60 WORCESTER SOCIETY, 



acre, which is less than experience has shown, — deducting, say 

 one third for the expense of harvesting, there will remain an 

 amount equivalent to the interest of $200 per acre. Swamp 

 meadows may be rendered productive, at an expense not ex- 

 ceeding that for reclaiming many of our uplands ; to accomplish 

 which, — 1st. Drain perfectly, not omitting margin or border 

 ditches. 2d. Pare as deep as the thickness of the sward. 3d. 

 Burn the turf completely, reducing the whole to ashes, which 

 may be done, if sufficiently dry, as spread, or be gathered into 

 heaps, in which case care must be used that the fire does not 

 take such hold of the ground as to injure it. 4th. Spread the 

 ashes, plough shallow, which may be done with a horse, with 

 shoes made for the purpose. 5th. If the time of year permit, 

 commence cultivation with a root crop, after which, lay down 

 to grass. Manure will do no damage. 6th. If from any cause 

 the land cannot be pared, harrow the turf, add compost, and 

 seed to grass ; in which way good crops have been obtained. 

 These hints apply more particularly to wet meadows, where it 

 is necessary to employ mostly manual labor. 



Weslboro\ Dec. 3, 1845. 



