66 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



little respect for book knowledge, and consequently is not free 

 to communicate. The committee have so much regard for his 

 culture, as to recommend a gratuity of six dollars, equal to the 

 highest premium for any root crop. Having discoursed so long, 

 we will close by a few practical remarks. 



1st. To succeed in root culture, a full supply of manure 

 must be secured, well mixed, and in good condition to mingle 

 with the soil. 



2d. The land must be ploughed deep, and completely pul- 

 verized. 



3d. Weeds must not be suffered to grow. And although we 

 have seen some fields of large crops, with the weeds over- 

 topping the plants, by reason of superabundance of moisture 

 and manure, still, as a general thing, where weeds abound 

 other crops will not. 



4th. Careful attention is required to obtain good seed, to dis- 

 tribute it at the right time, and in proper position. 

 , 5th. Let so many and no more plants remain, as will obtain 

 a perfect growth. 



6th. Guard against the approach of all insects, and check 

 their progress at the first onset. 



The awards recommended are as follows : 



To Daniel Buxton, Jr., of Danvers, for onions, . . $6 00 



" Lyman Mason, of Beverly, for cabbages, . . 6 00 



" Benjamin Rogers, of Andover, for mangel wurtzel, 6 00 



J. W. PROCTOR, Chairman. 



Daniel Buxton, Jr.^s Statement. 

 The piece of land, planted with onions, to which I asked 

 your attention, contains one hundred and five poles, and has 

 produced, the present season, four hundred and forty-eight 

 bushels, fit for the market ; being about four and a quarter 

 bushels, or nearly two barrels to the square rod. The onions 

 were not large, but were remarkable for uniformity of size, 

 and excellence of quality. They were of the species called 

 Silver Skin. They were thick and plump, which form has 



