26 AGRICULTURAL DETAILS. 



capable of manufacturing or yielding labour according as they 

 are fed, provided their powers be not weakened by excess, or 

 other circumstances affecting health. The half-starved, potato- 

 fed Irishman could no more keep pace during a day s work 

 with the meat-eating American, than the grass-fed steed with 

 one trained on corn and hay. It is shortsighted policy in a 

 master to pinch his labourer of food, when he reaps thefruits 

 of his exertions. 



In the neighbourhood of Philadelphia, land of fine quality 

 and in high condition, may be had from 100 to 120 dollars per 

 acre. Produce of all descriptions is high, and the straw of a 

 wheat crop has been sold at thirty dollars per acre. Wheat is 

 often mildewed. I saw several fields of a newly introduced 

 grass, called Andes grass, said to have been lately brought 

 from the range of hills in South America bearing that name. 

 On examining the plant in the fields, and the seed in the shops, 

 I think it is identical with the small-bulbed oat-like grass 

 (Holcus avenceus of Sinclair) indigenous to Britain, and which 

 I afterwards observed growing in a state of nature in different 

 parts of New York State. Much has been said and written 



in exaggeration of Mr W s system of farming ; and he 



seemed highly amused when told of their nature. He grows 

 excellent Swede turnip after his wheat crop, and this is the 

 only succession of crops he gets in one year. His system is to 

 plough in green vegetable matter, such as clover aftermath, 

 French beans, and Indian corn, for manure to other crops. 

 Horses and cattle are soiled with green food in summer, farming 

 operations appeared to be well executed, and every thing con 

 nected with the establishment was in good order. Mr W. takes 

 charge of agricultural pupils for 300 dollars a-year ; and, from 

 my visit to this gentleman, I think him eminently qualified for 

 imparting knowledge to them. Young boys are often appren 

 ticed to farmers for four years, with a stipulation of getting 

 a quarter s schooling each year of their apprenticeship. 



