366 HOUSATONIC SOCIETY. 



end whereby knowledge may be disseminated. Its object once 

 thoroughly understood, and its requisitions complied with, a 

 large amount of knowledge will be given to the public. The 

 subject of manures is receiving the attention of the farmers in 

 Berkshire, as a means of improving their farms ; fifty per cent, 

 more manure is made and preserved for use now than fifteen 

 years asro. Barns are being built with cellars under them, for 

 the purpose of holding fast the liquids as well as solids, until 

 wanted for use. Swamp muck is used successfully in compost, 

 and separately, as a fertilizer. Samuel H. Bushnell, Esq., of 

 Sheflield, has experimented -uith muck in raising corn, with 

 great success, and we invite attention to his statement. Ro- 

 tating crops has as yet received but linle attention by the 

 farmers in this vicinity. Col. Lewis, of West Stockbridge, is 

 experimenting with rotation of crops with success. Mr. Lewis 

 stated to the committee that he had increased the value of his 

 corn crop one-quarter, by this system. 



Underdraining is not practised as extensively as it should 

 be. The committee believe that much of the land in Berkshire 

 might be made to produce one-quarter more by removing the 

 surface water. "Whether deep or shallow drains are best must 

 depend somewhat on the soil. The best materials for con- 

 structing, whether of stone, wood, or tiles, and many other 

 questions, might be profitably discussed during the long "^"inter 

 evenings by farmers clubs, or through the columns of the Cul- 

 turist, much information might be disseminated. The com- 

 mittee would recommend to the members of the society- this 

 paper. Its able editor. Dr. Reed, is indefatigable in his labors 

 to advance the farming interest, and ought to receive their 

 patronage. The committee do not hesitate to pronounce it 

 one of the cheapest papers published, and containing an 

 amount of matter equal to many of the more costly journals. 

 The committee will not here present the advantages of under- 

 draining. Almost every farmer has small stone enough to con- 

 struct sufficient underdrains for his land. The capital invested 

 would be labor, and if any one doubts that it would be a pro- 

 fitable investment, let him examine the premises of Mr. Cyrus 

 Baldwin, of Egremont. Mr. Baldwin has, within the last 

 twenty years, constructed three miles of underdrain on his 

 farm, with small stone. He has made his land, consisting of 



