MR. proctor's address. 21 



The use and improvement of wet meadow and swamp 

 lands, early occupied the attention of this society, and 

 has afforded some of the best examples of successful ex- 

 periments. A brief reference to these may be useful, 

 not only in showing how similar improvements may be 

 made, for this is one of the most extensive fields for im- 

 provements ; but in guarding against the misapplication 

 of labor in mistaken modes of operation. In regard to 

 these grounds, it should be borne in mind, that they vary 

 quite as much in their texture and component parts, as 

 do the upland soils ; and that it is necessary to vary the 

 process of redemption accordingly. The foundation of all 

 improvements in this kind of land, is first to free them 

 of the superabundant water with which they are burden- 

 ed. This must be thoroughly done, and in a manner 

 that shall continue them free. Much labor has been lost, 

 by temporary drains, that soon become impeded by grass, 

 leaves, or other obstructions ; leaving the ground in as 

 bad condition as at first. The same necessity that re- 

 quired the drains to be made, demands that they should 

 be continued open. When the water is removed, then 

 the coarse grasses or meadow plants are to be destroyed, 

 and the texture of the soil is to be brought into a condi- 

 tion to support the growth of the upland grasses. In its 

 meadow state it is too porous, too much like a honey- 

 comb, for this purpose. It needs either to be wrought 

 over or to have some other substances mixed with it to 

 make its texture more compact. There is no want of 

 vegetable matter or nutritive substances, the only thing 

 necessary is to bring these into a position that they can 

 be successfully used. Various modes of doing this, have 

 been attempted, with more or less success ; probably 

 from a want of proper attention to the qualities of the 

 land sought to be reclaimed. Some meadows are com- 

 posed mostly of decayed vegetable and animal substances 



most experience, so far as I have been able to learn their opinions, that by a 

 judicious crossing of the best of the English animals with our own, a race may- 

 be produced of more value, and better adapted to the climate, than any now to 

 be found. A very large proportion of the Durham cattle now to be found are 

 of that coarse, elephantine character, that would not be admired or even endur- 

 ed, by the best judges in England. 



