138 



ward that the change of sap into grain principally takes place. 

 If the stalk be cut above the ear, nourishment is at an end. It 

 may then become firm and dry, but it is not increased in quan. 

 tity, while, if cut near the root, it not only appropriates the sap 

 already in the plant, but it also absorbs additional matter from 

 the atmosphere, which contributes to its weight and perfection." 



Objection is there made to cutting off the tops while they are 

 green as being injurious as stated above, which seems most 

 reasonable ; but after the corn crop has turned brown, I can 

 see no iiarm in taking off the tops, and the ears do not seem to 

 be well glazed until the stalks have begun to turn brown. My 

 reason for topping corn is that I can dry that part more readily, 

 and because I have a sufficient quantity of tops not to need the 

 butts, which I have no good market for, and because I believe 

 it is best for me to cut the butts into short pieces with a hay 

 cutter and use them for bedding, on their way to increase my 

 manure heap. 



At the last meeting of the Society at Lynn, several members 

 discussed the advisability of appointing a committee or com- 

 mittees of the Trustees to visit and report for our transactions 

 upon the various Agricultural Fairs, etc., that may be held in 

 the County during the coming year, and thus give the people ot 

 the whole county an opportunity to benefit by the experience of 

 its cities, towns or districts. 



Much good might thus come by adopting such a plan, and by 

 requesting from all such committees carefully prepared reports 

 of the Fairs which they are called on to attend. I should not 

 idvise modelling them after all the reports made to our State 

 Board by its delegates to County Pairs, for, while the reports 

 of these delegates seem to have become of an almost regularly 

 established form, and of but little interest to the farmer, I 

 know that all the local Fairs of our County contain much that 

 could be reported upon in a shape that would be of much value 

 md interest as a printed report. I would strongly and re- 

 i5pectfully suggest that the Trustees consider such a plan at 

 •heir next meeting. To start it, I would take the liberty to 



