GRAIN CROPS. 65 



the river valleys. This corn was not planted so thick as in the 

 other fields, the ground being rowed both ways. There were 

 twenty-five hills to the square rod. 



We wish to suggest to farmers the importance of being more 

 exact in keeping farm accounts. We believe it to be possible to 

 know the exact cost of producing half an acre of corn or other 

 crop, and then " estimates " will not be needed. We recom- 

 mend that in early spring each farmer who thinks of competing 

 for a premium on corn, measure off the half acre on which he 

 expects to raise seventy bushels or upwards per acre, and keep 

 a careful account of every hour's work done upon it, and also 

 measure the seed ; for, small a matter as this is, the rules of the 

 society require the amount, and if one man plants twice as 

 thick as another the difference in quantity is manifest. 



Statement of Rapha W. Savyyer, Dracut. 



What was the crop of 1863 ? Grass. ^ 



What manure was used, and how much ? None. 



What was the crop of 186-4 ? Grass. 



What manure was used, and how much ? None. 



What is the nature of the soil ? Dark loam. 



When and how many times ploughed, and how deep ? Twice ; 

 once in November, 1864, with Michigan double plough, nine 

 inches deep, and once in May, 1865, four to five inches deep. 



What other preparation for the seed ? None. 



Cost of ploughing and other preparation ? Eight dollars per 

 acre. 



Amount of manure, in loads of thirty bushels, and how 

 applied ? Thirty-two loads per acre, spread and ploughed in. 



Value of manure upon the ground ? Sixteen dollars per 

 acre. 



When and how planted, and the amount and kind of seed ? 

 Planted IGth and 17th of May ; six quarts per acre ; eight to 

 sixteen rowed yellow corn. 



Cost of seed and planting ? Two dollars per acre. 



How cultivated, and how many times ? Twice, one way, and 

 hoed twice. 



Cost of cultivation, including weeding and thinning ? Four 

 dollars per acre. 



