24 ON PLOWING. 



in plowman and driver, and perfect discipline in the 

 team. To this work was awarded the first premium. 



RECAPITULATION OF 



Samuel Jenkins, jr., Andover, 

 George P. Wilkins, Middleton, 

 Samuel Jenkins, Bradford, 

 John F. Carlton, Andover, 

 James Stevens, 2d., Andover, a 



In attempting to discriminate among the performan- 

 ces of so manv so nearly equal, it would naturally fol- 

 low, that there would be differences of opinion, in the 

 minds of the committee; and probably their opinions 

 may in some instances differ from others who examined 

 the work. Several of the committee had much practical 

 experience, both in holding and drivhig, and their opin- 

 ions were particularly regarded in the decisions made. 

 Where all did so w^ell, it is not easy to say with certain- 

 ty, which did the best. Much credit is due to all con- 

 cerned, for their promptness in being ready for the 

 work; starting precisely at the time appointed; and for 

 the entire want of noise, and hurry and bustle, in their 

 movements, and for the general propriety of the per- 

 formance. Considering the hardness of the soil, and 

 the difficulties of the work, we think it was as well 

 done, as any match we have ever witnessed. 



The plows used, were designed to lay the furrows 

 flat. In a light soil, this is unquestionably the prefera- 

 ble mode of laying them. But it was the opinion of 

 some of the committee, that on a heavy soil, like this, 

 on land naturally moist and cold, it is better to leave 

 the furrows somewhat broken, or a little on the edge, so 

 that the atmospherical agencies may aid in pulverizing 

 them. Especially if the plowing is in Autumn, when 

 the furrows will be exposed to the frosts of the ensuing 

 winter. 



This Society has appropriated from ^60 to $80 a 

 year, for 20 years past, to encourage improvements in 

 plowing. Not less than $1500 has been paid for this 

 purpose. It is fair to inquire what benefits have result- 



