172 PEAT-MEADOWS. 



we wish our patrons to take them for just what they 

 are worth. But there is another class of opinions for 

 which we feel ourselvres responsible ; and we must beg 

 our readers to distinguish our own recommendations 

 from the theories of others which are admitted into our 

 columns. 



On the subject of reclaiming peat-land, and bog- 

 meadows, we have had many years of personal expe- 

 rience, and it is our wish that our readers may avail 

 themselves of the advantages to be derived both from 

 our failures and from our success. 



Our first attempt to raise English grass on a low peat- 

 meadow was in 1826. Three of us joined together 

 in the purchase of eight acres of peat-land lying in the 

 centre of the town of Framingham. Major B. Wheeler 

 and John Ballard, 2d, were our partners in the pur- 

 chase. 



When we first made known our purchase and our 

 object, we were laughed to scorn by many of the in- 

 habitants. We forgive every one of them, for they 

 have since confessed their error, and are ever ready to 

 applaud the advances we have made in cultivation. 

 They were not then aware of the mischiefs they 

 caused us by their want of faith : it was almost im- 

 possible to procure help to labor on this meadow : peo- 

 ple required extra wages while laboring here, and, when 

 inquired of where they had been at work, they were 

 studious to conceal the scene of their operations. 

 Fortunately the purchasers were all skilled in the use 

 of the bog-hoe, and of the paring-plough : and, by taking 

 hold and setting the example, others were at length 

 induced to join them and " to dig on Old Centre 

 meadow," because much less unpopular, after one 

 summer's trial, than at first. 



We well remember an expression of one of the oldest 

 inhabitants, J. Maynard, Esq. on this subject. He 

 said he did not wish to live any longer after he should 

 see one ton of good English hay grow on Old Centre 



