238 



MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



NORFOLK. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



The cultivatioij of vegetables in our county is greatly stimu- 

 lated by our proximity to tlie metropolis, and the large towns 

 in its vicinity. No branch of husbandry proves so profitable as 

 this, where it is conducted by intelligence and experience. 

 There are many instances in this county of large families raised, 

 educated, provided with patrimonies, vigorous health, and 

 habits of industry, from the operations of vegetable culture. 

 The sales from a dozen acres of highly cultivated land, devoted 

 to garden vegetables, will exceed the income of several large 

 farms cultivated in the ordinary way. The market is never 

 overstocked, and often its deficiencies are supplied from distant 

 States. Success in this calling depends on knowledge ; and an 

 apprenticeship to a skilful vegetable gardener is a pursuit 

 worthy the attention of our young men. 



James M. Robbins, Chairman. 



Statement of Isaac H. Meserve. 



The ground on which I raised carrots this year, and oifer for 

 a premium, measured one acre, of a light loamy soil ; I spread, 

 last spring, about four cords of compost of hog manure and 

 meadow muck ,• ploughed it twice ; harrowed and sowed on a 

 level surface the 24th of May, with a seed-sower; I weeded 

 them three times ; I commenced harvesting the 5th of Novem- 

 ber ; the acre produced eighteen tons. 



Expenses : — 



Four cords manure, $1G 00 



Ploughing and harrowing, ... G 00 



Sowing and seed, 2 50 



Weeding, &c., 10 00 



Harvesting, &c., ..... 7 00 



Value of crop : — 

 Eighteen tons carrots, at |12, 216 00 



$41 50 



Net profit, 



. 1174 50 



