172 [Senate 



row, had not been oftener and more satisfactorily tested, and the 

 entire farming community informed of the result, and thus enabled 

 to make up their minds on the best mode, and then adopt it. 



In American farming, it is unfortunate for our interests that this 

 subject is yet so imperfectly understood, and that upon the community 

 as a mass the best mode has not long since been settled, for we 

 see it practised in all its variety, and it appears to at least one of 

 the committee thzt shallow furrows have a decided advantage as to the 

 quantity of land plowed. But is it reasonable that if we are to stir the 

 ground at all, it is not good sense and good farming, too, to stir it 

 deep and stir it welll We revolt at the idea of sowing without 

 plowing, because the practice has not only been handed down from 

 remote antiquity as essential to the growth of plants, but not to do 

 it is repugnant to common sense. Does not the same good sense tell 

 us that if it is necessary to loosen the soil imperfectly for the benefit 

 of growing plants, it is more useful to do it in the best possible 

 manner ; to stir every part of it and to make it as light and loose 

 as possible? By doing so we give to the roots of plants a facility of 

 throwing out their rootlets in every direction ; we give them a chance 

 of absorbing all the juices that are in the earth intended for their 

 benefit, of permitting the air to enter the loose soil, and make it 

 more friable ; of aiding the rains and dews to penetrate easily and 

 quickly ; and if it is a soil that holds water to open the earth to per- 

 mit it to pass off and not injure the growing plants. These are 

 surely benefits that must have fallen under the observation of every 

 practical farmer, and every encroachment upon them has been visited 

 by corresponding loss. In the nature of things it must be so, for 

 it is the dictate, not only of common sense, but common observa- 

 tion. Are not these the data which ought to govern us in the prac- 

 tice of this important branch of husbandry ; and can any man be a 

 good farmer without he follows out these suggestions ? For surely if 

 it is necessary to do it at all, it is indispensable to entire success 

 to do it in the most perfect manner. We are not generally careful 

 enough in the selection of our plows, plowmen and teams, for re- 

 member all our success as men and citizens depends mainly upon the 

 manner in which this operation of farming is carried out. They who 

 do it the best must be the most successful, and those who do it most 

 imperfectly the least thrifty. Our greatest fault is, we are too much in 



