18 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



a jealousy respecting them. There is an apprehension, that the 

 material which is started by their deep penetration, is not alto- 

 gether well adapted to the growth of plants. 



We have solicited and urged experiments on this subject ; but 

 with meagre practical results. We scarcely know the individ- 

 ual in the county, who has sub-soiled half a dozen acres in a year. 

 We have many farmers who have hundreds of acres well adapt- 

 ed to this operation, but they are slow to apply it. And even 

 those who have done something at it, have not so matured their 

 labors as to be ready and willing to speak of them. 



It should be remembered that, in conducting an experiment of 

 this kind, it is not essential that it should be a successful one. 

 If it is but judiciously managed, it may be quite as useful, if it 

 demonstrates what is to be avoided as well as what is to be 

 sought. This practice of sub-soiling is so extensive in other 

 places, and has so much of plausibility connected wiih its theory, 

 that it certainly commends itself to the favorable reception of all 

 who are not entirely wedded to old notions and old practices. 

 For ourselves, we do not pretend to speak of its good effects 

 from our own observation. But we have heard of the benefits 

 accruing from its use, in so many ways, from those whom we 

 have always found worthy of confidence in other things, that 

 we are disposed to give credit to their testimony in this. 



Among those who have proved their faith by their works, in 

 this matter, there is no one more conspicuous than E. Phinney, 

 Esq., of Lexington, whose views in relation to it were given in 

 a note appended to an address published in 1844, in the Trans- 

 actions of the Society for that year. We have renewedly inquired 

 of him, his views at the present time, and think we cannot, in 

 any other manner, so well instruct the farmers of our county, as 

 by appending his letter to this report. 



The committee had the pleasure of witnessing, on the day of 

 the exhibition at Lynn, a very successful experiment with the 

 sub-soil plough, by Ira Worcester, of Ipswich. The plough was 

 new, made by Ruggles & Co., of medium size, with a single 

 flange. The soil was a dark rich mould on top, with a gravelly 

 sub-soil, free of fixed stones. The sod was turned by the power 

 of one pair of cattle, to the depth of six inches : the sub-soil 



