ESSEX SOCIETY . 29 



the acre. There may have been larger crops than these ; but 

 the largest that has heretofore come to our knowledge in this 

 county, was thirty-two tons to the acre, and this on extremely 

 good land. Mr. Ware's land, situated on the borders of the 

 ocean at Marblehead, we know to be good ; and so are his ad- 

 vantages for dressing it, of which he makes a liberal use, apply- 

 ing at the rate of eight cords of manure to the acre. Mr. Bush- 

 by's land, situated in the south-westerly part of Danvers, on 

 Needham's Plain, (so called) is of ordinary quality, but for ten 

 years past has been under the care of most faithful cultivators. 

 He applied manure at the rate of five cords to the acre. The 

 committee are aware that the largest quantity of produce on the 

 same quantity of land, all other things being equal, is of course 

 the most meritorious claim. They are also at the same time 

 aware that premiums should be awarded, not so much for the 

 quantity of produce, as for the skill apparent in the production 

 of it. In view of all these facts, they entertain a highly favor- 

 able opinion of both these claims, but are not prepared to say 

 which is the most worthy ; and therefore think it proper to di- 

 vide the premium. 



The committee recommend that the society's premium of six 

 dollars be awarded to John Peaslee, for his successful culture 

 of onions; and that a gratuity of three dollars each be given to 

 Aaron C. Proctor, James P. King, Daniel Osborn, Benjamin P. 

 Ware, and Henry Bushby, for their attention in preparing their 

 statements. 



J. W. PROCTOR, Chairman. 



John Peaslee s Statement. 



I have about three acres of land cultivated with onions. Lot 

 No. 1, on Wilson's Hill, west of Liberty Street, containing one 

 acre and three quarters. Lot No. 2, on the opposite side of the 

 street, containing three quarters of an acre. Lot No. 3, situate 

 in the field next adjoining easterly, containing half an acre. 



Lot No. 1, has been cultivated with onions for fifteen years or 

 more. When I first began upon it, it was rough and full of 



