178 HAMPDEN AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The following report of the directors is the only report that 

 accompanies the returns of this society, excepting the awards of 

 the premiums. 



Reclaimed Swamps, and Grain and Root Crops. 



The directors regret that so few have taken advantage of the 

 liberal offers of the society ; yet they feel assured that there are 

 efforts being made in all parts of the county, to render produc- 

 tive, lands that have heretofore been of little or no value. And 

 also, that our farmers are beginning to understand the true value 

 of labor, and are applying their labor and fertilizers in such a 

 manner, as to tell more effectually upon their crops. 



There Avere three applications for premiums on reclaimed 

 swamps, one of which, (being less than an acre, and therefore 

 not within the rules of the society,) the directors did not exam- 

 ine. Those lands owned by Ephraim Fenton, of Brimfield, and 

 Joel M. Lyman, of Wilbraham, were examined by them, and 

 they found that Mr. Fenton's improvements, covering from two 

 to three acres, were of a superior character. His work is not 

 only done, but well done ; his swamp being very soft, it was 

 necessary to cover it to the depth of about twenty inches, to make 

 it firm. The labor having been done in winter, and the earth 

 to be removed being upon the margin of the swamp, the cost of 

 improvement was comparatively light. Mr. Fenton estimates 

 it at twenty-five dollars per acre, but the directors think that it 

 would not be safe to make calculations from that estimate. They 

 award to him the first premium of six dollars. 



Mr. Lyman has made valuable improvement on about three 

 acres, and the result may be equal to that of Mr. Fenton, but 

 the present appearances are not so favorable. Estimated cost 

 of improvement, twenty-five dollars per acre. The second pre- 

 mium of four dollars is awarded to him. There are many 

 farmers in the county, who might receive valuable information, 

 by visiting either of the above farms. 



Wheal. Horace Smith, of West Springfield, presented a 



