87 



The loose earth left in taking up the turf, Avas then spread 

 over the top of this turf, and made level with a hoe. This 

 done, the labor of reclaiming was completed for the time be- 

 ing. In this condition, with no manure, and without plough- 

 ing or spading, the ground was planted last spring. It 

 has produced good corn, peas, beans, turnips, ruta-baga, cab- 

 bages, carrots parsnips, &c. Indeed, everything has grown 

 luxuriantly, except the onion, the potato grew finely, until 

 the rust put a check to it. 



The cost of covering is, perhaps, something greater than 

 that of clearing. But it is the best way, for the reason that 

 whatever ammonia is found in wet land, as is this of mine, 

 like the cream upon a pan of milk, must be near the top. 

 Hence, if we remove the turf, the best portion is taken away. 

 By putting the top of one lot upon that of another, its natu- 

 ral productiveness must be increased. The effect of this mode 

 of procedure, is best told by the produce. The produce 

 of the covered, compared with that of the cleared portion of 

 my ground, is at least four to one. The covering process is 

 quite effectual, in killing the growth of most kinds of brush 

 wood. The elder and sweet-briar alone, have made their 

 way through the turf, and coming as they must through 

 several inches of earth, they are easily pulled out by the hand, 

 or yield readily before the hoe. The cost of covering an 

 acre of ground to the depth of six inches, when the run for 

 the barrows is not over fifty feet, on an average for the lot, 

 cannot exceed fifty dollars. The covering of my lot cost even 

 less than this, as the weather was " freezing cold," during 

 most of the time it Avas being performed, and each man made 

 rapid Avork for the comfort of it." 



ISIr. Stowell Avill carry to the Fair, samples of the various 

 kinds of vegetables raised on the above patch of ground, 

 during the present year. Next year Ave shall cultivate Avith 

 the aid of manure, and Avith more system, apportioning to 

 each vegetable its proper limits. 



Lawrence, Sept. 10, 1853. 



