54 ESSEX SOCIETY. 



trate the principles of science, as they are connected with the 

 cuhivation of the earth, we cannot reasonably expect that gen- 

 eral improvement in agriculture we desire and believe attaina- 

 ble. Some few of the many farmers, will, by the application of 

 skill and science in their method of farming, distinguish them- 

 selves by their increased and improved products ; and to these we 

 must look as teachers, and to their statements, as text books in 

 farming, until the principles of agriculture are taught to our 

 youth, as a part of their preparation for the active duties of life^ 



We have our schools for instruction in law, physic and divin- 

 ity, more or less patronized by the State ; and why should the 

 calling of the great body of the community, be without its pub- 

 lic school ? Is not this want, in a degree, chargeable to our own 

 remissness in urging upon the Legislature of the Commonwealth, 

 its duty in this respect. 



The only farm offered for inspection and premium, this year, 

 is that of William F. Porter, of Bradford, pleasantly situated on 

 the Merrimac River. This farm is well known in the northern 

 part of the county, from the frequency of change in owners, 

 as well as from its general character of fertility. Under most of 

 its late owners, we have no doubt a spirit of improvement has 

 been manifested, evidences of some of which are now visible ; 

 but so far as is known to your committee, the progress of im- 

 provement had not entitled it to the favorable notice of the so- 

 ciety. Since Mr. Porter's occupancy, great improvements have 

 been made in the arrangements of the farm buildings, in the in- 

 creased convenience in the gathering of the crops, in the feed- 

 ing out of the same, the arrangement for the housing of the 

 stock, and the securing of their droppings. 



The crops of the farm the present year, are good, and the 

 inspection of them bears testimony of the skill and attentive- 

 ness of the cultivator. The increase over former years is made 

 evident by the statement of Mr. Porter. 



The crop of broom corn attracted the notice of the commit- 

 tee, as being a successful experiment, in a cultivation not com- 

 mon in this county. From the appearance of the crop and the 

 statement of its yield of seed, and broom brush, we believe it 

 may be recommended as a desirable and paying crop, on the 



