620 State Board of Agriculture, &c. 



beneficial in a moist season than in a dry one. Manure for 

 top-dressing should be as fine as it can be made, and be 

 spread evenly. If applied just before a rain, it shows its 

 work quicker than otherwise. 



When the farmer has brought every acre of his land into 

 the production of heavy grass, he will have plenty of ma- 

 nure for raising grain. 



One of the strongest arguments in favor of the grass 

 crop is the small amount of manual labor necessary for its 

 cultivation and harvest. 



There can be no doubt that all the mowing lands of Ver- 

 mont can easily be made to yield an average crop of two 

 tons of cured hay to the acre. A majority of them could 

 be made to exceed that quantity. 



If farmers would only do this, it would place the vocation 

 of the farmer in such a different and improved aspect that 

 i'. would become the most popular business in the State, and 

 our young men would turn their faces to the farm for their 

 life employment as spontaneously as they now turn away 

 from it. 



I do not ask men to take my word for it, but to try the 

 experiment for themselves. Do it fairly and thoroughly,, 

 and the result will be satisfactory. 



