ON FARMS. 



25 



other hand that these pecuhar circumstances are in many re- 

 spects favorable to the character of our agricultural population. 

 They compel them to diligence, frugality, and temperance ; they 

 severely tax their industry and skill ; they as it were throw them 

 upon their own resources ; under these circumstances their ener- 

 gies are naturally developed, and habits of extraordinary dili- 

 gence and frugality are formed, as being absolutely essential to 

 success. 



The farms of Messrs. Hooper and Curtis are fair examples of 

 this kind of husbandry, and entitle them to the honorable notice 

 of your Society. Mr. Hooper's farm is in Danvers, owned in 

 part by himself, but the greater part held on a lease. We need 

 not recapitulate the facts communicated in his statement ; but 

 we begin by saying that an example of neater husbandry, both 

 within doors and without, we believe cannot be found in 

 the County. Every thing connected with his mechanical and 

 agricultural establishment was in order, and his numerous inven- 

 tions for faciUtating and abi'idging the operations of his trade and 

 farm deserve great commendation for the ingenuity of their con- 

 trivance, as well as the success of their application. His build- 

 ings and fences were in complete repair ; his cultivation clean 

 and thorough; his domestic animals of good character and in 

 good condition ; and every part of the concern indicated the at- 

 tention of a vigilant and careful master. The crops of Indian 

 Corn and Potatoes were very good for this part of the country, 

 though the year upon the whole has been unfavorable to the 

 yield of Potatoes. The blight upon small grains, Wheat and 

 Rye, from which he suffered, was general ; but the appearance 

 of Mr. Hooper's fields after the crops were removed, showed the 

 high condition in which the land had been put. The amount of 

 dairy produce is to be considered with reference to the large 

 number of the family to be supplied with milk, and for this pur- 

 pose it would seem that at least a third part would be required. 

 The crop of Hay was got in fine condition ; the other crops of 

 onions and carrots especially were very good for field cultivation ; 

 and the gross amount of produce, which there is reason to be- 

 lieve was under rather than over-stated, is highly creditable. 



