STATEMENT OF JABEZ FISHER. 53 



standard pears, with dwarfs^ between, and one acre in cherries, 

 with peaches. The remainder of the tillai^e land was cultivated 

 with the various farm crops ordinarily grown. After two year's 

 experience, while living at the village, a mile and a-half distant, as 

 a practicing physician, I came to the conclusion that if I was to 

 make agriculture other than a plaything, I must give it my personal 

 and constant supervision. I then moved to the farm where I now 

 live, and have since that period allowed it to absorb nearly my en- 

 tire time and attention. 



As time passed on, I found that certain products paid a profit, 

 while certain other products either paid no profit or else cost more 

 than they were worth. I had no alternative but to devote myself 

 to the former and discard the latter, as my surplus capital was in- 

 sufficient to permit me to pursue an unprofitable culture for mere 

 gratification, even if I had been so disposed. Under this rule I 

 have retained fruit and grass, and have given up the growing of 

 corn, grain or root crops to any extent. I have learned that a 

 field may be kept in grass profitably for twelve years at least with- 

 out a falling off in productiveness, and without ploughing or re- 

 sceding. All of my tillage land that is not in fruit, is kept in 

 grass for hay, and is managed as follows : 



My barn is so constructed as to save every particle of the 

 manure, both liquid and solid, in a water-tight cellar. A sufficient 

 quantity of rain water is added to dilute the liquid portion. Each 

 spring, about the time that the grass begins to look green, the 

 liquid is raised by means of a chain pump and distributed by a 

 simple box and spreader, upon that portion of the grass nearest 

 the barn. So much of the solid portion as may be needed for any 

 special purpose is removed, and the rest allowed to remain. At 

 any convenient time in late summer or autumn, the accumulated 

 liquid is again spread upon other grass. The solid residue is then 

 entirely removed and spread upon grass more distant from the 

 barn, choosing each year the portions least productive. This plan 

 has given satisfactory results thus far, and will be continued. 



The farm is one field, having no interior fences or walls. Of 

 the division walls standing at the time of the purchase, some 200 

 rods, I have removed the whole either into road-beds, underdrains, 

 or into a vacant corner. The original pasture fields are now 

 either in grass or fruit, and no stock is allowed to be at large u^on 

 any part of the premises. In the summer season but one cow is 

 kept, and she is fed in the barn upon early cut grass and meal. 

 In winter, enough additional farrow cows are procured to consume 



