224 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



requiring all the strength and ingenuity of the holder to even 

 scratch up the surface of the ground, has given away to the 

 elegantly finished subsoil, the stubble, and the double, or Michi- 

 gan ploughs — which seem almost like things of life, so well 

 adapted are they to the purposes for which they are designed. 

 It is a matter of the first importance, that we select a plough of 

 size and construction suited to the soil we wish to cultivate. 

 Next in order comes the team, which must be well fed, well 

 trained, and sufficient to overcome the draft with ease, moving 

 strongly and evenly in the furrow ; and last, though not least, a 

 careful and experienced driver, who practices suasion, rather 

 than too free use of the lash or goad. In the use of single teams 

 of horses or oxen, it maybe a matter of economy for the plough- 

 man to manage the team himself, though we are by no means a 

 stickler for the old proverb, — 



" He that by the plough would thrive, 

 Must himself both hold and drive." 



With such an outfit, any man of moderate skill and judgment 

 may manage the plough, and leave behind a smooth and evenly 

 turned furrow. Most land should be ploughed deep, or sub- 

 soiled, which will render it both more retentive of moisture, and 

 less liable to be affected by drought. Our own experience is, 

 that the depth should be attained gradually, as too much of the 

 subsoil thrown upon the surface at once, will injure the soil for 

 a few years. Loamy land, with rich subsoil, may be ploughed 

 deep without any such results. Reason and experience must 

 be our guide, but as safe a rule, perhaps, as any, is to " make 

 light lands heavier, and heavy lands lighter." The width of the 

 furrow must be in proportion to the depth, in order to turn it 

 properly. We prefer a wide, fiat furrow on most soils, as it 

 completely covers all vegetation, causes the turf to rot sooner, 

 and is miich easier cultivated. 



But we were reminded by what we saw at the ploughing- 

 match of the Hampshire Society, that it is much better to be a 

 doer than a preacher of ploughing. The difficult land, ploughed 

 with accuracy and skill, rarely excelled at any exhibition in the 

 State, testifies to the ability of the farmers within the limits of 



the society. 



Agriculture should be protected and encouraged. Not only 



