55 



Rye is a much surer crop and stands deservedly high in 

 the popular estimate. Indeed its hardy nature is often- 

 times the occasion of its being subjected to hard usage; 

 hence it is somewhat rare that it has a chance to show 

 what it can do with generous treatment. There was a 

 marked difference in the samples that came under our in- 

 spection. Some being nearly as white as wheat, others 

 very dark colored. We advise to cultivate the white 

 kind knowing from experience that it makes a quality of 

 bread little inferior to wheat. 



Altogether the best oats on exhibition were those pre- 

 sented by Franklin II. Williams of Sunderland. They 

 are called Maine oats, are said to be prolific, and are very 

 heavy, weighing almost forty pounds to the bushel. 



The only sample of barley that particularly attracted our 

 attention was one presented by Ephraim Montague of 

 Belchertown. The berry was longer than wheat, rather 

 slender, in color much like spring wheat and like that en- 

 tirely divested of the hull. The weight was fifty-nine 

 pounds per bushel. These are the only facts we could ob- 

 tain in regard to it. Doubtless Mr. Montague knows 

 something as to its adaptedness to our climate and culti- 

 vation, and we presume he would confer a favor to very 

 many if he would give to the public his experience in the 

 matter. Should it prove hardy and productive it must be 

 a great acquisition. 



There were but few samples of buckwheat and these of 

 no more than fair quality. This crop in this part of the 

 country at least, seems by common consent to be put under 

 ban, and if raised at all only under a sort of protest. If 

 its more aristocratic but less hardy neighbor the Indian 

 corn fails, it is sometimes allowed to occupy the ground 

 to prevent a total loss. Now and then it is given a chance 

 for life on some patch too cold or too poor for anything 

 else. Even under such treatment it does not complain 

 but will do its best with the materials it has. An idea 

 prevails that it is an exhausting crop, and this whether 



