100 SPADING. 



most of the large stones and sold about $28 worth, which paid all 

 the expense of getting them out. In 1851 I ploughed about four 

 acres ; in 1852 cross-ploughed and harrowed the same. In 1853 

 I ploughed two acres of the same, and spread on about 20 loads of 

 barn manure, and sowed it with millet ; it yielded 3 tons, the land 

 being very uneven and not fine enough for so small a seed. In 

 1854 1 ploughed four acres, and on the two acres previously sowed 

 I spread 150 bushels of leeched ashes, and sowed it with millet and 

 hayseed ; and I obtained 4 tons of millet. I planted one acre with 

 potatoes ; they yielded about 30 bushels, having suffered severely 

 from the drought. The remainder of the lot is not fully subdued, 

 but I hope by continuing to plough it, I shall get it in good order. 

 The lot will be seeded down and mowed until it is well swarded 

 and then fed as a pasture. 



I have not kept any account of the expense, as I have done the 

 work as I had leisure, and have not thought until recently of en- 

 tering it for premium ; but I feel satisfied it will eventually pay 

 good interest. In 1843-'44-'45 I subdued 4 or 5 acres similar 

 to this, which I think has paid well, as the stones always sell when 

 any one has them ready, and bring enough to pay all the expense 

 of getting them out, as on low grounds they lay near the surface. 



I have tried plaster on my pastures but without receiving any 

 perceptible benefit. 



Middleton, Nov. 3, 1854. 



« »»» » 



SPADING. 



The Committee on Spading Report, 



That thirteen entries were made, but only seven men competed 

 for premiums, all of whom were Irishmen. 



The ground selected was a soft loam, and though somewhat un- 

 even, well adapted for digging, but rather too narrow to accommo- 

 date the numerous spectators who crowded with great interest to 

 witness, for the first time in this county, a competition of strength 

 and skill in this direction. Towards the close, the excitement in- 

 creased to confusion, as the better half of one of the competitors 



