tained the projects submitted for experiinent. The 

 annual reiurns of the Committees on agriculture fur- 

 nish conclusive evidence that their farms are subject- 

 ed to better managemenf ; the products more abun- 

 dant, and more estimable for their quality. The dai- 

 ry department has received valuable improvements, 

 and commands better prices. The cattle have be- 

 come more select, and preferable for our rearing. — 

 The subject of sheep has been pursued with an in- 

 telligence and utility never surpassed. Our grass-fed 

 swine, the humble tenants of the earth, are an acquisi- 

 tion of no small value to a country wiiere heretofore 

 they were reared with expence, and often with sacri- 

 fice. Kxperience continues to recommiend, with in- 

 creasing interest, the use of ashes and lime, of gyp- 

 sum, or plaister, and marls, as manures ; and their fit- 

 ness to our soils. The present year, plaister has not 

 so uniformly produced the effects usually ascribed to 

 it. The presence of so much cold weather, and the 

 absence of tlie usual moisture of the earth, have ren- 

 dered plaister less operative. It appears from this 

 fact that considerable heat and moisture are requisite 

 to give effect to the principle by whicli it has in a sin- 

 gular manner affected vegetation. The recent dis- 

 covery of marls in thecounty, and particularly in Pitts- 

 field, is an important event in rural history. It is 

 found in several places, in sufficient quantities, and is 

 a most valuable manure, being adapted to a more gen- 

 eral use than plaister. 



The search for an article, so necessary to prosperous 

 husbandry, should be continued ; and let it be remem- 

 bered, that it is not fit for use, unless dug in autumn,, 

 and exposed to tiie frosts of winter. A laudable at- 

 .tention to the preservation of our forests, and v/ood, 

 and their increase is discovered. And it is whh 

 pleasure we observe the numerous plantings of the 

 sugar maple, a tree most easily raised, and of great 

 value. The Society have particularly recommended 

 the propagatiopi of this tree, by a liberal premium. 

 And when it is recollected that the produce of this tree, 

 in the United States, constitutes oue seve-rJi part ci 



