No. 63.J 319 



to ascertain the comparative value of two kinds of wheat, I should not 

 sow then in two adjoining fields, because that, however nearly the 

 two fields might resemble each other in respect to the quality and 

 condition of the sril, there might still exist a difference in this respect 

 not appreciable to the eye, and yet sufficient to affect the result. For 

 the same reason I would not sow them side and side merely, even in 

 the same field; but alternately in narrow strips — 3, 5, or 7 in num- 

 ber, of exactly equal width, in which case, if there was any variation 

 in the quality of the soil, such variation would be equally divided be- 

 tween the two kinds, according to the number of strips of each. If 

 one kind was soaked in brine, or subjected to any other preparatory 

 process, the other should be also. Both should be sowed and har- 

 rowed in at the same time and in the same manner. If the roller 

 were used on one it should be on both. In short all the circumstan- 

 ces should be equal excepting only the difference between the two 

 kinds of wheat. 



That experiments conducted in accordance with the foregoing rule, 

 may be relied upon as substantially correct, cannot as I conceive ad- 

 mit a doubt. Of their practical utility I am no less thoroughly con- 

 vinced; and I may add, that what in this matter philosophy sug- 

 gested, experience has thus far gone to prove. During four successive 

 seasons I have instituted some twenty or thirty such experiments, most 

 of which have proved successful, though several have been defeated 

 by the intervention of unforeseen and accidental causes, and I can 

 now say that the advantages I have derived from this source have far 

 exceeded my most sanguine expectations. By a single experiment 

 between two varieties of oats, I have the present season detected 

 a loss of which I should otherwise have had no certain knowledge, 

 and indeed no conception approaching nearly to the truth. This ex- 

 periment proved to a demonstration, that in two fields of oats con- 

 taining 11 acres, a clear loss was sustained by the use of the least 

 profitable variety of some $55.07, which is nearly double the whole 

 amount of nett profits realized. 



Another feature of my general system consists in keeping a farm 

 account and a farm journal. 



In the former an accurate account is kept with every field and crop, 

 in which a regular daily entry is made of every item of expense, and 

 at harvest of the amount, and the then market value of the crops. In 

 the latter is preserved memoranda of all the most important circum- 

 stances, in any way relating to my farming operations. 



In these I have at the end of the year a record of experience, 

 which remaining at all times accessible, I find of very great service, 

 as it points out both what management has been attended with fail- 

 ure, and what with success; and instructs me to avoid the one and 

 pursue the other. 



This practice, it is true, occupies a little time. It occupies far less 

 however than many would suppose. If in the farmer's general sys- 

 tem a proper distribution of his time be made between his simply 

 manual, and his intellectual operations; or in other words, if in that 

 system, suitable provisions be made for the discharge of this and si- 



