80 



years next preceeding the time of the award ; and therefore to 

 exclude from their particular consideration, operations of longer 

 standing; and to forbid their nif king an award for iainrovenients 

 that do not cover more than one year. In pursuance of these 

 views, the claim presented by Mr. Kayes, of Lawrence, does not 

 lay tlie foundation for aa award the present season. Let it be 

 followed out as effectually as it has been begun, and it will re- 

 quire an early riser to go ahead of it. It will be fairly in for 

 the next year. 



The claim presented by Dr. Merriam, of Topsfield, presents 

 considerations of a different character. As early as 1808, his 

 improvements are said to have been commenced, by Avhom it is 

 not distinctly stated, — and from that lime to the present, to have 

 been graduually advancing, the land yieldiiigthe moderate crop 

 of about one ton of hay to the acre, during this period. With- 

 out doubt, many tracts can be found, yielding, as much or more 

 than this, where no improvements are claimed tohave been made. 

 What is wanted is, two blades, as least, of grass to grow^ where 

 but one grew before. If we rightly understand from Dr. Mer- 

 riarn's statement that one acre of his land yielded three tons of 

 good hay the present season, this was a good crop. What was 

 done to this acre, thus to start it ahead of those adjoining, we 

 do not learn from the statement. 



The improvement made on Mr. Phillip's land adjoining, as 

 described, must have been worthy of conimendation. Why if 

 did not obtain it from the committee, when presented, we do not 

 understand. Nor no we feel that we have any authority to re- 

 vise that decision. If the experiment were equal to the descrip- 

 tion of it, the proprietor has already found an abundant reward 

 i n his increased crops, as do most others who undertake improve- 

 ments. The premium accruing from the land, cannot be with- 

 held by any operation of prejudice or caprice, if any such should 

 ever be supposed to exist. 



The committee recommend the publication of the several state- 

 ments as presented. Having compared them with all the can- 

 dor in their power, the committee award 



To Stephen Blaney, of Salem, the first premium of S15 00 



