No. 112.] 853 



facts have excited an enquiry into the propriety of cultivating this 

 potato for the southern and eastern marliets. 



Tlie exhibition of potatoes at the Essex county fair of the last 

 season, was of the highest character, and jrobably not surpassed 

 in excellence and variety by anv section of the State. The pre- 

 sent average of the potato crop falls far below that which existed 

 at the early settlement of the county. It then more frequently 

 exceeded than fell below an average of three hundred bushels 

 to the acre. The ordinary product, from the existing tillage, 

 scarcely reaches one hundred and ^lfty bushels. The potato culture, 

 near the Adirondac Works, appears to be eminently successful. 

 They plant upon the newly burnt fallow, " and by thorough hoe- 

 ing, once or twice, destroy the growth of cherry or raspbeiry, 

 which invariably springs where the forest has been burnt."* This 

 tillage yields an average product of two hundred and fifty bushels 

 to the acre. 



The potato in this county is promiscuously cultivated, with lit- 

 tle discrimination in respect to varieties. The " Leopard," and a 

 variety known as the " Moore potato," are the most approved 

 kinds in common culture. The ''Pinkeye," the " Peach Blow," 

 and " Western Red," are extensively cultivated. Potatoes are 

 much plantei^ and with most satisfactory results upon turf drag- 

 ged thoroughly, but without disturbing the iLverted sward. 



Corn, — This crop, in many of its relations, may be pronounced 

 the agricultural staple of Essex county, and the basis of the rota- 

 tion and renovating system of its husbandry. It has become, 

 with carrots as a slight auxiliary, almost the exclusive medium 

 by which green manures are incorporated with the soil. It is 

 used in the ])relimiuary preparation of the earth for wheat and 

 oats. Corn is generally planted upon green sward, and this is 

 perhaps the most approved process. When the land is deemed 

 not suiRciently pulverized, this crop is occasionally preceded by 

 peas or oats. Barn yard manure is api>lied as the judgment or 

 ability of the cultivator may indicate. Many spread it upon the 

 surface previous to plowing, and turn it beneath the inverted fur- 



• A. Ilalph, 



