, Robert Mrs.
Kimball, Charles
Kimball, Daniel
Kinsman, Joseph F.
Kiusmauf William H.
f Locke, Calvin
*Lo\v, Thomas
McFarland, L.

LAWRENCE.

Webster, E. F.
*Webster. Nathan
Webster, Richard
t Welch, Ezra B.
West, H. K.
West, James F.
West, Thomas
Wheeler, Allison
White, James D.
Whittier, Alvah
*Whittier, Leonard
Whittier, Warner R.
Winchell, James H.
*Wingate, Moses

Marshall, Joseph
fMerrill, Ezekiel O.
Mitchell, Frederick
Norwood, C. J.
Perkins, J. E. B.
Perley, David T.
*Potter, Asa T.
Rogers, Isaiah A.
Ross, Joseph
Shatswell, Nathaniel
Smith, Webster
Stone, Augustine
Story, Alden
Tappan. Amos
Treadwell, William
Underbill, J. C.
Wade, Asa
fWade, William F.
VVaite, Abraham D.
Whittier, Maynard
* Worcester, Ira

Ames. M. B,
*Ambrose, Nathaniel
Bodwell, S. B.
Bodwell, Asa M.
fBryant, Oliver
Cabot, George D.

Currier, Eben B.
Currier, J. Merrill
^Decker, J. M.
Drew, J. D.
Durant, Adolphus
Durant, W, A.

Emery, Levi
Fiske, E. A.
Flynn, Edward
French, A. J.
Gile. W. F.
Gilman, Frederic

150

Goodwin, John
Harmon, Nathan W.
Herrick, H. G.
Herrick, James D.
Hills, George "^^ .
Hood, Gilbert E.
*Howard, J. B. D.
Hubbard, Leavitt
Holt, Lewis G.
Kimball, Wm. F.
fKimball, Josiah

fKimball, Wm. M.
Keleher, W. A.
Lamb, William D.
*Mallard. L. Mrs.
Merrill. George S.
Page. E. F.
Page, Edward
Rollins, John R.
Russell, W. A.
Russell, George W.
Robinson, P. B.

Richardson, E. P.
Saunders, Daniel
*Stevens, William
Shattuck, Charles
Small. Henry
Victor. F. M.
Warren, Albert
*Webster. Charles
Wilder, G. W.
Wright, W. H. P.

LYNN.

*Allen, Jacob A.
Baker, Ezra
Batchelder, John
fBlack, James D.
Breed, Andrews
Breed, Henry A.
*Breed, Nehemiah, Jr.
Brown, Ira P.
Chase, Nathan D.
Chamberlain, Wm. D.
tCoggeshall, J. H.
^Collins, Ezra,
Davis, Edward S.
Emery, George E,
Fay, William P.

Graves, Samuel
Harris, N. S.
Plawkes, Nathan M.
*Healy, Mark
Hovey, Rulus P.
^'Keene. George W.
Kimball, Ruius
Merrill. Samuel A.
Merrill, E. H.
*Merritt, Charles
Newhall, Hiram L.
Newhall, Asa T.
Norris. George, Jr.
*Nye, James M.

LYNNFIELD.

*Osborn, William
tOsborn, William H.
Potter, Edward P.
Putnam, F. VV.
Rankin, John D.
Rlioades, Jacob
Roney, Simon J.
*Saunderson, Jos. N.
Shorey, John L.
Shorey, George L.
Spinney, William N.
Sawyer, J. A. J.
Usher, Roland G.
jrWymau, Isaac

Brown, Joseph
Danlbrth, John
*Emerson, D. P.
*Emerson, Hubbard
Havvkes, George L.

Herrick, George E.
Mansfield, Andrew
Newhall, Josjah
Perkins, John
"("Perkins, John H.

MANCHESTER.

*Richardson, Chas.
Smith, Henry E.
"i"Smith, Joseph
"j-Symonds, George W.

Allen, Luther
Allen, Wm. H.
Burnham, Frederick
■j-Chase, Joseph S.
Cheever, John H.
Cheever, William M.
Fields, James T.
Fitz, William F.

Friend, Daniel W.
*Geutlee, Tiiomas P.
Hildreth, John D.
Jewett, Alfred W.
Knight, Henry
Knight, John, Jr.
Lee, Allen
Lee, John

Price, John
Rabardy, Julius F.
Smith, A. W.
Sturgis, Russell, Jr.
*Tappan, Benjamin
*Tappan, Ebeneze r
Tappan, Israel F.
Tappan, Lewis N.

151

Alley, Amos P.
Alley, James E.
Alley, Reuben
Alley, Franklin
Appleton, Thomas
Cliilds, Addison
Childs, Caleb
Cloutman, Henry

Currier, J. M.
*Evans, John
Goodwin, A. E.
*Gunuison, William
Haskell, Wm. H.

*Barker, J. B.
* Barker, Stephen
Bradley, Leverett
Bradley, Frank J.
Buswell, Jos. E.
Butters, W. H.
Butters, George W.
Currier, Daniel
*Davis, John
*Dow. Lorenzo
Dow, Virgil
Emerson, Jacob, Jr.
Frederic, John W.

Berry, Jonathan
Berry, William
Currier, George A.
Flint, James
Hutchinson, J. A.

Goodale, Byron

Adams, Charles
Adams, Charles W.
*Adum3, John C.

MARBLEHEAD.

Dennis, John
Gregory, J. J. H.
Hathawav, 8eth W.
Hathaway, Joseph B.
fMillett, Joseph
Nutting, John
Paine, Thomas T.

MERRIMAC.

Loud, C. H.
Nichols, Chas. H.
Patten, T. B.
Sargent, J. B.
*t5argent, Orlando

METHUEN.

Gage, George W.
Gutterson, B. J.
Goss, Charles E
Herrick, Fred S. C.
Hicok, S. S.
*How, Christopher
How, Joseph
How, Joseph S.
Ingalls, Charles
*Ingalls, Joseph F.
*Low, John
Morrison, D. T.

MIDDLETON.

Noyes, A. P.
Phelps, William A.
Stiles, David
Stiles, Farnham

NAHANT.

Robinson, Frederick
*Stone, John
Ware, Benjamin P.
Ware, Horace
Warren, David
fWyman, Israel
fWyman, Luke

Sargent, Patten
Sargent, P. Willis
Sawyer, Thomas C,
Tewksbury, D. M.

Morse, Jonathan
Nevins, David
Noyes, David W.
Patterson, D. H.
Phippen, G. S.
*Rollins, Amos C.
*Russ, John
Sargent, S, C.
Sleeper, William C.
Thurlow, J. E.
Tozier, C. L.
t Welch, John

Stiles, Farnham, Mrs.
Stiles, Hiram A.
Wellman, John R.
Winslow, Henry B.

NEWBURY.

*Adams, John J.
Allen, John W.
Bray, Richard S.

Bray, George W.
Boynton, Charles
Caldwell, David S.

Colman, Moses
Goodrich, Wm. F.
Howard, Horatio M.
Illsley, Paul M.
Jaques, Richard
Jaques, Richard T.
Jaques, William
Kent, John N.
Kent, Joshua N.
Knight, Joseph
Kent, Otis L.
Kent, Edward
Kent, Albert S.
Langley, William C.
Little, E. C.
Little, E. b\
*Little, Edward H.

152

Little, Joseph
Little, Nathaniel
*Little, Silas
Little, Stephen W.
*Little, Tristram
Little, William
Longfellow, H. F.
Longfellow, J.
Longfellow, J. Mrs.
Lucy, Gideon R.
Lunt, Charles M.
Lunt, J. Austin
*Lunt, Joseph
Moody, N. W.
Mann, Otis
Newman, Sidney F.

NEWBURYPORT.

Noyes, J.^mes
Noyes, Luther
Noyes, Moses K.
Perkins, Charles L,
Perkins, W. W.
Plummer, Daniel, Jr.
Plummer, G. H.
*Plummer, Greenleaf
t Poole, B. P, Mrs.
Randall, G. A
Rogers. Abial
Rolfe, Joseph N.
Tenney. H. L
Tenny, Daniel
Thurlow, William
Woods, C. W.

Adams, Paul D.
Adams, J. Quincy
Adams, Rufus
*Akerman, John
Akerman, Joseph
Ashby, William
Balch, John H.
Ballou, C N.
Bartlett, T K.
Batchelder. Daniel C.
Battell, Elbridge
Boardman, Isaac H.
Brewster, William H.
Bricher, William
*Brown, David F.
Canney, Hiram
Capers, Thomas
Cotfin, Frederic J.
Colby, George J. L.
Colby. George W.
*Colman, Daniel T.
Colman, James C,
Colman, William T.
Currier, Warren
*Cushing, Caleb
Cutter, Ebeu P.
*Davi8, Benjamin
Delano, Otis

Dyer, J. R.

♦French, Curtis
Gale, Stephen M.
George, George
Gritfiu. Eliphalet
*Hale, Isaac, Jr.
Hale, Joshua
*Hale, Josiah L.
Hamlet, Daniel
Hart, James S.
*Horton, Daniel
Huft', William
Huse, William H.
Ireland, Charles H.
Jackman, George W.
*Johnson William P.
Jones, William
tKelley, E. O.
Little, John G.
^Little, Moses S.
Lunt, Charles
*Luut, Micajah
*Marston, Stephen W
Merrill, Enoch
Merrill, Samuel, Jr.
Morrison, Daniel T.
Morse, James M.
Morss, Joseph B.

Moseley, Edward A.
Moseley, Edward S.
Moulton, Henry W.
Moulton, Joseph
Newhall, Asa T.
*Newhall, Joshua L.
Northeud. E T.
Noyes, William, Jr.
Ordway, Parsons
*Page, John T.
Pearson, J. P.
Perley, R M.
*Pettingell, Moses
Plummer, Moses A.
Pkunmer, Wm. C.
*Remick, John E.
*Robinson, J. D.
Shoof, Henry
Smith, David
Smith, Edmund
Smith, Joseph B.
Smith, P^unice L.
Smith, Robert A.
Stanley, B. F.
Stanley, J. C.
iStearns, Edwin
*Stone, Jacob
Sumner, John

153

Tappan, Samuel B.
Tiltun, Kuoch
Tozer, Iliiani
Titcoiub, Paul

fAppleton, S. F.
Bailey, Cliarles P.
* Berry, Jacob
lierrv, AIUltI
Blake, J. V.
Biittcrtield, Clias. A.
Carlton, Daniel
Carlton, .Iiiseph
Carlton, Daniel A.
Crosby, Josiah
Chever, William J.
Davis, (Jeorge G.
Davis, George K.
Davis, (Teorge L.
Dale, William J.
Dale, William J, Jr.
Faruham, B. H.
Faraham, Jacob
Farnham, J. L.
Foster, J. Frank
Foster, John P.
■{•Foster, J. Prescott
Foster, William

Abbott, Alfred A.
Allen, Lewis
Appleton, Francis H.
*Ayer, Hazen
Bancroft, Sidney C.
Barrett, E. P.
Buxton, Henry V.
Blake, Walter F.
Brown, W. H.
*Basford, P. R.
Batchelder, Mal'lu F.
Blaney, Stephen
Bodge, Horatio
Buxton, Daniel, Jr.
Buxton, Joshua
Buxton, Robert G.

Toppan, Edward S.
*\\ idiams, Robert
Winkley, J. Ulis
Winkley, Paul T.

NORTH ANDOVER.

f Foster, Samuel
Foster, Orrin
* French, George
French, .1. D. W.
Fuller, Abijah P.
•'Gage, John C.
Goodhue, II Irani P.
•fGreen, Arthur M.
Gardner, D. F.
(Jreene, F,. W.
Goodwin, John 0.
Hill, Samuel B.
fJaquith, Chiis'r P.
Jenkins, Benjjimin F.
Jenkins, Milon S.
Johnson, Tlieron
Johnson, James T.
Johnson, Charles F.
*Kittredge, Joseph
Loring, George B. Jr.
Manning, John
Montgomery, 'Jas. A.

PEABODY.

*Clement, John B.
Colcord. J. L.
*Cook, Henry
Curtis, Andrew
*Davis. Mark
Dole, Wm. F.
pjmerton, C. F.
Fairfield, Joseph
Foster, Ir^a
Gardner, Henry
Goodale, Jacob 0.
Goodale, J. P.
fGunnison, Elisha
Hardy, Isaac
Hills, Benjamin M.
fHoyt, Joseph

Wood, David
Winkley, Paul T., Jr.
Young, Hiram

Nason, James
Osgood, Isaac F.
Peters, Nathaniel
Peters, William
Phelps, W. W.
Phelps, II. L.
Poor, James
*Poore, Matthew
Reynolds, James 11.
ReynoMs, W'm. B.
fSlade, Jarvis
*Spaulding, Amos
Stevens, iNIoses T.
*Shattuck, Thomas C.
Sutton, Kben
Symonds, Frederick
fWardwell, Orin
*Weed, Dan
Wilson, A bid
Wiel, Louis
Ward,well, T. O.
Wiley, John A.

*Hubbard, John L.
Huntington, Benj.
Hutchinson, Samuel
Hutchinson, C. K.
Jacobs, Edward W
*King, Amos
*King, P2ben
*King, Henry A.
King, J. Augustus
King, James P.
King, Jonathan
King, Perley
Liuehan, John
Little, William H.
fLow, Caleb
Marsh, Fi'ed

I'i

Marsh, Frank
Marsh, James
*Marsh, John
*Marsh, Phih'p
*Merrili, Wiugate
Messer, F, B.
Needham, George A.
Needham, Joseph S.
Nevvhall, Orlando F.
Osborn, Philip L.
Osborne, Abraham C
Osborne, David
*Osborne, Kendall
*Osgood, Joseph
Pepper, George W.

154

*Peirson, A. L.
*Poole, Fitch
*Poor, Eben S.
*Poor, Henry
tPotter, AVilliam
*Preston, Moses
Proctor, Abel
■^'Proctor, John W.
*Proctor, Tliorndike
Richardson, W. B.
Saltonstali, Henry
*Sanger, Abner
*Sawyer, Asa
*Shackley, Moses A,
Southwick, Sumner

ROCKPORT.

Stevens, John V.
Sutton, William
Sweet, Samuel
Taylor, George W.
Thomas, Josiah B.
*Upton, Eben S.
Upton, Stephen
Viles, Bowman
Walcott, Jolni G.
Wallis, David B.
Walton, George D.
Ward, Winsor M.
*Wheeler, Benjamin
Wheeler, Benjamin S.

Blatchford, Eben
Estes, Alden C.
*Haskell, Benjamin
Hodgkins, John B.
Lane, Andrew
Lowe, Rlrs. Martha J.
Lowe, William

Manning, James
Manning, John J.
Manning, William N,
Marshall, John W.
Mills, Ricliard P.
Patch, William H.
*Pool, Ebenezer

*Row, Ebenezer
*'Rowe, Jabez
Smith, Allen
Smith, Allen Jr.
Smith, Beman C.
*Smith, David

ROWLEY.

Blodgette, George B.
Cressy, John S.
Dole, Charles
Dummer, Nath'l N.
Foss, Joshua
Hale, Clara A.
*'Hale, Daniel J.

Plale, Joseph
Hale, Thomas
Lambert, Mary G.
Mighill, Charles P.
Nelson, David O. Jr.
*Payson, Moses P.
Pike, John

Prime, Daniel B.
Potter, Edward H.
^Proctor, George
Smith, George J.
Tilcomb, Albert
Todd, Daniel G.
Todd, John F.

Andrews, Randal
Andrews, Samuel P.
Almy, James F.
Abbott, Nathaniel
Barton, Gardner
* Barton, William C.
*Bowdoin, Willard L.
Brookhouse, Robert
Beckford, C. H.

SALEM.

Chamberlain, James
*Chase, Stephen A.
Curwen, Samuel H.
Clark, Cliarles S.
Chase, William
Collins, William
*Cressy, Josiah P.
Cross, John D.
Daland, John

Endicott, '^V'illiam C.
Endicott, William P.
p'elt, John
Fellows, Israel
Fiske, Joseph E.
Foote, Caleb
Foster, Joseph C.
Foster, William H.
Foster, William J.

155

Goodhue, William P.
Gray, Benjamiu A.
Gibney, George H.
Gibuey, Jolm
*Gar(liier, D. B.
Hathaway, John
*Himtington, Asahel
Hale, Heury,
Hale, Henry A.
Hale, Joseph IS.
Horton, N. A.
Ives, John M.
Ives, John S.
*Ives, William
Jones, Samuel G.
Jackson, Eben
Kimball, James
Kinsman, John
Kemble. Arthur
*Lee, John C.
Lord. William
Loring, George B.
Lauder, Wra. A.
Mack, William
*Maloon, William
Manning, Robert
Merritt, David

Messervey, Wm. S.
*Metcalf', Benjamin G.
*Milton, T. Payson
Morse, Ebenezer H.
Newhall, Benjamin S.
Newcomb, Caleb
fNichols, George, Jr.
Northend, William D.
Noyes. E. K.
Oliver, H. K.
Oliver, Samuel C.
*0'Shea, M.
Peabody, John P.
*Peirson, Edward B.
Perkins, E. R.
••'Perkins, J. C.
Phillips, WiUard P.
Phippen, George D.
Pickering, John
Potter, Daniel *
^•'Proctor, William
Pulsifer, Joseph
Pettingill, L. D.
Pettingill, S. J.
Pickering, Wm. Jr.
Pickering, Benjamin
Page, John G.

''■'Roberts, William
f Robinson, J. A.
Rogers, A D.
Rogers, George W.
* Rogers, Richard S.
^Russell, John L.
"^'Reynolds, Moses C.
Reynolds, Henry E.
Ropes, John C.
Saunders, Robert J.
Saunders, William
Smith, Andrew
*Smith, Caleb
Shreve, O. B.
Stimpson, James C.
Story, Augustus
Stowe, Vohiey C.
Streeter, Gilbert L.
Ware, Horace
Ware, Horace C.
Wentzell, David
Wheatland, Heury
Winkley, Enoch
fWyman, Rufus
White, Frank
Waters, David P.

*Ayer, James H. B.
*Ciark, Thomas J.
Cole, Augustus K.
*Currier, Jacob

Hatch, Anthony
Houghton, T. O. W.
Hawkes, Samuel
Newhall, Herbert B.

SALISBURY.

Currier, W. H. B.
Evans, Benjamin
^French, Moses

SAUGUS.

Newhall, Joseph
Noble, William
Penney, George H.

SWAMPSCOTT.

*Gale, Josiah B.
Pendergast, J. F.
Pray, Rufus

Robinson, E. P.
*Sweetser, Georjre 11.
Whitehead, Joseph

Crosman, S. F.
Holdea, Philaader
Mudge, E. R.

Palmer, John P.
Phillips, J. B.
*Pitman, Samuel C.

Rowe, Allen
Stetson, Charles A.
Washburn, John

156

*Adam3, B. P.
^Balch, Abi-Hliam
Ratchekler. Ezra
Billings, Augustus T.
Brad^treet DutUey
Clark, David
*Clevcland, John
*Klliott, Israel D.
*Eiiiersou. T. M. P.
Gould, Ariel H.

Alley, Henry
*Batclieler. Joseph
Bodge, Richard F.
Cole. Zacliariah
*Dodge. Andrew
* Dodge. F^zra
Dodge, George A.
Dodge, George F.
*Dodge, Rufus A.
Dodge, William P.

Bailey, William P.
Bradley, C. S. ^
*Bailey, Uriah
Boynton, JLben M.
Brown, Ilayden
*Brown Osgood
Brown, Robert L.
Carr, George W.
Carr, James
*Carr, Moses
Carr. Samuel
Chase, Samuel S.
Follansbee, B. A.
Flook, Geo. L.
Goodridge, David L.
Goodridge, II. M.
Goodridge, Joseph
*Goodwin, Thos. C.
Gordon, Joseph Z.
Gowen, Oscar
Gowen, Ezekiel
•Griffin, B. F. S.

TOPSFIELD.

Herrick, Chai'les
Hood, S. D
■^'Hubbard, William
Lamson, J. Arthur
Leach, Thonujs K.
jManning, James
""•'Munday, \\ illiam
"'Mei'riam, Sidney A.
Merriam, Arthur M.

WENHAM.

Edwards. Francis R.
P^iske, Alfred R.
Gould. Amos
* Had ley, Franklin
Hobbs, A. F.
tinbbs, Henry
Kavanagh. J.
Morgan, William B.
Peabody, George W.

WEST NEWBURY,

Hosam, George
Jacques, Romulus
Little, Edmund
Little, Otis
Merrill, Elbridge
Merrill, William
Merrill, William E
Merrill, M. B.
*iMoody, Samuel, Jr.
Moore, Alfred L.
*Mosely, Charles C.
IMoultou. Daniel
Nelson, Daniel P.
Newell, Joseph
Newell, Richard
■^Noyes, Anson W.
Noyes, Stephen E.
Ordway, Cyrus K.
*Ordway, George N.
Ordway, Cyrns D.
Ordway, Thomas G.
Ordway, Haasou

Peabody, Charles J.
Perkins, Moses B.
Pierce, T. W.
I'oole, Benjamin
"^'Rea. John Jr.
Ward, Richard
"Wildes, Closes
Wilt^on, James
Woodbury, Isaac M.

Parsons, George W.
Patch, Henry
Pingree, Wm. G.
^Porter, \\ illiam
I'erkins. Nathaniel P.
Robinson, John L.
Taylor, Geo H.
Til ton, George H.
Waters, Robert H.

Ordway, Chas. W.
^•'Pillsbury, Daniel
Poor, Moses H.
Poore, Amos
Pcore, Ben : Perley
Poore, George IL
Ridgway, M. Moses
Ridgway, M. M., Jr,
Rogers, Calvin
*Rogers. Charles
Rogers, George C.
Rogers, Hiram
Ridgway, Sarah L.
Smith, Amos
Smith, David
Smith, James
Smith, Moses
Stanwood, Moses P.
Thurlow, George
Thurlow, Stephen C.
Thurlow, Thomas C.
Titcomb, Silas M»

157

NON-RESIDENTS.

Balch, William H.. MaUleu ;
liak'h, Eiisti^, Caiil'oruia ;
lioduell, Henry A., Keene, N.IL
Bimit, IMiltuu .)., Spriiigliekl, Ms.
Hodwcll, Jos H.. Hali()\vell,Me.
Biackutt, 11. Clark, Virginia;
Brocklebauk, S., Kiimuey, N. H.
Biirnhain, (iioate, Boston;
Clark, Joseph F., Boston ;
Cnrrier, Wni. A,, Boston ;
Chapin, VV, C. Providence, R.I.
*Cleavelan(l, N., Jersey City, N.J
Cleavelaud, 11. W. 8 , Chicago ;
Colby, Chas. A., New York;
Chase, Jos. S.. Maiden ;
Carey, James, Qnincy ;
Caldwell, L , Jacksonville, Fla. ;
Carey, James, New York ;
Dole, Francis F., Chicopee ;
Dodge, John S., Chicopee ;
Eaton, Thomas, Harristown, 111.
Felton, AVm. H., Marlboro, Ms. ;
Flint, Chas. L., Boston ;
Fowler, W. W , Plymouth ;
Feruald, Henry B , Washington ;
Farrar. Joseph E., Boston ;
Foster, James B., Melrose ;
Flagg, Wilson, Cambridge. Mass.
*Flint, Thomas, Boston ;
Flint, Horace P., Boston;
French, Chas., Davenport, 0. ;
French, Geo. H., Davenport, O. ;
Gannett, W. W., Boston ;
Green, Joha A , New York;
Hadley, William, Boston ;
Hayes, J. F. C, Iowa;
Hill, Moses, Revere ;
Hill, Mark F., Derry, N. H. ;
Holt, Jos. S., New York City ;
Hubbard, J. G., Hampstead,N.H
Hutchinson, C. H., Rhinebeck ;
Juul, Com-ad, Minnesota;

Kimball, Jonathan, Boston;

King, D. Webster, Boston ;
; Knight, ,1. M., Maine ;
; Knight, S. Leverctt, Clinton, la. i
; Lvt'urd, Geo. H., New York ;

Lake, Chas. II., Churchill, Md ;
; Low, Sidney, Grotou ;

Maynard, Lambert, Boston ;

Merrill, llayden A.. Dedham ;

Norwood, Gorham,Gorham, Me. ;
; Nichols, Albert, Chicago ;
; Nichols, D. P., Boston ;

Ordway, G. W., Manchester;

Oliver, John E., Lynn ;

*Parker, James M., Boston ;

Putnam, Benj. C, Chelsea;

Pierce, Wm., Charlestown, Mass. ;

*Payson, T. E., Providence. R.I. ;

Page, Adino, Metamora, 111. ;

*Porter, Wm. F., Cambridge;
; Poor, Henry, New York City ;

Payson. Samuel F , New York ;

Patch, Ash'l H.,Clarkville, Tenn.

Putnam, Wm. R,, Red Wing, M. ;

Philips, Samuel, Brighton;

Phillips, A. P , Medtleld;

Quimby, T. W., Washington, Mo.
; Rogers, William, Illinois;

Rogers, Benjamin, Maiden ;

Stone, Edwin M., Providence, R.I

Snow, Jesse W., Boston ;

Sargent, G. P., Philadelphia;

Stanley. Sam'l S., Charlestown ;

Shattuck, L P, Boston;

Spoiford, Farnham, VV^ashingtou ;

Titcomb, Chas A., Boston ;

Whittemore, Chas. A., Boston;

Ware, Darwin E., Boston ;

Whittemore, J. R., Chicopee;
; Wheeler, H. T., Worcester ;

Webb, JNIichael, Jr., Cambridge;

Walker, Dexter M., Boston.

158

AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION.
Adopted Sept. 25th, 1877.

Akticle 1st. — The President, Vice Presidents, and Secretary, of
the Society, shall be elected at the annual meeting by ballot.

Auticle 2d. — The Trustees shall be elected annually, one for
each town in the County, and the Trustee for each town shall be
elected by the members of the Society in said town, at a meeting
called for that purpose, in accordance with notice issued by the Sec-
retary ; and such election shall be final, and shall constitute the Trus-
tee so elected a member of the Board of Trustees of the Society ; and
the result of the election in each town shall be communicated as early
as possible to the Secretary.

CONTENTS.

Address of T. C. Thurlow. 3

Cattle 8how and Fair 17

Report on Fat Cattle 23

Bulls 23

Milch Cows 24

Herd of Milch Cows 28

Heifers 31

Working Oxen and Steers 32

Town Teams 33

Steers 33

Stallions 35

Brood Mares 35

Family Horses 36

Farm and Draft Horses.. 38

Pairs of Draft Horses 38

Colts 39

Swine 39

Sheep 40

Poultry 40

Ploughing — Double Teams 43

Ploughing — Single Teams 43

Ploughing — with Horses 44

Plou":liia": — three or more Horses 44

Ploughing with Swivel Plough 46

Agricultural Implements 47

Carriages 49

Dairy 49

Bread and Houey 52

Pears . 52

Apples 90

Peaches, Grapes and Assorted Fruits 92

IlUiirers 95

Vegetables 98

160

Report on Counterpanes and Rugs 100

Articles manufactured from Leather 100

Manufactures and General Merchandise 101

Fancy Works and Works of Art 101

Children's Work 103

Farms 103

Grain Crops ^ . * 104

Root Crops 110

New Variety of Winter Apples 114

Indian Corn 115

Treadwell Farm 117

Manui-es . . 117

Esssay by James J. IT. Gregory 1 26

Essays and Reports of Committees 131

Treasurer's Report 132

Officers of the Society 1 34

New jNIemhers 135

List of Premiums 136

List of Members 143

Amendment to the Constitution 158

TRANSACTIONS

OF TUE

Essex Agricultural Society,

IN MASSACHUSETTS.

FOR THE YEAR 1879.

WITH THE

FIFTY-SEVENTH

JlMI^TTj^L juddrmiss,

— BY —

Hon. Geo. B. Loring,

Oin s^LKMl.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY.

SALEM :

OBSERVER STEAM PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT.

1879.

ADDRESS.

Grentlemen of the Society :

I should be doing injustice to my own feelings did I fail to
acknowledge the compliment contained in your invitation to
address you, now for the third time, at your annual exhibition.
The custom which has prevailed here, since the foundation of
your society, has confined the choice of the annual speaker to
the citizens of Essex county, and has secured for you a series
of addresses upon almost every question connected with practi-
cal farming as conducted in your own community. The ad-
dresses delivered on these occasions, numbering now nearly
sixty, contain much of the thought and speculation which have
occupied the minds of our farmers during the last half century,
and they constitute a body of agricultural literature of the
highest value to all who are ready to be guided by suggestions
drawn from experiences in conducting the affairs of the farm.
To the advice and encouragement to be found in these annual
papers I am happy to contribute my share, with diffidence with
regard to my own capacity to follow, even with unequal steps,
such teachers as Pickering, Newell and Colman of the genera-
tion that is gone, and such practical guides as have addressed
you in our own day.

I shall not, on this occasion, endeavor to pursue the path
which has been laid down by the practical farmers who have

preceded me, by entering upon a disquisition upon the best
modes of farming ; the best crops to raise, and how to raise
them ; the best cattle to keep, and how to keep them. I think
it is well to recognize the fact that the farmers of Essex county
know something about their business already, and that the
manner in which prosperous agriculture has been thus far con-
ducted by themselves and their fathers indicates a degree of
knowledge which is entitled to respect and consideration. I
do not recognize the necessity of teaching a farmer who has
been successful with his dairy, and has known a good cow
from a bad one, the best cattle for his farm. I have no desire
to prove to the prosperous growers of vegetables here that they
ought to turn their attention to raising corn, in this latitude of
short and doubtful seasons ; and that they can raise it for thirty
cents a bushel, regardless of the value of the land on which it
is raised, the cost of manure used in raising, and the expense
of the labor employed in managing the land and the crop. I
should be very reluctant to impress upon the practical farmers
of this county, who have learned by their own experience and
that of their fathers, that herdgrass, red-top and clover are the
three staple grasses for conversion into hay ; the best for feed-
ing ; the best for protecting each other ; the best for curing
into the most nutritious and marketable hay — I should be very
reluctant, I say, to impress upon them that they had better
abandon these well-known and well-proved varieties, and resort
to unknown and untried varieties, not one of which has yet
been adopted as a foundation for the hay crop.

I should hesitate about endeavoring to prove to you that a
clover crop is a better fertilizer than barnyard manure, on
which you have been in the habit of relying. I have no desire
to tell the farmers of this county, who have been all their lives

engaged in cutting and curing hay, how to harvest this impor-
tant crop, when I meet, daily, loads of their hay bound to a
neighboring market, whose fragrance charms the traveller on
our highways, and whose quality stands approved, both by
judicious purchasers and hungry animals. Why should I try
to teach you the best time to sow grass seed, and to plant po-
tatoes, and sow your grain, and harvest your mangolds and
swedes, and the best way to apply manure, when your own ex-
perience has taught you all this, long ago? Questions like
these I am willing to refer to an intelligent body of farmers?
who have generally exercised good judgment in the manage-
ment of their business ; and to realize that they already know
that plan of farming best suited to the land they cultivate. I
am aware that the farmer cannot afford to devote season after
season to trying experiments suggested by some restless theo-
rist, or by some ambitious teacher, who thinks all change is
progress, and that no law can be learned by practice, and who
feels that he must say something to earn his salary. I am also
aware that a well-devised, definite, prosperous plan is of the
highest importance to him who proposes to live by tilling the
soil ; and I have noticed that he who simplifies this plan most
readily and pursues it most steadily, undiverted by promises
and unconfused by theories, never captivated and misled by the
idea that there is a short and easy road to successful farming,
more than there is to great learning, is the one who arrives at
the prosperity we all desire. I am quite unwilling to discuss
practical questions merely for the sake of discussion — knowing
well that while I stand still to debate, the weeds will grow
apace.

And so referring the anxious student of agriculture to the
successful corn-growers, and grass-growers, and grain-growers,

6

and root-growers, and fruit-growers, and dairy -managers, and
cattle-feeders, for information upon the various topics in which
eacli one has manifested skill, and warning him that they who
talk the most oftentimes produce the least, I leave you to the
knowledge which the best of you have acquired by practice,
and call your attention to a matter of fundamental importance
to you all — a question upon the solution of which in a satis-
factory manner depends the very existence of agriculture as an
industry to be cherished and developed by a free, enlightened,
educated and ambitious people.

We are told that the great mass of mankind live by tilling
the soil, in every civilized country on earth ; but while this fact
is constantly impressed upon our minds, we are not so definite-
ly informed with regard to the manner in which they live, their
social condition, their civil relations, their domestic economy.
The condition of those employed in manufactures and the me-,
chanic arts varies, we are aware, as the plan in which they are
organized in various countries varies — prosperity, thrift, intel-
ligence being secured to some, poverty and ignorance being
visited on others. And judging by the various conditions of
associated man in the many countries in which society is or-
ganized, we can infer that the agricultural population of one
country differs from the agricultural population of another, as
their domestic conditions, their modes of education, their social
and civil obligations differ. The tenant-farmers of Great
Britain, the peasantry of Russia, the farmers of Germany, the
small land-holders of France, the agricultural citizens of the
United States, all represent one industry — and yet how widely
they differ in everything which goes to make up man's condi-
tion as an intelligent being and as a member of some form of
state and society ! So true and striking is this that I am

sometimes inclined to think that the moral, intellectual and
social conditions of the agricultural population of a country is
more indicative of its real civilization and of its advancement
in all the arts and cultivation of life than are its churches and
school-houses — its systems of education and religion.

The great question now occupying the minds of those inter-
ested in the welfare of civilized man as a member of society is
how can the comfort, prosperity and intelligence of the agri-
cultural population be best subserved and promoted. England
discusses the welfare of the tenant-farmer ; Russia considers
the condition of the recently emancipated serf; France is in-
terested in the prosperity of an unambitious, industrious, frugal
body of small land-holders and cultivators. The American
goes further, and inquires — How can an American farmer, oc-
cupying a farm of usual dimensions here, discharge his duty to
the State as a voter and tax-payer, and gratify his desires with
regard to the education of his family, the comfort and culture
of his home, and the informing of his own mind and the grat-
ification of his tastes, from the income which he can derive
from the cultivation of the land ? And this is the American
problem of to-day.

That the prosperity of agriculture has kept pace with tlie
increasing prosperity of every other industry in our land is
manifest. The activity of the grain-growing sections of our
country has been great for more reasons than one ; and the
demand for the products of the pasture and the stall has been
most encouraging to those who supply the provision market at
home and abroad. It may be that this encouragement of
local and special crops has not been as great, and that the
farmer is called upon to consider how he can secure a suitable
reward for the labor which he applies to the careful and system-

atic tillage of the soil to supply local markets with what they
require, and for the care which he bestows on the orchard and
dairy. And yet I think personal effort is well rewarded, and
that the small farmer in favored localities will find, even from
slow and reduced markets, a compensation nearly as great as
he obtained when his personal expenses were greater, and the
wages of labor much larger than they now are. I am aware
that great discouragement has fallen upon this class of farmers
in whose hands rests that system of agriculture which must
prevail as our country increases in population. And yet, the
condition of the farmer here is looked upon as so satisfactory
in every point of view, that the lesson taught by us is engag-
ing the minds of some of the most thoughtful statesmen and
publicists of the Old World. It has been discovered that the
American system of land-holding, for instance, is the founda-
tion of great popular content, and accompanied as it is by great
social and civil opportunities, surrounded as it is by the free
institutions of our land, attended as it is by the school-house
and the meeting-house, and by the constant call to public ser-
vice, which leaves but few exempt among us, it constitutes the
foundation on which rest great mental activity, great dignity
of character, great enterprise and ambition. To the practical
work of the agricultural community here, wide-spread disaster,
moreover, is almost unknown. The local damage of a drouth
or a flood is not, indeed, unusual, but the extent of our terri-
tory is such, the diversities of our soil and climate are so
great, the disasters seem to be circumscribed and accidental,
wliile the prosperity is wide-spread and constant. With landed
possessions which are obliged to bear the burdens of heavy
taxation, with the wages of labor vastly greater than in any of
the countries of Europe, with the personal requirements of the

9

farmer and his family increased by social obligations and the
natural demands of a free and responsible people, we have
been able to compete in the grain market of the world with
those who, in some instances, are furnished with land free of
rent and taxation, and whose necessities of life are so small,
and whose duties are so low, that the former seem intolerable
and the latter seem insignificant and trivial. The skill of the
American farmer, supplied as he is, with the most ingenious
and graceful and effective machinery, has become an object of
admiration and imitation. The well-organized home of the
American farmer is looked upon as a model. The place filled
in the community by the American farmer is considered so
important and honorable that other nations inquire how it has-
been attained. The crops of the American farmer are looked
upon as so sure that all anxiety with regard to the supply of
food for people less favored has passed away. Besides feeding
nearly fifty millions of people, the agriculture of our country
has supplied our commerce with a large proportion of our
exports to foreign countries. Of the aggregate amount of our
exports for eleven months, ending May 31, 1879, valued at
$685,042,078 — the agricultural industry furnished about
1532,813,179. The value of the cattle exported during that
period was $2,897,846 ; of corn, $43,610,441 ; of wheat,
$90,700,598 ; of flour, $23,000,854 ; of cotton, $173,629,022 ;
of beef, $7,120,000; of cheese, $11,737,928; of lard, $28,-
068,490 ; of pork, $4,620,000 ; of grass seed, $2,000,000 ; of
tobacco, $23,440,000.

The effect of this contribution to our export trade is incal-
culable ; and it has done so much toward restoring us to that
financial Btability and prosperity and honor of which as a
people we ought to be proud, and for which every prosperous

' 10

man ought to be grateful, that I turn with individual pride and
satisfaction to the record which American agriculture has
made for itself during the last year. This unusual and
extraordinary prosperity is due undoubtedly to many causes,
both natural and artificial ; the natural causes being our
diversity of soil and climate, the variety of our crops, and the
economy with which new and fertile lands can be cultivated;
the artificial causes being the advantages of local and general
markets, and the relations established between the farmer and
the soil he cultivates by the independent ownership of land
under the laws of our country. To this last cause I attribute
much of that elasticity and energy which the American far-
mers manifest in occupying new lands, and in the cultivation
of crops adapted to the markets they can reach. It was not
easy to tell the strength and stimulus which come through the
ownership of the soil to him who occupies it, has fixed his
home upon it, and looks to it for his means of subsistence. It
is to the division and subdivision of the land, almost as much
as to their devotion to the institutions of learning and relig-
ion, and their determination to secure all social and civil
rights, that our fathers owe their success in establishing free
government on this continent. They had the Anglo-Saxon
love of land, but aV)ove all this they had the Anglo-Saxon love
of individual independence ; and landed monopolies, entail
and primogeniture were especially odious to them. They
established, in the earliest colonial days, a system of landhold-
ing so simple, so exact, so easily managed that it has become
the example which all republican governments follow. They
established a public registry of deeds, and provided for an
easy and recorded transfer of landed estates from hand to
hand, as easy as the transfer of personal property. The state

11

which they founded became not only the home of civil and
religious freedom, but of small-landed proprietors also. When
they struck for freedom, they struck for the sacred rights of
their own homes, which had become scattered throughout the
length and breadth of the land, and were the nurseries of a
hardy, independent, sturdy race of Puritans in religion and
Round-heads in politics. They were indeed the lords of the
soil, and were as unconquerable in their defense of their little
farms as the great landed proprietors of their old home were
in protecting their immense estates from invasion or popular
revolution. The feudal tenure of England really never gained
a foot-hold here. But the commercial tenure which took its
place gave every prosperous member of the community an
opportunity to establish his own little kingdom, and to dispose
of or exchange it at his pleasure. The temptation to secure
land under these circumstances became irresistible. The
mechanic labored to secure his homestead — the merchant was
never satisfied until he had purchased a farm with the surplus
profits of his commercial adventure. The professional men of
the day — the lawyer, the clergyman, the physician — all owned
and cultivated their land, which they were proud to occupy.
And with this American system, as it has been called, went a
multitude of civil rights and privileges and opportunities
which were never lost sight of Vjy those who made up and
supported and organized the community. The occupants and
owners of these farms were the pillars of the church ; they
filled the town offices ; they took their places in the legislature
and made laws for the Commonwealth ; they took part in the
town meeting with its stormy debate and its free ballot ; they
aspired to high office and exercised the right of beating and
being beaten at the polls. The school-house, the library, the

12

lecture-room, they erected for their mental culture, the church
for their moral and religious elevation. They founded a sys-
tem of state and society here which required of them and
requires of us, also, a liberal expenditure both for public and
private necessities and luxuries. In a community founded as
they founded theirs, taxes must necessarily be somewhat
heavy ; personal expenses must be somewhat large ; the
adornments of home must be provided for ; the public enter-
tainments will be enjoyed ; the children must be well clad,
provided with books, and supplied with a good education. And
this is the American system of land-holding, with all its
duties, privileges and opportunities — a system which the states-
men of the Old World study with profound interest and great
care. It may be attended by a great deal of careless and
unprofitable and unskilful farming, as every other system is,

but it produces great results, and is the foundation of great
public and private prosperity.

Our attention is often called to an analogous system of land-
holding established in France by the Code Napoleon more
than three-quarters of a century ago. But engrafted as this
system has been on a people unused to it and ignorant of its
effect upon the political economy of the State, it has not
secured those popular advantages which, in our own country,
led the eminent French philosopher, De Tocqueville, to at-
tribute to it the stability and vital force of our institutions — a
lesson learned here and not in France. In accurate and
economical farming we may perhaps learn a lesson from
France. In her area of 207,480 square miles, not larger than
the largest State in the Union, her wheat crop is equal to our
own. Her production of local and staple crops is enormous.
Her cattle and horses almost reach our number, and her sheep

13

outnumber ours. With a thrifty population, among whom
wealth is quite generally dififused, her resources in war and in
peace are unbounded ; and her national vitality is the admira-
tion of the civilized world.

That much of this agricultural prosperity is due to the fact
that the people devote their energies to the cultivation of small
farms there can be no doubt. But it should be remembered
that the state of society which goes with this system in France
differs so entirely from our own that she furnishes no such
example of popular inlelligenee and personal independence as
is found in the United States. There the home known to the
American farmer is not found. The American farm-house is
almost unknown. The peasantry gather for the night into
crowded towns away from their lands, and go forth by day to
till their few outlying acres. The demands of the state upon
them are not large. They are seldom overtaxed except in time
of war. They are tempted by none of the honors and emolu-
ments of public service. They aspire to no civil distinction,
and even while organized as a republic, they are warmed into
no personal ambition, and as a social organization furnish no
example which their own philosopher and publicist could com-
mend as a guide to the civilized world. It is true they are
citizens of a republic and are owners of the soil on which they
live ; but it is a republic without the tradition of freedom, a
soil divided among them by violence before they had reached
the point of citizenship. And I think the most that can be
said of their civil organization is, that their approach to repub-
lican government has been largely through their system of
land-holding — more largely than through any lesson taught
them by their social and political reformers.

But it is in England that this question of land-holding is

14

most earnestly and carefully discussed at the present day, and
it is there that its solution involves the niost momentous con-
sequences. The feudal tenure still prevails so generally in the
United Kingdom that the integrity of the government seems
to depend largely upon its preservation. The inheritance of
large landed estates, the protection of those estates by entail
and primogeniture, their preservation by every support which
the law can throw about them, are all objects which the Eng-
lishman has deeply at heart — feeling as he does that upon the
power of a nobility based upon such possessions depend the
safety and power of the throne. Great as her commerce and
manufactures are, and powerful, she knows that the tie which
binds those engaged in these great industries to the govern-
ment which protects them is but feeble when compared with
the devotion of a great class who cling to their lands and their
homesteads, and enjoy the sense of superiority which fills the
breast of him who, under the constitution and the laws, is
counted one of the lords of the soil. It is upon land-holding
of this description that the liberals of England now make war
— upon a system which, to their minds, stands opposed to every
popular right and privilege for which they contend.

More than ten years ago, John Bright predicted to an audi-
ence in Manchester that the time was rapidly coming when the
" American system of land-holding" would be adopted by a
reformed British government. Mr. Gladstone presented this
system to the minds of the Irish people as the next step in his
endeavor to regenerate that island, after the disestablishment
of the English church there. The clamor of the most violent
and radical of the liberal leaders has been for reform in the
direction of a proper distribution of the land among the peo-
ple. In parliament, at the hustings, at agricultural meetings

15

like this which we are holding here, the debate is going on,
and the question may be said to be the one which divides the
popular mind more distinctly than all others, and more con-
stantly occupies the thoughts of the leaders of public thought
and the guides of public affairs.

In reply to the opinions expressed by Mr. Gladstone and his
associates, Lord Derby long ago attempted to show by figures
that the distribution of land among the people of the United
Kingdom was as liberal as that to be found anywhere on the
face of the earth. More recently, however, Lord Hartington
has taken up the question, and has most earnestly pointed out
the dangers which lie in the way of continuing a system which,
according to him, " exists in no other country in the world."
As the leader of the opposition in the House of Commons, and
as one who " not only from his character and high position,"
but " from the social post which he occupies as the eldest son
of one of the great proprietors of the soil," " must necessarily
exercise a great influence over public opinion," his views are
looked upon as of the highest importance. It is charged upon
him that, in a very remarkable speech recently delivered, he
has " prepared the country for the belief that the system of
English agriculture is not formed on what he calls a natural
principle, but supporting three classes of the community, is
one which has failed in consequence, and will never be re-
stored ;" these three classes being, first, the proprietors of the
soil ; second, the farmers, an important portion of the great
middle class ; and third, the agricultural peasant.

In replying to this extraordinary statement. Lord Beacons-
fiield declares that there is no tenure of land which can be de-
vised except on the condition of famishing three incomes.
Compared to " peasant proprietorship," which means small

16

land-holding in the mind of the Premier, the tenant farming of
England seemed, to him, to be eminently successful. The
peasant proprietor buys his farm with his hoarded and in-
vested wages, or with borrowed money, on which the interest
must be paid ; and that is the first income. The erection of
the necessary buildings, the supplying of tools and implements,
and the stocking of the farm, must all be paid for from the
earnings ; and that is the second income. He must be clothed
and fed from the receipts of the farm, which, together with the
support of his family, employed with him, constitutes the
wages of the farm ; and that is the third income. Under
peasant proprietorship these three incomes go to one class ;
under tenant farming they go to the three classes already des-
ignated. " The number and variety of the classes in Eng-
land," he adds, " dependent upon the land, is the source of
our strength. They have given us those proprietors of the soil
who have been the creators of our liberty, in a great degree,
and the best securities for local government. They have given
us the farmers — the most important portion of the great mid-
dle class — and they have given us, lastly, the agricultural peas-
ant, whose lot is deplored by those who are not acquainted with
it, but who have, to my mind, during the last forty years,
made more continuous progress than any class in Her Majes-
ty's dominions."

The assumption of Lord Beaconsfield that it is better policy
for a farm to support three classes in the community rather
than one simply indicates his recognition of class as a political
necessity, and his entire ignorance of the independence of him
who, owning and cultivating his own land in this country, not
as a peasant, but as a citizen, combines three classes in one,
and represents what an American points to with so much pride

17

as the citizen-proprietorship of his own country. In well-
organized society, as we understand it, there is no necessity for
three classes ; for the citizen who owns his land here, consti-
tuting himself this trinity of society which the Premier
admires so much, being literally the "three in one," supplies
all those forces to the State, the love of liberty, the love of the
land, the love of progress, which are supplied Great Britain by
the proprietors, the farmers and the peasants acting in separate
capacities. Instead, however, of realizing the possibility of
such proprietorship as this, and finding in it a remedy for the
evils he had depicted, Lord Harrington takes an early occasion
to state that he has no desire to alter the land laws, "for the
purpose of encouraging the growth of a peasant proprietor-
ship." " There were many persons," he said, " on all sides of
politics, who thought that a considerable number of small
proprietors would be a great advantage ; but with the imperfect
consideration which he had been able to give to the subject, he
had never laid down the doctrine that the existing tenure of
land in this country (England) should be altered, or that any-
thing should be done to encourage any other tenure." And
so the discussion ended, and large proprietorship and tenant -
farming still remain.

The result, however, of the inquiry and the almost univer-
sally recognized fact that the agricultural interests of England
are suffering, and that both proprietor and tenant fail to receive
their reward, one for his capital, and the other for his labor,
have brought about the appointment of a commission who are
now inquiring into the sources of agricultural wealth here ;
the method by which agricultural products can be raised and
exported profitably to the English market, and, I trust, into
the tenure of land, which constitutes our citizen-proprietorship.
2

18

I doubt not they will discover in the cheap and luxuriant
grazing lands of Texas, the source of our profitable production
of beef, and in the fertile valleys of Illinois and Iowa and
Indiana, the profitable grain fields from which our own people
and theirs are fed. But I would have them study also our
tenure of land, and learn the " great advantage" of a " con-
siderable number of small proprietors" over that system of
land-holding which in their own country is generally declared
to be a failure. This system I have already described, and I
repeat that it should be called among the various systems now
recognized and discussed, the citizen-proprietorship of the soil.
The question of the capacity of this system to support a
great moral population on American soil is the American Proh-
lem, to which I have already referred. That it encourages and
fosters a spirit of freedom, and is managed by an intelligent
and ambitious body of citizens, and is promotive of social and
domestic peace and happiness, two centuries and a half of
colonial and national life have satisfactorily demonstrated.
That it supported an industrious and hardy and educated peo-
ple in the early days of our republic, before other industries
had been established here, is well known. The question now
is — Will it continue to prosper under the increased demands of
our own day, and enable the land-owner and cultivator to meet
the demands made on him by the public and private wants
incident to American civilization ? Tenant-farming in England
has failed, the peasant proprietorship of France offers no temp-
tations to us ; will our own system continue to prosper, and
amidst all obstacles be accepted as the successful agricultural
system of the world — a system supporting not a peasantry but
a body of citizens enjoying all the rights and privileges which
free citizenship can bestow ? I am aware of the discouragement

19

under which onr agricultural population is now laboring — dull
local markets, small profits and heavy expenses. But I cannot
forget what industry and economy accomplished for our ances-
tors, who first occupied the soil, and I see no reason to doubt
that as it was with them, so it will be with us continually.
That an ingenious application of labor to a small homestead
will meet with an ample reward, I cannot doubt. The exercise
of those virtues and faculties which give success in other
branches of business must inevitably succeed in this.

A life thus profitably occupied means a life of frugality,
foresight, prudence, industry and the most careful calculation.
It furnishes no opportunity for the joy of successful or the
despair of unsuccessful speculation. But it does provide a
sphere in which self-control may lay the foundation of a con-
tented and happy home, and a life of usefulness and happiness
and prosperity. I am the more encouraged to state this from
the fact that those who make this the land of their adoption
are eager to possess the abandoned farms of our own people >
and find in them all the prosperity and comfort they desire. I
know many an out-lying and idle farm from which a fair for-
fortune was reaped in a former generation, and from which 9,
crop of strong, capable and useful men has been sent forth to
take part in the business, of the world. Is this thing impossible
now ? The methods may have changed ; the advant9,geous lo-
calities may have changed ; the markets may have changed ;
the economies of the business may have changed ; but the op-
portunities for success have not changed. I am entirely un-
willing to believe that a farm properly selected and arranged
with reference to soil and markets may not remunerate the
cultivator now, as it did formerly. And I urge upon all indi-
viduals and associations into whose hands are committed the

20

theory and practice of agriculture in this country to encourage
that agricultural management which will remove the question
of our system of land-holding and farming beyond a doubt,
and place it firmly among the prosperous industries of the
world, and recognized as such by all men.

And now, gentlemen, the existence of this society, whose
honorable career of more than half a century is known and
recognized of all men here, indicates the desire of the farmers
of this county for investigation, comparison, education in all
the important branches of agriculture. That the desire was
created by the necessity, I cannot for a moment doubt. The
simple and easy farming of the fathers prospered under the
exercise of industry, economy, good judgment, and common
sense. But it is not so now. With these facilities the suc-
cessful farmer can hardly expect to succeed to the full measure
of success unless guided by the best rules laid down by those
who have endeavored to apply the results of careful scientific
investigation to their work. It is economy that succeeds now ;
the economical use of labor, of all the forces used on the farm;
the economical use of manure and all fertilizers; the economical
feeding of animals; the economical management of the domes-
tic affairs of the farm.

Carelessness and extravagance cannot succeed. The unsys-
tematic farmer may live, but he cannot thrive. But he, who with
an enlightened mind lays down a definite plan of industry, and
follows it, will never be betrayed by that calling which has
always responded and will always respond to the earnest
endeavor of those who pursue it with wisdom and devotion.
We may be inclined to question the value of many of the
modes of agricultural education which have been adopted in
our day, but let no man, who has the welfare of the country at

21

heart, discourage the attempts which are made to cultivate and
inform the minds of those who hold in their hands the most
important of all our industries. The agricultural society may
not display always an encouraging record of crops or the
applied labor of a farm, but it will inevitably rouse a spirit of
emulation and excite ambition, and set an example which will
be felt in the community. The farmers' club may arrive at no
conclusion, may begin a season with discussion, and decide no
question under debate ; but it will drop a hint or present an
experiment which being accepted by some bright and thought-
ful member, will lead to a long experience of successful
farming. The agricultural college may not send a class of
practical farmers into the community and upon the land each
year, but it will educate some keen and capable and observing
youth, who will enter the field of farming and so cultivate it
that the community will learn to have confidence in his work,
and will discover many a useful rule written down on his well-
tilled and well-managed acres. As the wants and demands of
American society increase, it will be found that the American
system of land-holding requires that the American system of
education be carried into this occupation as well as into all
others. And it will also be found, I think, that they who have
succeeded best in arranging and tilling their farms, and sup-
plying a market, have instinctively adopted rules of husbandry
which education offers to all who ask them of her. I urge,
therefore, upon you a constant spirit of inquiry, a profound
respect for every form of agricultural education, remember-
ing that the knowledge which you possess was wrought
out for you by your fathers, and that a still more accurate
knowledge is the best legacy you can transmit to those who
succeed you as the citizen-proprietors of the American soil.

22

Sung by the Lynn Choral Union at the Central Congrega-
tional Church, on the occasion of the annual address before
' the Society.

HYMN.

BY JOSEPH W. NYE, OF LYNN.

The generations come and go,
As Time's resistless tide doth flow.
The changing Seasons reappear
In turn, to form the circling year.

Again from Earth's exhaustless stores

A varied bounty Autumn pours ;

What Spring and Summer nursed with care,

She crowns with ripeness full and fair.

The noblest from the stall to-day,
Before us stand in fair array ;
From flocks and herds the choicest come.
To celebrate this " harvest home."

Here Flora finds a welcome place,
Adorning it with winning grace ;
With tributes chosen, tree and vine,
To aid the Jubilee combine I ,

Amid the treasures gathered here,
We sing the triumph of the Year, —
The highest strains our tongues employ
To sound the universal joy !

Let gratitude the heart inspire
To see fulfilled the fond desire,
And hope that what in faith we sow,
Will unto full fruition grow.

Thou God of harvests ! unto Thee
Shall all the praise and glory be ;
Man's toil Avould be in vain, and cease
Didst Thou not give the blest increase I

23

CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR.

The Show was held at Lynn, Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st, 1879.
The attendance was very large. The exhibition of Stock,
Ploughing Match, &c., was held on Fairchild's field, Boston
street; that of Fruit, Domestic Manufactures, &c., at Music
Hall Building, Central avenue.

The entries in the Stock department were as follows : —

Fat Cattle 3 Entries.

Bulls 9 "

Milch Cows 34 "

Heifers 27 "

Working Oxen 12 "

Steers 4 "

Town Team of Eight Horses, . 1 "

Stallions 8 "

Brood Mares 7 "

Family Horses 7 "

Farm and Draft Horses ... 9 "

Pairs of Draft Horses ... 5 "

Colts 14 "

Swine 10 "

Sheep 18 "

Coops of Poultry 27

Ploughing Teams 21

There were also a large number of entries of Agricultural
Implements and Machines, and Carriages.

The exhibition in the Hall, of Fruits, Flowers and Vegeta-
bles has never been surpassed at any of our Exhibitions, and
the number of visitors to this department was very large.

Chas. p. Preston, Secretary,

24

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, &o.

FAT CATTLE.

We, the Committee on Fat Cattle, have attended to our duty
and have awarded, to the best of our judgment, first premium
of $12.00 to Mr. Amos C. Hathaway of Marblehead ; second,
$10.00, to Mr. Henry Gardner of Peabody ; and third, to
Town of Peabody, $6.00.

J. B. Thomas, A. T. Newhall, Joseph C. Shepherd, T. W.
Hasseltine — Committee.

BULLS.

The Committee award the first premium of $10, for the best
Ayrshire Bull under two years of age, to S. F. Newman, of
Newbury.

Second premium of $6, for a Jersey Bull under two years
old to Francis H. Appleton of Peabody.

Second premium of $6, for an Ayrshire Bull, two years and
upwards, to J. W. Blodgett, of Saugus.

J. P. Palmer, Swampscott, Jersey, gratuity $5.

The number of Bulls on exhibition was very small (about
half a dozen), and of these none of very decided merit.
Whether the reason of the meagre show of Bulls was the lo-
cation of exhibition in the extreme edge of the County, or the
amount of the premiums offered, is more than we can tell.
But this your Committee know, there are some splendid ani-
mals in the northern part of the County that did not appear
at the exhibition.

The importance of using bulls of decided merit is not fully

25

appreciated by many farmers, which seems strange, when the
impovement of our " Beef and Dairy Stock" is of so much
importance, and the character of our stock is so quickly
changed for the better. Witness, as an example, the difference
between the Texan steer of to-day and the same even ten years
ago, brought about by the use of fine Durham Bulls from Ken-
tucky and other parts of the West. Results quite as favora-
ble have been produced upon the dairy stock by the use of the
full blood Bulls imported from the best milking stock of Eu-
rope.

It is not necessary to refer one to the Texan cattle alone,
who remembers the old fashioned ox of New England with his
big head and horns, sharp back, heavy forward and light hind
quarters, rump and sirloin nearly half bone, and timber enough
in his legs for two. These have almost entirely disappeared,
and a still greater improvement will be called for in the imme-
diate future by the demand for the best animals in the market
to feed the epicure on the other side of the Atlantic.
Respectfully submitted,

J. Z. Gordon, Eldred S. Parker, T. G. Ordway. — Committee.

statement of francis h. appleton.

Broadfields Farm, Peabody,
Sept. 30, 1879.

To the Committee on Bulls of the Essex Agricultural Society : —
Sirs : — I enter with you my Pure Blood Jersey Bull, " Sun-
taug," and have attached his pedigree to his pen. He was
dropped May 29, 1878, and was bred by me, and I therefore
enter him for the Jersey premium for bulls under two years
old.

I also give you his pedigree below, all numbers there refer-
ring to the American Jersey Cattle Club Herd Register, pub-
lished by Colonel Geo. E. Waring, Jr., of Newport, R. I.

His Dam, " Lady Essex," 4749, owned by me, in 1877
gave, from 5 13-100 quarts of milk, 1 lb. fresh butter.

26

Bull Suntaug — bred and owned by Francis H. Appleton,
Peabody, Essex Co., Mass.

Sire Champion, 1109, owned by H. Saltonstall, Esq. ; Dam
Lady Essex, 4749, owned by F. H. Appleton.

Sire of Champion — Monarch of Roxbury, 499 ; Dam of
Champion — Jennie Porter, 470.

Sire of Monarch of Roxbury — John C. Bas, 398 ; Dam of
Monarch of Roxbury — Nellie, 289 ; both imported in 1868 by
Mr. T, Motley.

Sire of Jennie Porter — Cour de Lion, 318 ; Dam of Jennie
Porter — Jennie May, 473 ; both imported in 1866 by Mr. T.
Motley.

Sire of Lady Essex — Magnet, 968 ; Dam of Lady Essex —
Magnolia, 2543, imported by Mr. Motley in 1869.

Sire of Magnet-— Mr. Micawber, 556 ; Dam of Magnet — Ma-
bel, 2544 ; both imported by Mr. Motley.

I hereby certify that the above is correct.

Feancis H. Appleton.

MILCH COWS.

Your Committee submit the following report : —

Number of entries, ten. For the best Milch Cow, either of
Foreign, Native or Grade, not less than 4 nor more than 10
years old, with satisfactory evidence as to quantity and quality
of milk, either by weight or measure, during the evening and
morning of the first and last ten days of any month.

1st premium $12, to John S. Ives, Salem, for Grade '
Ayrshire Cow.

2d premium $6, to A. P. & R, Alley, Marblehead, for
Grade Ayrshire and Short Horn cow.

Native or Grade, 5 years old and upward — 1st premium of
$12 to G. C. Noyes, Lynn, for Grade Ayrshire and Durham.

For the cow that makes the most butter in any single
week from June 1st to Sept. 15th — 1st premium of $12 to

27

Geo. K. Pevear, Lynn, for Jersey cow, May Flower; 2d
premium $6, to Clias. J. Peabody, Topsfield, for Grade Jersey
cow, Pet.

No premiums were given to Thorough-Breds, as no cows
were entered whose pedigrees filled the definition of Pure Bred
animals as laid down by the State Board of Agriculture. See
page 7, General Rules of our Society.

The cow entered by Mr. Noyes was considered a remarkably
fine specimen of a Milch cow, with great udder capacity. She
is 7-8 Ayrshire and has all the characteristics of a Thorough-
bred. The statement that she had not been dry for a number
of years seemed somewhat extraordinary ; but she was evi-
dently a cow of great possibilities.

May Flower's yield of butter seems a very good one — 240
lbs. or 113 qts. of milk, producing 11.5 lbs. butter, 1.64 lbs.
butter per day — 9.9 qts. milk to a lb. of butter. Pet gave a
pound of butter per day, but we have no data as to the quan-
tity of milk. The former calved in March, and the test for
butter was made in May. The latter calved in June and the
test was made in September. The last of May, on fresh
grass, would be considered the better season for producing
butter. The yields of both cows under the circumstances are,
without doubt, above the average.

" Whatever we may think of our ancient ruler, King Cotton,
there is no question as to the allegiance we owe to Queen
Cow. Everyone of our agricultural products, with the single ex-
ception of Indian corn, is surpassed in value by our dairy yield.
The value of the cows and of the land especially devoted
to their support, is reckoned at $1,300,000,000, The annual
production of cheese is estimated at 350,000,000 lbs. and that
of butter at 1,500,000,000 lbs. Their combined value, esti-
mated at $350,000,000, is only one-fifth less than that of the
corn crop. The production has increased thirty -three per cent,
within the past year, and since the introduction of the
American factory system in the manufacture of them, they
have become important objects of export, the foreign sales

28

amounting, during the last season, to $13,000,000 for butter
and 114,000,000 for cheese. The exportations this year have
paid more than $1,000,000 freight, or enough to support a
weekly line of steamers to Europe. They have paid $5,000,000
freight to the railroads of the country, and milk pays nearly as
much more."*

We do not know where to find a more comprehensive
though concise, statement of the importance and value of the
Milch cow in the United States than in the above.

We say in the aggregate Queen Cow, and the title is well
deserved, but no cow is worthy of belonging to the royal
family who does not yield at least 2000 qts. of milk in a year.
If this were only true of all, the above figures would be largely
increased.

What we wish to show is that, at present prices, it does not
pay to keep a cow that gives less milk than the quantity men-
tioned, and we believe with the present abundance of improved
breeds of cattle there is no excuse for keeping a poor animal.
Many thorough-breds can be now purchased at prices very
little above that of common stock, so that the cost should not
stand in the way of any one really wishing to improve his herd.
To show the absolute need of improvement, we would state
that according to statistics prepared a few years ago, the
average in N. Y. dairies was 1300 qts. per cow, and in the best
dairies only 1800 qts. 2000 qts. is a fair yield : but is it
sufficient at present prices to leave any profit after the keep,
&c., has been deducted ?

The farmer who sells his milk at the door or delivers it to
the contractor on the cars gets from 2 to 3 cts. per quart.
Will a cow, yielding 2000 qts. per year, pay for her keep at
these prices ? We think not. This brings us to the cost of
keeping a cow : — Reckoning 7 months at $6 and 5 months at
$3 for feed — a low estimate where milk is the object, — we have
$57 for the year. 1000 qts. at 2| cts. and 1000 qts. at 3 cts.

*The Nation, Dec. 19, 1878.

29

equal to S55 ; there is no profit. Consequently it is evident
that the quantity of milk must be increased or the price must
be raised to leave any margin or profit. If you increase the
yield to 2500 qts. per year its value will be $68.75, a profit of
$11.75. Unless the farmer has the means of sending his
milk direct to market, we imagine he will find it easier to
increase the yield than to advance the price.

Butter. — Would there be more money in making butter or
cheese than in selling milk at these prices ? Let us see. 2000
qts., allowing 12 qts. to the pound, would produce say 167 lbs.
of butter, which at 30 cts. would come to $50.10 ; deducting 5
cts. per lb. for making and marketing leaves $41.75, the butter
and skim milk ; the latter are valuable if fed on the farm, and
tend to prevent exhaustion of soil.

Cheese. — 2000 qts. of milk, allowing 4| qts. to the pound,
would produce 444 lbs. of cheese, which at 10 cents per pound,
would be $44.40, less cost of making, &c., 2| cents per pound,
leaves only $33.30 and the whey. If the above figures are
correct, they would seem to prove conclusively that milk at
even 2| cents per quart for the whole year would give the
producer more money than either butter or cheese. We are
aware that many dairies receive more than 30 cents per pound
for butter, but we also know that many more receive less.

While every effort should be made to increase the yield of
the herd, there is a way by adopting which, the price of milk
could be legitimately raised to the great benefit of all concern-
ed, that is, the bringing of the producer into direct communi-
cation with the consumer. How can this be brought about ?
In two ways, namely : either individually to send the milk di-
rect to market, or enter into an agreement with other parties
with similar interests, and accomplish the same object by uni-
ted efforts.

The first method has the merit of independence and can,
perhaps, be managed as economically as the last, where large
quantities of milk can be made on a farm. The last method
is especially adapted to farmers keeping fewer cows who thus,

30

by united action, are able to stand on the same level as the
larger farmers. In this way co-operation would give an oppor-
tunity of selling milk which otherwise would be beyond the
reach of many. Co-operative milk selling is not a new thing.
The Aylesbury Milk Co. of England, and the Rockland Milk
Co. of New York, are good examples of what may be accom-
plished.

" It is only by a union of interests and action that the pro-
ducers of milk can expect to become successful milk, sellers.
Already we hear of individual effort acting with insufficient
information, and really in competition with those who are work-
ing under a similar line of policy. It would seem more busi-
ness-like for such producers as wish to sell their milk direct to
city consumers, to join some efficient organization and pull to-
gether. In this connection we learn that the United Society
of Milk Sellers, with C. W. Felt of Northboro as manager, is
now fairly in operation, and with prospect of a large business.
The aim of this society is to sell milk direct from producer to
consumer, and to reduce the cost of transportation."*

At Quakertown, Bucks Co., Pa., the dairymen lately became
so disgusted with the price of milk sent to milkmen in Phila-
delphia— it having fallen to two cents per quart, delivered —
that they met and formed a Dairy Association, with a capital
of $4000, and built a creamery of the most approved form.
We do not at this time propose to enter into a discussion of the
merits of co-operative cheese and butter making, which has re-
sulted in the establishment of a large number of factories all
over the country, and has added so much to the wealth of the
farming community, but shall confine our attention more par-
ticularly to the milk question.

A law passed by our last Legislature provides that all rail-
road corporations shall furnish the same facilities to a farmer
wishing to send one can of milk as to persons sending larger
quantities ; so that at the present time the producer is not at

* American Cultivator, Aug. 30, 1879.

31

the mercy of the contractor to take whatsoever price may be
offered, if he will only put himself in direct commnnicatiois
with the consumer and take the responsibility of sending his
own milk to market.

The economy of cooperation commends itself. One man, one
horse, and one wagon may take the milk of a dozen, or perhaps
of a less number of producers to the railroad depot, or deliver
it when possible, directly at the doors of consumers. The
outlay of capital is thus borne by all interested in the ^under-
taking, and not by one individual.

" If farmers understood the business details of their industry,
if they had sufficient business discipline to confer with each
other, and carefully determine, on commercial principles, what
they ought to charge for their products, — having formed such
cooperative associations as could execute their united will —
they could then fix the prices of all their commodities, and
hold them as steadily as they are now held after they get into
the hands of commercial dealers. But the difficulty is, that
farmers associate so little with each other, have never entered
into any rational cooperation, but rather considered each other
as competitors to be out-manoeuvered in trade." ..." If they
understood the situation, they would see that the real interests
of farmers are mutual and reciprocal — that there can be no
natural antagonism between them."

" Until they are educated in common business principles,
and can see the identity and mutuality of their interests, and
form associations to direct in the disposal of their great staple
crops, their interests will be traded upon without consulting
them by the whole middle-men class.

" We do not condemn the middle-men. They merely act
for themselves — buy the best they can, and sell the same.
They, form commercial alliances and boards of trade, and
strengthen themselves in the most sensible way, although there
is not the necessity for it as with farmers. But farmers pas-
sively submit to their decision — submit to the inevitable. And
this must continue, there is no help for it, till farmers shall

32

think and act for themselves : and this requires so radical a
change in this great body of society, that its accomplishment
must be of slow growth.

" It is because these milk dairymen, who, producing the milk,
may regulate its sale, on the principle of supply and demand,
do not form associations for that purpose, that these ' few milk
dealers' are kind enough to fix the price for them. They mere-
ly perform a duty that the milk dairymen omit ! This is just
like the self-sacrificing spirit of the middle-men everywhere.
They are always spending their time in fixing the prices for
the farmers : and yet the farmers do not seem to appreciate it."*

A very recent effort " for giving people good milk and farm-
ers a fair profit," reported in the New York World, seems
worthy of notice, as showing the tendency towards co-operation.

At a meeting of the Bedford Farmers' Club, at the residence
of Mr. John Jay, near Katonah, Westchester Co., the follow-
ing resolutions were adopted : —

1. That a committee of three be appointed to consider the
feasibility of co-operation by the farmers of the vicinity, for
tlie direct delivery, under their own direction, of milk and
other farm products, to the consumers in New York, particular-
ly as regards milk, the prices paid by the consumer and that
received by the farmer. And the committee be requested to re-
port their opinion on the tendency of such direct delivery, to
economize expense, to harmonize the interests of the producer
and consumer, to enlarge the share of profit coming to the
farmer and the certainty of its returns, and as regards the
consumer, on its tendency to afford additional security against
adulteration, short measure and misrepresentation of any kind
touching the character and value of the article.

2. That the said Committee, if persuaded of the feasibility
of such an arrangement, be requested to report fully their
views and to submit a plan for putting the scheme into opera-
tion, with provision for securing in all cases a proper standard

* National Live Stock Journal.

33

of excellence for maintaining alike the reputation of the farm-
ers and the confidence of the public.

In offering the resolutions, Mr. Jay said that co-operation
had received great attention in Germany and England, and has
been considered in this country by all business men excepting
farmers. Other business men have tried to protect their rights
and enlarge their interests, while the farmers, who are the chief
national strength, have stayed in a condition of feeble inde-
pendence, without protecting themselves against railroads and
partial legislation.

The report of the above mentioned committee will be anx-
iously awaited by all interested in the milk business.

Is it necessary for the farmers of Essex county to delay any
longer in taking steps for the accomplishment of that vvhich
must evidently be for their mutual benefit ? We think not.

Two profits can no longer be derived from the milk business,
therefore the middle-men should give place to the farmer, who
should demand and take the whole profit, for he deserves and
needs it.

The time for action has arrived, when all good-intending
milk producers, especially in the neighborhood of large towns
or cities, should organize and " pull together," either for co-
operative milk selling, or to fix a scale of prices, and provide
means to prosecute the adulterators of that health-giving lac-
teal fluid so bountifully yielded by " Queen Cow."

J. D. W. Fkench, Chairman.

STATEMENT OF JOHN S. IVES.

Salem, Sept. 30, 1879.
I enter for the consideration of your Committee my Grade
Milch Cow, 8 years old. She dropped her last calf April 2,
1879, and will calve again Feb. 10th, being nearly five months
with calf. From June 1st to June 10th, (10 days) she milked
207 quarts, or 20 2-3 quarts per day ; from Sept. 15th to Sept.
25th (^10 days), this month, she milked 110 quarts, or 11
quarts per day. She was fed last winter with corn fodder and

3

u

Hungarian Hay, with two buckets of Mangel Wurtzels per
day ; " no grain." This summer she has run in a common
pasture with fifteen cows, and at night fed with corn fodder.

STATEMENT OF A. P. & R. ALLEY.

To the Committee on Milch Cows : —

We enter for premium our milch cow Mary, of Ayrshire and
Short Horn blood, eleven years old ; calved March 27, 1878 ;
began measuring her milk April 1.

Record of her milk.

527 quarts.
. 536

April,

May, .

June,

July, .

August,

September,

October, .

November,

December,

January,

657
618
569
523
432
329
272
203

4666

a

ii

n

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

Her feed for April and May was two bushels of carrots and
mangolds mixed, and plenty of good hay.

From June 1 to July 25, pasture and three quarts meal and
three quarts of shorts a day.

From July 25 to Oct. 1, two bushels of small potatoes a day
and pasture.

From October to middle of November, two bushels of squash
a day and pasture.

From middle of November to end of year, two bushels tur-
nips, English hay and rowen.

STATEMENT OP G. C. NOYES.

