30 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



"When such improvements as these may be eflfected at so 

 little cost, compared with such results, it is to be hoped that 

 the salt marshes along the eastern shore, will be no longer 

 neglected. 



It may be remarked, tliat the comparative value of salt hay, 

 as stated in the above communication, is considerably higher 

 than the general estimate. How far the improvement in qual- 

 ity, and the use of it in connection with other hay, may justify 

 this estimate, will be left for the reader to judge. 



Wheat. 



Some parts of the State are still devoted to the raising of 

 wheat. It is well known that this was formerly an important 

 crop, and extensively cultivated. The quantity produced has 

 decreased gradually for some years. In 1840, this crop in 

 Massachusetts amounted to 101,178 bushels, while in 1850, it 

 was reduced to 28,487 bushels; showing an average annual 

 decrease of about 9,269 bushels. In those parts of the State 

 where it is still raised, however, it seems to be a remunerative 

 crop. The average yield per acre is stated at 17|^ bushels, 

 while in many localities it is 20, and even 25 bushels per 

 acre. 



The yield in the western part of the State, and indeed in all 

 parts of the State where it is still cultivated to any extent, is 

 greater at present than it was in 1838, in competition for the 

 bounty of the Commonwealth. It should be borne in mind, 

 however, that tlie season of 1838 was remarkably unfavorable, 

 on account of the extreme drought, and that tlie crop of wheat 

 was universally affected by it. 



That the cultivation of wheat can be made reasonably profit- 

 able in this State, there is little room to doubt, after the full 

 and reliable statements which have often and recently been 

 made. Yet many farmers tliink that they cannot raise it for 

 sale, so as to compete with the western farmers, whose soils 

 are supposed to be naturally better adapted to this crop. On 

 the other haffd, it is said, that the soil of this State was 

 originally well suited to it ; and that, by treating it properly, 

 good and remunerative crops may still be obtained. 



