X60 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



the land to some other crop for two seasons before returning to 

 the original one. Small fields of wheat, rye or oats may some- 

 times be saved from immediate injury by building a line of fires 

 on the windward side, and burning scraps of leather, wet straw? 

 and such substances as emit a thick, offensive smoke. Two 

 persons, on opposite sides, with a cord reaching across the field, 

 have swept off and destroyed some insects by drawing the 

 tightened cord across the heads of the grain. 



It is highly necessary to bear in mind the importance of faith- 

 ful and concerted action in experimenting upon the destroyers 

 of our crops, as the labor and expense bestowed by one farmer 

 in ridding his land of these pests will avail but little if his 

 neighbors do not second his exertions. We must ourselves try 

 various remedies, and thoroughly test even those backed by the 

 best authorities, before discarding them as too expensive or 

 laborious. But one fact is indisputable, namely, that the birds 

 are our friends. Let them take a few of our early fruits, or 

 devour a part of our grain, they restore it a hundred fold. 

 Yqtj few of us, perhaps, have not already learned this, but 

 those that still persist in destroying and driving the birds from 

 their premises, will eventually acquire this knowledge in the 

 dear school of experience. Moles, toads, and snakes, are all 

 feeders upon insects, and never claim any part or reward in the 

 vegetable productions of the farm. 



In conclusion, I would say, that, although the insects men- 

 tioned in the foregoing remarks are not a tenth part of the 

 enemies of our crops, I have endeavored to select, as far as 

 possible, representative cases to illustrate the transformations 

 and ravages of the class. To all who may wish to pursue this 

 ' subject further, I shall be happy to afford any information in 

 my power, by identifying specimens or otherwise. Communica- 

 tions may be addressed to me at the State Cabinet, Boston, and 

 specimens preserved in vials of alcohol, or pinned in boxes, will 

 be very acceptable to the instructive collection I am engaged in 

 preparing. 



SHEEP-HUSBANDRY. 



The subject of sheep-husbandry was then announced for 

 discussion. 