One Grade Ayrshire Cow, eight years old, her Dam 3-4 Ayr-

35

shire 1-4 Durham, sired by an Ayrshire Bull. She now gives
twenty-two quarts of milk per day. Least milk in a year five
quarts per day — not dry at all.

Feed — four quarts fine feed and two quarts of meal per day.

She dropped calf two weeks ago.

STATEMENT OP GEO. K. PEVEAR.

Cow " May Flower," fawn and white, dropped May 1, 1872.
Sire, R. S. Rogers's Bull. Dam, Pansy, od. No. 718. Jersey
Herd Book, Vol. III.

" May Flower" dropped " Kate" March 12, 1879. When
she was in full milk, she gave 20 quarts, and for an average of
six months, 16 quarts per day.

May 25, she gave 37 lbs. of milk.

a

26

39

(C

27

38

((

28

39

((

29

40

li

30

37

a

31

40

7 days 240 pounds or 111.6 qts. milk,

from which we made 11^ pounds of butter.

She is now giving 10 quarts of very rich milk, per day.

We know but little about making butter, and don't know as
the record she makes is a good one, but we do know that the
butter was first class. Perhaps persons knowing more about
making butter, would have made more pounds from the milk.

" Kate," — Calf. Sired by Champion, and owned by Henry
Saltonstall, Esq., of West Peabody, Mass. Dam, May Flow-
er, dropped March 12, 1879. 6 n^onths 18 days old.

STATEMENT OP CHAS. J. PEABODY.

To the Committee on Milch Cows : —

Gentlemen : — I enter for premium for the cow that makes

4
36

the most butter in any week from June 1 to Sept. 15, my cow
" Pet." She is nine years old, was raised by me and is three-
fourths Jersey. She calved in June last, and gave at time of
calving fourteen quarts of milk per day, on grass only. She
has had no grain this season, and has made one pound of but-
ter per day in the month of September up to the 25th, with
grass and one feed of corn fodder per day. While this is not
an extraordinary amount, I think it above the average consid-
ering the season of the year and the keeping.

HERDS OF MILCH COWS.

The Committee on Herds of Milch Cows report as follows :

1st premium, $18.00, to J. W. Blodgett, of Saugus.

3d premium, $10.00, to Charles J. Peabody, of Topsfield.

Two herds only were entered for premium. The President
of the Society, Mr. Benjamin P. Ware, entered a herd of five
cows for exhibition ; having taken a premium at a previous
fair they were not entitled to another. The example of Mr.
Ware, in being at the trouble and expense of exhibiting his
herd, with no expectation of a premium, is deserving of men-
tion and worthy of more frequent imitation.

There was the same failure by exhibitors as occurs every
year, to comply with the requirements of the society as to a
detailed statement of the keeping and yield of their cows.
The rule of the society requires " a correct statement of the
manner of keeping and yield for six months preceding the en-
try, or if all have not been in milk six months, then for a
shorter time."

Mr. Blodgett gives the amount of milk sold, but not the
amount actually produced, for he says part of it " was used in
rearing stock," and besides, it is fair to presume that his fami-
ly was not altogether deprived of a portion of it ; nor is it a
very violent presumption to suppose that the " rearing of
stock" may refer to that reared in the house as well as to that

37

reared in the barn ; but neither he nor Mr. Peabody says any-
thing as to the yield of individual animals.

Each gives the date of the dropping of the last calf, but Mr.
Blodgett gives no information at all as to the time of dropping
the next calf. Mr. Peabody gives the time of the next calving
of only three of his cows ; the inference is that they are not in
calf. These are important and, indeed, necessary elements in
judging of the actual and comparative value of a herd of cows,
and ought always to be stated.

Mr. Blodgett's exhibit was a very fine one. The cows were
nearly all thoroughbred Ayrshires, the residue grade Ayrshires,
and were all handsome, of good size, possessing all the points
for which the good judge of a good cow always looks. They
were in excellent condition, indicating the best of care and
good feeding ; any cow in the herd was fit for the butcher.

His statement shows the average daily yield for six months
to have been 8.7 quarts per cow, without deducting the un-
known quantity used in " rearing stock," whether in the house
or in the barn. The committee judged, from verbal statements,
that the average yield per cow, had all the milk been account-
ed for, would have been fully ten quarts per day, a good show-
ing considering the times of the dropping of the calves.

Mr. Peabody's statement discloses poor feeding, and the ap-
pearance of the cows and their product for six months, cor-
roborate his written statement. And yet the cows were natu-
rally good milch cows — better than the average — and with bet-
ter care and better feeding would have been a much more
profitable herd.

The statement of each is annexed to this report.

The committee desire to express the hope that the Secretary
may be able, in some way, to bring to the notice of the farmers
of the county the importance and necessity of a full and accu-
rate statement of the manner of keeping and yield, not only
of the herd but of all the necessary facts concerning each cow
of the herd. The committee were all present.

H. G. Herrick, Horace C. Ware, Alden C. Estes, Samuel A.
Merrill, Elias Andrews — Committee.

38

STATEMENT OF J. W. BLODGETT.

To the Committee on Herd of Milch Cows of Essex Co., Mass. :
Gents : — During the past six months I have kept eighteen
cows ; I have thirteen entered at the fair and five at home on
the sick list. During the months of April and May the cows
were fed on salt hay, with the exception of one feed per day
of English hay, also, from six to eight quarts each of equal
parts of Oil meal, Indian meal and shorts. The balance of
the time they have run to pasture and had from two to four
quarts of the same grain and what hay or corn fodder they
would take. A part of the milk has been used for rearing
stock.

Following I give the time each cow has calved ; also, the
number of cans of milk, containing eight and one-half quarts,
sold per month :

Moll Pitcher,

dropped

calf, Feb. 24,1879.

Susy Avondale,

a

a

Dec. 1, 1878.

Frolic 4th,

a

a

Oct. 14,1878.

Mary Burke, •

11

ii

Nov. 9, 1878.

Dolly 2d,

lost

a

May 17,1879.

Parepa Rosa,

dropped

a

Dec. 28, 1878.

Lady Lyman,

((

a

Jan. 6, 1879.

Elsie,

11

a

March 1, 1879.

Louise,

((

;(

June 20, 1879.

Pet,

li

a

April 13, 1879.

Pride of Saugus,

it

a

May, 1879.

Flora,

11

a

March, 1879.

Nellie,

li

li

March 28, 1879.

Jennie,

a

li

March 27, 1879.

My r tie,

it

11

May 1, 1879.

Duchess,

It

((

May 9, 1879.

Elsie Saunders,

u

;(

Nov. 27,1878.

Christmas,

((

u

April 17, 1879.

Milk sold as follows :—

-

April, 1879,

• ■

544 Cans.

660 (

Jan

611

((

5861

a

5041

a

4351

a

39

May, 1879, .

June, "

July, "

Aug., "

Sept., "

STATEMENT OF CHARLES J. PEABODY.

This herd of Milch Cows, eight in number, entered for pre-
mium, has not been fixed up to exhibit, but came from home
with no extra feed or care. I describe them by number as they
stand in the pens.

No. 1. Is a native cow, 11 years of age ; calved, July 25 ;
gave then 13 qts. per day, now gives 10|.

No. 2. Is grade Jersey, 9 years old ; calved, July 18 ; gave
then 15 quarts per day, now gives 12.

No. 3. Native, 7 years old ; calved, Dec. 28, 1878, will
next calve in December or January ; gave, at time of calving,
14 quarts per day, has been dry about 20 days.

No. 4. Grade Jersey, 9 years old ; calved in June last ;
then gave 14 quarts per day, now gives 10. Raised by me.

No. 5. Grade Ayrshire, 4 years old ; calved in July ; then
gave 12 quarts per day, now gives 9. Raised by me.

No. 6. Grade Ayrshire, 4 years old ; said to have calved in
April, will next calve, April 4. I bought her in June ; then
gave 1\ quarts per day, now gives 5^.

No. 7. Grade Jersey, 3 years old ; calved, March 20 ; then
gave 9 quarts, now gives 6 quarts per day ; will next calve in
April. Raised by me.

No. 8. Grade Jersey ; calved, May 10 ; then gave 11 qts.,
now gives 8 per day ; will next calve May 1. This I also
raised.

The whole produce of the herd since April 1, 1879, is as
follows —

Butter, 370 pounds.

40

Milk, 2160 quarts. This is in addition to the amount used
in the manufacture of butter.

Calves sold to the amount of $22.50.

Skimmed milk and butter milk, fed to pigs, estimated to be
worth one cent per quart, 130.00.

The cows were fed in winter five times per day, 2 feeds salt
hay, 2 corn stalks, 1 English hay, 4 to 6 quarts cob meal to
each of those giving milk.

Summer feed, grass only from May 15 to Aug. 1, from which
date to Sept. 27, corn fodder at night in addition. No grain is
fed.

Milked at half past five in the morning, half past six at
night.

Watered twice a day in winter, water in the pasture and in
the yard at night.

HEIFERS— FIRST CLASS.

The Committee award to :

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, Thoroughbred Ayrshire 2 years
old, 1st premium, $12.

H. A. Pevear, Lynn, Jersey do do, 1st premium, $12.
J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, Ayrshire, 2nd premium, $6.
J. A. Rogers, James Nason, Henry E. Kimball — Oommittee.

HEIFERS— SECOND CLASS.

The Committee on Native or Grade Heifers have attended
to their duty and have awarded the premiums as follows :

To John S. Ives, Salem, on his 3 year old Heifer in milk,
the 1st premium, $12.

To John A. Jones, Lynn, on his 3 year old Heifer in milk,
the second premium, $6.

41

To Sydney F. Newman, Newbury, on his 2 year old Heifer,
the first premium of $6.00

To John S, Ives, Salem, on his 2 year old Heifer, the 2d
premium of $4.00

To Sidney F. Newman, Newbury, on his Heifer Calf, 10
months old, the first premium of $5.00. On his Heifer Calf,
8 months old, the 2d premium of $3.00.

Aaron Low, H. C. Harnden, H. W. Foster, David Stiles —
Gommittee.

TOWN TEAMS.

The Committee award to the citizens of Lynn for town
team of Horses, 1st premium, $30.00.

T. T. Paine, Jos. Longfellow, J. R. Allen — Committee.

WORKING OXEN AND STEERS.

To Henry Gardner of Peabody, for Working Oxen, 1st
premium, $12.

To R. S. Bray, of Newbury, for do do, 2d premium, $10.

To J. J. H. Gregory, of Marblehead, for do do, 3d premium,
$8.

To Horace P. Noyes, of Newbury, for Working Steers, 1st
premium, $10.

To W. W. Perkins, of Newbury, for do do, 2d premium, $8.

Daniel G. Todd, Hartwell B. Abbott, Dudley Bradstreet,
Caleb Childs, R. W. Ricker — Committee.

STEERS.

The Committee on Steers found four pairs of Hereford
Steers all well broken, and presented for premiums, by Byron
K. and Benjamin and Ralph Farnum, of North Andover,

t2

grandsons of Mr. Jacob Farnum, who, with his sons, have
ever taken quite an interest in our exhibitions, and we wish
this spirit of encouraging the boys might be more generally
displayed by the members of our society. The 2 years old
Steers, presented by Byron K. Farnum, attracted great atten-
tion, as they were broken to work on either side, and handy
without a yoke, and we awarded him the first premium of $6,
and also the 1st premium of $4 on his 6 months calves ; and
to Benny and Ralph Farnum, the 1st premium of $5 for their
yearlings, and on their two years old, the 2d premium, $5.

The Committee consider the boys entitled to great credit for
the thorough manner in which the steers were all broken, and
would suggest that the society offer a premium for the best
broken Steers of 2 years old and under that age.

Respectfully submitted for the Committee,

B. S. Barnes, Chairman.

STALLIONS.

The Committee on Stallions would report that they have
awarded the first premium of 815 to George W. Rogers, of
Salem, for his 5 year old Stallion : the second premium, of
$10, to Chas. S. Clark, of Salem, for his 5 year old Stallion,
Lexington ; the third premium, of |8, to H. M. George, of
Saugus, for his 4 year old Stallion, Volunteer Prince. In the
second class they have awarded to J. J. Downing, Andover,
the first premium of $10, for his three year old Stallion Colt,
it being the only one offered for premium. They have award-
ed the special premium, of $25, to Alley & Crownmshield, for
their Stallion, Winchester.

Wm. Cogswell, Chairman.

BROOD MARES.
The Committee have met and examined all the Brood Mares

43"

and foals offered for premium, and award the premiums as fol-
lows : —

The first premium, of $15, to E. & A. W. Mansfield, of Pea-
body ; second premium, of $10, to Chas. 0. Beede, of Lynn ;
third premium, of $8, to J. H. Preble, of Lynn.

C. H. Gould, A. B. Woodis, George P. Wilkins, M. B. Mer-
rill— Committee.

FAMILY HORSES.

The Committee on Family Horses met on the Fair grounds
at the time appointed, and having attended to their duty would
submit the following report to the Society.

There were seven horses of this class presented for our ex-
amination, not one of their owners having complied strictly
with the plain and necessary rules of the society. But in jus-
tice to the animals presented, as well as their owners, the com-
mittee, after very careful examination, awarded the following
premiums : —

H. M. George, East Saugus, first premium, $15.

John Grout, of Danvers, second premium, $10.

Daniel G. Todd, of Rowley, third premium, $8.

In concluding this report, your Committee would make a
few suggestions which, if regarded by competitors for premi-
ums in this class of horses, would prevent much disappoint-
ment among the owners of these animals, and save the com-
mittees much useless labor.

First, the family horse should be perfectly sound, from end
to end, and free from all habits or tricks that would render
him unsafe for any adult member of the family to use for all
family purposes.

Second, he should be of fair size, not weighing less than a
thousand pounds nor more than eleven hundred pounds.

Third, and in order to secure that development and culture
necessary in a family horse, the animal should not be less than
six years old, (eight would be better) nor more than ten or

I4

twelve. Colts may have all the qualities prospectively, but
they need time and cultivation to mature into the perfect fami-
ly horse.

Fourth, remember that this class of horses does not embrace
the extremes of the cart or draft horse on the one hand, nor
the exclusively trotting horse on the other, however desirable
these qualities may be in their proper class.

Fifth, when you have such an animal and desire to enter it
for a premium in this class, then make your entry at the Sec-
retary's office at the proper time, accompanied with a written
statement of the condition, age, weight, habits, and, if possible,
the pedigree of your horse, signing your full name to your
statement, and then be sure to be at the pens at the time ap-
pointed for the committee to make their examination, with
suitable harness and carriage in which to show your animals,
and to answer any questions the committee may wish to ask.

0. S. Butler, Chairman ; Henry A. Burnham, M. C. An-
drews, A. E. Lufkin, J. N. Rolfe. — Committee.

FARM AND DRAFT HORSES.

The Committee report that nine horses were entered for
premium, and all performed the work well. We award the
four premiums at our disposal according to the best of our
ability. There were horses weighing 1200 lbs., and also, those
weighing 150 to 175 lbs. less, all doing their work well.

Other horses were exhibited that were not employed on
farms all the time, which we think should not compete with
those used on farms exclusively.

We want for a farm horse, a fair traveller, and one that is
sure at a pull, and also free from nervousness.

We award the first premium to R. S. Bray, of Newbury, |15.

Second, to J. A. Illsley, of Georgetown, $12.

Third, to W. A. Dane, of Hamilton, |10.

Fourth, to A. P. & R. Alley, of Marblehead, $6.

H. M. Goodrich, H. Young — Committee.

PAIRS OF DRAFT HORSES.

The Committee on pairs of draft horses award premiums as
follows : —

To Edward P. Perley, of Danvers, first premium, S15.00.
To A. P. & R. Alley, of Marblehead, 2d premium, $10.00.
To Jonas Rollins, of Danvers, 3d premium, $5.00.

C. H. Gould, D. Knowlton, Wm. Thurlow, David Stiles, S.
S. Pratt, A. B. Woodis — Committee.

COLTS— FIRST CLASS.

The Committee report as follows : —

Four Years Old Colts, five entries. Reuben Alley, Marble-
head, first premium, |12; John Gibney, Salem, 2d premium,
$8 ; Amos F. Breed, Lynn, fourth premium, $5.

Three Years Old, three entries. G. A. Newhall, Lynn, first
premium, $10.

Edward Kent, Albert Kimball, Aaron Knowlton, Horace
Ware — Committee.

COLTS— SECOND CLASS.

The Committee report, for Two Years Old — H. M. George,
Saugus, first premium, $8 ; J. P. Palmer, Swampscott, second
premium, $5.

Yearling — D. G. Todd, Rowley, first premium, 16.

James Flint, J. A. Hoyt, Committee.

SWINE.— FIRST CLASS.

The Committee on Swine met on the grounds and report as
follows : —

Alfred P. Merritt, entered three Poland China Pigs, but no

l6

premium can be given, as the rules require " not less than four
to be entered."

Asa T. Newhall, Lynn, Litter Weaned Pigs, first premium,
$10.00 ; M. Birmingham, Salem, second premium, 16.00.

S. E. Marsh, Lynn, Breeding Sow, first premium, $10.00 ;
William Gaynon, Lynn, second premium, $6.00.

William Birmingham, Salem, Boar, first premium, $10.00.

B. P. Ware, not having given the age of his Litter, no pre-
mium can be given.

The task of awarding was a very light one, owing to the
small exhibit, there being not above two entries in any class,
which seems to show a lack of interest on the part of the
members of the society.

It seems a duty of the Committee to urge upon exhibitors
the necessity of complying with the rules in regard to making
full statements, as for instance : — one of the finest litters of pigs
at the fair had no statement as to their age, debarring them, of
course, from competition. Another exhibitor, showed only three,
when there should have been four. It is apparent, that the
pig is a neglected beast, and his requirements should be studied
more closely. All of us would do well to go to our Irish neigh-
bor and learn points from him. It is a noticeable fact, that he
always has a good animal, and for the very reason that he takes
good care of him.

F. S. C. Herrick, S. Longfellow, R. G. Buxton, George L.
Hawkes — Committee.

SWINE— SECOND CLASS.

The Committee award as follows : —

T. Jefierson Coolidge, Manchester, Breeding Sow, first pre-
mium, $10.00 ; Robert G. Buxton, Peabody, 2d premium, $6.

Robert G. Buxton, Peabody, Boar, first premium, $10.00.

Daniel Carlton, North Andover, Weaned Pigs, second pre-
mium, $6.

4T

Doane Cogswell, Jasper Rea, David Wentzell, Albert Berry,
John Foster — Committee.

SHEEP.

Tho Committee award as follows : —

To James Marsh, Peabody, for best ten Sheep, three years
old, and upwards, first premium, |8.

William G. Horton, Ipswich, Full Blood Cotswold Buck,
first premium, $8.

Otis F. Putnam, Danvers, Cotswold Buck, 2d premium, $4.

A. L. Moore, John A. Hoyt, Henry G. Kimball, Moses A.
Plummer — Committee.

POULTRY— FIRST CLASS.
The Committee award as follows : —

To D. R. Palmer, Swampscott, Buff Cochin Fowls, second
premium, $1.50.

C. L. Beckett, Peabody, Lt. Brahma Fowls, first premium,
$3; W. M. Ward, Peabody, second premium, $1.50.

W. M. Ward, Peabody, Lt. Brahma Chicks, first premium,
$2 ; C. L. Beckett, Peabody, second premium, $1.

S. B. Marsh, Lynu, Ducks, first premium, 12.

C. L. Beckett, Peabody, best Collection of Fowls, diploma.

M. N. Branscomb, Lynn, Lt. Brahma Chicks, gratuity, 50 c.

Peter M. Neal, Lynn, for Coop of Fowls showing greatest
profit, first premium, $5. This flock, of four Light Brahma
hens, and eight others, cross of the same breed, show a profit
of $63.25 for one year. (See statement.)

Fred. J. Coffin, Daniel Buxton, jr., W. H. Allen — Com-
mittee.

STATEMENT OF P. M. NEAL.

I put four Light Brahma hens two years old, three Brown

48

Leghorn, two years old, and eight cross of the same, 1 year
old, with one rooster, in my hennery on the 1st day of Jan'y,
1878. They had the range of my garden, with the exception
of about four and a half months, during the warmest weather.
All weeds from my garden were deposited within their enclos-
ure— in fact, they had grass or weeds every day during the
spring and summer, and during the winter I gave them two or
three times a week some green vegetables cut up, such as tur-
nips, beets, carrots, cabbages, &c. The sides of my hennery
and the nests are lined with coal-tar paper, and I have never
seen any vermin in the pens since I adopted this method. I
also put kerosene oil on the roosts as often as twice a month.
If any one will adopt this plan and keep the premises clean
and give plenty of fresh water and good food, there will be
but little danger of disease among their fowl. Below I give
the produce of these fifteen hens for one year with the cost of
keeping. The price of the eggs may appear a little high, but
as I used them in my own family, I have given the price at
what they were worth at retail for fresh eggs.

Jan., 13 8-12 dozen eg^

Feb.,

15 5-12

March,

25 11-12

April,

25 4-12

May,

19 3-12

June,

19 9-12

July,

23 7-12

Aug.,

18

Sept.,

17 7-12

Oct.,

9 10-12

Nov.,

4 8-12

Dec,

3 7-12

a

u

((

a

;(

((

((

u

u

ii

n

a

u

u

((

u

n

ii

a

n

ii

ii

196 2-12
Dressed poultry, 81 1-2 pounds
Added to stock, 17 hens at 75 cts.,

Gross receipts,

35 cts..

, 14.64

35 "

5.40

25 "

6.48

22 "

5.57

25 "

4.82

25 "

4.94

23 "

5.40

22 "

3.96

25 "

4.40

33 "

3.25

40 "

1.87

40 "

1.43

152 16

ids.

18 74

75 cts.,

12 75

$83 65

49

Gross receipts, - $83 65

Cost : — 28 bushels corn and meal, 60 cts., 16 80

2 bushels wheat screenings, 11.00, 2 00

2 bushels barley, 80 cts., 1 60 20 40

Net profits, 163 25

I have made no account of waste from the house, but as an
offset the Indian meal used in the house was all charged to
hen's account. I have three barrels of pure hen manure, worth
at least $1.50 per barrel.

POULTRY— SECOND CLASS.

The Committee award : —

To G. W. Harris, Lynn, for Sea Bright Bantam Chicks, 1st
premium, $2.

Stephen Connolly, Beverly, Game Bantam Chicks, 1st pre-
mium, $2 ; W. M. Ward, Peabody, 2d premium, $1.

H. Morton, Lynn, Plymouth Rock Chicks, 1st premium, $2 ;
P^ M. Neal, Lynn, 2d premium, $1.

Robert Winn, Salem, W, Leghorn Chicks, 1st premium, $2;
E. W. Pecker, Lynn, 2d premium, $1.

E. H. Barnard, A. F. Harvey, John I. Ladd — Committee.

PLOUGHING— DOUBLE TEAMS.

The Committee award to : —

Joseph Goodridge, West Newbury, Eagle 20, 1st prem., $12.

J. L. Farnham, North Andover, Hussey, 2d prem., $10.

Jaques & Bray, Newbury, Eagle 20, 3d prem., $9.

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, G. W. Winslow, Ploughman,
4th prem., $8. Plough made by Mr. Winslow, who ploughed
at the show forty-nine years ago.

James P. King, Wilbur F. Procter, Alvin Smith, T. G. Ord-
way, Hiram Goodhue — Committee.
4

60

PLOUGHING— SINGLE TEAMS.

The Committee award to : —

J. J. H. Gregory, of Marblehead, Lion Plough, 1st prem.,

$10.

R. T. Jaques, Newbury, Hussey Plough, 2d prera., $7.
W. E. Merrill, Newbury, Hussey Plough, 3d prem., $5.

Horace Ware, Henry W. Foster, Daniel G. Todd, Aaron
Knowlton, Edward Kent — Committee.

PLOUGHING WITH TWO HORSES.

The Committee award to : —

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, Oliver Chilled Plough, 1st prem.,
$12.

Asa T. Newhall, Lynn, Oliver Chilled Plough, 2d prem.,
$10.

Poor and Maguire, West Newbury, 3d prem., $8.

R. S. Bray, Newbury, 4th prem., $6.

Paul T. Winkley, Jr., Newburyport, 5th prem., $4.

Wm. E. Kimball, A. M. Robinson, David Smith, D. M.
Cole, E. Harrington — Committee.

PLOUGHING WITH THREE OR MORE HORSES.

The Committee award : —

To A. P. & R. Alley, Marblehead, Oliver Chilled Plough No.
40, R. Alley, driver, Peter Winslow, Ploughman, 1st prem.,
$10.

Ansel W. Putnam, C. J. Peabody, J. G. Page, Anthony
Hatch — Committee.

51

PLOUGHING WITH SWIVEL PLOUGHS.

There were three entries for Swivel Ploughs. There were
horse teams entered by Edward P. Perley and Jonas Rollins
of Danvers, two horses each. One ox-team entered by Messrs.
Wilkins and Bachelder, of Middleton.

The work done by the horse teams was good, and that done
by Mr. Perley particularly so. The furrows were turned over
fair and handsome.

Your committee would recommend tlie first premium of ten
dollars to Edward P. Perley. The plough he used was Pettin-
gill's patent No. 3.

They would recommend the second premium of six dollars
to Jonas Rollins. He used the Granger Plough No. 3.

The work done by the ox-team was not so good as that done
by the horse teams. After some consultation among the Com-
mittee, they concluded to recommend the fourth premium of
five dollars to be paid to Messrs. Wilkins and Batchelder.

The writer is of the opinion that farmers often mistake in
using light ploughs, thinking by so doing a lighter team will
answer the purpose, and thereby save expense. We mean par-
ticularly on rocky land or where there are pebble stones.

We remember a case many years ago when the fair was held
in Andover, a man in Methuen concluded to try his luck with
a two-horse team. He went to one of the manufacturers in
Boston who proposed giving him a plough provided he would
take the first premium. He brought home two ploughs of dif-
ferent sizes and to our field to try them. He at first used the
lighter one which was not satisfactory, as it was disturbed by
some small stones in the soil. He then used the larger one
which made good work. He used it at the fair, took the first
premium, and kept the plough as a gratuity. We afterwards
purchased the plough and it proved a good one. The lighter
plow might have answered well where the land was light and
free of stones.

Joseph How, Ghairman.

52

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

The exhibition of Agricultural Implements, though not a
large one, contained, as usual, some excellent specimens of
that ingenuity for which the inhabitants of the United States
have acquired a world-wide reputation. Whittemore Bros, of
Boston were the principal exhibitors, presenting some seventy-
five implements. Among them the Oliver Chilled Plough, the
Yankee Hay Rake, and Woods' Mowing Machine appeared
to the Committee to be especially worthy of commendation.
The clause in the regulations of the society, that " No premi-
um or gratuity will be awarded for any Mower, Horse Rake,
Tedder or other machine, the merit of which can be known
only by actual trial in the field," is evidently founded in good
practical sense, and with such limitation to their sphere of ac-
tion, the Committee will only say that the Oliver plough struck
their eye as having a very good thing in its " jointer," a kind
of a junior plough share, which looked as though it might turn
down, for covering with the main plough, tall grass and weeds,
thus saving the labor of roughly cutting over with a scythe.
The Yankee Horse Rake appeared to be free from the great
fault of most of the class, scratching the ground, and filling
the hay with dust ; indeed, one of the well-known farmer fam-
ily of the Bushbys, who chanced to be near, gave, as his ex-
perience in their use, that the hay raked by them was as free
from dust as when hand raked. The improved Woods' Mow-
ing Machine is understood to have combined with the old ma-
chine all the good features of the Sprague Mower.

The Granger Plow, exhibited by the Wadleigh Plow Co. of
Meredith, N. H., was of the swivel class, having the peculiari-
ty of a double mould board, by which it was claimed that the
work done was equal to that by the best of landside plows,
which would certainly be a great gain when, with all their ex-
cellent qualities, the deficiencies of the swivel class of plows
are considered. To the committee, the plow appeared to han-
dle rather heavy and be a little complicated in its struc-

1

53

ture, but the idea of a double mould board struck thera as a
valuable novelty worthy of recognition.

E. S. Flint of Danvers exhibited a Hand Corn Planter.
This implement appeared to do its work well for hill planting,
for which it was evidently designed, but why will farmers
plant in hills, either corn or potatoes, when drill planting has
been proved to yield greater crops, while with modern imple-
ments the crops thus planted can be cultivated at less expense ?
Isaac Little, of Newbury, exhibited a patent Horse Hitch,
which struck the committee as likely to be a good thing with a
class of horses, though, as was suggested, it would be likely to
do best with those horses that do not need hitchings. Still the
great importance of encouraging any device that might prevent
some of that class of deplorable accidents with which the daily
press teem, led the committee to recognize it with a premium.

It was a matter of some surprise that no specimen of the
Manure Spreading Cart was on exhibition. The Chairman has
two in use on his Middleton farms, and is exceedingly pleased
with them. No hand work can compare with what they do,
either in rapidity or thoroughness of work. The manure is
torn into fine particles which flow in a continuous stream from
the rear of the cart. The bottom is an endless apron which
passes the manure to the rear, where it is torn asunder and scat-
tered in a fine shower by a revolving cylinder set with spikes,
which extends the width of the cart. The coarsest, the rough-
est and the toughest of manures are all mastered by it. Three
men loaded and spread forty loads of rough compost in a day,
when the land was not far from the manure heap. As every
practical farmer knows, fine manure thoroughly spread, is
worth to him a quarter more than the same half scattered in
coarse lumps ; while the great fault of three-fourths of ordinary
farm-hands, that of leaving the manure twice as thick where
the heaps were dropped as on the remainder of the field, is
completely obviated by this valuable machine. In its practical
value to the farmer, the Chairman would rank it with the mow-
ing machine and hay tedder.

54

There was on exhibition in the tent an ancient wooden
mould board plow, made forty-four years ago by Washington
Winslow of Marblehead, and used by him in the plowing
match of the day. Mr. Winslow took one of the prizes just
fifty years ago, and hale and hearty, steps forward to compete
at the end of half a century with a plow of his own manufac-
ture, while two of his sons hold plows in the same field. Can
any sister county produce a like trio ?

The Committee have made the following awards, viz. : —

For the best collection of Implements and Machines, $15
and Diploma, to Whittemore Bros, of Boston.

To Wadleigh Plow Co. for Granger Plow, |10.

W. D. Huntington, Lynn, Adjustable Harrow, $5.

E. E. Lummus & Co., for Frank Bramer's new Randal Har-
row, 15.

Robert F. Dodge, Wenham, Prescott's Door Hanger, $5.

Isaac Little, Newbury, Patent Horse Hitch, i3.

J. J. H. Gregory, R. A. Smith, /or the Committee.

CARRIAGES.

The Committee on Carriages have attended to their duties
and report, viz. : —

To Sawyer & Chase, of Lynn, best display, S15.

To T. W. Lane, Amesbury, good display, f 6.

To William Chase & Son of Merrimac, one fine Extension
Top Carryall, |5.

To Dole & Osgood, Peabody, Platform Express, 14.

To Gilman Andrews, of Salem, 1 Express Wagon, $3.

To H. P. Whipple, of Danvers, 1 Express Wagon, $3.

To R. E. Clarkson, of Amesbury, 1 Spring Sleigh, 83.

To Bailey & Wood, of Boston, for Sleigh in Wood and Iron,
we award the Diploma.

The Committee regret the small amount of money at their

55

disposal, considering the unusual display of good carriages, es-
pecially that of Sawyer & Chase, of Lynn, and one or two
others.

Thomas K. Leach, Aaron Sawyer, John Meacom, Frank
Marsh — Coynmittee.

DAIRY.

There were ten specimens of Butter presented for premium,
one, however, of only " two pats," and one tub for exhibition
only. Of the exhibitors, six only gave written statements ac-
cording to the rules of the society. One of the specimens be-
fore us would have received a premium, but not complying
with the rules, by a written statement, the committee decided
it not entitled. They, therefore, recommend the following pre-

miums, VIZ.

Mrs. A. W. Patch, Hamilton, 1st premium, 110 ; Mrs. Sa-
rah L. Ridgway, West Newbury, 2d premium, $8 ; Mrs. Farn-
ham Stiles, Middleton, 3d premium, 16 ; John K. Bancroft,
Lynnfield, 4th premium, 84.

There was only one specimen of Cheese exhibited, and after
examination and deliberation, we decided unanimously to rec-
ommend no premium.

John Price, /or the Committee.

STATEMENT OP MRS. A. W. PATCH.

I enter for premium fifteen pounds of September butter,
made in the following manner : The milk was strained in thor-
oughly scalded pans, and allowed to stand from twenty-four to
forty-eight hours, according to the weather, being careful to
skim the cream before the milk turns. Stir the cream daily,
churn once a week, never put water after it comes ; salt, an
ounce to a pound. Let it stand over night, then work it over,
weigh it into pound lumps ready for market.

56

STATEMENT OF SARAH L. RIDGWAY.

To the Committee on Dairy : —

I enter for premium ten pounds of September Butter, made
in the following manner : The milk was strained in tin pans
and allowed to remain thirty-six hours, then skimmed into tin
pails and stirred at every skimming. As soon as churned, the
butter was rinsed in cold water and salted to the taste with
rock salt, worked twice, and made into pound lumps as pre-
sented.

STATEMENT OP MRS. FARNHAM STILES.

I present for your inspection seven and one-half pounds of
September butter. This butter is salted for winter use, and is
made as follows, from Jersey and Ayrshire cows . The milk is
strained in tin pans, and set in a cool dairy room, skimmed as
soon as the cream is fully raised, put into a stone jar and stir-
red every day ; churn once a week or oftener according to the
weather. The butter taken from churn, worked and salted to
taste, let it stand till next day, worked again and made into
lumps. I keep my butter in lumps set in stone jars, with firm
paper tied over the top and the cover over that. I have no
trouble in keeping my butter in this way perfectly sweet for a
year, if required.

STATEMENT OP J. K. BANCROFT.

The milk from one Jersey and three native cows is set in
shallow pans. The cream is taken off about the time the milk
changes, and placed in a stone jar for four days, being stirred
every day upon the addition of fresh cream. The butter is
taken from the churn, the milk is worked out and the salt add-
ed, about one ounce to a pound of butter. It then stands
twenty-four hours, when it is again worked and moulded.

57

BREAD AND HONEY.

The Committee on Bread and Honey report 22 entries for
Bread, and 1 for Honey, and 1 entry of improved varieties of
Meal.

1st premium on Bread to Mrs. J. F. Patten of Lynn, $3 ; 2d
premium to Mrs. J. L. B. Adams, Lynn, 12.

Gratuities of |1 to Mrs. N. E. Ladd of Groveland, Mrs. D.
R. Parker of Groveland, Miss Clara Haynes of Lynn and Mrs.
Richard Breed of Lynn.

To N. N. Dummer of Rowley, Gratuity for Graham Bread,

$1.

To Wm. Griffin of Lynn, Gratuity on Bread and Cake, |2.

To Alfred Green of Salisbury, for Honey, $'2.

To Mrs. George Estes of Lynn, Gratuity for Sample Cake,

$1.

To N. N. Dummer, Gratuity for Improved Varieties of
Meal, $2.

JosiAH NEWHALL,/or the Committee.

PEARS.

Your Committee have the pleasure to report that the number
of exhibitors this year, and the number of plates of pears ex-
hibited, more than double those of previous years. The quan-
tity and quality of the fruit were far superior to any we have
ever seen in this, or in any other county, and we congratulate
Essex county, and the city of Lynn more especially, for this
unparalleled show of pears.

The whole number of exhibitors of pears was 186 ; number
of plates exhibited, 878; number of varieties, 86, as follows: —
34 plates of Bartlett, 36 Belle Lucrative, 33 Beurre Bosc> 46
Beurre Clairgeau, 44 Beurre d' Anjou, 23 Bufium, 2 Clapp's
Favorite, 59 Duchesse d' Angouleme, 12 Dana's Hovey, 7
Beurre Golden of Bilboa, 38 Lawrence, 65 Louis Bonne de
Jersey, 9 Maria Louise, 21 Onondaga, 10 Paradise d' Automne,

58

51 Seckel, 8 St. Michael Arcliange, 44 Sheldon, 34 Urbaniste,
33 Vicar of Winkfield, 17 Winter Nelis, 13 Beurre Diel, 13
Flemish Beauty, 8 Beurre d' Angleterre, 4 Merriam, 8 Napo-
leon, 1 Beurre Oswego, 1 Gratioli of Jersey, 1 Princess St.
Germain, 1 Pater Noster, 1 Columbia, 2 Doyenne du Cornice,

1 Knight's Monarch, 1 Triumph d' Massett, 3 Jalousie de Fon-
tenay, 3 Andrews, 1 Fig-pear, 1 Lewis, 2 Queen of the Low
Countries, 1 Jamenette, 1 Duchesse d' Orleans, 2 Brandywine,
11 Howell, 5 Glout Morceau, 3 Pound Pear, 2 Kingsessing,

2 Beurre Gris d' Hiver, 9 Beurre Superfin, 1 Beurre Astor, 5
Beurre d' Amaulis, 3 Beurre Duranz, 4 Beurre d' Aremberg,

2 Beurre Starkman, 2 Beurre Mansion, 3 Beurre Hardy, 3
Beurre Easter, 3 Bezi de la Motte, 1 Rutter, 7 Doyenne d'
Alencon, 4 Belle Bpine Dumas, 2 Belle et Bonne, 4 Seedlings,

3 Fulton, 1 Duchesss d' Bordeaux, 1 McLaughlin, 2 Chelms-
ford, 1 Stevens' Genesee, 5 Souvenir du Congress, 2 Dix, 2
Des-Nonnes, 2 De Tongues, 14 Doyenne Boussack, 2 Pratt, 5
Neuveau Poiteau, 2 Rousselet de Rheims, 1 Bergamotte d' Es-
peren, 2 Josephine, 4 Colittas, 3 Washington, 1 White Sawyer,
2 Edmands, 2 Mt. Vernon, 1 Citron des Carmas, 1 assorted
lot, and 1636 specimens from the old Endicott pear tree in
Danvers.

Amesbury exhibited 29 plates of 29 varieties from one per-
son, for which, $3 in premiums were awarded ; Bradford, 19
plates, 15 varieties, from two persons, $11 in premiums and
gratuities ; Danvers, 53 plates, 45 varieties, from four persons,
$6 in premiums : East Saugus, 23 plates, 12 varieties, from
nine persons, $1 gratuity ; Essex, 14 plates, 8 varieties, from
five persons, $1 gratuity ; Groveland, 4 plates, 3 varieties, from
three persons ; Hamilton, 6 pi., 6 var., from two persons ;
Haverhill, 22 pi., 22 var., from one person, $6, premiums ;
Lynnfield, 7 pi., 7 var., from one person ; Lawrence, 9 pi., 8
var., from two persons ; Lynn, 407 pL, 71 var., from one hun-
dred twelve persons, $55.50, premiums and gratuities; Mar-
blehead, 18 pi., 18 var., from one person, $4, premiums;
Manchester, 3 pi., 2 var., from two persons, $3, premiums ;

59

Methuen, 6 pL, 6 var., from one person ; Salem, 91 pi., 35 var.,
from eleven persons, -13 premiums ; Swampscott, 24 pi., 17
var., from three persons, $1, gratuity ; Salisbury, 3 pL, 3 var.,
from one person ; West Newbury, 10 pi., 10 var., from one per-
son, premium, copy of the Birds of New England ; Wenham,
2 pi., 2 var., from two persons, $d, premiums.

There was one exhibitor of 41 varieties, two of 30, one of 29,
one of 21, one of 19, two of 18, two of 17, two of 15, one of
14, two of 13, two of 11, three of 10, two of 9, two of 8, nine
of 7, fourteen of 6, thirteen of 5, sixteen of 4, twenty of 3,
thirty-four of 2, and fifty-two of 1 ; to whom premiums and
gratuities were awarded as follows : —

For best dish of twelve specimens of any of the varieties
recommended by the society for cultivation in Essex county,
first premium, 13 each, — Bartlett, Breed & Co., Lynn; Belle
Lucrative, L. Newhall, Lynn ; BuflFum, E. P. Webster, Haver-
hill ; Beurre Bosc, Alden Choate, Lynn ; Beurre Clairgeau,
Albert Kimball, Bradford ; Beurre d' Anjou, do.; Duchess d'
Angouleme, Hugh McManus, Lynn ; Dana's Hovey, J. Henry
Hill, Amesbury ; Beurre Golden of Bilboa, John Price, Man-
chester ; Lawrence, Moses Norris, Lynn ; Louis Bonne de Jer-
sey, B. G, Ladd, Bradford; Maria Louise, George B. Currier,
Lynn ; Onondaga, E. P. Webster, Haverhill ; Paradise d' Au-
tomne, H. Alley, Wenham ; Seckel, Josiah Pitz, 3d, Lynn ;
St. Michael Archange, Patrick Tracey, Salem ; Sheldon, Wal-
lace Bates, Lynn ; Urbaniste, Breed & Co., Lynn ; Vicar of
Winkfield, Edwin Bates, Lynn ; Winter Nelis, John B. Tol-
man, Lynn.

For twelve best specimens of other varieties worthy of pre-
miums, $1.50 each — Beurre Hardy, Geo. B. Collins, Lynn ;
Howell, Moses Rich, Lynn ; Beurre Superfin, John V. Stevens,
Peabody ; Doyenne du Comice, George B. Collins, Lynn.

For best dish of twenty-four specimens, premium -j^6. Beurre
Clairgeau, Alfred Cross, Lynn. Second best dish, twenty-four
specimens, premium, copy of Birds of New England,- — Beurre
d' Anjou, T. C. Thurlow, West Newbury.

60

For the best collection of the largest number of varieties rec-
ommended for cultivation in Essex county, premium |8, Alfred
Cross, Lynn. Second best of the largest number, premium 16,
Peter Wait, Danvers. Third best of largest number, premium
^4, Benjamin P. Ware, Marblehead.

Gratuities of $1.50 each, for Beurre Clairgeau, S. T. Good-
win, Lynn ; Seckel, George B. Collins, Lynn.

Gratuities of $1 each, for Beurre Bosc, B. P. Galley, East
Saugus ; Beurre Clairgeau, H. Downing, Lynn ; Bartlett, do.;
Duchesse d' Angouleme, Edwin Bates, Lynn ; Louis Bonne de
Jersey, C. B. Haven, Peabody ; Beurre Bosc, M. S. Andrews,
jr., Essex ; Onondaga, Wallace Bates, Lynn ; Beurre d' An-
jou, Edwin Bates, Lynn ; Sheldon, John H. Grossman, Swamp-
scott ; Urbaniste, L. Newhall, Lynn ; Winter Nelis, Albert
Kimball, Bradford ; Beurre Superfin, do.; Onondaga, John Y.
Stevens, Peabody.

Assorted dish, W. B. Allen, Lynn, gratuity of 50 cts.; for
Beurre Clairgeau, A. J. Hubbard, Peabody.

The Committee, four to one, are in favor of discontinuing
the Bufifum pear on the list for premiums, on account of its in-
ferior quality, and recommend, instead, Beurre Superfin. We
recommend, also, the Howell, and the Souvenir du Congress,
to be added to the list for premiums, they being varieties that
are worthy of the same.

The pear is a native of the old world. According to very
authentic accounts, it has, from the most remote ages been
there cultivated wherever soil and climate favored its growth.

The pear was grown in the beautiful gardens of the Hesper-
ides, long before the beginning of the Christian era, and its
excellence was not at all unknown to the ancients. It is even
probable that the pear grew side by side with the apple and
other fruits in the garden of Eden, where the first man and
woman, before their fall, ate unsparingly of the delicious fruit.

Shortly after the discovery of the new world, the pear, fol-
lowing in the wake of advancing civilization, found its way to
our shores. Though not indigenous to our clime it nevertheless

61

prosperously thrived, so much so, indeed, that we are informed
on good authority that we grow as fine specimens as are grown
in the artificial gardens of Paris.

It is only a few years since the pear began to be regarded
with anything like favor by the people in general. At first,
owing to its scarcity, very many knew nothing about it, and
even in our day there are, I venture to say, living within five
hundred miles of Boston, thousands who never saw a pear. In
our own Essex county, where the pear is so well known and
seemingly extensively cultivated, there are not pears enough
raised to give four quarts to every family within its territory.
This ought to be encouraging to persons desiring to cultivate
the fruit for pecuniary profit, the more so as the demand there-
for is great. Those who consumed but one quart last year will
want at least two quarts this year. The taste will increase for
it from year to year, till it will find its way to the table of the
poor as well as to the table of the rich.

The rapid increase of our population in every town and city
will create a still greater demand, hence, it may not be rash to
predict that the pear is destined to become widely known and
loved, and finally indispensable as an article of diet. Our
chairman once asked a friend of his, who had just bought a lot
and built a house on it, to set out some pear trees, grape vines,
etc. " Pears !" said he, " what do I want pears for?" He
told him that if he did not want to eat them himself, his chil-
dren assuredly would, and enjoy them, and would thereby be
prevented from hankering after those of others. He moreover
suggested that it would be for himself a strong preventive
against the dramshop to employ his leisure time improving and
nursing them. Ultimately, after four years persuasion, on con-
dition that he would warrant the trees to live, and plant them
himself, he yielded, and in the spring of 1872 he set out for
him the required number. About the middle of last August
he invited him to come and see his pear trees. He went.
They were loaded down with fine pears. " There," said he,

one hundred dollars apiece would not buy these trees." His

((

62

only regret was, that he had not planted them four years be-
fore as he advised him to do. His children, too, now rejoice
that they have pears of their own.

We occasionally meet laborers and mechanics who, by in-
dustry and prudence, save enough to build for themselves neat,
comfortable homes, and much enhance the beauty and attrac-
tiveness of these homes by planting around them pear trees,
grape vines, etc. This is a step in the right direction towards
improvement, and our committee earnestly wish that every man
in the county, owning a plot of ground, would catch the same
fever, so that all may enjoy this delicious fruit. We see noth-
ing to prevent it, since almost every foot of soil in Essex
county is well adapted to the growth of the pear. Therefore,
every man, having even a half-acre lot under his control, can
raise his own fruit. Apples, pears and peaches can be grown
here to perfection, and if not disposed of otherwise can be
canned, and thus preserved the whole year round. Now, as we
are a bilious people, that is, many of us are thus disposed, we
think there is no better preventive against the disease than the
constant use of wholesome fruit as a part of the diet. It con-
tains acids and juices which greatly assist the stomach to reg-
ulate a healthy digestion. It purifies and strengthens the
blood, and thus gives a healthy tone and vigor to the whole
constitution. There is no other kind of food, too, so conducive
to the promotion of chastity, morality and all the nobler vir-
tues in people than good, ripe fruits, far better than the prod-
ucts of the butcher's cart.

Therefore, we would strongly recommend to all who can,
the advantage of raising pears, etc., both for their own use and
for pecuniary profit. Then, too, there is a pleasure and profit
in giving some to our poorer friends who cannot raise pears
for themselves or conveniently buy any. Large and small
owners of land, who have no pear trees, are not aware of the
treasure hidden from them, yet within their reach, nor are they
aware of the pleasure derived irom planting and nursing the
pear, watching its growth and development, and plucking there

63

of the rich fruit from the drooping limbs. This is real enjoy-
ment which can scarcely fail to exercise a beneficial influence
upon the health and habits of persons who devote their leisure
hours to this branch of industry.

Mr. Isaac H. Kelly, of Haverhill, says that about ten years
ago, a lady neighbor of his was suffering from general debility,
and to all appearances on the point of death. He sent her
some ripe Beurre Clairgeau pears. They seemed to have a
wonderfully reviving effect on the debilitated lady, who con-
tinued to use them till she was finally restored to perfect
health. To Mr. Kelly belongs the credit of first fruiting the
Beurre Clairgeau pears in Haverhill. Our committee are of
opinion that all fruit growers should raise their trees from the
seed. They have come to this conclusion for various reasons.
First, as animals are improved by breeding from pure and
healthy stock, why not apply the same rule to the raising of
trees from pure and healthy seed ? Second, everyone who has
had any experience with trees sold by nursery agents can tell
the loss sustained from that source. Some of these trees we
have known to struggle for existence two or three years and
then die ; others not to live through the first season, and some
that did not put out at all. This, to say the least, must be ag-
gravating to the purchaser, who wastes his money and labor in
setting out worthless plants raised from worthless seed grown
on diseased trees. In western New York, where this whole-
sale business is generally done, there is seemingly but very lit-
tle regard paid to the future health, thrift and fruitfulness of
the plants. On the contrary, they raise from anything and ev-
erything that bears pears, and force the trees along, somewhat
after the manner that some manufacturers shove shoddy shoes
into the market, and that is the end of it with them. We have
every reason to believe that trees thus propagated from varie-
ties affected with disease, will, sooner or later, fall a prey to its
destruction.

The chief object of raising trees from the seed is to obtain

64

stocks for budding or grafting, as it is well known in pear cul-
ture that no variety will re-produce itself from the seed.
Hence, the resort to artificial methods for propagation. The
first step to be taken towards this is, to select for seed the best
specimens when fully ripe, grown on sound, vigorous and
healthy trees ; when this is done, place the fruit in a box and
leave it until decay reduces it to a pulpy state, then wash out
the pulp and dry the seed by spreading it thin on a board and
turning it over occasionally, as you would any seed. If the
soil or ground is naturally dry, deep and rich, the best time to
plant the seed is in the fall, in drills three feet apart. This
distance will admit of going between them to keep the soil
pliable and mellow when the plants are up. When the drill is
made, open it with a hoe about five inches wide and three deep,
then drop the seed and draw over it with the hoe the fine pul-
verized earth as evenly as it can possibly be done. A top
dressing of decomposed stable manure, or partly decayed
leaves, to the depth of an inch or so, should be applied. This
will prevent the surface in early spring from baking or crack-
ing, which vvill help the plants to come up readily, strong and
vigorous. The covering on the seed should not be too deep,
not over three inches including the top dressing.

Care must be taken that they be not in any way stunted,
either by any obstacle in the way coming up through the soil,
or by weeds and neglect afterwards. Seedlings stunted in the
early stages of their growth, never make sound, thrifty, healthy
trees, and therefore should never be planted. If they come
up too close together, they should be thinned out when four or
five inches high to regular distances, about ten inches apart.
When left too thick they grow up slender and feeble, and con-
sequently unfit for further use. As one strong seedling is
worth twenty poor ones, we must therefore see the importance
of thinning out all the weakest plants. Pear seedlings of one
season's growth must be taken up late in the fall, before the
ground freezes, and packed close together. Having no side
roots to hold them in the soil, they cannot stand the severity

65

of the hard blasts of winter. The best place to keep them is
a dark, cool cellar, where frost will not touch them. In trans-
planting them in early Spring, when the ground is fit, cut
back a portion of the tap roots, ■end shorten the stem corres-
pondingly. Set them out two feet apart in drills, which will
give them ample room to throw out lateral roots, and grow
strong and stocky. We know of a party in Bradford who lost
several hundreds of pear seedlings by leaving them in the
ground the first winter. If a strong, vigorous growth is ob-
tained after transplanting, they will be fit to bud the same sea-
son, about the middle of August. Now, then, having procured
good healthy stocks to bud on, it will be also necessary to pro-
cure good, sound, healthy buds. This can be easily done by
selecting from the varieties that are to be propagated, strong,
vigorous shoots, free from any disease. Pinch off their tip-
ends and let them grow until wanted. This will hasten the
development of the buds, and they will be in good condition to
use in about two weeks. None but the most prominent buds
should be used under any circumstance, as it is this little bud
that is inserted under the bark of the stock, that becomes in
future the standard tree. Budding is simple enough when
rightly understood, but to meet success it must be done right.
The first thing to be done in performing the operation, is to re-
move from the stock any shoots that would be apt to interfere
with the insertion of the bud ; then with the budding knife
make two incisions in the stock, one horizontal and the other
perpendicular, in the form of the letter T, about two or three
inches from the ground ; strip off the leaves from the bud
shoot, but leave a portion of the leaf-stock attached to the bud
to handle it with. In cutting the bud off hold the shoot in one
hand and the budding knife in the other ; enter the knife half
an inch above the bud and draw it down parallel with the shoot
and bring it out three-quarters of an inch below the bud. Care
must be taken to make a clean cut and not to take oft any wood
with the bark. But if a little should be taken off", see that it
adheres firmly to the bark, as ragged bark and little slivers of

5

66

wood hanging to the bud will never do. Use the end of the
handle of the budding knife to raise the bark gently on the
edges of the perpendicular cut, then the bud may be inserted
under the bark, and care must be taken that the piece of bark
attached to it be cut square at the top, so as to fit snugly to the
bark on the horizontal cut, tie with palm leaf or such as is
used in cane-seat chairs. Success in this operation will depend
entirely on clean cutting, good fitting and good tying. Bud-
ding should be done on the north or east side of the stock, be-
cause thus the stock will partly shade the bud. Too much
exposure to the sun's heat during August and September is apt
to interrupt the process of healing by curling the tender bark
on the wound, and perhaps cause budding over again. In
about four weeks, if the bud has caught, the strings may be
removed, to save the bark from denting.

The following spring after budding the seedling, that is if the
bud is all right, rub off all the shoots appearing on the stock,
so as not to impede the growth of the bud. During the latter
part of July or the first of August all above the bud of the
stock may be removed, by making a sloping cut clean and
smooth and close to the bud, but not so close as to cause any
injury to it. Now we will go to work again on the seedling
the next spring, that is, the second spring after budding,
at which stage the tree is one year old from the bud. All
further treatment comes under the head of pruning, as here
comes the time to commence to give it shape and form- The
first question comes, then, what distance from the ground
should it branch out and grow stocky ? There is no definite
rule, that we are aware of, on this point, as some people prefer
tall trunks while others prefer low ones. However, we are of
opinion that no standard pear tree should have a branchless
trunk above three feet from the ground. This in a manner
gives the tree the advantage of shading itself from a hot, glar-
ing sun, and is a safeguard, in a measure, from high winds.
We are also of opinion, from a little experience, that the pyra-
mid or umbrella shape is the handsomest and best form that

67

can be adopted, not on account of its beauty alone, but it ad.
mits readily sun and air through the branches. During the
second season's growth of the young tree, the small shoots on
the stem or trunk should not be taken off, as they retain the
sap in the lower part of the stem, which will give it a stout
body. But they must be kept within bounds and not allowed
to grow too long, by pinching often through the season, as al-
lowing them to grow too fast would check the growth of the
leader. Late in the fall, or early the following spring, all the
side shoots should be removed and a branchless trunk formed
to three feet from the ground, as already spoken of.

To form the pyramid or umbrella shape, all straggling and
tender side branches must be watched closely as they grow
long and weak, and draw the sap from the leader ; pinching
off the ends of all such will regulate an equal circulation,
which will cause every branch to grow stocky and strong. Let
every shoot, commencing with the lowest, be about ten inches
shorter than the one next above it, and so on to the top, and
allow no surplus shoots to grow. Thus is obtained the fine
symmetry of the perfect tree and a uniform growth on every
limb.

What can be more repulsive to the eye than to see gardens
encumbered with tall, straggling skeletons, unshapely and un-
fruitful, packed closely together, that afford no pleasure to the
passer-by, nor remuneration to the owner for his outlays.
Most trees have a natural tendency to grow tall without acquir-
ing proportionally a stocky body, and very often, for that rea-
son, the tree bends under its own weight, and hence the ne-
cessity to resort to propping it up. To avoid this altogether,
prune, and let the sun and air circulate freely through the tree,
that every branch may have ample room to fulfil its functions
properly. It is well known to all fruit growers that the most
perfect specimens of every kind of fruit grows in the sun not
only perfect, but their skins are smooth and glossy, and bril-
liant in blush. This will give us an idea about pruning, and
what to prune, and how to prune. A little experience and

68

study will enable most any one to acquire this knowledge,
which should be strictly practiced on every fruiting tree.

Having said all that we think necessary on raising pear trees
from the seed, budding, pruning, etc., we will take up grafting,
the influence of stock on scion, and vice versa, preparing soil,
transplanting, etc. This whole subject was suggested to us by
Mr. D. W. Low, of Gloucester, who scarcely left us anything
else (relating to the pear) to write on, after his instructive
report to the society last year, on the general management of
the pear.

Grafting is a science long known in fruit culture, and vari-
ous modes of grafting are practiced in different countries. The
French, it is said, have no less than fifty, and excel all others
in the art. The most prominent modes in vogue with them,
however, are whip, root, splice, skin and cleft grafting ; their
other modes are principally experimental. The object of graft-
ing is similar to that of budding — to multiply varieties that can-
not reproduce themselves from the seed, though it is often per-
formed with other objects in view, such as obtaining a new va-
riety quicker than by any other mode. A scion inserted in a
bearing tree will hardly ever fail to produce the third year, but
this cannot be said with the same operation on a seedling ; it
will show no sign of fruiting in that time. Therefore, we
must see the importance of having older trees, and of the strong
growing kinds for stocks to accomplish the object successfully ;
the slow-growing kinds are never apt to bring good results.

Crossing two healthy varieties of the pear family cannot but
work very important influences on both (scion and stock) in
producing fine fruit, as we have seen the Bartlett grafted on
the Doyenne Boussack, the Dutchess on the Bufi'um, the Beurre
d'Anjou on the Onondaga, Clapp's Favorite on the Flemish
Beauty, to produce very fine and extra large specimens. The
society has paid a premium two years in succession on spec-
imens of the Beurre Clairgeau pear grown from grafts on a
Flemish Beauty stock. The Flemish Beauty, Beurre Diel,
Doyenne Boussack, Doyenne White, Buffum and Vicar of

69

Winkfield make most excellent stocks for most all other vari-
eties.

Grafting is performed by inserting a scion of one variety on
the branch of another, called the stock, and trees of all ages
can be grafted successfully, if they be sound and healthy, and
the scions also. Scions are shoots of the previous year's growth,
and should be cut in February and tied up. The butt ends
should be cut square, then placed standing in some part of the
cellar floor where it is a little moist. Scions thus treated are
kept dormant until wanted, with no shriveling of the bark, and
will be in an excellent condition to use. They should be taken
from the upper branches of thrifty and hardy trees well ma-
tured. Scions bearing fruit buds should not be used, and a
medium size scion is better than one half an inch in diameter,
pithy and unripe. The implements used in grafting are very
simple ; the grafting knife with chisel attached, saw, and a
sharp knife to prepare the grafts with. There are various opin-
ions expressed in regard to what is the best composition to be
used in grafting. This subject was once extensively discussed
before the Bradford Farmer's Club. Some preferred a compo-
sition made from bees-wax, tallow and rosin, equal parts.
Others substituted linseed oil for tallow, with less bees-wax and
more rosin than of either. But the majority, from long expe.
rience, concluded that there was nothing equal to a simple
composition made from fresh cow manure and brick-clay; one-
third manure to two-thirds clay is about right to use. It will
adhere firmly to the wound until it is all healed, and retains
moisture, which is requisite during the process of healing ;
when it falls olf it leaves the bark on the wound healthy, fresh
and smooth ; in fact, it is nature's own remedy and we have
never known it to fail. On the other hand, a composition made
from oily substances must be injurious to the tree, as it is for-
eign to its nature, and hence it cannot but interrupt, in a great
measure, free circulation and impede progress in healing.
Aside from grafting, we believe that oil or grease should not be
applied in form to a tree, and in grafting, if the other agents

70

used in the compound did not counteract the action of the oil
on the wound, the wound would never heal.

Of the several modes of grafting spoken of in our introduc-
tory remarks on grafting, we shall only recommend two for
practical use, viz.: Skin and Cleft grafting. Having everything
in readiness, composition, scions, implements, strips of cloth,
thread to tie with, etc., Skin grafting is performed after this
fasliion : — Saw off the stock horizontally with a fine tooth
saw, clean and smooth; and cut the scion on one side, about an
inch and three-fourths long ; make a shoulder at the top of the
cut on the scion, and a slit in the bark of the stock to admit it.
Care should be taken that the slit in the bark of the stock does
not exceed in length the cut on the scion ; raise the bark from
the stock and insert the scion between the bark and wood ; have
the slioulder rest on the stock ; then apply the composition all
over the wound, wrap a strip of cloth (cotton) about three
inches wide around it firmly two or three times and tie
with small thread. We have heard objections to this mode of
grafting, on account of the graft being blown off before growing
firmly to the stock. Nevertheless we have tried it with suc-
cess, and found it makes a strong perfect union, when the scion
has grown as large as the stock. Cleft grafting is performed
by sawing the stock, as in skin grafting, clean and smooth ;
then the stock is split by holding the grafting-knife in the cen-
tre and striking lightly with a hammer, use the chisel on the
knife to keep the split open until the scions are inserted, one on
each side ; cut the scion in the shape of a wedge to fit snugly
the split in the stock, and have a bud on it close to the stock
on the outside ; when this is done insert the scions firmly in the
stock, and see that the inner barks of both scion and stock
comes in perfect contact ; then apply the composition, as in the
case of skin grafting, and fill every crevice to exclude air and
rain water ; wrap a strip of cloth two or three times round it,
and tie with thread as in skin grafting ; success will depend
on good fitting and clean cutting.

In large stocks an inch and a half in diameter or more, two

71

scions should be inserted, but if both grow, one should be
removed when they get close together, as the wound on the
stock will then be healed and only one is needed. Prune back
the growth on the scion the following Spring so that it may
grow stocky, and throw out shoots close to the stock, to form a
new head for the tree. Grafted trees should be watched closely
during the growing season, as they throw out immense quanti-
ties of suckers, which if left to grow will almost starve the young
grafts. These should be checked as fast as they appear, though
it is necessary to leave part of th.e branches on the stock to
balance growth. They may be removed altogether the second
or third season, or according to the size and growth of the
tree. A little experience will teach how to regulate this.

REMARKS ON SOILS, PLANTING THE TREES, ETC.

The most desirable soil for pear trees is deep loamy soil, not
alone in producing thrift and fruitfulness, but the fruit grown
on such soil is par excellence in flavor and nutrition. There
are other soils, such as sandy and clayey soils, that by judic-
ious treatment might be made available for pear culture. Mix-
ing ashes, clay, or muck, with sandy soil will be a great
improvement, as these agents retain moisture and the soluble
parts of manure, that will enable plants to stand the drouth
better.

Clayey soil of itself makes very poor soil for all kinds of
fruit trees, as in dry season it bakes hard and cracks, render-
ing it too impervious to that best of all plant food, the cool
dews of night, in the Spring and Fall, and after heavy rains
stickv mud not fit for trees to stand in.

The most proper way to improve such soil is first to tile-
drain it, then to incorporate with it sand, muck, coal or wood
ashes liberally. All kinds of soil for fruit trees should be dry,
either naturally or made so by the system of drainage.

In preparing soil for planting trees, plow eighteen inches
deep or thereabouts, bringing the sub-soil on top. This can be
accomplished by going twice in the same furrow, first with a
common plow then with a sub-soil. Small gardens, where the

72

plow cannot be used, can be dug with a spade any required
depth by trenching, which should be done in this manner :
commence on one side and open a trench two feet wide or so,
and in depth as recommended for ploughing ; carry off to the
opposite side the dirt taken out of it (to be used in filling the
last trench), then open the next and throw the surface soil
into the bottom of the first and subsoil on top, and so on until
the whole garden is trenched. In all cases for fruit trees,
grape vines, etc., this depth is essential, as the roots will cer-
tainly go that distance downwards in search of food. If not
ready to plant when your trees arrive, heel them at once, by
opening a trench deep and wide enough to admit all the roots,
being careful to cover the roots well to exclude air. When
ready to plant take off all bruised roots and mutilated branch-
es, making a clean slanting cut every time, and cut back the
last year's growth to two or three buds. Make the hole somewhat
larger than is necessary to admit of all the roots in their natural
position, and throw out the surface in one pile and the subsoil
in anotlier. Sink the hole about two feet and a half deep,
round it up with surface soil, and have three inches of the
trunk above where the roots branch out covered, on a level
with the surface. A great many trees are spoiled by both deep
and shallow planting. To set a tree to the proper depth, use a
narrow strip about five feet long, lay it across the hole on
the surface ; then set the tree in the hole, measure three
inches from where the upper roots branch out on the tree, to
the under side of strip, work pulverized surface soil between
and under the roots with the hand ; stretch out every little fibre
carefully, and when the roots are well covered tramp down
hard so that the tree will stand as firm as a post ; spread the
subsoil on top light and loose.

Trees should be set leaning a little towards the north-west,
as most of our heavy gales blow from that direction, and
young trees with heavy tops cannot resist their forces. Conse-
quently we see a great many in our travels leaning towards
the east or south-east, when from seven to ten years old. Use

73

no manure in contact with the roots, and mulch, especially
during the first season, with coarse straw, salt hay, or corn
stalks ; this will keep the soil cool and moist round them, and
prevent injury from drouths in dry seasons. The proper dis-
tance apart for pear trees in orchards is about twenty feet each
way, but this distance cannot be well adopted in small gardens.
We very often see one tree growing under the shade of another,
but the result is, tall, straggling skeletons, without shape
or form and as a rule unproductive. In cases of this kind it is
better that one tree should occupy the whole space taken up by
two, as the yield thereby would be improved in quantity and
quality, to say nothing of the general welfare of the tree. In
all cases give them plenty of room, good deep, dry soil, clean
culture, severe pruning, and success will be the reward. We
very often hear some persons recommend, when planting trees,
to fill up the bottom of the holes with old shoes, glass bottles,
pieces of scrap iron, tin cans, old crockery, and any kind of
rubbish, but for what purpose we have yet to learn. It may be
safely said that none of these articles named contain any plant
food, and furthermore we believe that such rubbish would
greatly interfere with the roots taking a firm hold in the soil.
This rubbish must work up towards the surface by the action
of the frost, the same as stones, which would be a great nui-
sance in a garden until removed.

We wish to offer a few remarks on the so-called fire-blight,
the most dangerous disease that the pear tree is heir to, but
whether it is caused by the sudden changes of the atmosphere,
imperfect drainage, or heavy manuring remains, in a measure,
to be proved.

The disease makes its appearance at different periods, some-
times in early Spring before the trees put out, and through
June and July, long after the leaves are out, attacking the
branches first. We believe that heavy manuring has every-
thing to do with this disease, as stimulating the soil too highly
with rich manure forces immature growth, which cannot stand
the changes of our climate without injury. Mr. Richard

74

Webster of Haverhill, says that he has been almost entirely
exempt from this disease in an orchard of over four hundred
pear trees. He laid it down to grass seven years ago, and it
has borne heavy crops of fine hardy fruit most every year
since. He also says that his orchard has had no top dressing
of any kind during that time, which is a strong argument
against heavy manuring. We have said, and believe it, that
over manuring and imperfect drainage are some of the causes
that produce the blight ; still there are other agents that work
death to all kinds of fruit trees, and that is growing corn, oats,
barley or rye between and around them, especially corn, vs^hich
draws from the soil its woody substance, or materials ; robbing
the trees of that which by nature belongs to them. This is
proved by the present appearance of a once beautiful pear
orchard of some one hundred trees or more, owned and culti-
vated by Mr. Albert Kimball of Bradford. This orchard was
set out in 1864, and has been planted to our knowledge with
corn almost every year for the last ten years, and growing
every year a heavy crop of that produce ; but what has been
the result ? The trees made a fine growth during the first eight
years, ani after that Mr. Kimball began to lose some of his
trees from the blight, and kept losing more and more every
year, till this season, when the destroyer made a wholesale
sweep, leaving in its march but very few of what might be
called sound trees in the whole orchard. We must ascribe
this to being planted with corn so long rather than to
heavy manuring, though it is well known to fruit grow-
ers that trees grown in rich soils are about the only ones
affected with the disease. Any kind of plants that make a
hard, woody fibre, like corn, rye, &c., should not be grown
around fruit trees, as such plants being fast growers take to
themselves most all the woody particles in the soil at the ex-
pense of the trees. We hope to obtain the experience of others
on this point, in next year's report, as it is a question that in-
terests every fruit grower, throughout the country.

Before bringing this report to a close, we would ask permis-

75

sion to stray away from our subject for a moment, and call
attention to those unsightly stumps, called apple trees, that
line our thoroughfares, and take up much valuable room in
fields and orchards. We have reference to those seen as if
ready to tumble down, having hollow trunks surrounded with
root suckers, white branchless limbs, and gray with age all
over. Such trees, in our opinion, ought to have long since
found their way to the wood pile, to make room for others
more beautiful and profitable. Clear away along the stone
walls, also, and burn up all the rubbish. Then may it be said
of us, that we have well filled our sphere in cultivating the
soil, and left it better than we found it.

John O'Brien, Chairman ; John Preston, G. W. Gage,
James A. Teel — Committee.

APPLES.

The more experienced and efficient members of the Apple
Committee were unable to be present, making the labor of the
untrained remnant severe, and the results unsatisfactory to
them and probably to many of the exhibitors.

The show of apples was very fine, for the off year, especial-
ly considering the very large crop of last year. It would be
interesting to know whether or not the trees, which produced
the fruit shown, bore last year, and if so, the state of cultiva-
tion they were under.

There seems yet to be a question as to the possibility of
changing the bearing year, and whether or not there are ofll-
year bearing stocks which, if budded or grafted from, would
continue to produce on the off-year. The general subject of
apple growing, including the above, and questions as to the in-
fluence of the stock on the scion, variations in varieties, <fec.,
might profitably be a subject for discussion at one of our soci-
ety meetings, lately established. Should it be brought up, it is

76

hoped that e'rery one interested will be prepared to contribute
toward the settlement, if possible, of some of the still mooted
points.

There were 106 exhibitors, showing 370 plates. Of the 110
varieties, the leading ones were represented as follows : —

Baldwin,

46,

Golden Russet,

3,

Hubbardston,

37,

Twenty Ounce,

3,

Roxbury Russet,

20,

" Bradford Nonsuch,"

3,

Gravenstein,

16,

King of Tompkins Co.

3,

Porter,

15,

President,

2,

Danvers Winter Sweet,

13,

Drap d'Or,

2,

R. I. Greenings,

11,

Pumpkin Sweet,

2,

Northern Spy,

10,

Tallman Sweet,

2,

Minister,

9,

Gilliflower,

2,

Fall Harvey,

6,

Ribston Pippin,

2,

Famense or Snow

Apple

, 5,

" Creasy,"

2.

Sweet Baldwin,

5,

Crabs,

15.

Kilham Hill,

4.

The following premiums and

gratuities were awarded : —

FIRST PREMIUMS.

Baldwin, S. B. George, Groveland, $3 ; Danvers Winter
Sweet, Frank Perkins, Newbury, $3 ; Drap d'Or, S. F. Newman,
Newbury, $3 ; Hubbardston Nonsuch, Thomas G. Ordway,
West Newbury, $3; Porter, Breed & Co., Lynn, |3 ; Pick-
man's Pippin, Mrs. N. J. Warren, Marblehead, $3 ; Red Astra-
chan, J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, f 3 ; Roxbury Russet, F. P.
Todd, Rowley, $3 ; Rhode Island Greening, Mrs. N. J. War-
ren, Marblehead, $3 ; Sweet Baldwin, John C. Vennard, Lynn,
$3 ; Gravenstein, J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, $3 ; Hunt's Rus-
set, S. B. George, Groveland, $3.

Any other Variety.

Snow Apple, G. P. & H. E. Goss, Lynn, $1.50 ; Red Cana-
da, Thomas C. Thurlow, West Newbury, 11.50 ; Spitzenburg,
Thomas C. Thurlow, West Newbury, $1.50.

77

Collections of Apples.
Best collection, J. Henry Hill, Amesbuiy, 18.00
Second collection, Peter Waite, Danvers, -SG-OO.
Third collection, John W. Allen, Newbury, 14.00.

Twenty-four Specimens Apples.

Best, Gravenstein, J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, 16.00.
Second, Baldwin, T.C. Thurlow, West Newbury, Birds of
New England.

Crab Apples.

Hyslop Crab, Amos K. Noyes, Lynn, $1.50.
Montreal Crab, J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, $1.50.

Collection of Crab Apples.
7a. C. Wardwell, Groveland, $5.

GRATUITIES.

Danvers Winter Sweet, C. H. Buxton, Salem, |1.
King of Tompkins Co., Daniel Plummer, Newbury, |1.
Merrimac Sweet, Alfred Green, Salisbury, $1.
Gravenstein, F. J. King, West Newbury, $1.
Gilliflower, Frank P. Todd, Rowley, $1.
Rhode Island Greening, Joseph Horton, Ipswich, $1.

E. P. Richardson, for the Committee.

PEACHES, GRAPES AND ASSORTED FRUIT.

PEACHES.

Best White Flesh, $2, to Edmund Gale of Amesbury.

Best Yellow Flesh, $2, to J. Henry Hill of Amesbury.

Best Seedling, $2, to Susan M. Jenkins, Lynn.

Best Collection of Peaches, $3, to E. F. Webster, Haverhill.

Gratuity, 50 cents, to Sylvester Parrott of Lynn.

Gratuity, $1, to P. M. Neale, Lynn.

Gratuity, $1, to Mrs. Wm. F. Hill, Lynn.

78

GRAPES.

Promiums of $3 each for Best Concord, Geo. W. Gage, Me-
thuen ; Hartford Prolific, Charles E. Pecker, Lynn ; Isabella,
Edward Todd, Lynn ; Delaware, Z. C. Wardwell, Groveland ;
lona, Augustus Very, Danvers ; Creveling, Augustus Very,
Danvers ; Clinton. W. F. Newhall, East Saugus ; Diana, Sam-
uel Porter, Lynn ; Adirondac, P. Batchelder, Lynn ; Eumelan,
B. G. Ladd, Bradford ; Rogers, No. 3, Geo. W. Gage, Methu-
en ; Rogers, No. 15, Augustus Very, Danvers ; Rogers, No. 4,
Edwin Sheldon, Lynn ; Salem, H. C. Whippam, Lynn ; Rog-
ers, No. 39, George W. Gage, Methuen.

