846 [Assembly 



I hesitate to decide, whetlier I am authorized in classing the white 

 clover, trifolium repens, with the indigenous plants of this region. 

 It is certain that it soon appears, by a spontaneous growth in every 

 opening of theforest, tnd upon soils of sand and gravel forma- 

 tion. Where gypsum has been applied, or sheep have ranged, it 

 is immediately introduced, forming a massive sward, whidi con- 

 stitutes a most important basis for future tillage. The presence of 

 a white clover turf uniformly secures on sandy soils an excellent 

 corn crop with an application of plaster. 



Red Clover, Herds grass and Red Top are the grasses almost 

 exclusively in use for laying down land. The quantity of seed, 

 the time and circumstances of sowing, are governed by no esta- 

 blished lules, but are controlled by the nature of the soil, the ob- 

 jects contemplated, and the judgment or caprice of individuals. 

 The same diversity of opinion on these subjects exists in Essex 

 county, that prevails in every agricultural community. I think, 

 the " Red Top " grass, has grown in tlie favorable estimation of 

 farmers, and tha": its culture is becoming more generally dissemi- 

 nated. Experience proves it to be better adapted to high and dry 

 soils, than was Ibrmerly supposed. It certainly forms a more en- 

 during turf than Herds grass, and is believed to yield a heavier 

 crop of hay. 



Wheat. — For a series of years succeeding the first occupation of 

 the county, wheat was the predominant crop, particularly in that 

 section of it which lies upon Lake Champlain. The average 

 yield on new land, w'as about twenty -live bushels to the acre. 

 This culture gradually declined, under the effects of a change of 

 seasons, the exhaustion of the quality of the soil adapted to the 

 production of wheat, and the ultimate infliction of the wevil and 

 rust. It was virtually abandoned, until the introduction of the 

 Black Sea wheat, which has given it a new and successful im- 

 pulse. Winter wheat is rarely cultivated. The Tea wheat, in 

 connection with the Black Sea, are the varieties chiefly approved. 

 The harvests, which immediately succeeded the introduction of 

 the latter, averaged about forty-five bushels to the acre. The 

 product has progressively deteriorated, until at this period, the 

 \ common product will not exceed fifteen bushels the acre. J im- 



