USE OF PLASTER. 285 



I have noticed with astonishment sometimes the difference in 

 the production of land apparently similar, by removing the 

 brush and the application of plaster. This, in some localities, is 

 extensively used, and is found to be one of the most profitable 

 investments the farmer can make. By the application of two 

 hundred or two hundred and fifty pounds per acre once in two 

 years, many pastures produce twice or even thrice the amount 

 of feed that would be produced without its application, and of 

 a far superior quality. Where it is used and found to be thus 

 beneficial, the farmer depends almost as much upon plaster for 

 his pastures as he does upon manure for his cultivated fields. 

 Where plaster is adapted to the soil, I think nothing can be 

 used by the farmer that will bring so good returns for the 

 amount invested. As it is not adapted to all soils, every farmer 

 in all localities cannot depend upon it for increasing the produc- 

 tiveness of his pasture lands. It is better adapted to hilly 

 pastures, or the land most natural to the production of clover. 



The hay crop the past season, although better than the year 

 previous, was hardly an average one. This was in part owing 

 to the extreme dry weather of the two previous summers, caus- 

 ing many of the grass roots to be killed upon fields that had 

 formerly been ploughed. The abundant rains of the past season 

 greatly improved them, so that the prospect for a future crop is 

 greatly increased. 



The corn crop was not large, owing in part to the continued 

 cool weather in the month of August. Some portions of it 

 were fair, while others were light. This is a crop that cannot 

 be raised here as profitably as in the valley of the Connecticut 

 River or some other portions of the State. The crop is not 

 sufficient for home consumption. Large quantities are trans- 

 ported from the West for the use of farmers as well as others. 



The potato crop was quite good, with very little loss from the 

 rot. The price was sufficient to render fair returns for its pro- 

 duction. Wheat is not raised in large quantities, although 

 many farmers nearly supply themselves with this product, and I 

 think many more would get quite as good returns from wheat 

 as oats. The past year oats suffered very much from rust, and 

 the crop was quite light. In some instances the oats were 

 hardly heavy enough to pay for threshing. Rye and barley are 

 raised in small quantities. 



