110 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



obtains access to it through the drains, and that he can per- 

 ceive that it softens by the greater depth to which the plough 

 can be run. 



Wc are happy to speak of the general neatness practiced by Mr. 

 Richardson and his son in the management of their farm. They 

 appear to realize the trutli of the adage, " One year's seeding 

 makes seven years' weeding ; " and they probably agree witli 

 another good Franklin farmer, that " they can't afford to raise 

 weeds." 



The committee called at the farms of J. T. Bacon and Elisha 

 BuUard, but were unable, on account of the increase of the 

 rain, to make many examinations. Mr. Bullard's farm exhibits 

 various indications of good management. The fields are hand- 

 somely laid out, and enclosed by substantial stone walls. 

 Drainage of some wet tracts has been commenced with good 

 results. We would venture to suggest, however, that additional 

 depth would insure a better quality of hay — that being the 

 crop which it is intended to produce — and probably increase the 

 weight, if not the bulk. Drains should not be less than two 

 and half feet deep, and on springy land an additional half foot 

 would be very beneficial. 



Mr. Bacon's barn is well planned, well finished, and kept with 

 scrupulous neatness. There is a cellar under the whole, in one 

 part of which the manure is kept ; but it is so deep, dry, and 

 well ventilated, that other parts are used for other purposes. 

 A shed is attached to the north-east corner of the barn, by 

 which the cold winds arc kept from the yard, while the sun is 

 admitted ; tluis making, in connection with part of the cellar, 

 a sheltered and pleasant place for stock in winter. Running 

 water is brought into the shed. 



Tiie farm of William Metcalf has been spoken of in previous 

 reports of the committee. A short call was sufficient to show 

 that he still progresses in his improvements. lie has within a 

 few years made a handsome and productive field from what was 

 previously a wild, rough pasture. Besides removing boulders 

 of various sizes, a largo quantity of cobble stones has been 

 taken off, and as there was no better place to deposit them, 

 th(>y were piled on one side of the field. But it should not I)e 

 inferred from this tliat the ground they occuj)y is wholly wasted. 



