118 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



the greater part of tlicm have not attained a height of more 

 than one foot. No use has been made of the land since the 

 acorns were planted. The Doctor sui:gested, it might be well, 

 another season, to cut down the plants near the ground, and 

 let new shoots start up, with increased vigor, from the present 

 firmly imbedded roots." 



On the 30th of August, 1853, the plantation was viewed by- 

 three of the committee, with several other gentlemen. Its 

 condition was not materially changed, from the description 

 above given. Tliere are trees enough, but a small proportion 

 of tlicm show any inclination to rise in the world. 



Upon a view of the foregoing facts, the committee could see 

 but little encouragement for the groAvth of forests by planting 

 acorns on such land. In fact, the impression was general, if 

 the land was of any value for any other purpose, it would not 

 pay for continuing the fence about it for tliis purpose. Never- 

 theless, they express the hope, that the proprietor, whoever he 

 may be, will continue the enclosure, clear out the intermediate 

 growth, cut off the plants even with the ground, and give them 

 a chance to start anew another spring. It is much to be re- 

 gretted that the Doctor could not have lived to carry through 

 the experiment, and to give the committee and the public the 

 benefit of his observations on a class of culture in which he 

 felt a deep interest, and a good degree of confidence. That 

 the experiment has been conducted, substantially, in accord- 

 ance with the views of the donor, there is no room to doubt; 

 that a better growth of the trees miglit have been secured, by 

 more attention to preparing the land by subsoiling and manuring 

 before planting, and by clean culture during their growth, is 

 equally clear. 



In view of all the circumstances, the committee are of opin- 

 ion, that the experiment has been so conducted as to entitle 

 the claimant, or his heirs, to the award of the one hundred 

 dollars, with the interest accrued thereon, and they recom- 

 mend tliat the same be paid accordingly. 



In regard to tlie plantation made on the farm of ]\[r. Fay, 

 once visited by the committee, they were informed that a large 

 part of the trees were thrown out of the ground, or otherwise 



