98 



thorough cultivation, and were on land particularly adapted 

 for the cultivation of this crop, being adjacent to, and only 

 slightly above the marsh level ; had not suffered from drought. 



The beets shown were looking well, a very good variety, 

 and although in a growing state bid fair to be a good crop. 



A statement of this crop was not received from Mr. Blodgett 

 in season to award it a premium, but from appearances might 

 have been well worthy of it. 



Mr. Blodgett's farm from its close proximity to the Lynn and 

 Saugus marshes affords him a convenient opportunity for the 

 collection of large quantities of marsh sweepings and sea 

 waste, which enters largely into increasing his stock of ma- 

 nure. In my own experience I have found manure of this 

 nature well adapted for growing most crops, and more partic- 

 ularly roots and running vines which seem to crave a fertili- 

 ser of a salt nature. 



The call received from Mr. Knowlton to examine his crop 

 of wurtzels was unexpected, owing to the lateness in the season 

 when made, Oct 25th. The full committee being unable to 

 attend on short notice, only the chairman of the committee 

 visited him. Besides finding an exceptionally fine field of 

 roots, with a heavy growth of tops reaching above the waist, 

 which alone would well repay the cost of harvesting the roots. 

 I also found a farmer who well understood the importance, as 

 well as economy of heavy manuring. Mr. Knowlton is no 

 novice in the business, having two years ago received the 

 Society's premium for same crop. 



It is well known that those farmers who best understand 

 the requisite constituents necessary for furnishing the most 

 plant food, for the least cost, and a knowledge of how best to 

 combine, and in what proportions for different crops and par- 

 ticularly how and when best to apply them, seldom fail to har- 

 vest good crops. Yet a very essential part, which will bear 

 emphasis is thorough tillage. 



There is much truth in the remark that manure is the best 

 farmer, yet there are many necessary accompaniments, for 



