NORFOLK SOCIETY. 387 



It will be highly useful, as well as gratifying, to know what 

 may be the result of such a method of cultivation as we have 

 here in view and would recommend. We hope the result of 

 several experiments, upon this plan, will be given us at the 

 close of the ensuing year ; that it may be shown whether a 

 faithful and laborious, perhaps expensive preparation of the 

 soil, is justified by increased profits to the cultivator. 



The only farm which was entered for the premiums of the 

 present year, is that of Mr. Hiram W. Jones, of Dover. Your 

 committee had no opportunity to visit this farm before the first 

 week in September. The condition of it, however, was famil- 

 iarly known by some of our number. A thorough examination 

 of it, during our visit, served to increase our admiration of its 

 general appearance, and of the judicious and successful method 

 in which it was cultivated. We observed, in particular, the 

 thorough draining of the land ; the firm and smooth surface of 

 productive mowing grounds, which had once been wet and 

 unprofitable meadows, or worthless and unsightly bogs ; the 

 judicious composting and application of manures ; the arrange- 

 ment of the barn, the cattle-yard and the hog-sty, so as to com- 

 bine the greatest convenience and utility ; the careful selection 

 and preservation of tools and carts ; and various contrivances 

 for lessening labor and expense, and for increasing comfort 

 and profit. 



It may be said of many farms, that they are waste places in 

 a double sense. But not so can it be said of this. There is 

 in every part of the farm ample proof not only of good cultiva- 

 tion, but also of most diligent care. Every tool and implement 

 appeared to be in its proper place, and in fit condition for use. 



The accompanying statement by Mr. Jones, will afford the 

 proper information respecting his usual mode of cultivation 

 and its results. Your committee will only add that this farm 

 appears to have been steadily improving since the fi.rst exami- 

 nation of it, in 1849 ; and that we now accord to Mr, Jones 

 the society's first premium of $25. 



By invitation of Aaron D. Weld, Esq., of West Roxbury, 

 your committee visited his farm on the 3d of October. Seve- 

 ral hours were here spent in careful examination of extensive 

 improvements, exhibiting at once good judgment and practical 

 skill, and which, we doubt not, will render this one of the most 



