213 



The injudicious practice of impoverishing soil by a too free 

 use of the plow, will soon ruin any country ; it may make 

 rich fathers, but will certainly leave to the children, or those 

 who may subsequently occupy such a farm, a worthless and 

 sterile soil, too poor to ensure even a comfortable living. 



All farms should be so divided and fenced, that a regular 

 rotation of crops may succeed each other. Ground should 

 be put down to grass and allowed to rest for as many as 

 three or even four years. If this course is pursued, and suf- 

 ficient manure applied during the process of rotation upon 

 the crop calculated to derive the most benefit from it, there 

 need be no fears entertained by the farmer of deterioration 

 in the fertility of his farm. 



We hope it will not be inferred from the foregoing remarks 

 that all the farmers in our county are pursuing the injudicious 

 practices referred to, as such is not the case. Although a 

 majority are in some measure addicted to slovenly habits in 

 conducting their farming operations, still there are some 

 who have redeeming traits. We notice many well culti- 

 vated farms in the county, that may be placed in fair com- 

 parison with those of any section of the Union. A com- 

 mendable spirit of improvement seems to be pervading some 

 districts, that will undoubtedly exert a beneficial mfluence 

 over our whole county. 



There is but little ground in the county that is not suscep- 

 tible of cultivation. Our rich alluvial soil is adapted to the 

 growth and maturing of all cereals. Our agricultural popu- 

 lation is increasing. Our rail and plank roads hastening to 

 completion; and our markets unlimited. These and other 

 advantages accruing with rapidity, render our position desira- 

 ble, and there is but little doubt that we shall soon be in 

 possession of one of the richest agricultural districts in the 

 State. 



Conclusion. — In presenting our report, we have endeav- 

 ored to confine ourself strictly to what is practical, and to 

 express it in as plain a manner as it is possible to do. Our 



