duties arc concerned, I cannot more appropriately suggest them, than by re- 

 iterating here some of the questions propounded to us for answers by our 

 State Board of Agriculture. These questions suggest subjects for inquiry 

 and consideration of most manifest importance. 



Ist. Wheat. — What are considered the best varieties in use? State the 

 methods of preparing the ground — preparing tlie seed — time of seeding — 

 quantity of seed used per acre — average yield per acre — time of harvesting — 

 manner of securing the crop — usual place of market — prevailing price during 

 the present season — remedies for Hessian flies, and Wevils. 



2d. Corn. — Name the favorite varieties in use — the manner of preparing tlw 

 ground — time of planting — number of times and depth of plowing — average 

 product per acre, and cost of production — place of market, and prevailing 

 prices during the present season . 



3d. Oats, Ryk, a.vd Barley. — State the quantity of seed used per acre for 

 these several crops — the average yield per acre — the prices paid during the 

 present season. 



4th. Grass. — In making meadows, what grasses are esteemed the most val- 

 uable? State the quantity of seed used per acre — quantity of hay cut per 

 acre — cost of production per ton — places of market — prices per ton during the 

 present season — methods of fertilizing meadows. 



5th. Dairy. — What is the average yearly produce of butter or cheese per 

 cow — comparative cost per pound of making butter and cheese — treatment 

 of milk and cream — mode of churning — of putting down butter for market — 

 average prices of butter and cheese. 



6th. Nkat Cattle. — What is the cost of raising till three years old — usual 

 price at that age — value of good dairy cows in spring and fall ? 



In connection with the subject of the dairy and neat cattle, let me read you 

 a brief extract or two from a letter from the Hon. Amasa Stetson, an eminent 

 farmer and dairyman of the State of Maine. These extracts are in answer to 

 the following among other questions : 



1st. What number of cows do you keep ? 



2d. Their quality and breed ? 



3d. Your mode of selecting them ? 



4th. How many pounds of butter do they average a year ? 



5th. How many quarts of milk will make a pound of butter ? 



7th. How do you dispose of the refuse of your dairy, and what is its 

 value? 



8th. How do foa keep your cows ? 



Stetsox, June 29, 1850. 



Dear Sir: — I received yours of the 14th inst. by due course of mail, pro>- 

 pounding a series of questions in relation to the profits and management of 

 my dairy. I should, with pleasure, have answered it before, but being 

 obliged " to hold the plough or drive," I have hardly found till now, a rainy 

 day, in which I could spare the time to write you. 



