56 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



straw, bay, grain or meal beneath the steam-crane. The 

 most perfect ventilation is secured by a fan driven by the 

 same power. In a word, every appliance which ingenuity 

 can suggest, and everv device which skill can invent for the 

 saving of labor and economy of force, will be impressed into 

 the service. Neither will any pains be spared to insure the 

 health and happiness of the "milky mothers." It is true, that 

 to pasture they will never again return ; but then they will 

 be assiduously served at their stalls with all the most varied, 

 succulent and nourishing food " which the market affords " or 

 the season will supply. From the first moment that the 

 returning sun can coax out the earliest oats or rye from the rich 

 hollow of the sunniest southern slope, until the savage frost 

 cuts down even the hardiest cabbage, they will be feasted 

 upon the most tender and delicious fresh vegetables. The 

 best of the grain, and grasses juicy and green, turnips, beets, 

 potatoes, and I know not what other kinds of luxurious living, 

 will be theirs. 



But you ask, Where is all this green stuff to come from? 

 Surely, not from the little plot of fifty acres, which is left us 

 to farm? True, it is small ; but remember that every foot is 

 available, clear, clean land in the very highest profitable con- 

 dition. Our supply of manure will be magnificent ; and I 

 need not tell you formers that manure can work miracles. 

 But if you still doubt, although I do not dare now to detail 

 the precise rotation of crops, and close, sharp handling by 

 which it may be effected, yet I can confidently refer you to 

 the authorities on soiling of. cattle, for verification. Then, 

 even if you find I have overstated it, at least you will be sure 

 to derive great benefit from your studies. 



But, after all, it is of very little consequence to my present 

 purpose, whether I am accurately exact as to my details. At 

 all events, you are convinced that my farmer must be a very 

 shrewd and energetic and skilful man, and you must be sat- 

 isfied that he will require all his capacity, industry and skill 

 to manage his business successfully. What with his corn to 

 buy in Illinois ; his grain in Iowa ; his hay in Maine ; his 

 cows in New Hampshire and Vermont ; and his straw and 

 the hundred other supplies in constant use to be bought each 

 in the best market, — his mercantile faculty must be good ; and 