Best Cold House, $6, Wm. E. Lovejoy, Lynn ; 2d best, $4,
J. M. Teel, Lynn.

Best Collection, $7, George W. Gage, Methuen ; 2d best,
Birds of New England, J. W. Ropes, Danvers.

Best Seedling, $1.50, Geo. W. Ladd, Bradford.

Best Brighton, $1.50, Timothy Jones, Peabody.

Best basket Assorted Fruit, |4, Peter Wait, Danvers ; 2d
best, i3, A. J. Hubbard, Peabody.

GRATUITIES.

Wm. F. Vining, Amesbury, f 1 ; J. W. Ropes, Danvers,
$1; Chas. B. Smith, Upper Swampscott, 11 ; Sylvester Par-
rott, Lynn, 50 cents ; P. M. Neal, Lynn, 11.50 ; Mrs. Wm. F.
Hill, Lynn, |1 ; Samuel G. Ashton, Lynn, 50 cents ; Lucius
Newhall, Lynn, 50 cents ; John W. Blaney, Lynn, 50 cents
Aaron Low, -Essex, $1 ; George W. Pettingill, Salem, $1.50
J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, 50 cents ; P. M. Neal, Lynn, $1.50
Walter B. Allen, Lynn, $1.50 ; Henry G. Hawthorn, Lynn,
$1.50 ; B. G. Ladd, Bradford, 50 cents ; John O'Brien, Brad-
ford, 50 cents ; Alfred Green, Salisbury, $1 ; J. Henry Hill,
Amesbury, 50 cents ; Chas. F. Rhodes, East Saugus, 75 cents ;
M. S. Andrews, Jr., Essex, 50 cents ; Everett M. Twiss, Pea-
body, 75 cents.

Thos. C. Thurlow, Chairman.

79

FLOWERS.

The Committee on Flowers report that the exhibition of
plants and flowers was highly satisfactory, and the favorable
comments by the numerous visitors were good evidence that
this department of the exhibition was highly appreciated.

The display of pot plants from the greenhouses of John
Wooldredge, Esq., of Lynn, was undoubtedly the best the so-
ciety have had. To enumerate them would require more time
and space than can be expected. The plants were well grown
and reflected great credit on the gardener, Mr. C. M. Callahan.
The collection consisted of specimens of Palms, Dracoenas,
Ferns, Caladiums, and other choice plants. The handsomest
pot plant came from the same place ; also, the best variegated
leaved plant ; the first, a good specimen of Clerodendron Bal-
fourii, a beautiful climbing plant, the flowers being white with
scarlet centre ; the second a very nice specimen of Cissus Dis-
color, a most beautiful climber, the leaves being very richly
colored.

The collection of William Miller, of Swampscott, contained
some nice specimens of Agaves, Begonias, and other choice
plants, and although the collection was smaller than that of
Mr. Wooldredge, they well merited the second prize.

The parlor and hand bouquets were very handsomely made ;
they were all that could be expected, the flowers were choice
and the arrangement very tasty.

The Floral designs showed excellent taste in the arrange-
ment, and either one would have been a handsome adornment
for any room. The one from Mr. H^lliday, which received the
first prize, was unusually good and reflected great credit on the
exhibitor.

The Dahlias were all good, and it is a great satisfaction to
see this old flower again brought into so prominent a place
among our fall flowers ; they well deserve a place in every
garden. The twelve Bouquet Dahlias from Mr. J. F. Marble,
of Lynn, were as good as ever have been shown, and the ex-
hibitor deserves great credit for the care he has taken in the
making of so choice a collection.

80

The Gladiolius were also unusually good ; the twelve from
John Wooldredge were very fine indeed. The ease with which
they are cultivated make them a valuable addition to every gar-
den, and by planting a few bulbs every week from May to July
a succession of bloom may be had the whole season.

Petunias and Verbenas, there were none worthy of special
mention, but we venture here a suggestion ; that instead of a
prize for the best twelve flowers of either, it should be for the
best twenty-four bottles in bunches of three in a bottle, the
prize to remain the same, $1. They are easily cultivated, and
there would be no difficulty in getting that amount of bottles
well filled.

Pansies, it is too late in the season to expect even a fair dis-
play.

Native flowers, the display by Miss Julia Tracey, was an un-
usually good one; they were very neatly arranged and all plainly
and correctly named, and afforded the lover of our native
flowers an opportunity seldom offered to become acquainted
with the names of what are often seen, and seldom known
only as wild flowers. It was a rich treat, and we think we are
safe in saying, was highly appreciated, but the premium of $2
is entirely inadequate for any collection like the one just men-
tioned. What we say of Native Flowers will apply equally to
the splendid collection of Native Fruits from Miss Susie Tracey.
There were fifty varieties, and your Chairman does not remem-
ber of ever seeing that number together at any exhibition.
Too little attention paid to the study of our native plants, and
we trust that the exhibition of the Misses Tracey may stimulate
others to take up this very interesting study. Our whole county
is rich in native flowers and ferns, and what way could the
spare time of our young ladies and gentlemen be better spent ?
Let us hope many may try it.

Zinnias, Mr. J. J. H. Gregory was the successful competitor,
with twelve very nice flowers in a good variety. This is one
of the best annuals and deserves a place in every garden.

Coxcombs were very fine. W. C. McFoot was the success-
ful competitor.

81

Druramond Phlox, Marigolds, Sweet Peas, Candytuft, Stocks,
Balsams, Nasturtiums and Antirrhinums are all useful annuals,
and there were some nice varieties exhibited, but the prize of
$1 for the twelve single flowers of each, is altogether too much
for flowers so easily grown, and we suggest a change in offering
the prizes for such flowers.

There were a few plants exhibited that were not in the col-
lections— a very nice little specimen of the Date Palm, Phcenix
Dactilifera, from Mrs. Lucy J. Spiller, a fine sweet-scented ge-
ranium from C. D. Clapp, a nice box of Lycopodium Den-
ticulatum from James Teel, a very pretty fernery from Mrs. J.
Cheever, and a handsome Wardian case filled in a very tasty
manner by John Williams of Swampscott.

There were numerous designs and bouquets which added to
the appearnace of the Hall, and although they could not all
receive a premium, gratuities were awarded in every case where
they could be worthily bestowed.

It is a great satisfaction to notice a growing interest in the
cultivation of plants and flowers. Washington once said that
Agriculture is the most healthful, the most useful and noble
employment of man, and certainly Horticulture is akin to it,
and whoever engages in the cultivation of flowers cannot but
feel a more refining influence on their lives by so doing, and
we trust that the society will offer every possible inducement to
engage in the cultivation of plants and flowers, and in closing
this report we would suggest the propriety of printing in the
Transactions of the Society each year, a short, practical essay
on the cultivation of our most popular and useful flowers, with
lists of the same, so as to make them a sort of guide to those
who desire to engage in so noble and elevating a project.

Premiums were awarded

For the best pair Parlor Bouquets, $3 to S. T. Goodwin.
" " " Hand " 2 " Henry Young.

" " Floral Design, 2 " John Halliday.

" " dish Cut Flowers, 2 " Mrs. L. P. Weston.

82

a

For the best twelve large Dahlias,
" Gladiolus,
" Petunias,
display Pansies,
twelve Verbenas,
display Native Flowers,
twelve Double Zinnias,
" Coxcombs,

u

a

a

a

u

u

((

u

a

u

a

a

a

a

a

a

a

li

ham

Knof

SI to Henry Downing.
1 " John Wooldredge.
1 " Mrs. J. H. Hill.
1 " Henry Young.

1 " Mrs. N. E. Ladd.

2 " Miss Julia Tracey.
1 " J. J. H. Gregory.
1 •' W. C. McFoot.

display Drummond Phlox, 1 " Mrs. M. P. Guild,
twelve African Marigolds, 1 " Clara M. Nichols.

u

French "

display of Sweet Peas,
varieties of Candytuft,
twelve pot Marigolds,

" Bouquet Dahlias,
display of Stocks,
" " Balsams,
" " Nasturtiums,

u

1 "

1 " Charles Smith.
1 " Clara M. Nichols.

1 " J. F. Marble.
1 " S. T. Goodwin.
1 " Clara M. Nichols.
1 '• William Stone.

" " Antirrhinums, 1 " William Stone.
" mix'd Eternal Flow's, 1 " Mrs. Plumstead.

1 " John Wooldredge.
1 "

II

handsomest Pot Plant,

best Variegated Leaved Plant,

For the largest and best display from one individual, first
premium, one copy " Birds of New England," to John Wool-
dredge. For the second best display, |3, to William Miller.

Gratuities were awarded to

C. H. Andrews,
Lucy J. Spiller,
C. D. Clapp,
James Teel,
M. J. Cheever,

for Pot Plants,
" Date Palm,
" Geranium,

" Lycopodium Deiiticulatum,
" Fernery,

$2 00

50

50

50

1 00

Miss Susie Tracey,
Mrs. J. Williams,
Mrs. M. E. Fuller,
Mrs. M. Plumsted,

" 50 varieties of Native Fruits, 2 00
" Design, 1 00

" " Native Flowers, 1 00

1 00

((

((

83

Mrs. J. Williams, 1

br design,

$1 00

Mrs. M. P. Guild,

a ii.

1 00

Mrs. N. J. Warren,

li u

1 00

Mrs. John B. Lindsay,

u u

1 00

Miss Mary Noyes,

" Bouquet of Flowers,

1 00

Henry Young,

" Bouquet,

1 00

Mrs. M. Rich,

(( u

50

Bertha F. Perkins,

u n

50

xMrs. L. Tarr,

ii ii

50

Mrs. J. H. Hill,

ii a

50

Mrs. L. P. Weston,

ii a

50

Mrs. R. Tarr,

" Flat Bouquets,

60

Mary C. Downing,

" Basket ot Flowers,

1 00

Henry Downing,

" Flower Stand,

1 00

J. F. Marble,

" Collection of Dahlias,

1 00

N. J. Warren,

" Vase of Native Flowers,

1 00

Amount awarded in premiums,

$35 00

U L(,

" gratuities,
imount awarded.

22 50

Total i

$57 50

Amount appropi

"iated for premiums,

$43 00

(( a

" gratuities,

V

30 00

$73 00

Amount awarded.

57 50

Unexpended balance, $15 50

John G. Barker, Chairman.

VEGETABLES.
The Committee on Vegetables report — the whole number of
exhibitors in this department of our late fair, at Lynn, was six-
ty-six, from about twenty-four different towns and cities, their
contributions being as follows : —

84

Kind. No.

Contributors. Kind. No

. Contributors

Beets,

11

Oats,

2

Beans,

3

Potatoes,

18

Cucumbers,
Corn,
Cabbages,
Cauliflower,

7
11
12

3

Parsnips, 2
Pumpkins, 2
Peppers, 2
Pickled Cucumbers, 1

Carrot,

7

Radishes,

1

Cranberries,

5

Sunflowers,

2

Eggs,

Garden Seeds,
Gourds,
Lettuce,

1
4

1
1

Sage, (green)
Sweet Marjoram
Squashes,
Tomatoes,

1

(do) 1

24

6

Melons,
Mangolds,

6

7

Turnips,
Wheat,

8
1

Martynias,

1

Yams,

1

Onions,

16

For the above, the following awards were made, viz. :

A. H. Alley, Marblehead, best Hubbard Squash, premium,
$3 ; best Butman Squash, gratuity, $1.50.

J. W. Blodgett, East Saugus, 1st premium, $3, for best Sa-
voy, and 2d premium, $2, for Mammoth Drumhead Cabbages.

John P. Bailey, Marblehead, gratuity, $2, for Hybrid Squash
on condition that three squashes, raised from its seed, shall be
exhibited at next year's fair.

H. F. Buxton, Peabody, gratuity, $1.50, for Compton Field
Corn.

Nathan Bushby, Peabody, premium, $3, for best Parsnips.

M. F. Batchelder, Peabody, Premiums, $3 each, for Short
Top Long Orange, and Short Horn Orange Carrot ; premiums,
$2 each, for Long Smooth Dark Blood Beet and for Muskmel-
on ; 2d premiums, $2 each, for Fottler's Drumhead Cabbage
and Cauliflower; and gratuity, $2, for Sweet Herbs.

W. R. Cole, North Andover, Premium, $3, for best Ruta
Baga Turnips, and 2d Premium, $2, for Cranberries.

85

Norman S. Cole, West Boxford, 3d premium, $1, for Cran-
berries.

Andrew Curtis, Peabody, premium, |3, for late Sweet Corn,
in milk, (Stowell's Evergreen).

A. C. Estes, Rockport, premiums, $3 each, for best Early-
Rose Potatoes and Fottler's Drumhead Cabbages.

Levi Emery, Lawrence, premiums, $3 each, for Turnip Beets
and Red Cabbages.

Mrs, Jeremiah Fuller, Middleton, gratuity, $1 .50, for very
choice looking gherkins, or small pickled cucumbers, in jars.

Alfred Green, Salisbury, 2d premium, $2, for Savoy Cab-
bages ; gratuity, $2, for exhibit of Potatoes and Onions.

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, 1st premium, $8, for best col-
lection of garden seed, 210 varieties ; " Birds of New En-
gland" for best collection of Vegetables ; premium, $3, for
greatest variety of Tomatoes, (14 varieties) ; premiums, $3
each, for best Yellow and Red Flat Onions, best Nutmeg Mel-
on (" Black Spanish"), Water Melon, Cauliflower (" Nonpa-
reil"), and for Early Sweet Corn (" Marblehead").

S. W. Hathaway, Marblehead, 1st premium, $3, for Mam-
moth Cabbage ; 2d premium, $2, for Stone Mason Cabbages ;
and gratuity, 11.50, for Yellow Danvers Onions.

E. G. Hyde, Danvers, premium, 13, for Purple Top Turnips;
2d premium, $2, for Red Cabbages ; gratuities, $1 each, for
Early Rose Potatoes and Short Horn Carrots.

John S. Ives, Salem, 2d premium, |6, for collection of gar-
den seed, 198 varieties.

H.N. & A. D. Johnson, East Saugus, premium, $3, for best
Field Corn ; gratuity, |1, for Pearl Pop Corn.

Allen Lee, Manchester, gratuity, |1.50, for Early Rose Po-
tatoes and Pole and Bush Beans, and $1 for Egyptian Sweet
Corn.

Aaron Low, Essex, premiums, $3 each, for best Turban
Squash (" Essex Hybrid"), best Round Flat Tomatoes (" Es-
sex Smooth Round"), best dish of any other variety (" Low's
New Hybrid").

86

Wm. Miller, Swampscott, gratuity, <fl.50, for Sugar Beets.

Josiali Newliall, Lynnfield, gratuity, -$1.50, for Crookneck
Squashes.

AsaT. Newliall, Lynn, premiums, $3 each, for best " Mar-
blehead" Squash and Mangold Wurtzels.

Benajah Phillips, Swampscott, gratuities, $1 each, for Yel-
low Globe Turnips, and for Cucumbers and Peppers, and $1.60
for Melons.

W. W. Perkins, Newbury, gratuity, f 1.50, for Danvers Yel-
low Onions.

E. P. Richardson, Lawrence, premium, $3, for best " Ohio"
Potatoes.

H. A. Stiles, Middleton, premium, 13, for best peck of culti-
vated Cranberries.

Benjamin P. Ware, Marblehead, premium, $3, for best Bos-
ton Marrow Squash.

David Warren, Marblehead, 1st premiums, $3 each, for
Stone Mason Cabbages and Danvers Onions.

E. P. Webster, Haverhill, gratuity, $1.50, for eighteen va-
rieties of Seed Beans.

The Vegetable department of our Fair, in point of quantity
and quality, was a decided success. Your Committee makes
the same complaint, however, that former committees have
done, feeling justified in making it the more strongly, as the
advice and suggestions of former committees, progressive in
spirit, with the good of the Society only in view, have not been
acted upon. What your Committee complain of is : —

1st. The scattering of the exhibit, part being on three ta-
bles in the hall and part in a tent outside. 2d. The different
kinds of vegetables mixed together. 3d. Exhibits were not
confined within the rules of the Society, as to the quantity and
size of vegetables entered for premium.

We think three parties are to blame for it. 1st. The Society,
by not giving notice that its exhibition hall will open for '•' en-
tries" the afternoon and evening previous to the opening, thus

87

avoiding the rush, confusion and delay consequent upon the little
time given in the forenoon of the opening day, for exhibitors to
"enter" and arrange, to the best advantage, their exhibits, where
they ought to he. The Hall Committee, under the Superinten-
dent's direction, would have more time to look after and assist
them, and the judges to make their awards, before the doors are
thrown open to the impatient public. Exhibitors and commit-
tees would then have more time to devote to the transactions
of the Society, outside of the exhibition hall. The Society
should also provide designating cards for the position of the
articles exhibited, and also provide all committees with appro-
priate designating badges, to be worn by each member during
the continuance of the fair or while on duty. The importance
of this to exhibitors and others seeking information is so great,
that the expense of it would be insignificant.

2d. The Superintendent of the Hall should designate where
each kind should be placed, by a card having the name of that
kind conspicuously displayed ; should not receive for entry or
place more of each kind or variety than that for which premi-
ums are offered, or less, except entered for exhibition only, so
recorded upon the entry book, the exhibitor being so informed,
and his exhibit not placed with competitors for premiums, but
elsewhere, and when of special merit should receive gratuities.
A suitable sub-committee should look out for and assist the
exhibitors,

3d. The Exhibitor, before he exhibits, should ascertain the
proper quantity and size required by the Society to compete
for its premiums, not select five or six overgrown squashes,
weighing twenty or more pounds, when three, not over ten
pounds weight, are required ; not select loose headed cabbages
because they look larger, when a hard-headed, smaller one is
superior ; or great potatoes, scrubbed and rubbed, until they
look as if made of wax, instead of grown in the earth, and as
if " a good size for family use" meant large enough in size for
a good family ; or beets, carrots and turnips, scrubbed and
shaved so close, both top and bottom, that they all become

88

"dead beats ;" onions, with their outer skins peeled off "to make
them look nice," their tops cut off so close as to make them
unfit for keeping ; vegetables dumped on to the table in a heap
or almost hid in a deep, dirty box, instead of nicely arranging
them, or in various ways making his exhibit non-conform with
the rules or unattractive to the eye. The farmer ought to
know by this time that the more attractive his products are
arranged the better custom he has, and more from thoughtless-
ness than ignorance presents his products in the Fair in an
unattractive form.

The above has not been written to apply so much to our late
Fair as to all, for, as a whole, the exhibit was very attractive
to the eye, and so generally good that many steps had to be
taken by your committee between the hall and the tent, before
a decision as to comparative merits could be made, and even
then, with the best intentions to be just, it was almost impossi-
ble that full justice could be done when the articles in compe-
tition were not side by side.

The largest contributor to this department was the well-
known seedsman, Hon. J. J. H. Gregory of Marblehead, who
exhibited eighty varieties of seventeen different kinds of vege-
tables, and two hundred and ten varieties of seed. His col-
lection of Tomatoes was the largest of any, and his mode of
cultivating them has been fully treated in a report made by
him to the Society in 1871, and copied into the State Keport
the same year. He has also in other reports treated vegeta-
bles and seed in his usual practical form.

The next largest exhibit was by M. F. Batchelder of Pea-
body, who contributed twenty -four varieties of twelve different
kinds.

The potatoes exhibited by eighteen contributors were very
fine, although averaging larger than " a good size for family
use," many of the new varieties being among them. Mr. Em-
ery exhibited the " Goodwin Seedling," which potato was
awarded the Society's premium of $25 this year, " for the best
seedling potato raised in Essex County, it having had a three

89

years' test." The " Burbank," another excellent potato, which
should have a premium offered for it by the Society, looked
well and good accounts are given of it. The potatoes shown
by Alfred Green of Salisbury were enormous, and we are sor-
ry that he did not reply to our inquiries, for, if what a by-
stander said was true, " that they were a fair sample of the
whole crop," it must have been an extraordinary one, for
twenty-three of Burbank, and twenty-two of early and late Rose
filled a peck, also onions, twenty-nine to a peck. The exhibits
of the " Ohio" potato by B. Frank Barnes of Boxford, and the
" Beauty of Hebron" by Wallace Bates of Lynn, showed them
to be very prolific.

We should judge that phosphates and other condensed fer-
tilizers have proved the past season of great benefit to the po-
tato crop, as well as others, from the accounts of it we have in
the interesting replies to our inquiries which will be found in
this report.

The display of Squashes was from twenty-four contributors,
who had so many good ones as to make it no easy matter to
decide which were the best. We noticed some whose large
size for the variety would not commend them to an economical
housekeeper or to a vegetable committee. We would advise
any one planting for profit to select his seed from a medium
sized squash that he has tried and found good, rather than
from large ones which are generally coarse grained and wa-
tery. We also think the best time for planting to be between
the 20lh of June and 1st of July. Seed planted the 25th of
June by our Chairman escaped the ravages of the bugs and
produced about half a ton of even sized and well-ripened Tur-
ban and Hubbard Squashes, on 1500 square feet of land, ma-
nured only with two handfuls of Bradley's fertilizer to a hill,
hills six feet apart (if they had been farther apart they would
have done better) three plants were left in a hill.

Your committee were a little in doubt whether the premium
offered by the Society " for the best American Turban Squash"
meant any " Turban" found tlie best, or, the original type of

90

that variety. We were unanimous in our award to the " Es-
sex Hybrid Squash" originated by Aaron Low of Essex, which
he obtained from an accidental cross of the Hubbard and Tur-
ban, After four years' training and testing, it has proved by
its uniform size, true turban shape, with the fine grain, sweet
flavor and color of the " original Turban" added to the hard
shelly dryness and long keeping qualities, of the " Hubbard,"
make it as your Chairman and others know by actual test, to
be a very valuable addition to the list of varieties of this favo-
rite vegetable.

J. P. Bailey, of Marblehead, exhibited a squash of the
" Marblehead" variety, with an eighth section of it length-
ways, in color and appearance of the " Hubbard" variety. In
reply to inquiries, he states : " The seed was from a twenty-
five pound Hubbard squash, and I can only account for the
mixture in this way, viz. : that a honey bee has done the work
while going from one plant or blossom to another. I could
not say if there were other squashes on tlie same vine, from
the fact of the vines being very much interwoven, but presume
there Avere as I had a very large crop from a small piece of
land. I shall plant these seed in a separate place, and use
every means to prevent their getting mixed with others and
will exhibit three or more squashes from the product at the
next Fair."

We were surprised that more Field Corn was not exhibited,
and that which was, so unripe ; the only trace considered
ripe enough and good enough for a premium was raised in East
Saugus, and as no pop corn good enough to entitle it to a pre-
mium was exhibited, a gratuity was awarded to Messrs. John-
son for a small trace of the " Pearl" variety, said to be of
excellent quality.

A peck of Oats, contributed by Mr. Appleton of the "Broad-
fields farm," Peabody, attracted attention, and his interesting
experiments in regard to them will be found of value.

Sugar Beets, now attracting so much attention in New
England for the manufacture of sugar, had some large speci-

91

mens shown, the best by William Miller of Swampscott, who,
in reply to inquiries, gave very interesting and valuable ideas,
not only in regard to them but also in the re-claiming of old
swamp and sod land. If he and his employer are " not
members of the County Society" they ought to be, for such men
are of value in adding to the stock of information sought after
by our society for its own and others' benefit.

The Cranberries exhibited were well ripened and of good
size, Mr. Stiles of Middleton having far the best.

His experience in Cranberry culture, as given in this report,
will be found of benefit, especially to those who, perhaps, are
neglecting to utilize the most valuable part of their farm, by
not turning an unprofitable swamp into a profitable cranberry
plantation.

Mrs. Jeremiah Fuller, of Middleton, exhibited in six jars,
some of the most perfect Gherkins, or Pickled Cucumbers, in
form, size and condition, that has ever come under our obser-
vation. She states that the seed were planted the last of June ;
the cucumbers picked every other day. To prepare them for
pickles, scald in salt and water twice, let them stand twenty-
four hours each time ; one cup of salt to one hundred pickles,
and then scald twice in weak vinegar, after which put them in
jars and fill up with strong, scalded vinegar, with a piece of
alum the size of a pea, which hardens the pickles. They keep
best in sealed jars.

Alphonso Mason, of North Beverly, one of our Committee
and a well-known squash and melon raiser, adds the following
advice : " In raising melons as well as other vegetables I select
the best and earliest for seed, light sandy land with old barn
manure as a compost, two shovelsful in a hill, six feet apart
each way ; cover the manure with dirt, dropping six seed in a
hill, cover about three-fourths of an inch deep. The first time
hoeing, leave four plants in a hill, the second time leave three.
Cultivate often and keep clear of weeds. Above all things avoid
going into the vines tvhile the deiv is on, either to luok at them or
to loork. They begin to ripen about the first of August. The

92

way I select a ripe melon is by the high color and a crack
around the stem. I do not pick them to ripen off the vines, as
they do not have so good a flavor. I watch them very closely,
as they want to be looked over twice a day, about 11 A. M. and
2 P. M., if the weather is very warm, if not, once a day will
do. After a shower they ripen very fast, and will crack open
if not attended to."

In regard to raising large Turban Squashes he says : "Spread
six cords of stable manure to the acre and harrow it well with
the wheel harrow. Hills from eight to ten feet apart, five seed
in a hill. When hoed, thin out to three plants, keep them
well limed to protect them from bugs, never put it on until the
dew is off. In selecting my seed squashes I go all over the
piece and put stakes down to some of the earliest and nicest
looking ones, and leave them there until the squashes they
mark are quite ripe."

We cannot help noticing in our report the lettuce of Martin
Nies of Swampscott. It looked so fresh, green and crisp that
one could hardly realize that Jack Frost had been around the
week before.

Mr. Ives's display of seed, 198 varieties, attracted attention,
and what he says about seed growing is information to the
point.

There were several exhibits we should like to specially men-
tion had we time and space. Information of value will be found
in all the replies we have received. Read them !

Respectfully submitted for the Committee,

David W. Low, Chairman.

Reply of John S. Ives, of Salem, who received a premium for

OoUection of Seeds.

GARDEN SEED CULTURE.

One of the most important requirements to successful farm-
ing is by commencing the season with fresh seeds of reliable
quality, raised from choice stock and grown with the utmost

93

care. It seems unaccountable that many gardeners pay so
little attention to the manner of growing their vegetable seeds,
as it requires so little trouble to select a few good roots of each
variety in the Fall which can be set the following Spring in
one row, as different species do not hybridize or mix, but
different varieties of the same species should not be placed near
each other. Manure well with well decomposed compost adding
a little super-phosphate. When the Cabbages, Beets, Carrots
and Parsnips commence to branch, cut off all side laterals,
reserving only the centre shoots, or those starting from the
centre. This produces large, superior seed, the failure of doing
■which is often the cause of unevenness in the seed and crop and
sometimes even the failure of the entire crop. Never cut the
tops with a knife from vegetables to be kept for seed stock, but
remove them by hand ; when setting a Cabbage for seed in the
Spring a cross-cut one inch deep should be made on the
extreme top of the head, which enables the tender shoot to
burst from the centre of the solid head.

If our brother gardeners fail to grow the seeds they require^
then purchase their supply f'rom a careful dealer, who fully un-
derstands how seed should be grown. I will not say honest
seedsmen, as I believe all seedsmen are honest hy compulsion,
for there is no business in which a man will so easily ruin his
reputation and business as by selling poor seed, as one pound
of worthless seed costing one dollar may ruin the salesman's
trade throughout an entire county. For example, Mr. A. pur-
chases of Mr. B. a pound of cabbage seed and sows it, waiting
patiently the result. His cabbages fail to head, and in the Fall
he has but few suitable for market. Now during the season,
farmers call to examine and compare each other's crops. Mr.
A.'s callers are informed of the worthless seed purchased of Mr.
B.; the result is that Mr. B.'s seeds are condemned as not relia.
ble. Therefore a seedsman in his right mind will never inten-
tionally allow a pound of inferior seed to be sold to the injury
of his character and business. Seedsmen are often asked to
warrant, or guarantee their seeds to produce a crop. My answer

94

to such is yes, if you will guarantee the following conditions,
viz.: — That the seed shall be planted at the proper time, that
the weather shall be neither too hot or too cold, too wet or too
dry that too much manure shall not be used, or too little, that no
insect shall molest the crop and that every condition of nature
shall be perfect. Crops often fail from many of these natural
causes when the seedsman is censured and his seed condemned.

Reply of Francis H. Ajjpleton, of Broadfelds Farm, Peahody.

This season (1879) I harvested from 3 acres 31,424 ft. of
land 169| bushels of oats, and 8 tons, 215 pounds of straw and
chaft ; or at the rate of 45.55 bushels of oats and 2 tons, 89
pounds straw and chaff per acre.

In 1877 the same land had Hungarian grass, except half an
acre where potatoes were planted on stable manure. The
Hungarian was a thin crop grown on an old mossy pasture sod,
with a fertilizer, and the potatoes were also a light crop.

In 1878 the part of the same field, where the Hungarian
grew, was dressed with 18 cords stable manure, but no stable
manure was put where the potatoes were ; the whole was also
fertilized in drill with " Stockbridge Hill & Drill Phosphate"
and sown to Indian corn. The yield was 441 bushels of corn-
on-cob, and 8 tons 776 pounds of stover.

Last Autumn I ploughed the fields, and early this Spring
divided it into two parts for experimental purposes.

Tlie north part, containing 1 acre, 35,827 ft., I dressed
(without again plowing) with five bags " Stockbridge Oat Fer-
tilizer," costing '122.50, and harrowed it well in ; then sowed
heavily, with 6 bushels of seed. I should say that besides
wanting to seed heavily, I am much troubled by crows and had
to allow for their depredations. The seed was bought of a
grain dealer in Salem. This part has yielded 82 3-4 bushels
of oats, and 4 tons, 154 pounds of straw and chaff.

The south part, containing 1 acre 39,157 ft. I dressed with
3| bags Rectified Peruvian Guano, costing $24.50.

The treatment was the same over the whole field, and 6

95

bushels of seed were also sown here. This part has yielded
86 3-4 bushels of oats, and 3 tons, 1061 pounds of straw and
chaff.

Since harvesting my crop of oats I plowed the field, dressed
it with "Stockbridge seeding-down mixture," which was thor-
oughly harrowed in, and sowed to grass. Ever since Mr. Flint
spoke to the Society at its meeting, in Salem, last Spring, I
have taken opportunities to talk with other people, and have
also read up about grass seeds, to see if I could not find some
new mixture that would be adapted to my fields. I based my
investigation upon the mixtures then advised by Mr. Flint. I
found that the mixtures would be all he said on land that had
sufficient moisture, but I do not think they would be good on
land that is liable to be affected by drought. Consequently
they would not do on my land.

The result was, I found that Herds Grass (Timothy), Red
Top and Red Clover, with a few pounds of Alsike Clover per
acre, were, in my judgment, just suited to my wants and lands.

I have, however, seeded down another piece, about one and
a quarter acres, to grass with some Tall Oat Grass in the same
mixture as above, as an experiment.

Since I came to the above conclusion, I was talking with a
good farmer, wlio had been looking up the same subject, and
been reading both English and American books on grasses,
and it was his opinion that the selection I had made was best
adapted to my land.

I will try to report on the result of my seeding with Tall
Oat Grass, another season I can now speak highly of Orchard
grass, but would add that all land, sown with it, should be
heavily seeded.

Knowing that your Committee are authorized to examine all
seed that might be shown to you, I have reported to you as
above.

96

Reply of William Miller Gardiner^ Farmer to J. L. Little, Esq.

at Sivampscott, Mass.

I had about a quarter of an acre planted with sugar Beets, the
production per acre would be about 40 tons, the average of
each bushel 70 pounds. I have grown them for the last 5
years and had better crops each year previous to this.

I was sorry to hear ray contributions to the fair were not
according to the rules. An officer of your society told me it
was 6 in number of each kind of vegetable. As for my being
an Essex County farmer, I take the entire charge of the farm
and garden for J. L. Little, Esq., of Swampscott, Mass.

Mr. Little has a farm of 100 acres, all told, in Swampscott,
farmed on the modern style of farming in which we are very
successful. Although neither of us is a member of your
Society we were urged by Mr. Ware to exhibit, which we could
have done more largely if we had thought of it sooner, and we
were not posted at all in quantity required.

The land I raised the Sugar Beets on was a black muck with
a clay bottom the second year from old sod land of 20 years
laying sour, until drained. I planted the first week in May
with stable manure and Guano, say 6 cords per acre with 1-4
ton per acre of Guano. The drills raised on account of low
wet land. I have always succeeded best with raised drill sys-
tem on low land. I have never failed in getting a good crop of
Sugar Beets.

I have invariably succeeded best with all kinds of vegeta-
bles, except perishable seeds, to plant early, close to the sea
shore as we are situated. My employer gives very liberal
encouragement to farm well, for we let no weeds grow to take
the nourishment away from the plants. Weeds, in my estima-
tion, are the worst enemy a farmer has to contend with. Allow
me to say in conclusion that we mowed 4| tons to the acre on
land that grew nothing but wild meadow grass before it was
drained, then cropped with vegetables for two successive years,
then laid down to grass before the ground froze in the end of
November.

97

His concludivg paragraph ivas so hristlmg with points for
further information^ that in response to a request, he made the
following reply :

In reply to your inquiries — First, the underdraining was done
with hemlock boards, one board 7 inches wide and another 8
inches wide nailed together A shape with no bottom, as it was
a hard clay bottom, with a few small rocks on each side so that
the water would filter in. The drain did not average two
feet deep on account of the little fall I had. I prefer boards to
tile on account of frost. The cost of hemlock boards is $10
per 1000 feet. They have been proved to last underground 25
years. I have found them to work admirably so far. I drained
about four acres this way; the land before drained grew nothing
but wild swamp grass, and now about 4^ tons to the acre of
splendid herds-grass and red clover.

We raise Sugar Beets solely for cows, which I consider very
valuable compared with the coarse Mangolds. The amount of
milk is much larger and of better quality, which I have proved.

I have never analyzed them for sugar but should think the
per cent, was larger than I saw in the '' Massachusetts
Ploughman" of last week, as an average, for they are solid,
close grained and very sweet, the pure article, which I am
happy to say I have always had.

I have also been very successful in improving old sod-land
of 25 years down, by plowing deep in October and laying down
to grass again just before the ground freezes up, late in Novem-
ber, so that the seed will not germinate before Spring. I think
it is equally as good as cropping it with culinary vegetables,
sapping the ground again and encouraging weeds, which are no
friends of mine.

It is a little more work to grade it down right. My system
after ploughing is to manure with barn yard manure, 6 cords
to the acre, wheel-harrowed in; then brush-harrow the seed so
that the grass gets the best of the weeds before the warm
weather of the next summer. I have raised four tons to the
acre by following this way. I consider the old sod I turned

98

down, after rotting, is a pretty good manure of itself. I think
top dressing old sod land with barn yard manure is almost like
throwing money away, compared with working in the manure
after ploughing. After the ground is down a year a top-dressing
of sea manure works splendidly, especially on low land ; the
more wet on the surface the better for it.

I prefer horse and cow manure mixed, if the animals are
grained well, which makes the good ingredients.

I may say the board drain is very simple to make ; hemlock
plank would be better than boards in some cases, especially if
there is heavy teaming over it. Using plank they need not be
so wide and the cost would not be but a little more. Only a
few nails are required to keep the tops in place, a little opening
being left all the better. I am sure such drains will give satis-
faction in low land where you cannot go deep. The distance
apart I put the drains is 50 feet.

Beply of M. F. Batchelder of Peabody^ Mass., who received

premiums for Beets, Carrots and Cabbages, and had

other Vegetables, ^c, very good.

In reply to your note of Oct. 13, I will give you what in-
formation I can in regard to the cultivation of Vegetables, &c.

Onions can be raised on most any soil where corn will grow ;
black or loamy soil the best, manured with horse manure six
to ten cords to the acre. Crop 300 to 600 bushels to the acre.
Sow early, about three pounds of seed to the acre.

Cabbages will grow on most any kind of land that is moist
and rich. The earlier you plant, the better, and the richer the
land the better they will grow. Plant in hills two feet by three.
When they begin to harden up we begin to harvest them, from
July until frost comes.

Potatoes. The earlier they are planted the better ; manure
very high. Plant in drills three feet by one. When the the tops
dry down begin to harvest. 150 to 200 bushels per acre.

Corn. Same kind of soil and same manure. 50 to 75
bushels per acre. Seed from good ripe corn.

99

Carrots. Same kind of soil, same manure. 20 to 25 tons
per acre. Seed, Horn Carrot.

Beets. Same soil, with plenty of manure. Sow in drills.
Seed, Turnip Beet.

Squash. Same soil, with compost manure and plenty of it.
Sow in hills ten feet apart, leave two seeds in a hill. Plant
about June 1.

Melons. Light, loamy or sandy soil, with good, rotten ma-
nure, three or four shovelfuls in each hill, six feet apart ; leave
two seeds in a hill ; plant the middle of May.

Seed. 1 raise most of the seed I use. As soon as the seed
breaks ground, begin to hoe and pull weeds, continuing from
time to time, until the weeds are all killed out.

Bugs. Squash bugs are kept off with air-slacked lime put
on the plants every morning when the dew is on the leaf. Po-
tato bugs are destroyed by using Paris Green. Put one table-
spoonful into a pail of water and stir it well, then with a
sprinkling pot go over the*vines two or three times a day until
they are killed out.

Sarvesting. Onions — when the tops begin to dry and fall,
we begin to pull them and let them remain on the ground until
dry ; then get them into the barn and pull off the tops, keeping
them in a dry place where they can have the air.

Grass land to yield well wants to be well-manured, and for
all crops, the more manure the better and larger the crops.

Reply of Seth W. Hathaway of Marblehead, Mass.

My soil is of strong, dark loam, with clay bottom. I use
stable manure mixed with sea manure. I think highly of Rus-
sell Coe's Phosphate, also, Peruvian Guano. I raise my own
seeds. I plant as soon as the ground is suitable to receive the
seeds, and continue to plant until the first of July, using plenty
of seed each time, to be sure of a full supply of plants, and if
I have any surplus there is generally a demand for them. I
protect them from bugs and worms by using slacked lime and
ashes. The cabbages that I keep for seed I have covered up

100

out doors, and the rest of the vegetables I keep in a cool cel-
lar. I took the second prize on Stone Mason and the lirst
prize on Brunswick cabbages at the late County Fair. 1 did
not think of taking any vegetables to the Fair until the Satur-
day previous, and my largest cabbages I had sold.

I planted six rows of large " Alpha" potatoes, cut and plant-
ed expressly for stock seed, manured with a compost of horse,
cow and sea manure. Having some small ones left, a few days
after I planted them, using Coe's Phosphate, strewing in a
handful to every three feet. Wliile growing there was a mark-
ed difference in the color of the leaves, those planted with ma-
nure were of a light green, those planted with phosphate were
of a very dark green color ; they were planted side by side,
(the ground the year before was planted to cabbages,) and
when dug there was a full third larger crop with the phosphate,
the potatoes being larger, smoother and handsomer than those
planted with the manure. I think that it will stand the drought
better than the stable manure.

Reply of Allen Lee of MancJiesier, Mass., who received gratui-
ties/or Potatoes and Seed Beans.

My Early Rose Potatoes were raised in clay and loamy land ;
one-half were planted with Stockbridge's fertilizer and the oth-
er with stable manure. I used half a gill of the Stockbridge
to a hill," well cut in. The Stockbridge produced 110 bushels,
whilst the stable manure produced 75 bushels. Those planted
with Stockbridge were ten days earlier, or in ten weeks from
planting I dug them, all ripe. I have had the seed twelve
years ; they are just as good now as the first year, and I expect
to keep them good as long as I live. I plant whole potatoes if
ray seed is common size. May 20th. If I can, I then get clear
of the first crop of bugs, and before the next crop comes my
potatoes are well up. I give them a good hoeing when about
eight inches high and that is all. The two best crops in our
neighborhood this year, had but one hoeing each. I go around
among my potatoes and pick off the bugs once a week. The

101

angle worm is the greatest trouble to me, eating my potatoes
after a shower.

Of Beans I have tried all kinds and find but two kinds fit to
raise. They are the Agricultural or the Mountain Cranberry,
Pole and Bush Yellow. It is very early, ripening all at the
same time. I planted this year a piece of land, 120x51 feet,
and from it I got 36 bushels of pods. I always plant June 10
to 15, always manuring with hen manure, mixed with meadow
muck, one-half of eacli.

Reply from A. C. Estes of Rockport, who received a premium
for Potatoes and Cabbages.

I cannot give you anything of much value regarding the cul-
ture of vegetables, for I have not kept any account of the cost
on any piece of land. I will state that this year, on about one-
half acre for potatoes, I spread on a coat of rockweed and
turned under in the spring, and in planting used about a table-
spoonful of Bradley's superphosphate in the hill, with very
good results, having about 125 bushels, on the half acre, of
Early Rose Potatoes.

I also planted my Cabbages the same way, with good results.
I have never used any phosphate on any other crops. For
Onions I turn under a coat of rockweed and another of barn-
yard manure, in the Fall. I think it is better plowed in the
Fall than in the Spring.

Reply of E. G. Hyde of Danvers, who is over 76 years of age.
1st. My land is a loamy soil, an old pasture all run out
with blueberry and other wild bushes. I put my plow to work
and tore it up a few years ago and made a garden of a portion
of it, where I can raise all kinds of vegetables by feeding with
good manure or No. 1 Guano, I mean Peruvian, which I think
much of, for potatoes with some manure. 2d. You inquire how
I manure for different vegetables. On that point I act accord-
ing to my judgment or state of the land. If the land is poor it

102

requires more manure. Say my onion land, 1 put on four to
six cords to the acre. Potatoes, I plant in drills two and a
half feet apart, 3d. You inquire about seed. I generally
raise my own seed. Sometimes I fail in the project. I often
buy potatoes to renew my seed or change it, which I think is a
better way, I think it is wisdom to keep the weeds down and
hoe often. A horse cultivator and man will do two-thirds of
the work amongst corn and potatoes, 4th. You speak of in-
sects. No end hardly to them. They are a great trouble to
farmers. I have to give the bugs Paris Green, which gives
them a bad appetite and very sure to kill, but it requires much
care. Maggots are a pest among our onions. I have never
found anything to stop them, but only to squeeze them to death.
They have been very destructive this year, but after all the poor
insects claim a living, if they do have to steal from us. The
little striped bug is a great plague, too, but not so bad as the
large black bug, which soon destroys the vine. All the way
for farmers to do, who want to raise squashes, is to plant about
the 20th of June. 5th. I harvest my crops when they are fit
for the market. My potatoes and peas come first. 6th. 1
keep crops best. Sometimes I think it best to head up in bar-
rels, onions and apples and put them in a cool cellar. Some
difier on this point and put them in pens, some keep them in
the barn. 7th. Results per acre average. Sometimes I raise
300 or more bushels of onions ; 200 bushels is a very good
crop. Corn, I do not plant much, neither do I plant much
Cabbage or Carrots.

I have answered about all your questions as far forth as I am
able, (living to see about 76^ years, which I esteem a great
blessing from my Heavenly Father).

P. S. Those turnips that took the first premium were sowed
broadcast where I had early potatoes. Sometimes I sow them
in drills.

103

Reply of Aaron Low of Essex, who received premiums for new

varieties of Squashes and Tomatoes.
To the Chairman of the Committee on Vegetables : —

The soil on which most of our vegetables are raised, particu-
larly those varieties for early use and marketing, is a warm
loam which appears best adapted for Early Peas, Beets, Cab-
bages, Potatoes and Sweet Corn. We depend mostly on stable
manure, but use considerable Fish Guano, Stockbridge Manure
and Darling's Bone. We manure liberally, as we follow all of
our early crops with a second planting, either of Squashes, Cu-
cumbers or Cabbages. The past season I planted among our
early peas and potatoes my New Hybrid Squash, planting the
seed between the rows after the last hoeing, from the 25th of
June to July 4th, putting a shovelful of stable manure to each
hill, and hills about eight feet apart each way. Cultivated and
hoed them twice, and as a guard against bugs, sprinkled the
plants as soon as up with flour of plaster. In planting so late
in the season we escape the worm that destroys the roots of
the vines. The squashes, coming up very quickly and growing
rapidly, soon cover the ground and keep down many weeds
that would otherwise be troublesome. This new variety appears
well adapted far late planting, as it matures very quickly, (pro-
ducing the past season, in two months from the planting of
the seed, squashes weighing twelve pounds and well ripened,)
is very productive, of good quality, and an excellent keeper,
specimens of last year keeping till June 10th. We keep our
squashes in as cool, dry place as we can without injury from
frost. The results of the two crops to the acre would be, I
think, if the three varieties of potatoes planted are Clark's No.
1, Beauty of Hebron and Early Rose, 200 bushels and from 8
to 10 tons of squashes.

I think that it is quite an advantage to follow an early crop
with a second, as it can be produced with much less labor, and
in my experience fully as large a product as if only the first
crop was obtained. Of course, the land must have an extra
amount of manure applied to perfect both crops, but the extra

104

cultivation given leaves it free from weeds and in better condi-
tion for the next year.

Reply of E. P. Richardson of Lavfrence, loho received a pre-
mium for ''■ OMo^^ Potatoes.

From some experiments with phosphates in growing potatoes
this season, I am satisfied that under some conditions, at least,
they are profitable, largely increasing the yield and producing
remarkably smooth, handsome potatoes, the excellent quality
being noticed by all who had them. On different land and un-
der different conditions, they might not do as well, and from
one or two instances which have come to my notice, I have
doubts as to their profitable use again on the same land.

In one instance on pasture land, soil, yellow loam, that had
borne a crop of corn which was manured moderately with sta-
ble manure, medium sized. Early Rose, cut once, lengthwise,
were planted with Bowker's Hill and Drill and with Bradley's
Phosphate. Several rows of such were carefully measured, the
potatoes weighed and the average taken, also a row which was
planted without fertilizer or manure of any kind. The yield
in bushels was at the following rate per acre.

Large. Small. Total.
No Manure, 131 56 187

Phosphates, 213 74 287

A gain of 100 bushels per acre, and of marketable pototocs,
>2 bushels. None but good sized were classed as large, all
ess than medium as small, more going with the small than is
justomary, I think.

I find that the Ohio and Burbank yield better than the Early
Rose, and rot much less, the latter being scarcely affected. On
a piece of new land, where these varieties were planted, the
result was as follows, somewhat less care being taken in meas-
uring, the potatoes not being weighed. Very few were small : —

Ohio. Burbank. Early Rose.
No manure, 139
Guano, 186 250

Phosphate (Bradley's), 302 318 236

105

Reply of Alfred Green of Salisbury, who exhibited handsome^
though very large potatoes and onions.

Your favor of Oct. 18, asking statement of my majiner of
cnltivating is at hand.

Late Rose. On thirty-one rods of sod pasture land, plough-
ed in about five cords of manure, made by two cows, two hogs
and one horse ; furrowed with horse in rows three feet apart ;
seed, potatoes size of alien's egg, cut once and dropped two
feet apart. 100 pounds Darling's fertilizer and 100 pounds
Plaster mixed together, strewn in the furrows. Crop hoed
twice, one application of Paris Green on the second crop of
bugs. Dug by hand hoe. From the 31 rods, I dug, of large
potatoes, 40 bushels, and of small, 10 bushels.

Early Ro^e. Land dressed, seeded and cultivated the same
as for the Late Rose, on heavy loam, on which a crop of cab-
bages was raised last year. On 22 rods grew, of very hand-
some potatoes, 45 bushels ; of small ones, 5 bushels.

Burhank's Seedling. Land, dressed, seeded and cultivated
the same as for the Early Rose Potatoes. On 5 rods, grew 12
bushels of large and 1 bushel of small, from one peck of seed
potatoes.

Reply of E. F. Webster of Haverhill, who received a gratuity
for eighteen varieties of Seed Beans.

In regard to the raising of Beans I find they do much better
to plow the manure in, in the early Spring, and plant from the
20th of May to the 20th of June. Our soil is all the way from
gravelly to dark loam. Sub-soil is usually loamy with excep-
tion of clay.

Our Lima Beans we plant from the 10th to the 15th of June
in the richest and best soil we have. They do best to plant
after the land gets well warmed with the sun, and the soil
well mellowed, then put in the seed with a little super phos-
phate or bone meal guano in the hill. After the beans com-
mence to run pinch off the runners, head them in and you will
get more beans from the same quantity of seed. As to my

106

seed, I raised all I planted the past year, except one kind, that
was the " Rhode Island Butter," which is a very good market
bean and worthy of caltivation.

We prepare our land the same as for corn, as beans need
good soil, and very much the same cultivation. In growing,
cultivate with horse-hoe. Have not been troubled with bugs or
insects, as we keep a flock of chickens in our garden and the
field ; are troubled some with blight ; do not know any particu-
lar remedy for it, but to plant again the same ground, if not too
late in the season. Have planted the " Agricultural" as late
as the 21st of June, with good success. We harvest for mar-
ket, first, green for stringing, next, for shelling green ; we then
pull and stack for late. Our early beans pull, place in piles,
and take them to the barn and thrash them with a common
flail. We do not shell any by hand, as it is too much labor.

The most profitable kinds for market of the bush wax varie-
ties are " Ferry's Golden Wax" and the " White Wax," but
that is a poor bearer, not so good as the " Golden Wax ;" of
other sorts than Ferry's, the '* Six Weeks," " White Valen-
tine" and " Bush Horticultural" are also good market varie-
ties. Of Pole Beans, the " London Horticultural" and "White
Horticultural," for string in the pod. For our own table the
" Round White Wax."

The " Marblehead Champion" is very early for a pole bean,
but not profitable for market. It was first sent out by Mr.
Gregory, but I find it is not worthy of cultivation as far as I
have tried it.

For dry use we like the " Dutch Case Knife ;" for baking,
" London Horticultural," both bush and pole. The " Pea
Bean White" is good, but no better than the " Yellow Eye
Bush ;" have not tested the R. I. Butter fully yet. As to its
merits can speak more fully after another year's trial.

The other vegetables I raise are Turnips, Peas and Mangolds.
The common Turnip Beet does best with manure plowed in,
in the Fall, and spread and harrow in fine manure in the
Spring.

107

In my business I raise more fruit than vegetables. I think,
however, that, from what vegetables we do raise, we get better
results from our labor by plowing coarse manure in, in the
Fall.

Hoping what little I have written may be of some benefit to
you and others, I remain, etc.

Reply of H. A. Stiles of Mlddleton, who received the Society''s

premium in 1878, /or his experiment in the cultivation

of the cranberry, and received the premium

this year for best cranberries.

Your postal came duly at hand. It would afford me greater
pleasure in replying could I make some statements concerning
cranberries, resulting from long experience, close observation
and continued experiment.

The following year after I received the Society's premium,
half an acre of the land which grew the premium crop was
burnt over by sparks from the Railroad and, consequently, but
few cranberries have grown there until the present year. This
piece of land was ploughed, harrowed, and rolled down smooth-
ly, and after setting the vines about ten inches apart, no labor
worthy of note, has since been expended by way of improve-
ment. As the nature of this soil is quite sandy, a very impor-
tant requisite, and considering the comparative cheapness of
preparing the land by ploughing, I regard it, on the whole, as
my best experiment in growing the cranberry. That portion
of land (about an acre) lying west of the railroad, which con-
tains more muck and less sand, I did not plow, but spread up-
on the grass about three inches of coarse sand, has generally
produced good crops of cranberries yearly. Last year the
prospect for an abundant crop on all my lots was never so good
until the 6th of June, when that remarkable frost destroyed
them. Last September I spread two inches of sand over this
piece of land from the cart, and although the quantity of ber-
ries was not increased this year, they ripened earlier and were
less injured by the frosts of September, and will, the next few

108

years, amply repay the expense. In setting vines upon land
unfit to be plowed, which produces grass naturally, I would
spread upon the surface, in August, from one to two tons of
cheap hay per acre, covering the same with two or three inches
of sand for the good of the cranberry and to keep the hay in
place. In the month of May following would set the vines as
thickly as could be afforded, striking the hoe through sand and
hay into the soil. The hay acts as a fertilizer to the vine and
very effectually prevents the growth of grass.

It is evident, I think, that more cranberries are destroyed by
the frosts of June and September than all other causes com-
bined, in this locality, hence the importance of a flood gate to
protect the vines and cranberries by water, where it is possible
to be done. From my own experience and observation, I have
yet to be fully convinced that continuous flowing in the freezing
months is necessary to insure a crop of cranberries. This may
seem to be an extraordinary statement, but my reasons are
these : 1st. It is unnatural to the vine, and when covered with
water early in Autumn it becomes very tender (not hardy) by
spring. I have known a crop of cranberries, or the buds of
the same, under a mill-pond to be spoiled by the scorching rays
of the sun when the water was let off rather suddenly. I think
the bud is oftener injured by frosts after the water is drawn
away. If it escapes the heat and cold of April and May, it is
more likely to be injured by the frosts of June than those vines
that withstood the frosts of Autumn and Winter without much
water.

In response to a request for him to make a statement, at
length, in regard to cranberry culture, if he so desired, the
Chairman of the Committee received the following :

The cultivation of the cranberry probably commenced in the
earlier part of the present century, and conducted on a limited
scale until within thirty-five or forty years, when it received
considerable attention in the vicinity of Cape Cod in this state,
and the consequences have been increased productiveness and
improvement of the plant. In most of the New England

109

States and some of the Middle and Southern, the cultivation of
the cranberry has received some attention, but to New Jersey
more than any other state is entitled the credit of bestowing
much energy, money, care and patience, in the culture of this
delicious fruit until it has assumed much importance.

The most important requisite to the successful culture of the
cranberry is the right kind of soil. The conclusions arrived at
by the observation and experience of cranberry growers gen-
erally, are, that a mout, peaty or muck soil, intermixed with
beach sajid, and free from loam or clay, is the most suitable.
The method of preparing the soil for the growth of the cran-
berry vine must vary with the kind of soil. If it be sufficient-
ly dry in summer, the cheapest and most direct method to fit it
for receiving the vine would be by plowing. It may then be
harrowed and rolled down, when it is ready for the vine, which
may be set in holes made with the hoe, eight or ten inches
apart, covering the roots from one to two inches in depth. If
the plot is to be flowed with water during the winter, the vine
may be planted as soon as the land is made ready, but if not
flooded the vine should be set in spring time.

The second mode of fixing land for the cranl)erry, which
could not well be ploughed, would be to spread evenly as pos-
sible, either beach or coarse sand, to the depth' of from three
to five inches, as the case might seem to require to keep down
the grass until the vine spreads and checks its growing. In
planting the vine proceed as in the plowed lot.

The third method of preparing a plot of peat or muck for
the vine is to spread evenly a quantity of litter hay (perhaps
two tons to the acre), upon the surface, covering the same with
sand from three to five inches in depth. If this is done in
July or August, the vines may be planted in April or May fol-
lowing. The hay will very effectually kill the grass and many
other substances not favorable to the growth of the cranberry,
and quicken the growth of the vine in its decaying condition.

There are one or two other methods which may be employed
in preparing land for the cranberry. If the patch can be flow-

110

ed with water during the warmer season, of sufficient depth, it
will kill out all vegetation, thus preparing the soil very cheaply
for the vine.

Again, if there are substances that cannot be eradicated by
water or by spreading sand, the surface soil may be removed,
putting on sand in its place, but the operation is somewhat ex-
pensive, and the surface soil being more congenial to the growth
of the cranberry it should be, if possible, retained.

As there are many varieties of the cranberry growing in this
region, it is important that those vines be selected that are
fruitful, producing large berries, early to ripen and of good
color. The importance of a flood-gate to prevent by water the
destruction by tbe worm and the frosts of June and September
upon the cranberry, can hardly be overrated in this locality.
The advantage of flowing during the freezing months, when
the weather is uncommonly cold and severe are good, ofttimes,
in saving the fruit hud of the cranberry, but the effect of water
for several months upon the vine produces an unnatural tender-
ness of the plant which will not withstand the effects of heat
and cold when suddenly drained off in springtime, and the hud
is oftener destroyed than protected.

Cranberries that have grown upon a sandy soil, and have re-
ceived the sun and air, are generally ripened and fit to be
gathered from the 10th to the 20th of September, They should
be picked by the hand and spread upon floors in buildings,
where the air freely circulates, six or eight inches in depth, to
remain until endangered by freezing, and then after winnow-
ing and separating the dry and unsound fruit, they may be put
in barrels and placed in a dry and cool cellar, it being the best
method for keeping the fruit. Respectfully submitted,

H. A. Stiles.

Ill

COUNTERPANES, CARPETINGS AND RUGS.

The following Premiums and Gratuities have been awarded :

L. L. Ramsdell, Lynn, 1st premium, one Quilt, '$4.00,

Mrs. J. B. Johnson, 2d premium, one Quilt, -12.00.

Mrs. Nancy W. Fish, Danvers, one AVorsted Log Cabin
Quilt, gratuity, 11.00.

Mrs. S. K. Blanchard, East Saugus, one Quilt, gratuity, $1.

Alice A. Aborn, one Quilt, gratuity, il-OO.

Mrs. J. Selliman, Lynn, one Crib Quilt, gratuity, $1.00.

Mrs. Wm. Heard, 91 years old, Ipswich, one Quilt, 3000
pieces, gratuity, $1 00.

Mrs. Donavan, Salem, one Woolen Quilt, gratuity, $1.00.

Mrs. C. P. Buckley, Danvers, one Knit Quilt, gratuity, $1.

Mrs. M. D. Porter, Swampscott, one Worsted Mat, 1st pre-
mium, 13.00.

Mrs. Griffin, one Mat, 2d premium, 12.00.

Miss A. C. Goodale, Danvers Centre, Carpet Rug, gratuity,
$1.00.

Mrs. J. L. Robinson, Lynn, Burlap Mat, gratuity, f 1.00.

Mrs. G. F. Clifford, one Button Mat, gratuity, $1.00.

Mrs. R. M. Jacobs, Peabody, age 80, gratuity for Rugs, $1.

Mrs. Mary Migill, Lynn, one Button Mat, gratuity, $1.00.

Respectfully submitted.

Signed — Wm. D. Chamberlain, Sarah B. Shorey, Clara W.
Lewis, Rufus Kimball.

ARTICLES MANUFACTURED FROM LEATHER.

The Committee report : —

There were only two exhibits of manufactures of leather —
one of a Brass-Mounted Express Harness by E. A. Putnam of
Beverly ; the other, of Shoe Stock, &c., by T. W. Tyler & Co.,
of Lynn. We append a list of the various articles manufac-
tured by Messrs. Tyler & Co. *

Crrain Leather department. — Men's, Women's, Misses' and

112

Children's Outer and Inner Soles, Outside and Inside Taps,
Heels and Rands, Stiffenino-s, Plain, Scarfed or Rolled, Oak
Tanned Welting Cut and Pitted for the Goodhue Machine or
Hand work.

The Patent Fargo Tip, Scarfed and Marked for Stitching by
the Patent Counter Skiver, for wliich they have the agency.

Pasted Stock. — Men's, Women's, Misses' and Children's
Double Cover Stock and Pancake Inner Soles, Taps, Heels,
Stiffenings, Pancake Heeling, Kip and Split Heel Stock, grease
extracted.

And we would recommend the award of |5.00 to Mr. Put-
nam and $10.00 to xMessrs. Tyler & Co.

Amos Prince, Danvers, Chairman ; Wm. A. Brown, Lynn ;
J. Henry Hill, Amesbury — Committee.

MANUFACTURES AND GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

The Committee on Manufactures and General Merchandise
find nothing exhibited for wliich a premium was offered, and
have awarded gratuities as follows : —

C. A. Lawrence, Beverly, Antique Pottery, gratuity, $1.00.
Smith & Quereaux, Lynn, Shoe Trimmings and Shoe Bows,

gratuity, 12.00.

D. S. Neal, Lynn, Apple Corer and Quarterer, gratuity, $1.
Martin Nies, Swampscott, Willow and Rattan Goods, gratu-
ity, $1.00.

Gideon Marshman, Lynn, Blind Fastener, gratuity, 11.00.

J. M. Barnett, Lynn, Lasts, gratuity, -fl.OO.

Gloucester Isinglass Glue Co., Gloucester, case Isinglass,
gratuity, $1.00.

W. W. Crocker, Lynn, case of Colors for Shoes (samples)
gratuity, $1.00.

H. C. Hubon, Salem, imitation Stained Glass, gratuity, |1.

Smith & Dove Man'g Co., Andover, Machine Thread, gra-
tuity, $2.00.

113

John H. Brown, Lynn, Box Sled, gratuity, $1.00.

Whitten & Lascell, Lynn, Needles and Awls, gratuity, $2.

A. Colburn, Lynn, Signal Lantern, gratuity, $1.00.

J. F. Yella, Lynn, Fancy Boots and Shoe Heels, gratuity,
11.00.

George E. Marsh & Co., Lynn, Staple and Toilet Soaps, gra-
tuity, $2.00.

Wm. R. Porter, Salem, Hot Water Bed-Heater, gratuity, $1.

Nathan M. Hawkes> Charles Ingalls, Rufus Kimball, Geo.
C. Cressy — Committee.

FANCY WORK AND ART.

Your Committee have examined the articles enumerated in
the list of Fancy Work and Art exhibited, and make the fol-
lowing awards : —

Mrs. D. B. Moulton, Lynn, Table Cover and Brackets and
Fancy Table, 1st premium, $3.00.

Mr. Yickary, Lynn, 3 Cases Stuffed Birds, 2d premium, $2.

Wm. A. Burrill, Lynn, 1 case Wax Work, gratuity, $1.50.

S. P. Guild, Lynn, 3 Oil Paintings, gratuity, $1.00.

Mrs. A. 0. Carter, Lynn, Hair Wreath and Mexican Lace
Work, gratuity, $1.00.

Miss M. Y. Newhall, Lynn, 1 Panel Picture, gratuity, $1.00.

Mrs. A. P. Newhall, Lynn, Pen Marking, gratuity, $1.00.

Wm. D. Chamberlain, Lynn, Polished Horns, gratuity, $1.

Miss L. S. Watts, Lynn, Wax Autumn Leaves and case of
Tropical Leaves, gratuity, $1.00.

C. Crowley, 1 case Penmanship, gratuity, $1.00.

Miss Lillie Martin, Lynn, 8 Pieces of China, gratuity, $1.00.

Mrs. Jacob Batchelder, Lynn, 3 Worked Flannel Skirts,
gratuity, $1.00.

A. Bushby, Lynn, Photographs, gratuity, $1.00.

Charles J. Butler, Lynn, Fancy Worked Horns, gratuity, $1.

Lucy S. Nutting, Lynn, Water Color Paintings, gratuity, $1.

8

114

Carrie M. Allen, Lynn, 2 Panel Pictures, gratuity, $1.00.

Miss Hattie Woodbury, Lynn, Oil Painting and Panel Pic- .
tures, gratuity, -11.00.

Miss Mary M. Babb, Lynn, 1 Carriage Robe, gratuity, $1.00

J. W. Tapley, Lynn, Foot Rest, gratuity, 50 cents.

Mrs. W. L. Bowdoin, Salem, 1 Tidy, gratuity, 50 cents.

Mrs. Rufus Kimball, Lynn, Child's Skirt, gratuity, 50 cents.

Miss Mons, Lynn, Fancy Work, gratuity, 50 cents.

Jennie M, Oliver, Lynn, Water Color and Panel Picture, gra-
tuity, 50 cents.

W. Miller, Swampscott, Rustic Table, gratuity, 50 cents.

Lyman M. Dow, Lynn, Lady's Work Box, gratuity, 50 cents.

C. W. Gould, Lynn, 1 case Bird's Eggs, gratuity, 50 cents.

Miss M. F. Coffin, Lynn, 1 Picture, gratuity, $1.50.

Mrs. N. J. Warren, Marblehead, Sofa Pillow, gratuity, 50
cents.

Sarah M. Ridgeway, West Newbury, Wooden Plates with
designs, gratuity, 50 cents.

Mrs. J. A, Lord, Jr., Salem, Table Cover, gratuity, 50 cents.

Mrs. E. C. Johnson, Lynn, 1 Knit Mat, gratuity, $1.00.

LTNN ART ACADEMY.

One piece Water Color, by Frank Pettingill, gratuity, $1.50.

Porcelain, Julia W. Gordon, gratuity, $1.00.

Pastel Painting, S. M. Cotton, $1.50.

Diaphanic Trans, by Annie J. Hicks, gratuity, $1.00.

Crayon Drawing by H. E. Remick, gratuity, $1.00. '

Wax Fruit, by Josie Newhall, gratuity, $1.50.

Fret Sawing, George H. Bacheller, gratuity, $1.00.

Tile Painting, by Jenny Stacey, gratuity, $1.00.

Wax Flowers, S. P. Boynton, gratuity, $1.50.

Panels, C. L= Joint, gratuity, $1.50.

Marine Views, Anna Newhall, gratuity, $1.50.

Landscapes, Walter M. Lamkin, gratuity, $1.50.

Flower Pieces, Mary Call, gratuity, $1.50.

Butterflies, Alice Faulkner, gratuity, 50 cents.

115

Mrs. C. E. Hatch, Spring Pillow, gratuity, 50 cents.

Miss Bush, Salem, Table Cover, gratuity, 75 cents.

Kate Moulton, Picture, gratuity, 15 cents.

Miss Sanborn, Paper Dolls, gratuity, 50 cents.

The Committee would take this opportunity to say that the
amount to be distributed was so limited they were obliged to
pass over a great many articles that deserved more than a
passing notice. There seemed to be no way to acknowledge
the efforts of contributors, except to give general praise to all
who have sent specimens of their work to the Exhibition.

Respectfully submitted,
Warren Ordway (by W. D. Chamberlain), M. E. Fuller,
Clara W. Rose, D. B. Burnham — Committee.

WORK BY CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE.

Award of premiums for work by children under 12 years of
age : —

To H. D. Floyd, Lynn, for Wall Pocket, gratuity, $1.50.

To Miss Grace M. Cone, Peabody, 7 years old, 1 quilt, gratui-
ty, $1.50.

Millie A. Goodwin, Lynn, Paper Doll, gratuity, $1.50.

A. B. Fuller, Middleton, 11 years old, 1 Door Mat, gratuity,
$1.50.

A. Gracie Perry, Danvers, age 6, 1 Frame, gratuity, $1.00.

A. W. Perry, Danvers, age 12, Parlor Rag Bag, gratuity,
$1.00 ; Hanging Basket, gratuity, $1.00.

Willie N. Wales, Groveland, age 11, Book of Drawings, 1st
premium, $3.00.

Winnie J. Plumstead, Swampscott, 9 years old, Lamp Mat,
2d premium-, $2.00.

E. D. Floyd, Painting, gratuity, $1.00.

Sarah B. Shorey, Mrs. E. W. Jacobs, Mrs. N. E. Ladd. Mrs.
S. C. Rose — Committee.

116

IMPROVED PASTURE AND WASTE LAND.

Your Committee being called upon to examine only one piece
of land, which was entered by Mr. Joseph Horton, of Ipswich,
four members, Messrs. Aaron Low, David Warren, Eldred S.
Parker and myself, met there on Thursday morning, July 24,
and attended to that duty. These same members also met at
Lynn, during the Pair, September 30th, and would report that
they do not consider the piece of land entitled to receive a pre-
mium, and the following is submitted : —

In order to describe the situation of this land, I would state
that it is in the same field with and adjoining land that has
previously received premiums from this Society for improved
land.

It is a " soft, deep, black mud," and had been covered
with water so deep, that at times, we were told, boys had
bathed in it. A division fence formerly ran through it in a
crooked course, which brought a part of this swamp land into
a neighbor's pasture.

Such an inaccessible position made it difficult to make re-
pairs on the fence, and the whole piece not being under one
man's control was an obstacle in the way of draining it thor-
oughly and economically. Mr. Horton first made an arrange-
ment to straighten the division line and fence, which enabled
him to drain the whole piece and do his plowing to best ad-
vantage.

The source of the water that covered this land, independent-
ly of the rainfall that settled on it, was some distance from it,
being an extremely clear spring which was on solid ground
and which had been dug into a basin for drinking purposes for
animals, and as a pond for water fowl. From this source quite
a deep ditch had been dug to drain land between it and that
under consideration. This intervening land appeared to have
a more porous sub-soil, with a surface slope that kept it more
readily free from water. The ditch had extended only to the
land your committee examined, until recently, when it was ex-

117

tended in an almost straight line, but slightly to one side of
the centre of the piece, and continued into a swamp beyond.
When this prolongation of the ditch was originally dug, it un-
doubtedly did all the work of conveying the water away from
the land, and had the original shape and size of the ditch been
permanently pz-eserved, its usefulness would undoubtedly have
continued for many years, requiring only an occasional scrap-
ing out of its bottom ; but simply being an open ditch, running
through soft, deep, black mud, without either stone or wooden
sides, the inevitable result has been that the ditch is beginning
to fill up, and if not soon again entirely dug out the whole piece
of land that was entered with us this year and reclaimed by an
expenditure of much time and hard labor must by degrees, and
comparatively quickly, revert nearly to its original swampy con-
dition, and we noticed that a growth of poor grass had already
begun to show itself there. Any one who has a muck meadow,
from which he has dug mud for fertilizing purposes, knows
that, in a few years, those deep trenches become considerably
filled up by the subsoil of the adjacent land, and the conse-
quent settling of the neighboring surface.

Had Mr. Horton put board or stone sides to his ditch when
he first dug it, (or better a line of good tile) his original work
would have all remained for many years to remind him of the
thoroughness of what he had done.

Your committee would praise the attempt made by Mr. Hor-
ton to advance the condition and increase the productiveness
of his land, and have to thank him for polite attention to them
at the time of their visit, but, understanding that it is the in-
tention of the Society, in offering such premiums as we had
placed in our charge, to award them to competitors whose en-
tries are so complete that they can be held up as examples that
the society can recommend for others to copy and follow in de-
tail, they find that they are unable to recommend an award in
this case. It appears that Mr. Horton has received already in
1875, 1876 and 1877, first premiums each year for similar en-
tries and experiments, and your committee, after making their

118

decision on other grounds, which I have stated, doubted wheth-
er they could award the same premium to the same person a
second time for the same experiment and be complying with
the Society's rules.

Your Committee were unanimous in coming to their dQcis-
ion, and the duty of explaining their reasons was left to the
Chairman, who has endeavored to comply with their intention.

Respectfully submitted,

Francis H. Appleton, Chairman.

GRAIN CROPS.

The Committee on Grain Crops report two entries for pre-
mium ; one for Barley, by W. W. Perkins of Newbury, and
one for Indian Corn by A. P. Noyes of Middleton. Both crops
were visited by two of the Committee, and the statement of
Mr. Perkins, giving the required facts of cultivation is pre-
sented.

We recommend the premium on Barley, $10, be paid to Mr.
Perkins.

Nathaniel Peters, Charles R. Anderson — Committee.

Statement of W. W. Perkins.
To the Committee 07i Grain Crops : —

Gentlemen : The crop of Barley that I enter for premium
was raised on 180 rods of land and measured by Edwin P.
Noyes. The land was ploughed in the Fall of 1877, eight
inches deep. It had been in grass for many years previous,
until it produced little but white weed ; the land is clay
loam quite low ; last year it was planted with cabbages, corn
and squashes, manured with stable and barn-yard manure,
about 9 cords to the lot. The crop of corn was very good,
should say about 60 bushels to the acre ; squashes at the
rate of 10 tons to the acre ; the cabbages were an entire fail-
ure. The present year the ground was manured with 5 cords

119

of barn-yard and stable manure, ploughed 7 inches deep, har-
rowed three times with wiieel harrow, and four bushels of bar-
ley sowed the 14tli of May. Covered the seed with brush har-
row and rolled with an ox-roller. Harvested, August 2 ; meas-
ured by William Chase ; 47 1 bushels and weighing 48 pounds
to the bushel.

EXPENSES.

5 cords of manure, $6.00 per cord, one-half esti-
mated value,
Plowing, harrowing and sowing,
Harvesting,
Threshing,

47 1-2 bushels, 75 cents per bushel,
Straw, estimated 1^ tons,

Newbury, Oct. 30, 1879.

I hereby certify that I measured the above mentioned barley
ground, and it contained 180 rods. Edwin P. No yes.

I hereby certify that I measured 47^ bushels barley, raised
on the above named ground. William Chase.

$15 00

4 00
3 00

5 00

$27 00

$35 25
15 00

Wm.

$50 25

W. Perkins.

ROOT CROPS.

There were ten entries made with the committee ; two of Po-
tatoes by Messrs. Knight of Newbury and J. J. H. Gregory of
Marblehead.

Five of Onions by Messrs. Perkins of Newbury, Noyes of
Newbury, Raddin of Peabody, Gregory of Marblehead, Good-
win of Ayers Village, Haverhill.

One of Squashes by David Warren of Marblehead.

120

Two of Mangold Wurtzels by E. R. Miidge of Swampscott,
and Gregory of Marblehead.

One of Cabbage by Gregory of Marblehead.

The Committee met six times to view the several crops. The
statements of the method of cultivation, amount of the several
crops and the cost of producing the same are annexed, and
the Committee award as follows : —

To J. B. Knight of Newbury, for his crop of Early Rose Po-
tatoes, the first premium of $10.00.

