FARMS. Ill 



I have paid out for labor, $66.44 — most of it for haying. In 

 the same time 1 have received for myself and team, |!31.75, so 

 that my expenses for labor, over and above that of myself and 

 boy, amount to $'34.67. 



In regard to improvements, I have perfected some previously 

 ^begun, and think I can say that my farm is gradually improve- 

 ing. 



Of my system of farming I need say but little, leaving it for 

 the committee to judge whether it is judicious and safe to be 

 followed. The care and management of my crops, I also leave 

 for their inspection and decision. All that it would become me 

 to say, is, I have endeavored that the cultivation should be 

 thorough, and the crops kept clear from everything which might 

 hinder their growth. The general plan of my buildings, I have 

 no wish to improve ; the committee have seen them, and can 

 judge for themselves. 



In September, 1861, my farm was divided into two equal 

 parts, as near as practicable, my son taking one part, and I 

 retaining the homestead. It reduced my hay crop about one- 

 third, which is now nearly made good by the increase. The 

 original farm contained about 170 acres, a large proportion 

 being woodland. My present number of acres is 85. My convic- 

 tion is, that the crops of any large farm may be doubled by a 

 division. In June, when the committee examined my farm, my 

 crops gave promise of large returns ; but in consequence of two 

 very severe rain storms, accompanied by high winds, my corn 

 was twice prostrated almost level with the ground. This, occur- 

 ring about the time of setting of the ears, greatly injured it. 

 On three-quarters of an acre, the yield was 80 baskets, which 

 would yield at least 40 bushels. On another small piece, con- 

 taining 20 rods, the yield was 20 bushels of ears. 



Tiie oxen which I sold for beef, cost me as follows : — the 

 first pair was bought in November, 1861, for -$100. They were 

 sold in February, 1863, for -$165, doing in the interval all my 

 work. The second pair was purchased in November, 1862, for 

 185, and sold in June, 1863, for $165. Of pork, I have 

 slaughtered and sold one hog, having two more to kill, and three 

 to keep through the winter. 



Franklin, October 7, 18G3. 



