198 EOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



gests three important considerations in reference to stock-groTving ; 

 first, an abundant supply of coarse forage to aid in wintering young 

 cattle ; secondly, the grain itself, to be used as occasion may ref|uire ; 

 and thirdly, the advantage of these productions to the fertilizers of 

 the farm. 



The friable nature of the soil renders the cultivation of roots easy 

 and profitable. Used with coarse forage, they are of much value in 

 wintering many kinds of stock that would otherwise require hay, 

 and perhaps grain, to keep them in a desirable condition. They 

 are also of much value in furnishing a healthful and desirable change 

 of diet in mid winter. Turnips of various kind are grown here with 

 but little trouble or danger of serious injury from insects. Turnips 

 may be successfully used in fattening cattle for the shambles. I 

 have been more successful with ruta bagas, as a principal food, than 

 with corn itself. One year, I fattened three oxen, giving each 

 (after he became accustomed to the feed,) three sheaves of oats per 

 day, and as many tui'nips as he would eat, but no water. Each ox 

 gained one inch in girth per week, until he was deemed fit for 

 slaughter. 



Before closing, let me call attention to the abundant supply of 

 muck in our bogs and cedar swamps. It is composed mostly of de- 

 composed moss, and from the leaves of ever-green trees, and conse- 

 quently contains a large amount of acid. It may be neutralized and 

 rendered fit for the soil by an alkali, by exposure to the atmosphere 

 for months, or by being placed in barn-yards, or used freely as a 

 litter for cattle or hogs. By the use of this valuable absorbent and 

 fertilizer, fields may be rendered more and more productive from 

 year to year ; and even exhausted lands need not await the slow 

 process of nature to restore their fertility. The cedar swamps are 

 also yielding a sufficiency of fencing timber, so that the farmer may 

 enjoy the advantages of good fences, quiet cattle, and frequent change, 

 of pasture. 



These advantages are so numerous and prominent, that they have 

 already affected the public mind, and our farmers are rapidly increas- 

 ing their herds and their flocks, not unmindful of the policy that 

 leads to thrift and wealth. The wealth of New England has been, 

 to a great extent, gathered from her grass-covered hills, by the docile 

 animals that have become subservient to the will of man. 