To E. R. Mudge of Swampscott, for his crop of Mangold
Wurtzels, the first premium of $10.00.

To Justin Noyes of Newbury, for his crop of Onions, the
first premium of ISlO.OO.

To J. J. H. Gregory of Marblehead, for his crop of Cab-
bages, the first premium of $10.00.

To David Warren of Marblehead, for his crop of Squashes,
the first premium of $10.00.

The Committee would suggest that all entries of Root Crops
for premium shall be made on or before the fifteenth of Sep-
tember, and all statements in regard to the crops shall be sent
to the Chairman of the Committee before the first day of No-
vember. We would also suggest that the Society furnish a
form of statement to be filled out by each competitor for pre-
mium.

We have viewed the crops entered this year at considerable
trouble and expense ; as the entries were made so far apart we
were obliged to visit the same locality several times, when one
visit would have been sufficient ; and the statements were not
all received until the 12th of November. The Committee met
on the 8th of November, and made out their report, and
awarded the premiums, but of course they could not award
the premiums unless they had the statement, which the rules
of the Society require.

Charles Perley, B. F. Huntington, Charles W. Ordway —
Committee.

121

Statement of J. B. Knight.

Statement to the Essex Agricultural Society of a crop of Po-
tatoes, for premium, raised by J. B. Knight of Newbury, 1879.

The crop of 1878 was grass ; no dressing applied, ground
ploughed in fall of 1878, seven inches deep, at a cost of two
dollars per acre ; soil, a clayey loam. Twenty-five loads of
common barn-yard manure, thirty bushels per load, hauled on
in the Fall of '78, before plougliing, and left in piles to be dis-
tributed in the spring, manure valued on the ground at f 1.50
per load.

The manure was spread on the ground in the spring and
skim-ploughed in, three inches deep, and harrowed with wheel
harrow at a cost for spreading, ploughing and harrowing, of
four dollars per acre ; planted the first and second weeks in
May, in rows three feet apart, hills two and one-half feet in the
rows, with small or medium sized potatoes, one whole potato in
a hill. The seed was selected from the pile of small potatoes
not suitable for merchantable potatoes, about twelve bushels
used per acre, valued at the time at one dollar per bushel ; cost
of planting, exclusive of seed, two and one-half dollars per
acre. They were twice hoed, and cultivator used between the
rows, at estimated cost of four dollars per acre ; harvested
first part of October ; estimated cost, six dollars per acre.

In my remarks of last year, I gave it as my opinion that it
was decidedly best to plant whole potatoes rather than to cut
them, and my experience this year decidedly confirms that
opinion. It is certain that the first start of the roots and
sprouts must come from the potato without aid from the soil,
and the substance of the potatoes must furnish the material
for this first start, and I think that the whole potato will fur-
nish this material better than the cut one, and give a vigorous,
stocky shoot, whereas the cut potato gives a much weaker
looking shoot, and one point towards a good crop is gained by
the whole potato, which, I think, is of advantage.

This certifies that I have measured a piece of land for

122

James B. Knight, on which potatoes were giown the past sea-
son, that contained eighty-eight rods.

Nathaniel Little, Jr.

I hereby certify that I measured the potatoes grown on the
piece of land above mentioned, and there were 203 bushels of
merchantable potatoes. Jeremiah Mahoney.

Statement of E. R. Mudge.
Dear Sir : In accordance with our understanding as to the
mode of reporting my method of cultivating an acre of land in
raising a crop of Mangold Wurtzels, I herewith submit my
statement, premising it by saying that three years since I un-
derdrained the land with tile, and the next summer sowed oats
and turned them in, leaving the land until the following year
before taking a crop from it of potatoes raised with ten cords
of barn-yard manure to the acre. This season it has been
cultivated in the following manner : —
Plowed twice with one horse and two men at $4.50

per day, $9 00

10 cords Manure,— 2-3 of Wool Waste at 14.00, and
1-3 of Barnyard Manure, 6.00, average cost, $4.66
per cord, 46 60

Hauling and spreading manure, 2 horses and 5 men,

at $1.50 per day each, one day and a half,
Cultivating twice, 2 men and horse, 1-2 day,
Weeding and hoeing, 16 days labor, $1.50,
Pulling and topping, 12 days.
Harvesting, 2 horses and 2 men, 2 days, $1.50 each,

$127 60

The labor per acre for opening the drain was 33 cents, done
by contract. Cost of tile and filling in I cannot give ; the ac-
count is not at hand.

The product this year has been 78 horse-cart loads, averag-
ing 1,849 pounds per load or 72 tons. The value of Mangold
Wurtzels, as feed, every farmer must determine for himself; in

15

75

2

25

24 00

18

00

12

00

123

this locality, it may be assumed that their value for milch cows
can be safely put at six dollars per ton. This vvould give

$432 00
Less expense of cultivating, 127 60

$304 40

Interest on cost of tile drains and value of land and build-
ings, with wear of farm-tools, &c., should be deducted. But
with all fair allowances, the crop is a profitable one.

The piece of land on which my beet crop was grown meas-
ures 91 yards by 53 17-91, which, if my figures are correct,
give 43,570 square feet, or a trifle over an acre of ground.

Statement of Justin Noyes.

Statement concerning a crop of onions raised by Justin
Noyes of Newbury, in the year 1879.

The half acre of ground, on which was raised the crop of
onions I have entered for premium, has been planted with on-
ions for the two years preceding the present, with the excep-
tion of about six rods, which has been planted with corn, and
has been manured with about sixteen loads (30 bushels each)
barn-yard manure each year. It is a clay loam of fair quality.
In the fall of 1878, about sixteen loads (30 bushels) of barn-
yard manure was ploughed in about six inches deep. The first
of May the ground was harrowed with Randall harrow, brush-
ed and raked and sown with two pounds of the Danvers Yel-
low Onion seed. The crop was hoed four times and weeded
three times. The crop was harvested about the first of Octo-
ber, and measured four hundred and forty-six and one-half
bushels. The cost of cultivation is estimated as follows : —

Rent of land,

$5 00

Manure,

30

00

Ploughing,

1

50

Harrowing, raking

and

sowing.

6

00

Amount carried forward $42 50

124

Amount brought forward, $42 50

Hoeing and weeding, 25 00

Harvesting, 12 00

Topping, 12 00

Total expense of cultivation, $91 50
446i bushels at $1 per bu., $446 50
Cost of cultivation as above, 91 50

Profit, $355 00

This is to certify that I measured one-half acre of land for
Justin Noyes, on which grew the onions he entered for premi-
um, and find it correct. Alfred Poor.

FAIRBANKS' STANDARD SCALES.

Two loads of Onions from J. Noyes, weighed October 4,
1879. Gross, 4430, 3410 pounds ; Tare, 1695, 1230 pounds ;
Net, 2,785, 2,180 pounds.

Horace Plumer, Weigher.

Statement of J. J. H. Gregory.
The land on Marblehead Neck, where my piece of Cabbage
was grown this season, was planted in 1877 to onions, (I have
been informed, in both 1877 and 1878,) but being very handy
to the sea shore received so heavy a crop of rotten kelp that
the seed failed to grow, when the party then carrying it on
planted it to a late crop of potatoes. The soil is a strong,
gravelly loam. My team gave it a thorough ploughing, about
seven inches deep, towards the close of May, when it was well
harrowed and marked off into hills four feet apart. In each
of these hills a heaping handful of the best guano was spread,
being made to cover a surface of about a square foot, when it
was very thoroughly worked into the soil, the rate being 650
pounds per acre ; the land being in good condition, this was
the only manure used. The guano cost me, delivered, $20.50.
The seed was planted about May 20. The crop received three
cultivatings and three hoeings. The seed used was of the

126

Marblehead Mammoth Cabbage variety, and a quarter of a
pound planted half an acre. I should put the cost of produc-
tion as follows : —

Ploughing and harrowing, $2 50

Manure, 20 50

Applying manure and planting, 4 00
Seed, 1 00

Three harrowings, 5 00

Three hoeings, 9 00

Hiring land, 6 00

$48 00

The crop was in very large and solid heads, averaging of the
size of a half bushel measure or larger. As the largest por-
tion of them was for seed purposes, I have no report of their
market value to make, though cabbage has ruled low this fall.
If I marketed them it would not be in the fall but in the
spring, when cabbages always bring paying prices. Any one
may see in Boston market, while I now write, good cabbages
sold at less than the cost of production, right in the face of
the fact that the late planted crop must be quite short, owing
to the long dry spell, and hence ultimately, probably within
a few weeks, after the refuse of the early crop is out of the
market, cabbage, by the law of supply and demand, must
rise in value.

Statement of David Warren concerning crop of Turban Squash-
es entered for premium.

The crop of 1877 was cabbages, the manure applied was
equal parts of stable and sea manure, about six cords to the
acre. The crop of 1878 was potatoes, the same kind and
quantity of manure as year before ; the soil is a black, sandy
loam, with clay subsoil.

For the crop of 1879, plowed the land the middle of May,
about six inches deep ; the manure applied was stable manure
about eight cords to the acre ; cost four dollars per cord, hauled

126

on the land in the spring, and spread and cut in with a wheel
harrow ; then the land was smoothed with a common harrow,
and furrowed out eight feet apart, and planted in hills eight
feet between each hill, with shovelful of same kind of manure
in each hill mixed in the soil. Cost of ploughing and prepar-
ing land for seed, eight dollars. Planted with squashes the
last week in May. Amount of seed, one and one-half pounds,
cost two dollars and a quarter, cost of planting, fifty cents.
Cultivated three times with a horse hoe, and hoed twice by
hand, at a cost of four dollars and seventy-five cents. Gath-
ered the crop the 23d of September, laid in heaps till the 3d
of October ; cost of harvesting, five dollars.

One load was weighed by the town weigher of Swampscott ;
the others loaded as near as possible in same wagon, making
nine tons and six hundred pounds of merchantable squashes, and
about fifteen hundred pounds of refuse squashes on the piece.

Swampscott, Nov. 1, 1879.
This certifies that I measured a piece of ground on which
the above crop was grown, and there were one hundred and
thirty-five rods in said piece. A. Rowe.

GREATEST PRODUCE OF MILK FROM HERD OF

COWS.

No. 3 under the head of Dairy, reads : " For the greatest
produce of milk on any farm in proportion to the number of
cows producing it, not less than four, from April 1, 1878 to
April 1, 1879, statement to be made of the exchanges made,
manner and expense of food, use made of milk, and such oth-
er facts as will illustrate the entire management, special re-
gard being had to the mode in which the account is kept."

One entry only was made, by J. D. W. French, Esq., of
North Andover, of his herd of cows (8 cows and 4 heifers.)

Your Committee, carefully examining for the limited time
given them, the written statement made by Mr. French, as
also his printed statement of milk record of his whole herd,
from which statement we there only learned the quantity or

127

yield in pounds, and also the number of days in milk, but the
time there given was for the year 1878, not from April 1, 1878
to April 1, 1879, and in the statement we find no information of
the " manner and expense of food," or " use made of the milk."

Your Committee, bearing their instructions in mind, came
to the conclusion that the statement was quite indefinite by
not complying with the rules of the Society, and not feeling
that we should be justified in stepping aside from a strict ad-
herence to them, as we should be opening a door not easily
closed, unanimously concluded not to make any award, but to
refer the whole matter to the Trustees.*

John Price, D. B. Burnham, Charles Perley — Committee.

Statement of J. D. TF. French.

" For the greatest produce of milk, on any farm, in propor-
tion to the number of cows producing it, not less than four,"
&c., diploma and premium, 825, I enter my herd of Ayrshire
cows and heifers. The following is the milk record of each
animal during the year 1878 : —

Name.

A

ge. No.

days in milk.

Yield in lbs.

Roxanna,

1816 A. R.

,t 8

yrs.

245

6,688.

Primrose,

711

u

13

a

242

6,836.

Lillie Douglas,

549

u

14

a

268

4,130.

Lilac Douglas,

2721

ii

5

a

256

4,262.

Sophie Douglas, 2d

,3205

u

5

a

298

3,913.

Privet,

8107

a

4

(C

294

4,795.

Nina Lyman,

4611

a

4

((

318

6,631.

Julia,

2578

a

6

a

268

6,213.

Dolly Mops,

3434

a

3

a

365

5,270.

Jenny Burke, 2d,

3556

u

.3

it

275

4,408.

Mary Brand,

3662

a

3

a

122

2,270.

Roxanna, 4th,

4605

u

2

a

99

2,202.

*NoTE. At a meeting of the Trustees

Voted, That the premiura of $25 be awarded to Mr. French, provided he
furnish a statement substantially according to the rules. Sec.

lA. K. stands for "'Ayrshire Record," published by the Ayrshire Breed-
ers' Association.

128

The last named lieifer and Sophie Douglass, 2d, were sold
in October, 1878.

Eiglit cows and four heifers averaged 4801.5 lbs. for the year.
Omitting record of iast two heifers, which were in milk only
122 and 99 days, the average would be 5316.4 lbs. One quart
equals 2.15 lbs. The record closed Jan. 1st, so that the actual
number of days each animal was in milk is not given, but only
the number of days in milk during the year 1878.

M. Brand and Roxanna, 4th, dropped their first calves and
"their record is a sliort one. M. Brand, Julia, N. Lyman,
Privet, Lillie and Lilac Douglas, Roxanna and Primrose were
still in milk when die record of 1878 closed.
Roxanua dropped a calf Apr. 30, 1878. Calf raised ; sold in Oct.
Primrose " *' May 1, 1878.
Lillie D. ^^ ^' Sept, 15, 1878. Calf raised.
Lilac D. ^' ^' Nov, 23, 1878. Calf raised ; sold in Dec.
Privet " •" Aug. 27. 1878.

Nina L. « '' Feb. 15, 1878.
Julia '' ^' Mar. 13, 1878.

J. Burke, 2d, dr0p|>ed a calf Feb. 1, 1878.
M. Brand dropped ealf Aug. 24, 1879. Calf raised; sold in Sept.
Boxanna, 4th drop.ped calf July 13, 1878. Calf raised.

Dolly Mops was in Milk during the whole year.

Julia was purchased and did not come into my possession
tmtil April 12th,

The milk was sold at the farm at 4 cents per quart in Win-
ter and 3 cents in Summer.

The feed was very moderate, the chief object being to keep
the animals in good breeding condition rather than to force
them to make a large milk record. In Summer, the feed was
pasturage, ^om^etimes, in addition, fodder corn or grass ; in
Winter, the daily ration was hay^ 8 to 10 qts. Roots (Man-
golds), and 2 .qt«. grain (generally cob meal). The whole
amount of fiaed was divided into three fodderings.

The milk was weighed morning and night daily.

All but tour of tlie cows were bred and raised on the farm.

129

NEW VARIETY OF WINTER APPLES.

It was stated in your last report tliat James W. Bailey of
Bradford, liad applied for the iSlOO premium, offered by the
Society for a new variety of winter apples.

Early in May last we saw Mr. Bailey, who informed us that
his apples were all gone ; they were so good, as he said, they
had used them all up. Since that time we have heard nothing
from him.

About a year ago another new variety of winter apples came
to our notice, by Mr. Alfred Ordway of Bradford. They grew,
as he said, on a young tree in his pasture. At the Agricultu-
ral meeting in Haverhill, early in May, a specimen of the ap-
ples was presented and consumed by the company, who can,
of course, judge of their good quality.

Tlie tree fruited again the present year, and a specimen of
the fruit was presented at the fair. They look much like the
Baldwin, and Mr. Ordway thinks their keeping quality is about
the same as the Baldwin. He asks for the Society's premium.
The writer is of the opinion that the bearing quality of the
tree and the keeping quality of the fruit are so little known,
the subject should be deferred until further information can
be had.

At the Trustees' meeting in June (which, as we think, was
about the middle of the montli) a specimen of apples was pre-
sented, which were part of a quantity of apples Gideon R.
Lucy of Newbury had purchased for the Boston Market, he
being a large dealer in apples. They were eaten by the com-
pany and made a favorable impression as to their fieshness
and good quality. Soon after, I wrote to Mr. Lucy for infor-
mation about them. He called on me in the summer and again
this fall, and I saw him at the fair ; have tlie following infor-
mation as near as I can now recollect.

He purchased the apples in New Hampshire, a lot of about
thirty-five barrels. They grew within the boi'ders of our own
County of Essex. They were said to be a new kind of ap-

9

130

pies without name, having originated by grafting the Baldwin
and Russet together over and over again, how many times we
are not informed, as the man is not living who performed the
act of grafting ; therefore, the particulars are not known.
When Mr. Lucy purchased the apples their late keeping quali-
ties were not known, therefore they were considered by the
owner of minor value.

They were carried to Boston the day of the Trustees' meet-
ing, for which he received from f 5.00 to $5.50 per barrel, when
at the same time Russets were selling at from $2.50 to $3.00
per barrel.

We have in our possession letters from four fruit dealers in
Boston, who had some of those apples from Mr. Lucy, all of
whom testify strongly in their favor, and say that to them they
are a new variety. A specimen of this new kind was present-
ed at the fair, and near by on another table there was a plate
of a variety called the red russet ; their appearance was
nearly the same, rusty and red, indicating what they are rep-
resented to be, a mixture of the russet and baldwin. We are
not personally acquainted with the red russet. One [)erson
says they are not a late keeping winter apple, but about like
the baldwin for keeping. Another person had them, but nsed
them up or disposed of them and knew not how late they will
keep. It matters but little to the community whether they
originated as represented or not, if the the quality of the ap-
ple is what it is represented to be and a good bearer, it will be
a valuable acquisition to our orchards.

It seems to us to be a fact that the apples were remarkably
fresh and of superior quality for that season of the year.

Now, from whence did they originate ? Was it by grafting
over and over again as above named, or did they come up
spontaneously as other varieties have done, or are they the Red
Russet, as some think they are ? If they originated by graft-
ing it is worth knowing, as other varieties can be produced in
the same manner.

If the late keeping qualities of the Runnel's apple can be

131

mixed with the good qualities of the Baldwin, we think they
would become a valuable variety. It is the opinion of many
apple growers that the fruit from the scion does partake, to
some extent, of the natural stock. If so, may it not by a long
continued interchange become so mixed as to become another
variety ?

We hope the experiment will be tried, although it may take
a long time to do it, and would suggest whether it could not
be done more expeditiously by budding than by grafting. We
also hope, hereafter, to hear more about the nameless apple.

May it not be possible that there may be in our midst other
varieties of late keeping winter apples, like those nameless
ones, whose value is not known. A person said to me that he
had a kind of good apple that would keep until late in the
spring, without decay ; he knew not their name nor how long
they would keep, as he had but few and used them up. We
would suggest to such to look after the one hundred dollar pre-
mium, and we hope that some valuable new varieties may come
to our knowledge as the result.

We received a letter from a gentleman in Bucksport, Maine,
who had seen our former report, expressing strongly the neces-
sity of a new variety of winter apple that will preserve its
good quality until July, thus showing that the interest in the
cause is increasing and widespread.

Joseph How, Chairman.

132

SEEDLING POTATOES.

Bradford, Oct. 29, 1879.
To the Trustees of the Essex Agricultvral Society ; —

Gentlemen : Your Committee on Seedling Potatoes would
report that most of ^tlie gentlemen composing said Committee
were on tlie same Committee two years since, at which time,
Mr. Rufus Goodwin of Haverhill (Ayer's Village) presented
for premium a seedling potato, raised from a ball of the Early
Rose. Tills seed was planted in 1878. Your Committee, in
1877, made a full report and advised a further trial. A par-
ticular i-eference is hereby made to that report (as constituting
a part of this report) which may be found in the Transactions
of the Society, published in 1877, page 84.

In accordance with the recommendation contained therein,
Mr. Goodwin placed in the hands of one of the committee,
Mr. Levi Emery, of Lawrence, some of those potatoes from
which he, Mr. Emery, raised many bushels the past season. Mr.
Emery stated to your committee, at its meeting in Lynn, on the
day of Hie Annual Fair, that the yield was very good, and the
potatoes large and fair ; that the cooking qualities were equal
to or better than the Early Rose, and that when crushed on
the plate, were whiter ; that his experiment was conducted
with a great deal of care, and that, in his judgment, the said
seedling was, at least, one week earlier than the Early Rose,
from which it originated and which it much resembles. The
only marked difference consists in much larger indentations
for the eyes. This peculiarity your Committee noticed two
years since, and also in the potatoes raised by Mr. Emery and
presented at the Fair in Lynn the present season.

In view of all the evidence presented, your Committee unan-
imously agreed to recommend that the premium of -f 25.00 be
given to Mr. Rufus Goodwin for his Seedling Potato, which it
names Goodwin Seedling. All of which is respectfully sub-
mitted.

Geo. Cogswell, Chairman.

133

TREADWELL FARM.

The Committee report that they have received from Mr.
Philbrook, foreman for Thomas W. Pierce, Esq., the following
statement of the crops on the farm the present year :
704 bushels Potatoes, 20 bushels Beans,

436 " Corn, 15 tons Hay (English),

17 barrels Apples, 17 " " (Meadow),

1165 Cabbages, 4 " Hungarian.

Strawberries sold, $104 25.
25 cords of Manure were applied to the land.

Benjamin P. Ware, Charles P. Preston,/or Committee.

184

ESSAYS AND REPORTS.

The Committee on Essays and Reports award a premium of
$10 to Francis H, Appleton, of Peabody, for his essay on the
" Cultivation of Indian Corn."

For Reports, they award the first premium of ilO to John
O'Brien, of Bradford, for his report on Pears ; second premi-
um of $S to David W, Low, of Gloucester, for his report on
Vegetables; and the third premium of $G to J. D. \V. French,
of North Andover, for his report on Milch Cows.

ThQ Committee generally find it difficult to decide upon the
merits of Reports, and are not always clear as to the class of
premiums to be awarded to a report, the value of which prin-
cipally consists of the " statements" of parties other than the
one responsible for the report as a whole. Under the assump-
tion, however, that the author of the report has, at considera-
ble pains, not only solicited the statements rendered, but given
general direction to the line of inquiry, they awarded the sec-
ond and third premiums as above stated.

Only one Essay was ofl'ered — that of Mr. Francis H. Apple-
ton, of Peabody. It partook more of the nature of a statement
and rejjort based upon the writer's own experience, than of a
formal essay, and the committee considered that it was entitled
to the highest premium the Society allows on Reports, which
is equivalent to the second premium for Essays.

N. A. Hoi-ton, D, E. Safibrd, C. P. Preston — Committee.

ESSAY ON THE CULTIVATION OP INDIAN CORN.

BY FRANCIS H. APPLETON.

Peabody, Nov. 3d, 1879.
As I reported last year what had been my experience, after
carefully preparing and harvesting my crops of Indian Corn,
and as they were favorably received, I now send in a report of
the results, cultivating the same crops the past season.

135

I had two fields of corn this year ; one consisting of 1 acre,
4440 feet, where corn was grown in 1878, with fertilizer alone,
and which was then fully reported and published by the Socie-
ty ; last season the field also included a strip on the east side,
which was this year used for garden vegetables ; consequently,
what was then about 1 1-4 acres is now reduced in size as
above stated.

Last Autumn the piece was harrowed across the rows to level
them before it was then plowed ; this Spring, 4| bags of
Stockbridge Corn Fertilizer were sown broadcast and worked
in with Randall Harrow ; immediately after this, on May 16th,
the seed and 2| bags of same fertilizer were sown at same
time by the Ross Horse Planter. The seed was of the eight-
rowed variety.

Total cost of raising crop, including interest and
taxes, seed, labor in planting, tending and
harvesting, ...... $25 96

Cost of 7 Bags Fertilizer, .... 31 50

$57 46'

I have harvested 77 1 bushels of first quality and 10 bushels
of second quality, corn-on-cob ; also 1 ton 765 pounds of tops,
and 2 tons 1522 pounds of butts and husks, making 4 tons 287
pounds of stover. This yield of corn is at the rate of about
half of, and the stover nearly the same as, last year's crop.

If corn stover, well dried, is worth $6 00 a ton, then my
corn-on-cob from this field cost me 37 2-10 cents a bushel ; or,
nhelled corn about 74 4-10 cents a bushel.

The other field contained 2 acres 2668 feet. It had been in
grass for a number of years, and when the Committee on Farms
made me a visit in 1872, I had a crop of potatoes on a part of
it, a portion of which had been fertilized by a mixture recom-
mended by Dr. J. R. Nichols, while the remainder were grown
on stable manure. As it was in very poor condition I plowed
it last Autumn ; this Spring 9 bags Stockbridge Corn Fertilizer

136

were sown broadcast and worked in with Randall Harrow ; im-
mediately after this, on May 17th, the seed and 4 bags of same
fertilizer were sown at same time by the Ross Horse Planter.
The seed was of the eight rowed variety.

Total cost of raising crop, including interest and
taxes, seed, labor in planting, tending and
harvesting, $48 66

Cost of 13 bags Fertilizer, .... 58 50

moi 06

I have harvested 136 bushels of first quality and 24 bushels
of second quality, corn-on-cob ; also, 2 tons 1172 pounds of tops
and 5 tons 1442 pounds of butts and husks, making 8 tons 614
pounds stover.

If corn stover, well dried, is worth $6.00 a ton, then my
corn-on-cob from this field cost me 45-^- cents a bushel ; or,
shelled corn about 91 cents a bushel.

It is my present intention to continue to plant the smaller of
these two fields with fertilizer next year, and I will report the
result.

I ought also to say that I was greatly troubled by crows eat-
ing the freshly sown seed and digging up the early growth, on
the about 22 974 feet at the west side of the larger of these
fields. On tliis part came nearly all of the second quality of
corn, thereby reducing the total yield considerably.

I state this fact to partly explain the very high cost per
bushel of shelled grain, and to show one of the many annoy-
ances to which every one is liable, and which may tend to make
land and fertilizer (or manure) appear much less good and ef-
fective than they may be.

Various questions arise in connection with all crops, and in
this case let me consider what is best to do with our stover. In
my locality it is almost a universal custom to cut the tops of the
corn earlier than the rest, cure them separately, and get them
housed before the remainder of the crop is touched. Some

137-

farmers, ulio liavc only a small quantity, may make it a prac
tice to feed it without drying. The corn and butts arc then
harvested together, and the ears are husked at once to prevent
heating. Some people, however, husk their corn from the
stalks in the field before they are cut, throwing the ears into
sarts and carrying them directly to the bins.

All this is different from ways that are adopted in other lo-
calities, in neighboring counties. There the whole stalks are
cut at the ground, with the ears on them, and are strongly
placed in well-ventilated stacks where they can be fully exposed
to the drying influence of air and wind. This is done when
the ears have become well glazed. When well dried these
whole stalks are taken to the barn to be husked and separated.

1 find this latter method most recommended by writers on
Agricultural subjects, and reasons are advanced why it will
produce the best quality of stover. These reasons are explain-
ed by the following, taken from L. F. Allen's " American Farm
Book:"—

" If there be no danger of early frost, the corn may be suf-
fered to stand until fully ripe ; though if the stalks are de-
signed for fodder, they should be cut when the grain is well
glazed, and this should be done in all cases when frost is ex-
pected. Scarcely any injury occurs either to leaf or grain if
the corn be stocked, when both would be seriously damaged
from the same exposure if standing. The stalks of corn
should never be cut above the ear, but always near the ground,
and ibr this obvious reason : The sap which nourishes the grain
is drawn from the earth, and passing through the stem enters
the leaf where a change is eflected analogous to what takes
place in tlio lilood when brought to the surface of the lungs in
the animal system ; with this peculiar difference, however, that
while the blood gives out carbon and absorbs oxygen, plants,
under the influence of light auvd heat, give out oxygen and ab-
sorb carbon. This change prepares the sap for condensation
and conversion into grain. But the leaves which thus digest
the food for the grain are above it, for it is while passing down-

138

ward that the change of sap into grain principally takes place.
If the stalk be cut above the ear, nourishment is at an end. It
may then become firm and dry, but it is not increased in quan.
tity, while, if cut near the root, it not only appropriates the sap
already in the plant, but it also absorbs additional matter from
the atmosphere, which contributes to its weight and perfection."

Objection is there made to cutting off the tops while they are
green as being injurious as stated above, which seems most
reasonable ; but after the corn crop has turned brown, I can
see no iiarm in taking off the tops, and the ears do not seem to
be well glazed until the stalks have begun to turn brown. My
reason for topping corn is that I can dry that part more readily,
and because I have a sufficient quantity of tops not to need the
butts, which I have no good market for, and because I believe
it is best for me to cut the butts into short pieces with a hay
cutter and use them for bedding, on their way to increase my
manure heap.

At the last meeting of the Society at Lynn, several members
discussed the advisability of appointing a committee or com-
mittees of the Trustees to visit and report for our transactions
upon the various Agricultural Fairs, etc., that may be held in
the County during the coming year, and thus give the people ot
the whole county an opportunity to benefit by the experience of
its cities, towns or districts.

Much good might thus come by adopting such a plan, and by
requesting from all such committees carefully prepared reports
of the Fairs which they are called on to attend. I should not
idvise modelling them after all the reports made to our State
Board by its delegates to County Pairs, for, while the reports
of these delegates seem to have become of an almost regularly
established form, and of but little interest to the farmer, I
know that all the local Fairs of our County contain much that
could be reported upon in a shape that would be of much value
md interest as a printed report. I would strongly and re-
i5pectfully suggest that the Trustees consider such a plan at
•heir next meeting. To start it, I would take the liberty to

189

suggest that some such vote as Ihe rollowiug be passed by the
Trustees. This wouhl not necemtaie the appointment of any
such delegates, but would leave it witii a responsible and in-
terested committee who would readily meet to act if and when
they thought it advisable. I would suggest that it be : —

Voted, That the President, Secretary and Treasurer consti-
tute a Committee with power to appoint one or three members
of this Society as delegates, who shall be requested to attend
each and any locnl Agricultuial Fairs, Exhibitions or Institu-
tions in this County, as said Committee shall see fit to desig-
nate, and to report to this Society any and all information that
shall seem to them valuable for publication in our "Transac-
tions." This Society to Ijc at no expense on account of such
delegates.

I had proposed to write a lew words upon " Ensilage" as it is
called in Europe, or the curing of corn fodder in pits as food
for milch cows, but as I have not tho time to do so, 1 would
say that it must be done with much care and expense, as well
as on a large scale, to be successful, so that probably cannot
come within reach of the smaller sized farms ot New England,
unless some one person could ])Vo\e it to be of true value, and
enough desii-al)le to make a business of supplying the farmers.

140

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142

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY

FOR THE YEAR 1879-80.

PRESIDENT.

BENJAMIN P. WARE, of Marblehead.

VICE PRESIDENTS.

GEORGE B. LORING, of Salem.
JAS. J. H. GREGORY, of Marblehead.
THOMAS K. LEACH, of Topsfield.
THOS. C. THURLOW, of West Newbury.

SECRETARY.

CHARLES P. PRESTON, of Danvers.

TREASURER.

EDWARD H. PAY SON, of Salem,

HONORARY TRUSTEES.

JOSEPH HOW, of Methuen.
WILLIAM SUTTON, of Peabody.

TRUSTEES.

Francis R. Allen, Hamilton ; Doanc Cogswell, Bradford ;
Charles C. Blunt, Andover; Zachariah Cole, Wenhara ;
0. S. Bailey, Amesbury ; W. H. B. Currier, Salisbury ;

Olivers. Butler, Georgetown; Alden C. Estes, Rockport ;
Dudley Bradstreet, Topsfield ; Henry W. Foster, Beverly ;
John H. Cheever, Manchester ; J. P. Foster, North Andover;
John S. Cressey, Rowley ; George W. Gage, Methuen ;

143

Geo. L. Hawkes, Lyiinfield ; Thos. T. Paine, Marbleliead ;
Samuel Hawkes, Saugus; M. A. Plumraer, Newburyport ;

Romulus Jaqiies, W. Newbury ; John M. Pearl, Boxford ;
James P. King, Peabody ; Eldred S. Parker, Groveland ;

Aaron Low, Essex ; E. P. Richardson, Lawrence ;

David W. Low, Gloucester ; John L. Shorcy, Lynn ;
H. F. Longfellow, Newbury ; Nathaniel Shatswell, Ipswich ;
Charles 11. Nichols, Merrimac ; David Stiles, Middleton ;
Ansel W. Putnam, Danvers ; Richard Webster, Haverhill ;
John P. Palmer, Swampscott; Horace C. Ware, Salem.

NEW MEMBERS, 1879.

Edw. Adams, 3d, N. Andover ; W. F. King, Lynn;

Benj, F. Barnes, Boxford : Augustus P. Loring, Beverly ;

John G. Barker, Lynn ; J. G, McAllister, Lawrence ;

Wallace Bates, Lynn ; Dudley A. Massey, Danvers ;

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus ; E. Mansfield, Peabody ;

C. 0. Beede, Lynn ; George E. Marsh, Lynn ;

M. Bermingham, Salem ; Thomas P. Nichols, Lynn ;

J. Harlow Colby, Salisbury ; Peter McNeal, Lynn ;

T. Jeflerson Coolidge, G. A. Newhall, Lynn ;

Manchester ; H. P. Noyes» Newbury ;

James B. Curwen, Salem ; John Pearl, Boxford ;

Alfred Cross, Lynn ; Thos. W. Paine, Marblehead ;

John Dane, Jr., Hamilton ; H. A. Pevear, Lynn ;

Edwin C. Farwell, Lynnfield ; Samuel S. Pratt, Danvers;

Alfred Greene, Salisbury ; Henry Riley, North Andover ;

William Hilton, Bradford ; Jonas M. Rollins, Danvers ;

Charles Hazeltine, Bradford ; Jos. E. Stanwood, Topsfield ;

Abel S. Hariiman, Groveland ; Peter D. Smith, Andover ;

T. D. Halley, Lawrence; Thaddeus W. Tyler, Lynn ;

J. B. Knight, Newbury ; Augustus Yerry, Danvers.

5:^ Any citizen in the County may become a member by
paying the sum of three dollars to increase the permanent

144

funds of the Society, and he will receive a certificate of his
membership from the Secretary. No fines or assessments are
ever imposed. Members are entitled to the free use of the
Library, which is kept in Plummer hall, Salem, and a copy of
the Transactions each year. All ordained ministers of the
Gospel residing in the County, and editors of newspapers,
published therein, are entitled to the privileges of the Library.

LIST OF PREMIUMS, &c.

FAT CATTLE.

Amos C. Hathaway, Marblehead, first premium,
Henry Gardner, Peabody, second premium.
Town of Peabody, third premium,

BULLS.

S. F. Kewman, Kewbury, Ayrshire, first premium,
J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, second premium,
Francis H. Appleton, Peabody, Jerse}', second premium,
J. P. Pahner, >wampscott, Jersey, gratuity,

MILCH cows.

John S. Ives, Salem, Grade Ayrshire, first premium,

A. P. & R. Alley, Marblehead, Short Horn, second premium,

G. C. ISToyes, Lynn, Grade, first premium,

George K. Pevear, Lynn, Jersey, making most butter in a

week, first premium,
Charles J. Peabody, Topsfield, second premium,

HEEDS OF MILCH COWS.

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, first premium, IS 00

Charles J. Peabody, Topsfield, third premium, 10 00

HEIFERS. — TJioroughhred. Class 1.
J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, Ayrshire, two years oldj first premium, 12 00
H. A. Pevear, Lynn, Jersey, two years old, first premium, 12 00

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, Ayrshire, two years old, second pre-
mium, 6 00

S12 00

10 00

6 00

10 00

6 00

6 00

5 00

12 00

6 00

12 00

12 00

6 00

145

HEIFERS. — Native or Grade. Class 2.

John S. Ives, Salem, Heifer in milk, three years old, first pre-
mium, 12 00

John A. Jones, Lynn, Heifer in milk, three years old, second

premium, 6 OO

Sidney F. Newman, Newbury, Heifer two years old, first pre-
mium, 6 00'

John S, Ives, Salem, Heifer two years old, second premium, 4 OO'

S. r. Newman, Newbury, Heifer Calf, first premium, 5 00

" " " second " 3 00

TOWN TEAMS.

Citizens of Lynn, Team of Horses, first premium, 30 00

WORKING OXEN AND STEERS.

Henry Gardner, Peabody, Oxen, first premium, 12 00

R. S. Bray, Newbury, Oxen, second premium, 10 00

J. J, H. Gregory, Marblehead, Oxen, third premium, 8 00

Horace P. Noyes, Newbury, Steers, first premium, 10 00

W. W. Perkins, Newbury, Steers, second premium, 8 00

STEERS.

Byron K. Farnham, No. Andover, one pair two years old, first

premium, 6 00

Byron K. Farnham, No. Andover, 6 mos. old Calves, first pre-
mium, 4 00

Benjamin & Ralph Farnum, No. Andover, one pair two years

old Steers, second premium, 5 00

Benjamin & Ralph Farnum, No. Andover, yearlings, first

premium, 5 00

STALLIONS.

George W. Rogers, Salem, Stallion 5 years old, first premium, 15 00

Charles S. Clark, Salem, Stallion 5 years old, second premium, 10 00

H. M. George, Saugus, third premium,

J. J. Downing, Andover, Stallion 3 years old, first premium,

Alle}' &, Crowninshield, Marblehead, special premium,

BROOD MARES.

E. «& A. Mansfield, Peabody, first premium,
Charles O. Beede, Lynn, second premium,
J. H. Preble, Lynn, thiud premium,

10

8 00

10 00

25 00

15 00

10 00

8 00

146

FAMILY HORSES.

H. M. George, Saugus, first premium,
John Grout, Danvers, second premium,
Daniel G. Todd, Rowley, third premium,

FARM AND DRAFT HORSES.

R. S. Bray, Newbury, first premium,

J. A. llsley, Georgetown, second premium,

W. A. Dane, Hamilton, 3d premium,

A. P. & R. Alley, Marblehead, fourth premium,

PAIRS OF DRAFT HORSES.

Edward P. Perley, Danvers, first premium,

A. P. & R. Alley, Marblehead, second premium,

Jonas Rollins, Danvers, 3d premium,

COLTS. — First Class.
Reuben Alley, Marblehead, Colt 4 years old, first premium,
John Gibney, Salem, Colt 4 years old, second premium,
Amos F. Breed, Lynn, Colt 4 years old, third premium,
G. A. JSTewhall, Lynn, Colt 3 years.old, first premium,

COLTS. — Second Class.
H. M. George, Saugus. Colt 2 years old, first premium,
J. P. Palmer, Swampscott, Colt 2 years old, second premium,
Daniel G. Todd, Rowley, Colt yearling, first premium,

SWINE.— iongr Bone.

Asa T. N'ewhall, Lynn, "Weaned Pigs, first premium,
M. Birmingham, Salem, second premium,
S. E. Marsh, Lynn. Breeding Sow, first premium,
William Gayuon, Lynn, Breeding Sow, second premium,
M. Birmingham, Salem, Boar, first premium,

SWINE. — Small Bone.

T. Jefferson Coolidge, Manchester, Breeding Sow, first pre-
mium, 10 00
Robert G. Buxton, Peabody, Breeding Sow, second premium, 6 00
Robert G. Buxton, Peabody, Boar, first premium, 10 00
Daniel Carlton, North Andover, Weaned Pigs, second premium, 6 00

15 00

10 00

8 00

15 00

12 00

10 00

6 00

15 00

10 00

5 00

12 CO

8 00

5 00

10 00

8 00

5 00

6 00

10 00

6 00

10 00

6 00

10 00

SHEEP.

James Marsh, Peabody, 10 best Sheep, 3 years old, first pre-

mmm.

8 00

8 00

4 00

12 00

10 00

9 00

8 00

10 00

7 00

5 00

12 00

10 00

8 00

6 00

4 00

147

William G. Horton, Ipswich, Cotswold Buck, first premium,
Otis F. Putnam, Danvers, Cotswold Buck, second premium,

PLOUGHING— -Dott&Ze Ox Teams.

Joseph Goodridge, "West ^Tewbury, first premium,
J. L. Farnham, North And over, second premium,
Jaques & Bray, Newbury, third premium,
J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, fourth premium,

PLOUGHING. — Single Ox Teams.
J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, first premium,
K. T. Jaques, Newbuiy, second premium,
"W. E. Merrill, Newbury, third premium,

PLOUGHING. — With Two Horses.

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, first premium,

Asa T. Newhall, Lynn, second premium.

Poor & Maguire, West Newbury, third premium,

R. S. Bray, Newbury, fourth premium,

Paul T. Winkley, Jr., Newburyport, 5th premium,

PLOUGHING. — With Three or More Horses.
A. P. & R. Alley, Marblehead, first premium, 10 00

PLOUGHING. — Swivel Plough.

Edward P. Periey, Danvers, first premium, 10 00

Jonas Rollins, Danvers, second premium, 6 00

Wilkins & Batchelder, Middleton, third premium, 5 00

PRODUCE OF MILK.

J. D. W. French, North Andover, Greatest Produce of Milk

from Herd of Cows, first premium and Diploma, 25 00

GRAIN CROPS.

Wm. W. Perkins, Newbury, Barley Crop, first premium, 10 00

ROOT CROPS.

J. B. Knight, Newbury, Potato Crop, first premium, 10 00

E. R. Mudge, Swampscott, Mangold Crop, first premium, 10 00

Justin Noyes, Newbury, Onion Crop, first premium, 10 00

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, Cabbage Crop, first premium, 10 00

David Warren, Marblehead, Squash Crop, first premium, 10 00

SEEDLING POTATOES.

Rufus Goodwin, Haverhill, first premium, 25 00

148

ESSAYS.

Francis H. Appleton, Peabody, second premium, 10 00

REPORT OF COMMITTEES.

John O'Brien, Bradford, first premium,

David W. Low, Gloucester, second premium,

J. D. W. French, North Andover, third premium,

Awarded by Committee on Agricultural Implements,

Carriages,
Dairy,
Poultry,
Bread, &c.,
Fruits,
Flowers,
Vegetables, &c.,
Counterpanes and Eugs,
Leather Goods,
Manufactures, &c.,
Fancy Work, &c..
Children's Work,

Total, Sl,717 00

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Fat Cattle,

Bulls,

Milch Cows,

Hei'ds of Milch Cows,

Heifers,

Town Teams,

Working Oxen and Steers,

Steers,

Stallions,

Brood Mares,

RECAPITULATION.

FARMS .

'loughing,

FARM STOCK.

$28 00

27 00

48 00

28 00

66 00

30 CO

eers.

48 00

20 00

68 00

33 00

10 00

8 00

6 00

43 00

39 00

28 00

32 00

17 00

289 00

57 00

149 50

36 00

15 00

20 00

50 50

14 00

$132 00

Carried forward, 396 00

149

Brought forward,
Family Horses,
Farm and Draft Horses,
Pairs of Draft Horses,
Colts,
Swine,
Sheep,
Poultry,

FARM PRODUCTS.

Dairy,

Fruit,

Flowers,

Vegetables,

Milk,

Bread and Honey,

Grain Crops,

Boot Crops,

Seedling Potatoes,

All other objects,

396 00

33 00

43 00

30 00

54 00

74 00

20 00

32 00

S28 00

289 00

57 00

149 00

25 00

17 00

10 00

50 00

25 00

253 00

682 00

903 00

Total, ^1,717 00

RESOLUTIONS.

The Committee appointed to prepare resolutions of respect
for deceased members, through Rev. 0. S. Butler of George-
town, Chairman, submitted the following : —

It has been ascertained that several of our members have
deceased during the past year, and among those who have
manifested great interest in the society and agriculture, we find
the names of Ariel H. Gould of Topsfield, trustee, and John
Lee, of Manchester, ex-trustee.

Mr. Gould was for many years a member of our society,
and at the time of his death one of our most active trustees,
and was more widely known than most members of the society,

150

his business bringing him in contact with many of the farmers
of the County, and being a man of the strictest integrity, com-
bined with social qualities of the highest order, he was most
highly appreciated, both in the town where he lived and where
his death is most sincerely lamented, and also by the members
of this society whose interests he labored to secure and by
whom his death is deeply regretted.

Mr. Lee was for many years an active and influential mem-
ber of the society, and for many years held the office of trus-
tee, which office he honored by a constant and faithful dis-
charge of his duties. Mr. Jjce was largely engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, cultivating one of the largest farms in the
town of Manchester, and being a man of upright character
and of noble and generous impulses, he was respected and hon-
ored by his townsmen, and very highly esteemed by his breth-
ren and associates of this society, of which he was an honored
and useful member, and by whom his death is most sincerely
mourned.

The following resolutions were submitted and unanimously
adopted : —

Resolved^ That the members of this society have learned of
the death of Mr. Ariel 11. Gould and Mr. John Lee, two worthy
members of the society, with sincere regret, and would hereby
record the expression of their profound sorrow at the great
loss which they, in common with the community at large have
sustained by their decease.

Resolved, That we shall ever retain a lively remembranse
of their many admirable traits of character, their genial and
gentlemanly manners, their public spirit, their active interest
in all that pertained to agriculture in general, and their special
interest in the Essex Agricultural Society.

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the
families of these deceased members.

151

CONTENTS.

Address of Hon, George B. Lorinsr 3

Original Hymn 22

Cattle Show and Fair 23

Report on Fat Cattle 24

Bulls 24

Milch Cows 26

Herds of Milch Cows .' 36

Heifers 40

Town Teams 41

Working Oxen and Steers 41

Steers 41

Stallions 42

Brood Mares 42

Family Horses 43

Farm and Draft Horses 44

Pairs of Draft Horses 45

Colts 45

Swine 45

Sheep 47

Poultry 47

Ploughing — Double Teams 49

Ploughing — Single Teams 50

Ploughing — with two Horses 50

Ploughing — three or more Horses 50

Ploughing with Swivel Plough 61

Agricultural Implements 52

Carriages 54

152

Report on Dairy 55

Bread and Honey 57

Pears ••• 57

Apples 75

Peaches, Grapes and Assorted Fruits 77

Flowers 79

Vegetables 83

Counterpanes and Rugs Ill

Articles manufactured from Leather Ill

Manufactures and General Merchandise 112

Fancy Works and Works of Art 113

Children's Work 115

Improved Pasture and Waste Lands 116

Grain Crops 118

Root Crops 119

Greatest Produce of Milk from Herd of Milch Cows . . 126

New Variety of Winter Apples 129

Seedling Potatoes 132

Treadwell Farm 133

of Committee on Essays 134

Essay by Francis H. Appleton 134

Treasurer's Report 140

Officers of the Society 142

JSTew Members 143

List of Premiums 144

Resolutions 149

TRANSACTIONS

OF THE

Kssex Agricultural Society,

IN MASSACHUSETTS,

FOR THE YEAR 1880,

WITH THE

FIFTY-EIGHTH

ANNUAL ADDRESS,

— BY —

DAVID W. LOW,

OF GLOUCESTER.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY.

SALEM:

OBSERVER STEAM PRINTING ROOMS,
1880.

ADDRESS.

Members of the Essex Agricultural Society.

Ladies and Grentlemen: — For the first time, I stand before a
public assemblage to address them. When the Trustees of
this Society extended to me, so unanimously and urgently, an
invitation to address you at this time, surprised and gratified
at such an unexpected honor, without giving it the serious
consideration it required of me, I accepted it, then regretted
it, and now may repent it.

Having, however, put my hand to the plow, it was useless
for me to look back with vain regret. I have therefore set its
point in the soil of the present, and however shallow and
uneven may be the furrow, I trust that I may turn over some
new strata of information or sub-soil of buried facts, that may
enrich, if not your future field, that of your sister industry.

With such an unskilful ploughman you cannot expect, or
receive, the harvest you have gathered from the many cul-
tured, practical, and eloquent men who have preceded me.

I have taken for my subject : — The Pioneer Industries of
Essex County, — Planting and Fishing, their past and present
success. As the fishermen were first to occupy the field, 1 will
consider their industry first, for had it not been for them, your
farmers of Essex County would not be here today.

In the records of the Great Council of Nesv England is

found, May 1st, 1622, " that order is given for patents to be
drawn for the Earl of Warwick and his associates, the Lord
Georges, Sir Robert Mansell, Sir Ferdinando Georges." This
order is regarded as referring to a division of the country from
Bay of Fundy to Narragansett Bay, among twenty associates,
in which the region about Cape Ann fell to Lord Sheffield,
who, on the 1st day of January, 1623, gave by Charter, " to
Robert Cushman and Edward Winslow," of the Plymouth
Colony, " a certain Tract of Ground in New England in a
known place there, commonly called Cape Anne, in which
charter provision was made against disturbing any English
inhabitant already there; provision was also made for
* Scholes, Churches, Hospitalls,' and the maintenance of
Ministers, Officers, and Magistrats."

Previous to any action by the Plymouth Colony towards a
settlement of this region, Rev. John White, of Dorchester,
England, having interested some merchants and other gentle-
men there in forming a company, sent a small ship of fifty
tons to plant in New England the foundation of a colony for
the more successful prosecution of fishing voyages. Their
ship came to the usual fishing grounds, but arriving late in tlie
season did not obtain a full fare, and " the Master thought
good to pass into Mattachusetts Bay to try whether that would
yield him any." Vessels heretofore had not fished so far
West. Succeeding better than he expected and finding the
beautiful harbor of Cape Ann so handy, he landed his little
colony of fourteen men there, with their necessary provision
and outfit, to commence a plantation, then with full cargo of
fish he sailed away.

*Mr. White tells the whole story in few words, in the

♦Babson's History of Gloucester.

'' Planters' Plea, a pamphlet published in London in 1630,"
why this colony was established at Cape Ann. He states that
" about the year 1623, some western merchants, who had con-
tinued a trade of fishing for cod and bartering for furs in those
parts, for divers years before, conceiving that a colony planted
on the coast might further them in their employments, be-
thought themselves how they might bring that project to effect ;
and communicating their purpose to others, alleging the con-
veniency of compassing their project with a small charge, by
the opportunity of their fishing trade in which they were
accustomed to double-man their ships, that, by the help of
many hands, they might despatch their voyage and lade their
ship with fish while the fishing season lasted, which could not
be done with a bare sailing company. Now, it was conceived,
that the fishing being ended, the spare men that were above
their necessary sailors might be left behind with provisions for
a year ; and when the ship returned the next year, they might
assist them in fishing, as they had done the former year ; and,
in the meantime, might employ themselves in building, and
planting corn, which, with the provisions of fish, fowl, and
venison that the land yielded, would afford them the chief of
their food. This proposition of theirs took so well that it
drew on divers persons to join with them in this work ; the
rather, because it was conceived that not only their own fisher-
men', but the rest of our nation that went thither on the same
errand, might be much advantaged, not only by fresh victual,
which that Colony might spare them in time, but withal, and
more, by the benefit of their minister's labors which they might
enjoy during the fishing season ; whereas, otherwise being
usually upon those voyages nine or ten months in the year,
they were left all the while without any means of instruction

at all. Compassion towards the fishermen, and partly some
expectation of gain, prevailed so far, that for the planting of a
Colony in New England, there was raised a stock of more than
three thousand pounds, intended to be paid in five years, but
afterwards disbursed in a shorter time."

This attempt to establish a permanent settlement of fisher-
men and planters on Cape Ann failed- — Mr. White giving as a
reason for the failure " the ill choice of the place for fishing.
First, that no sure fishing place in the land is fit for planting,
nor any good place for planting found fit for fishing, at least
near the shore ; and secondly, rarely any fishermen will work
at land ; neither are husbandmen fit for fishermen, but with
long use and experience." Words as true to day of the Amer-
ican fishermen, as when uttered, 250 years ago.

You will hardly agree with him as regards " the ill choice
of the place for fishing," when to-day Gloucester, " the harbor
of Cape Ann," ranks, as the representative fishing port of the
world, and the centre of the fishing business of America.
With a fleet of vessels numbering 459, of over 5 tons burthen,
in 1879, of which 9 were hauled up, and 18 lost during the
year without realizing any stock, leaving 432 actively engaged
in the various branches of the business for a part or all the
year, a total tonnage of 25,471 tons, employing 4703 fisher-
men. Original value of the fleet $2,688,272 ; present value,
$1,223,413. The " gross stock," or catch, amounted to
$1,799,566 in value, which, after deducting " stock expenses,"
which are bait and ice with expenses procuring it, is divided
equally between the crew and the vessel, one-half of one per
cent, to the Widows' and Orphans' fund is paid from the crew's
part. In 1879, the crews of the vessels over 20 tons averaged
$176 each, for the time they were employed ; and those in

boats under 20 tons and above 5 realized an average of
$184.25 each.

These vessels caught 116,034 bbls. of Mackerel, salted and
fresh, and 60,920,558 pounds of other fish, which includes
11,336,716 lbs. in "gross weight," of Halibut, which realized
to the vessels $376,378 for net weight, or heads off.

There were also 345 boats and dories, of $10,000 value, un-
der 5 tons, employing 468 fishermen, who caught $96,500 worth
of fish, sold mostly fresh, or 7,426,000 lbs. There were also
employed 79 men, 74 dories, and 2399 lobster pots in catching
2538 bbls. of lobsters worth $5000. In curing the fish,
43,567,922 lbs. of salt were used, valued at $48,473.

A total of 878 vessels and boats employed in Cape Ann
fisheries, manned by 5250 fishermen, which caught 116,034
bbls. of mackerel and 68,346,558 lbs. of other fish, besides the
lobsters, their whole catch realizing when landed $1,901,066.

375,000 boxes were used in transporting fresh and salt fish,
and boneless codfish. 20 firms are engaged in preparing
and boxing boneless codfish, the demand for which has so
increased during the past ten years that 15 million pounds will
be prepared the present year, the preparation and packing of
which, after the fish are cured, employing from 200 to 300
men and some women. 3000 tons of fish waste was sold in
1879 at about $7.50 per ton, to enrich the soil.

Even with this showing of its importance and value, this
location, unless the great industry, now rapidly concentrating
there, receives the attention and protection from the National
Government, which it is entitled to and surely needs, may yet
become an "' ill choice of place," not, however, from any fault
of locality, but from the inconsiderate statesmanship of those
who should have protected its industry.

8

When we again look at Mr. White's reasons for failure, and
consider the farms of Gregory, Ware, Patch and others on the
seashore, and when at West Gloucester, within two miles and
a half of where the first fishing stage was erected on Cape
Ann, one " planter," or farmer, has this year cut from 1 1-16
acres of land, 5.4 tons of first rate English hay from two crops,
and still has another to cut, which good judges call at least one
ton more, making his hay crop from that field at the rate of six
tons to the acre ; another has raised from 147 square rods, 230
bushels of merchantable potatoes, besides several bushels of
small ; while still another has a seedling peach tree, the growth
of his wife's planting, which ripens its fruit as early as the
third week in July, of such superior quality that it sells readily,
far above any Southern peaches then found in the market.
All of which conclusively proves that with a little more money
and perseverance this first attempt would have been successful,
and Cape Ann would liave had the honor to head the list of
distinguished men that have been Governors of Massachusetts
with the name of Roger Conant, one who some historians
believe to be entitled to that place.

The pioneer ship of the Dorchester Company was also the
pioneer in a foreign trade from Essex County, she having
sailed from Cape Ann with a full cargo for- Spain> in 1623, the
first foreign shipment from an Essex County port, which grew
afterwards to a large and profitable trade. 51,300 quintals of
fish, almost wholly the products of Marblehead and Cape Ann
fisheries, were shipped from this county to Bilboa alone during
the year 1767, bringing back valuable cargoes in return, which
foreign trade in fish direct from our ports, or via the fishing
grounds to that and other Mediterranean ports, continued into

9

the present century.* Boston lias now taken the foreign trade
from Salem and other ports in our county, and Gloucester has
absorbed the fisheries from Marblehead and other ports, Mar-
blehead having had 251 fishing vessels in 1775, against 75 at
Cape Ann; while in 1879, Marblehead (Customs District) had
only 123 of over 5 tons burthen, against 459 at Gloucester.

The Plymouth Colony, which had given no particular atten-
tion to the fisheries, previously " sent a ship in 1624, called the
Charity," from that colony to erect salt works and a fishing,
stage at Gape Ann. Before the arrival of their ship the fol-
lowing year, another, sent by merchants and adventurers fromi
England, hostile to the pilgrims, had entered the harbor and!
seized the stage and other provision made by the Charity'*
colony the year previous, and the " Stage Head," (afterward»
fortified in the Revolutionary war and wars of 1812 and 1861>,
was barricaded with hogsheads, and the rightful owners, under
Capt. Miles Standish, were kept at bay. Then ensued a war
of words, bloodshed being only arrested by the prudence and
moderation of Roger Conant, the Governor of the Dorchester
colony, and Capt. Wm. Pierce, " a goodly man and most ex-
pert mariner of the pilgrims' ship," who induced the pilgrims
to retire and build a new stage elsewhere. With the close of
this year's fishing, the Plymouth people abandoned Cape Ann.
as a fishing station, although both their vessels, " well laden,
went joyfully home together, the master o-f the larger ship
towing ye lesser ship at his sterne, all ye way overbound."

" Discouraged by their losses and the ill success of their

*153,500 qtls. of fish, worth S537,250, were shipped to European- ports, and!
118,000 qtls. of fish, worth 8306,800, were shipped to W*"St Indies aniinally; just
before the Eevolutionary War, from Essex county, a total of 273,500 qtls.,
$844,000 in value exported, Marblehead shipping 120,000 qtls. and GloucestCT
77,500 qt\s.— Pitkin's Commerce of the United States, 183it5.

10

plantation, the Dorchester company abandoned their design of
planting a permanent plantation or colony at Cape Ann. At
the end of their third year measures were taken for selling
their ships and breaking up their settlement, having lost almost
all the capital they had invested in the enterprise."

" In planting colonies," says Mr. White, " the first stocks
employed that way are consumed, although they serve as a
foundation to the work." It was thus with the planting of the
■colony at Cape Ann : the stock was consumed, but the foun-
dation work was laid, on which now rests a leading state, of
one of the greatest of nations. Roger Conant, with some of
the best men of this colony, remained until the following year,
when they moved to Naumkeag, now Salem. The crooked and
irregular path taken by the " kine," along by the seashore,
when driven to Naumkeag, tradition says, afterwards became
the travelled road between Salem and Gloucester, now occu-
pied by so many summer residences.

Conaut remained at Naumkeag, locating in that portion
now Beverly, where his plantation had less rocks, no doubt,
with more congenial, though no better, soil than he had found
a,t Cape Ann. Here he died at the age of 86, after a long,
useful and honorable life, being one who " the lack of titles
will never take from his name the high and honorable place it
should hold in the annals of our Commonwealth, as one who
had always preferred the public good before private interests :
and this in his closing years he praised God that ho had
done."

Through the encouragements and promises of Mr. White,
who has been called " the father of the Massachusetts Colony,"
Conant and others had remained at Naumkeag, and they were
no doubt rejoiced on the 6th of September, 1628, when the

11

ship with Endicott and company made its appearance, which
had been sent with tlie resohition to erect " a new colony on
the old foundation." The next year it was followed by others,
and in 1630 by the great emigration under Whithrop, whicb
firmly and permanently planted the colony of Massachusetts.

"Marbleharbour," now Marblehead, became a fishing port, so
celebrated even then, that in 1629, in a letter written that
year, it was stated that " sixteen hundred bass were taken iii
one draught, while the schools of mackerel were so numerous
as to extort exclamations of astonishment from all beholders."
" In 1633, Matthew Craddock, the Governor of the Massachu-
setts company, and others had fishing stages at Marblehead,
and sent their vessels and men tliere to catch and cure the fish,
returning with their cargoes at the close of the season."

Gloucester became an incorporated town in the 2d month of
1642, " and it is an interesting fact that within the first year
of her incorporation Gloucester built her first vessel." Glou-
cester also has the honor of building the first schooner.

*" Capt. Andrew Robinson had built in 1713 a vessel which
he had masted and rigged in a peculiar manner, the same as
the schooners of the present day. When launched, the pecu-
liar skipping motion she made as she glided into the water
from the stocks caused one of the by-standers to exclaim,
^ 0, how she scoonsF Robinson instantly replied, as dashing
a bottle of rum against her bows, ' a scooner let her be.'
Since that time tlie same class of vessels have been called
Schooners." And would it not be well for some antiquarian to
ascertain if the skipping motion she made when she entered
the water did not obtain for her master the name of skipper, a
title still continued in the fishing schooners. " About 70 of

*Bab.sou's History of Gloucester.

12

these "scooDers* were owned in Gloucester in 1741, and
nearly ali of them engaged in fishing on the Grand Banks,
where, after securing their cargo they would go to Lisbon,
Bilboa or Cadiz, and bring back wines, salt, etc."

Just previous to the Revolutionary war, 542 vsseels were
engaged in the fisheries from Massachusetts, of which 326
belonged in Essex County, distributed as follows: — Marble-
head, 140 ; Cape Ann, 75 ; Salem, 34 ; Beverly, 30 ; Man-
chester, 25 ; Ipswich, 12 ; and Newbury 10 ; employing over
2500 men in 17,000 tons of shipping, actually engaged in
fishing, whose products amounted to £150,000 in value. The
Revolutionary war and other causes reduced this fleet from
S26 sail to 188 in 1790.

The fisheries suffered severely in the latter part of the last
century, and the first of this, by wars and disasters, the fish-
ermen becoming extremely poor, while judging from the prices
paid ill Lynn in 1817, I should think the "planters " might
have been in pretty good condition. As the source of infor-
mation gives a short item comparing the prices of 1817 with
1829, I will give it you entire as I copied it from Gloucester
Telegraph of 1829, as follows:

"The Lynn Mirror shows that the price of living is re-
duced less than one-half since 1817, while labor is as highas
it was ten years ago."

1817.

1829.

Flour per barrel.

•116.00

$6.25

Flour per 14 pounds,

1.30

50

Meal per bushel.

2.00

70

Molasses per gallon,

70

34

Tea, Y. Hyson per lb.,

1.60

90

Coffee,

25

14

Sugar,

18

12

Candles,

22

13

13

In 1819, the United States, finding the fishing iodustiy
impoverished and declining, passed a Bormty act, which should
have been styled Indemnity Ad., giving to each vessel «nder 30
tons $8.50 per ton, for three and a half months' actual employ-
ment codfishing. Vessels over 30 tons, carrying not less than;
ten men, received i4 per ton, provided it did not exceed |3G0'
for any one vessel, three-eighths going to the vessel and five-
eighths to the crew. This act, (which was repealed ®tl sloseof
war of late Rebellion), gave a new impulse to the business,
although Gloucester in 1828 had increased her fleet to 164
schooners and 38 boats. Marblehead in 1831 had 57 vessels
in Cod and Mackerel fishery, their catch amounting to $160,490,,
each fisherman averaging $213.52 for eight months-^ fishings
mostly on the Grand Banks, which fishery was nofe then fo-lr
lowed by Gloucester vessels.

In 1820 mackerel fishing, as a business, was prosecuted aiad
has continued with greatly varying success ever since. The
mode of catching mackerel, until the past ten years, was by
hand lines ; now they are caught by boats from the vessel, which
row around a " school" wlien they show themselves on the
surface of the sea, and throwing a seine, which, if, successful.,
encloses the fish in a basin of net work, the bottom of the
seine being pursed up ; in this way hundreds of barreW are
sometimes taken at a single haul.

The Georges' Bank cod fishery commenced in 1830,. from
which dangerous shoal the largest and best codfish are taken.
This fishery is prosecuted with hand lines, the tide rsnning
there so swift as to require frequently over one hundred fathoms
of line to reach the bottom. In 1836 the fresh halibut fishery
commenced, and is now one of Gloucester's specialties ; to
what extent the business has reached, I have already shown.

14

except the amount sold smoked, which is very large. In 1870.
this fishery was commenced on the coast of Greenland with
success, and has been followed more or less since. The hali-
but caught there is fietched, that is, strips taken from the
Ifish, clear of bone, to be dried and smoked. 280,000 lbs. were
brought from there last year by two vessels ; only one prose-
cuting it this year. In 1876, halibut were caught on trawls in
water 250 fathoms, or over quarter of a mile deep, having
been found for the first time in the deep water off Georges'
Bank. Trawling for them or for codfish is pursued now on
nearly all the banks. T

The Mackerel fishery in British waters has been almost
wholly abandoned by vessels from this county and also I think
from the State. It having been found unprofitable to prose-
cute it so far frwm home when better fishing is found on the
American coast-
Herring voyages have been prosecuted since 1856, to supply
ou!" cities with cheap food and our fishing vessels with bait,
the herring having been caught by the fishermen of Newfound-
land and sold to our vessels, where they are frozen, and in
that state brought home in bulk, like potatoes, by the cargo.
After the award on the Washington treaty, an attempt was
made by American fishermen to catch their own bait with
their own seines, and having got them full, the only day that
tJaey had '* struck in," their seines were destroyed and their
voyages broken up by a mob of the natives, and the business
has been wholly abandoned except by purchase, and but few
vessels engaged, compared with what there had been. Recently
vessels there from the Banks after bait, while catching squid in
one of the coves, were mobbed by some 250 natives, their
lives threatened if they did not desist ; in one case in-

15

juring two of the crew and driving off the vessel, and in
another, while the master was ashore to buy bait, taking pos-
session of the vessel, heaving up her anchor and hoisting her
sails, when she narrowly escaped shipwreck, being saved from
the rocks only by the utmost exertions of her crew, who had
hid below, and her master, who seeing there was trouble-, had
returned ; the mob, becoming frightened at the danger of the-
vessel, had, in the meantime, left her to her fate.

Many think that the American fishermen are always get-
ting the nation into trouble. How few know that the Nation it
is that is getting the fishermen into trouble. Right here let us
look at the matter, for it is a serious one to the nation, as well
as to this industry.

Before the war of the Revolution, by the treaty of Paris in
1763, the fishermen of all the British colonies had " equal
rights " granted them with those of Great Britain to fish in
any waters except around a few islands reserved by the
French, and to land upon the shore for curing fish, drying nets,
etc. Then followed the Revolutionary war, when, by the treaty
of 1783, a division of the country was made with Great
Britain, and all the rights heretofore enjoyed by American
fishermen were continued to the fishermen of the United States
with slight and unimportant alterations. They had obtained
what they were entitled to, after seven long years of struggle,
viz.: Independence of, and equal rights with, Great Britain in
the sea fisheries of America.

Then followed the war of 1812, by a declaration of war by
the United States, which declaration was claimed by the Eng-
lish, revoked all our rights and privileges to the inshore fish-
eries of the British provinces. The American Commissioners
denied that it had done so, and instead of having the point in

16

dispute settled then and forever, or fighting it out, as had been
the question of the right claimed by Britain to stop and search
•our' vessels on the high seas for British seamen, theT/ shirked
the responisibiliti/, and the treaty of 1814 was made without
ancntion ©f the fisheries.

The American government claimed, and tlie fishermen used,
1;he rights confirmed to them by the treaty of 1783, the same
«,s before : with what result ? They were harrassed and troubled
'b}'- British cruisers, who made captures for alleged infringement
'of their fishing laws. What did our government do ? Fight
for theifT rights ? No ; they appointed another commission to
settle it. And how was it settled? Another treaty was made,
-called the Treaty of 1818, a treaty which took away almost all
the fishermen's rights of 1783, making him next to an outlaw
in British ports. Hear it ! After providing for right of fish-
•ery on a portion of the southern, western, and a portion of the
northern coast of Newfoundland and coast of Labrador, rights
now of little value, and the shores of Magdalen islands, listen
to what tiie American Commissioners inserted in that treaty : —

" And the United States hereby renounces forever any liberty
lieretofore enjoyed or claimed by the inhabitants thereof, to
take, dry, or cure fish on or within three miles of any of the
•coasts, bays, creeks, or harbors of his Britannic Majesty's
dominions, not included within the before mentioned limits.
•^'■Provided, however, that the American fishermen shall be ad-
mitted to enter such harbors for the purpose of shelter, of
repairing damages therein, of purchasing wood, and of obtain-
ing water, and for no other purpose whatever. But they shall
ibe under such restrictions as shall be necessary to prevent their
taking or curing fish therein, or in any other manner whatever
abusing the privileges hereby secured to them."

17

WJiat sagacious and far-sccing statesmen to cjrataitously
rcnunciate rights of the fishermen as tliey did do ! for Richard
Rush, in a letter to the Secretary of state, July 18, 1853,
states, " We inserted the clause of renunciation. The British
Plenipotentiaries did not desire it." What has been the result
to American fisheries and the Nation's welfare? I will tell
you. The British construction put upon where the three mile
limit should be measured from, and of the conditions of the
proviso, as means by local laws to drive American fishermen
from their harbors and their coast, has been a constant source
of irritation and perplexity to our government ever since.
Numerous vessels have been seized for alleged violation of the
treaty. Two subsequent treaties have been forced upon our
country disastrous to American fisheries, and $5,500,000 has
been paid and nothing settled yet. You ask, what has been
gained by this lack of judgment (to put it mild), in our states-
men of 1814 and 1818 ? This is the true answer, — Nothing.
The increased profits on exports to provincial ports, during the
" Reciprocity Treaty," hardly compensated for the loss of
duty on their imports. The advantage of open ports and free
fishing given us on their part, was more than balanced by their
profits on trade with our vessels, together with free fishing and
free ports to them in our waters.

Under the " Washington Treaty," the amount of duties
remitted on their importations of fish, is four times as much
yearly as all the fish caught by American fishermen within
three miles of their shores is worth, when sold in the ports of
the United States ; making no allowance for cost of catching
them, which was more than they sold for.* The American fish-

*The average yearly fleet of American vessels fishing in British waters since the
2

18

ermen liave no more riglit to-day to enter a provincial port,
except under that rigid j^roviso of the treaty of 1818, than
they had before the " Washington Treaty " was made, (unless
they can yet claim the right under the treaty of 1783). British
cruisers or officials can seize a vessel now, as they have before,
for merely purchasing bait in their ports, and the treaty of
Washington cannot prevent it.

There cannot be any reciprocity in fish. Great Britain now
cannot deliver what she has sold. When she sells the bread
from her fishermen's mouths, they will prevent its delivery, as
they have at Newfoundland, where the poor natives depended,
to keep them from starving, mainly upon the purchases by
American vessels of herring, squid and caplin, for food or
bait.

You ask, what proof have you of these statements? My
reply is, that I have them from the most reliable sources, too
lengthy and too dry for this occasion. One of much impoi-
tance in relation to the decrease of vessels of 20 tons burthen
and upwards, in tliis county, and in other custom districts of
the State, between 1873 and 1879, engaged in catching fish for
food is too important to be left out, and I here give it :

Washington treaty took effect, including 1879, has heen 136, their total catch of
mackerel, outside and inside the treaty limits, averaged 32,633 barrels yearly, the
average total value of which vrhen landed in the United States was $2o0,8'ty;
value of vessels and outfits, $716,000. Total value of vessels, outfits and catch,
S96(),849, showing that the yearly average amount of the fishery award with the
remitted duties on Canadian fish added (upwards of $350,000), which our Govern-
ment is paying annually for the pvhnlege of trying to catch fish swimming in the
sea within three miles of the shore is equal or more, yearly, than the value of all
the American vessels, with all their outfits and catch, that fished in British
waters anywhere.

Does any one wonder that such treaties excite indignation, when made directly
against the protests of American fishermen, and ostensibly for tlieir interest,
when it is their destruction.

19

District. Number of Vessels. Tonnage.

Essex County 115 5,8^8.17

Boston & Charlestowii 22 1,282.64

Plymouth 18 762.19

Barn.stablc 95 5,793.G8

Nantucket 2 115 82

Total Decrease, 252 13,292.50

A loss of over one quarter of the whole fleet of 1873 (of
twenty tons burthen and upwards), throwing at least 2500
men out of active employment in the fishing vessels, with half as
many more at least on land, causes an annual loss in the bare
catch in the fisheries of Massachusetts of over one million
dollars, as compared with 1873, nearly one half of which comes
from Essex County. This is a loss yearly lo this State
alone of much more than the average yearly amount of the
fishery award paid by our Government, with the remitted
duties on Canadian fish added.

In the five years previous to the " Reciprocity Treaty " of
1855, Gloucester, as well as all other fishing ports, shows a
large increase in valuation per capita ; a large falling off dur-
ing the time of that treaty ; an increase afterwards between
1866 and 1873, and again a large decrease under the " Wash-
ington treaty." Essex built less fishing vessels since the
Washington treaty, yearly, than it has any previous years
during the past forty, having built an average of 43 vessels
yearly between 1845 and 1855, and 14 yearly since the Wash-
ington treaty.*

*16 Fishing Ports, including Gloucester, gained an aggregate average valuation
for each inhaljitant during the five years jirevious to the Reciprocity treaty, .§22
yearly, Between 1855 and 1?6';, during that treaty, §3.20 each, yearly. BetAveen
18(55 and 1870, after that treaty expired, their average gain was .$10. (iO each,
yearly. 13 ports, the others having changed to niaiuifacturing, had gained an
aggregate aver.age of ^lO.CM each, J'early. Between 1870 and 1875, they had gained
40 cents each, yt-arly, against an average gain of $6 to each inhabitant of the
•whole State; .since \875, losing. Gloucester has lost in aggregate average val-
uation, between 1873 and 1880 iuclu-ive, over $8, yearly, for each inhabitant.

20

As there may be some curiosity to know how the Canadian
fleet has stood since the last treaty, compared with that of
this State, I will state that between 1873 and 1878, by their

Fish Commissioner's reports, is shown a gain of 489 '' vessels,"
19,858 tons, 2990 men, and 5171 "boats," 11,195 men,— a
total of 5660 vessels and boats, with 14,185 men added to their
fisheries in five years.

