310 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



cipally Peruvian and fish guano, superphosphate of lime and 

 plaster of Paris, with good success. The experience of most 

 farmers, however, has led them to the conclusion that these 

 manures, though valuable, cannot be substituted for the products 

 of the barnyard — that they should be classed as stimulants, not 

 as fertilizers. 



Sheep-husbandry has received increased attention. Flocks 

 have been introduced where they have not been seen for many 

 years. They are being bred and kept with profit both for wool 

 and mutton. Of the different breeds, the Southdown and grade 

 Southdown predominate, and the raising of lambs for market 

 produces the largest income. There are also some fine flocks of 

 Merino sheep. 



Some attention is paid to the culture of grapes, both by hot- 

 house and open vineyard culture. There has been a small plot of 

 land, of perhaps one-half acre, planted by the Messrs. Clapp, of 

 South Dcerfield. The land consists of a very light, sandy soil, 

 with a southern aspect. The vines, through the past season of 

 drought, looked fresh and vigorous. They have not commenced 

 bearing yet. Several gentlemen in Sunderland have entered 

 into the cultivation of grapes upon a small scale. The amount 

 of product for sale the past year was from 50 to 300 pounds 

 each. 



In these towns spoken of as " river towns," there is nothing 

 of that deterioration and decay which was mentioned as charac- 

 terizing some of the hill towns. On the contrary, farms are 

 increasing in value, the character of the buildings is improved, 

 the old being repaired or new ones substituted for them, and 

 farming is conducted in a more thorough, intelligent and 

 systematic manner than formerly. 



Modern farm machinery has been of great service to the 

 farmer. The mower, hay-tedder and horse-fork have almost 

 revolutionized the process of hay-making, and brought important 

 aid to the farmer when it is most needed, enabling him to make 

 hay when the sun shines. J. M. Smith. 



BERKSHIRE. 



The agriculture of Southern Berkshire is perhaps as varied 

 and general as can l)e found in any other portion of like extent 

 in the Commonwealth, having soils in great variety, possessing 



