No. 11. 



Philadelphia Agricultural Society. 



337 



ris, the present owner of the estate, has 

 erected a neat and tasteful cottage on a 

 pleasant part of the farm, in which he re- 

 sides. 



The farm occupied by Mr. Hunter, is in 

 Blockley township, near the Lancaster turn- 

 pike, and contains over 200 acres. Mr. 

 Hunter keeps a large number of fine cows 

 of improved breeds, principally Durham, 

 from which he furnishes a great supply 

 of milk to customers in the city. And al- 

 though his grass fields were not as clean as 

 the committee could have wished, they are 

 pleased to state, that his crops appeared to 

 be abundant, and his farming operations 

 managed with skill and good judgment; 

 and on both occasions of their visits they 

 were shown the largest collection of ma- 

 nure that they had seen on any farm, neatly 

 put up in an oblong heap, and protected by 

 being properly covered with earth. His 

 farming utensils, &c., were under cover and 

 all in their proper places. 



The farms of Messrs. Jesse and David 

 George, are both in the neighbourhood of the 

 above, and also on and near the same road. 

 These gentlemen each have their fine milk 

 dairy establishments, and farm but a small pro- 

 portion of their land. They have been, as they 

 informed the committee, in the practice of 

 top-dressing their pasture and hay fields, in 

 turn, for some years back; and in addition 

 to the manure produced by their large stock, 

 find it to their advantage to purchase street 

 dirt and other fertilising substances from 

 the city, which enables them to dispose of a 

 large quantity of hay annually, besides keep- 

 ing their stock of cows and horses. The 

 committee were highly gratified in viewing 

 their farms, abounding with the finest and 

 most lu.xuriant grasses of different kinds, of 

 any that they had seen — free from weeds or 

 other objectionable matter. The buildings 

 are substantial and tasteful, the fences in 

 excellent order, and all in character with the 

 high condition of the farms, reflecting great 

 credit on the skill and industry of the owners. 



Mr. Ford's farm is situated in Philadel- 

 phia county, on the Second street road, about 

 five miles from the city. The buildings 

 are extensive and substantial ; his handsome 

 lawn, and highly cultivated garden, both 

 display a great number of the finest fruit 

 trees of different kinds. They appeared to 

 be producing abundantly, and were in fine 

 condition. The farm showed evident signs 

 of improvement, considering the short time 

 that it had been in the possession of the pre- 

 sent spirited owner; and the committee felt 

 assured, that a great reformation was in pro- 



gress, and that Mr. Ford's farm would in 

 time be an ornament to his neighbourhood. 



The neat and highly cultivated farm of 

 Mr. James Gowen, of Mount Airy, contains 

 upwards of 100 acres, and with its substantial 

 and extensive buildings, beautiful garden, 

 fine fruit and ornamental trees, hedges, &c., 

 high bred and superior Durham cattle, pens 

 of swine of the most approved breeds, &c., 

 was viewed by the committee with great 

 satisfaction. The improvements made bv 

 Mr. Gowen on his farm, are of the most sub- 

 stantial and tasteful character; and although 

 some of his operations may have been atten- 

 ded with great expense, the work has been 

 well done, and will not again require another 

 outlay. 



His system of soiling appears to have been 

 highly successful, and his root crops, the ad- 

 miration of the country. Much might be 

 said by tlie committee in attempting to des- 

 cribe the improvements made, the manage- 

 ment and condition of the farm, and all 

 matters connected therewith ; but they ra- 

 ther choose to refer the Society to the state- 

 ment made by Mr. Gowen himself. After 

 mature reflection on the subject, the com- 

 mittee have unanimously arrived at the 

 conclusion, that it would be most proper to 

 grant no premiums at this time, as there ap- 

 pears to be but one qualified competitor. 

 Aaron Clement, 

 Isaac W. Roberts, 

 Cornelius S. Smith, 

 Henry Chorley. 



On motion it was resolved, that the follow- 

 ing premiums be offered for farms the present 

 year: — 



For the best managed grass or dairy farm, 

 over 50 acres, ^30. 



For the second best managed grass or dftiry 

 farm, over 50 acres, $20. 



For the third best managed grass or dairy 

 farm, over 50 acres, $ 10. 



For the best cultivated farm over 50 acres, 

 830. 



For the second best cultivated farm over 

 50 acres, $20. 



For the third best cultivated farm over 50 

 acres, $10. 



Applicants for the above premiums will be 

 required to answer such questions as the 

 committee may think requisite, regarding 

 the mode of management, expenditures, pro- 

 ducts, profits, &c. Committee for the above, 

 Aaron Clement, I. W. Roberts, C. S. Smith. 



Extracted from the minutes, 



Aaron Clement, Rec. Sec'y. 



Philadelphia, June 5th, 1845. 



