66 



the county. A farmer in Salem has cultivated the buck-thorn in his 

 garden to a degree sufficient to demonstrate its usefulness, the ease 

 with which it can be raised, and its extraordinary beauty. This 

 hedge is now more than four feet in height ; proof against cattle ; 

 not infested by any worm or insect ; and extremely ornamental. 



The white mulberry has been recommended in the county for hedges; 

 but I found no instances of its cultivation for this object. Its utility 

 in this respect remains to be tested. The cultivation of the red 

 cedar for fence might in some places be advantageously introduced. I 

 saw at Mount Vernon some years since a hedge of this kind, which 

 Judge Washington informed me was of seven years' growth. It was 

 neat in its appearance, and perfectly efficient as a protection against 

 cattle. It was raised from the seed. The difficulty, which might 

 otherwise be experienced in causing the seed to vegetate, is obviated 

 by soaking the seed in warm water, and bruising the glutinous envel- 

 ope with a stone. 



FARM BUILDINGS. 



The buildings in Essex County are generally of wood, and this is 

 a country abounding in materials for more durable constructions. 

 That the common stones of the country may be used in the construc- 

 tion of dwelling-houses and other buildings, with as much advantage 

 and at as little expense as any other material, is demonstrable. A 

 handsome stone house, two stories in height, forty feet in length, 

 and thirty-four in width, with cellars under the whole, and with two 

 sheds projected, has been erected within the last year at Topsfield 

 for $2500. It is believed that this is less than it could have been 

 constructed of bricks by the whole cost of the bricks. I subjoin 

 the minutes of the expense in a letter from the owner. ^ 



Great attention is now paid through the whole county to form- 

 ing cellars under the barns, for the purpose of saving and compound- 

 ing manure. These arrangements cannot be too much urged. One 

 of the most com[)lete establishments, in the way of a barn and stables, 

 is to be found at Indian Hill in Newbury. The arrangements here 

 for the cattle are excellent. The horses and cattle stand upon stone 



* Appendix, G. 