Some may ask. Of what interest is this to the farmers ? I
will tell you. First, — the fishermen are producers, and add to
the general wealth. Second, — They are large tax payers, for
they consume annually a large amount of merchandise which
would pay a high duty to import. Third, — They furnish em-
ployment for a great many mechanics and laborers, who, with
their families, have to be fed.

You can form some idea, when you consider the ymrly con-
sumption in the Gloucester fishing vessels alone, of agricultural
products, which are: of Cotton, in sails, nets and lines, 1,662,-
888 lbs. ; Rice, 25,920 lbs. ; Sugar, 128,640 lbs. ; Molasses,
29,376 gals.; Flour, 6,912 bbls.; Beef. 4,104 bbls.; Pork, 864
bbls.; Pork Shoulders, 1,612 bbls.; Lard, 13,072 lbs.; Butter,
210,248 lbs.; Beans, 1,720 bush.; Peas, 864 bush.; Dried
Apples, 64,800 lbs.; Potatoes, 35,826 bush ; Onions, 2,592
bush-; Beets, 1,296 bush.; Turnips, 1728 bush.; Cabbages, etc.,
$12,960 worth ; Vinegar, 2,592 gals.; Fresh Beef, 86,400 lbs.

When you think of what tliis consumption of such products
alone has been decreased from what it was in 1873 by the
decrease in the fleet, do you not believe that England should
be called upon and required to pay for every cent of damage
caused by her failure to perform her part of the contract. She
can not, however, and will not compensate sufferers for the
irritation, the vexatious delays, and indirect damage she has

21

done to the business. Nothing short of the abrogation of the
treaty, with renewal of duties on her fish, will bring her to
terms.

I am glad, for one, that this administration, both State and
National, understand the importance of the interests at stake,
and have shown backbone in the matter. Tlie members of
Congress and others from the fishing district, as also from the
" heart of the Commonwealth," have rendered valuable assist-
ance toward having the fishery clauses of the Washington
treaty abrogated, with the duties on fish renewed. When this
is done, then will the American fishermen keep the American
markets supplied, by increasing their fleet and fishermen, in-
stead of decreasing them. But now our government is al-
lowing a foreign marine to build itself up by entering our
ports, duty free, to supply our markets and drive out a home
industry that has stamped upon the records of our country,
from the time of the first plantation on Cape Ann to the pres-
ent time, its services upon sea and land, so that it should upon
a future page be recorded, " The industry that furnished such
men has been blotted out of existence bij the acts of the National
Government.''' When such a record is made, will it not be an
everlasting disgrace, to American statesmanship ?

It was my intention to have traced tlie progress of the
planters as I have that of the fishermen, but time and space did
not admit. You, being better acquainted with the farmers'
industry than I am, will pardon me for the time I have devoted
to your sister industry, and if I have awakened in you, and by
you in the farmers of our land, a fresh interest in the success
of American fisheries, I shall feel that in addressing you I
have no just cause for repentance.

There have been as great changes in the mode of farming

22

and in the crops raised in this county as there have been in
the fisheries. In looking back to the transactions of this
society fifty years ago, I find how much interest was taken
then in the culture of the mulberry tree and the raising
of silk worms, -$25 being the first of five premiums offered by
the Society for the best nursery of White Mulberry trees for
the making of silk. Then three premiums of $30, $20 and
$10 were offered for the best plantations of 1000 trees on not
less than an acre, in the third year's growth from seed, the
offer continuing for five years on eacli of the following kinds.
viz.: — White Oak, Locusts, Larch, White Ash and Chestnut.

Among the " Hints to Farmers," a record is given of crops
raised at different times, in different parts of the county, to
the acre, such as Wheat, 26 bushels ; Indian Corn, 117 1-4 ;
Barley, over 52^ ; Potatoes, 518| ; Carrots, 900 ; Mangel
Wurtzel, 1340 ; Ruta Bagas, 688 ; Beets, 783 ; English Turnips,
814; Onions, 651 ; which are considered pretty good crops in
hese days. Then in those years the ladies received premiums
for such articles as " List Carpeting for rooms and stairs."
" Grass Bonnets, made from meadow grass of very delicate
manufacture," " Silk stockings and lace veils, samplers and
knit purses," one premium being for " a Bonnet made of the
down of milk weed."

In 1885, $15 was offered as a premium " for the best barrel
of cider produced at the exliibition of 1836, made within the
county. If found worthy of the first premium, to be used at
the table without any additional payment."

Orchards of apples and pears were then in their infancy,
when compared with the present. I am informed by one of
the largest shippers of apples that last year, the " off year "
for apples, 200,000 barrels, the product of Essex county,

23

worth over half fi million of dollars, were shipped to foreign
countries, and about the same will be shipped this year ; and
as fruit picking time has arrived, let me tell you what he
says about picking apples for shipping. Pie says, " Pick your
apples before they are fairly ripe, so that they will wilt a little,
and handle them very carefully like eggs, making two liberal
culls as you put them in your barrels, looking out not to rob
the cider heap on the second one ; barrel them under your
trees as you pick them; shake them down carefully, pressing
in the head with considerable pressure, so that an apple will
not move in the barrel. After being headed up, turn them
down on the bilge, and in teaming, handling or storing, keep
them on the bilge all the time, because there is less weight on
the apples. On the same day they are picked put them in
the cellar, throwing open the door and windows occasion-
ally, never picking them over until the barrel is opened for
use ; every time they are handled they sweat afterwards and
sweating promotes decay. Let a man put 25 barrels of apples
in his cellar and set the barrels on their head, and keep
picking them over as fast as they rot, he will be picking ou^
rotten apples all winter with but few sound in the spring ; but
let him put 25 barrels, picked, handled, and stored on the bilge
in the cellar, and let them alone, as 1 recommend, they will
all come out sound in the spring, with perhaps here and there
an apple rotted so diy as not to affect any other. Baldwins
and Russets are best for shipping, with Hubbardstons for early
shipments."

With this statement I will close, by expressing my heart-
felt wish for future success to the pioneer industries of Essex
county.

25

Sang on the occasion of tlie address before the Essex Agri-
cultural Society, at their sixtietli annual exhibition, in Lynn,
September 20th, 1880.

HARVEST HYMN.

BY MISS MARCIA M. SELMAN.

" And some an hundred fold." — On every side

We see the witness of the writ! en Word
Amid the glad earth's harvest time, and lift

Our hearts in praise to Thee, Creation's Lord !

The seed that grew — we knew not how — beneath

The ministry of air, and sky, and soil.
But shaped in glowing type Thine endless Love,

Thy benediction on man's year of toil.

Oh, thus within our lives the hope enlarge
Of bounteous store for all the seed we sow !

Give it the increase from Thy day and night.
Alike from summer sun and winter snow !

Thou art Creator — but a Father's care

The golden autumn's fruitfulness supplies ;

Man is creator only where his hand
Works by Thy law and on Thy truth relies.

Fair Nature lights Thy shrines within her woods.
Her altar mountain tops with incense blaze,

The sacramental feast is spread to Thee,
Crowner of good and Aulhor of our days !

2*

^)a

CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR.

The show was held at Lynn, Sept. 28th and 29th, 18 80
The attendance was very large from all parts of the county.

On the second day, His Excellency, John D. Long, with
, members of his staff, was present and addressed the people at
the annnal dinner, Benj. P. Ware, President, presiding.
Speeches were also made by the Representative for the Sixth
District in Congress, Hon. Geo. B. Loring, and other distin-
guished gentlemen.

The exhibition of Stock, Agricultural Implements, &c., was
on Fairchild's field, Boston St., and the Ploughing Match on
Essex street, in the easterly part of Lynn. The exhibition of
Fruits, Flowers, Vegetables, Domestic Manufactures, &c., which
was remarkably large and fine, was at Market Hall, Central
avenue.

The entries in the several departments were as follows : —

STOCK, <feC.

Fat Cattle 2 Entries.

Bulls 13 "

Milch Cows 10 "

Herd of Milch Cows .... 1 "

Heifers and Calves .... 37 "

Working Oxen 11 "

Steers ........ 6 "

Town Team 1 "

Stallions 3 "

Brood Mares 3 "

Family Horses 4 "

27

Farm and Draft Horses . .

13

Euti-ies.

Pairs of Draft Horses

• •

9

((

Colts

14

26
44

24

a

Swine

(.i

Poultry

u

Plougliing

.

u

Agricultural Implements

8

a

Carriages

• •

5

a

IN THE

HALL

Pears

153 Entries,

405 plat

Apples

108

a

355 "

Peaches, Grapes, &c., .

110

a

184 "

Flowers

104

a

Vegetables ....

73

a

Counterpanes, &c., . .

88

a

Articles from Leather .

8

a

Merchandise ....

34

a

Fancy Work & }
Works of Art \ ' '

138

a

Children's Work . .

10

a

Chas. p. Preston, Secretary.

28

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES, &c.

FAT CATTLE.

Henry Gardner, Peabody, for pair weighing 4290 lbs., first'
premium, $12 ; for pair weighing 3980 lbs., second premium,
$10.

STATEMENT OF HENRY GARDNER.

Peabody, Mass., Oct. 22, 1880.

The six years old oxen (weight 4290 lbs.), I purchased April
15th, 1879 ; their weight was then 3300 lbs. They had four
qts. of Coh Meal each, per day, until the first of August last ;
through August, 4 qts. clear meal ; September, 6 qts. per day
each. From December to April they had no good hay, their
feed being hay of poor quality, corn fodder, &c.; the rest of the
time the hay was good.

The five years old (weight 3980 lbs.), I bought Dec. 25th,
1879, weight then 3310 lbs. They had no good hay through
the winter, but had 4 qts. of coh meal each, per day, till Aug.
10th ; from that time to the Fair, 4 qts. clear meal, and good
hay since April.

Andrew J. Hayes,

For H. Gardner.

BULLS.

The Committee on Bulls report — There were many valua-
ble animals exhibited and the committee regret that so few had
complied with the rule of the society, requiring " a written

29

statement of pedigree." Governed by this rule they have
made the following award :

John C. Phillips, Beverly, Jersey Bull, first premium, $10.

T. H. & 0. Gowen, W. Newbury, Jersey Bull, second pre-
mium, $6.00.

D. A. Massey, Dan vers, Ayrshire Bull, 7 yrs. old, first
premium, $6.00

S. F. Newman, Newbury, Ayrshire Bull under two years,
second premium, 14.00.

Geo. B. Loring, G. W. Herrick, Charles Perley, Andrew
Mansfield. — Committee.

STATEMENT OF JOHN C. PHILLIPS.

Pedigree of Lord Pollen, Herd book No. 4511 ; dropped
Oct. 9th, 1878.

Dam imported Buttercup 2d. (No. 5632.)

Sire Champion, No. 1109 ; Champion out of Jennie Porter,
No. 470 ; she by imported Coeur de Lion, No. 318 ; out of im-
ported Jennie May, No. 473, by Monarch of Roxbury, No. 499 ;
he by imported John Le Bas, No. 398 ; out of imported Nellie,
No. 289.

STATEMENT OF D. A. MASSEY.

I desire to enter three of my Pure Bred Ayrshires, viz.,
1 Bull, 1 yearling heifer, 1 calf, for the consideration of the
judges in their respective classes in the Society's show at Lynn,
Sept. 28-29. These three animals are all recorded in the
" Ayrshire Record," and they all trace back directly to impor
tation.

First, " Brown Mars," 2944 A. R.; calved March 1, 1880,
(Bull).

Sire Robert Mars, 1155 ; Mars 1-803, imported. Annie
Laurie, 439 ; Wilson, 323, imported, Ayrshire Lass, 439,
imported. Dam, Brown Lady, 5306,^'imported.

30

MILCH COWS.

The Committee on Milch Cows submit the following Report :

There were thirteen cows entered for the different premiums
ofifei'ed, and the committee recommend the following award :

Special premium of $25.00 for the best Milch Cow of any
age or breed, with satisfactory record in quarts or pounds of
her daily yield of milk for one or more years, to Alfred M.
Trask, of Danvers.

For the best Milch Cow — Foreign, Native or Grade.

1st Premium, $12, to J. W. Blodgett of Saugus, for his cow
" Pai'epa Rosa."

2d Premium, $9, to Alfred M. Trask of Danvers.

THOROUGH BRED AYRSHIRBS.

1st Premium, $12, to J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, for his cow
" Moll Pitcher."

2d Premium, f6, to J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, for his cow
'' Mary Burke."

JERSEYS*

1st Premium, $12, to George K. Pervear, of Lynn.
2d Premium, $6, to Marshall H. Abbott, of Lynn.

NATIVE OR GRADE.

1st Premium, 112, to Otis Nichols of Lynn, for his Grade,
Ayrshire, Jersey and Dutch.

2d Premium, $6, to James Cushing of Lynn, for his native

cow " Maggie."

Three of the entries were not accompanied by a written
statement of any kind as the rules require, and for that reason
the owners of the stock were not entitled to receive a premium.
The Committee thought that so large a number of extra cows
is seldom seen at our annual fairs. The cow of Mr. Peabody,
entered for the special premium, deserves particular mention,
as well as the very full statement which he submitted. But

31

the very reinarka1)lo yield of the aow of Mr. Ti-ask. left no
doubt in the minds of the Committee as to which was entitled
to the premium. There is no doubt that any farmer, able to
get those thirteen cows exhibited at Lynn, could make money
producing milk for market.

Probably the Cows in Essex County do not average more
than six quarts per day for the whole year ; and if they barelv
pay the cost of keeping, there must be a good profit from
cows that produce eight or ten quarts per day, or more, as d.i
those thirteen cows. The question "how the farmer can make
the production of milk profitable," is one that has been dis-
cussed a great deal in this region, and one that seems to be
as far from settlement as ever. Farmers sometimes forget that
the great law of supply and demand will always regulate the
price. Attempts have been made in different localities to reg-
ulate the price by agreement among the producers, but they
succeed only so far as they are made in accordance with this
law. The means of increasing the quantity produced ai'e sO
easy, that whenever the production of milk becomes very prof-
itable, the business is overdone, and prices fall. We do not
mean to say that milk associations are of no value, but that it
is impracticable to fully regulate the price by combination. An
association of milk producers is valuable in many ways, and if
the price is too low, undoubtedly such a combination may have
an influence in raising it, but cannot entirely control it. The
price must always be regulated by supply and demand and
cost of production. Probably the great body of milk raisers in
Essex County, have seldom found the business very profitable.
They have in this way converted their poor and unsalable
fodder and their pasturing into money, and " have got a new
dollar for an old one" expended in labor and extra feed, and
have kept up the fertility of their farms, but have not made
much money.

It is difficult to see how there can be much improvement
among the farmers generally in this particular, but individual
farmers of enterprise and skill may do better. The man who

is lucky enougli, or skilful enough, to select such a stock as the
thirteen on exhibition at Lynn, will increase his profits by just
as much as his cows produce more than the average. We
think too that it is more profitable to feed well^ as highly as
can be done without injury to the cows.

We suppose that one principal purpose for which the cow
was created was to convert produce into milk, and the quality
and quantity will depend on the amount and quality of the
raw material furnished, and the capacity of the milk produc-
ing machinery of the cow. The relative value of the different
kinds of food for the production of milk is a matter about
which farmers differ, but it is one of great importance. If
grain is used, it is admitted that cows fed with chopped feed
will give more milk than if a like quantity is fed dry.

Much, too, has been said recently about the system of
ensilage, and its advocates claim that the introduction of this
mode of keeping fodder will effect a revolution in the produc-
tion of milk. Probably too little is yet known about it to
enable us to judge whether or not the system is one worthy of
universal adoption. It is hard to see how an acre of green,
fodder, that will not keep twenty cows a month, if fed green
can by tliis method be made to keep them twice as long, and
we certainly cannot expect all that its advocates claim for it.
At the same time it is very likely that the system may be of
value, and that stock can be cheaply kept by preserving fodder
in that way. We hope some of our large farmers will try the
experiment thoroughly and make known results.

After all, the production of milk, like almost every other
department of agriculture, is a business in which, at best, the
margin of profit is small. But by the skilful and judicious
selection of cows, good judgment in feeding, and proper care of
stock, the farmer may perhaps make this branch of his busi-
ness pay him as good a profit as any other.

Jos. S, Howe, Sherman Nelson, Geo. M. Wonson, A. M.
Bod well, John C. Ropes. — Committee.

.)0

STATEMENT OF ALFRED M. TRASK.

To the Committee on Milch Cows : —

I enter for your consideration a native dark red cow, 8 years
old, for the special premium of ^525, for her daily yield of
milk for one year. She calved May 15, 1879, and dropped her
next calf May 22, 1880, and is due to calve again, May 15,
1881.

From the time she calved to June 12, 1879, she was fed no
grain, but a good pasture, and from June 12 to Aug. 15, 1879,
she was fed one quart of meal and one quart of shorts twice a
day, scalded and covered up, and fed cold after standing 12
.hours. From Aug. loth, 1879, she was turned into fall feed
and fed no more grain till taken to the barn ; then she was fed
all the English hay and rowen she would eat with one quart of
meal and one quart of shorts prepared as before. She was
watered twice a day, and if the weather was very cold, I put in
hot water enough to take the chill off. Her yield was :
From May 19 to May 31, 250^ qts., an average of 19^^^ qts. a day.

line 30,

646

C(

u

c.

C(

2H

b.

July,

630^

t(

((

(b

u

20H

u

Aug.,

590

u

u

u

ki

195^r

k(

Sept.,

521

It,

(.

t(

il

17H

.b

Oct.,

483

u

u

(C

((

15i?

it

Nov.,

437

a

i(

u

u

14H-

a

Dec,

440

u

u

((

a

ll/r

u

Jan.,

440^

a

ii

h.

u

14A

u

Feb.,

365

u

u

u

it

12-gJ

79

((

March

,279

((

ii

u

u

9

a

April,

200

(.

u

u

((

H

ii

5368 qts., an average of 14f|| qts. a day
for 365 days.

Almost 15 qts. a day for one year. She was fed no grain
from the first of March, and fed on the poorest hay I had and
the orts taken from the other cow, as I wanted to dry her ;
she kept on giving milk but lost her flesh, and in March I
milked her but once a day and watered her once a day. 10.20
qts. of milk makes 14 ounces of butter. She is now giving
3

34

17.20 a day. I bought this cow from Mr. J. Holden of Swamp-
scott, Mass.

J. w. blodgett's statement.
To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen. — I enter for premium two Ayrshire Cows, reg-
istered in Ayrshire Record, also one Grade Ayrshire. Mary
Burke, No. 2834, A. R. Dropped calf Dec. 21, 1879. Due to
calve Dec. 21, 1880. From Feb. 1, 1880, to Sept. 26, 1880,
inclusive, she gave 7613 lbs. 2 oz. of milk, an average of about
82 lbs. per day.

Moll Pitcher, No. 3695, A. R. Dropped calf Feb. 1, 1880. ,
Due to calve May 28, 1881. From Feb. 19th, 1880 to Sept.
26, 1880, inclusive, she gave 7059 lbs. 4 oz. of milk, an aver-
age of about 32 lbs. per day.

Grade Ayrshire, Parepa Rosa. No. 3049, A. H. B. Dropped
calf, Feb. 28, 1880. Due to calve. Mar. 24, 1881. She gave
from March 13, 1880 to Sept. 26, 1880, inclusive, 7019 lbs. 12
oz. of milk, an average of about 35^ lbs. per day.

I also enter one two year old Ayrshire Heifer, registered in
Ayrshire Record. Nutmeg, No. 3872, A. R. Dropped calf,
July 18, 1880. I have kept no record of her milk as 1 did not
think of putting her on exhibition.

The treatment and feed of these cows has been of the same
kind as the balance of my stock. They were fed during the
stabling season with about two-thirds salt and one-third Eng-
glish hay, and eight quarts per day each, equal parts of corn
meal and oil meal. From the last of May to date they have
been in poor pastures, and have had what hay they could take.
Also four quarts per day each of the same kind of grain, for
the first two months, and eight quarts per day the last two
months.

STATEMENT OP ALFRED M. TRASK.

To the Committee on Milch Cows : —
I enter for your consideration a brown cow, one-half Dutch

35

and one-half Ayrshire, nine years old. She dropped her calf
Sept. 6, 1879, and is due to calve again Oct. 8, 1880. I fed
her the same as the red cow, only the first of November I
gave her 2 qts. of meal and 2 qts. of shorts, scalded, twice a
day and fed cold, with all the English hay she would eat ;
watered her twice a day, if very cold adding hot water enough
to take the chill off".

Her yield for the month of November was 705 qts. of milk,
an average of 23 1-4 qts. a day ; 10 qts. of her milk make 18
ounces of butter. She has now been dry for two months, as I
wanted to give her a rest.

For the first 10 days in November she gave 235| quarts, an
average of 23| qts. a day ; for the last ten days in November
she gave 236^ qts. a day, an average of 23 2-5 qts. a day.

STATEMENT OP GEORGE K. PERVEAR.

To the Commiitee on Milch Cows: —

Gentlemen, — I place on exhibition a part of my Jersey
stock, say one Milch cow, " Mayflower," calved May 1, 1872 ;
Dam Pansy, 3d, No. 718; Sire Sherman, R. S. Rogers' bull ;
American Jersey Herd Book, Vol. III. Also, one yearling
heifer, calved April 1st, 1879. Dam, Mayflower, Sire, Cham-
pion, No 1109, American Club Register. Also, one calf,
calved April 4th, 1880. The Dam and Sire same as the year-
ling, "• Champion," owned by Mr. Henry Saltonstall of West
Peabody. *

I desire to call your attention to the size of these animals for
Jersey Stock. The cow gives a large quantity of milk of the
Uest quality while the feed is good ; through June and July
she gave about 20 qts. per day, which would make 12 lbs. of
butter per week.

statement of OTIS NICHOLS.

To the Committee on Milch Cows : —

Sirs : — I enter for premium cow Daisy, black and white,
Ayrshire, Jersey and Dutch blood, seven years old. Dropped
her last calf Oct. 2, 1879 ; will calve again Oct. 8, 1880.

36

From Nov. 2 to Nov. 11, 1879, she gave 174^ quarts of
very rich milk. We did not measure her milk again until
June 6, 1880, but should judge she did not vary from that
amount through the winter.

Then ten days succeeding June 6, 1880, she gave 167 qts.
It has always been difficult to dry her ; could milk her up to the
time of calving if I chose. Her feed last winter was English
and Salt hay, with two quarts of Indian meal and four quarts
of fine feed daily.

Through the summer she ran in a poor pasture with the
same amount of grain as in winter.

STATEMENT OF JAMES GUSHING.

The cow named Maggie was dropped the first of April, 1875.
She has had three heifer calves. At her first milking she
gave 14 qts. of milk per day, and at the milking after her last
calf she gave between 18 and 20 qts. of milk per day.

The heifer named Julia was dropped in July, 1876. She
has had two heifer calves and has given over 16 qts. of milk
per day.

The heifer 2| years old, named Nell, was dropped in the
year 1877. She has had one calf, in May, and gave 14 qts. of
milk per day at the first milking.

Maggie, Julia and Nell are sisters. Their dam was one of
the best cows in the city of Lynn.

STATEMENT OF CHARLES J. PEABODY.

To the Committee on Milch Cows :

Gentlemen : — I enter for the special premium offered for
the best Milch cow of any age or breed, with the record of
milk for one or more years, my cow " Star." She is ten years
old, is grade Jersey, and has given from Sept. 25, 1879, to
Sept. 25, 1880, three thousand four hundred and eighty-four
qts. of milk (3,484).

She last calved July 18, 1879; she gave from that date, or
rather from July 21, when I began to measure it, to Sept. 25,

37

wlien the record of the year begins, eight hundred and sixty
quarts.

This cow I have owned several years and always regarded
her as one of the best in my herd, but have kept no record of
her yield until the past year. Seeing in Mr. French's remarks,
as published in the last annual report of our Society, that two
thousand quarts is named as a fair yearly amount, I felt inter-
ested to report the account of my cows, and find the record of
this one as follows :

Sept. 25 to Oct. 25, 12 qts. per day, 360 qts.

Oct. 25 to Nov. 25,

Nov. 25 to Dec. 25,

Dec. 25 to Jan. 25,

Jan. 25 to Feb. 25,

Feb. 25 to March 25, 10

Mch. 25 to Apr. 25,

Apr. 25 to May 25,

May 25 to June 25,

June 25 to July 25,

July 25 to Aug. 25,

Aug. 25 to Sept. 25,

11

n

n

' 341

11

a

a (

' 330

10

a

U I

' 310

10

a

it i

' 310

10

a

>( i

' 300

9

a

a i

' 279

9

u

a i

' 270

9

((

a (

' 279

8

u

a i

' 240

8

u

H i

' 248

7

i(

a i

' 217

u

Total amount for the year,

3,484 qts.

Her keeping has been what the committee on herds of Milch
Cows at the show last year called poor, but it is as good or
better than the average in my section of the county ; being in
summer, good pasture, with corn fodder when the feed is dry,
and in winter a mixture of salt, meadow and English hay witli
some corn-stalks, and five quarts of cob meal per day ; she
has also had three quarts of meal per day since the 15th of
July last. The milk is measured daily, and the above is a
correct account of the amount of strained milk.

P. S. I have omitted to mention the manner of feeding.
The winter feed is given at five meals, — hay first, at 6 A. M.;
1 bush, cut corn-stalks, wet, and 2 qts. of meal added, at 8

38

A. M.; water at 9 ; hay at M.; water at 4 P. M.; cut salt hay
with 3 qts. of meal at 5 ; meadow hay at 6.30 closes the day.

HERD OP MILCH COWS.

The Committee on Herd of Milch Cows failed to put in an
appearance, and after waiting until late in the afternoon I sub-
stituted a committee and proceeded to business.

I think when members of a committee are present at the
meeting, and answer to their names, they should either serve
on that committee or see that their places are filled by others,
then there would be no delay and would not be so likely to
cause dissatisfaction.

There were two entries made, but as one of them consisted
of three^ cows, two heifers and a bull, we did not look upon it
as a herd of Milch Cows. The other herd, entered by Chas.
J. Peabody of Topsfield, consisted of six cows, with a state-
ment of quantity of milk, manner of feeding, kc.

His average in milk is not large, neither has he fed very
high ; but as his herd was the only one there, and he had
complied faithfully with the requirements of the rules of the
Society, your committee feel it their duty to award to him the
first premium of $18.

Horace C. Ware, J. D. W. French, John G. Fage— Com-
mittee.

STATEMENT OF CHARLES J. PEABODY.

7o the Committee on Herd of Milch Cows :

Gentlemen : — I enter my herd of cows, six in number, with
record of their production of milk for one year. As my busi-
ness requires a uniform amount the year round, my yield for
six montlis is not as large as though my cows all came in, in
the Spring as is usual in many places. The time of calving of
my cows is so arranged that half of them arc new-milch at
once, consequently a report of six months would not give a
just presentation of the value of the herd.

39

The record is from Sept. 25, 1879, to Sept. 25, 1880. Tlie
herd the most of the year contained seven cows, so the total
yield is that of the six exhibited for the year, and one in addi-
tion from the time of beginning till July 25, the whole amount
of milk being fourteen thousand three hundred quarts. The
details of the account are given below :

No. 1. Grade Jersey, 10 years old ; last calved, July 18,

1879. I have been trying with her the experiment of milking
a longer time than usual, without allowing her to become with
calf; in this case with good success as her yield for the year
is 3484 qts.

No. 2. Grade Ayrshire, 5 years old ; calved last, April 3,
1880 ; will next calve April 4, 1881 ; amount of her milk for
the year, (was in milk 10 months), 2301 qts.

No. 3. Grade Jersey, 11 years old ; last calved, June,
1879 ; will calve Nov. 12. Number of qts., 2600, (has been
dry 30 days.) '.

No. 4. Grade Ayrshire, 5 years old ; last calved, June,

1880, will next calve May, 1881 ; (not dry for the year.)
Number of quarts, 1753.

No. 5. Grade Jersey, 4 years old ; last calved the second
day of the present month ; this was her second calf, so that
her record of the past year is that of a heifer ; she dropped
her Jirst calf in March, 1879, the best part of her flow of milk
being over before the trial began ; (dry three months), yield
1364 qts.

No. 6. Grade Jersey, 4 years old ; last calved. May, 1879 ;
was due to calve again in May last, but in consequence of au
injury lost her calf in February, and was much lessened in
value thereby ; she will be due to calve Feb. 16, 1881. Num-
ber of quarts, 1575.

No. 7. Was a native cow, 12 years old, milked and fatted,
and gave from the time of commencement to July 25, when
she was dry, fourteen hundred and twenty-three quarts, (1423).

Feed is pasture and corn-fodder in the summer ; salt, mead-
ow and English hay in winter, with one feed of cut corn-stalks

40

to each cow per day, and from 4 to 6 qts of cob-meal. Esti-
mate weight of hay fed to each cow per day, from twenty to
twenty-five lbs.

THOROUGH-BRED HEIFERS— FIRST CLASS.

AYRSHIRES.

One year old and upwards, never calved, 1st premium,
Sidney F. Newman, of Newbury. 2d, D. A. Massey, of Dan-
vers.

Ayrshire Calf, 2d premium, D. A. Massey, of Danvers.

Ayrshires in milk, 1st premium, to J. W. Blodgett, of
Saugus.

JERSEYS.

Jerseys in milk, 1st premium to John C. Phillips, of
Beverly, " Lady Spiraea." 2d premium, to John C. Phillips,
of Beverly, " Lady Eliza."

One year old and upward, never calved ; 1st premium to
John C. Phillips, of Beverly ; 2d premium to John Green, of
Lynn.

Calves, 1st premium to John C. Phillips, of Beverly ; 2d
premium to R. S. Fay, of Lynn.

H. F. Longfellow, Z. C. Wardwell, John G. Page, Nathaniel
Little, Jr. — Committee.

STATEMENT OF J. W. BLODGETT.

Pedigree. — Name, Nutmeg, No. 3872, A. R.; color, white
and red. Dropped Nov. 17, 1877. Bred by J. W. Blodgett,
East Saugus, Mass. Sire, Saugus, 1445, A. R. Dam, Elsie,
1124, A. R. Dropped calf, July 18, 1880; not served.

She has run in pasture with the rest of the herd ; had what
hay she would take, and 4 qts. per day of mixture of corn
meal and oil meal. The last week before the fair she averaged
nine quarts of milk per day.

41

STATEMENT OF JOHN C. PHILLIPS.

1st prize, Lady Spiraea, Herd Book, No. 6939. Dropped
March 30, 1877.

Sire, Nonquit, No. 139; he was sired by Motley, No. 515,
out of Primula, No. 1238 ; Primula out of Primrose, No. 281,
imported ; by Coeur de Lion, imported.

Motley out of Meg Meriles, No. 1372, imported ; by Jack
Horner, No. 514, imported.

jDam, Spirsea, No. 3915. She was sired by Rajah, No. 340,
imported ; out of Fleur de Lis, No. 614, imported and pur-
chased from her breeder, Mr. G. Helier, Island Jersey.

2d Prize. Lady Eliza, Herd Book, No. 6941. Dropped
April 15, 1877.

Sire, Nonquit, No. 1391. See above.

Dam, Eliza, No. 619, imported ; bred by Philip Neal, Island
of Jersey.

The calves of the above cows were exhibited, and received a
separate prize.

First prize for heifer without calf, — Clethea, Herd Book, No.
8427. Dropped June 27th, 1878.

Dam, Clytie, No. 618, imported ; bred by Philip Neal, Island
of Jeisey.

Sire, Rajah of Greenvale, No 2533 ; out of imported Fleur
de Lis, No. 614 ; by Rajah, No. 340.

Milk Record.

Lady Spirea, April 24 to 31, 1880, 189 lbs.

" May " 10791 "

" " June '• lOOli -'

" '^ July " 926 "

" " August " 830 "

" " September " 658 "

Lady Eliza, Sept., 8^ days, " 248 "

42

HEIFERS— SECOND CLASS.

The Committee on Native or Grade Heifers submit the fol-
lowing report :

Under 4 years, Milch. To Alfred M. Trask, Danvers, 1st
premium, $12.00.

To Jacob L. Farnham, of No. Andover, 2d premium, 16.00.

One year old and upwards, that have never calved. To J.
K. Bancroft, of Lynnfield, first premium, $6.00.

S. F. Newman, of Newbury, 2d premium, $4.00.

Heifer calves under one year old. To Thomas P. Richard-
son, Lynn, 1st premium, $5.00.

To W. H. Jones, 2d premium, $3.00.

H. G. Herrick, Chairman.

For the Committee.

WORKING OXEN AND STEERS.

The Committee on Working Oxen and Steers make the fol-
lowing report :

There were five entries of oxen to contest for the premium,
.which we award as follows :

First premium, $12, to 0. Loring Carlton, Middleton.

Second premium, $10, to R. T. Jaques, Newbury.

Third premium, $8, to B. H. Farnham, No. Andover.

There were only two entries of four year old Steers, and we
award as follows :

First premium, $10, to J. L. Farnham, No. Andover.

Second premium, $6, R. T. Jaques, Newbury.

While all the cattle that competed for the premium worked
well, we desire especially to commend the four-year-old steers
of J. L. Farnham of No. Andover. Seldom, indeed, do we
find such a pair, so nicely matched, so well proportioned, and
so thoroughly trained. Their exhibition was an honor to the
Essex Co. Fair, as well as to their owner.

Dr. Geo. B. Loring entered two yoke of excellent looking

43

oxen ; their working qualities your committee were unable to
test, their driver not appearing. Your Committee would make
honorable mention of them.

Respectfully submitted,
Richard S. Bray, Daniel G. Todd, Moses H. Poor— Obm-
mittee.

TOWN TEAMS.

The Committee on Town Teams, having attended to their
duty, would report that they have awai'ded to the City of Lynn,
for the best team of horses, the first premium of thirty dollars,
($30.00). Respectfully submitted,

H. N. Breed, T. T. Paine, N. S. Harris— (7ommt«ee.

STEERS. '

The Committee award to Byron K. Farnham, of North
Andovcr, for three year old steers, first premium, $8.00.

To Benjamin and Ralph Farnham, of No. Andover, for two
year old Steers, first premium, $6.00.

To Byron K. Farnham, of No. Andover, for pair yearling
steers, first premium, $5.00.

To Sidney F. Newman, of Newbury, for his yearling steers,
second premium, $4.00.

Joshua N. Kent, S. Longfellow, Caleb Childs, R. Jaques,
F. R. Allen — Committee.

STALLIONS.

To H. M. George, Saugus, for Stallion 5 years old, first
premium, $15.00.

To H. M. George, Saugus, for Stallion 3 years old, first
premium, $10.00.

To A. C. Hill, Saugus, for Stallion 3 years old, second
premium, $6.00.

J. D. Drew, M. H. Pratt, M. A. Plummer — Committee.

BROOD MARES.

The Committee find four mares entered for premium, only
one of which, in their judgment, is entitled to a premium.
They award to H. L. Chase, of Lynn, first premium, i^lS.OO.

W. P. Bailey, M. B. Merrill, Wm. E. Kimball— Commi^^ee.

FAMILY HORSES.

The Committee did not consider any one of the horses ex-
hibited worthy of the first premium.

They award to T. W. Tyler, Lynn, 2d premium, 110.00.
Goodwin Bros., Lawrence, 3d premium, $8.00.

Warren Ordway, M. W. Moody, Aaron Knowlton, M. C.
Andrews — Committee.

FARM AND DRAFT HORSES— SINGLE.

Jonas Rollins, Danvers^ 1st premium, $15.00.
J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, 2d premium, 112.00.
Samuel Dane, Hamilton, 3d premium, flO.OO.
Joshua Roberts, Gloucester, 4th premium, $6.00.

Paul T. Winkley, Hugh Hill, Herbert A. Knowlton— Corn-
mittee.

PAIRS OF DRAFT HORSES.
Oliver Stevens, North Andover, 1st premium, $15.00.

15

Edward P. Perley, Daiivers, 2d premium, $10.00.
J. J, H. Gregory, Marl)leliead, 3d premium, $5.00.
Henry C. Harnden, Edward Kent, Alden C. Esies, John G.
Walcott — Committee.

COLTS— FIRST CLASS.

George B, Loring, Salem, for 4 year old colt, 1st premium,
$12 ; E. L. Hill, Lynn, do do, 2d premium, 18.00 ; A. C. Hill,
Saiigus, do do, 3d premium, $5.00.

Goodwin Bros , Lawrence, for 3 year old colt, 1st premium,
$10.00 ; John Gibney, Salem, do do, 2d premium, $5.00.

William E. Kimball, Otis Mann, T. W. Bartlett— Commt^ee.

COLTS— SECOND CLASS.

Daniel G. Todd, Rowley, Colt two years old, 1st premium,
$8.00.

C. O. Beede, Lynn, Colt one year old, 1st premium, $6.00 ;
C. W. Bailey, Lynn, do do, 2d premium, $4.00.

John C. Ropes, S. F. Newman, J. G. Page — Committee.

SWINE— FIRST CLASS.

The Committee on Swine, on repairing to the pens where
they were exhibited, found the number much larger than usual
and of better quality. The breeds most prominent were the
Poland China and Chester White, with grades of most of the
best breeds for general use. We would recommend that the
Society make some general rule in regard to classifying the
different breeds of swine. We found this year that Poland
China were put in both classes, as large and small bone, and
think it would be a good plan to appoint a Special Committee

46

to classify the different breeds, so that in future the Committee
may have some standard to go by. In making up our report,
we have reeommended giving the premium to those that
seemed best for general use rather than for their size or
weight. Therefore we award as follows :

To M. Birmingham, Salem, for Boar (Grade), 1st premium,
$10.00; A. T. Newhall, Lynn, do do, 2d premium, S6.00.

State Hospital, S. S. Pratt, farmer, Danvers, Breeding Sow,
1st premium, $10.00 ; Elizabeth Saunders, Peabody, Breeding
Sow, 2d premium, i6. 00.

Albert Berry, North Andover, Weaned Pigs, 1st premium,
$10.00 ; Samuel Dane, Hamilton, do do, 2d premium, $6.00.

G. C. Foster, E. K. Lee — Committee.

SWINE— SECOND CLASS (small bone).

The Committee award the following premiums :

Best Boar — First premium, $10, to R. G. Buxton, Peabody,
for Yorkshire Boar ; Second premium, $6, to Alfred M. Trask,
Danvers, for small Yorkshire Boar.

Best Sow— First premium, $10, to Albert Berry, North
Andover, for Sow, white breed ; second premium, $6, to B. P.
Ware, Marblehead, for Poland China Sow.

Best litter of Weaned Pigs — First premium, $10, to B. P.
Ware, Marblehead, for Poland China Pigs; second premium,
$6, to Asylum for Insane, Danvers, for Mackey and Chester
Pigs.

The regulation, dividing Swine into two classes, is undoubt-
edly a good one, but it is too indefinite No breeds are men-
tioned. The only information to guide one in entering stock
is the item, small bone,, in second class.

This indefiniteness leads to confusion in entries. Animals
of the same breed may be entered in both classes. This year
Poland Chinas were entered in both classes, but were finally
all transferred to the second class, as a majority of the breed

were on that book of entry. The Poland China is not a small
bone breed, and 3^et it was entered as such. The Committee
did not feel at liberty to throw them out, not knowing on whom
the responsibility of the mistake in entry rested.

Tiie Committee suggest that hereafter the printed list of
premiums shall state the names of the breeds in each class,
with the limitation of weight. Thus, —

First Class — Large breeds, such as Cheshire, Berkshire,
Chester County Whites, Poland China, Large Yorkshire, and
any other breed or grade weighing more than 300 pounds at
maturity.

Second Class — Small breeds, such as Suffolk, Ess9x, Small
Yorkshire, China, and any other breed or grade weighing^less
than 300 pounds at maturity.

The classification seems to include most, if not all, the
breeds known in Essex county, and with the limitation of
weight, no pig need be excluded from entry on account of
breeding.

Although in England there are many well known breeds,
some of which have been imported into this country, yet the
Royal Agricultural Society acknowledge only the Berkshire
breed by name, and classifies the others as Large White Breed,
Small White Breed, Small Black Breed, &c.

This classification, from long established custom and famil-
iarity with the various breeds, may answer the purpose there
without causing any confusion, but it is too indefinite for our
locality and would scarcely be of more use than our present
system. The N. Y. State, the Pa. State Agricultural Societies
and many other Societies, offer premiums for the different
breeds mentioned, by name, but the number of entiries of pure
bred swine at our Fairs is not sufficient to warrant the expense
at present, however it may be in the future.

The necessity of improvement in breeding swine in our
County may not be apparent to the frequenter of our Fairs,
because the best animals are brought to them. But let the
same person start out and examine the average hogs in his

48

locality, and he will be likely to form a different opinion. 1
remember that several years ago, I travelled over quite an ex-
tent of country, and looked at many lots of pigs before I found
a pair that came up to my standard, which I did not consider
an extreme one. How many coarse, long snouted, slab sided
runts were seen, T will not pretend to state.

If we want a pig for bacon, we need a different sort of a pig
than for pork.

The large breeds, such as the Berkshire, are best for bacon,
the smaller breeds for pork. If you want pigs with good con-
stitutions, which will come to early maturity and weigh 200
lbs. or thereabouts at a year old, take an Essex, or Small
Yorksliire boar and cross him on some of tlie large coarse
sows, with which the county abounds. Such pigs will be good
feeders, easily kept, and will give the best average results for
pork and bacon.

Here comes in the importance of the sire. If real improve-
ment is expected, a pure bred boar should be used as much as
a pure bred bull on a herd of cows, whether the calves are
wanted for the dairy or the butcher.

Harris says : " The question of Large vs. Small Breeds,
therefore, can only be answered by taking these oljjects into
consideration. We need both breeds. The large breed to give
us sows and the small breed to give us boars. It is a mistake
to refine and reduce the size of the large breed and then to
breed from these " improved" pigs of the large breed. To pro-
duce pigs merely for the butcher, we should resort to crosses
with a large, vigorous, unpampered sow, put to he finest,
thorough-bred boar of the small breeds that can be obtained.

The larger the sow and the smaller the boar, the more will
the little pigs be able to eat in proportion to their size, and the
greater will be their growth in proportion to the food con-
sumed.

Form — As the bullock which approaches nearest to the form
of a parallelopiped, is considered the greatest perfection of a
beef animal so the pig, whose shape suggests a parallelogram,
will be the most desirable porker for the butcher.

49

A broad, straight back necessarily gives well arched ribs
and consequently plenty of room for the lungs, stomach and
intestines. The value of the pig for feeding purposes depends
largely on the capacity of these organs.

Let a rectangular wooden frame be applied to the body of
the pig and it will be seen at once how near the animal ap-
proaches the desired standard. If this test is tried on many
pigs it will be found that sloping rumps are the rule and not
the exception. The importance of proper form in the pig is
not sufficiently appreciated, or we should see greater improve-
ment in this respect.

Hoping some of my hints may be of use to the society, as
well as to breeders of swine, I remain yours truly,

John D. W. French, Chairman.

John S. Cressey, T. J. Ordway — Committee.

North Andover, 26th October, 1880.

POULTRY— FIRST CLASS.

L. B. Fowls, W. M. Ward, Feabody, 1st premium, $3 ; do
Chicks, C. L. Becket, do, 1st, $2 ; do do, W. M. Ward, do
2d, $] ; do do, M. N. Branscomb, Lynn, gratuity $1 ; D. B
Fowls, J. Fitz, 4th, Lynn, 2d premium, $1.50; Langslian, P,
F. Adams, Salem, gratuity, $1; W. C. Fowl, C. W. Wyman
Lynn, 2d premium, $1.50; Geese, A. B. Clark, Peabody, 1st
$2 ; do do, 2d, -fl ; Ducks, E. S. Bean, Swampscott, 1st, $2
do, A. B. Clark, Peabody, 2d, 1 ; do, Wm. B. Newhall, Lynn
gratuity, $1 ; statement showing profit, Wm. Dean, 1st pre
mium, 85 ; do do, Frank M. Allen, Lynn, 2d, $2 ; best collec
tion, W. M. Ward, Peabody, diploma.

Two years ago, your Committee on Poultry recommended
that special premiums be offered for Coops of Fowl of different
varieties, of 1st and 2d classes; Poultry that should show the
most profit for one year, together with a statement, showing
the manner of keeping, cost of feed, &c.; also that the stand.

4 .

50

ard of judging be the American standard of excellence, all of
which the Society were pleased to adopt.

We think that the results desired have been obtained, to
wit.: Wm. Dean, of Peabody, was awarded the first preiniuni
for Fowls for profit, in the first class. His statement is as
follows :

Sept. 1st, 1879, 12 Light Brahma Hens, were taken to keep
for profit ; Sept. 1st, 1880, the account was closed ; during
this time they produced 1,916 eggs, which were sold for $41.61,
or more than two cents apiece. To produce these eggs, there
was consumed corn, wheat screenings and meat, to the amount
of 112.85, the eggs costing less than three-fourths of one cent
apiece.

By this statement, it appears that each hen produced 12.40
worth of eggs in one year, and at the end of the year was
worth as much as when the experiment commenced.

Frank M. Allen, of Wyoma, Lynn, winner of 2d premium
for profit, submitted the following Statement; — 22 Light
Brahma Hens for six months produced 169^ dozen eggs, which
were sold for $38.15, costing the consumer nearly 1 7-8 cents
per egg. To produce these eggs, corn, meal, oats, feed, wheat
and cracked corn were consumed to the amount of |!l6.95, or
a little more than three-fourths of one cent per egg produced,
his rate of cost being a little more than Dean's, and his selling
price almost one-fourth of one cent less. No account is taken
of grass and waste from the liouse in either statement, which
is supposed to have been fed to them.

Now, by these experiments, it seems to be demonstrated:
1st, That it costS about three-fourths of a cent to raise an egg
in Essex county. 2d, That in these cases they were sold for
an average of two cents apiece, a clear profit of IJ cents
apiece was made. (What other product exhibited at this fair
can show a profit of more than 100 per cent ?) 3d, That the
Light Brahma Fowl, of all others of the Asiatic varieties, are
best adapted to the confined quarters of cities or large towns.
4th, That colonies of 12 do better than larger numbers, for as

51

you increase tlie number over that, the rates of cost increase
until at 40 or more the profit entirely ceases. 5th, That the
old fashioned method of feeding only corn to fowls should be
discarded, and a varied feed be substituted.

Now consider, if you please, that if only 12 dozen eggs are
consumed per year, by each inhabitant of any given city or
town in the county, and multiply this by the number of inhabi-
tants of the county, and you have a total amount of eggs con-
sumed; and also multiply that by the profit that these gentle-
men have obtained and you have the grand total which has
gone into the pockets of Northern and Eastern farmers princi-
pally.

Now if there is an agricultural society that can show a better
record than that above shown, so much the better, and so
much more will your committee insist that there is no greater
agricultural industry, if conducted properly, that will pay 100
per cent, profit per year, and leave the capital invested as good
as when they started. These facts and figures were what the
committee hoped to bring out when they recommended the
report which was adopted two years ago.

We feel called upon to congratulate the society upon the
extra good quality of the Light Brahma stock exhibited in the
fancy department, any coop of which was a credit to the
show. We also feel much regret that facilities were not pro-
vided, so that the fowl might have been scored, according to
the American standard, and score cards placed upon the pre-
mium coops ; the cost of these cards, also copies of the
standard for committee use, will not cost but a trifle, also a
scale for weighing the fowl.

As there is always a crowd upon the ground in the after-
noon, and as it is a considerable Avork to properly examine the
birds, your committee would recommend that the Poultry
committee be instructed to commence work as soon as the
entry books close ; and that diilerent varities be assigned
special places upon the benches, keeping each distinct variety
by itself, the same as was adopted at the last meeting with

52

regard to fruit, as it gives a better chance to observe the con-
trast between the best articles, and saves very much work for
the committee.

Gratuities were awarded to two different parties who entered
varieties otlier than those specified by the Committee Book, as
they wished to encourage variety, and any new stock that may
be worthy of it.

W. H. Allen, for Committee.

POULTRY— SECOND . CLASS.

Your Committee report as follows : —

Willard L. Fisk, Saugus, Plymouth Rock Fowls, First pre-
mium, $3.00. Hamilton & Christian, Lynn, 2d premium,
$1.50.

E. W. Edmunds, Saugus, Plymouth Rock Chicks, 1st pre-
mium, 12.00. J. A. Fisk, Saugus, 2d premium, $1.

Robert Winn, White Leghorn Fowls, 1st premium, $2.00 ;
Chicks, 1st premium, 12.00.

Mrs. W. H. Holt, Black Leghorn Fowls, 1st premium, $3.00.
Hamilton & Christian, Lynn, 2d premium, $1.50.

F. B. Todd, Rowley, Black Leghorn Chicks, 1st premium,
$2.00. N. Pierce, Gloucester, 2d premium, $1.00.

Benj. Rhoades, Saugus, Black Spanish Chicks, 1st premium,
$2.00.

J. B. Wood, Lynn, Polish Chicks, 2d premium, $1.00.

W. M. Ward, Peabody, Bantam Fowls, 1st premium, $2.00;
Chicks, 1st premium, $2.00.

A. B. Williams, Lynn, Bantam Chicks, 2d premium, $1.00.

G. W. Harris, Lynn, Bantam Fowls, with statement, $5 ;
2d premium, $1.00.

B. H. Dixey, Lynn, Bantams, Gratuity, $1.00.
D. Bradstreet, F. S. Lovett, N. Dole — Committee.

53

PLOUGHING— DOUBLE TEAMS.
Jaques & Bray, Newbury, 1st premium, $12.
Jacob L. Farnhara, North Andover, 2d premium, $10.
J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, 3d premium, $9.
Hospital for Insane, Danvers, 4th premium, $8.
B. H. Farnham, North Andover, Gratuity, $5.

D. Bradstreet, J. N. Rolfe, A. B. Fellows, N. T. Harris-
Commiitee.

PLOUGHING— 8INGLB TEAMS.
R. T. Jaques, Newbury, 1st premium, $10.
C. J. Peabody, J. W. Hay ward, J. Longfellow — Committee.

PLOUGHING WITH TWO HORSES.
Oliver Stevens, North Andover, 1st premium, $12.
C. N. Maguire, West Newbury, 2d premium, $10.
Samuel Dane, Hamilton, 3d premium, $8.
R. S. Bray, Newbury, 4th premium, $6.
Lawrence L. McKay, Hamilton, 5th premium, $4.00.

M. A. Plummer, J. Frank Foster, Horace Ware, Andrew
Curtis, Moses H. Poor — Committee.

PLOUGHING WITH THREE HORSES.

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, 1st premium, $10. Plough, " Oliver
Chilled," No. 40.

H. W. Foster, Dan'l P. Pope, John G. Page — Committee.

54

PLOUGHING WITH SWIVEL PLOUGHS.

Carlton & Wilkins, Middleton, Ox Team, 1st premium, $12.
Geo. B. Loring, Salem, do do, 2d premium, $10.

Edw. P. Perley, Danvers, Horse Term, 1st premium,
Jonas Rollins, Danvers. do do, 2d premium, $6.

Joseph How, Chairman.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

The Committee on Agricultural Implements make the fol-
lowing award : —

Whittemore Bros., Boston, best collection, Diploma and
$15.

E. S. Flint of Danvers, best Corn and Bean Planter, |3.

C. F. Pollard, Lynn, 2 Grindstones, $3.

Henry Hale <fe Co., Salem, Kemp's Manure Spreader, $8.

Whittemore Bros., Boston, best Hay and Corn Stalk Cutter,

Hamlin's Rubber Bucket Pump, $3.
Bartholomew's Improved Broadcast Seed Sower, $5.
Best Root Cutter, $2.
Best Corn Sheller, $2.

A. B. Fellows, James T. Johnson, George Buchan, Bennett
Griffin, Abel S. Harriman — Committee.

CARRIAGES.

The Committee on Carriages have attended to their duty
and submit the following report : —

There were five enti-ies of carriages, as follows : — Sawyer &
Chase of Lynn ; Wm Chase & Son, Merrimac ; Charles E.
Stone, Amesbury ; T. W. Lane, Amesbury ; Skinner & Golder,

55

Lynn, Carriage Wheels. And the Committee awarded the
following gratuities :

Sawyer & Chase of Lynn, $15.

Wm. Chase & Son of Merrimac, $10.

Charles E. Stone of Amesbury, Diploma.

T. W. Lane of Amesbury, $10.

Skinner & Colder of Lynn, Diploma.

0. S. Butler, T. K. Leach, Aaron Sawyer, Henry Hobbs —
Committee.

DAIRY.

The Committee on Dairy make the following awards, viz.: —

First premium on Butter, $10, Farnham Stiles of Middleton ;
Second premium, $8, to Z. C. Wardwell, of Groveland ; Third
premium, $6, to S. K. Griflfin of Groveland ; Fourth premium,
$4, to J. K. Bancroft of Lynnfield.

There were no specimens of cheese exhibited, or any state-
ments offered for the greatest produce of milk on any farm in
proportion to the number of cows producing it, or of the great-
est amount of Butter made from any quantity of milk, the
produce of any single cow.

John A. Putnam, Joseph Hale, Thomas A. Sides — Commit-
tee.

STATEMENT OP FARNHAM STILES.

I present seven pounds of September butter (made from Jer-
sey and Ayrshire cows), as follows : The milk, after standing in
pans from 24 to 36 hours, is skimmed ; the cream is stirred at
each skimming ; temperature at churning, 62 degrees. The
buttermilk is worked out, the butter is then salted, using about
one ounce to the pound, and, after standing twenty-four hours,
is worked again.

STATEMENT OF Z. C. WARDWELL.

I enter for premium seven pounds of September butter, from

56

milk of high grade Jersey cow. Milk strained in tin pans and
allowed to stand from twenty-four to forty-eight hours ; stir
the cream at each skimming ; never use ice or water about
butter or cream ; when churned, salted to taste and allowed to
stand twenty-four hours before putting into balls for market.

STATEMENT OF MRS. S. K. GRIFFIN.

September butter made from three grade Jersey cows — three-
fourths Jersey, one-fourth Dutch. Milk set in shallow pans
thirty-six hours ; cream churned twice a week ; butter worked
and salted to the taste from the churn, then allowed to stand
twenty-four hours before a second working and makinj; into
balls.

STATEMENT OF J. K. BANCROFT.

Made from the milk of one Jersey and one native cow.
The milk is set in shallow pans and the cream taken off when
the milk has soured, and stirred every day for six days ;
churned, worked by hand and salted ; stands until the next
morning and again worked.

BREAD, HONEY, PRESERVES AND PICKLES.

Your Committee had under their consideration in this
department 9 entries of 13 loaves of Bread, 2 of Honey, 2 of
Canned Fruits, 3 of Jellies, 2 of Ketchup, 2 of Sauces, 1 of
Native Wines, 1 of cake, and 1 of Cakes and Pastry,— from
20 contributors, for wliich your committee made the following
awards, viz :

Best Yeast Bread, Mrs. George T. Estes, Lynn, Gratuity, $2.00
Next best Yeast Bread, Dora B. Eaton, " " 1.50

" " " " Clara L. Edwards, Lynnfield, " 1.50
" " " " Mrs. Allen Smith, Jr, Rockport,

Gratuity, 1.00

" " " " Mrs. Sam'l B.Bond, Lynn, Gratuity, 1.00

57

Best Graham Bread, Mrs. J. Gage, Middleton, gratuity, 1.00
Self Raising Bread, Mrs. 0. L Webster, Lynn, " 50

Cake and Pastry display, Wm. Griffin, Lynn, " 2.00

Fruit Cuke, Mrs. Geo. T. Estes, Lynn, " 50

Best Honey, Henry Alley, Wenhani, " Birds of New England."
Next best Honey, Philip R. Russell, Jr., Lynn, Gratuity, 1.50
Best Canned Fruits, 74 varieties, Mrs. E. W. Ladd.

Bradford, Gratuity, 5.00

Best Jellies, 28 varieties, do do, Gratuity, 3.00

Best Pickles, 8 varieties, do do. Gratuity, 2.00

Canned Fruits, 7 varieties, Mrs. M. E. Fuller, Middle-
ton, Gratuity, 1.00
Jellies, 15 varieties, Mrs. J. Henry Hill, Amesbury,

Gratuity, 1.00

Jellies, Mrs. Sykes, Lynn, Gratuity, 50

Cucumber Pickles, Mrs. Jeremiah Fuller, Middleton,

Gratuity, 1.00

Tomato Ketchup, L. K. Millett, Lynn, Gratuity, 50

" " Mrs. Nellie Lawler, Lynn, Gratuity, 50

Your Committee recommend to the Society that it offer
premiums of -13, $2 and $1, respectively, for the first, second
and third best loaf of white Bread made of wheat flour, and
raised by yeast. Also premiums of $2 and »fl, respectively,
for the first and second best yeast bread made from " Graham
flour." Also premiums of $1.50 and $1, respectively, for first
and second best yeast bread made from other grains, or with
other grains mixed with wheat.

All Bread entered for premiums to he in loaves, weighing not
less than one pound each, and to be not less than 24 hours old.
All Bread entered for premiums must have with it a full writ-
ten statement, over the signature and address of the bread
maker, stating the kind of flour used, quantity of each mgre-
dient, how mixed, and length of time kneaded and raised,
which statements on all prem,ium bread are to be sent to the
Secretary, with the report of the Committee for publication.

We also recommend that premiums of $5 and $3 be offered

58

for the best and second best display of Bees, Hives and Aparian
implements to be accompanied with a description cf the bees,
hives, &c., with number of hives in use, and amount of sur-
plus honey taken from them that season.

We also recommend the offering of premiums of $3 and $2,
respectively, for the first and second best Honey made in the
county, of not less than ten pounds weight in the comb, with
one pound of same extracted. Statement, signed by the Bee-
keeper, of the kind of bees and hive used, and time of year
wlien the honey was made, to be given when entry is made, for
publication.

Also that premiums of $3 and $2, respectively, for each of
the first and second best collections of Pickles, Preserved
Fruits and Jellies, made from products of the county. All
Pickles, Preserves and Jellies entered for premium must have
with it a full written statement over the signature, and address
of the maker of them, stating how made; which statements,
where premiums are awarded, to be given to the Secretary, by
the Committee, for publication.

We would also recommend that premiums of $3 and $2,
respectively, be offered for the first and second best five pounds
of Dried Apples grown and dried within the county. The
apples, when entered, to have with them over the signature of
the person preparing tliem a statement of the process used and
the amount of labor and time required in preparing and drying
them, which statement on premium /ritit to be given to the
Secretary, with report of the Committee, for publication.

In addition to the above, that 15 be placed in the hands of
the Committee for gratuities on other articles entered in their
department, which are deemed by them Avorthy of award, it
being understood that all articles shall be the production of
Essex* county.

This matter of ^Wmg premiums, instead of gratuities, in all
cases where possible, your Committee consider worthy of
consideration and adoption by the society, for it is a well
known fact that a premium, however small, is of more value,

59

in public opinion, than a gratuity of much larger amount.
The exhibitor, as a general rule, competes, not for the money
he can get, but for the pleasure, if not pride, of having the
premium article and one that is not dependent upon the limit-
ed generosity of a committee in rewarding its merits with a
gratuity. In our opinion, it is better by far, as a means of
promoting the best results, to extend the list of premiums and
diminish the amount in gratuities.

The first and most important article that came under the
consideration of your Committee was Bread, which was found
(with exceptional cases of one exhibit, sour, and one slack
baked), to be generally excellent. The best loaf was very
large, very handsomely and evenly baked, and of excellent
quality, there being but little choice between that and the next
best in quality ; the size and evenness of baking of the larger
loaf deciding the question. The third best was made by a
Miss of 13 years, whose penmanship shows that bread making
is not her only accomplishment, and there can be no more
valuable accomplishment or better praise for any lady, young
or old, than to have it said of her, " what excellent bread she
always makes." Others had good bread, and the statements
of how they made it, which is given with this report, will be
read with interest, and as we do not consider it inappropriate
in any Committee, in their report, to give the history of the
chief material of which the article upon which they report is
composed ; and, as bread of no other cereal was exhibited, we
leave the other kinds for a subsequent committee to take up,
and have taken Wheat, the improved varieties of which furnish
the material for making the best bread of the present day. It
is supposed to have existed in perfect state at the creation of
man, and that " Noah preserved its seed from the flood," for
we find that " seed time and harvest " is alluded to in the
promise to Noah immediately after the " flood," showing that
cereals had been cultivated previously.

One hundred years after the death of Noah, Abraham, in
his hospitality to strangers, " hastened into the tent unto

60

Sarah and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine
meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth," (Gen. xviii,
6V This was supposed to be wheat meal, for about half a
century after the death of Abraham the " wheat harvest " is
mentioned, (Gen. xxx., 14). Joseph dreamt of " the sheaves,"
probably of wheat, for a little later, the " seven eared " variety
is described in Pharaoh's dream, "which kind is still cultivated
in Egypt, and has been used by the London bakers for dusting
their kneading boards, being raised to some extent in England,
where it is called " clog wheat," and still has seven ears on
one stalk." Seed from the same variety, found with a mummy
3000 or 4000 years old, is now known as the "mummy or Egyp-
tian wheat." Wheat was used in Solomon's time in exchange or
trade, for " Hiram, king of Tyre, was paid for services in the
building of the Temple with 2000 measures of wheat." In
the parable of the Sower, our Lord alludes to the grains of
wheat which " in good ground produce an hundred fold." The
common Triticum vulgare will sometimes produce one hundred
grains in a single ear. All through the Scriptures allusion is
made to Wheat and Bread, showing conclusively that it has in
all ages been the food of mankind.

Among the Romans it was considered of so much impor-
tance that learned men wrote essays upon it, one of whom,
Columella, says, in an essay written near the commencement
of the Christian era, " The most profitable grains for man
are common wheat and bearded wheat. We have known sev-
eral kinds of wheat, but of these we may chiefly sow what is
called the red wheat, because it excels both in weight and
brightness. The white wheat may be placed in the second
rank, of which the best sort of bread is deficient in weight,"
thus describing the kinds and qualities of the wheat of that
day. The same kinds of wheat above mentioned and recom-
mended " are yet grown in Europe and Great Britain, produc-
ing a greater average weight than any other."

" When the "Romans, in Caesar's time, landed in Britain,
the culture of wheat and other agricultural products was

61

deemed of sucli importance that its praises were sung by-
poets ; philosophers wrote essays upon it, and it received the
solicitous attention of legislators." In planting their colony
on that island, they of course carried with it the husbandry of
Rome, but we find that wheat was not consumed by all classes
then or for some time later.

" In 1534, in the first English work on Agriculture by Sir
Anthony Fitzherbert, the consumption of wheaten bread was
said to be almost exclusively by the higher ranks of society,
while the laboring classes were fed chiefly on rye, barley and
oaten bread," as is the case in the northern countries of Europe
at the present time. At that time farmers were restricted in
the amount of land planted with wheat, it being considered too
exhausting a crop. The same year Henry VIII. caused an
" assay of bread " to be made from one quarter of wheat. In
1552, under Queen Mary, export of wheat from Great Britain
was not allowed when the price was over 6s. 9|d. per quar-
ter. In 1G03, under James I, the price was raised to £1, 6s.
8d. per quarter.

The first introduction of wheat into America was in Mexico
by chance ; a slave having found a few kernels of a strange
grain among some rice, showed it to Cortez, his master, who,
knowing it to be wheat, ordered them to be planted, and the
result proved how well American soil was adapted for its
growth, and to this day one of the finest wheat valleys in the
world is said to be near the Mexican Capital.

From Mexico a few grains were carried to Peru by a Span-
ish lady and planted at Lima, the entire product for several
successive crops being used for seed. In Quito, Equador, it
was introduced by a Monk of the Order of St. Francis, and
the jar which contained the seed is said to be still preserved
by the Monks in the greatest veneration. In California, wheat
was first introduced and cultivated by the Spanish Jesuits, and
this year that State and Oregon has produced 38,000,000
bushels. In eastern North America it was introduced with the
English, Dutch and French colonies, when they started their

62

plantations, and from thence followed eniigi-ation West until
there was raised in the United States alone of this cereal,
84,823,272 bushels in 1840, of which 73,625,174 bushels were
consumed and 11,198,098 bushels exported, or 7| per cent, of
the crop raised, while its production has increased so wonder-
fully that in 1880, by the reports to Bradstreets, the crop is
estimated at 465,691,000 bushels, with amount estimated for
home consumption, 281,000,000 bushels, leaving about 184,-
000,000 bushels surplus for export, or 40 per cent, of the crop
raised.

During this period of 40 years, the population of the United
States has increased about 300 per cent, and the wheat crop
650 per cent. In 1840, the population consumed about 4.5
hu„5hels per capita, which, in 1880, has increased to 5.5 bush-
els as the estimated consumption per capita. " The consump-
tion of wlieat bread, indicates the advance of a people towards
the highest civilization ;" because it is a know^n fact that,
wherever wheaten bread as an article of food is used the most,
its superior nutritious qualities, tends to make the people more
active, vigorous, and enterprising. Every one knows the in-
fluence that the physical condition of a human body exercises
over its mental and moral powers. Anything, therefore, which
has a tendency to improve and strengthen the human frame,
must at the same time raise the tone of his mental and moral
qualities. When we consider, in this direction, the increase of
nearly 25 j^er cent, in the consumption of ivheaten bread per
capita, in the past forty years, we can account for the active,
progressive spirit of the American people.

As Wheat in the Bible is called the '' Staff of Bread,'' so is
Bread called, and is the " Staff of Lifef and whoever makes
good bread in any household, is a blessing or " staff" to that
family ; for with good bread, with or without butter or molass-
es, the children are satisfied, contented and happy, growing up
to be active, vigorous and enterprising men and women; whilst
with the heavy, sour, slack baked, as well as slack made wheat
bread, or bread yellow hued with saleratus and other prepar-

(J3

tions, that is found, wc arc sorry to say, in many families, all
the butter and molasses that can be piled upon it would not
maice the children happy, except they licked otf the sweets and
threw away the sour. Such bread would not make them other-
wise than peevish and unsettled in disposition ; — eViiii more —
bad bread has as much misery to the human race to answer
for, as almost anything else ; for wlierever in any family bad
bread is the sustenance of that family, as a rule, you would
find it constitutionally sickly, intemperate, ill-tempered, and
perhaps worse, or else the precept " that the pliysical condition
of mankind influences its mental and moral powers'' is a false
one. It is hard to believe that bad bread, as a rule, in any
family, will raise men and women whose physical constitution
will be good ; therefore, any society, or individual that can in
any manner extend the limit of good household bread by en-
couraging the making of the best kinds and making known its
good qualities and how it was made so, in print, or by personal
efforts in showing others, is a minister of more good to the
human race tiian any one realizes who has not given it thought.

Do you not think, readers, that bad bread with bad cofllee,
tends to promote intemperate habits and its attendant evils,
while good bread, with or without good coffee, greatly promotes
temperate habits with its attendant happiness.

The process of making bread in Bible times was similar to
that of the present time with us. " "The flour was first mixed
with water, or perhaps milk ; it was then kneaded with the
hands (in Egypt with the feet also), in a small wooden bowl
or " kneading trough " until it became dough. When the
kneading was completed leaven was generally added. This
was composed of various substances, but the ordinary leaven
consisted of a lump of old dough in a high state of fermenta-
tion, inserted into the mass of dough prepared for baking ; but
when time was shore for preparation it was omitted and unleav-
ened cakes hastily baked were eaten, as is still the prevalent
custom among the Bedouins The leavened mass was allowed
to stand for some time. The dough was then divided into

64

round cakes not unlike flat stones in shape and appearance,
about a span (about nine inches), in diameter and a finger's
breadth (about three-fourths inch), in thickness. Tlie cakes
were sometimes punctured, and hence called challah, and mixed
with oil. Sometimes they were rolled into wafers merely
annointed or coated with oil. The cakes were now taken to
the oven having first, according to the practice in Egypt, been
gathered into " white baskets." The baskets were placed on a
tray and carried on the baker's head. In the towns where
professional bakers resided, there were no doubt fixed ovens,
in shape and size resembling those in use among ourselves,
(brick ovens), but usually each household possessed a portable
oven, consisting of a stone or metal jar about 3 feet high,
which was heated inwardly with wood, dried grass and flower
stalks. Other modes of baking specially adapted to the
migratory habits of the pastoral Jews as of the modern
Bedouins, — the cakes were either spread upon heated stones or
they were thrown into the heated embers of the fire itself.
Other methods were used for other kinds ; some were baked in
a pan, such cakes being used for sacred offerings.

The flour for such bread was laboriously ground in a portable
mill consisting of two circular stones of about eighteen inches
in diameter, the upper stone fitting over the under, which was
fixed, was turned by an upright handle near its edge, by one
and sometimes two women, usually seated on the bare ground
facing each other ; the one whose riuht hand is disengaged
throws the grain, as occasion required, through a hole in the
upper stone, through which a pivot or shaft rises from the
centre of the lower one."

In contrast to such processes, I quote the following from
LeffeVs Milling News (English) and the method of transporta-
tion then and now :

" When the Queen's baker received the first barrel of this
year's American wheat crop, he presented a loaf of bread
made thereof to her majesty, and issued a circular to his cus-
tomers, saying: " We take the liberty of forwarding to you a
small loaf of bread, made from flour of this year's crop. Such an

65

early production in tlic month of May, is an unheard of novel-
ty, and almost incredible. Of the many wonders we, who
have the good fortune to live in the nineteenth century, have
been the witnesses, we venture to think that to eat bread,
which is the results of the 1880 harvest in May, 1880, is not
one of the least marvelous."

Before leaving this subject, we cannot but notice a new kind
of bread, which, however, will not take the place of wheat bread
or probably compete with it in Essex County, at present. I
quote from the Confectioner's Journal of November, 1880 :
" There has been lately turned out at Milan, a new kind of
bread, made with blood from raw flesh. It is said to be a pre-
ventive of scurvy, and to do away among peasants with all
desire for alcoholic drinks. The difficulty of blood coagulation
being overcome, the " blood bread" will last for years. Twen-
ty per cent, of its ingredients consists in blood ; its cost is
only two-thirds of a cent per loaf, and it is more nutritious
than the ordinary loaves at one cent each."

Bread, with Honey, or a little preserve, jelly, or even a
pickle, do not detrtjct but rather adds to its merits, as your
committee took occasion to test, thereby adjusting their awards
knowing the quality of articles of which they spake.

The Honey exhibited was very fine, the past season having
been found by the bees to have been a good one for storing
their choicest sweets, and by their keepers also, when they
realized how much surplus honey could be removed from their
hives.

Our county is capable of producing a much greater amount
of honey than it now does, and it should be encouraged to do
so by our Society, in offering liberal premiums for the best
methods of obtaining it, our swamps and woods being filled
with wild flowering shrubs and our meadows with " white
clover," while our roadsides and hill tops are dyed with the
golden hues of the " golden rod," nearly all of which, capable
of making the best of honey, wastes its sweetness in the dewy
air.

Bees are easily raised and kept, we having wintered them on

66

their summer stands, in common and in movable frame hives,
without any extra care or precaution in protecting them from
the winter's cold. In suitable hives, with proper care, they
can be made very profitable.

The improved breeds of bees, with improved hives such as
the "Massachusetts movable comb Bee-Hive," made by Mr.
Alley of Wenham, (which we have proved to be good), and
the " Lynn movable Comb Hive," made by Mr. Russell of
Lynn, shows that we need not go out of our own county to
procure the best hives, or the best bees, for Mr. Alley
makes the raising of Queen Bees a specialty. These, with
other improved facilities for keeping bees and assisting them
in their industrious efforts, with improved facilities of handling
them with safety, have made Bee-keeping of the present day
easy of successful attainment, especially when compared with
the uncouth hives and barbarous method of former days in
obtaining the honey from them by killing the bees, obtaining
very inferior honey at that. Now, by taking out the little
movable boxes, in which the bees store their surplus honey,
weighing one pound and upwards, which are placed over and
by the side of the movable combs in the main hive, which if
filled at the time any particular flower is in bloom, from which
the bees are gathering honey, then knowing just what the honey
is made from. Samples of three kinds of honey were shown
by Mr. Alley at the Fair, each having a distinctive taste ; they
were made from White Clover in June, Pepper-wood in August,
and Golden rod first of September. He called that made
from White Clover best ; we, however, for our taste, preferred
that from Pepper- wood and Golden rod, they having more
flavor.

Preserved Fruits, in jars and tins, are now almost indispen-
sable on sea and land ; in the home of the mariner while
plowing the ocean, as well as in the home of the farmer who
plows the land. Great improvements have been made in late
years in canning fruits, and at this year's Fair a lady of our
county exhibited 74 different varieties of fruit of her own pre-

67

paring. She also exhibited a can ol fresh Milk, although it
was seven months old, preserved in a common self-sealing
glass can.

Jellies being such a delicious appetizer with bread and
meats, and for the delicate appetite of the sick, deserve a place
in every household. Your Committee had but one fault to find
with those exhibited this year, and that was their uniform
sweetness, too sweet in fact, when made from fruits whose
peculiar acidity is their charm, that acidity being entirely lost
in the jelly.

The Pickles exhibited were excellent, especially the large
number of varieties made by Mrs. Ladd, the pickled peaches
and pears of Mrs. Hill, and the supurb little cucumbers of Mrs.
Fuller's make, who fully sustained her reputation of last year
in this line, (her receipt for making them can be found in last
year's repi^rt of the "Vegetable Committee"); as it is short we
give it again after Jelly statement in this report.

