128 m 



The average quantity of organic matter, which in general may be deemed a 

 measure of the value of a soil, in these fifteen specimens is 9.44 per cent. 



In twenty-four specimens of the soil of Western New York, analysed by Pro- 

 fessor E. Emmons,* the mean quantity of oi-ganic matter is reported as 6.64 per 

 cent — those of Wisconsin being nearly one-half more. 



In one hundred specimens of the soil of Massachusetts, analysed by Professor 

 Hitchcock,f the average quantity of this matter is stated to be 7.60 per cent. — 

 those of our State being one-fourth more. 



It will be seen, then, that there is of organic matter, the proper food of plants, 

 in the soils — 



Of Wisconsin 9.44 per cent. 



Of Massachusetts 7.60 per cent 



Of Western New York . 6.64 per cent. 

 It is quite probable that the examination of a greater number of soils from 

 this State would yield similar results. Would it not be well for the State Agri- 

 cultural Society to apply a portion of its means in obtaining the analysis of spe- 

 cimens from every county in the State ? 



Very respectfully, 



I. A. LAPHAM. 



To Albert C. Ingham, Esq. 



Sec. of the Wis. State Agr. Society. 



AGRICULTURE OF BROWN COUNTY. 



Brown County, as now organized, contains what is equivalent to about 

 fourteen and a half townships of land, besides the area of two and a half 

 townships, covered by the waters forming the head of Green Bay. Fox River 

 enters the county in town 21, range 19, and running a north-easterly direction 

 about twenty-three miles, discharges its waters into Green Bay, in town 34, 

 range 21, so that the river and bay divide the county into two jparts of nearly 

 equal extent. As this river is not subject to much vaiiation between high and 

 low stages of water, there is very little of what may be call«id " fii'st bottom 

 land." 



The face of the country is generally level, or gently undulating, with uo swamps 

 or waste land of consequence, except in the marshes bordering upon the Bay. A 



• Report on the Agriculture of the State.of New York, vol. 1, pp. 274-29G. 

 t Report on the Economical Geology of Massachusetts. 1838. 



