FARMS. 157 



have tlio means of doing something to gratify a refined taste, 

 and to improve the looks as well as the fruitfulness of our 

 county. And what objects are more beautiful than the shrub- 

 bery that adorns our dwellings, or thau the beeches, maples, 

 elms and evergreens that line the highways. Who does not 

 greet with satisfaction a village, the nakedness of whicli is 

 relieved by these permanent memorials of public spirit ? And 

 who has a better right to be considered a public benefactor than 

 the man who provides for tlie comfort and health of future 

 generations ? 



Almost every farmer planted a little of the Chinese sugar 

 cane, last spring ; some from curiosity, others with a view to 

 fodder, and a few, perhaps, in the hope of supplying themselves 

 with home-made molasses. Every where the cane grew and 

 flourished. There is a diversity of opinion respecting its value 

 as fodder, some approving it, but the majority of those who 

 have conversed with us do not consider it equal to sweet corn 

 fodder. It is less sweet and juicy, the cattle do not eat it so 

 readily, and waste more of it. The buts are fibrous and hard. 

 At the fair, several specimens of good sirup were exhibited, 

 a detailed account of which will probably be furnished by 

 .another committee. We have heard of no extensive operations 

 in this county. In Middlesex, Mr. Hyde, of Newton, has 

 entered largely into the manufacture of sirup, and is not 

 without hope that he may overcome the difficulties hitherto 

 experienced in causing it to grain. The public are already 

 familiar with the results of his enterprise, through the daily 

 papers. We hope that his success will be equal to his enter- 

 prise, and that he will have the honor of introducing a new 

 and profitable branch of business. 



During the past season mowing machines have been some- 

 what more used tlian the year before. In several towns in our 

 county, however, there is not one. Although every advantage 

 claimed for the mowing machine may be admitted, yet the 

 farmer hesitates, perhaps wisely, before he invests his money in 

 its purchase. He acknowledges the inferiority of the scythe, 

 but he knows what he can do Avith it. He knows how to repair 

 it. He knows what is the average cost of cutting an acre of 



