170 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



believe neglect of thorough preparation of the soil one of the 

 greatest causes of failure. 



The seed by the best of cultivators is carefully cleansed by 

 washing previous to sowing. The amount sown per acre varies 

 from one to two bushels. The time of sowing winter wheat, 

 should be as early as the last of August, or the first of Septem- 

 ber. If spring wheat, it should be sown as early as possible, in 

 order to its maturing before the appearance of insects, which 

 prove detrimental to a full yield, and sometimes, as when 

 weevil attacks it, entirely destroying the crop. 



During the past year, a new enemy has appeared in the grain 

 aphis or louse, proving itself a pest of a very dangerous character, 

 especially to late sown grain. It docs not eat the kernel, but 

 seems to live upon the juices which go to its full development, 

 leaving it small and shrivelled. Whether this insect will con- 

 tinue its ravages in future, it is impossible to predict. It is 

 hoped, however, the evil will be temporary. 



We have not designed to write an extended essay, wishing 

 only to call attention to the most important facts, although in 

 themselves " nothing new," which may result in more careful 

 experiment in the cultivation of this important grain. 



Andrew Spalding, Chairman. 



Statement of J. B. V. Colburn. 

 The half acre of wheat which I enter for premium was grown 

 on land near the river, rather light soil and sandy subsoil. 

 Last year I raised a very large crop of rye from the same ground, 

 cultivated very much the same as the wheat, viz. : About the 

 middle of September, 1860, 1 ploughed in the stubble, spread 

 on five cords of night-soil to the acre, harrowed, and sowed 

 about one and a half bushels of wheat to the acre, harrowed 

 twice and rolled. 



Expense of cultivation, $3 00 



" manure 12 00 



$15 00 



There were eighteen bushels and twenty quarts on the half 

 acre. 



Dracut, September 9, 18 6 L 



