FARMS. 125 



the two farms are so entirely different from each other, requir- 

 ing different modes of treatment to obtain the most satisfactory 

 results, that your committee have been enabled to witness how 

 much may be done in reclaiming a low, worthless bog, not 

 worth a hundred mills, to be worth more than as many dollars 

 per acre ; and again how the rugged hill sides, and unsightly 

 valleys, being disincumbered of their rocks and stones, accom- 

 plishing a twofold pvirpose and use, that of getting them out 

 of the way, and also using them for under-drains to conduct off 

 the surplus water, may be made to yield more than two spires 

 of grass where only one grew before, and of a much finer qual- 

 ity. These farms were both visited twice in the year 1856 in 

 the month of June, and again in September, once each in 1857, 

 and again twice this year. Mr. Sessions' improvements, which 

 are very conspicuous and lasting, have been accomplished by 

 the removal from the surface of a mass of rocks and stones, 

 and putting some to a useful purpose in the shape of under- 

 drains, a large number of which he has built, and others, into 

 substantial and durable fence. And now the most casual 

 observer cannot help noticing the great improvement in the 

 grass-, in quality as well as quantity. The only drawback to 

 this mode of proceeding of which we could speak, is the fre- 

 quency with which the drains seem usually to occur. The sub- 

 soil is so hard and impervious that the water cannot percolate 

 through but a short distance. But the energy and persevering 

 efforts of the enterprising proprietor, seem to have overcome 

 even this, and he feels that he is amply paid for it. Other im- 

 provements are noticeable on this farm ; the house has under- 

 gone thorough and valuable repairs, and Mr. Sessions being an 

 advocate of the Devon breed of cattle, has purchased and placed 

 upon his farm some of the finest specimens of pure Devon to 

 be found in the country. The rearing of an improved class of 

 horses also, has not escaped his attention. The most noticeable 

 improvements upon Mr. Stedman's farm, have been accom- 

 plished upon some six or eight acres of low bog, most of which 

 was entirely worthless so far as cultivation was concerned. By 

 bogging, filling and draining, this piece of ground has been 

 brought into a condition which bids fair to become the most 

 valuable mowing land upon the farm. Such an entire change 

 and reclamation have been produced upon this spot of ground, 



