163 



crop. Such meadows -will yield per annum 2)^ tons per acre generally, at 

 two cuttings ; the first crop (in this county) should be cut the last part of 

 June, and the second the last part of August. The cost of cutting and put- 

 ting up an acre each crop, one dollar. Places of market, Valpart.iso and in 

 the country ; prices ^ ton, $5 to $6. It is believed that the best method to 

 fertilize meadows (except the common way of manuring) is to plough deep, 

 and at the same time turn under the last crop of clover and timothy ; about 

 the last of August sow wheat or rye, and re-seed in the following spring ; 

 and by pursuing this course lands may be fertilized to any extent. 



DAIRY. 



The average yearly produce of butter per cow is 90 to 100 libs. ; the com- 

 parative cost ^ ft), of making butter and cheese, cahnot answer. Milk is 

 strained in pans, put in a room, the temperature of which should be some 50 

 to 55 degrees ; after standing 48 hours it is skimmed, the cream is placed in 

 jars or crocks, and left to stand 24 hours more to have it partially foment and 

 mix. The most common mode of churning is the common dash hand churn. 

 It is believed to be better than revolving churns for the reason that the butter 

 gathers better. The best method known to us for putting down butter for 

 market is to make it in rolls of three or four pounds, wrap each roll in thin 

 light cloths, place the rolls snug in a barrel and cover with strong brine. The 

 average price of butter the present season has been 12,1^ cents ^ lb. 



Cattle, sheep, hogs, hemp and potatoes, I will not attempt to answer. 



KEUIT, AND FRUIT CULTURE. 



The diiferent varieties of fruits consist of apples pears, peaches, plums, 

 grapes, apricots, quinces, cherries, currants, gooseberries and strawberries. 

 The best method of cultivation for apples and pears known to us, (after set 

 in orchard) is to mulch in the spring and remove it in the fall. The object of 

 removing the mulch in the fall is to prevent the mice and other vermin from 

 gnawing the bark, thereby killing young trees. There is so many methods 

 practised with us in the cultivation of fruit trees, that I will not attempt a 

 further answer. As to quantity, cannot answer. The best varieties of apples 

 to keep for winter use are the following : Powell Spitzenburg, Newtown 

 Pippin, Vandever Pippin, Roman Stem, Yellow Bellflower, Rhode Island 

 Greening, Black Gille Fleur, Wine Sap, Cannon Pearmain, Penoch, Nortliern 

 Spy, Baldwin, Golden Russett, Blue Pearmain, Swaar, Ladies' Sweeting, 

 Roxbury Russett, Bellmont, and the Rarabo is an excellent winter apple, but 

 not a good keeper. The usual price for good winter apples in winter, is one 

 dollar per bushel. Our orchards are young, and as yet produce but little 

 fruit. 



The above is in such a bungling manner that I presume it will be of little 

 or no use to you ; but if you can glean anything to enable you to make re- 

 port, I shaU be well paid. I hope your health and business will not prevent. 



