id ON UAKDENING. 



The fanuers of the West, on their rich alluvions, with little 

 labor and with no manuring we are told, easily produce their 

 sixty, and eighty bushels to the acre. By abundant manuring 

 and diligent labor and skill we may approximate such abundant 

 crops. In this part of the process the odds are, it is true, against 

 us ; we must console ourselves under these disadvantages, how- 

 ever, with knowing that the crop with us after it is harvested is 

 ordinarily worth in cash three times, four times and often eight 

 times as much as theirs ; and here I believe we shall find a rea- 

 sonable not to say an ample compensation for our toil. Lastly, 

 let no part of the produce of this plant be wasted. The grain 

 itself is, it is believed, the most nutritious of all substances 

 for man and beast. What will not serve for fodder will serve 

 for litter. No part which rises above the ground should be left 

 in the field. Thus will it contribute in a larger proportion than 

 any other plant to return to the soil that of which it exhausts it ; 

 and thus in the cultivation upon the most improved plan of this 

 noble and beneficent plant to the extent of their power, the Es- 

 sex farmers will find that power continually increased ; they will 

 recognize the distinguishing goodness of divine providence in a 

 soil and climate adapted to this valuable product ; and lay the 

 foundation of improving and successful husbandry. 



My good friends, the farmers of Essex County, will pardon 

 what they may deem the extravagant but honest zeal of an old 

 associate ; and gratefully recognizing the ties, which formerly 

 connected us, I beg to assure them of my unabated interest in the 

 great and useful objects and the particular success and honor of 

 their patriotic Society. 



Henry Colman. 



Meadowhanks, Deerjleld, Mass. March 5, 1833. 



DR. JEREMIAH SPOFFORD ON GARDENING. 



Perhaps I cannot discharge my duty as a member and officer 

 of the Society, better than by calling their attention to the sub- 