Your Committee have recommended a premium on Dried
Apples, seeing no reason why the Society should not offer this
inducement in ascertaining means by which this crop, so
abundant with us, can be disposed of with profit. Other dried
fruits should receive encouragement when worthy of it, for the
present, however, by means of gratuities.

Cake and Pastry, which, although the society offer no par-
ticular inducement for their exhibition, your committee found
the articles exhibited choice enough to grace any table, and for
which gratuities were awarded. Those from Griffin's bakery
of Lynn, being in a large show case, added much to the display
in this department, yet the Committee have serious doubts of the
expediency of encouraging exhibitors of Cake and Pastry, except,
perhaps, for displays by Bakers where the merits of the articles
are not in question and where such displays are in glass cases.
Speaking of glass cases, how much the Society could add to
the success of this department of the Fair, and still more to
the Butter department, by hiring glass cases for the display of
bread and butter. It would save a great deal of care from the
Hall Committee, and enable the exhibit to be shown to better

68

advantage by keeping flies and fingers off and labels on, which
would be much more gratifying to the exhibitors and the
committees, and also to the majority of those looking at the
exhibits.

Your attention is called to the valuable and interesting
statements which accompany this report, the whole of which
is respectfully submitted for the Committee.

DAVID W. LOW, Chairman.

Authorities quoted, — " Holy Bible," " Smith's Dictionary of
the Bible," "The Norfolk Farmer," "Confectioner's Journal,"
Bradstreet's, &c,

STATEMENT OP MRS. GEORGE T. ESTES OP LYNN.

Awarded first gratuity for excellent Bread and one for Fruit

Cake.

This is my receipt for Bread making : — 4 quarts of Flour, 1
quart of Water, 1 tablespoonful of Lard, 1 half pint of potato
yeast, 1 quart of milk, 1 tablespoonful of sugar, 2 spoonfuls of
salt.

Make your bread over night, kneading about half an hour ;
put it in a warm place to rise, kneading it in the morning^
using as little flour as possible ; put it in your baking pan and
let it rise about twenty minutes and you have it ready for the
oven. My rule for heating the oven is to have it hot enough
so that you cannot hold your hand in it, for too much heat will
brown it too much, and your bread will have large holes in it.
I use the best of Haxall flour. My baking pan is 12 in. long,
7 in. wide and 8 in. deep, and my stove is No. 2 Union range.

My receipt for Yeast is, — Grate 6 large Potatoes, add 1 quart
of water, half a cupful of brown sugar, 2 spoonfuls of salt,
half a pint of hop yeast, using Baker's yeast to put in my own.
Keep it in a cold place to keep it from getting sour.

My receipt for Fruit Cake is, — 2 pounds of Currants, 2
pounds of Raisins, 1 of Citron, 1 of Butter, 1 of Flour, 1 of
Sugar, 8 Eggs, 1 spoonful each of all kinds of spice, wine, a
glass of pale brandy, a half cup of molasses and half a spoon-

69

ful of soda. Bake 4 hours ; frosting with whites of 2 eggs
and 1 pound of sugar beat together.

STATEMENT OF DORA B. EATON OF LYNN,

who was awarded the second gratuity for excellent bread.

This loaf was made by Dora B. Eaton, in the following
manner : —

Two quarts of flour, with a pinch of salt stirred in, were
shortened with a small spoonful of lard. One compressed
yeast cake dissolved in luke-warm water was placed in a hole
in the middle of the flour, and the whole mixed with a quart
of water and well kneaded ; left to rise all night. In the
morning it was again well kneaded, put into the pans and
allowed to rise until the pans were full ; then placed in the
oven and baked about an hour.

STATEMENT OP CLARA L. EDMANDS, OF LYNNPIELD, (aged 13 yrs.)^

who had excellent bread and was awarded the third gratuity.

I entered for your inspection wheat bread made in the fol-
lowing manner : — Half pint each of milk and water; one heap-
ing spoonful each of sugar and salt, one-quarter of a Vienna
yeast cake, and one quart of flour.

Manner of mixing, — Put all the ingredients into a pan large
enough to mix easily, having the milk and water slightly
warm ; knead it 15 minutes with hands ; cover with a cloth
and rise over night ; next morning knead slightly ; divide it
into four parts and put into a tin baking pan 9 inches long, 3
inches high, and 5 inches wide. Let it rise even with top of
pan and bake in moderate hot oven 30 minutes. Mine was
baked in a " Union Range." The flour used was common
grade of Haxall.

STATEMENT OF MRS. ALLEN SMITH, JR., OF ROCKPORT,

awarded the fourth gratuity for bread.

The bread was made as follows : — 4 qts. of Haxall flour, 1
pt. of new milk boiled, 1 pt. of cold water, 1 cup of potato

70

yeast. First I sifted the flour and made a hole in the centre ;
then poured in the mixture of milk, water and yeast, with per-
haps a teaspoonful of butter. I let it remain about three
hours, then kneaded it up with my hands, probably about ten
minutes, then let it rise until very light ; I then kneaded it
about ten minutes more, and put it in pans to bake ; let it rise
an hour or until light. Bake one hour in a moderate oven.
Mine was baked in an Arlington Portable Range. There was
one pound and two ounces in each loaf.

My rule for Potato Yeast is two common sized potatoes raw,
half cup of white sugar, tablespoonful of salt, one quart of
boiling water. Pare, wash and grate the potatoes, add the
sugar and salt, pour the boiling water over, and allow the whole
to boil two or three minutes, then let it cool sufficiently and
add half a cup of yeast.

STATEMENT OF MRS. SAMUEL B. BOND, OP LYNN.

Awarded fifth gratuity for bread.

The bread was made of the best Family Flour, 2 quarts,
one tablespoonful of lard, one teaspoonful of salt ; mix with
milk and water, milk warm, half a compressed yeast cake,
then mixed to a stiff dough, well kneaded, and left to rise over
night ; in the morning knead it again, mould it into loaves,
and left to rise again until quite soft ; baked in a moderately
hot oven about one hour.

STATEMEMT OF MRS. J. GAGE, of MIDDLETON.

Awarded gratuity for best Graham Bread.

Wheat Bread, — 5 lbs. flour, cup of yeast, a little salt, 2
tablespoonfuls of lard, mix not very hard, rise three hours,
mould over and let it stand 2 hours ; make into loaves, allow
half or three-quarters of an hour more to rise. Have a hot
oven and bake slowly one hour.

Graham Bread, — Made same as Wheat with addition of a
half cup of molasses. It does not require as much time to
rise.

71

Yeast, — 4 potatoes boiled, 4 tablespoonfuls of flour, 2 table-
spoonfuls of sugar, small handful of Hops ; peel potatoes,
strain and rise 4 hours.

STATEMENT OF PHIL R. RUSSELL, JR., IN RELATION TO BEES AND

HONEY.

David W. Low, Chairman of Committee on bread, honey ^ &c.:

Dear Sir : — In answer to your favor of Oct. 11, I have to
say, I began to keep bees in 1867, and during these thirteen
years, I have gained a knowledge of their successful man-
agement which is of great value to myself and possibly to
others who may take an interest in this delightful subject.
At tirst, for a number of years, I met with only indifferent
success, losing each winter about as many colonies as I could
build in the summer. I tried both indoor and outdoor winter-
ing, with the advantage slightly in favor of the latter, until I
was convinced that the trouble was mainly in the style of hive
I had adopted and that I could not reasonably hope for success
until I provided a hive that would more nearly meet the wants
of the bees.

The requisites of a good movable comb hive I consider to be
substantially as follows :

1st. Its wintering qualities should be such that it may
safely remain upon its summer stand during winter, with am-
ple provision for the escape of redundant moisture, while they
are kept warm and free from cold drafts.

2d. It should be sufficiently compact in shape to permit the
bees to cluster naturally, with honey at all times within easy
access, above and around them, and thus economize the animal
heat for rapid breeding in early spring and to guard against
cold.

3d. It should admit of being worked to the best advantage
for either comb or extracted honey, and the brood department
enlarged or contracted to meet the wants of any colony.

4th. The brood combs should be ten inches deep in the
clear, and eight of these combs occupying about 2000 cubic
inches will be ample to winter the largest colony.

72

5th. It should be double walled to protect it alike from
summer's heat and winter's cold, packing the intervening
space in winter with straw or the like, and thus require no
other protection.

Such a hive I have devised and I find by applying the test
to practical use, that it fills the bill in every particular. I have
christened it " The Lynn Movable Comb Hive." I do not
claim that every feature of it is my own invention, but tliat I
have simply adopted and improved upon the bright ideas of
honored inventors and combined them in practical manner for
my own use.

In working a hive for box-honey, I believe it is best to use
the small single-comb section boxes holding about two pounds,
each arranged in a clamp or case placed directly over the
brood frames with only a quarter inch space intervening.
When about two-thirds filled, raise them and place a case of
empty ones under them. When finished, remove them and
thus continue during the season and not dishearten the bees
by removing all the honey in the surplus department at one
time.

Those who would reach the maximum of success with their
bees, should take advantage of all the improvements in their
management, prominent among which I will mention four that
seem to me to be nearly indispensable.

1st. A good style of movable comb hive.

2d. The Italian race of bees.

3d. The use of comb foundation.

4th. The honey extracting machine.

In conclusion I wish to say that the honey bee has chal-
lenged the attention and admiration of mankind in all ages,
for its wonderful instincts, tireless industry and indomitable
courage, and her attractive stores were doubtless the first and
only sweets that fell to the lot of man for centuries. And yet
it is only within the last fifty years that anything like a ration-
al system of management has been attempted ; but their
natural history, instincts and requirements are now so well

73

understood that it has lifted this industry out of the domain of
luck and chance to the level of one of the most certain and
successful employments.

Amid the great army of noxious insects that are ever con-
tending with man for the right of possession to the products
of the garden and field, it is refreshing to meet with a few
like the honey-bee, who are friendly to man and work in his
interests. I claim for the bee that it stands at the head of all
useful insects and brings the largest blessing to man, not even
excepting the silk worm. While the latter gives us only a
single product, the bee serves a four-fold purpose yielding wax
and honey, and as an agent in the fertilization of blossoms ;
even in death her body is used as a medicinal article.

Why is the honey placed in the blossoms ? Certainly to
attract the bee that she may bring with her the pollen from
other blossoms, and thus fertilize those that would otherwise
prove sterile and fruitless. In this realm of nature the service
of this great conservator of nature's bounty is, to man, be-
yond calculation. It has been estimated that each square mile
will produce annually 640 pounds of honey on an average.
This would give to Massachusetts, with her 7800 square miles,
two thousand five hundred tons of honey. But a mere frac-
tional part of this vast quantity is ever gathered.

There is no part of Essex cwmty so barren but what a few
colonies of bees would do well.

This industry has been allowed to fall into decline in our
section and for reasons which I will not discuss, but which the
march of improvement has rendered invalid at the present
time ; and I would say rally I A brighter day has dawned upon
this industry and my advice to the farmers of old Essex, and
to all others who do or can control a few rods of land is, Keep
Bees. Very respectfully yours,

Phil R. Russell, Jr.

Lynn, October 15, 1880.

74

STATEMENT OF HENRY ALLEY, OP WENHAM, IN RELATION TO

BEES AND HONEY.

To Chairman of Committee on Bread and Honey :

The honey exhibited at the Fair (about 35 lbs.), was but a
small part of the amount stored in small boxes the past sea.
son by five (5) hives of bees. The bees were hybrids, a cross
between black and the Italians. Twenty-one boxes, holding
about two pounds of honey, are placed on the hive over the
bees and brood, and 12 boxes, holding about 1| pounds honey
each, are placed at the sides of the brood combs, making 33
boxes in all for the bees to work in at the same time. Each
row of boxes has a tin or wooden separator placed between
them to compel the bees to build their combs directly within
the boxes. The bottom of the boxes are made a quarter of an
inch narrower than the top, thus leaving room for the bees to
pass up from the main hive into them.

These hives are known as the " Massachusetts Movable
Comb Bee Hive " and have been in use 6 years ; five colonies
of bees stored about 500 pounds of honey. It was gathered
from fruit blossoms, white clover, pepper-wood and golden-rod.
That from fruit blossoms and clover wa^s stored in May and
June ; that from pepper-wood in August, and golden-rod in
September. The pepper-wood is found in the low lands in our
county and blossoms profusely for about ten days in August.
Dry and hot weather, such as prevailed during the past season,
is considered very favorable for the bees where this plant or
bush abounds. The honey is very light in color and excellent
in quality ; in fact, it is the finest honey to be found in our
markets. Our bees gather large quantities of honey from the
yellow weed or golden-rod, especially was this the case the
past season. Honey from this weed, as a general thing, is
poor in quality, rather dark, and will not bring a good price
in the market. On account of the favorable weather the past
season, honey gathered from golden rod was quite as good as
that taken from white clover.

More bees should .be kept in the county ; with good hives

75

and a little care at the right time, bees will pay 50 per cent, on
the capital invested in them. Our farmers should keep bees.
Customers who purchase their eggs, milk and other products,
would purchase their honey, as they would know that honey
raised and sold by them would be as pure as their milk and
butter. There is forage enough in the county of Essex for
10,000 hives of bees. Tons of honey go to waste every year, as
there are no bees to collect and store it in hives. During the
past ten years great improvement has been made in hives and
implements for handling bees. Now that we have the " Im-
proved Quimby Bellows Smoker " for quieting bees while
handling them, there is but little danger of being stung.

We also have three new races of bees : the Italians, first
imported in 1860 ; the Cyprian bees, imported in 1878, and
the Hungarians, first imported in 1879. The Italians are very
handsome, as well as very gentle, and are superior honey-
gatherers. The Cyprian bees resemble the Italians, but are
considered rather better honey gatherers. The Hungarians
are nearly as dark colored as our native bees, but they are
much more gentle and are as good honey gatherers as the
Cyprian or the Italian.

If I were not so much interested in bees and honey I would
suggest that the Society offer a premium of $10 for the best
display of bees, honey, hives and Apiarian implements, and
above all give us a committee on bees and honey composed of
men who are practical bee keepers. Let the ladies take care
of the bread, pickles and preserves. Respectfully,

H. Alley.

Wenham, Nov., 1880.

statement op mrs. j. henry hill, of amesbury,
who received gratuity for several varieties of Jellies.

The Jellies exhibited by me at Lynn were made by using
equal parts (either by weight or measure), of the expressed
juice of fruit and sugar.

The exact time of boiling cannot be given, as it varies in

76

different fruits and according to the ripeness of the fruit used.
I boil the syrup until it drops thick from the spoon. 1 know
of no other way of making pure jellies than by using the same
proportion of sugar and fruit. I do not recommend anything
but acid fruit in the preparation of jellies for family use,
although some of our Lynn friends seem to differ from the
committee, as several jars of the sweetest varieties mysteriously
disappeared, borrowed as samples, I presume for competition
at the exhibition of '81.

STATEMENT OF MRS J. FULLER, OF MIDDLETON, U'ho received a

gratuity for the best cucumber pickle.

The cucumbers were picked every other day, and were pre-
pared for pickles as follows : — Scald in salt and water twice,
let them stand twenty-four hours each time ; one cup of salt to
one hundred pickles, and then scald them in weak vinegar ;
after which put them in jars, and fill up with strong scalded
vinegar, with a piece of alum size of a pea, which hardens the
pickles. They keep better in sealed jars.

PEARS.

The Committee award to best plate 24 specimens, Urbaniste
pears, Breed <fe Co. Lynn, premium $6 ; Belle Lucrative, W.
B. Allen, do, 3 ; Beurre Bose, H. C. Whippen, do, 3 ; Beurre
Clairgeau, Mrs. E. Lovjoy, do, 3 ; Beurre d'Anjou, John
O'Brien, Bradford, 3 ; Buffum, A. J. Hubbard, Peabody, 3 ;
Clapp's Favorite, Peter Waite, Danvers, 3 ; Duchesse, Edwin
Bates, Lynn, 3 ; Dana's Hovey, J. R. Parker, do, 3 ; Law-
rence, B. F. Ricker, do, 3 ; Louise Bonne de Jersey, John
O'Brien, Bradford, 3 ; Marie Louise, F. L. Cushman, Lynn,
3 ; Onondaga, Sylvester Parrott, do, 3 ; Seckel, John O'Brien,
Bradford, 3 ; St. Michael Archange, Patrick Tracy, Salem, 3 ;
Sheldon, C. A. Proctor, Peabody, 3 ; best collection, E. F.
Webster, Haverhill, 8 ; 2nd, J. Henry Hill, Amesbury, 6 ;
3rd, Peter Waite, Danvers, 4.

77

Best 12 specimens Urbaniste pears, S. B. Pratt, Lynn, pre-
mium, $3 ; Vicar, Edwin Bates, do, 3 ; Winter Nelis, J. W.
Milliken, do, 3; Paradise d'Automne, Henry Alley, Wenliam,
3 ; Doyenne de Comice Peter Waite, Danvers ; Howell, N. B.
Skinner, J^ynn ; Gansell's Bergamot, W. B. Allen, Lynn ;
Glout Morceau, Z. C. Wardwell, Groveland ; Flemish Beauty,
Jno. Currier, Amesbury, Beurre Diel, M. Plumstead, Jr., Lynn,
gratuities of $1.50 each. Pears, John O'Brien, Bradford ;
Amos Rhodes, Lynn; Geo. Pettingill, Salem; JohnY. Stevens,
Peabody ; Peter M. Neal, Lynn; Breed & Co., Lynn ; J. Fitts,
Lynn; J. Henry Hill, Amesbury ; J. P. Chandler, Salem ; R.
Goodwin, Haverhill ; H. B. Leonard, Danvers; Franklin Upton,
Danvers; gratuties of $1 each. Pears, P. Malone, Lynn; C.
B. Lord, do ; Sam'l Soule, do ; C. H. Aborn, do ; Edwin Bates,
do ; W. B. Allen, do ; Moses Rich, do ; Joseph Ross, Mar-
blehead ; Harmon Hall, Saugus ; Geo. H. Pearson, Saugus ;
A. C. Osborn, Peabody; Benj. F. Galley, Saugus; Lewis Tarr,
Rockport ; gratuties of 50 cents each.

Thos. C. Thurlow, Chairman.

APPLES.

Baldwin, S. B. George, Groveland ; Danvers Winter Sweet,
H. C. Whippen, Lynn ; Drap d'Or, D. M. Verry, Danvers ;
Hubbardston, T. G. Ordway, West Newburr ; Porter, T. C.
Thurlow, West Newbury; Pickman Pippen, Oscar F. Ingalls,
Lynn ; Red Astrachan, Augustus Verry, Danvers ; Roxbury
Russet, T. C. Thurlow, West Newbury ; Rhode Island Green-
ing, Alfred Ordway, Bradford ; Seaver Sweet, Franklin Upton,
Danvers ; Sweet Baldwin, Andrew Dodge, do ; Hunt's Russet,
Wm. L. Weston, do ; Haskell's Sweet, Augustus Verry, do ;
Hurlburt, Joseph Knowlton, Hamilton ; Gravenstein, John
Taylor, Amesbury ; premiums of $3 each. Fall Pippen, John
C. Vennard, Lynn ; Ramsdell Sweet, Geo. L. Hawkes, Lynn-
field ; Tallman Sweet, Z. C. Wardwell, Groveland ; King of
Tompkins Co., Geo. Norwood, Lynnfield ; premiums of $L50

78

each. Collection of apples, Henry Verry, Danvers : G. C.
Noyes, Lynn ; Shillaber Farm, Peabody ; J. A. Jones, Lynn ;
B. P. Ware, Marblehead ; J. A. Rose, Marblehead ; Geo. B.
Austin, Boxford; S. M. Titcomb, West Newbury; E. J.
Thompson, Lynn ; Otis Nichols, Lynn ; Andrew Curtis, Pea-
body ; Breed & Co., Lynn ; S. P. Newhall, Peabody ; Mrs. A.
R. Warren, Lawrence ; gratuities of $1 each. E. G. Hyde,
Danvers, gratuity, $2; J. H. Hill, Amesbury, do. Birds of
New England. R. I. Greening, Thomas A. Sides, Groveland ;
Gravenstein, Henry Verry, Danvers; Collection, James P.
King, Peabody ; do., J. F. Smith, Salem ; gratuities of $1
each. Best collection of largest number recommended, Peter
Waite, Danvers, 1st premium, $8 ; 2nd do, Z. C. Wardwell,
' Groveland, 2d premium, |6 ; 3d do, Chas C. Blunt, Andover,
3d premium, $4; best 24 specimens of apples, John O'Brien,
Bradford, premium, $6 ; Snow Apple, H. E. Goss, Lynn ;
Spitzbergen, E. G. Hyde, Danvers ; St. Lawrence, T. C. Thur-
low, West Newbury ; Northern Spy, do, do ; Crab Apples, H.
B. Leonard, Danvers; do, G. F. Mason, Andover; do, Amos
K. Noyes, do ; gratuities of $1.50 each.

Wilbur F. Newhall, for Committee.

PEACHES, GRAPES AND ASSORTED FRUITS.
F. W. F. Peaches, E. F. Webster, Haverhill, premium $2 ;
Y. F. do, Arthur N. Breed, Lynn, do 2 ; Essex Co. Seedling,
do, Otis Nichols do, do, 2 ; collection do, E. F. Webster, Ha-
verhill, do, 3 ; Stump of World, Asa A. Breed, Lynn, gra. .50 ;
Seedling do, Jas. B. Chase, do, do, .50 ; Concord Grapes, John
O'Brien, Bradford ; Worden Seedling, do ; Rogers No. 3,
Rogers, No. 19, Rogers, No. 39, G. W. Gage, Methuen ; Hart-
ford, do, Chas. E. Pecker, Lynn ; Brighton, do, do, do; Isa-
bella, do. Nelson Todd, do ; Delaware do, R. Goodwin, Ha-
verhill ; Diana do, do, do ; lona, do, Wilbur F. Newhall, Sau-
gus ; Clinton do, do, do ; Creveling do, FrankHn Upton,
Danvers ; Rogers 22 do, do, do ; Israella do, Franklin Bach-

79

eller, Lynn ; Eumelan do, Z. C. Wardwell, Groveland ; Rog-
ers No. 4 do, J. M. Lewis, Lynn: do, No. 15 do, Jos. W.
Law, do ; premiums of $3 each. Collection cold house grapes,
W. H. Brown, Peabody, premiums, |6 ; do, ten varieties do,
G.'W. Gage, Methuen, $7 ; Peter Waite, Danvers, assorted
fruit, 1st prem., 4 ; Mrs. E. Lovejoy, Lynn, col. exotic grapes,
gra., 1 ; Geo. W. Stickney, Beverly, black Hamburg grapes,
gra., 50 cents ; G. W. Gage, Methuen, do, do, 50 cents; Z. C.
Wardwell, Groveland, Delawares, gra., 50 cents ; G. W. Ladd,
Bradford, seedling, gra., 50 cents ; F. W. Nichols, Lynn, na-
tive grapes, gra.. Si; R- Goodwin, Haverhill, Concord grapes,
gra., $1 ;■ E. A. Putnam, Lynn, Croton grapes, gra., 60 cents ;
Oscar F. Ingals, Lynn, Isabella grapes, gra., 50 cents; G. D.
Walton, Lynn, Clinton grapes, 50 cents ; J. N. Lindsey,
Lynn, Isabella grapes, 50 cents.

FLOWERS.
The Flower exhibition at our annual fair in all but flowers
in series of twelve, was a credit to the society and to the
ladies of Lynn, who for the most part sustained it. The defi-
ciency of the display in series of twelve of a kind may be in
part explained, by the fact that we had a storm about a week
previous to the day of exhibition, and no one part of the
Society's annual display begins to suffer as much from such a
cause as the flower department. Still we must confess to some
disappointment at seeing so many empty bottles. In the dis-
play of Bouquets and Floral Designs, the exhibition was
exceptionally fortunate. Rarely, if ever has it been the good
fortune of the chairman to see anything so exquisitely beauti-
ful as was the floral horse shoe. Amid so much that was
beautiful it is hardly pleasant to write a word of criticism, but
for the sake of the highest excellence in this department, it
may be suggested as the general judgment of the committee
that while all were elegant and attractive, in some of the bou-

80

quets the flowers, though beautiful in themselves, were too
crowded, put together on about one level, and consequently
were lacking in that light, airy effect which is so essential in a
good boquet.

The most instructive exhibit was that by Miss Tracy of one
hundred and fifty varieties of native flowers and fifty varieties
of fruits of native flowers, all very neatly labelled, and on each
label the common, as well as the scientific name, each written
in a clear, round hand, and almost as easy to read as print.
This was really the gem of the exhibition, if we consider
either the great labor necessary to bring so large a variety
together, each from its own wild habitat, or the rare opportu-
nity for instruction which this little side school afforded. We
know of one gentleman who thought so highly of it that he
started from a neighboring town, by the first train, to see if
five dollars would buy the dry remnant of it for the instruction
of his children. The flowers of the garden we meet only in a
few mere scattered dots of land, but the wild native flowers
meet us at every step of our walks in the woods and fields.
How vastly more important therefore is it that we should
know the names of the latter than of the former ; besides is
there not a place here for a patriotic plea — they are our own,
our native flowers, to the Manor born.

The Committee award as follows ;

Best parlor boquet, J. Halliday, premium, $3 ; pair hand
boquets, H. Young, 2 ; floral design, Mrs J. 0. Gile, 2 ; cut
flowers, Mrs. L. P. Weston, Danvers,2 ; 12 dahlias, H. Down-
ing, 1 ; 12 Gladioh, J. F. Marble, Lynn, 1 ; 12 petunias, Jona-
than Hay, 1; display of pansies, Anna Gregory, Marblehead,
12 verbenas, S. T. Goodwin, 1 ; display of native flowers, Mrs.
Susan A. Tracy, Lynn, 3 ; 12 double Zinnias, Anna Gregory,
Marblehead, 1 ; 12 cockscomb, Laura Gregory, do, 1 ; display
of Drummond's phlox, S. T. Goodwin, 1 ; do salpiglossis, C.
H. Whippen, Lynn, 1 ; 12 African marigolds, Laura Gregory,
Marblehead, 1 ; do French do, L. P. Weston, Danvers, 1 ; dis-
play mourning bride, H. C. Whippen, Lynn, 1 ; varieties can-

81

dytuft, Clara N. Nichols, do, 1 ; do feathered cockscomb, H.
C. Whippen, do, 1; do double stocks, S. T. Goodwin, 1; 12
lilliputian dahlias, J. T. Marble, Lynn, 1 ; double and colored
balsams, Clara M. Nichols, do, 1 ; display Nasturtiums, Wil-
liam Stone, 1. Parlor bouquets, S. T. Goodwin, pjratuties 1 ;
do do, H. Young, 1 ; dish cut flowers, S. T. Goodwin, 1 ; table
design, Mrs. Geo. Atkinson, 1 ; floral harp, A. Lord, 1 ; floral
horse shoe, H. Young, 1 ; basket of flowers, Mrs. Plumstead,
1 ; design of flowers, Mrs. Plumstead, 1 ; table design of flow-
ers, John Halliday, 1 ; cockscombs, Dr. Leon Rideout, 1 ;
cockscombs, Mrs. D. H. Sweetser, 1 ; asters, Mrs. M. P. Nich-
ols, 1 ; display of native flowers, Miss Susan A. Tracy, Lynn,

1 ; japonica, H. C. Whippen, do, 1 ; dahlias, N. Lindsey, 1 ;
fernery, John W. Darey, 2 ; mixed eternal flowers, Mrs. G. H.
Wickford, 2 ; variety everlasting flowers, Mrs. M, P. Nichols,

2 ; pot plant, Irving Atwill, 1 ; best display pot plants, John
Wooldridge, Lynn, 4.

J. J. H. Gregory, /or the Committee.

VEGETABLES.

The Committee on vegetables beg leave to submit the follow-
ing report : — The Chairman and Mr. Hawkes, a member of
the committee, met directly after the business meeting was
over, and waited two hours for the other members, and then
had to make up the committee as best we could. I think
when men are put on committees, if they cannot serve they
should give notice to the chairman, then he can make up the
committee and proceed to business at once.

I never saw better specimens of vegetables, take them all
together, than was exhibited. We find that exhibitors pay but
little attention to the rules of the society in regard to the
number of specimens, some having a much larger number than
was called for, and others were deficient ; one lot of corn was
entitled to the first premium, but there was not the requisite

6

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number of ears. Owing to the delay in getting the committee,
I was obliged to leave before all the premiums were awarded.

Your committee would insist that the Superintendent of the
vegetable department see that all the vegetables of the same
variety be placed together. This would save half the time of
the committee who, in comparing the specimens, would be able
to judge correctly, and give better satisfaction in the short
time they have to do the work. We tried to do the best we
could. We award as follows :

T. B. Beet, Levi Emery, Lawrence, premium, f3. L. 0.
Carrot, S. H. Carrot, Abbott Imperial Parsnip, $3 each;
stone mason cabbage, cauliflovver, 2d premium, $2 each ; B. M.
celery, water melon, musk melon, 1st premium, |2 each, M. T.
Batchelcler, Peabody ; Mangolds, E. R. Onions, D. cabbage, R.
S. corn, marrow squash, xMarblehead squash, A. T. Newhall,
Lynn, 1st premium, $3 each. P. T. turnips, H. A. Stiles,
Miduleton, 1st premium, 13 ; Y. ruta bagas, M. S. Jenkins,
North Andover, 3 ; Danvers onion, S. F. Newman, Newbury,
8. Y. F. onion, E. R. potatoes, beauty of Hebron potatoes,
A. Green, Salisbury, 1st premium, $3 each, Goodwin's seed-
lings. No. 1, R. Goodwin, Haverhill, premium, 13 ; E. 0.
potatoes, J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, 3; D. Cabbage, 2d
premium, $2 ; mammoth cabbage, 1st premium, 13, nutmeg
melon, 1st premium, $2. R. F. tomato, greatest variety
tomato, premium, $3 each. Greatest collection, J. J. H.
Gregory, Marblehead, prem., $8. Second greatest collection,
2d premium, " Birds of New England," Hatch Brothers, Sau-
gus ; Dun more potatoes. Acme tomato, Essex Hybrid tomato,
Aaron Low, Essex, premium, $3 each ; savoy cabbage, J. G.
Munsey, Beverly, 1st premium, $3 ; savoy cabbage, J. W.
Blodgett, Saugus, 2d premium, $2 ; red cabbage, J. W. Blod-
gett, Saugus, premium, $3 ; stone mason cabbage, David
Warren, Marblehead, premium, $3 ; red cabbage, C. R.
Anderson, North Andover, 2d, '^$2 ; cauliflower, do, do, 1st
premium, $3 ; yellow corn, S.Longfellow, premium, $2 ; silo
corn, Caleb Childs, Marblehead, |2 ; popping corn, Edwin

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Beast, Lynn, premium, $3 ; turban squash, Levi Emery, Law-
rence, $3 ; hubbard squash, W. A. Jacobs, Danvers, S3 ; cran-
berries, H. A. Stiles, Middleton, $3 ; cranberries, 0. C. Blunt,
Andover, 2d, $2 ; cranberries, Edward J. Johnson, Nahant,
3d, $1 ; potatoes, G. L. Hawkes, Lynnfield, gratuities, $2;
cranberries, C. C. Bhint, Andover, 11 ; squashes, Mrs. D. M.
Estey, Middleton, $1 ; winter rye and beans, J. W. Blodgett,
Saugus, $2 ; potatoes, Alfred Green, Salisbury, $3 ; potatoes,
Virgil Dow, Methuen, |1 ; peppers, J. H. Hill, Amesbury, 50
cents ; citrons, E, G. Hyde, Danvers, 11 ; sqaashes, Shillaber
Farm, Peabody, $1 ; squashes and potatoes, Aaron Low, Essex,
" Birds of New England " ; squashes, A. C. Osborne, Peabody,
$1 ; herbs, M. F. Batchelder, Peabody, |1 ; corn, John Rad-
din, Lynn, f 1.50 ; potatoes, S. L. King, $1 ; potatoes, Paul T.
Winkley, Newburyport, 11; potatoes, J. D. Kelley, Salem, 50
cents ; onions, R. Goodwin, Haverhill, $1 ; squashes, H. N.
Skinner, Peabody, -11 ; potatoes, W. A. Jacobs, Danvers, |1 ;
cabbages and squashes, David Warren, Marblehead, $2, ; pota-
toes and onions, F. P. Todd, Rowley, -f 1 ; cabbages, J. G.
Munsey, Beverly, $1 ; potatoes, G. W. Winslow, Hamilton, 50
cents ; beans, E. F. Webster, Haverhill, |1 ; squashes, James
Looney, Marblehead, $1 ; corn, T. J. Ordway, West Newbury,
$1 ; turnips, M. F. Batchelder, Peabody, 50 cents ; squashes,
J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, 50 cents,

Levi Emery, for the Committee.

COUNTERPANES, &c.

The Committee award as follows :

Silk quilt, Mrs. J. S. Butler, 1st premium, -$4; silk quilt,
Mrs. Geo. H. Pierson, Salem, 2d premium, $2; quilt, Mrs.
Thos. D. Davis, gratuity, -11.50 ; do, Mrs. E. A. Patterson,
Danvers, do, Mrs. Daniel Low, do, do, C. A. Buckley, do,
do, Mary E. Daley, do, do, J. S. Butler, Salem, do, Mrs.
Sarah Hay ward, do, do, 50 cents each ; do, Mrs. J. B.

84

Johnson, Lynn, 1 ; rug, Mrs. H. Caswell, Peabody, 1st pre-
mium, $4 ; do, Mrs. H. M. Perkins, do, 2d premium, $2 ; do,
Lizzie Buxton, Beverly, gratuity, $1 ; do, Mrs. Joanna Smith,
Lynn, do, Mrs. A. M. Wooldredge, do, 50 cents each ; do,
Mrs. C. H. Stickney, do, 11.25; do, Mrs. L. D. Clark, do, do,
Mrs. J. F. Kimball, do, do, Mrs. A. Haskell, do, do, Mrs. A.
Wilcox, Beverly, do, Mrs. N. P. Davis, do, do, Mrs. Hannah
Madison, Marblehead, 50 cents each ; do, Mrs. L. P. Jackson,
Lynn, |1.

ARTICLES MANUFACTURED FROM LEATHER.

The Committee award as follows : —

T. W. Tyler & Co., Lynn, leather belting, soles, taps, &c.,
diploma and $5 ; Alfred E. Newhall, Lynn, boots and shoes,
diploma ; C. A. Cofl&n & Co., Lynn, boots and shoes, diploma ;
J. T. Todd, Lynn, boots, gratuity, 1=2 ; E. A. Putnam, Beverly,
buggy harness, gratuity, $5 ; Henry Hobbs, Wenham, harness,
gratuity, $10 ; M. E. Kenney, Salem, buggy saddle, gratuity,
13.

Stephen Oliver, Warren Newhall, Amos Poor, Aaron Saw-
yer, Geo. H. Peabody — Committee.

MANUFACTURES AND GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

The Committee award as follows .'

Russia Cement Co., Rockport, belting, cement, and liquid
glue, diploma ; Naiional Food Co., Lynn, samples of prepared
food for horses and fowls, gratuity, $1 ; W. H. Shirley, Dan-
vers, window bracket, gratuity, $1 ; W. E. King, Lynn, con-
fectionery, diploma; N. M. Plumraer, Rowley, meal and flour,
gratuity |2 ; R. S. Whittier, Chelsea, standard elevator, gra-
tuity, $3 ; Ezekiel Goss, Salem, work box, gratuity, 50 cts.;
George E. Marsh, Lynn, soaps, gratuity, $2; George H. Cush-

85

man, Lynn, foot measure, gratuity, $1 ; Henry Seiubeechcer,
earthen ware, gratuity, $1.

David Stiles, Ciiarles Ingalls, Stephen Oliver — Committee.

FANCY WORK AND WORKS OF ART.

The Committee award as follows :

White Embroidery, A. S. Mathison, Lynn, 1st premium,
$2 ; Mary M. Oliver, Lynn, 2d premium, $1.50 ; H. A. Fres-
cott, Lynn, gratuity, 50 cts.; Flannel Embroidery, Mrs. H. D.
Stimpson, Lynn, 1st premium, $1.50; Mary B. Smith, Lynn,
gratuity, 50 cts,; Kensington Embroidery, Mrs. D. B. Moulton,
Lynn, 1st premium, ^2 ; Emma Gutterson, Lynn, 2d premium,
$1 ; Machine Embroidery, G. C. Tewksbury & Co., Lynn, 1st
premium, $2. Worsted Work, Mrs. Ella Holt, Lawrence, 1st
premium, |1 ; H. H. Pease, Feabody, gratuity, 50 cts.; J. B.
Harding, Lynn, 50 cts.; Mrs. A. B. Berry, do, 50 cts.; Mrs.
P. Stiggins, 50 cts.; Ihs. Frentiss, 50 cts.; Mrs. Josiah
George, 2d premium, 75 cts. Applique Table, A. M. Shaw,
1st premium, $1. Under Clothing, Mrs. W. H. Manning,
Lynn, 1st premium, |1.50; H. Lizzie Alley, do, 2d, $1. Fen
Marking, Mrs. A. F. Newhall, Lynn, 1st premium, 11.50.
Hand Knitting, Mrs. M. W. Batchelder, Lynn, 1st premium,
$1.25 ; Mrs. W. H. Fierce, do, 2d, $1 ; Ann Fierce, do, gra-
tuity, 25 cts ; Matilda A. McKenny, do, 25 cts.; M. Lizzie Bat-
son, Danvers, 50 cts. Hand made Lace, Lucy A. Marshall,
Lynn, 1st premium, $1.50. Faper Work, A. F. Thacker, Sau-
gus, gratuity, 50 cts.; Lulu Sanborn, Lynn, 50 cts. Needle
Book, Laura Clifford, Lynn, 1st premium, $1. Chair Cover,
E. L. Filene, Lynn, 1st premium, $1. Netting and Crochet,
Mrs. Elliott C. Johnson, Lynn, 1st premium, $1 ; Mrs. J. A^
Berry, do, gratuity, 50 cts.; M. L. Walton, Feabody, 50 cts.
Tatting, Susie H. Holmes, Lynn, 1st premium, $1. Oil Faint-
ing, Clerk Oliver, Lynn, gratuity, $3 ; Chas. Woodbury, do,
$2; C. K. Clark, do, -$1; Miss Abby Barry, do, $2; S. B.

86

Stewart, do, |2 ; J. H. Haskins, do, 1 ; Miss K. Moulton, do,
$1 ; C. H. P. Roiiey, do, |1 ; Wm. A. Burrill, do, 11 ; Ida L.
Moore, do, |2 ; C. M. Allen, do, $1. Water Color, Sidney
Guild, Lynn, $2 ; do, Miss Kelly, do, $1. China painting, Ida
M. Pierce, Lynn ; Miss Nutting, do ; Mrs. Humphry, do, 75
cts. each. Miss Grossman, Lynn, C. H. Howland, do ; Augus-
ta Bacheller, 50 cts. each. Crayon, N. L. Berry, Lynn, $1 ;
Jos. C. Lewis, do, 75 cents. Pastel, C. H. Goodridge, Lynn;
clock, Chas. E. Bacheller, do ; feather flowers, Mrs. A. M.
Watson, do ; butterflies, Alfred Cook, do ; fret work, Henry
K. Merritt, do ; crayon, Wm. P. Haseltine, do ; Mrs. J. Clark,
Lawrence ; Miss Jean Oliver, 50 cts. each.

Mrs. R. E. Harmon, Mrs. A. P. Clark, Mrs. J. 0. Guild, S.
A. Barton — Committee.

CHILDREN'S WORK.

The Committee report to:

Butterflies, Henry N. Berry, Lynn, 1st premium, $3 ; row
boat, Henry D. Floyd, do, 2d, 12 ; two Swiss clocks, Arthur
F. Foster, gratuity, $1.50 ; book drawings, Arthur B. Fuller,
Middleton, $1.50 ; quilt, Eva Batchelder, Wenham, $1 ; oil
painting, Geo. M. Newhall, Lynn, $1 ; match safe, Amandin
P. Spiller, do, 50 cts.; motto, Alice V. N. Heme. Beverly ;
Lulu L. Searles, Lynn, 50 cts. each ; painted plate, Georgie
F. Perley, 50 cts.

Mrs. S. B. Shorey, Mrs. H. H. Proctor, L. M. Austin, Lizzie
Harvey — Cormnittee.

FARMS.

The Committee on Farms respectfully report that the farm of
Mr. Charles W. Mann, of Methuen, is the only one entered for
the premium. Mr. F. S. C. Herrick, also of Methuen, entered
his farm for inspection.

87

The 2oth of September was appointed for visiting them by
the Committee, and a part of the committee attended to that
duty.

Mr. Mann is now but twenty years old, and, when a mere
boy, was compelled by circumstances to take the charge of, and
perform the labor of a farm of ten acres. Being left an or-
phan at an early age he was taken into the family of his
grandmother and aunt, wliose farm he has conducted by his
own labor. It is naturally good land, but was entirely run
down and neglected when he commenced. Although a mere
boy, he has exercised the perseverance, industry and good
judgment of a man, in the management of the farm, and as
will be shown in his statement accompanying this report, has
increased his stock from a single horse and a few hens to two
horses, seven cows, two heifers, one hog, two slioats, and a
large flock of poultry, built a very conveniently arranged barn,
(28 by 86 feet), with a well built cellar under the whole ; has
underd rained and reclaimed one acre of wet meadow, brought
the whole into a good state of cultivation, and supported the
family, of four persons. All was the result of his own labor
on ten acres of land.

His sales are of market vegetables, apples, milk and poultry.
It is perliaps unnecessary to add, for his works are evidence,
that Mr. Mann does not use intoxicating drinks or tobacco in
any form, and attends strictly to his business.

Although the committee feel that Mr. Mann has done re-
markably well, and desire to give him proper encouragement,
they do not consider his farm (in the language of the society's
oflfer of the premium), " the best conducted and most improved
farm," but think that he is entitled to a gratuity of fifteen
dollars, and recommend that it be awarded him.

Mr. Herrick, after graduating from the Massachusetts Agri-
cultural College, seven years ago, took possession of seventeen
acres of land, upon which was a small one story house of but lit-
tle value. This small farm was principally composed of rough
stony land, which had never been cultivated, with boulders crop-
ping out all over it and bushes and some wood growing on it.

88

A part of the farm was a wet swamp, of no use in the con-
dition in which it was at that time. A small portion of the
farm had been partially cultivated, or, perhaps more properly
described, skinned, yielding annually five or six tons of hay.

This farm was given to Mr. Herrick by his father, as it
seemed to the committee, for the purpose of testing the quality
of the stuff his son was made of, and also to see if the Massa-
chusetts Agricultural College was educating its students away
from the farm, or whether they were acquiring a knowledge of
practical and scientific agriculture, by which a young graduate,
with no other opportunity of learning farming, could get a
living and make himself a home on seventeen acres of land,
the most of which was in the condition of thousands of acres
in Massachusetts, commonly called waste land. Surely the
test was about as severe as could well be selected for the pur-
pose.

Young Herrick went to work with a stout heart, perseverance
and industry ; first, to thoroughly underdrain and bring under
cultivation the swamp, in accordance with the principles and
practice learned at the college ; and now it has the appearance
of a beautiful lawn, and being near the dwelling, is a fit
accompaniment of a tasteful home, besides yielding two heavy
crops of hay yearly. He then began on the rough rocky por-
tion nearest home (on an acre or two at a time"), cutting the
bushes and trees, digging up the stumps and boulders, blasting
those that were too large to move, and picking stones.

He used the rocks thus obtained in building a barn cellar
wall, and also a very substantial and ornamental' faced wall
along one side of his farm, which was in the form of a paral-
lelogram, first digging a deep trench, the gravel from which
served to gravel a road alongside of the wall. The surface
soil from the road bed was first thrown out for composting
purposes, and both the trench for the wall and the road bed
filled with the stones gathered from the adjoining land, in pro-
cess of being cleared. In this way he has carried along
together, the clearing of the land, the building of a very sub-

89

stantial faced wall that is higlily ornamental, and also a per-
manent farm road, with stones and waste rock at the bottom
and gravelled on the surface, thus making it a hard, dry road
at all seasons, and durable for all time.

When a lot has been cleared sufficiently for the plow, he has
thoroughly cultivated and fertilized it with either chemical or
barn manure, fitted the land for any garden vegetable or root
crop, and then laid it down to grass in first class condition. In
this way he has gone over about three-fourths of his farm.

The Committee had an opportunity to see different sections
of land in the various processes described above, so that they
can judge of the great amount of labor that has been bestowed
to bring about these satisfactory results. But it will be asked,
can it be afforded to bestow so much labor on such rough land
to bring it into a condition of cultivation ? " Does it pay V is
the question that farmers desire to have answered.

Mr. Herrick hired money to build a very nice barn and suit-
able outbuildings, such as sheds, tool house, &c., to accommo-
date the farm stock and produce. They are clapboarded and
painted in good shape. He has also built an addition to the
original one story house, which now forms an attachment to
the main and new part, the whole making a very convenient
and tasteful residence for his growing family, which doubtless
he had in view at the start, and which gave him courage and
persistence in his labor.

He has grown hay, corn, market vegetables, and milk, which
he sells directly to the consumers in Lawrence, one and a half
miles distant. With the products of the farm, he has support-
ed his family, made his farm, so far as he has gone, a beautiful
feature in the landscape, and paid up all the debts contracted
for building purposes. And all in seven years.

The Committee are of the opinion that the question whether it
pays to farm on even such land as he started with, is answered
in the aflSmative ; and also the question as to the character of
the work of the Agricultural College, and the influence it ex-
erts upon its graduates. We beg to differ from Horace Greeley

90

when he said, " young man, go West," but would say to our
young men, you can do better at home, and enjoy the privileges
of our social and educational institutions, by following the
example here set before you.

It is proper to state that being located near the House of
Correction at Lawrence, Mr. Herrick has improved the oppor-
tunity of employing convict labor, in part, at contractors'
prices (twenty cents per day), which all responsible parties
may do if they choose. This kind of labor has some advan-
tages as to the cost of labor, but at the same time disadvan-
tages and inconveniences that would deter many from adopting
it.

The Committee desire to call attention to the fact developed
by the result of the efforts of Messrs. Herrick and Mann, that
a young man need not go outside of Essex county to secure a
good living, and become a thrifty head of a family, on a small
farm of ten or twenty acres of the average quality of land, by
using good judgment, economy, and the exercise of industrious
and temperate habits.

Benjamin P. Ware, Chairman of Committee.

STATEMENT OF CHARLES W. MANN.

Gentlemen : — The farm which I enter for premium is situa-
ted in the easterly part of Methuen, and consists of ten acres,
about eight and a half of good upland, and one and a half low
meadow. There is an apple orchard of seventy trees, from
twenty to thirty years old.

In 1872, when I was twelve years old, I commenced taking
care of the hens, and that year raised 174 dozen eggs. The
next year the hen fever did not run very high with me, and I
had only 146 dozen eggs, but after that it set in stronger, and
in 1874 I had 457 dozen ; in 1875 it increased to 766 dozen,
and reached the crisis in 1876, when my whole production was
1587 dozen, and my sales of eggs and poultry footed up
$513.85. During this time I had nearly all the leading varie-
ties and sold a few eggs at fancy prices, but my business was

91

mostly poultry and eggs for market, and although I had it all
to learn and met with some heavy losses, my books show that I
made a fair profit.

For several years previous to this the little farm had been very
much neglected and was getting pretty badly run down, but the
manure from my hens and the horse (all the stock we kept),
soon made an improvement on a small portion of it. In 1876,
the sales from the farm were $152.33 for apples and vegetables
and $57 for standing grass. The barn at this time was a low
shed, 18x30 feet, intended to be room enough for a cow and
horse, and hay to keep them over winter.

In 1877 my stock was the horse and hens. My sales were
poultry and eggs, -1508.78, reducing my stock somewhat, as I
had only 821 dozen eggs ; frilit and vegetables, $106.42, and
standing grass, $30. I kept enough of the hay to winter a
cow, and about the first of November bought one which gave
me in November and December, 647 quarts of milk, of which
I sold 590 quarts for $25.08. I paid out this year for labor
176.29.

In 1878, I had reduced my poultry stock down to a produc-
tion of 208 dozen eggs, and in October increased my neat
stock by the purchase of four cows. I made all the hay on the
place and stored in a neighbor's barn, fixed up a warm corner
in the wagon shed for the horse and put in« stanchions all
across the end of the little barn to tie up my five cows. I
filled the rest of it with hay except a passage way about three
feet wide in front of the cows, which was nearly all taken up
by the hay cutter and food box. It was very snug work and
inconvenient, but not unpleasant to think of now that it is past.
The sales this year amounted to $177.08, of which $72.74 was
for milk sold to the milkman at the farm.

In 1879, I kept five cows and soiled them on the place
through the summer, and cut hay enough to keep them tlirough
the winter. In June a new and convenient barn was built.
It is 28x36 feet, with cellar ; has room for six cows and two
horses, storage for twenty tons of hay, grain room, harness

92

and tool room, &c. The cows gave me 12,525 qts. of milk, of
which 11,786 qts. were sold for $370. Sales from all other
sources, 1161.30.. Barn building left but little time for raising
vegetables.

At the beginning of this year, 1880, my stock consisted of
six cows, two horses, one breeding sow, and forty hens. The
sales to date, Oct. 10th, have been 42,031 qts. of milk, 1102.05 ;
fruit, vegetables, &c., -1131.03. I am now selling my crops as
they come in and my total sales for the year will doubtless be
81000. I have on hand, 130 bbls. picked apples, 70 dozen
Celery, 5 tons Mangels, | acre of Cabbage, 50 bu. Round
Turnips, 5 tons squashes, 10 bushels Potatoes, 12 tons Hay
and Oats, (100 bushels Dandelions for next Spring's sales).
I have this season pastured my cows four months, an experi-
ment I shall not repeat ; their total product has been 12,881
qts. of milk in 9 mos. and ten days. My stock now is seven
cows, two heifers, two horses, one hog, two shoats, twenty
hens, and one hundred chickens.

This year we have reclaimed an acre of the meadow by get-
ting out the stone, under draining and seeding down to grass.
Work was begun on it two years ago, but last year it was so
wet that we only succeeded in plowing it roughly once and
getting a few potatoes off of the dryest corner of it. It has
not produced the value of a ton of hay for ten years, but
promises now to do better in the future.

I have made no account of the labor I liave hired as it has
been more than balanced by what I have earned with my team,
in working off of the place until this year there is a balance
against me of ^22.00.

Thirty-five dollars will cover tlie cost of all the manure I
have bought, except a small stable which I exchanged hay for.
I have drawn a great many loads of muck and sand to mix
with the manure, but it has cost nothing but the labor.

No account has been made of milk, eggs, pouluy, pork,
fruit or vegetables, used by a family of four. We have had a

93

good garden every year, helped ourselves liberally to the best,
and if any was left over we sold it or gave it away.

Yours respectfully,

Chas. W. Mann.

WET MEADOW AND SWAMP LANDS.

The committee on improving wet meadow lands was com-
posed of the following gentlemen : David Stiles, chairman;
W. C. Sleeper, Methuen, John N. Kent, Newbury, John W.
Blodgett, Saugus, and John L. Colcord, Peabody. Th^ two
latter with your chairman were present to view the land of
Mr. Alfred Green of Salisbury, June 28th, 1880.

The day was one of the hottest and dryest of the season.
We found ourselves after leaving the cars in Newburyport
and riding about three miles over a dusty road passing the
chain bridge, in a valley on the left bank of the Merrimack.
At the lower end of this valley was the land we came to view.
The plot contained considerably over an acre as we judged,
and had then upon it, in our opinion, about three tons of
herds grass to the acre.

Mr. Green was with us and gave a verbal statement for
1880, which was, that the land had received no dressing since
the first year, or three years ago, and his former statements
we had no reason to doubt, in fact, we thought that he fell be-
low the fact in his estimate of the two former hay crops, as he
said they were about the same as the present one.

The soil is a mixture of clay, sand, and fine gravel ( we
should judge) which for ages had been flowed by the backing
of the water from the Merrimack by the tide. The water at
this point of the river is salt or fresh, depending upon the
high tides or freshets. And certainly a large amount of salt,
together with refuse matter from the ocean and river must
have been deposited upon this land. What influence they
have had, your committee are unable to say. It is a remarka-

94

ble fact that 4 bbls. of ground bone costing] only $20.70
should produce three such heavy crops of hay.

Witliout any hesitation you committee recommend the award
of the first premium of $15. to Mr. Green.

For the encouragement of those owning lands adjoining, of
the same kind of which there are hundreds of acres, the com-
mittee expressed an opinion that these lands could be diked
and made the most productive of any in the county. Mr.
W. H. B. Currier, editor of the Villager, is of the same opinion,
and has so expressed his views in his paper in times past.
Mr. Currier expressed much satisfaction that your committee
had taken notice of this experiment in that part of the county
and hoped it would stimulate others to do something for the
agricultural cause.

We have also examined the land entered for premium by
J. J. H. Gregory, and at first thought it would come under the
head of reclaimed waste or pasture lands, ratlier than luet
meadow or swamp, but as this land was drained (having an ex-
cess of water) we concluded to call it waste swamp.

Your chairman has known this land more than forty years
arid at no time, till owned by Mr. Gregory, have we seen upon
it a crop hardly worth gathering, although it has been in the
possession of one or mare of our best farmers.

The land is situated in front of where once stood the house
of Deacon Edward Putnam of witchcraft notoriety and was
owned by him. From 1692 till in possession of the present
owner, we doubt if any of its numerous possessors have ever
realized much profit from it.

The committee met November 3d, which was thought to be
rather late in the season, the most favorable time being while
the crop is standing, but the stubble indicated all that Mr.
Gregory claims for it. Those of the committee present were
William C. Sleeper, 'Methuen, John L. Colcord, Feabody, and
David Stiles, Middleton, who unanimously recommended the,
second premium of ten dollars.

Mr. Gregory's statement came to hand Oct. 28th, 1880.

David Stiles, Chairman.

95

STATEMENT OF ALFRED GREEN OF SALISBURY.

I wish to be considered a claimant for the premium offered
by the society for " Improving wet meadow and Swamp Land,"
and offer the following statement :

In the Fall of 1876, I had one acre of Swamp land, which
was so covered with bunch hassocks as to be useless and un-
productive. I first built a dam across a narrow neck of the
land, putting in a tide gate so as to prevent fiowage from the
water of the Merrimac river, which entered a creek about
twenty rods distant. I then cut out all the hassocks with a
bog adz, using the hassocks to fill in about my dam ; ploughed
the land, put in one underdrain ; bedded the land into three
beds, leaving open drains between each two beds ; harrowed
and sowed the land with herds grass and red-top seed. Before
harrowing spread four barrels of ground bone over the soil.

From this reclaimed land I have cut two tons of good hay
per acre for two years in succession, besides a ton and one-
half at the second crop, making seven tons of hay since
reclaiming the land.

I present the following as a statement in full of the account :

Four barrels of ground bone used, $20.10

Ploughing land and rolling, 7.45

Grass Seed, 1.80

Labor of leveling, harrowing and sowing seed, 4.50

Cost of gathering hay crop, 11.25

$45.70

187r Cr.

Two tons of hay at $20 per ton (1st crop), $40.00
One and one-half tons (rowen) 2d crop, 27.00

67.00
To labor, bone dust, &c., 45.70

Profit of land first year, $21.30

96

187S Cr.

Two tons of hay (1st crop), $32.00

1| tons (one and one-half tons rovven), 28.00

160.00
Cost of gathering hay crop, 11.25

48.75
Add profit on crop of 1877, 21.30

•And profit of land reclaimed is $70.05

Last Fall I seeded down a second acre of swamp land ad-
joining the above, which was really in worse condition origi-
nally than the first lot, which I will place beside any lot of
reclaimed land in Essex county. Beneath the surface of this
swamp land, I dug out many stumps of trees and partially
decayed trunks of swamp maples and swamp oaks.

The land in both instances was so wet that it could only be
ploughed at the very dryest season, and not until the water,
which permeated the whole surface, had been drained off
through the drains. A.s a result, I have now one of the best
lots of grass land in this section, the land resembling the
bottom lands of the West in depth of soil am^ fertility.

STATEMENT OF J. J. H. GREGORY.

The piece of Improved Wet Meadow I enter for premium is
located on my farm in Danvers, just over the border of Mid-
dleton. It comprises between three and four acres, situated in
about the middle of a tillage field of eighteen acres. When
taken in hand, this tract of four acres or thereabouts was a
meadow of thin, coarse, natural grass, with cranberry vinns
scattered here and there. The hay did not pay for the cutting
and hence it was not always mowed, while the cranberry vines
yielded next to nothing. A shallow broad ditch ran through
the middle of it, and on the bank of earth thrown out in the
digging of it grew a row of willow trees, from one to three
feet in diameter, evidently planted there with the idea that the

97

land was but a waste and that was about the only way of utiliz-
ing it.

On examining this tract there did not appear sufficient cause
why it should he allowed to run to waste : I accordingly took
it in hand, first cutting doivn and rooting out the willows, and
then removing for use in compost heaps the bank of earth
upon which they grew. I nest had the old ditch deepened,
after tapping by a small tiled drain a single spot which in the
spring of the year looked wet ; believing that the wetness of
the tract was caused almost solely by surface water from the
high hill tract on which the Hospital is located, I had my
men dig a short ditch just outside the wall of the field, to
catch the surface water as it ran down the hill and turn it in-
to a brook which ran through another part of this eighteen
acre tract.

The land was now ploughed with a large plow drawn by two
yoke of oxen. It was turned to the depth of ten inches, to
which depth the soil had the black color, common to low, wet
land, and beneath this we found clay and sand, in the form of a
moderately hard hard-pan. A glue compost, about seven cords
to the acre, was spread on the surface, worked in, and the com-
mon mixture of grass seed sown. In 1879 we had our first crop
of hay, which was a ton and three-fourths per acre, for the first
crop, and nearly two tons per acre, for the second crop. The
past season the first crop was a ton and a half, and the second
over a ton per acre. The improvements made being perma-
nent ones, I charge but six per cent, of the outlay in this
direction against the crops of the two past seasons.

I consider the great value of the experiment to be a lesson
to all us farmers, to use a common saying, " not to be scared
before we are hurt." In all probability, for a century or more,
this tract of land had been classified as waste, on the assump-
tion that it could not be made sufficiently dry for tillage,
whereas an outlay of about forty dollars has added to its value,
at the lowest, seventy-five dollars per acre.

The profits of the investment, as shown by the two years'

7

98

crops, is a superficial one in all probability, for it will soon be
growing cabbage and onions, when the profits will be increased
several fold.

It will be seen that in estimating the expenses 1 have
charged but two-thirds the cost of the glue manure ; this is a
very lasting manure, especially in wet land. I have also
charged but one-half the cost of seeding and laying down,
because it is obvious that the land will not need further atten-
tion in either of these respects for at least four years. In
estimating the value of the hay I have made it $12 per ton,
after cost of cutting and making is deducted, because in our
day the cheaper processes of making by mowing machine, hay
tedder and horse rake has increased the value of the raw
material.

Expense of removing Willows, $20.00

" of deepening main ditch, 6.00

" of digging and tiling lateral, 9.00

Cost of tiles, 8.00

Digging intercepting ditch, 2.50

Cost of permanent improvements,

Experiment.

To Interest on Permanent Improvement,
To ploughing 3| acres (| charged),
To 21 1 cords manure (2-3 charged).
To Harrowing and rolling, (^ charged),
To grass seed (-| charged).
To interest on land,

Total,

Experiment.

By 12| tons of hay.
By 8 3-4 tons of hay,

Deduct cost,

Profit, $132.09

$45.50

r>r.

$5.46

8.75

81.70

2.00

7.00

15.00

1119.91

Cr.

$147.00

105.00

252.00

119.91

99

GRAIN CROPS.

The Committee on Grain Crops, report nine entries classi-
fied as follows: Rye five, by Geo. H. Creamer of Hamilton,
F. H. Lyford of Salem, John W. Blodgett of Saugus, Hospi-
tal for Insane, Danvers, and Charles C. Blunt, of Andover.
Indian Corn three, by Major Ben : Perley Poore of West New-
bnry, Charles W. Adams of Newbury, and Augustine Stone of
Ipswich. English Hay one, by George W. Adams of New-
bury, (Byfield). The Committee met on the 28th of June, at
Mr. Creamer's; and sadly regretted the absence of its most im-
portant members, otherwise, the observations and reflections
might have afforded matter sufficient for the report. How-
ever the "Committee" after viewing a fine jiiece of rye, pro-
ceeded on its tour of inspection, visiting Mr. Lyford at ''Kern-
wood," a portion of whose crop of rye we considered the best
entered, but as there was only seven-eightlis of an acre, it did
not come within the rules of the society. Passing on, we next
paid our respects to Mr. Blodgett, where amid liis multitudinous
crops and general activity everything bespoke tlie practical far-
mer on whom the prosperity of the state really depends ; his
fifteen acres of rye we considered as a whole the best exam-
ined. After being hospitably entertained for the night we took
our leave for the Hospital, where we were taken up into a high
mountain and had Old Essex County at our feet and an excel-
lent piece of rye at our hand, most remarkable for its
production of green crops in 1879. Leaving many things of
interest, we departed for Mr. Blunt's, and again saw an excel-
lent crop of rye. Having completed our round and received
that attention which made all our visits most agreeable, we
turned our faces down through the fine farms of North Ando-
ver and the ponds of Boxford to our own humble home. In
July, two of the Committee visited Mr. G. W. Adams and
viewed his crop of English grass.

On the 80th of September, tiie Committee, which was
well represented, met at Major Poore's, Indian Hill, and they

100

trust that amid reminiscence, anecdote and objects of interest,
they did not wholly neglect their duties, for they climbed to
the lop of Indian Hill and viewed a finer piece of Indian Corn
than farmers often see. They then proceeded to Mr. Adams',
and saw his crop of corn and pronounced it good, especially
the kind, the ear holding its size remarkably to the tip.

Early in October, two of the Committee visited Mr. Stone,
and were shown a field of corn of seven acres, of excellent
yield and quality and clean cultivation.

For the essentials in the report, the details of method in the
cultivation of the crops, reference is had to the several state-
ments annexed.

We award to John W. Blodgett of Saugus, for his crop of
rye, the first premium of $10.00.

We award to Chas. W. Adams of Newbury, for his crop of
corn, the premium of $10.00.

We recommend the premium of $8.00 to George W. Adams
of Newbury, (By field), for his crop of English Hay.
Respectfully submitted,

Nathaniel Little, for fke Committee.

STATEMENT OF J. W. BLODGETT.

The land on which this rye v^as raised contains one and a
quarter acres, and the soil is a sandy loam. For a number of
years previous to 1878, it had been to grass and received no
manure. The crop of 1878 was potatoes, manured with six
cords stable manure to the acre. Crop of 1879 was cabbages,
manured with eight cords stable manure and marsh mud
composted to the acre. It was sowed to winter rye without
manure in October, 1879, two bushels to the acre ; harvested
July 8th to July 13th, 1880.

Dr.

To use of land, $12.00

To ploughing and harrowing, 5.00

To Sowing and rolling, 2.00

To mowing and binding, 5.00

101

To storing, 4. CO

To tlireshing, 6.30

To teaming straw and rye, 6.50

Profit, 54.10

$94.90

Cr.

By 5620 lbs. straw, 56.20

By 43 bushels rye, 38.70

$94.90

This certifies that a lot of land on which J. W. Blodgett
had rye this season contains one acre and one quarter.
East Saugus, Aug. 14, 1880. Gfo. H. Pearson.

This certifies that the rye grown on one and a quarter acres
of land, by J. W. Blodgett this season, weighs 2408 lbs. (or
forty-three bushels).

East Saugus, Aug. 14, 1880. Geo. F. Marshall.

STATEMENT OF S. S. PRATT, FOR DANVERS HOSPITAL.

The crop of Rye entered for premium by the hospital for
Insane, Danvers, S. S. Pratt, farmer, grew on one acre of land,
on which stands 28 apple and pear trees of medium size. The
crop of 1878 was potatoes, about 7 cords of stable manure
being used. The crop of 1879 was peas, on which was used
five cords of barn manure, the soil being of a dark, heavy
loam, with gravelly clay subsoil, and was ploughed once for the
rye crop ; no other preparation for the seed. Cost of plough-
ing, $4.00. No manure was applied to this crop, one and
three-fourths bushel of seed was sowed in the usual way.
Cost of seed and sowing, $2.25. Harrowing and rolling, $3.
Sowed Aug. 7th ; it attained rank growth in October, 1879,
when it was cut as green food for milch cows. The amount
from the lot is estimated at 12 tons green fodder, valued at

102

$2.00 per ton, or !i>24 for the lot. The rye was harvested July
6, 1880 ; cut with scythe and put in bundles.

Amount of Grain, 39 bush, at II per bu., $39.00

5000 lbs. Straw, at $1 per hundred, 50.00

Green crop for soiling, 24.00

Total Credit, -1113.00

Ploughing, 14.00

Seed and sowing, 2.25

Harvesting and Teaming, 8.00

Harrowing and rolling, 3.00

Threshing and winnowing, 9.75

Interest, 6.00

Total, $33.00

Profit, 80.00

It is considered that the trees growing on the land consider-
ably damaged the crop.

STATEMENT OP CHAS. C. BLUNT.

The soil is a gravelly loam with a gravelly subsoil. The
crop of 1878 was Hungarian grass without manure. After the
Hungarian was cut it was ploughed eight inches deep and laid
until the next spring. In 1879, it was again ploughed 10
inches deep, and 8 cords of manure to the acre spread, and
planted to potatoes, manure valued at $4.50 per cord ; after
the potatoes were harvested it was harrowed without being
plouglied again, and 400 lbs. of Russell Coe's Superphosphate
applied. Cost, 18.00

Sowing and harrowing, .75

One and one-half bushels of rye, . 1.50

Mowing and Harvesting, 3.00

Threshing and cleaning, 2.50

115.75

103

Cr. by 4470 lbs. Rye Straw, at $1.25 per 100, 155.87^

By 26| bush. Rye, at 11.05 per bushel, 28.08^

83.96
Deduct cost, 15.75

Profit of crop, 168.21

The Rye was sowed the 10th of October, 1879, and harvest-
ed the 10th of July, 1880.

I hereby certify that I measured one acre of Rye ground
for Chas. C. Blunt, July 5th, 1880.

George Gutters on.

I hereby certify that I measured the Rye grown on the above
mentioned acre of ground and it measured 26| bushels, 60 lbs.
to the bushel. E. A. Horton.

statement of chas. W. ADAMS.

Having estimated my crop of corn on one acre of land,
which 1 entered for a premium, I make the following report : —

The soil is rather a heavy loam. The ploughing was seven
inches deep, at a cost of $4.00 ; had not been ploughed before
for 15 years. It was very thoroughly harrowed with two har-
rows at once," — a large iron tooth harrow was hitched to a
Randall harrow, and in this manner the ground was harrowed
most of the day. Cost of harrowing, ;|4.00. Cultivated and
hoed once only, at a cost of $4.00. It was quite free from
weeds.

I put the manure in the hills, using two and one-half cords.
It consisted of cow manure and thatch, well rotted down.
Cost of manure $15, on the ground ; cost of seed and plant-
ing, S5.00 ; harvesting, $10.00.

We estimated the amount of crop from what we considered
average selections, viz.: — one outside row, a row in the middle
and a row from each end, and having shelled and weighed
these selections, and allowing 70 lbs. of unshclled corn to the

104

bushel, we had 95 bushels to tlie acre, at 75 cents per bushel,
$71.25. Of the top stalks and butts, there was the usual
amount which we didn't weigh. "Reports" vary in their
estimates of them. Some estimate the value of theirs, on an
acre, as high as $60. We should be glad to get |30 for ours.

Cost of ploughing, $4.00

Cost of harrowing, 4 00

Cost of manure, 15.00

Seed and planting, 5.00

Cultivating and hoeing, 4.00

Harvesting, 10.00

$42.00

Value of corn, $71.25

Value of stalks, 30.00

101.25
Cost, 42.00

Profit, $59.25

This certifies that I surveyed the acre of land on which the
above crop was grown. Philip D. Adams.

I hereby certify that I selected the corn as above stated,
shelled, and weighed the same. Jacob D. Ray.

STATEMENT OF BEN: PERLEY POORE.

The crop of corn entered by me for premium was raised on
four acres of nearly level land, on the top of Indian Hill, in
West Newbury. The soil is a gravelly loam, and water is
found about twenty feet below the surface, although that is
nearly two hundred feet above the level of the nearest running
stream. I am convinced that planting the sides of the hill
(too steep for cultivation), with forest trees, has retained much
moisture that would otherwise have been eVa|)orated. The
area on the top of the hill was used as a drill-ground for sev-

105

eral years before the war, and when it was cultivated and laid
down to grass in 1864, tliere was so much white weed seed in
the manure used that the grass was soon crowded out by that
troublesome weed.

In the fall of 1879, the land was ploughed nine incites deep,
and eighty small cart-loads of manure were hauled up from
the barn yard and deposited in heaps. In the spring this
manure was evenly scattered over the ground, which was then
harrowed and cross-harrowed with a Randall harrow. It was
then marked off into rows four feet apart each way ; eight
hundred pounds of Bowker's " hill and drill phosphate" was
then put into the cross checks, when a little earth was thrown
on it, and on tiiat the corn was planted. It was of an im-
proved King Philip variety, with a long ear and a very small
cob; 412 pounds of corn in the ear weighed, after having been
shelled, 342 pounds.

The crop was hoed twice. The stalks were cut in Septem-
ber, and the corn was harvested late in October. A careful
estimate shows that the four acres produced two hundred and
ninety bushels of shelled corn, weighing fifty-six pouvids to the
bushel — making over seventy-two bushels to the acre. The
stover was unusually abundant, and as it was housed in good
order, its value for fodder more than repaid the cost of har-
vesting and husking.

At first, I was disappointed in the result of this crop. I
had read of crops of corn in Essex county when it was said
that upwards of one hundred bushels to the acre had been
raised, and I had hoped to equal them; but I became satisfied
that I had no reason to complain. Others may perhaps raise
a hundred bushels of shelled corn to the acre, but 1 cannot,
and 1 shall be contented with a crop of seventy bushels,
obtained liy the use of plenty of manure and good cultivation,
p West Ne\vl)nry, Nov. 1, 1880.

The above statements are conect.

S. R. Baily, Foreman of hidian Bid Farm.

106

STATEMENT OP AUGUSTINE STONE.

The crop of 1878 was grass, also 1879. The size of the
piece of land is about seven acres, one acre of which I had
measured. The manure used was stable or barn yard manure.
The nature of the soil, clay loam ; broken up the last Spring ;
ploughed about 8 to 9 inches deep ; rolled once over the fur-
rows, then harrowed twice, once each way ; then furrowed
each way ; manure put out in the hill. Manure for the whole
piece 24 cords, or about 3^ cords to the acre. Planted
the second week of May. The amount of seed was a bushel
and three pecks ; thoroughly hoed once ; then went through
with the cultivator twice, once each way ; then chopped the
weeds in the month of August.

From the measured acre I have harvested 162 bushels of
sound corn, and one bushel of ears 1 have saved for seed and
about four bushels of small corn. Weighed one basket hold-
ing 2 bushels, weighed 73 lbs. per basket. Therefore at 70
lbs. to the bushel I have a little over 80 bushels of shelled
corn to the acre. I can safely say my yield of corn is 65
bushels of sound shelled corn to the acre on seven acres.

STATEMENT OF GEO. W. ADAMS.

The crop of Grass I offer for your consideration was raised
on one acre of land, that received ten cords of barn yard
manure in the spring of 1878 and was then laid down to grass
with barley, having been in corn and potatoes two years.

The cost of grass seed was -f 3.82 ; sowing the same with the
barley, 50 cts. ; ploughing and harrowing, $6.00.

The crop of barley was very small, worth perhaps 114.00,
straw and grain. The grass of 1879 was coarser, taller, and I
should think of greater weight than this year. The land has
been in no way enriched since 1878.

The cost of harvesting this season was, — mowing, il.OO ;
other labor, say $4.50. The grass was very dry when cut, a
large part of the red top having fallen.

107

The land was measured by Mr. Gardner P. Balch, whose
statement I enclose.

Byfield, July 12, 1880.
I hereby certify that I measured the piece of land entered
for premium on grass by Geo. W. Adams, and that it contains
one acre. G. P. Balch.

This certifies that the above hay measured 1417 cubic feet
in the mow, about the middle of September.

H. F. Longfellow.

ROOT CROPS.

The Committee are pleased to report a larger number of
root crops entered for the premiums offered, than usual, rep-
resenting the following towns :

Newbury, 5 ; Andover, 2 ; Saugus, 3 ; Middleton, 2 ; Man-
chester, Essex, and Topsfield, one each.

The first visited by the Committee were those entered from
Newbury, viz., a piece of Potatoes and one of Squashes, by
James B. Knight, one of Potatoes by Paul T. Winkley, one of
Cabbage by Paul T. Winkley, Jr., one of Onions by Justin
Noyes.

The Committee found that Mr. Knights' Potatoes were not
as good as he has had the good fortune to enter for the last
two years, they having suffered badly from the drought, but
still promised a fair crop.

His Squash crop was a new and untried experiment with
him, being planted late in the season, the 25th of June, to
follow as a second crop after the potatoes, already partly grown.

They were planted by sticking two seeds in the sides of the
potatoe hills 10 feet apart.

