FARMS. 153 



Wc will briefly state the several points that arc illustrated by 

 the author. From these it will be seen that a new and wide 

 field is opened, that promises to be productive of the greatest 

 benefit. According to Mr. F., the advantages of drainage are 

 these : That it deepens the soil, furnishing room for the roots 

 of cultivated plants ; that it promotes pulverization ; that it pre- 

 vents surface-washing ; that it lengthens the season for labor 

 and vegetation by causing the ground to dry off early in the 

 spring ; that it prevents freezing out, by leaving the root-bed of 

 the plants so free from water that they retain their natural 

 position ; that it prevents drought by increasing the capacity of 

 the soil for capillary attraction ; that it warms the soil, increas- 

 ing its temperature often as much as fifteen degrees ; that it 

 supplies air to the roots ; that it promotes absorption of fertil- 

 izing substances from the air ; that it improves the quality of 

 crops. After the discussion of each of these points, ]\Ir. F. 

 adds a chapter on the methods of drainage, the whole forming 

 a complete and important addition to our knowledge. We 

 commend it to the careful study of farmers. By cheap and 

 cautious trials they can easily test its value. 



Millet is fast coming into use as food for cattle and horses, 

 which eat it readily. A livery stable keeper, who raised a large 

 crop this season, informs us that he finds it profitable, both in 

 regard to its nutritious properties and the facility with which it 

 may be grown. It is cultivated in the same manner as oats, 

 and should be cut before the seed is perfectly ripe. A western 

 farmer has this year raised a hundred acres of millet. 



In travelling over the county we cannot but notice the great 

 want of manure, and the want of a knowledge that it may be 

 bought and used in many cases with profit. It is believed that 

 much time which is now partially lost, might be advantageously 

 employed in increasing the compost heaps by the addition of 

 mud, peat, leaves, straw, lime, ashes and any thing capable of 

 decoAiposition. A large part of the land in this county does 

 not produce more than half of what it might do were it well 

 majiured. One farmer says : " All my outlays for manure pay 

 great interest on the amount invested." Is not this the usual 

 experience ? All admit that the principal drawback upon farm- 



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