64 



MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



Rose, two hundred bushels, and from eight to ten tons of 

 squashes. 



I think that it is quite an advantage to follow an early 

 crop with a second, as it can be produced with much less 

 labor, and, in my experience, fully as large a product as if 

 only the first crop were obtained. Of course, the land must 

 have an extra amount of manure applied to perfect both 

 crops ; but the extra cultivation given leaves it free from 

 weeds, and in better condition for the next year. 



[Statement of E. P. Richardson of Lawrence.] 



From some experiments with phosphates in growing pota- 

 toes this season, I am satisfied, that, under some conditions 

 at least, they are profitable, largely increasing the yield, and 

 producing remarkably smooth, handsome potatoes, the excel- 

 lent quality being noticed by all who had them. On differ- 

 ent land and under different conditions, they might not do 

 as well ; and, from one or two instances which have come to 

 my notice, I have doubts as to their profitable use again on 

 the same land. 



In one instance, on pasture-land (soil, yellow loam, that 

 had borne a crop of corn) which was manured moderately 

 with stable-manure, medium-sized Early Rose, cut once 

 lengthwise, were planted with Bowker's hill and drill and 

 with Bradley's phosphate. Several rows of such were care- 

 fully measured, the potatoes weighed, and the average taken, 

 also a row which was planted without fertilizer or manure of 

 any kind. The yield in bushels was at the following rate 

 per acre : — 



A gain of a hundred bushels per acre, and, of marketable 

 potatoes, eighty-two bushels. None but good sized were 

 classed as large, all less than medium as small, more going 

 with the small than is customary, I think. 



I find that the Ohio and Burbank yield better than the 



