PREPARATION OF THE LAND. 149 



in the preparation of the soil. The same thing is true with 

 respect to the growing of farm products. Then the next thing 

 is the manure; and I am very much obliged to my friend 

 Moore for referring to it, for it reminds me that I should have 

 stated more particularly yesterday, when speaking of my crop of 

 corn, in regard to the manure, that it may be understood how 

 I got over ninety-three bushels to the acre. It is in the prepara- 

 tion of the soil, to begin with ; it is in the preparation of the 

 manure in the second place, and in the care of the crop in the 

 third place. In regard to the preparation of the manure, I 

 should say that potatoes, or any other seed, will grow a great 

 deal better in manure that is thoroughly decomposed, not 

 burned, than in green manure. It should be thoroughly decom- 

 posed and made so fine that as soon as the corn or the vegetable 

 starts, the roots may take hold of that manure ; and it is very 

 essential that there should be manure enough upon the ground 

 to carry the crop through the season. That I suspect is the 

 whole seoret of raising large crops. 



While I am up, I will say, that I have been to Capt. Moore's 

 farm, and seen the care and skill with which he conducts his 

 business. Everything is in its time with him, and everything 

 in its place. The captain has made an admirable appearance 

 here to-day, but if you want to see Capt. Moore in his glory, you 

 must go to old Concord, and see him on his farm. 



Col. Stone. There is one point which I had hoped to have 

 heard discussed here to-day which has not been referred to. I 

 allude to the great importance of a rotation of crops in farming, 

 and in market gardening also. We have a gentleman here who, 

 if he sees fit, can discuss that question ably. Perhaps most of 

 you had the pleasure of listening to him, some years ago, when 

 he, gave an admirable lecture on the subject. I refer to our 

 worthy Secretary. I believe the time is coming when that point 

 will be regarded as one of great importance. When we have 

 settled these minor points, we shall learn, that in order to get 

 the whole profit of the manure, the whole virtue of the soil, a 

 rotation or succession of crops is necessary. 



Now, gentlemen, I am not a market gardener ; I am not what 

 you would call a farmer. My department has been mostly the 

 nursery, a department which does not properly come in here ; 

 but in the prosecution of the nursery business, (I think my 



