46 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



his statement his cows did not average four quarts per day each 

 for the seven best months of the year for making milk. 



The committee, when they visited the farm, were satisfied 

 that a very large amount of produce was raised for the amount 

 of labor expended ; and when we notice the price at which the* 

 early vegetables were sold, we saw more distinctly than we ever 

 realized before, the advantages which the market gardener 

 derives from his hot-beds. 



We regret that Mr. Merrill, in giving his statement of the 

 farm, has followed so far the example of those, who, for the 

 past few years, have made statements of their farming in our 

 transactions. Where the hay and roots are consumed on the 

 farm, in making up the account, these should not be reckoned. 

 What we wish to know is the income. 



In the society's offer for premium on farms they say — " For 

 the best conducted and most improved Farm, taking into view 

 the entire management and cultivation, including lands, build- 

 ings, fences, orchards, crops, stock and all other appendages, 

 with statements in detail relating thereto." 



We think Mr. Merrill has improved the farm much, and for 

 this improvement and his skill and success in raising vegetables 

 for the market, we award to him the first premium of thirty 

 dollars. Wm. R. Putnam, /or the Committee. 



Estimate of receipts and expenditure on the farm, made up 

 by the committee from Mr. Merrill's statement : — 



The rent of the farm annually, . 



Part taxes, ...... 



Wages of 7 men at $20.00 per month, for 7 months. 



Board of 7 men at $4.00 per week, 



Wages and board of two boys for 7 months. 



Paid boys for weeding onions, . 



Wages and board of three men in winter, . 



Wages and board of milkman for one year, 



Paid for fish-guano for manure, 



Paid for grain, 



Blacksmitli's bill, ..... 

 The interest, on cost, and depreciation of hot-beds. 

 Interest on value of carriages and farm imple- 

 ments, ........ 180 00 



