No. 112.] 849 



upon the slopes of the Adirondacs. Entire fields I estimated, 

 would yield fifty bushels to the acre. The vegetation of these 

 fields was remarkable for their great luxuriance. The product of 

 this crop in the town of North Elba has been extraordinary, yield- 

 ed as it is, from the native fertility of the soil, with little aid 

 from artificial culture. I received authentic statistics of several 

 crops affording, under these circumstances, over one hundred 

 bushels to the acre; in one instance, in the year 1851, a yield at 

 the rate of one hundred and thirty-two bushels, and in another of 

 one hundred and twenty bushels to the acre, while the average 

 yield of the whole town is at least forty-five bushels per acre. 

 The successful cultivation of this grain in the town of Newcomb, 

 is highly favorable to the future progress of the Adirondac works. 

 The heavy and expensive transportation of hay and grain was 

 formerly a very serious impediment to the prosperity of that esta- 

 blishment. The average yield of Oats in that town is about 

 thirty bushels on new land, and forty bushels on old land. 



Oats are indiscriminately cultivated on all lands, for seeding 

 down and as a subduing crop. For the former purpose it is less 

 esteemed, however, than some other cereals. Early sowing is 

 desired, as it generally secures a more abundant growth, and a 

 heavier and larger berry. The usual term of sowing is from the 

 20th of April to the 2(Jth of May, although the time is often ex- 

 tended far into June, and frequently with successful results. 

 Oats and peas, mingled in such proportions as the judgment or 

 experience of the cultivator suggests, is often a favorite crop. 

 This culture is peculiarly succe>sful upon light soils. Oats alone, 

 are found well adapted to rich soils, although the applicaticm of 

 barn-yard manure, especially when green and unfermented, is 

 considered injudicious. Thirty Jnii^hels may be assumed as the 

 average crop of the county. 



Peas. — The cultivation ot this grain is extending in the county, 

 and is highly esteemed as a renovaiing and subduing crop. Peas 

 are regarded as a valuable substitute for corn, in producing pork. 

 They are peculiarly efficient and useful, as a subduing crop, after 

 the first plowing of new lands, infested with weeds and bushes. 



They leave the earth clean, extirpate the noxious vegetation^ and 

 LAtf. Tr, '53J I> 3 



