68 



MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



This closes the third experiment of three years each that I 

 have made upon the application of manure with regard to ascer- 

 taining to what depth manure shall be covered to produce the 

 most profitable results. I have endeavored to be exact in all of 

 the experiments, and have been a close observer of the results ; 

 and from them I am satisfied, that with the various crops, and 

 taking one year with another, that to cover manure about four 

 inches deep will yield better results than any other depth, and 

 better cover it less than more. I feel that these experiments 

 have been of great value to me, and trust that they may be 

 promotive of the cause of agriculture. 



SYNOPSIS OF THE WEATHER. 



Marblehead, November 1, 1864. 



PLYMOUTH. 



From the Report of the Committee. 



For the premiums offered by this society, under the direction 

 of the State Board of Agriculture, for experiments in the appli- 

 cation of manures, for a three years' rotation of crops, there 

 have been four entries, one in 1860, two in 1861, and one in 

 1862. As these experiments are now completed, it may be 

 well to inquire whether their results are sufficiently decisive 

 to indicate a general and reliable rule for the application of 

 manure. 



The condition of these experiments, fixed by the State Board, 

 required the division of the land into five equal plots, numbered 

 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. " Divide the manure into four equal parts. 

 Spread evenly one-fourth of the manure upon plot No. 1, and 

 then plough the whole field of an equal depth. Apply another 

 fourth to plot No. 2, and then cross-plough the whole to about 

 half the depth of the first ploughing. Spread another fourth 

 upon plot No. 3, and harrow or cultivate the whole field, after 



