79 



A considerable dressing of marl on grass ground on the same farm 

 produced no perceptible results. 



Its effects on his corn were not ascertainable as the whole field 

 was marled equally. The growth was luxuriant and promising ; but, 

 whether from the operation of the marl or the fineness of the season, 

 he could not determine. 



At Sheffield, on a small farm which exhibits a beautiful example of 

 intelligent and successful husbandry, upon a soil strongly siliceous but 

 abounding in vegetable mould, and based upon lime stone, marl was 

 applied for the wheat crop. It was applied through the field in strips, 

 and at the rate of 500 bushels to the acre. Afier the most careful 

 examination that could be given to it before harvest, comparing the 

 marled portions with the adjoining, which were not marled, we were 

 unable to perceive any advantage or effect from its application. 

 The result at harvest showed no difference. 



Tlie testimony every where is unanimous in favor of wood ashes, 

 applied to cuhivated crops, excepting on new land where it is not 

 needed ; to wheat in particular. An extensive manufacturer of 

 Pitisfield, states that "he has tried for several years with great suc- 

 cess, the ashes from his iron furnace ; the ashes of bituminous coal 

 and wood charcoal ; and found it of great advantage without any other 

 manure. Agricultural chemistry has yet a great work before it, in 

 the solution of these recondite operations.* 



A farmer in Stockbridge speaks in strong terms of the beneficial 

 effects of powdered lime-stone wherever it has been applied. At the 

 mill for sawing and planing marble by a very ingenious machinery, 

 much of this material is found reduced to a very fine powder. 



IX. FARM BUILDINGS. 



The buildings in the county are almost universally of wood. The 

 best of building stone abounds ; yet I recollect but a single stone 

 hoiHc in the county ; and to this, refei" nee is had in my first report, 

 page 121. Here it is slated that the contract for the erection of a 



Appendix D. 



