FARMS. 43 



objects, I liavc been constantly experimenting on a small scale 

 for my own benefit; but, if .it will be proper here and of any 

 use to others, I will mention some, which, although they may 

 not have been made with that exactness which might be desira- 

 ble, yet are satisfactory to me. Some of the experiments have 

 already been mentioned, and I may add that my experiment in 

 subsoiling — though cattle-show orators may keep telling us to 

 plough deep, that we have strata of farms (no one knows how 

 many) underneath those we now till — has not been the most 

 flattering. I have no doubt that subsoiling upland, the present 

 year, would have operated well ; but, in ordinary seasons, low 

 lands deeply ploughed retain too much moisture, which retards 

 the ripening of the crop. 



Ploughing in buckwheat or Indian corn to enrich sandy land 

 I am satisfied is a long process. Salt to kill worms, and oys- 

 ter-shell lime to cut up moss and make corn grow, may answer 

 in some locations ; but something else, or perhaps nothing, is 

 better. Guano harrowed in for corn has been dear manure to 

 me. Many think there is economy in boiling sour apples for 

 hogs ; but sour meal and milk make sweet pork fast enough. 



I have been in the habit of keeping a good supply of earth 

 during the summer months in the bottom of the barn yard, 

 stable, hog pen, privy, and sink hole, to absorb the valuable 

 liquid and to be harrowed in with the manure for corn. The 

 winter-made manure is ploughed in on corn-stalk or stubble 

 land. I never mean to allow the air to become impure about 

 the buildings from the waste of fertilizing matter, but have 

 earth at hand to cover every foul spot — thus having the comfort 

 of a wholesome atmosphere, and at the same time saving food 

 for crops. 



I have raised very little stock during the last five years, 

 though I have now five very promising yearlings of my own 

 raising — the main objection to raising stock in my vicinity 

 being the want of good pastures. The produce of the farm, 

 besides supporting the family, is principally fed to cows and 

 hogs. The amount of butter made last year was seven hundred 

 and twenty-five pounds, one yoke of oxen fattened, and twenty- 

 four hundred pounds of pork. I usually employ a boy seven 

 months in the year, besides myself, or a man half that time. 



