On PLOUGiiiNa. 23 



where a combination of all the facts and circumstances should be 

 taken into view. The man who completes his work in the shortest 

 time, inquires, why the time is noted, if when the work is so done, it 

 is not to command the premium. .The man who cuts his furrow true 

 and lays ic uniform, without hurrying or agitation, thinks that he has 

 complied with the instructions of the committee, and is entitled to 

 reward. And so he has, if the work has been done with a reasonable 

 degree of energy and activity. In judging of ploughing, we think it 

 proper to notice, the form of the plough used; the condition of the 

 cattle ; the manner in which they work ; the skill with which the 

 plough is handled ; the size and position of the furrow slice ; and 

 combining the considerations connected with each and all these points 

 of view, without attaching undue importance to any one of thera ; to 

 approve of that work as best, which would be most worthy of imita- 

 tion on a farm. The practised eye will readily discover many things 

 in the movements, for which no definite directions can be given. 

 Very much depends upon the manner in which the cattle have been 

 disciplined ; and the vigilant attention of the person holding the 

 plough. An inexperienced hand can hardly expect to enter into 

 successful competition. 



The Committee were gratified to meet on the field several ex- 

 perienced ploughmen whom they have heretofore met ; as also several 

 young men, who manifested a determination to merit premiums. We 

 know of no contest for victory less liable to objection than this ; we 

 know not how the young man can better recommend himself to the 

 farmer, than by showing, in the field, his skill in handhng the plough. 



We recommend that the premiums be awarded as follows : 



To lot No. 2. first premium, $10.— D. P. King. 



" " 6. second " 8.— E. Upton. 



*^ " 9. third " 6.— P. Marsh. 



" " 8. fourth " 4—J. G. Walcutt. 



By order of the Committee, 



J. W. PROCTOR. 



Lynn, October 1st, 1840. 