The variety planted was " Low's New Hybrid," which, from
its vigorous and rapid growth appears to be specially adapted
for late planting, or to follow as a second crop.

108

It seems from Mr. Kniglits' statement, that he lias produced
a very heavy crop, at an exceedingly small expense.

The only expense charged to the SquH.shes being $3.00 for
the seed, one hour's labor in sticking the seeds in the sides of
the potatoe hills 15 cts., and two hour's labor in pulling weeds
after the potatoes were dug 30 cts., and $5.00 for harves.ting
the crop, making the whole amount charged to the squashes
only $8.45.

As the crop was a very large one, more than 11 tons on 3-4
of an acre of land, it brings the expense of raising at iess
than il.OO per ton.

We think Mr. Knight should have charged one half of the
manure applied, to the squashes.

The piece of potatoes of Mr. Winkley was looking very
well, having apparently not suffered with the drought. The
variety being a late one, the vines were still green and stro»g,
promising a large yield. From Mr. Winkley's statement, ihe
yield was not as large as the Committee expected it would be,
being 283 bushels from 1 acre and 5 rods of land.

The price of Cabbages entered by Mr. Winkley's sou was
not far advanced enough for the Committee to judge of the
yield, but were thrifty and growing well. From Mr, Winkley's
statement, the piece -produced 1700 good heads.

The crop of Onions of Mr. Noyes, was very good for this
year, as the season has been very unfavorable. They were
growing upon the same piece of land on which he raised his
premium crop last year, but were much smaller in size than he
has usually grown, and have not measured out as well as he
expected.

The next crops visited were those of J. W, Blodgett, of Sau-
gus, who entered a crop of Hubbard Squashes, one of Turnip
Beets, one of Carrots, and one of English Turnips. The first
three were in the same field, growing side by side. The Squash-
es were of good size, well ripened and pure stock.

The crop of Turnip Beets was very handsome, with but very
few breaks in the rows ; the beets of uniform size, smooth, and
good shape and color.

109

The piece of Carrots appeared to be a very heavy crop, but
Mr. Blodgett reports, that on measuring the land it fell short a
few rods of half an acre necessary for a premium.

The crop of English Turnips was very fine and were still in
the full vigor of growth.

The next crops in order were those of Daniel Carleton, of No.
Andover, who entered a piece of Cabbages and one of Onions.
His crop of Cabbages was very good, although the heads were
not of very lai"ge size, but from Mr. Carleton's statement are
better for his trade than larger heads would be. Tlie onion
crop was a good one. They were of good market size, well
ripened and t'l-ee from scullions.

The next eiitries were those of J. J. H. Gregory, of Marble-
head, who entered a piece of Cabbage and one of Onions.

From the statements of Mr. Gregory his crop of Cabl)ages
were unusually large and heavy, averaging more than 13 lbs.
each, and with but very few missing hills on the piece.

His crop of Onions was very large, especially for this year,
producing 404 bushels on the half an acre. The onions of
large size, well ripened and handsome.

The Potatoes entered by Frederick Burnham, of Manches-
ter, were viewed by the Committee, who found the piece to be
very uniform iii appearance, the vines stout and strong. The
variety was the Early Rose, and yielded on 98 rods 216 bush-
els ; — the largest yield of any crop entered.

The piece of Mangle Wurtzels entered by Aaron Knowlton^
of Essex, was next visited by two of the Committee. The
ground was well covered with the beets, though they were not
as large as they sometimes grew.

The yield was good, as by the statement there was 38 tons
and 625 lbs. on a little more than half an acre.

The last crop entered was a piece of Ruta Baga Turoips, by
James Manning of Topsfield.

They were viewed by the Committee and were thought well
worthy of a premium, but as Mr. Manning's statement was not
received in season, the premium was not awarded.

110

The Committee having examined the several statements of
crops entered for prerainms have awarded

To James B. Knight of Newbury, for the best crop of
Squashes, the Premium of $10.00.

To J. J. H. Gregory of Marhlehead for best crop of Onions,
the premium of $10.00. Also for best crop of cabbages, the
premium of $10.00.

To Frederick Burnham of Manchester, for the best crop of
potatoes, the premium of $10.00.

To James W. Blodgett of Saugus, for the best crop of tur-
nip beets, the premium of $10 00. Also for tiie best crop of
English turnips, the premium of $10.00.

To Aaron Knowlton of Essex, for the best crop of mangle
wurtzel the premium of $10.00.

In examining the statements of the several competitors for
the premiums offered by the society, the committee regret that
there should be so little inclination, (with one or two excep-
tions) to step out of the old methods, followed for years without
any variations, as to the manner of manuring, seeding, after
cultivation, etc.

Every intelligent farmer knows that it is absolutely necessary
for him to follow, in a measure, a system of rotation, as to his
crops, and would think himself very unwise if he should plant
year after year, on the same piece of land, such crops as cab-
bages, turnips and many other kinds of vegetables, as he well
knows that the result would be failures. But, does he ever
ask himself the question : if a system of rotation in the kinds
of manure applied would not be as beneficial as in the kinds of
crops raised. It is a well known fact, that taking a piece of
land that has been heavily manured for a number of 3''ears, with
stable or barn manure, and applying instead a dressing of gua-
no, fish, or some of the concentrated fertilizers. that the product
has been largely increased. No doubt the result is partly due
to the elements of plant food contained in the concentrated
manure, in a larger degree than in the stable or barn manures ;
but may it not also be in their effect on the elements already in
the soil, but not available as plant food until rendered soluble
by chemical action.

Ill

Every farmer should step out of the old ruts of habit, and by
his own experiments inform himself, if there are not some im-
provements he can make in conducting his future operations in
farming. The information prized the most by all is that which
is acquired in our daily practice. In conducting any new ex-
periment, if the cost is more than the product, that experiment
is a failure, so far as being adapted to the wants of the mass of
farmers : but, wliile thus unsuccessful the keen eyed and ob-
servant man, may have acquired information, that in repeating
his experiment, may insure complete success, and bring the
balance on the right side of the ledgei-. No one should be dis-
couraged in the first time trying any new idea, although that
trial may be a failure. It is only by persistence and deter-
mined effort any great inventor achieves success. So the far-
mer, can only by careful investigation into the causes of suc-
cess, or failure, insure the first, or guard against the repetition
of the other.

For the purpose of determining for my own satisfaction the
comparative value of stable manure, Stockbridge and Bradley's
Fertilizers for potatoes, and at the same time testing as far as
one season's trial could test, the difference between seeding with
one small whole potatoe, a large one cut to two eyes and plant-
ed the same distance apart in the rows. While thus conduct-
ing the above experiments a third which I have tried success-
fully for two years of following with a second crop of vegeta-
bles to occupy the land after the potatoes were fully grown.

The piece of land on which the experiments were conducted
is rather a light loam with a very porous subsoil. It was
plowed the second week in May, manured and then furrowed
in rows 5 feet apart. The first 10 rows had stable manure
spread and plowed in at the rate of 6 cords to the acre. Five
rows were planted with small whole potatoes, and 5 with pieces
of 2 eyes and both dropped 15 inches apart in the rows. The
second 10 rows had Stockbridge's manure for potatoes scattered
in the drills at the rate of 500 lbs. to the acre, and well mixed
with the soil. The potatoes 2 eyes to a piece were dropped 15

. 112

inches apart. The third 10 rows had Bradley's Fertilizer ap-
ph'ed in the same manner, and the same amount as the Stock-
bridge and seeded tlie same way. The whole 30 rows were
planted with Clark's No. 1 Potatoe and covered as near alike as
possible. The next 20 rows were manured with Stockbridge
and Bradley's alternately in the rows, and well mixed with the
soil before dropping the seed. The following kinds of potatoes
were planted, five rows each. Bliss' Triumph, Dunmore, St.
Patrick and Early Ohio. The piece was cultivated and hoed
twice during the season.

On the 25th of June, seed of my new Hybrid Squash was
planted in the spaces left for the purpose, eight feet apart, in
■every third row, where the potatoes were planted. A handful
€f Stockbridge for squashes was scattered in the hill and
mixed with the soil, and the seed dropped and covered with
moist dirt, one inch deep. Special care was taken to cover
the seed with moist dirt as the soil was very dry. The seed
came up quickly, and the plants grew very rapidly. The
squash vines were not troubled with bugs or maggots at the
roots, and grew finely throughout the season, and were hoed
twice without cultivating.

The squashes were gathered the second week in October,
and were estimated to be more than 10 tons to the acre.

After the squashes were gathered the potatoes were dug, and
the following is the result of the experiments :

The five rows of Clark's No. 1 potatoes, on stable manure,
and planted with small whole potatoes, gave 16 bushels.

The five rows of Clark's No. 1, on stable manure, planted
with 2 eyes to a piece, gave 14 bushels.

The 10 rows of Clark's No. 1 on Stockbridge, planted 2
eyes to a piece, gave 27 bushels.

The 10 rows of Clark's No. 1 on Bradley's, planted 2 eyes to
a piece gave 26 bushels.

The result of the 20 rows planted with 4 varieties of pota-
toes and manured alternately with Stockbridge and Bradley's,
appears rather singular ; as the two early varieties on Brad-

113

ley's, gave 1 bushel more each, than on Stockbridge's and the
two late varieties give 1 bushel more each to Stockbridge than
to Bradley's.

The following is the number of busliels of each variety :
On Stockbridge. On Bradley's.

Dunmore, 8 bushels, Uunmore, 7 bushels,

St. Patrick, 6 " St. Patrick, 5 "

Early Ohio, o " Early Ohio, 6 "

Bliss Triumph, 4 busliels. Bliss Triumph, 5 bushels.

The first experiment, that of testing the value of small
whole potatoes against pieces of two eyes, gave two hushels in
favor of the whole potatoes. I think if the season had not
been so very dry, they would have done much better, as the
vines looked much the best. The Stockbridge gave 3 bushels
less than the manure, and Bradley's 4. The result is
decidedly in favor of the fertilizer as to the cost per bushel.

The manure cost on the field ^39.00 per acre, and the
fertilizers -$13.00, making the cost of the present crop only
one-third on tlie fertiHzer of that on the manure. Reckoning
the manure half expended and the fertilizer entirely, the result
is still in their favor of $6.50 per acre.

The last and third experiment of following the potatoes

with a second crop was entirely satis lactory, as there were ten

tons to the acre of handsome, well-ripened squashes. If we

received the benefit of the squash vines keeping the weeds

down, the cost of the squashes is very low. I think the last

experiment is very important, as there are many kinds of

vegetables that can be just as well raised as a second crop, as

earlier in the season and cost much less, and leave the land

in a far better condition.

Aaron Low, for the Committee.

STATEMENT OF J. J. H. GREGORY, NO. 1.

The crop of cabbage entered is part of a field of about an
acre and a half. The crop of 1878 was potatoes manured
with a good compost, six cords, (or 20 loads of 30 bushels
each), ploughed in with bone and ashes in the drill, as far as

114

memory serves me. The crop was a good one for the season.
Last year, 1879, the land was in corn and the common pea
bean. The manure was about eight cords, or 26 loads of 30
bushels each, to the acre, of a compost or stable manure, rock
weed and fish. This manure proved so strong that the corn
(I manured that in the drill), came poorly, though the yield
was heavy in proportion to the stalks ; the beans (here I
ploughed in the compost), were very thrifty, and cropped at
the rate of thirty-six^ bushels to the acre. The soil is a good
loam, excepting one corner, which is quite sandy.

The land for my cabbage crop was ploughed nearly eight
inches deep, a compost of stable manure and halibut and liver
chum, at the rate of six cords, or 20 loads of 30 bushels each,
to the acre being ploughed in. After harrowing it was laid
out into furrows three feet apart, and planted the first of June
to Marblehead Dutch cabbage, in hills three feet apart, about
half a dozen seed being dropped in each hill. On one-half of
the piece a small handful of bone dust, and on the remainder
a large spoonful of guano was very thoroughly stirred into
each hill. We had a smart shower just after planting, which
brought the seed up at once and seni the plants forward finely.
The cabbage came forward so fast that, fearing they would
mature too early to enable me to carry them over till spring
for seed cabbage, I gave them a good degree of healthy neglect.
They were cultivated and hoed but twice during their growth.
The crop headed with great uniformity over the entire piece,
and the heads were exceptionally large and very solid. A
number of heads were taken and weighed, care being exer-
cised to select such as would not be more than average in size ;
six weighed as follows— 10, 20, 11, 14, 15, 10|,lbs.; total, 80^
lbs., average weight, 13 5-12 lbs. As these cabbages were for
seed purposes, I had no sales to go by in fixing their market
value. One member of the committee stated that he had been
selling during the season at one cent a pound. At this valua-
tion, there being full 4600 heads to the acre, the value of the
crop in the market would have been $617.15.

115

Cost of producing, marketing and ploughing one acre

of land for cabbage, $4.00

Harrowing, 1.00

Furrowing, 1.50

Planting, 3.00

Six cords of manure, and spreading, 54.00

Guano and bone dust, 10.00

Applying and mixing same, 4.00

Two cultivatings, 5.00

Two hoeings, 9.00

Loading and marketing crop, (62,100 lbs.), 114.00

Seed, 2.00

Interest on land, 4.00

Total, $211.50

Value of crop at one cent a pound for heads, 1617.15
Cost of raising and getting to market, 211.60

Profit, $405.65.

STATEMENT OP J. J. H. GREGORY, NO. 2.

The onions I enter were raised on my farm in Danvers, the
farm being divided by a brook which makes the boundary
between that town and Middleton. The sward was broken
four years ago and has had successively, cabbages, potatoes
and onions. Last year and the year previous it was in pota-
toes. The crop of 1878 was manured with raw glue manure,
applied at the rate of eight cords to the acre, and raked into
the furrrow as the land was ploughed. The season was rather
a wet one and as the manure was very rank and the land was
low, almost muck in composition, I anticipated a good deal of
rot. To my surprise on digging the crop there were scarcely
any rotten potatoes, tliough once or twice when I dug into
them during the season, I found the tubers laying in a bed of
soft mud.

I attribute the exemption from rot to the fact that there was
considerable lime in the glue manure, though only the quantity

116

that usually comes with this manure. The next season I
under-drained the moister portion of the land, and applied a
strong compost, at rate of six cords per acre, of stable manure,
glue manure, coarse fish refuse, and rock weed, with sufficient
soil mixed in the mass to absorb the liquid. The result was a
large crop of potatoes and three-fourths of the crop rotten. 1
attributed this to the strength given to the manure by the fish
refuse. The present season, early in May, the ground was
manured with a compost of rock weed, stable manure and fish,
at the rate of five cords to the acre, all finely distributed by
Kemp's manure spreader — an invaluable implement for all
large tillage areas. The fish used in the compost was halibut
chum, which differs from porgy chum in being much richer in
phosphates and about proportionally poorer in nitrogen. This
manure was ploughed under four or five inches deep, and after
a second ploughing two hundred pounds of Lobos guano was
raked in the bed and seed of the Early Red Globe onion
planted, at the rate of four pounds to the acre. Just before
the onion began to bottom, 250 pounds of rectified guano was
raked in. The crop received the usual attention, though the
soil being remarkably free from weeds, the cost in this direc-
tion was very light.

The onions were large and well ripened with small necks.
All were measured as gathered and stored. The yield on the
half acre, at 52 pounds to the bushel, was four hundred and
four bushels. The cost of raising it was as follows : —
Ploughing twice, $4.00

Manure and spreading of same (2^ cords), . 20.00

Lobos and rectified guano, 200 to 250 lbs., 14.00

Seed, 10.00

Sliding and weeding, three times, 12.00

Interest on land, 2.00

Gathering crop (October), 12.00

Topping, 12.00

$86.00

117

Value of crop, 404 bushels at -11 a bushel, 1404.00

Deduct cost, 86.00

Profit, $318.00

STATEMENT OP FREDERICK T. BURNHAM.

The following is the account of my Potato crop entered for
premium : —

The land used for this crop previous to 1880 was in grass
and had not been ploughed for sixteen years. In November,
1879, the land was ploughed. In April, 1880, stable manure
was used at the rate of about seven cords to the acre, and was
harrowed in with the Randall harrow. The last week in
April, the land was furrowed out in drills, three and a half
feet apart, about three inches deep. The seed used was the
*' Early Rose," large size, cut with three to five eyes in each
piece, and dropped about sixteen inches apart. The land is
rather low and flat ; the soil is a dark loam.

The quantity of land entered is one-half acre and eighteen
square rods. Finished digging and housing potatoes Septem-
ber 15th. The crop amounted to two hundred and sixteen
bushels.

Dr.

To seed, nine bushels large potatoes, $5.40

To ploughing, harrowing and furrowing one day, 4.00

To planting and hoeing, eight days, 10.00

To manure, four and one-fourth cords, 30.00

To teaming and spreading manure, 4.00

To harvesting, six days, 7.50

$60.90

Cr.

By 189 bush, merchantable potatoes, at 75 cts., $141.75
By 27 bush, small potatoes, 30 cts., 8.10

$149.85
Profit on one-half acre and eighteen square rods, $88.95.

118

This certifies that I measured the land upon which the
above named crop was raised, and it measured one-half acre
and eighteen square rods. N. P. Meldram.

This certifies that I helped dig and measure the above
named crop of potatoes, and the number of bushels was two
hundred and sixteen. Jos. G. Mears.

STATEMENT OF J. B. KNIGHT.

The crop of 1879 was potatoes, with twenty-five loads of
barn yard manure per acre spread on and ploughed in. The
first crop of 1880 was potatoes, with twenty-five loads of barn-
yard manure per acre spread on and ground ploughed seven
inches deep in the spring ; the soil a heavy loam. The squash
seed was planted the 25th of June, by putting in with the
fingers two seeds in a hill, in the side of the potato hills,
squash hills ten feet apart, at a cost of one hour's labor, 15
cents ; quantity of seed one pound, cost, $3 ; the variety was
Low's Premium Hybrid Squash. No other labor was applied
until harvesting, but two hours' time, after the potatoes were
harvested, in pulling the weeds then growing, cost 30 cents.
The squashes were collected in piles before any heavy frost
and covered with the vines, and after a few days were carried
to the barn ; cost of harvesting, five dollars. Three of the
loads were weighed as they were hauled up and the average
weight of those loads taken, and the rest loaded as near as
possible on the same carriage.

There were nine tons six hundred pounds of merchantable
squaslies and about two tons not fully ripe and small ones.
The land on which these squashes were grown being very full
of witch grass, the squashes were planted in the hope that
vines would cover the ground after the potatoes were ripe and
keep the grass down, and I think that they did it quite suc-
cessfully.

Newbury, Oct. 28th, 1880.
I hereby certify that I measured a lot of land for J. B.
Knight, on which squashes were grown, and there was three
quarters of an acre. Nathaniel Little, Jr.

119

I hereby certify that I hauled and weighed the squashes
raised on the above mentioned piece of ground, by averaging
tlie weight of three loads, and loading the others as near to
them as possible, and there were nine tons and six hundred
pounds merchantable squashes. John Mahoney.

STATEMENT OF J. W. BLODGETT.

I enter for premium one-half acre of Dewing's turnip beet.
The land on which these beets were grown is part of the same
field on which the Hubbard squashes entered this* year for
premium were raised and received the same treatment for the
year 1879. About the 10th of May, 1880, I applied five cords
stable manure and ploughed it in ; before sowing the seed the
land was thoroughly pulverized by harrowing and raking.
May 17th, sowed four pounds of seed in rows fifteen inches
apart ; when the plants were of a suitable size cut between the
rows with a scuffle hoe, wed and thinned them to about three
inches apart. October 26 and 27, harvested 380 bushels.
Cost.

Use of land.

$5.00

5 cords manure,

35.00

4 pounds of seed,

1.60

Sowing seed,

.75

Cutting weeds and weeding,

15.00

Harvesting,

11.40

Ploughing, harrowing and raking.

. 7.00

$75.75
East Saugus, Nov. 1, 1880.
I have measured a field of beets for J. W. Blodgett, and find
it contains one-half acre of land. F. Saunders.

This certifies that the beets raised by J. W. Blodgett on one-
half acre of land measure three hundred and eighty bushels.
East Saugus, Nov. 1, 1880. Simeon Smith.

To the Committee on Root Crops :

Gentlemen : — I enter for premium one-half acre of purple

120

•

top turnips. The land on wliich these were grown consists of
a sandy loam. The crop of 1879 was cabbages, planted on a
compost two-thirds stable manure and one-third marsh mud,
about eight cords to the acre. Middle of April the land was
ploughed, manured with stable manure, eight cords to the
acre, and planted to potatoes. They were harvested last of
July and first of August. The land was then cultivated, har-
rowed and rolled ; sowed the seed in rows fifteen inches apart,
thinned the plants to four inches apart. Nov. 5 harvested 219
bushels.

Cost of cultivating, harrowing and rolling

$2.00

" " " 1| pounds seed,

.75

" " thinning,

3.00

'• " sowing.

.62

" " harvesting,

8.76

$15.13

East Saugus, Nov. 5, 1880.
I have measured for J. W. Blodgett a field containing one-
half acre on which grew 219 bushels of White Turnips.

W. Saunders.

STATEMENT OF AARON KNOWLTON.

The half acre on which was raised the crop of Mangel
Wurtzels is a dark loam. The crop of 1878 and 1879 was
Mangels, and was measured each year with 17 loads of barn
manure in November, and ploughed in about 9 inches deep. It
was again ploughed in May the same depth.

The land this year was prepared and sown the 15th of May,
four pounds of seed to the acre ; cultivated three times, the
first and last time with a common weed cutter ; second time
with a hoe, cutting very deep to loosen the soil. The plants
were thinned to one foot apart. They were harvested the 25th
of October. The tops were twisted off as they stood in the
field ; afterwards the mangels were pulled and thrown in piles,
then hauled to the cellar. One load was weighed and the rest

121

loaded as near as possible to that. There were 32| loads ; the
load weighed was 2050 lbs., making 33 tons and 625 lbs. as
weight of crop. The cost of the crop is as follows :

Cost of ploughing twice, harrowing and marketing, fS.OO

Value of 17 loads manure, 51.00

Four pounds of seed and sewing, 3.20

Cost of cultivation, weeding and thinning, 15.00

Cost of harvesting, 10.00

$87.20

This certifies that I helped to harvest the within named crop
of Mangold Wurtzels, and that there was 33 tons, 625 lbs.

Geo. a. Burnham.

Essex, Oct. lOth, 1880.
This may certify that a load of beets weighed this day,
belonging to Aaron Knowlton, weighed gross, 4250 pounds;
tare, 2250 pounds ; net weight, 2050 pounds.

D. A. Burnham, Weigher.

STRAWBERRIES AND OTHER SMALL FRUITS.

The Committee submit tlie following report : There were
three entries, one each of Strawberries, Blackberries, and Cur-
rants ; an improvement on former years, but a little more
competition, though increasing the labors of the committee,
would have made it more interesting. Each was considered
worthy of a premium, and they were therefore awarded to Mr.
T. J. King of Newburyport, for crop of Strawberries, premium
$10. Mr. L. H. Bassett of North Andover, for crop of Black-
berries, $10. Mr. Geo. Gutterson of North Andover, Currants,
$10. Their statements are appended and will be found inter-
esting.

We found at Mr. King's a handsome field of Wilson Straw-
berries, in rows some seven hundred feet in length, straight

122

and clean. It was too late to see them in their prime, they
had been picked several times and were running rather small
as is usual with the Wilson after the first few pickings. The
land which had formerly been in onions, was planted with
corn in 1878, without manure, and nothing now applied except
leached ashes in the spring before fruiting. Under the cir-
cumstances the crop was remarkable. We think too much
manure cannot be given this variety, as it is inclined to set
more fruit than its scant foilage can carry through. It is as
yet, undoubtedly the strawberry for the general market, though
many have promised to supersede it.

In viewing Mr. Bassett's field of Wachusett Thornless
Blackberry, the committee were entirely unprepared for the
sight presented ; the bushes were literally loaded, and black
with fruit. The long straight rows had been pinched back,
and kept in good shape, and altogether it was a rare sight.

This variety seems desirable for home use as well as for
market purposes. It is spoken highly of by Mr. Hadwen," of
Worcester, in whose vicinity it is grown. One, and not the
least of its recommendations being, that it is thornless ; it is
also hardy, while few kinds are so. The quality might be con-
sidered not so delicate as some, but it is very good and has a
delicious and very decided wild blackberry flavor. Mr. Bas-
sett's soil seems to be peculiarly suited to it, but it does well
on light sandy soil.

The currants entered by Mr. Gutterson, were very fine. The
bushes were young but had a favorable location, and had re-
ceived the good culture characteristic of the place. They were
of the cherry variety, and the fruit was very large.

Mr. Gutterson is also a very successful grower of the choicer
varieties of strawberries, for which he has a well established
home market ; his patrons luxuriating in kinds which cannot
be bought in the markets, which they doubtless appreciate.
And here we would appeal to every farmer, and every owner of
a piece of land, to raise their own small fruits, and enjoy, and
allow their families to enjoy, some of the best of the good

123

things of tills life, as they go along, and add another home
attraction for your children to remember when they grow up.
It is not difficult or mysterious; there is some skill required to
grow the big fruit we read about, but fruit in abundance, and
better, for eating, can be grown with very little trouble, and it
would be a surprise to those who have depended on the mar-
kets, supplied only with those varieties which yield the most
and carry the best, and these seldom in their best condition.

E. P. Richardson, Chairman.

STATEMENT OF T. J. KING.

Statement concerning a crop of Strawberries, raised by T-
J. King, in Newburyport, 1880. The crop in 1878 was corn ;
no manure. Land is a dark loam.

Land was ploughed the last of May, 1879, about 9 inches
deep ; harrowed with common tooth harrow. Plants were set
twenty inches apart in rows 3 feet nine inches apart. Variety,
Wilson's Albany. They were hoed four times and weeded three
times.

When the runners were well started, they were placed in
position around the plant, so as to have the young plants as
near as possible, about five inches apart each way ; a little
earth was then placed on them with the trowel to keep them in
position till well rooted.

In December they were covered with fine salt hay, at the
rate of about four tons per acre. In April, 1880, the covering
was removed and the land marked off into beds, 27 inches wide,
with paths 18 inches wide. The plants were then dug out of
the paths and a dressing of leached wood ashes applied at tlie
rate of 160 bushels to the acre, sown broadcast. The paths
were then mulched three inches deep, and mulch also worked
in well around the plants.

The yield was 1224 quarts of berries, and -1000 plants
removed from the paths and valued at $3 per 1000. The
expense of raising crop was,

For rent of land, $3.00

Ploughing and harrowing, .75

124

900 plants, at 35 cts. per hundred, 3.15

Setting plants, .50

Hoeing, 2.75 •

Weeding, 1.75

Placing runners, 5.00

xMulch, 3.50

Labor, corering and uncovering, 2.75

Ashes (20 bushels), 5.00

Labor, mulching paths, 1.00

$29.15

Newburyport, Sept. 28th, 1880.
This certifies that I measured a piece of ground on which
the above crop was raised, and found it to contain twenty rods
and sixteen square feet. Fred. P. Hinckley.

STATEMENT OF GEORGE GUTTERSON.

The land on which the currants grew, which I enter for
premium, contains twenty square rods, situated on the border
of a meadow ; manured last fall with one half cord of cow
manure, and mulched with oak leaves. Cost of manure, apply-
ing it and mulching, 16.00.

Sold 384 qts. at 12| cts per quart, 48.00

Cost, 6.00

Profit, . 142.00

Leaving the above amount in favor of the crop, it should be
distinctly borne in mind that a large part of the bushes are not
half grown, which makes a great difference in the amount of
the crop.

I hereby certify that I measured the ground on which grew
the above piece of currants, and it measured twenty square
rods. Chas. C. Blunt.

Andover, July 29, 1880.

125

STATEMENT OF L. H. BASSETT.

The field of blackberries entered for premium by me were
grown upon rather a light soil with a hard pan bottom. The
variety, " Wachusett Thornless," the best kind, I think, to
grow here on account of its extreme hardiness. The berry is
of medium size and very fine flavor, and will produce, I think,
more than any other variety. They were set four years
ago this spring. The first crop picked from them was 321
boxes ; this was the second year. The third year from setting
I picked 1123 boxes. The fourth year from setting, that is
the present season, we picked 1556 boxes, which were sold on
an average, 12| cents per box, which equals $144.60. They
were grown upon three-eighths of an acre.

I trim out the old wood early in the spring, then manure
them ; cultivate the manure thoroughly into the soil ; I then
give them the first and only hoeing for the year ; I spread my
manure over the ground between the rows. They have been
manured twice, the first year they were set and last spring —
one cord the first time, one and one-half the last. The kind
of manure used was good horse manure. Cost of hoeing and
cultivating, 15. I hill them up about the same as you would
corn. The plants are set about three feet apart in the rows ;
rows seven feet apart. The cost of picking and marketing is,
I think, about four cents per box.

The land the berries are set on was planted to potatoes
one year before they were set. I entered them for premium
for the largest crop of berries, with small amount of manure
and little care.

1556 boxes at 12| cts. per box, 1194.50

Manure, $12.00

Labor, 5.00

Picking and marketing, 60.00

Trimming, 3.00

80.00

$114.60

126

I hereby certify that I measured the ground on which the
above crop of blackberries grew, and find it to contain fifty-two
and one-half square rods. G. L. Barker.

NEW VARIETY OF WINTER APPLES.

It seems to your committee necessary in making their
report to refer to the report of last year. It was then stated
that Mr. Alfred Ordway, of Bradford, had applied for the
Society's premium of $100, for his new variety of seedling
apples. No action was taken by the committee.

The present committee, Joseph Howe, John O'Brien, Joshua
N. Kent, R. P. Waters and Aaron Low, met at the Exhibition
Hall at Lynn, on the first day of the fair, to view Mr. Ordway's
apples, and consider the subject as to their value. The apples
are about the size of a medium-sized Baldwin, not quite so
red but a little striped and spotted like the Gravenstien. They
are said to keep as well, or better, than the Baldwin, and
the trees to be good bearers. The committee thought favora-
bly of them, but not enough was known to justify awarding so
large a premium. They therefore concluded to defer the sub-
ject until more information could be obtained. In regard
to the origin of the apples it was last year misunderstood.
We then stated that the apples grew on a seedling tree in Mr.
Ordway's pasture. The fact now appears to be, the apples
originated in a neighbor's pasture, or wood lot. Mr. Ordway
■noticed the fruit, thought it might be valuable, took scions
therefrom, and grafted them into two of his own trees, which
produced the fruit that has been presented. The owner of the
..seedling tree, not knowing its value, caused it to be cut with
the wood surrounding it.

Another variety of apples was also alluded to in the last
year's report, said to have originated by a cross of the Bald-
win and Roxbury Russet. As but little was known of its
origin and as some persons doubted the theory of cross-graft-

127

ing, or in other words believed that the fruit of the scion does
not in any case partake in any degree of the natural stock, it
has therefore caused a large amount of discussion.

At a meeting of the trustees in June last, they requested
i;he committee to obtain information, so far as possible, as to
the origin and value of this (said to be) new variety of fruit,
and report thereon. Consequently" your coipmittee applied
for information to individuals, and have received the fol-
lowing from W. H. B. Currier, trustee of the Society from
Salisbury, embracing information that he has received from
J. H. Hill, trustee from Amesbury, to whom we had pre'
viously written. The information seems to be to the point,
and the letters contain, as we think, much valuable informa-
tion.

It appears from the statement that the apples in question

are really the Red Russet, and that they originated by a cross

of the Baldwin and the Roxbury Russet. The particulars

may be had by reading Mr. Currier's letters, which we shall

consider part of this report, which are as follows :

Salisbury, Mass., July 17, 1880.
To Mr. Jos. Hoifie :

My Dear Sir :— Yours of the 2d inst. received. I regret that I was not
present at the last meeting of the trustees, although I might not have been
able to satisfy the enquiries made concerning the apple you speak of. The
•whole matter had been talked over with Mr. Hill some months since, who
has gathered these facts : — Hill visited the farm where Mr. Lucy purchased
his apples, and at the time they were stored in the cellar. Hill pro-
nounces them the " Red Russet," and has raised them for several years.
They originated on the farm of Aaron Sanborn of Hampton, N. H., who
had an orchard of Russet trees, and Mr. Lewis Sanborn grafted them into
Baldwins. The number of trees grafted I did not learn, but all the trees
so grafted but one bore Baldwin apples. From this one graft originated the
Red Russet. This was about the year 1840, as near as can be ascertained
now. Therefore, it was what fruit men sometimes class as a " sport," — a
very unusual thing in fruit culture, but common among plants and from
which are obtained many new and choice varieties, to obtain and preserve
which requires much care in its propagation.

The Red Russet is remarkable for its keeping qualities under certain con-
ditions. It requires a cool cellar, and the applesjmust be headed up tight
or they are liable to "shrivel." It is a great bearer and good grower, but I
am informed it has one '%ut," it bears only every other year.

128

The gentleman who raised the apple is dead, but the facts were gleaned
from his family, who only remember the grafting of the orchard and its
results. One fact I failed to learn, whether all the grafts upon the one tree
were of this variety or only one or more of them.

I incline to the opinion given by Mr. Hill, who says he has compared the
apples raised on the original tree of Mr. Sanborn, and also with those shown
by Mr. Lucy.

I am not much posted in fruit culture, but observation and some acquain-
tance with the experiments made by others confirms the now generally
received opinion that the fruit of the scion will partake of the natural stock
under some conditions. For illustration: Graf t a Seckel into a Flemish
Beauty, and your Seckel pears will in some instances be so large as to
deceive fruit men, while they will preserve all the rich qualities of the
Seckel. So it is that where the original tree is more hardy and vigorous,
and bearing larger fruit than the graft, you may expect similar results. It
is well known that the best Bartlett pears are grown on grafts put into old
fashioned sweet pear trees— the kind that grow little hard pears, and only fit
to "preserve." Bartletts grown on such trees will keep better, bear better,
and are of sweeter quality. That experiment was tried by a neighbor of
mine.

Some years ago I visited Seth Boyden of New Jersey, whose experiments
in agriculture and horticulture are as celebrated as his successful experi-
ments in mechanics. He had made "trial grafts," as he called them; that
is, had taken three young trees, planted for the purpose — one exceedingly
sour, with another less so, and one sweet; then interlock them and graft the
top as if it was one tree; a pleasant sour was the result. Two trees were
thus treated, and he found that the graft partook of the qualities of the
original stocks. He had trees growing together in form of a crescent, some
in form of a cross, some in the form of a triangle, so grafted.

Very respectfully yours,

W. H. B. Currier.

Amesbuky, Mass., July 24th, 1880.
Mr. Howe:

Dear Sir: — In the letter written you I was mistaken in one point. The
apples purchased by Mr. Lucy were raised in East Salisbury and, as he
stated, near the Seabrook, X. H., line. They were purchased of Mr.
Edward Walton, but nevertheless are "Bed Russets." They grew on what
is considered in that neighborhood poor land— dry gravelly land, or the local
name is, near "Gravelly Ridge." My opinion is (it may not be worth
much), that the nature of the soil had much to do with the keeping quality
of the apples, and very likely the cellar where they were stored may have
been of the proper temperature for the fruit, 11 believe it is so considered).

This variety of apple is cultivated to some extent in that section of the
town, and I find that opinions differ in respect to tl^e quality; some farmers
call them very good, others do not think so well of them.

I should think that a Baldwin apple crossed with a russet, or any hardier

129

or better keeping variety, would naturally partake of the hardier qualities
of the parent tree. As you suggest in your previous letter, it is a question
of great importance, and while some of our experts in fruit culture deny it,
I think the best class of them admit the fact. It has proved so with pear
culture; I can see no reason why it should not with the apple.

Very respectfully yours,

W. H. B. CURRIEK.

To corroborate the above statements, we would refer to Coles
fruit book, published in 1849. There described as follows :
Red Russet-Large ; flattish round ; Russet, half covered with
red; flesh firm, crispy, juicy, of pleasant rich flavor. Late
winter and spring, great grower and bearer, new and promis-
ing. It seems to be a cross between the Baldwin and Roxbury
Russet. Origin, farm of Mr. Aaron Sanborn, Hampton
Falls, N. H.

Believing as we do that if the theory of cross grafting is cor-
rect much good may result therefrom, and believing in ihe old
saying that experience is the best school master, we have en-
tered largely into the subject of inquiry of those who have had
experience in the cultivation of fruit, particularly those who
have grafted trees that were in bearing. We find other cases
not very much unlike the origin of the Red Russet.

Sometime last winter an article was published in one of the
Boston papers saying there had recently been a meeting of the
Massachusetts Horticultural society in Boston, and the subject
of cross grafting had been discussed for the third time, and
that apples had been received from Mr. George P. Eastman, of
South Hadley, a variety said to have originated by a cross of
the Baldwin and Roxbury Russet, and we were informed that
they were pronounced at that meeting to be the Red Russet.

We immediately wrote to Mr. Eastman for information on
the subject, and soon after received the following reply : His
father many years ago planted a nursery and budded or grafted
it with various kinds of fruit. Finding a deficiency of Bald-
wins, he grafted or budded a portion of the Russets with
Baldwins. When the trees commenced bearing, one braucli of
a Baldwin tree bore Russets ; that branch was removed that

9

130

the whole tree might be Baldwin. After this branch was
removed another brancli which grew out of the tree directly
above that which was removed, and had previously borne
Baldwins, then produced what is now called Red Russet ;
red and rusty, as one would suppose they would be, being a
cross of the two kinds. They are said to keep as well as the
Russet and bear every odd year. Mr. Eastman sent us some
of the apples, which we carried to the trustees' meeting in
June and they were pronounced Red Russet.

Another case we will refer to, equally strange as it may
seem, but is from authority we have no reason to doubt. A
tree was grafted near the ground with Baldwin scions. It
grew up about four or five feet, then branched out, and among
those branches was one of the natural stock. We saw the
tree in September last ; the natural fruit was a small sweet
Russet then ripe. The Baldwins were said to be, when ripe, a
little rusty and of mild flavor. Many more instances of like
character can be named, and some that seem mucli more
strange, but they are all peculiar cases and the like cannot be
expected again, and are what we call sport, others cslW freaks
of nature.

Last winter or spring we sent a copy of the Transactions of
the Essex Agricultural Society to a gentlemen in Norwalk,
Conn., a Scotchman by birth, an intelligent man of more than
four score years, who has spent the most of his long life in
this country in the cultivation of fruit. After reading the
report he sent us a long letter saying that it contained much
general information for the farmer, and was the best report he
had ever seen. He also said he was much taken with the
address, particularly that part which alluded to the farming in
Europe. He says the American farmer can raise grain and
send it five thousand miles and undersell the farmers in that
country, and the speaker might have said that our prairie
farmers will eventually revolutionize the farming in Europe,
and break up the entailment system which has always been a
curse to any nation where it has existed.

131

In regard to apples, he then remarks that "his experience is
that to produce perfect fruit the stock must agree with the
scion, and that trees budded in the nursery are liable to bear
imperfect fruit. He further says that to graft a late keeping
apple into an early stock will produce a poor keeping apple.'

We have before us a letter from a gentleman in Westford
who has a large orchard. He says " there is a great difference
in the appearance -and quality of the same variety of fruit,
which in many instances 1 cannot account for by difference of
soil, location or exposure, therefore I think the natural stock
must liave some influence on the fruit of the scion." The
above is a fair representation of a large portion of our fruit
growers. There are however many marked cases that have
come to our knowledge, some of which we will notice.

Reply of Mr. A.: — We had a tree grafted with Baldwins.
The stock produced a sweet rusty apple ; the produce of the
scion was a Baldwin some rusty, the flavor more mild than
Baldwins usually are. He further said they grafted scions
from a very sour ai)ple tree into a sweet stock. The fruit it
produced was a mild, pleasant apple, much more mild than
the fruit of the parent tree, from which the scion was taken.

Mr. B. grafted Porter scions into an old tree that produced
sweet apples, red and somewhat spotted. The fruit it produced
was a mild pleasant Porter showing red spots.

Mr. C. grafted Baldwin scions into a tree that produced
early apples, and the product decayed early. Another tree not
far distant, which bore late keeping apples, was grafted wath
Baldwin and their product kept well.

Mr. D. grafted, as he says, with scions from a tree that
produced a large sweet apple particularly for baking purposes-
for family use. The stock produced a small, crabbed sour
apple. The product is a medium sized pleasant sour apple.
We visited the tree twice when the apples wero. in process of
ripening, for the express purpose of examining the fruit.
When the fruit was fully ripe it was very pleasant but could
hardly be called sweet ; a juicy, good eating apple.

132

We asked of Mr. G., a man of large experience from a neigh-
boring town, "what is your experience in regard to apples ?
Does the fruit of the' scion partake of the natural stock ?" " I
never thought much about it," was the reply. " Is your fruit
of the same variety all alike?" "No," was the reply.
*' Cannot you think of some case to the point ?" " Yes ; we
have a Russet tree that bears uimsually large apples but they
do not keep well, and we sell them early." " What was the
stock ?" " It produced a large apple that rotted badly.''
"What are its surroundings ?" we then asked. " A Russet near
by that bears that variety like other trees." " What was the
natural stock ?" " 1 don't know." " Is the land alike ?"
" No difference in the land ; there is but one tree between
them."

We have much more evidence of like character which might
be presented, but think it unnecessary. All the aforesaid evi-
dence is the result of ordinary grafting, as we have known of
no instance where cross grafting has been performed for the
purpose of producing a new variety of fruit.

We do not suppose that by cross-grafting in all cases the
varieties will mix as one can mix molasses and water, or the
manufacturer can mix cotton and wool and always produce a
fabric of the same quality. We do however believe that the
aforesaid statements are true, as we have endeavored to get an
unbiased opinion in all cases, and we think it gives sufhcicnt
encouragement to experiment.

Root Grafting. Some years ago one of our neighbors
visited some of the imrseries in New York. It was in the
cold season of the year when they were engaged in root graft-
ing. The work of grafting is said to be performed by boys
and girls. They dig the roots and cut the scions in the fall,

and keep them moist in the cellar. Process of grafting :

Take a small piece of the root about the size of the scion and
splice them togetlier and tie with a string. In the spring they
are planted in the imrsery. The reasons for this process are,
trees can be produced in less time, and the fruit thought to be
more pure as it partakes less of the natural stock.

133

We have before us a letter from one of the Professors of the
Agricultural College at Amherst. He speaks in strong terms
of the necessity of increased attention to the cultivation of
apples and of new varieties, and suggests the following meth-
od of obtaining them which is by planting seeds from the
best specimens of the best variety of apples.

We have given our experience in a previous report on this
important subject, and it seems necessary in this connection
to publish it again.

Several years ago we planted a nursery, hoping if possible
to obtain some new variety of valuable fruit. We planted it
with nearly all of the seeds of the Baldwin. Before budding
we selected about one hundred of the most thrifty, broad-
leafed promising trees to remain and come to bearing in their
natural state, the most of which were taken up and planted in
another field for an orchard. They all came to bearing.
There was not a Baldwin nor any one that resembled it among
them. All could be improved by being grafted with such
varieties as we had. We would now inquire which is the best
way of obtaining new varieties of fruit : whether by planting
the seeds of the best specimen of the best variety of apples
or by cross grafting.

We have been repeatedly told that the subject on which we
have been writing belongs to the man of science, to the
pomologist, and not to the farmer. Now we do not under-
value the opinion of the man of science, but we would with
the greatest modesty and candor submit ; who can judge the
most correctly, the man who grafts the tree, who sees and
tastes the fruit, or the man of science who never saw the tree
nor tasted its fruit.

In regard to those nameless apples, about which there has
been so much said, Mr. Currier thinks they are the Red Russet,
and that variety he thinks is remarkable for its keeping qual-
ities under certain conditions described in his letter appended.

Would it not be well therefore to give it a fair trial on the
conditions described, and is it not possible that it may be of'
much more value than it has been supposed to be.

134

Wc have been informed that the crop of apples the present
year is small on those trees that produced those nameless
apples. But we hope and expect to hear, more about them
hereafter.

We think the soil on which apples grow has much to do
with the quality of the fruit. A person who has a small
orchard which is kept in grass, &c., rich by top-dressing, said
to us the other day, our apples are not nearly as good as those
that grow on a certain orchard that he named. This agrees
with the opinion of the writer, that high cultivation is not
beneficial to the keeping qualities of the fruit. The fruit will be
larger but not better. Trees that spring up in pastures, if the
land is well adapted to fruit and the trees grafted, will produce
fruit of better quality and better keeping than that produced
on highly cultivated land.

Mr. Currier also speaks of the importance of a cool cellar,
which we approve of. The temperature should he as low as
possible without freezing, and to this end the cellar should be
made cooler as fast as possible after the apples are put in. We
practice as follows : Our cellar is well ventilated with windows
and bulkhead doors. We have two bulkhead doors one of
which is wired like the windows. Two thermometers, one
outside and one inside ; when the weather is cooler outside,
we open the door and windows, when warmer outside we shut
them; so on from day to day as the weather indicates. This
will, to some extent at least, prevent the evil spoken of by Mr.
Currier, the apples shriveling. Our apples are kept in bins.

We would suggest the method of cross grafting, which we
commenced last spring. We grafted Baldwin scions into a
Runnels apple tree, also some Runnels scions into a Baldwin
tree. Next Spring we intend to graft from those scions into
the same tree or the same variety, and so on from year to
year, which we think before many years will show the result.
We hope others will also try the experiment.

The Society was congratulated at the dinner table at Lynn
.for the improvements made in the cultivation of vegetables

135

and origiiiatino- new varieties, and we hope the time is not far
distant wlieii the society will be again congratulated on the
improvement in apples and in originating new varieties. Let
us all do what we can to bring about that result.

In closing we will say we have no personal interest in the
mattei's, have taken no part in the discussion, have thought
but little on the subject, and we now think it strange that we
should have spent more than four score years on the farm,
having been engaged in many experiments and improvements
of the day, and have overlooked the important subject under
consideration. We have been mucli more particular in gath-
ering information and writing this report than we should
otherwise have been had we not known that we were treading
on disputed ground.

Joseph How, Chairman.

Methuen, Nov. 15, 1880.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF DELEGATES TO
FARMERS' CLUBS, AND TOWN PAIRS.

Francis H. Appleton, Chairman.

After the close of the annual meeting last year, 1879, at
Lynn, a few members conversed together as to the propriety
and value of appointing delegates to attend meetings of
Farmers' Clubs and Fruit Growers' Associations to be held in
the county during the current year, that reports of them might
be prepared for the transactions of the Essex Society.

Between that time and when I had to send in an essay or
paper, for last November's meeting of Trustees, I iiad been
led to believe that much good could come of such appoint-
ments. I therefore took the opportunity of bringing up the
subject in a paper, which was presented to them and published
in the last Transactions, in such form as to respectfully suggest
that some action be taken in that direction.

The suggestion being favorably received, I later found that I

136

was placed as Chairman of the Committee of Delegates, and
the partial responsibility of trying to start the plan on a suc-
cessful footing seems to have fallen on me. I hope that I shall
be able to make ray report of some value and interest with the
assistance that I may receive.

While members of clubs and associations, who may visit
other fairs than their own, will undoubtedly secure information
that will be made known to their fellow members, at the same
time, through our Committee of Delegates, much informaiion,
which can be gleaned from the various fairs that occur, can be
reported and then be printed in the Essex Society's Transac-
tions, and run the chance of reaching others in their own field
of work, whom they themselves may not reach, and also very
many others all over the county.

Such a report might result in an increased variety of
thought and interest, lead others into new fields of work, and
be the means of drawing out inventive genius, or stimulating
ambition, which often lies dormant until aroused by some new
train of thought. I state a few examples which occur to me :

The admirable plan of visiting farms, adopted by the West
Newbury Club, I feel sure is known and understood but little
among the farmers of the county generally, who could profit
much and have their plan of farming bettered by receiving
similar visits several times during a season.

To be sure there are always some few who would be slow to
adopt such an advanced plan, but an explanation ought to
overcome their objections. It certainly must tend to improve
the individual farm and its owner, and suggest many possible
benefits that could result, including the formation of a club
and attendance at its discussions and conversations. (See
account of the Club later on.)

I have secured plans of, action from several clubs, whether
they have had shows or not, and I am sure they must be gen-
erally useful and interesting. I hope that by representing the
pleasures, as well as the more solid advantages, to be derived
from clubs, to succeed in inducing new localities to form them

137

soon. The ideas they promote would tend to brighten some
of those necessarily dull days which our winters bring with
them, and impart valuable knowledge.

Many of you have undoubtedly had experiences con-
nected with Agricultural or Horticultural work that have been
curious, peculiar or interesting ; they may have proved so odd
that you have not thought them worth mentioning, or such -
that you believed might provoke only a laugh or smile among
your acquaintances ; or they may have been so interesting to
you that you immediately called in your neighbors to consider
them. The result of this may have been that they were either
unknown beyond yourself, or they may have benefitted your
immediate locality and done good only so far ; but to the
experimenter, who is seeking for all facts bearing at all upon
Agricultural or Horticultural experiences, they would have
been of considerable use, and there is not a systematic record
of such facts as I have just named, and which, if existing in a
tangible form, might advance either of these most useful
branches of industry so much more quickly that the present
age might benefit more by its own findings instead of waiting
for their development in a future generation.

I would most respectfully urge the importance of bringing
forward from individuals any and all such information and
endeavoring to place it where it will best reach the eyes of the
public. Let it reach the Essex Society's Transactions, and at
some future day let us hope that we can secure an index to all
past publications which will bring their contents readily within
our reach. Encourage the sending in of essays for our
Society's publication.

Practical experience with ensilage, the curing of green
corn-stalks in pits, which is now being much talked of and
considerably used, would be most valuable for general publica-
tion.

Some of the corn thus treated is said to result in extremely
wholesome food, when it has been cured with the air entirely
excluded from the mass that is compressed in the pits ; and,
again, if the work of curing it is but slightly imperfect the

JO

138

result may in some degree be compared, I am told, to a poorer
quality of Brewer's grains. The kind of corn used affects the
quality of the result somewhat, and also the cost. The pro-
cess is not a difficult one, but requires exactness and care to
secure success.

As ensilage (a process of cutting up), of green corn appears
to offer a cheap and good food for milch cows and other
animals, it would seem to be a most fruitful subject for experi-
ment and discussion. It must not be forgotton that the French
experimenter on this subject. Monsieur Goftart, tells us that
other high-growing crops of great yield can be treated in the
same way, and names sorghum as another prominent crop for
ensilage. This would probably not be advisable in our latitude
and cHmate. An interesting translation of Monsieur Goffart's
book is published by J. B. Brown, 55 Beekman street, N. Y.,
with illustrations.

Much has been written lately as to the cost of raising
Indian corn in New England, and the average of crops has
been largely increased during the last few years, proving that
it has been found profitable for our farmers to raise
more corn than had previously been their custom. The value
of the dried stover has been variously estimated, and I have
seen it named as high as $S a ton, which I believe to be too
high. When the weather has been so favorable that it has
been housed in a condition to give the greiatest possible amount
of nutriment to our stock, we can award it its highest money
value in figuring the cost of our corn crop per bushel ; but the
weather is generally such that it cannot be housed in first-class
order, and under such circumstances what its practical value
may be is still an interesting question. Whether it would be
of more value cut up when dry, and thus placed before our
animals for them to pick out the best part, understanding that
the remainder would be most valuable rotted with the manure,
or whether it is better to feed it as it comes from the field, and
let what is left of the longer stocks take care of themselves
in the manure heap, still remains a doubtful question in many

139

minds. Is dried corn stover, which is not perfectly cured, of
more value as food for milch cows, than it is cut up and mixed
with our manure heap ?

In attempting to determine values by chemical analysis, I
believe that it is possible for two chemical analyses of first-rate
dried corn stover on the one hand, and of a poorer quality on
the other, to differ very much less than does their real value
as food for our milch cows. Does not a similar meaning
apply to the analysis of artificial fertilizers ?

Cannot your Horticulturists, who have experience in graft-
ing and budding, make known any interesting or curious
observations which they may have made ? Answers to the
following would be interesting.

Have you improved the flavor of especial fruits by giafting
on certain other trees ? Have you ever tried grafting the apple
on the pear, or the pear on the apple, and with what results ?

A friend of mine had what was called an apple pear — the
shape of a pear and flavor of an apple. Have you a variety of
experience, or any small quantity of experience, on such sub-
jects ?

By getting sucli information into public notice, you would
benefit yourselves by the attention your experience would
attract, and it would probably be the means of inducing
correspondence whicli would bring additional interesting facts
to you, being a public benefit besides.

Cannot members of local clubs be induced to contribute
more essays, based upon Agricultural or Horticultural work
accomplished by their Club, including subjects discussed at the
winter meetings, in competition for prizes offered by the Essex
Society, as a means of extending this work ?

The prizes offered for Essays, Reports, and Farm Accounts,
and entries of Farms, do not find competition for them in such
numbers as they deserve, and should attract more entries.

May I call your attention to Orchard Grass, which seems to
make excellent hay if it is cut sufficiently early when in the
milk, and not allowed to stand too long. There are a very

140

large variety of grasses, and it would be well to encourage
experiments with them, after their characteristics have been
studied. This can be done in ex-Secretary Chas. L. Flint's
book on " Grasses and Forage Plants."

The annual social meetings that accompany farmers' clubs
cannot be too highly praised for the good they can do and the
pleasantness they can provoke. Who of us does not know
that many a time a good laugh or a friendly chat has dispelled
a fit of the blues, or the beginning of some other more real
trouble. A good laugh sometimes cures quicker than the best
medicine.

The values to local clubs and associations of delegates from
our society, who are public speakers, is considerable, and their
sending can be commended on this score also.

I have suggested subjects that would prove of general inter-
est, some of which are to be discussed at the Farmers' meet-
ings the coming winter. A list of the subjects to be discussed
this season by the Andover Farmer's Club is included later on,
and a few members are assigned the duty of stating the dis-
cussion for each evening, well in advance, so tltat they can
prepare themselves beforehand, and after the regular speakers
have concluded their remarks, the. members are invited to
speak upon the subject, and a limited length of time is allowed
to each, thus giving time to hear a good variety of opinions
and experiences.

I also notice that it is generally the custom for the clubs to
devote one evening during a season to a social entertainment ;
also that some clubs devote one or two evenings to conversa-
tions upon any subjects that may previously be suggested, or
suggest themselves at the time of meeting.

I liave written letters to the Presidents of all Farmers'
Clubs and Fruit Growers' Associations that I knew of in the
County, and have incorporated in this report the replies which
I have received, and which I feel sure must prove valuable,
interesting and instructive. I am indebted to the writers for

141

their goodness in assisting me thereby in carrying out the idea
I had of a report.

On the day assigned for West Newbury Fair, with the
weatlier somewhat doubtful, I started for it, but not until
reaching Newburyport was it possible for me to learn that the
Fair was postponed until the following day, when I was unabk
to attend. My success in attempting to visit the Bradford
Fair was equally good, as I learned upon reaching Haverhill
that I was a day too late, a mistake due solely to my not hav-
ing more carefully referred to our Secretary's note to me.
Howev^er, I enjoyed an entertaining drive across the country to
the Amesbury and Salisbury show, which took place the same
day, and was continued into the following day. I have thus
only seen one Fair, beside our own, this season, and can testify
to the excellent quality of its exhibit and the polite attention
of the members whom I met.

The exhibits of the various Clubs and Association Fairs
differ widely. Some comprise a show of home products,
fruits, vegetables, flowers, &c., in a suitable hall, and to others
are added lire stock, ploughing matches, testing different
teams, etc., etc. Additional features are addresses, the dinner
with its speeches and announcement of awards, music and
promenade concerts in the evening.

I would especially commend the " objects " of the various
Clubs and Associations which are given in connection with the
following reports, and would urge their careful consideration,
as suggesting field of pleasant and profitable work which need
not prove interruptions to our regular routine of work.

I believe in sueh Clubs and Associations as we are now
considering, as being the means of bringing nearer together
those whose homes are separated, and enabling them to
better advance the interests of this locality.

Mr. J. Henry Hill, President, has sent me the following
history of the Amesbury and Salisbury Agricultural Associa-
tion :

142

The Amesbury and Salisbury Agricultural Association was
organized April 2d, 1856, with the following l)oard of officers :
Dr. Josiah B. G-ale, President ; nine Vice Presidents ; George
Turner, Secretary ; John G. Whittier, corresponding Secre-
tary ; Francis Brown, Treasurer.

The objects of the Association, as set forth in the Constitu-
tion, were, 1st : The promotion and advancement of all kinds
of Agriculture and Horticulture ; Discussions, Lectures, Exhi-
bitions and Experiments ; procuring the most rare and valua-
ble seeds, scions, plants, shrubs and trees.

2d. The establishment of a correspondence with other
societies ; by planting and cultivating shade and ornamental
trees on the streets and avenues of the town ; by the formation
of a library for the use of its members, including in the selec-
tion works upon Horticulture, Agriculture, and kindred
subjects, and such reports as may be obtained from Town and
State Societies and the Patent office.

The first exhibition was held Thursday, Sept. 28, 1858.
Address by the Rev. Willard Spaulding, and John G. Whittier
wrote his celebrated " Harvest Hymn " for this occasion.

1859. The second exhibition was held. Address by T. D.
P. Stone.

May 14, 1860. Sixty (60) shade trees were purchased by
a committee of the Society and planted along side the walks in
our public streets and properly protected. At other periods
additional trees were set out, and to-day nearly all the shade
and ornamental trees, which beautify the town, owe their exis-
tence to the efforts of this Society. For this purpose it has
expended from its funds and by solicited donations, more than
two hundred and fifty dollars, aside from the labors of the
various committees who gave their time to the work.

Sept. 27 and 28, 1860. Third exhibition ; address by Rev.
N. Lassell ; poem by Harriet Mcuen Kimball.

1861, Oct. 3d and 4th. Fourth exhibition ; address by Rev.
J. C. Fletcher.

1862, Sept. 28th. Fifth exhibition ; address by Rev. H. G. '
Safford.

143

1863, Oct. 1st and 2(J. Sixth exhibition; address by B.
Parley Poore.

1864, Oct. 5th and Gth. Seventli exhibition ; address by
Hon. Allen W. Dodge ; poem by Gail Hamilton.

1866, Oct. 4th and otli. Eighth exhibition; address by
Hon. Geo. B. Loring; poem by Mrs. M. A. Powers.

1867, Oct. 3d and 4th. Ninth exhibition ; address by Chas.
L. Flint, Secretary of State Board of Agriculture ; poem by
John G. Whittier, " Once more the .liberal year laughs out."

1870, October 6th and 7th. Tenth exhibition ; address by
Hon. Thomas Russell.

1871, Sept. 21 and 22. Eleventh exhibition ; address by
Prof. James R. Nichols ; poem by P. P. Whitehouse.

1872, Oct. 2 and 3. Twelfth exhibition ; address by Rev.
P. S. Boyd ; poem by S. Hoyt.

1873, Oct. 2 and 3. Thirteenth exhibition ; address by
Hon. Geo. B. Loring.

1874, Oct. 1 and 2. Fourteenth exhibition, and address.

1879, Oct. 9 and 10. Fifteenth exhibition held.

1880, Sept. 23 and 24. Sixteenth exhibition ; address by
Rev. J. F. Spaulding, and remarks by Hon. Geo. B. Loring,
B. Perley Poore and James P. King.

These several exhibitions have been fully attended, and
great interest has been awakened in the cause of xVgriculture
and Horticulture thereby in this immediate section. In truth,
we may say, that previous to the organization of the society,
fruit culture received very little attention. It has been the
means of spurring the farmer and gardner to learn and profit
by the experience of those who have given thought and atten-
tion to the best methods af cultivating farm and garden crops,
and by other measures added much to the general improve
ment of our farms and their surroundings.

The Library of the Association contains 300 volumes, and
has cost the Society -SoOO.

It has received from exhibitions, in receipts and donations,
since its organization, $6586.83. The expenditures, iincluding

144

amount paid for premiums, for library, and on account of Fairs
held and matters incidental thereto, have been 15586.83. The
amount now on hand and invested is 11000.

This in brief is a history of the Society ; but much might
be written as evidence of its organization and work, even
making all due allowance for the more general intelligence
that has been spread over the land by and through the influ-
ence of the printed page, and the County Society, with its
yearly display of farm and garden produce, and the improved
herds of cattle and horses. ■

Hon. Hayden Brown has sent me the following history of
the West Newbury Farmers' Club :

This club was organized Dec. 6th, 1856. It commenced
with barely a dozen members, and held its meetings in private
houses for several years. These meetings were always con-
ducted in a dignified manner, always interesting, and aiforded
those living widely apart an opportunity of cultivating more
fdendly relations with one another.

In 1862, the Club held its first exhibition. Dr. Geo. B.
Loring delivered the address. Its membership at this time
had reached rising 60, mostly good solid farmers.

This first •' Fair," as it was called, was conducted on the
free ticket plan, nothing being charged for admission to the
show or the table. It held two more " Fairs " on the same
plan (3 in all). These taught a more needful lesson. The
result is more business like methods.

At present the Club numbers something over a hundred
members. Its management for the last ten years is as fol-
lows :

A programme is made up a whole season ahead for about
16 meetings. Four of these usually are conversational ; that
is, no subject is given out, any one talking on a subject to suit
himself ; these are often the most interesting meetings of the
season. At all other meetings, subjects are given out (not in
the form of questions), and two members assigned, who speak
as long as they please. The main object is to bring out facts
and practical ideas.

145

At the closing meeting of the season, usually about the last
of March, three committees of three each are appointed, whose
duty it is to visit farms belonging to members of the club, say
about 27 farms in all — 9 farms to each committee. They are
instructed to visit twice, once in June and once in September.
They examine everything pertaining to the farm-crops, weeds,
fences, buildings, trees, animals, &c., taking notes as they
find things.

These committees report in writing at a special meeting set
apart for that purpose. Many of these reports are quite spicy ;
several liave found a place in print. They never visit a place
in absence of the proprietor.

It has been the practice for several years to begin the meet-
ings in November, the first a basket picnic, at which the
members take their families, young and old. Tables are
spread for two or three hundred ; exercises consist of speech-
es, music, &c., and a good time generally.

The club has held fourteen exhibitions, and as the result of
various experiments has settled down to about the following
plan of conducting these occasions, viz.: A ploughing match
in the morning ; hall opened at 11 A. M.; dinner at 1 P. M. —
all on time exactly ; tables set in a tent, usually 800 to 1000'
plates ; eatables provided by the ladies ; admission by tickets.

After spending one hour at the tables the company is called
to a stand (out doors) to hear the speaking. Ten to fifteen
distinguished speakers are secured for the occasion. This has-
given better satisfaction than the plan of a set address of a.
full hour by a single individual.

It matters very little, either, what is talked about. The
idea is to have a good time. We don't expect to be instructed
in farm matters in this way. Short speeches, too, only are in
order. A first-class band is an indispensable requisite on this
occasion. During the afternoon exercises the tables and
dishes in the tent are cleared away, and everything put in
order for a first-class promenade concert in the evening.

The club has never failed to make these exhibitions pay ; in

11

146

fact, it has had no other source of iiicome during the last ten
years, and it has in its treasury to-day between three and four
hundred dollars, besides an equal amount invested in tables,
lumber, &c., used at fairs.

The Club lias something over one hundred members at the
present time. It never was in a more flourishing condition.

Mr. William H. Tozer, Secretary, has sent me the follow-
ing history of the Ipswich Fruit Growers' Protective Associa-
tion : —

The date of organization is Sept. 22d, 1866. Its object you
will perceive by the Constitution, which you will please find
enclosed. [Sect. 9. It shall be the duty of every member of
this Association to use all proper means to detect all persons
who shall be guilty of trespass or larceny in his field, orchard
or garden, and when thus detected, within twenty-four hours
thereafter, to make complaint before a magistrate against such
offender or offenders, and to do nothing to delay or hinder the
execution cf the law.

It shall be his duty, also, when he shall know or be informed
of the commission of trespass or larceny in the field, orchard
or garden of any other member of this Association, forthwith
to notify such other member of the same, whose duty it shall
be to make complaint, as if he had himself detected the
offender.

Sect. 2. This Association may hold annually a Fair, at
such time as the Association shall determine by vote, for the
exhibition of all varieties of Fruit, Flowers, Vegetables,
Articles of Home Manufacture, and any other articles of
produce which may be entered, and that the Board of Direc-
tors award premiums to all such contributors, as in their judg-
ment are best entitled to them.]

We have held a Fair annually since 1868, excepting the two
years that the Essex Agricultural Society held theirs in this
town, and always with fair success. The Association now
numbers 226 members, with a fund of about $600 on deposit.

147

The directors offer annually $200 in premiums for the pro-
duction and best display of Fruit, Vegetables and Articles of
Ipswich Manufactures.

Our Fair is generally held two evenings, on the first of
which the aiinual address is delivered by some friend of the
Association ; the second evening the awards are announced,
which occupies a good portion of the evening.

It is intended to make the Fair of next year the best of all.
Quite an interest is manifested by farmers and citizens gener-
ally in producing Fruits, &c., that will bear off the first
premium.

I have very briefl}^ given you some of the leading features of
our Association, hoping you will excuse its incompleteness.

Mr. Albert Berry, President, has sent me the following
history of the North Andover Farmers' and Mechanics' As-
sociation : —

The North Andover Farmers' and Mechanics' Club origin-
ated in an invitation, issued by James T. Johnson, in
February, 1878, to all those who were in favor of forming a
Farmers' Club in North Andover to meet at the house of Col.
Theron Johnson, on the evening of March 6th. In response
to that invitation twenty-two persons met and formed the Club,
by tiie choice of Eben Sutton, Chairman, and James T. John-
son, Secretary. Committees were chosen to nominate perma-
nent officers and to draft a constitution and by-laws, and report
at the next meeting ; also a committee of one in each school
district to interest the citizens and obtain signatures. It was
voted that the officers should be a President, three Vice-Presi-
dents, Secretary and Treasurer ; that the fee of membership
should be one dollar ; that fifteen years should be the minimum
age at which members should be received. The meeting then
adjourned to March 20.

At the next meeting the Club was permanently organized by
the choice of Eben Sutton, President ; J. D. W. French, John

148

P. Foster and Albert Berry, Vice-Presidents ; Loring B. Rea,
Secretary, and James T. Johnson, Treasurer.

It was voted to accept the constitution and by-laws aa
reported by the committee. A committee of five was chosen
to prepare topics for discussion and appoint leaders ; also a
committee of three on membership, to whom must be referred
the names of all applicants. It was voted that a committee of
nine be appointed by the executive committee for the inspection
of farms, according to by-laws, Sect. 3, Article 8. After the
transaction of other miscellaneous business the meeting
adjourned. At a subsequent meeting of the Executive Com-
mittee the President offered fifty dollars to be divided into two
premiums of thirty and twenty dollars, to be awarded the two
best practical farmers in the Club, the premium to be awarded
by the cliairmen of the three inspection committees. The first
premium was awarded to J. Gilbert Chadwick, the second to
John P. Foster.

At the Essex County Fair, held in Lawrence, 1878, the Club
made an exhibit of fruit, vegetables and town teams. The
ox team consisted of nineteen yoke, and the horse team of
eight pairs, and they were awarded the first premium of thirty
dollars on each team, the proceeds going into the treasury of
the Club.

During the winter of 1878 and 1879, we held a very suc-
cessful series of meetings, at the Town Hall, for discussions
that created much interest in the Club and drew in many new
members. In February, the President resigned his office, as he
was to be absent from town the remainder of the season. At
the annual meeting in '79, John P. Foster was chosen Presi-
dent; J. D. W. French, Albert Berry and William J. Dale,
Jr., Vice-Presidents; Loring B. Rea, Secretary; and James
T. Johnson, Treasurer. In September we held a Fair that
was in all respects a success. There was exhibited by mem-
bers of the Club one hundred and sixty head of stock.
Among them was the thoroughbred herd of Holsteins from
the farm of Hon. Wm. A. Russell; the thorough-bred herd of

149

Ayrshires from the farm of J. D. W. French, and a herd of
Jerseys from the farm of William J. Dale, Jr., with other fine
specimens of graded stock. There was a good show of sheep,
swine and poultry, a ploughing and drawing match, a very
fine display of fruit, flowers and vegetables, fancy work, and
works of art in the hall. A dinner was provided, at which
three hundred and fifty persons sat down. To close the fes-
tivities of the day there was a ball given at the Town Hall,
that was very fully attended, the proceeds of which, added to
those from the hall of exhibition, paid all expenses and left
over fifty dollars in the treasury.

During the winter of 1879 and 1880, our meetings for dis-
cussions were continued with increasing interest, the members
having increased to one hundred and sixty. At our last
annual meeting the following ofiicers were chosen, the Club
having adopted the rule that no member shall serve more than
one year. President, Albert Berry ; Vice-Presidents, J. D.
W. French, William J. Dale, Jr., and Moses T. Stevens ;
Secretary, Daniel A. Carleton ; Treasurer, James T. Johnson.

During the brief existence of the Club, it has exerted a
marked influence, and it has awakened an increased interest in
farming throughout the town that can but be beneficial. A
part of the town is agricultural and a part manufacturing.
There has long existed a feeling of jealousy between the two
sections, each thinking the other the more favored one. The
business of the Club, its meetings for discussion, its sociables
and its fair have brought the people together; they have
become better acquainted with each other, and this jealousy is
fast wearing away, to the muAial benefit of both classes. The
Club is firmly established, and we anticipate for it a successful
career.

Article II. of the Constitution reads: "Objects. The object
of this club shall be the social and material benefit of its
members, by encouraging the adoption of the best methods of
doing farm work ; by the improvement of the roads and road-
ways in town ; by planting trees, building sidewalks, &c.; by

150

establishing and protecting good grass plats and borders in the
streets and public squares ; establishing and maintaining such
sewerage as shall be needed : providing public drinking
troughs, and generally doing whatever may tend to the im-
provement of the town.

Mr. M. C. Andrews, President, has sent me the following
history of the Andover Farmers' Club : —

In reply to yours, I will say that the Andover Farmers' Club
was formed and commenced holding meetings for discussions,
&c., Nov. 3d, 1879. Meetings are held one evening every
other week, from Oct. 3d to the last of March. The object of
the Club is to promote the interest of Agriculture, and social
and intellectual improvement, &g.

The present membership is ninety-six, and the meetings are
well attended. The officers of the Club are, and have been
since the formation: M. C. Andrews, President; Rev. Francis
H. Johnson, Secretary ; J. L. Smith, Treasurer. All members
are elected by vote, and become members by paying a small
admission fee. 1 enclose a programme for this winter's meet-
ings, which will explain itself, also a copy of Article 2 of the
Constitution : — " Objects. It shall be the object of this Club,
1st. To call attention to all proposed improvements in agri-
culture, especially those which relate to tilling the soil, stock-
raising, dairy management, horticulture, use of artificial
manures and mechanical inventions ; and to discuss the adap-
tability of such methods and appliances to the circumstances
of this community.

2d. To advocate the judicious conservation of the natural
beauties of our town, while encouraging and assisting in the
free discussion of all plans for improvements.

8d. To foster the study of the natural sciences, and stimu-
late original investigation."

Subjects for discussion, with appointed leaders, 1880 and
1881. Meetings to commence at 7.30 P. M.

151

1. Small Fruits ; how shall we preserve them, or make the
most profitable use of what is wasted ? Special reference
to Cranberry culture.

2. What is the most profitable stock to keep on a farm
and the comparative merit of horse and ox labor ?

3. Silos or Ensilage for Feed ; Is this method of preserv-
ing green fodder practicable for farmers generally ?

4. Sheep Husbandry.

5. Poultry. Special reference to Turkeys, Ducks and
Geese.

6. Experiments with Fertilizers.

7. An entertainment to take place Dec. 27th.

8. Forestry.

9. Market Gardening — Vegetables.

10. Farm Machinery.

11. Dairying.

12. Scientific.

13. Floriculture.

FARMERS' INSTITUTES.

The first Institute held by the Society was at Flummer Hall,
Salem, March 18th, 1879 ; Benjamin F. Ware, President,
presided. Mr. J. J. H. Gregory read a paper on " Vegeta-
bles and Seeds." Mr. Francis H. Appleton, of Peabody, read
a paper on " planning and management of a farm," both of
which were followed by discussion participated in by members
present.

The second was held at Haverhill, May 7th, 1879 ; Mr. B.
P. Ware presided. The meeting was opened by a paper by
Ansel W. Putnam of Danvers; subject, " Manures and their
Application." The next papers were by Dr. Robert Wood,
V. S., of Lowell, on " The Digestive Organs of Animals,"
and by Dr. William Cogswell of Bradford, on " Bees and Bee
Culture." Discussions followed the reading of the several
papers.

152

The third was held at Lawrence, December 6th, 1879 ; B.
P. Ware presided. The meeting was opened with an address
by Hon. Chas. L. Fhnt, Secretary of State Board of Agricul-
ture and President of the Massachusetts Agricultural College,
on " The Advantage of the College in the Education of Farm-
mers." The second paper was read by Mr. J. D. W. French
of North Andover, on " The Production and Sale of Milk in
Essex County." Discussions followed.

The fourth Institute was held at Lynn, Jan. 22d, 1880 ; Mr.
Ware presided. Mr. 0. B. Hadwen, of Worcester, opened the
meeting with an address on " the Farmer's Position and
OpiDortunities." Li the afternoon, John O'Brien, of Bradford,
read a paper on " Fruit Culture," and both subjects were fully
discussed by members present. Resolutions in opposition to
the proposed union of the Massachusetts Agricultural College
with Amherst College were passed, also in favor of the estab-
lishment at the Agricultural College of an experimental
station by the state, and it was voted that they should be
signed by the President and Secretary of the Society, and
presented to the Legislature.

