PLOWING DOUBLE TEAMS. 45 



Hence, we see that the rains of Heaven bring us not only water, but 

 food for our plants, and that, while we would remove by proper drain- 

 age, the surplus moisture, we should take care first to conduct it through 

 the soil far enough to fulfil its mission of fertility. We cannot suppose 

 that rain water brings to our fields precisely the same proportion of the 

 elements of fertility, because the foreign properties with which it is 

 charged must continually vary with the condition of the atmosphere 

 through which it falls, whether it be a thick and murky clou.d which 

 overhangs the coal-burning city, [or the transparent ether of the moun- 

 tain tops." 



Now the question arises, What lands need drainage? Evidently 

 those lands that retain the surface water until late in spring or early 

 summer, so that teams cannot work upon them to good advantage, 

 require at least, superficial drainage ; it is frequently necessary as well 

 as convenient, to be able to cultivate a field a week or ten days earlier ; 

 by so doing the extra crop in one season would, in many cases, pay the 

 expense ; fields that are known to grow willows, rushes and alders indi- 

 cate deep drainage, as these aquatic plants would not grow and flourish 

 were it not for the water in the subsoil that encourages their growth ; 

 again, where trees or grain heave badly in spring, or when the foliage 

 presents a sickly appearance, it is a strong index of stagnant water in 

 the subsoil. 



A member of this Committee having decided to transplant a Pear 

 Orchard at some future day, and having learned that the roots of pear 

 trees have a great aversion to standing water, the field was first drained 

 as was supposed, sufficiently ; but to make a sure thing of it, about one 

 years ago a shaft three feet deep was sunk in the field and stoned in the 

 form of a well, and the movement of the water noticed during the win- 

 ter and spring following. Now, as the water at the highest point was 

 found to rise only one and a half feet, and to remain at that height not 

 more than forty-eight hours, it is conclusive that pear trees may be 

 transplanted with safety. As the expense is small it may be a safe cri- 

 terion for other plants. 



THE PLOW. 



Of all implements used upon the farm, the plow stands first and 

 foremost ; yet, strange to say, that, in the majority of cases, its use is 

 not yet appreciated. It is also equally strange that we find so many 

 young men at the present day so totally inefiicient in this work. If a 

 farmer has a field that lequires anything above and beyond mere super- 

 ficial plowing, he is himself obliged to take the plow into his own hands 

 or call upon some middle-aged or old man to perform the task, other- 

 wise be satisfied with very inefficient plowing. It has been truthfully 

 said that it requires more mechanical skill and ingenuity to govern, 

 gauge and give proper draft to the plow, than it does for the mechanic 

 to build one. And all this must be acquired from practice and obser- 

 vation, and taking an interest in the work ; and to this end your Com- 

 mittee would recommend a higher rate of premiums, r.nd a greater 



