FARMS. 13 



On the subject of stock, our farmers do not seem to judge so 

 fairly, being disposed to reject the new, and to adhere to the old, 

 because it is old. Improved horses, cattle and sheep are very 

 scarce in our county, and the business of the farmers suffers 

 accordingly. 



We need more information in reference to the best method of 

 manuring the lands. If a thorough conviction of the necessity 

 of enriching all land from which a crop is expected, could get 

 possession of the minds of farmers, they would avail themselves 

 of every means of accomplishing this object. The refuse of the 

 kitchen, the contents of the cess-pool, leaves from the forest and 

 peat from the bog, would increase the pile of manure in the 

 farmyard and give fertility to the thin soil of our county. 



We need more reading of trustworthy agricultural books and 

 agricultural papers ; the establishment of farmers' clubs in 

 every community, where all subjects pertaining to the profession 

 may be discussed, and all minds aroused to more thought. Our 

 confused and uncertain knowledge should be reduced to order, 

 so that our farming may become -truly a science, which means 

 nothing more than knowledge verified by ample experience, and 

 reduced to systematic form, so that it may be comprehended by 

 every one having a fair share of industry and intelligence. 



During the past three years, the Committee have visited annu- 

 ally the two farms entered for the society's premiums ; one of 

 these farms being owned by Mr. Austin J. Roberts, of Lakeville, 

 the other by Mr. Albert G. Pratt, of Middleborough. 



Both farms are large, well furnished with stock, implements 

 and convenient buildings. The barns are well built, and large 

 enough to contain all the products, to afford comfortable quarters 

 for all the live stock, and ample room for the tools and machin- 

 ery. The barn cellars are all that could be wished for the 

 preparation and storage of manure, and the yards attached are 

 commodious for the cattle. 



The houses are large and elegant buildings, occupying beauti- 

 ful sites, and surrounded by ornamental grounds, which give to 

 these residences an air of comfort and refinement. 



It is the opinion of the Committee, that Mr. Roberts has, dur- 

 ing the three years he has been competing for the premiums on 

 farms, shown remarkable energy in conducting his business, in 

 making many judicious improvements, in increasing the fertility 



