12 MR. proctor's address. 



acres unproductive, to one that appears to be rewarding 

 the husbandman for his labor. And may it not be that 

 the cause of this barrenness is the want of the applica- 

 tion of this labor in a proper manner ? We do not pre- 

 sume to say that every soil can be regenerated, by the 

 use of the sub-soil plough, any more than that every dis- 

 ease can be relieved by a single medicine ; but we have 

 great confidence that it will be found an effectual reme- 

 dy, where all others have failed. Were our farmers half 

 as ready to experiment upon their lands, as they are upon 

 themselves or their families, with the nostrums that are 

 advertised at every corner, they would find the hazard 

 much less, and the benefits much greater. 



In this County, I believe, the example was first set, 

 of offering premiums for the entire management of 

 farms, including lands, stocky buildings, and all the 

 incidentals appurtenant. For a number of years this 

 class of premiums were received with much favor and 

 attended with the most encouraging success. They at- 

 tracted the attention of our best farmers, and most 

 public spirited fellow-citizens, who promptly invited 

 examination, and fi-eely communicated the results of 

 their experience. In this w^ay was elicited much valu- 

 able information. The modes of managing by the most 

 successful cultivators were opened to all. And even 

 these cultivators themselves were enabled to improve 

 upon themselves, when called upon to state with pre- 

 cision their own processes of cultivation. What if 

 these communications have not all the skill of arrange- 

 ment, and the abstract niceties of distinction, that may 

 be found in scientific treatises ; still they manifest good 

 practical sense, in a form too that is readily understood 

 and received with favor. They leave impressions on 

 the mind, in which more confidence is placed, than in 

 any speculative conclusions. They are like the direct 

 testimony of a witness of high character. 



It is much to be regretted that the interest of our 

 farmers in (his class of premiums has fallen off" so en- 

 tirely, that for three years past, there have been no 

 satisfactory claims to justify their award. Perhaps this 



