45 



been thus particular in describing the mode of cuhivation. At present 

 prices, $1 50 per 1000, under good cultivation, they will afford a 

 fair compensation. The kind of seed is of great importance, and I 

 have accordingly imported a quantity of the best GcMinan seed for 

 distribution among our farmers. The best article can be raised at as 

 iiitle expense as an inferior plant ; and the value of it in the market 

 is much greater. It is to be said in favor of this crop, that the high 

 manuring and clean cultivation which it requires, make it an ex- 

 cellent preparation for wheat. The crop, if well cured and managed, 

 is of a durable character ; and the farmer, therefore, need not sacri- 

 fice his product through any unfavorable fluctuations in the market. 



5. Flax. — I recollect meeting with a few patches of flax. The 

 crop on an excellent farm in Sheffield gives usually about 400 lbs. of 

 flax, and 12 to 14 bs. of seed ; and it may be cultivated on the same 

 land once in four or five years. Under such circumstances, it is deemed 

 a profitable crop. Farmers have yet to learn the great value of flax- 

 seed, made into jelly, in fattening cattle. No substance of the same 

 bulk and expense within my knowledge, is so fattening for neat cattle 

 and sheep. 



III. DAIRY HUSBANDRY. 



I proceed to speak now of another of the great interests of the ag- 

 riculture of Berkshire, — the Dairy. 



The dairy business has always been a great business. For a time 

 it gave way to the raising of fine wool, when the prices of that staple 

 were high. Since the abatement of the demand for wool, with 

 that caprice for which mankind always have been, and there is reason 

 to think always will be remarkable, many farmers have sacrificed 

 their flocks ; and are now giving their exclusive attention to the dairy 

 husbandry. These changes, in matters so important as the dairy or 

 the sheep husbandry involving, as theydo, a considerable investment 

 of capital, and many expensive fixtures, cannot be suddenly or fre- 

 quently made without risk of serious loss and disadvantage. 



The county of Berkshire is admirably adapted to the dairy bus- 