Th.e fifth Institute was held at Newburyport, Feb. 26, 1880.
Mr. William Little, of Newbury, read a paper on the subject
of growing vegetables. A statement in relation to growing
sugar beets and the process of making sugar from beets was
made by Mr. Blackwell, Treasurer of the Portland Beet Sugar
Co. In the afternoon, a discussion was had on the topic of
the last meeting, (continued), fruit culture. This meeting
closed the series for the year.

The sixth Institute was held at Danvers, on Dec. 20th, 1880.
The subject in the forenoon was, " Is farming in Essex County
profitable ? opened by Aaron Low of Essex. In the afternoon,
the subject of " Ensilage " was discussed, with statement by
John G. Walcott, of Peabody, in opening.

Chas. P. Preston, Secretary.

153

COMMEMORATIVE.

At the annual meeting of the Society held at Lynn, Septem-
ber 28th, Hon. Geo. B. Loring paid a high tribute of respect
to the memory of Dr. Jeremiah Spofford, of Groveland, and
Gen. Josiah Newhall, of Lynnfield. As an unusual number
of members had died during the year, the Society voted that
the President and Secretary be requested to prepare a suitable
notice of the loss that has fallen upon the Society in the death
of these valuable members.

The following resolutions were passed :

Resolved, That in the death of Josiah Newhall, this Society
is called to mourn the loss of one of its earliest friends, and
that we shall ever retain a lively recollection of his many vir-
tues and his active interest in the cause of agriculture through
the long period of his connection with us.

Resolved, That we tender our sympathies to the relatives
and friends of Gen. Newhall, in their bereavement, and that
the secretary be requested to forward a copy of these resolu-
tions to the family of the deceased.

Gen. Josiah Newhall was one of the original members of
this society, and has always been untiring in his efforts to
promote its best interests, freely giving the results of his long
experience and careful research to aid in the progress of the
cause that he so much loved. Since the formation of tlie
society, with scarcely an exception, he has attended its meet-
ings and served on important committees, very frequently
serving as chairman of committee on fruits. He delivered
one of the orations before the Society, and served many years
as trustee and Vice-President. He filled acceptably responsible
positions in town affairs, the State Legislature and the Militia.
He was also one of the founders of the Massachusetts Horti-
cultural Society and held a prominent position in it. Gen.

12

154

Newhall has always been a careful observer, a close student of
nature, literature and science, and an enthusiastic lover of the
cultivation of fruits and of the farm. Verily in his death we
have lost a wise counselor, a true friend, and a valuable
officer.

Dr. Jeremiali Spofford, of Groveland, one of our oldest
members, has been associated with us as an active and valuable
member. At our annual gatherings, he has encouraged us by
his presence and words of wisdom, and for several years
served as trustee. Dr. Spotford was a man of profound learn-
ing in political economy, and took an active interest in all
questions of public importance. By his death we have
been called to mourn the loss of one of our most respected
members.

Jonathan Berry, of Middleton, John Danforth, of Lynnfield,
John Day, of Boxford, John D. Cross, of Salem, Joshua N.
Kent, of Newburyport, A. D. Wait, of Ipswich, on account of
their prominent connection with the agriculture of the county,
have been elected from time to time to the board of trustees of
the society. They have served faithfully in that capacity and
on various important committees. By their death the Society
loses valuable members, and their associates highly esteemed
friends, who will long be remembered.

Since the annual meeting, death has removed another effi-
cient member of our board of trustees. Thomas T. Paine, of
Marblehead, attended the November meeting of the trustees,
and was soon afterward attacked by a fatal illness. He has
been one of our trustees for three years, and will be mourned
by the members of the society as an honest and earnest co-
worker, beloved for his real worth by all who knew him.

155

ATTRACTIVE HOMES.

BY CLARA M. NICHOLS, LYNN.

There are so many reasons why flowers should be cultivated,
that I have ventured a few liints to those who have had less
experience than myself. WJiat shall wo cultivate ? is the first
question that occurs to the novice, and this cannot be better
answered than by referring him to the list that the Essex
Agricultural Society offer premiums for, with the addition of
two varieties, — Asters and Carnations ; of the latter there are
three kinds, Dianthus, Caryophyllus, Picotee (Dianthus Cary-
ophyllus), Pink (Dianthus Hortensis), either or all of which
will give good satisfaction.

Perhaps there is no better woy to impart the knowledge
most desired, than to give our own experience in the flower
garden. In purchasing seeds, I have been better pleased with
separate colors than with mixed, as it is not necessary to have
many colors to make attractive beds.

Of Phlox Drumraondi, scarlet and white will be more
pleasing to the eye than any bed we can get from mixed seed ;
but whatever is used, always have one-half white. Of Zinnias,
you can use more colors to advantage. I plant scarlet, orange,
salmon and white ; these I set in form of a hedge, in double
rows, nine inches apart, and a foot apart in the rows.

Of Asters, there are so many varieties to select from, that
one, in looking over a catalogue, will be puzzled' to know what
to choose. After some years' experience we have settled on
the following kinds : New Rose, two colors, carmine and
white; Cocardeau or New Crown, carmine, violet, each with
white centre ; Imbrique Pompon, crimson and white ; and the
Hedge Hog or Needle, quilled, very curious and fineT

156

Antirrhinum or Snapdragon, a perennial that flowers the
first season, should be sown early, as it is a constant bloomer ;
set in beds eiglit inches apart. It is easy to grow and sure to
please. Balsam, like the Aster, is a favorite with me ; needs
a little extra care to grow it to perfection. We nip off all the
laterals, and thus when in bloom it forms a perfect wreath of
flowers.

Celosia, an attractive and showy annual. The seed should
be sown in a hot bed or in the house, and transplanted into a
rich soil, if we expect the best results. The Calendula, or Pot
Marigold, is an old familiar plant, and likely to occupy a
prominent place in our gardens. There are several new varie-
ties that have been introduced within a few years, one of
which I will name here and recommend to all : Calendula
Officinalis Le Proust, uniformly double. The color is nankeen
edged with brown.

Salpiglossis is a half-hardy annual, about fifteen inches in
height ; should be set about six inches apart, and does best in
a sandy soil. Pansies make such a beautiful bed,' and are so
easily grown, should be cultivated by every one who has a
piece of ground at his disposal.

Ten-weeks Stocks, a plant that gives abundance of flowers
of a delightful fragrance. White, carmine and red are all the
colors grown by us. Verbena, a very fine and popular bedding
plant, is indispensable to a good flower garden. Plant some
seedlings, and if you live near a"Green House, buy pot plants
of scarlet and other colors, half of which should be white.

Plant plenty of Delphinium, or Larkspur, and have little
hedges of white rocket Candytuft, planted at different seasons,
to always have it in bloom through the season. If the above
rules are followed, and seeds purchased of a trustworthy seeds-
man, you will have the satisfaction of an attractive home and
flower garden.

157

TREADWELL FARM.

The Committee on the Treadwell Farm report that the farm
is still under the lease to Mr, T. W. Fierce.

As will appear by the annexed statement made by Mr. Phil-
brick, foreman, good crops of the various kinds have been
raised on the farm, indicating an increase in its productive
capacity. The amount of barn manure applied was forty and
a half cords. Of other fertilizers an amount costing $377.

CROPS.

English Hay, 15 tons.

Meadow Hay, 16 "

Barley Fodder, 5 "
Corn in the ear, from 11^ acres, 1358 bush.

Potatoes, 335 "

Turnips, 430 "

Sugar Beets, 25,110 lbs.

Cider Apples, 150 bush.

Winter Apples, 75 bbls.

The beet crop, on account of the drought, was a small crop.
It was designed as an experimental crop, and the beets were
sold to the Portland Beet Sugar Company, and beet pulp for
feeding purposes taken in exchange. To carry out the experi-
ment, the manner and cost of cultivation, manures, «fec.,
together with the ascertained value of the pulp for the feeding
of cattle, will be reported hereafter.

During the year, a substantial rail fence has been built on
the highway leading to the buildings, and a sufficient number
of substantial gates for entrances to the several fields, the
locust posts being cut on the farm.

The expense to the Society was not far from one hundred
and fifty dollars.

The farm shows an improvement from time to time, by the
removal of bushes from the lines of wall and more thorough
cultivation.

Chas. P. Preston, for the Committee-

158

ESSAYS AND REPORTS.

The Comniittee to award premiums for Essays and Reports
would report that it is not easy to discriminate between so
many very meritorious reports as have been made the present
year, among which are those on Milch Cows, Swine, Bread
and Honey, Small Fruits, &c. On one or two of these,
considerable labor has apparently been bestowed, and it is not
■ impossible that your Committee may not have discriminated
wisely in not including some one of them as among those
which should receive premiums. They would have given a
premium to the Chairman of the Committee of Delegates, for
his report upon the workings of the local Farmers' Clubs, but,
under the rules of the Society, no piemiums can be given for
reports which are not upon the subjects for which the Society
offers premiums. Taking all things into account, the Com-
mittee decided to award the premiums as follows : —

For Reports, — first premium, $10, to Joseph How, of
Methuen, for his Report on the new variety of Winter Apples,
which contains valuable ideas upon the utility of cross-grafting
and improving apples.

Second premium of -18 to Benj. P. Ware, for his report
upon Farms, as embodying, in an interesting form, facts in
the experience of others, the tendency of which is to encour-
age intelligent farming by the young men of Esse.x County.

Third premium, $6, to Aaron Low, for his report upon root
crops.

Two essays were offered. One was upon the cultivation of
Grass, the other upon Attractive Homes. Though these were
very good in themselves, the Committee had doubts whether
either of them contained information or ideas sufficiently new
or striking to entitle them to a premium. As they consid-
ered, however, that increased attractiveness to farmers' homes
was a subject to which increased attention could be given with
real advantage to the farmers' families, and as the essay
upon this subject contained some results from actual experi-

159

ment, the Commiitce concluded to give to Clara M. Nichols,
of Lynn, |6, the amount awarded for third premiums.

Nathaniel A. Horton, Daniel E. SafFord, Cliarles P. Pres-
ton , — Committee .

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162

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.

FOR IS80-SL

-tyo^^^oo-

PRESIDENT.

BENJAMIN P. WARE, of Maibleliead.

VICE PRESIDENTS.

GEORGE B. LORING, of Salem.
J. J. H. GREGORY, of Maiblehead.
THOS. C. THURLOW, of West Newbury.
JAMES P. KING, of Peabody.

HONORARY TRUSTEES.

JOSEPH HOW, of Metluien.
WJLLIAM SUTTON, of Peabody.

SECRETARY.

CHARLES P. PRESTON, of Danvers.

TREASURER.

EDWARD H. PAYSON, of Salem.

163

TRUSTEES.

Francis R. Allen, Hamilton ; James T. Johnson, N. Andover;
Francis H. Appleton, Feabody ; Aaron Low, Essex;
William H. Allen, Manchester ; H. F. Longfellow, Newbury ;
Henry Alley, Wenham ; Charles H. Nichols, Merrimac ;

Chas. C. Blunt, Andover ; E. G. Nason, West Newbury ;

0. S. Butler, Georgetown ; Asa T. Newhall, Lynn.
Dudley Bradstreet, Topsfield ; John P. Palmer, Swampscott;
George B. Blodgette, Rowley ; *Thos. T. Paine, Marblehead ;
Doane Cogswell, Bradford ; Moses A. Plummer, Newb'yp't ;
E. G. Dole, Salisbury ; Charles Perley, Boxford ;

Alden C. Estes, Rockport ; Eldred S. Parker, Groveland ;
George W. Gage, Methuen ; E. P. Richardson, Lawrence ;
Charles H. Gould, Danvers ; I. Albert Rogers, Ipswich ;
Benjamin V. Giles, Beverly ; David Stiles, Middleton ;
George L. Hawkes, Lynnfield ; Richard Webster, Haverhill ;
Samuel Hawkes, Saugus ; Horace C. Ware, Salem ;

J. Henry Hill, Amesbury ; Geo. M. Wonson, Gloucester.

* Deceased.

164

NEW MEMBERS— 1880.

James J. Abbott, Andover; Geo. W. Ladd, Bradford;
Henry Bodge, Peabody ; Isaac N. Lane, West Newbury ;

Richard Breed, Lynn ; John T. Morse, Jr., Beverly ;

William K. Cole, N. Andover ; Arthur W. Mansfield, Peabody;
E. Dole Can, West Newbury ; Timothy Merritt, Lynn ;
William Chase, Merrimac ; John Mudge, Lynn ;
L, H. Chase, Lynn, C. W. Mann, Methuen ;

E. Loring Carleton, Middleton ; George C. Noyes, Lynn ;
A. B. Clark, Peabody ; Ezekiel G. Nason, W. Newbury-

Edward S. Dole, Salisbury ; Geoige T. Newhall, Lynn ;
Nathaniel Dole, Newbury ; Justin Noyes, Newbury ;
John M. Danforth, Lynnfield ; Otis Nichols, Lynn ;
Byron Farnham, No. Andover ; Natlian P. Proctor, Danvers;
Benj. Farnham, No. Andover; Charles E. Parsons, Lynn ;
George Foster, Lynn ; John C. Phillips, Beverly;

Chas. E. Frye, Lynn ; J. H. Preble, Lynn ;

Edmund Gale, Amesbury ; G. K. Pervear, Lynn ;

Amos C. Hathaway, Marbleh'd; Frank P. Todd, Rowley ;
Ballard Holt, xindover ; Everett M. Twiss, Peabody ;

John E. Herrick, Peabody ; Alfred M. Trask, Danvers ;

E. L. Hill, Lynn ;
Wm. A. Jacobs, Danvers ;
T. J. King, Newburyport ;
B. G. Ladd, Bradford;

Mrs. N. J. Warren, Swampscott;
H. C. Whippen, Lynn ;
Lyman Wilkins, Middletcn.

]65

LIST OF PREMIUMS.

FAT CATTLE.

For oxen, Henry Gardner, Peabody, 1st premium, ^12 00

For oxen, Henry Gardner, Peabody, 2d premium, 10 00

BULLS.

John C. Phillips, Beverly, Jersey Bulls, Isl premium, 10 00

T. H. and O. Gowen, West Newbury, 2d premium, 6 00
D. A. Massey, Danvers, Ayshire, 7 months old, 1st premium, 6 00
S. F. Newman, Newbury, Ayrshire, under two years, 2d

premium, 4 00

MILCH COWS.

Alfred M. Trask, Danvers, special premium, 25 00
J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, " Cows of any age or breed," 1st

premium, 12 00

Alfred M. Trask, Danvers, do., 2d premium, 9 00

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, Ayrshire, 1st premium, 12 00

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, Ayrshire, 2d premium, 6 00

Geo. K. Pervear, Lynn, Jersey, 1st premium, 12 00

Marshall H. Abbott, Lynn, Jersey, 2(1 premium, 6 00

Otis Nichols, Lynn, grade, 1st premium, 12 00

James Gushing, Lynn, grade, 2d premium, 6 00

HICKD OF MILCH COWS.

Charles J. Peabody, Topsfield, 1st premium, 18 00

HEIFERS.

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, Ayshire heifer in milk, 1st premium, 12 00

Sidney F. Newman, Newbury, Ayshire heifer, 1 year old and

upward, 1st premium, 6 00

D. A. Massey, Danvers, Ayrshire heifer, one year old and up-
wards, 2d premium, 4 00

D. A. Massey, Danvers, heifer calf, 2d premium, 3 00

166

John C. Phillips, Beverly, Jersey in milk, 1st premium, 12 00

John C. Phillips, Beverly, Jersey in Milk, 2d premium, 6 00
John C. Phillips, Beverly, Jersey, one year old and upvv^ards, 1st

premium, 6 00
John Green, Lynn, Jersey, one year old and upwards, 2d pre-
mium, 4 00
John C. Phillips, Beverly, Jersey calf, 1st premium, 5 00
E. S. Fay, Lynn, Jersey Calf, 2d premium, 3 00
Alfred M. Trask, Danvers, grade heifer in milk, 1st premium, 12 00
Jacob L. Farnham, Noith Andover, grade heifer in milk, 2nd

premium, 6 00
J. K. Bancroft, Lynnfield, grade heifer, one year old and up-
ward, 1st premium, 6 00
S. F. Newman, Newbuiy, do., one year old and upward, 2d

premium, 4 00

Thomas P. Richardson, Lynn, grade heifer calf, 1st premium, 5 00

W. H. Jones, Lynn, grade heifer calf, 2d preujium, 3 00

WORKING OXEN AND STEEIIS.

O. S. Carleton, Middleton, oxen, 1st premium, 12 00

R. T. Jaques, Newbury, 2d premium, 10 00

B. K. Farnham, North Andover, 3d premium, 8 00

J. L. Farnham. North Andover, steers, 1st premium, 10 00

R. T. Jaques, Newbury, 2d premium, 6 00

TOWN TEAM.

City of Lynn, team of horses, 1st premium, 30 00

STEEES.

Byron K. Farnham, North Andover, three year old steers, 1st

premium, 8 00
Benjamin & Ralph Farnham, North Andover, 2 year old, 1st

premium, 6 00

Byron K. Fmnham, No. Andover, yearling, 1st premium, 5 00

Sidney F. Newman, Newbury, yearling, 2d premium, 4 00

Benj. & R. Farnham, No. Andover, steer calves, 1st premium, 4 00

STALLIONS.

H. M. Geoige, Saugus, 5 year old, 1st premium, 15 00

H. M. George, Saugus, 2 year old, 1st premium, 10 00

A. C Hill, Saugus, 3 year old, 2d premium, C 00

1()7

BROOD MARE8.

L. II. Chase, Lynn, Isf iHTniium, 15 00

FAMILY HORSES.

T. W. Tyler, Lynn, 2a premium, 10 00

Goodwin Bros., Lawrence, 3cl premium. 8 00

FARM AND DRAFT IIORSKS.

Jonas Rollins, Danvers, 1st premium, 15 00

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, 2il premium, 12 00

Samuel Dane, Hamilton, ijd premium, 10 00

Joshua Koberts, Gloucester, 4th premium, 6 00

PAIRS OF DRAFT HORSES.

Oliver Stevens, North Audover, 1st premium, 15 00

E. P. Perley, Danvers, 2d premium, 10 00

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, 3d premium, 5 00

COLTS.

Geo. B. Loring, Salem, Filley, four year old, 1st premium, 12 00
E. L. Hill, Lynn, colt, four year old, 2d premium, . 8 00

A. C. Hill, Saugus, do., four year old, 3d premium, 5 00

Goodwin Bros., Lawrence, do., three year old, 1st premium, 10 00

John Gibney, Salem, do., three year old, 2d premium, 5 00

D. G. Todd, Rowley, do., two year old, let premium, 8 00

C. O. Beede, Lynn, do., one year old, Ist premium, 6 00

C. W. Bailey, do., one year old, 2d premium, 4 00

SWINE.

M. Bermingham, Salem, boar (large bone,) 1st premium, 10 00

Asa T. Newhall, Lynn, boar (large bone)., 2d premium, 6 00
State Insane Hospital, S. S. Pratt, farmer, Danvers, breeding

sow (large bone), 1st premium, 10 00
Elizabeth Saunders, Peabody, breeding sow (large bone), 2d

premium, 6 00
Albert Berry, North Andover, weaned pigs (large bone), 1st

premium, 10 00
Samuel Dane, Hamilton, weaned pigs, (large bone), 2d premium, 6 00

R. G. Buxton, Peabody, boar (small bone), 1st premium, 10 00
Alfred M. Trask, Danvers, boar (small bone), 2d premium, . G 00

168

Albert Berry, North Andover, breeding sow (small bone). Ist

premium, 10 00

B. P. Ware, Marblehead, breeding sow (small bone) 2d premium, 6 00

B. P. Ware, Marblehead, weaned pigs, (small bone) 1st premium, 10 00
Danvers Hospital, S. S. Pratt, farmer, Danvers, weaned pigs

(small bone), 2d premium, <3 00

PLOUGIIIXG — SINGLE TEAM-

R. T. Jaques, 1st premium, 12 00

PLOUGHING — DOUBLE OX TEAM.

Jaques & Bray, Newbury, 1st premium, 12 00

Jacob L. Farnham, North Andover, 2d premium, 10 00

J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, 3d premium, 9 00
Hospital for Insane, S. S. Pratt, Farmer, Danvers, 4th premium, 8 00

B. H. Farnham, North Andover, gratuity, 5 00

PLOUGHING — WITH TWO HORSES.

Oliver Stevens, North Andover, 1st premium, 12 00

C. N. Maguire, West Newbury, 2d premium, 10 00
Samuel Dane, Hamilton, ijd premium, 8 00
K. S. Bray, Newbury, 4th premiiam, 6 00
Lawrence L. McKay, Hamilton, oth premium, 4 00

PLOUGHING — WITH THREE OR MORE HORSES.

J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, 1st premium, 10 00

PLOUGHING WITH SAVIVEL' PLOUGH.

Carlton & Wilkins, Middleton, oxen, 1st premium, 12 00

Geo. B. Loring, Salem, oxen, 2d premium, 10 00

E. P. Perley, Danvers, horses, 1st premium, 10 00

Jonas Rollins, Danvers, horses, 2d premium, 6 00

FARMS.

Chas. W. Mann, Methuen, gratuity, 15 00

RECLAIMED MEADOV^^.

Alfred Green, Salisbury, 1st premium, 15 00 j

J. J. H-. Gregory, Marblehead, 2d premium, 10 00

10 00

10 00

8 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

10 00

169

GRAIN CROPS.

John W. Blodgett, Saugus, rye crop, 1st premium,
Chas. W. Adams, Newbury, corn crop, 1st premium,
George W. Adams, Newbury, English hay, 1st premium,

ROOT CROPS.

J. J. II. Gregory, Marblehead, onion crop, 1st premium,
Frederick Burnham, Manchester, potato crop, 1st premium,
J. B. Knight, Newbury, squash crop, 1st premium,
J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, table beet crop, 1st premium, "
J. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead cabbage crop, 1st premium,
J. W. Blodgett, Saugus, flat turnip crop, 1st premium,
Aaron Ivnowlton, Essex, mangold crop", 1st premium,
T. J. King, Newburyport, strawberry crop, 1st premium,
L. H. Bassett, No. Andover, blackberry crop, 1st premium,
George Gutterson, Andover, currant crop, 1st premium,

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.

Joseph How, Methuen, report on New Winter Apples, 1st pre-
mium, 10 00
Benj. P. Ware, Marblehead, report on Farms, 2d premium, 8 00
Aaron Low, Essex, report on Koot Crops, 3d premium, 6 00

ESSAYS. '

Clara M. Nichols, Lynn, 3d premium, 6 00

Awarded by Committee on agricultural implements, 44 00

" " carriages, 35 00

" " dairy, 28 00

" " poultry, 60 00

" " . bread, &c. , 28 00

fruits, 305 00

flowers, 55 00

vegetables, 150 00
articles manufactured from leather, 25 00

manufactures, &c., 12 00

counterpanes, &c., 25 75

fancy work, «&c., 67 00

children's work, 12,00

$1,844 75

14

(( u

<( u

170
RECAPITULATIOIS^.

FAKMS.

Amount awarded to Farm,

u u

Eeclaiming Swamp Lar

(( ((

Ploughing,

FARM STOCK.

Amount awarded to Fat Cattle,

(( ((

Bulls,

U ((

Milch Cows,

(( ((

Herd of Cows,

U ((

Heifers,

(I ((

Working Oxen, &c.,

it, a

Town Teams,

a u

Steers,

(( ki

Stallions,

u u

Brood Mares,

U 11

Family Horses,

(( ((

Farm and Draft Horses,

U i(

Pairs of Draft Horses,

« ((

Colts,

(( ((

* Swine,

(( u

Poultry,

FARM PRODUCTS.

Amount awarded to Dairy,

(C u

Bread, &c..

li u

Fruits,

(( ((

Flowers,

(( ii

1

Vegetables,

(( u

Grain Crops,

U l(

Koot Crops,

« <(

Small Fruits,

All other

objects,

Total,

$15 00

25 00

144 00

$184 00

22 00

26 00

100 00

18 00

97 00

46 00

30 00

27 00

31 00

15 00

18 00

43 00

30 00

58 00

96 00

60 00

717 00

28 00

28 00

305 00

55 00

150 00

28 00

70 00

30 00

694 GO

249 75

S1844 75

LIST OF MEMBERS

OF THE

Essex Agricultural Society.

1881.

Note. — Those marked with a * deceased since 1869; with f re-
moved from the county. For names of members deceased previous
to 1869, refer to Hst published that year.

Abbott, James J.
Abbott, Nathan F.
Abbott, Asa A.
Abbott, George A.
Abbott, Moses B.
Abbott, Hartwell B.
Abbott, John B.
*Abbott, Moody B.
Abbott, Stephen D.
*Abbott, Sylvester
Andrews, M. C.
*Ballard, Joshua
Bardwell, Simeon
Barnard, Edwin H.
Bailey, Moses A.
Beau, Samuel G.
Blunt, Charles C.
*Bond, William
Buchan, George
Callahan, Robert
Carter, Charles L.
Carruth, Isaac
fChamberlain, N. Jr.
♦Chandler, Joseph

ANDOVER.

Chandler, Joshua H.
Cheever, James O.
*Chickering, William
*Chipman, Degrass
*Clark, Hobart
Cummings, C. O.
Downing, J. J.
*Farnham, John C.
*Flint, John
Flint, John H.
Foster, George
Foster, George W.
Foster, Moses
*Foster, Thomas C.
Foster, George C.
*Gray, David
Gutterson, George
Harndeu, Henry C.
Hazen, Nathan W.
Hidden, David I. C.
*Holt, Dean
Holt, E. F.
*Holt, Herman
Holt, Ballard

*Holt, H. P.
Jenkins, John B.
Jenkins, E. Kendall
Johnson. Francis H.
Johnson, S. K.
Kimball, Walter H.
Mason, George F.
*Merrill, William
Morton, Marcus
*Needham, Samuel
*Pettingill, Merrill
*Phelps, Herman
Pillsbury, Paul P.
Rea, Jasper
Robinson, Addison M.
Rogers, Fitzwilliam
Smith, Jas. B.
Smith, John L.
*Smith, Peter
Smith, Peter D.
Smith, Benj. F.
Upton, Edward C.
♦Whittier, Nathaniel

172

Bailey, O. S.
*Bailey, Thomas
fBinney, William C.
Gale, Edmund

Appleton, Isaac
Avery, Mark B,
Baker, John I.
Baker, Stephens
Bell, John
Burnham, O. B.
Carter, John W.
*Chase. Samuel
Conelly, Stephen
Cressy, Joseph
Dodge, Aaron
Dodge, Andrew
Dodge, Benjamin K.
Dodge, Benjamin S.
Dodge, Joshua S.
Dodge, Richard
Dodge, Forest C.
Dodge, Walter F.
*Dodge, WiUiani E.
Edwards, Ephraim A.
*Edwards, Israel O.
Fiske, Alfred R.

Anderson, Chas. R.
Andrew, Isaac W.
Barnes, B. Frank
Barnes, B, S.
Chadwick, Geo. W.
Cleveland, James P.
*CIeveland, Wm. K.
Cole, David M.
Cole, John K.
*Curtis, Francis
*Day, John

AMESBURY,

Hill, J. Henry
Huntington, B. F.
Jones, Philip
fMoore, Appleton

BEVERLY.

Foster David L.
Foster, Henry W.
*Friend, Seth
Friend, Seth
Giles, Benjamin Y.
Gould, Thomas
*Hathaway, John
Haven, Franklin
Herrick, Joseph H.
Hill, Hugh
Johnson, Geo. E.
Larconi, David
*Lord, Abraham
Lord, Cyrus W.
Lawrence, C. A.
Lorino;, Augustus P.
Lovett, Francis S.
Lummus, E. E.
*Marshall, Timothy
Mason, Alfred A.
Mason, Alphonso
Mason, George

BOXFORD.

*Day, Isaac C.
Day, Mrs. John
*Day, Joshua T.
fGould, Jacob
*Hale, Isaac
Hale, John
Harriman, Daniel F.
Herrick, Israel
Killam, Oliver P.
Kimball, Samuel

Morse, Daniel L.
*Morse, John S.
*]Srichols, Stephen Jr.
Sawyer, Aaron

Mason, Lyman
Meacom, John
Mitchell, John
Morse, John T.
Munsey, John G.
Paine, Charles C.
Phillips, John C.
Pitman, Mark
Porter, Adoniram
*Porter, John
fPorter, Robert
Raymond, John W.
tSafford, kathaniel T.
*Sheldon, Jesse
Standley, Sam'l D. G.
*Scott, Benjamin
Stephens, Augustus
Trask, James W.
Walker, Lawson
Waters, Richard P.
tWaters, William C.
Wilson, Joseph

Ladd, John I.-
fPalmer, Chas. Lane
Palmer, F. H.
Peabody, Stephen
Pearl, John M.
Pearl, John
Perley, Charles
Sawyer, Thomas
Wood, Enoch
Wood, John T.

173

Bradstreet, Justin E.
*Carlton, James T.
*Chadwick, Henry M.
Cogswell, Doane
Cofjswell. Geome
Cogswell, William
Day, Albert J.
Day, Hiram
Day, Lafayette
Day, Koyal
*Elliott, William
Ellis, Jolm A.
Emerson, Charles B.
Haseltine, Thomas
Hazeltine, Chas.
*Hazeltine, William
Hilton, William

BRADFOED.

*Holt, H. E.
Hopkinsou, Sam'l W.
Johnson, A. P.
Johnson, Charles G.
Johnson, Laburton
Kimball, Albert
Kimball, A. Laburton
. *Kimball, David
Kimball, Henry G.
Kimball, Leverett
*Kimball, Seth
*Kimball, Sylvester
Kimball, William B.
Kimball, W. Eustace
Ladd, B. G.
Ladd, Geo. W.
Little, M. P. Mrs.

*Locke, Oliver
fMerrill, John F.
Morse, C. E.
O'Brien, John
Ordway, Alfred
*Ordway, Enoch F.
Ordway, G. W.
Ordway, Warren
Peabody, Frank
Peabody, Daniel
Perley, John
Perry, Samuel B.
*Sawyer, Samuel C.
Tewksbury, John B.
Thornton, William
Webster, Charles E.

Abbott, L. L.
Allen, Henry C.
f Adams, Marshall C.
Bartlett, James A.
Berry, Allen A.
Berry, Eben G.
Batchelder, J, Q. A.
Bradstreet, Elijah
Blake, John A.
Brown, William H.
Barnard, Willis
Black, William
Boardman, I. P.
Brown, Amos
*Brown, Charles W.
Butler, J. C.
Clark, N. J.
*Cummings, Sam'l P.
fDevereux, George F.
Demsey, L. P.
Dodge, Elnathan
Dodge, Francis

DANVERS.

*Dodge, William, Jr.
Eaton, Winslow W,
Fellows, Alfred
Fisher, Franklin W.
Faxon, George
Fowler, Augustus
Fowler, Samuel P.
Fuller, Solomon
*French, George W.
Gaffny, Cornelius
Gould, Charles H.
Grosvenor, David A.
Grout, John
fHolden, Seth
Hyde, Elisha G.
Hill, Edward L.
*Ham, Elias.
fHam, Albert G.
Hood, R. B.
tHatch, W. G.
fHathaway, D. C.
Hood, Joseph E.

Hutchinson, Edward
Jacobs, Wm. A.
Kimball, Joel, Jr.
Kirby, Patrick
Lane, Benjamin T.
Langley, J. R.
Lawrie, James
Learoyd, A. P.
Lefavor, Mrs.
Legro, Edmund
Legro, John C. P.
Lewis, Samuel W.
Massey, Dudley A.
*Massey, S. D.
Martin, George B.
Martin, Walter F.
McCrillis, Ransom F.
*Merrill, Ernest S.
Merrill, Levi
Merrill, Walter S.
Moulton, Beverly S.
Mudge, Edwin

174

Mudge, Augustus
fMurphy, Patrick
Nichols, Andrew
]Sewhall, Benj. E.
Nourse, Samuel W.
Page, Nathan, Jr.
Patch, Abraham, Jr.
Peart, William B.
Perley, A. P.
*Perley, Frederick
Perkins, Henry A.
Perley, Edward P.
Perry, James M.
Pettinglll, David A.
Peabody, George H.
Pillsbury, H. H.
Pope, Ira P.
Porter, Benjamin F.
Pratt, Amos
Preston, Charles P.
*Preston, John
*Preston, John S.
*Preston, Samuel
Prince, Amos
Putnam, Ansel W.
Putnam, Charles O.
*Putnam, Eben

Putnam, Edwin F.
Putnam, Francis P.
Putnam, Israel H.
Putnam, Joseph C.
Putnam, J. A.
Putnam, Joel
Putnam, Moses W.
Putnam, Orrin
Putnam, Otis F.
*Putnam, Rufus
Pratt, George
Pratt, Samuel S.
Porter, John W.
Pope, Daniel P.
Proctor, Nathan P.
Richardson, James
Richards, Daniel
Richards, C. S.
Richards, Geo. D.
Rollins, Jonas
*Ropes, Joseph W.
Rice, Charles B.
Sears, John A.
Silvester, Joshua
Spaulding, Sam'l W.
Swan, Sylvanus B.

Swinerton, John
Smart, John L.
Swazey, E.
Spring, Jacob E.
*Tapley, Ch-arles
Tapley, George
*Tapley, Gilbert
Tapley, Gilbert A.
*Tapley, Nathan
Trask, Alfred M.
*Tufts, Benjamin F.
Upton, Franklin W.
Verry, Augustus
Waite, Peter
Walcott, Wm. H.
Waldron, E. T.
Wallis, Samuel
Warren, Aaron W.
*Warren, Jonas
Weston, Wm. L.
White, Amos A.
White, Henry A.
*Wilkins, Joel
Woodis, Alden B.
Whipple, John F.
Wilkins, Fred'k A.

Andrews, Elias
♦Andrews, Elihu
Andrews, Joseph
Andrews, Miles S.
Burnham, D. Brainard
Burnam, Washington
Burnham, Wm. Howe
*Choate, David
Choate, Rufus

ESSEX.

Cogswell, Chas. B.
Dodge, Grover
Haskell, David L.
Haskell, George
Knowlton, Aaron
Knowlton, David
Knowlton, Moses
Knowlton, Herbert A.
Knowlton, Perry B.

Lee, Edward K.
Low, Aaron
Low, Josiah
Lufkin, A. E. ^
McDonald, Daniel
Mears, Wm. H.
Perkins, John
Story, Andrew
Story, Ephraim

175

*Adams, George E.
Bateman, A. P.
*Boyuton, George W.
Butler, Oliver S.
Chapman, Jonathan
Dole, Moody S.
*Dole, Richmond
Harriman, Hiram N.
Hoyt, John A.
Illsley, I. Adams
*Jewett, Jacob F.
*Jewett, Robert

GEORGETOWN.

Lambert, Nathaniel
Little, Samuel
Lovering, John H.
Moulton, Daniel E.
*Nelson, Charles
Nelson, Sherman
Nelson, Solomon
Neison, William
Osgood, Stephen
Pettingill, Henry
Pillsbury, J.
Poor, Samuel T.

Preston, John
*Sanborn, George W.
Spofford, Sumner P.
Tenney, George J.
Tenney, Gorham D.
Tenney, Milton G.
Tenney, Moses
Tenney, Orlando B.
Tenney, Richard
Wheeler, William S.
*Wildes, Green
*Wilson, Isaac

Atkinson, John
Babson, Daniel T.
Babson, Fitz J.
Babson, Horatio
Babson, John J,
Barrett, Charles P.
Bradford, George R.
Bray, Aaron W.
Brown, Edward H.
Burnham, A. M.
Burnham, H. A.
Burnham, S. A.
Butler, Benjamin F.
Calef,John C.
Campbell, C. H.
Carter, John S.
Carter, Sherman J.
Clark, John
Cole, Israel H.
Conant, Thomas
Cook, Benjamin F.
Corliss, Benjamin H.
Corliss, John
*Cressy, Curtis C.
Cronin, John
Dale, Eben, Jr,
Davis, James

GLOUCESTER.

Davis, William P.
Day, Abraham
Dennin, George
Dennison, C. W.
Dodd, Stephen
DoUiver, John H.
Dolliver, William C.
Dolliver, William P.
*Dyer, J. Franklin
Emanuel, Henry
Fears, Robert
Fears, Robert R.
Ferguson, Thomas B.
Foster, Jeremiah
Friend, Elbridge G.
Garland, Joseph
Gilbert, Addison
Griffin, Bennett
Griswold, A.
Grover, Charles E.
Harvey, Alouzo F.
Haskell, H. C. L.
*Haskell, Thomas
Haskell, William H.
Herrick, Gardner W.
*Hough, Benjamin K,
*Hoyt, Edward C.

James, George
James, Samuel
Knowles, Thomas J.
Lane, Andrew
Lane, George
Lancaster, T. S.
Lawrence, R. C.
*Lindberg, A. P.
Loring, Francis M.
Lovett, John H.
Low, David W.
*Low, Gorham P.
Marr, Chester, Jr.
Mayo, Israel C.
Mayo, Josiah, Jr.
Merchant, E. W.
Norwood, George
Parsons, William, 2d
Parsons, W. Frank
Patch, Isaac
Pattillo, Alexander
*Pearce, Edward H.
*Perrin, Henry S.
*Perrin, William H.
Pew, William A.
Phillips, N. H.
Plummer, David

176

Presson, David S.
Price, Augustus E.
Proctor, Joseph O.
Proctor, Wilbur P.
Kicker, Ricliard W.
Roberts, Joshua
Rogers, Allen
Rogers, John S.
Rogers, John S. E.
Rust, William P.
Sanford, H. G.

Sawyer, Samuel E.
Shepard, Joseph C.
*Smith, Benjamin H.
Somes, John E.
Stacey, Eli F.
Stacey, John H.
Stanwood, Barnard
*Staten, Edward
*Stevens, Zachariah
Story, Cyrus
Thompson, Charles P

Tibbetts, Robert A.
Todd, John
Webster, Nathaniel
Wetherell, M. L.
Wilson, John J.
Witham, Addison
Wonson, Augustus H.
Wonson, F. G.
Wonson, George M.
Wonson, J. W.

Atwood, Daniel
Atwood, Moses P.
Balch, Thomas H.
*Burbank, John
*Clark, Elijah
Curtis, Edwin T.
fDay, Isaac C.
Fegan, Henry C.
George, Edwin B.
Hardy, Ira
Harrington, Edward

GROVELAND.

Harriman, Abel S.
Hopkinson, W. H.
*Kimball, Charles
Ladd, Nathaniel E.
Longfellow, Samuel
*Ordway, Leverett S.
*Ordway, Moody
*Parker, Benjamin
Parker, Eldred S.
Pemberton, L. K.
Savary, Charles G.

Savary, Charles P.
*Spofford, Jeremiah
Spolford, Morris
Stickney, Abel
Stickney, Charles
*Stickney, Daniel H.
Stiles, Charles F.
Walker. George S.
Wardwell, Z. C.
Woodman, Ira S.

Abbott, Joseph B.
Allen, Francis R.
*Brown, Jacob
Brown, William A.
Creamer, George G.
Dane, Ephraim A.
*Dane, Francis
*Dane, George
Dane, George E. F.
Dane, John, Jr.
Dane, Samuel
Dane, William A.
Dane, Sylvester

HAMILTON.

Dodge, Albert W.
*Dodge, Allen W.
Dodge, Emerson P.
Dodge, George B.
Dunnels, Ira A.
Ellis, George W.
Gregory, Samuel B.
Kimball, Isaac W.
Knowlton, Isaac
Knowlton, Isaac F.
Knowlton, Joseph
Lamson, Jarvis
*Morgan, Luther S.

Norris, George
Patch, Mrs. Oliver
Porter, Dudley H.
Rankin, EU C.
Rankin, George C.
Robinson, E. P.
Safford, Daniel E.
Smith, Alvin
Smith, John
*Whittredge, John
Whipple, Em. A.
Winslow, Aaron
Winslow, G. W.

177

Berry, J. M.
*BartIett, James A.
Bodwell, Stephen
Brickett, Baruard
Brickett, Dauiel
*Brickett, Daniel H.
Brickett, Franklin
Butters, Charles
Caldwell, William
*CarUon, John
Carlton. Samuel
Carlton, William B.
Carlton, Nathaniel
Chase, Abel W.
Chase, C. W.
Cheever, H. W .
*Clark, William P.
fCoburn, A. M.
tCoffin, George
Cook, Justin T.
Corliss, Charles
Cummings, Henry
Currier, Samnel M.
*Cushman, R. P.
Davis, George W.
Davis, Fhineas E.
Dewhurst, James
*Duubar, Charles H.
Duncan, George \V.
Eaton, Harrison
Elliott, Samuel
Elliott, Samuel H.
Emerson, Albert
Emery, Benjamin E.
♦Emery, M. G. J.
Far ns worth, J. H.
fFarrar, Joseph E.
Fellows, Samuel
Fitts, D. F.

HAVERHILL.

Flanders, Daniel D.
fFletcher, Edminid
*Frothingham, E. G.
Gale, John E.
Gale, James E.
Gage, Edmund
*Gardner, John
Goodwin, Rufus
*George, M. D.
*Gile, James F.
Gilman, Jolm P.
Goodrich, T. J.
Grieves, J.
Hale, Samuel
*Harding, Thomas
*Harmon, David P.
Haseltine, Amos, Jr.
*Haseltine, Hazen
Holt, Charles
Hooke, Dauiel
Howe, Moses
*Howe, Nathaniel S.
*fioyt, George H.
*Hoyt, Humphrey
Hunking, C. D.
Ingalls, E. T.
Jeffers, William
*Keeley, John
*Kittredge, Alfred
Lackey, Andrew
*Lee, George W.
tLittle, Edmund B.
Little, J. G. S.
Marsh, John J.
Merrill, William
Mitchell, E.
Mitchell, Seth K.
Moody, H. L.
Morse, John

Morse, S. E.
Merrill, Gyles
Nichols, James K.
fNichols, John A.
Nichols, John B.
*No3-es, James
Noyes, Johnson
tOberton, W. W. S.
Ordway, Joshua H.
*Patch, Paul D.
*Plummer, Hiram
Porter, Dudley
*Porter, Ebenezer
Randall, John P.
Richards, William B,
Richardson, John B.
Ridgway, Joseph N.
*Roberts, Stephen
Robinson, Edwin
Savary, Robert
Sleeper, Sherburne C.
*Slocum, Rufus
Smiley, James V.
*Smith, Jesse
Saunders, A C.
Saunders, Thomas
*Spiller, J. B.
Stewart, John
Swett, Jackson B.
Taylor, Levi
Taylor, Martin
Taylor, Oliver
Titcomb, Benaiah
*Tompkins, Christ'r
Towle, Samuel K.
fTurner, James
W^adleigh, Levi C.
Wales, Herbert E.
*Webster, David

15

178

Webster, Ebenezer
Webster, E. F.
* Webster, Nathan
Webster, Richard
■ fWelch, Ezra B.

West, H. K.
West, James F.
West. Thomas
Wheeler, AlUson
White, James D.

Whittier, Alvah
*Whittier, Leonard
Whittier, Warner R.
Winchell, James H.
*Wingate, Moses

*Andrews, David
Andrews, Theodore
Appletoa, Francis R.
*Appletou, B. D.
Appleton, Daniei F.
Baker, S. N., Jr.
Bond, James W.
*Bray, Frederick
*Brown, Aaron F.
Brown, John
Brown, Manasseh
Brown, William G.
Caldwell, Abraham
Clark, Erastus
Cogswell, Ebenezer
*Cogswell, William
Conant, Gilbert
*Dodge, Richard T.
Fall, Tristram B.
tFarley, Alfred M.
*Farley, Joseph
fFarley, Robert, Jr.

IPSWICH.

Fellows, Alonzo B.
Gould, John J.
*Grant, John
Grant, Joshua B.
Green, George H.
Haskell, George
Hobbs, John
Hodgdon, George
Hodgkins, Augustine
Horton, Josejih
Hunt, Samuel
Hurd, Y. G.
Jewett, Israel K.
Jordan, Robert, Mrs.
*Kimball, Charles
Kimball, Daniel
Kinsman, Joseph F.
Kinsman, William H.
fLocke, Calvin
*Low, Ihomas
McFarland. L.

Marshall, Joseph
fMerrill, Ezekiel O.
*Mitchell, Frederick
Norwood, C. J.
Perkins, Isaac E. B.
Perley, David T.
*Potter, Asa T.
Rogers, Isaiah A.
Ross, Joseph
Shatswell, Nathaniel
Smith, Webster
Stone, Augustine
Story, Alden
*Tappan, Amos
Treadwell, William
Underbill, J. C.
Wade, Asa
tWade, William F.
*Waite, Abraham D.
Whittier, Maynard
* Worcester, Ira

Ames, M. B.
*Ambrose, Nathaniel
Bodwell, Asa M.
fBryaat, Oliver
Cabot, George D.
Currier, Eben B.
Currier, J. Merrill
*Decker, J. M.
Drew, J. D.
Duraut, Adolphus

LAWRENCE.
Durant, W. A.
Emery, Levi
Fiske, E. A.
Flynn, Edward
French, A. J.
Gile, W.F.
Gilman, Frederick
Goodwin, John
Halley, T. D.
Harmon, Nathan W.

Herrick, H. G.
Herrick, James D.
Hills, George
Hood, Gilbert E.
*Howard, J. B. D.
Holt, Lewis G.
fKimball, Josiah
fKimball, Wm. M.
Keleher, W. A.
Lamb, WiUiam D.

179

♦Mallard, L. Mrs.
McAllister, J. G.
Merrill, George S.
Page, E. F.
Rollins, John R.
Russell, VV. A.

Russell, George W.
Robinson, P. B.
Richardson, E. P.
Saunders, Daniel
*Stevens, William
Shattuck, Charles

Small, Henry
Victor, F. M.
Warren, Albert
*Webster, Charles
Wright, W.H. P.

*Allen, Jacob A.
Baker, Ezra
Barker, John G.
Batchelder, John
Bates, Wallace
Beede, C. O.
Breed, Andrews
Breed, Henr}^ A.

* Breed, Nehemiah, Jr.
Breed, Richard

* Brown, Ira P.
Chase, L. H.
Chase, Nathan D.
Chamberlain, Wm. D.
fCoggeshall, J. H.
*Collins, Ezra
Cross, Alfred
Davis, Edward S.
Emery, George E.
Fay, William P.
Farrar, Jos. E.
Foster, George
Frye, Charles E.

LYNN.

Graves, Samuel
Harris, N. S.
Hawkes, Nathan M.
*Healy, Mark
Hill, E. L.
Hovey, Rufus P.
*Keene, George W.
Kimball, Rufus
King, W. P.
Marsh, George E.
Merrill, Samuel A.
Merrill, E. H.
Merritt, Charles
Merritt, Timothy
Mudge, John
Neal. Peter M.
Newhall, Asa T.
Newhall, G. A.
Newhall, Hiram L.
Newhall, George T.
Nichols, Otis
Nichols, Tho3. P.
Norris, George, Jr.

Noyes, Geo. C.
*Nye, James M.
OUver, John E.
*Osborn, William
fOsborn, William H.
Parsons, Charles E.
Pervear, G. K.
Pervear, H. A.
Potter, Edwai-d, P.
Preble, J. H.
Putnam, F. W.
Rankin, John D.
Rhoades, Jacob
Roney, Simon J.
*Saundersoni, Jos. N.
Shorey, John L.
Shorey, Geo-rge L.
Spinney, William N.
Sawyer, J. A. J.
Tyler, Thaddcus, Jr.
Usher, Roland G.
Whippen, H. C.
fWyman, Isaac

Bancroft, J. K.
Brown, Joseph
*Danforth, John
Danforth, John M.
*Emerson, D. P.
*Emersou, Hubbard

LYNNFIELD.

Hawkes, George L.
Herrick, Georjje E.
Mansfield, Andrew
*Newhall, Josiah
Perkins, John

Perkin'i, John H,
*Richardson, Chas.
Smith, Henry E.
fSmith, Joseph
fSymonds, George W.

180

Alley, Amos P.
Alley, James E.
Alley, Reuben
Alley, Franklin
Appleton, Thomas
tChilds, Addison
Childs, Caleb
Cloutman, Henry

Allen, Lv;ther
Allen, Wm. H.
Burnham, Frederick
■[Chase, Joseph S.
Cheever, John H.
Cheevei, William M.
Coolidge, T. Jefferson
Fields, James T.
*Fitz, William F.

Chase, William
Currier, J. M.
Evans, Benjamin F.
*Evans, John
Goodwin, A. E.
*Gunuison, William

«Barker, J. B.
*Barker, Stephen
Bradley, Geo. B.
*Bradlcy, Leverett
Bradley, Frank J.
Buswell, Jos. E.
Butlers, W. H.
Butters, George W.
Currier, Daniel
*Davis, John
*Dow, Lorenzo
Dow, Virgil
Emerson, Jacob, Jr.

MARBLEHEAD.

Dennis, John
Gregory, J. J. H.
Hathaway, Amos C.
Hathaway, Joseph B.
Hathaway, Seth W.
fMillett, Joseph
Nutting, John
*Paine, Thomas T.

MANCHESTER.

Friend, Daniel W.
*Gentlee, Thomas P.
Hildreth. John D.
Jewett, Alfred W.
Knight Henry
Knight, John, Jr.
Lee, Allen
*Lee, John

MERRIMAC.

Haskell, Wm. H.
Loud, L. C.
Nichols, Chas. H.
Patten, T. B.
Sargent, J. B.

METHUEN.

Frederick, John W.
Gage, George W.
Gutterson, B. J.
Goss, Charles E.
Herrick, Fred S. C.
fHicok, S. S.
*How, Christopher
How, Joseph
How, Joseph S.
Ingalls, Charles
*Ingalls, Joseph F.
*Low, John
Mann, C. W.

Paine, Thomas W.
Robinson, Frederick
*Stone, John
Ware, Benjamin P.
Ware, Horace
Winslow, Henry B.
*Wymau, Israel
*Wyman, Luke

Price, John
Rabardy, Julius F.
Smith, A. W.
Sturgis, Russell, Jr.
*Tappan, Benjamin
*Tappan, Ebenezer
Tappan, Israel F.
*Tappan, Lewis N.

*Sargent, Orlando
Sargent, Patten
Sargent, P. Willis
Sawyer, Thomas C.
Tewksbury, D. M.

Morrison, D. T.
*Morse, Jonathan
Nevins, David
Noyes, David W.
Patterson, D. H.
Phippen, G. S.
*Rollins, Amos C.
*Russ, John
Sargent, S. C.
Sleeper, William C.
Thurlow, J. E.
Tozier, C. L.
fWelch, John

181

*Berry, Jonathan
Berry, William
Carleton, O. Loring
Currier, George A,
Flint, James

Goodale, Byron

Adams, Philip D.
Adams, J. Quincy
Adams, Rufus,
*Akermau, John
Akerman, Joseph
Ashby, William
Balch, John H.
Ballou, C. N.
Bartlett, T. K.
Batchelder, Daniel C.
Battel!, Elbridge
Board man, Isaac H.
Brewster, William 11.
Bricher, William
*Browu, David F.
Canney, Hiram
Capers, Thomas
*Coffin, Frederick J.
Colby, George J. L.
Colby, George W.
Cole, Augustus K.
*Colman, Daniel T.
Colman, James C.
Colman, AVilliam T.
*Cushing, Caleb
Cutter, Eben P.
*Davis, Benjamin
Delano, Otis
*Dyer, J. Pt.
*French, Curtis
Gale, Stephen M.
George, George
Griffin, Eliphalet

MIDDLETON.

Hutchinson, J. A.
Noyos, A. P,
Phelps, William A.
Stiles, David
Stiles, Farnham

N AH ANT.

NEW BURY PORT.

*Hale, Isaac, Jr.
Hale, Joshua
*Hale, Josiali L.
Hamlet, Daniel
Hart, Jam.es S.
*Horton, Daniel
Huff, William
Huse, William H.
Ireland, Charles H.
Jackman, George W.
*"Johnsou, William P.
flvelley, E. G.
King, T. J.
Little, John G.
*Little, Moses S.
Lunt, Charles
*Lunt, Micajah
*Marston, Stephen W.
Merrill, Enoch
*Merrill, Samuel, Jr.
Morrison, Daniel T.
Morse, James M.
Morse, Joseph B.
Mosely, Edward A.
Mosely, Edward S.
Moulton, Henry W.
Moultou, Joseph
Nelson, David O., Jr.
Newhall. Asa T.
*Ne\vhall, Joshua L.
Northend, E. T.
Noyes, William, Jr.

Stiles, Farnham, Mrs.
Stiles, Hiram A.
Wellman, John R.
Wilkins, Lyman

Ordway, Parsons
*Page, John T.
*Pearson, J. P.
Perley, R. M.
*Pettingell, Moses
Plummer, Moses A.
Plummer, Wm. C.
*Remick, John E.
*Robiuson, J. D.
Shoof, Henry
Smith, David
Smith, Edmund
Smith, Joseph B.
Smith, Eunice L.
Smith, Robert A.
Stanley, B. F.
Stanley, J. C.
fStearns, Edwin
*Stone, Jacob
Sumner, John
Thurlow, William
Titcomb, Albert
Tilton, Enoch
Tozer, Hiram
Titcomb, Paul
Toppan, Edward S.
*Williams, Robert
Winkley, J. Otis
Winkley, Paul T.
Winkley, Paul T., Jr.
Wood, David
Young, Hiram

182

Adams, Charles
Adams, Charles W.
*Adams, John C.
Adams, George W.
* Adams, John J.
Allen, John W.
Eray, Richard S.
Bray, George W.
Boynton, Charles
Caldwell, David S.
Colman, Moses
Dole, Nathaniel
Goodrich, \Vm. F.
Howard, Horatio M.
Illsley, Paul M.
Jaques, Richard
Jaques, Richard T.
Jaques, William
Jones, William
Kent, John N.
*Kent, Joshua N.

Adams, Edward
fAppletou, S. r.
Bailey, Charles P.
*Berry, Jacob
Berry, Albert
Blake, J. P.
Bpdwell, S. B.
Butterfleld, Chas. A.
Carlton, Daniel
Carlton, Daniel A.
Carlton, Joseph
Crosby, Josiah
Chever, William J.
Cole, Wm. Kimball
Dayis, George G.
Davis, Geoi-ge E.
Davis, George L.
Dale, William J.
Dale, William J., Jr.

NEWBURY.

Knight, Josei)h
Knight, J. B.
Kent, Otis L.
Kent, Edward
*Lang]ey, William C.
Little, E. C.
Little, E. E.
*Little, Edward H.
Little, Joseph
Little, Nathaniel, Jr.
*Little, Silas
Little, Stephen W.
*Little, Tristram
Little, William
Longfellow, H. F.
Longfellow, J.
Longfellow, J. Mrs.
Lucy, Gideon R.
Lunt, Charles M.
*Lunt, J. Austin
*Lunt, Joseph

NORTH ANDOVER.

Farnham, Benjamin
Farnham, B. H.
Farnham, Byron K.
Farnham, Jacob
Farnham, J. L.
Foster, J. Frank
Foster, John P.
*Foster, J. Prescott
*Foster, William
fFoster, Samuel
Foster, Orrin
*French, George
French, J. D. W.
Fuller, Abijah P.
*Gage, John C.
Goodhue, Hiram P.
*Green, Arthur M.
Gardner, D. F.
Greene, E. W.

Moody, N. W.
Mann, Otis
Newman, Sidney F.
Noyes, Justin
Noyes, H. P.
Noyes, James
Noyes, Luther
Noyes, Moses K.
Perkins, Charles L.
Perkins, W. W.
Plummer, Daniel, Jr.
Plummer, G. H.
*Plummer, Greenleaf
*Poole, B. P. Mrs.
Randall, G. A.
Rogers, Abial
Rolfe, Joseph N.
Tenney, H. L.
Tenney, Daniel G.
Woods, C. W.

Goodwin, John O.
Hill, Samuel B.
•fjaquith, Chris'r P.
Jenkins, Benjamin F.
Jenkins, Milon S.
Johnson, Theron
Johnson, James T.
Johnson, Charles F.
*Kittredge, Joseph
Loring, George B. Jr.
Manion, John
Montgomery, Jas. A.
Nason, James
Osgood, Isaac F.
Peters, Nathaniel
Peters, William
Phelps, W. W.
Poor, James
*Poore, Matthew

183

Reynolds, James H.
Eeynolds, Wm. B.
Riley, Henry
fSlade, Jarvis
*Spaulding, Amos
Stevens, Moses T.

Stevens, Oliver *Weed, Dan

*Shattuck, Thomas C Wilson, Abiel

Sutton, Eben Wiel, Louis

Symonds, Frederick "Wardwell, T. O.

fWardwell, Orrin Wiley, John A.

Abbott, Alfred A.
Allen, Lewis
Appleton, Francis H.
*Ayer, Flazen
Bancroft, Sidney C.
Barrett, E. P.
Buxton, Henry V.
*Blake, Walter F.
Brown, W. H.
*Basford, P. R.
Batchelder, Mal'hi F.
Blaney, Stephen
Bodge, Horatio
Bodge, Henry
Buxton, Daniel, Jr.
Buxton, Joshua
Buxton, Robert G.
Clark, A. B.
*Clement, John B.
Colcord, J. L.
*Cook, Henry
Curtis, Andrew
*Davis, Mark
Dole, Wra. F.
Emerton, C. F.
Fairfield, Joseph
Farwell, Edwin C.
Foster, Ira
Gardner, Henry
Goodale, Jacob O.
Goodale, J. P.
fGunnison, Elisha
Hard}', Isaac
Hills, Benjamin M.

PEABODY.

fHoyt, Joseph
Herrick, John E.
*Hubbard, John L.
Hubbard, A. J.
Huntington, Benj.
Hutchinson, Samuel
Hutchinson, C. K.
Jacobs, Edward W.
*King, Amos
*King, Eben
*King, Henry A.
King, J. Augustus
KiiH^, James P.
King, Jonathan
King, Perley
Linehan, John
Little, William H.
fLow, Caleb
Marsh, Fred
Mansfield, E.
Mansfield, Arthur Wm
Marsh, Frank
Marsh, James
*Marsh, John
*Marsh, Philip
*Merrill, Wingate
*Messer, F. B.
Needham, George A.
Needham, Joseph S.
Newhall, Orlando F.]
*Osborn, Philip L.
Osborne, Abraham C.
Osborne, David

*Osborne, Kendall
*Osgood, Joseph
Pepper, George W.
*Pierson, A. L,
*Poole, Fitch
*Poor, Eben S.
*Poor, Henry
fPotter, William
*Preston, Moses
*Proctor, Abel
*Proctor, John W.
*Proctor, Thorndike
Richardson, W. B.
Saltonstall, Henry
*Sanger, Abner
*Sawyer, Asa
*Shackley, Moses A.
Southwick, Sumner
Stevens, John V.
Sutton, William
, Sweet, Samuel
Taylor, George W.
Thomas, Josiah B.
Twiss, Everett M.
*Upton, Eben S.
Upton, Stephen
Viles, BoAvman
Walcott, John G.
WaUis, David B.
Walton, George D.
Ward, Winsor M.
*VV heeler, Benjamin
Wheeler, Benjamin S.

184

Blatchfoid, Eben
Estes, Alden C.
*Haskell, Benjamin
Hodgkins, John B.
Lane, Andrew
Lovv^e, Mrs. Martha J.
Lowe, William

Blodgette, George B.
Cressey, John S.
Dole, Charles
Dummer, Nath'l N.
Foss, Joshua
Hale, Clara A.
*Hale, Daniel J.

Andrews, llandal
Andrews, Samuel P.
Almy, James F.
Abbott, Nathaniel
Barton, Gardner
*Barton, William C.
*Bowdoin, Williard L.
Brookhouse, Robert
Bermingham, M.
Curwen, James B.
Chamberlain, James
*Chase, Stephen A.
Curwen, Samuel II.
Clark, Charles S.
Chase, William

Collins, William

*Crcssy, Josiah P.

*Cross, John D.

Daland, John

Endicott, William C.

Endicott, William P.

Felt, John

Fellows, Israel

♦Ferguson, Jos. B.

ROCKPORT.

Manning, James
Manning, John J.
Manning, William N.
Marshall, John W.
Patch, William H.
*Pool, Ebenezer
*Rowe, Ebenezer

ROWLEY.

Hale, Joseph
Hale, Thomas
Lambert, Mary G.
Mighill, Charles P.
*Payson, Moses P.
Pike, John
Prime, Daniel B.

SALEM.

Foote, Caleb

Foster, Joseph C.

Foster, William H.

Foster, William J.

Fiske, Joseph E.

Goodhue, William P.

Gray, Benjamin A.

Gibney, George H.

Gibney, John

*Gardner, D. B.

Hathaway, John
*Huntington, Asahel
Hale, Henry
Hale, Henry A.
Hale, Joseph S.
Horton, K. A.
Ives, John M.
Ives, John S.
*Ives, William
Jones, Samuel G.
Jackson, Eben
*Kimball, James
Kinsman, John
Kemble, Arthur
*Lee, John C.

*Rowe, Jabez
Smith, Allen
Smith, Allen Jr.
Smith, Beman C.
*Smith, David
York, Nath'l S.

Potter, Edward H.
*Proctor, George
Smith, George J.
Todd, Daniel G.
Todd, John F.
Todd, Frank P.

Lord, William
Loring, George B.
Lander, Wm. A.
Lyford, Francis W.
Mack, William
*Maloon, William
Manning, Robert
Merritt, David
Messervey, Wm. S.
*Metcalf, Benjamin G.
*Milton, T. Pay son
Morse, Ebenezer H.
Newhall, Benjamin S.
IN'ewcorab, Caleb
fNichols, George, Jr.
Northend, William D.
Noyes, E. K.
Oliver, H. K.
Oliver, Samuel C.
*0'Shca, M.
Pcabody, John P.
*Peirson, Edward B.
Perkins, E. R.
*Perkins, J. C.

185

Phillips, Williard P.
Phippeu, George D.
Pickering, John
Potter, Daniel
*Proctor, William
Pulsifer, Joseph
Pettingill, L. D.
Pettingill, S. J.
Pickeriuc;. Wm. Jr.
Pickering, Benjamin
Page, John G.
*Eoberts, William
fEobinson, J. A.

Blodgett, J. W.
George, Henry M.
*Hatch, Anthony
Houghton, T. O. W.

Rogers, A. D.
Rogers, George W.
*Rogers, Richard 8.
*Russell, John L.
*Reynolds, Moses C.
Reynolds, Henry E.
Ropes, John C.
Saunders, Robert J.
Saunders, William
Smith, Andrew
*Smith, Caleb
Shreve, O. B.

SAUGUS.

Hawkes, Samuel
Newhall, Herbert B.
Newhall, Joseph
Noble, William

Stimpson, James C.
Story, Augustus
Stowe, Volney C
Streeter, Gilbert L.
Ware, Horace
Wai-e, Horace C.
Wentzell, David
Wheatland, Henry
*Winkley, Enoch
fWyman, Rufus
White, Frank
Waters, David P.

Penney, George H.
Robinson, E. P.
*Sweetser, Geo. H.
Whitehead, Joseph

*Ayer, James H. B.
*Clark, Thomas J.
*Currier, Jacob
*Colby, J. Harlow

SALISBURY,

Currier, W. H. B.
Dole, Edward G.
*French, Moses
Green, Alfred

*Gale, Josiah B.
Pendergast, J. F.
*Pray, Rufus.

Crosman, S. F.
Holden, Philander
Mudge, E. R.
Palmer, John P.

SWAMPSCOTT.

Phillips, J. F.
*Pitman, Samuel C.
Rowe, Allen
Stetson, Charles A.

Washburn, John
Warren, David
Warren, Mrs. N.J.

*Adams, B. P.
♦Balch, Abraham-
Batchelder, Ezra
Billings, Augustus T.
Bradstreet, Dudley
*Clark, David
♦Cleveland, John
♦Elliott, Israel D.
♦Emerson, T. M. P.
♦Gould, Ariel H.

IG

TOPSFIELD.

Herrick, Charles
Hood, S. D.
♦Hubbard, William
Lamson, J. Arthur
Leach, Thomas K.
Manning, James
♦Munday, William
♦Merriam, Sidney A.
Merriam, Arthur M.
Peabody, Chai-les J.

Perkins, Moses B.
Pierce, T. W.
Poole, Benjamin
♦Rea, John Jr.
Stanwood, Jos. E.
Ward, Richard
Wildes Moses
Wilson, James
Woodbury, Isaac M.

186

Alley, Henry
*Batchelcler, Jo.seph
Cole, Zachariah
Dodge, Richard F.
*Dodge, Andrew
*Dodge, Ezra
*Dodge, George A.
Dodge, George F.
*Dodge, Rufus A.

WENHAM.
Dodge, AVilliam P.
Edwards, Francis R.
Gould, Amos
*Hadley, Franklin
Hobbs, A. F.
Hobbs, Henry
Kavanagh, J.
Morgan, William B.

Peabody, George W,
f Parsons, George W.
Patch, Henry
Pingree, Wm. G.
*Porter, William
Perkins, Nathaniel P.
Tiltou, George H.
Waters, Robert H.

Bailey, William P.
Bradley, C. S.
*Bailey, Uriah
Boynton, Eben M.
Brown, Hayden
*Brown, Osgood
Brown, Robert L.
*Carr, George W.
*Carr, James
Carr, E. Dole
*Carr, Moses
Carr, Samuel
Chase, Samuel S.
Follansbee, B. A.
Flook, Geo. L.
Goodridge, David L.
Goodridge, H. M.
Goodridge, Joseph
*Goodwin, Thos. C.
*Gordon, Joseph Z.
Goweu, Oscar
*Gowen, Ezekiel
*Griffln, B. F. S.

WEST NEWBURY.

Hosam, George
Jacques, Romulus
*Little, Edmund
Little, Otis
Lane, Isaac N.
Merrill, Elbridge
Merrill, William
Merrill, William E.
Merrill, M. B.
*Moody, Samuel Jr.
Moore, Alfred L.
*Mosely, Charles C.
*MouUon, Daniel
Maguire, C. M.
Nelson, Daniel P.
Newell, Joseph
Newell, Richard
*Noyes, Anson W.
Noyes, Stephen E.
Nason, Ezekiel G.
Ordway, Cyrus K.
*Ordway, George N.
Ordway, Cyrus D.

Ordway, Thomas G.
Ordway, Hanson
Ordway, Chas. W.
*Pillsbury, Daniel
Poore, Moses H.
Poore, Amos
Poore, Ben: Perley
Poore, George H,
Ridgway, M. Moses
*Rogers, Charles
Rogers, Calvin
Rogers, George C.
Rogers, Hiram
Ridgway, Sarah L.
Smith, Amos
Smith, David
Smith, James
Smith, Moses
Stanwood, Moses P.
*Thurlow, George
*Thurlow, Stephen C.
Thurlow, Thomas C.
Titcomb, Silas M.

187

NON-KESIDENTS.

Burnham, Ira T., Lexington;
Babson, Guslavus Jr.,

Seward, Neb.;
Beckford, C. H., Boston;
Balch, William H., Maiden;
Balch, Eiistis, California;
Bodwell, Henry A., Keene, N. H. ;
Black, Jas. D., Harvard;
Blunt, J. Milton, Springfield, Ms.;
Bodwell, Jos. 11., Hallowell, Me.;
Brackett, H. Clark, Virginia;
Brocklebank, S., liumney, N. H. ;
Burnham, Choate, Boston;
Clark, Joseph F., Boston;
Currier, Wm. A., Boston;
Chapin, W. C, Providence, R. I.;
*Cleaveland, N., Jersey City, N.J.;
Cleaveland, H. W. S.. Chicago;
Colby, Chas. A., New York;
Chase, Jos. S., Maiden;
Carey, James, Quincy;
Caldwell, L., Jacksonville, Fla.;
*Currier, Warren, N. Y. City;
Carey, James, New York;
Dole, Francis F., Chicopee;
Dodge, John S., Chicopee;
Eaton, Thomas, Hariistown, 111 ;
Felton, Wm. H., Marlboro, Ms.;
Flint, Chas. L., Boston;
Fowler, W. W.,- Plymouth;
Fernald, Henry B., Washington;
Foster, James B., Melrose;
Flagg, Wilson, Cambridge;
♦Flint, Thomas, Boston;
Flint, Horace P., Boston;
French, Chas., Davenport, O.;
French, Geo. H., Davenport, O. ;
Gannett, W. W., Boston;
Gookin, Sam'l F., Boston;
Green, John A., New York;
Hadley, William, Boston;

Knight, S. Leverett, Clinton, la.;
Lyford, Geo. H. , New York;
Lake, Chas. H,, Churchill, Md.;
Low, Sidney, Groton;
*Maynard, Lambert, Boston;
Mills, R P., Dover;
Mitchell, Chas., Milton;
Merrill, Hayden A., Dedham;
Norwood, Gorham, Gorham, Me.;
Nichols, Albert, Chicago;
Nichols, D. P., Boston;
Ordway, G. W.,

Manchester, N. H.
*Parker, James M., Boston;
Putnam, Benj. C, Chelsea;
Pierce, Wm., Charlestown, Mass. ;
*Payson, T. E., Providence, R. I.;
Page, Adino, Metamora, HI.;
*Porter, Wm. F., Cambridge;
Poor, Henry, New York City;
Porter, Oliver, Norridgewock, Me. ;
Payson, Samuel F., New York;
Patch, Ash'lH., Clarkville, Tenn.;
Putnam, Wm. R., Red Wing, M.
Phelps, N. L., Iowa;
Phillips, Samuel, Brighton;
Phillips, A. P., Med field;
Quimby, T. W., Washington, Mo.;
Raymond, Sam'l, N. Y. City;
Reynolds, Wm. B.,Derry, N. H.;
Robinson, John L.,

Manchester, N. H.;
Ridgway, M. M. Jr.,

Atkinson, N. H. ;
Rogers, Benjamin, Maiden;
Rogers, William, Illinois;
Stone, Edwin M., Providence, R. I.;
Snow, Jesse W., Boston;
Sargent, G. P., Philadelphia;
Stickney, Niles T., Chicago;
Stanley, Sam'l S., Charlestown;

188

Hayes, J. F. C, Iowa;
Hill, Moses, Revere;
Hill, Mark F., Derry, N. H.;
Holt, Jos. S., New York City;
Hubbard, J. G., Hampstead,N.H.;
Hutchinson, C. H., Rbinebeck;
Hubbard, Leavitt, Turner's Falls;
Hicock, S. S., Rochester, N. H.;
,]uul, Conrad, New York;
Kent, Albert S., Colorado;
Kimball, Jonathan, Boston;
King, D. Webster, Boston;
Knight, J. M., Maine;
Kimball, Wm. F.,

Providence, R. I.;

Sleeper, S. C, Plaistow, N. H.;
Shattuck, L. P., Boston;
Spofford, Farnhani, Washington;
Titcomb, Chas. A., Boston;
Taylor, Geo. H., Everett;
Tappan, S. B., Arlington, Mass.;
Whittemore, Chas. A., Boston;
Ware, Darwin E., Boston;
Whittemore, J. R., Chicopee;
Wheeler, H. T., Worcester;
Webb, Michael Jr., Cambridge;
Walker, Dexter M., Boston;
Wilder, S.W., Lowell.

CONTENTS.

Page.

Address of David W. Low, ...... 3

The Exhibition,

. 21

Report on Fat Cattle,

. 28

" Bulls,

. 28

" Milch Cows,

. 30

" Herd of Milch Cows,

. 38

" Heifers,

. 40

" Working Oxen,

. 42

" Working Steers, .

. 42

" Town Teams,

42

" Steers,

43

" Stallions, .

. 43

'' Brood Mares,

. 44

" Family Horses,

. 44

" Farm and Draft Horses, .

44

" Pairs of Draft Horses, .

44

" Colts,

45

" Swine,

45

" Poultry,

49

" Ploughing,

53

" Agricultural Implements,

54

" Carriages,

54

" Dairy, ....

55

" Bread and Honey

56

" Pears, ....

76

" Apples, ....

77

" Peaches, Grapes and Assorted Fruits,

78

" Flowers, .......

79

" Vegetables,

.

.

.

81

190

Report

on Counterpanes, Carpetings and R

ugs, . . . 83

(4

Leather,

. 84

l(

Manufactures and General Mercl

landise, . . 84

u

Fancy Work and Works of Art,

. 85

t(

Children's Work,

. 86

«(

Farms, . . . .

. 86

i(

Wet Meadow^ and Swamp Lands

, . . .93

u

Grain Crops,

. 99

((

Root Crops,

. 107

«

Strawberry and other Small Frui

ts, . . . 121

((

New Variety of Winter Apples,

. 126

Report of the Committee of Delegates to Fa

irmers' Clubs and

Town Fairs,

. 135

Farmers' Institutes,

. 151

Commemorative,

. 153

Attractive Homes,

. 155

Report

on Treadwell Farm, .

. 157

Report of Committee on Essays,

. 158

Treasurer's Report.

. 160

Officers

and New Members, ,

. 162

List of Premiums, . . . ,

. 165

Recapitulation,

. 170

List of Members,

. 171

«K1

- r'

.,0^^

r/*jif.

^MiNf

«.^^^^^

*.- /7> .-

k*>7e

<#.^: