PLYMOUTH SOCIETY. 101 



of $4. He has operated on less than an acre, and would not be 

 considered as entitled to any reward, but for the very useful 

 character of this kind of improvement. 



The first premium of $10 is awarded to Henry Alden, of 

 East Bridgewater, for an experiment in the use of salt as ma- 

 nure. The statement of Mr. A. shows an unquestionable salu- 

 tary influence of salt on the soil, and also shows that great care 

 and prudence are necessary in the application of it. 



Joseph Northey, of Scituate, entered a claim to the premium 

 offered for the collection and judicious application of the largest 

 quantity of kelp and other sea weeds. Mr. N. has carted on to 

 his farm, and used to great advantage, 156 loads. This quan- 

 tity is not considered sufficient to justify the award of the pre- 

 mium. But the example of Mr. N. in calling public attention 

 to so valuable a species of manure, and his suggestions respect- 

 ing the application of it, are deemed worthy of some notice ; 

 therefore it is recommended that $4 be paid him. 



Two claims were entered to the premiums offered for the 

 greatest quantity of the most valuable compost manure. Ben- 

 jamin Hobart, Esq., of Abington, one of the claimants, states 

 that he has made a large quantity, which he could not consist- 

 ently with his plans cart out and measure this fall ; and sug- 

 gests the expediency of requiring compost manure to be made 

 and measured from June in one year to June in the next. Such 

 an alteration, we think, if it might accord with the particular 

 plans of Mr. H., would be extremely inconvenient for most of 

 our farmers. Should the trustees think any alteration advisa- 

 ble, it could not properly extend farther than a change of the 

 time when the measurement of the manure should be finished, 

 from the first of October to the first of November. Mr. H. has 

 made a considerable quantity of valuable compost manure, but 

 it seems to have been effected in the usual course of business, 

 without much more than ordinary exertion. We award him 

 Colman's Report. George W. Wood, of Middleborough, the 

 other applicant, has made a less quantity and of something 

 inferior quality, but it is believed that he has put forth more 

 exertion in the case ; his means are much more restricted ; there- 

 fore we recommend that a gratuity of $5 be paid him. 



