1840.] SENATE— No. 36. 51 



els and three producing 16 each, the average of the town would 

 be stated at 19 bushels only per acre. An approxhnation to 

 exactness is, therefore, all which is to be looked for in the case. 

 The average yield per acre through the State, may be set 

 down as about fifteen bushels. 



The bounty granted by the State has not been without its 

 use. Advantages are likely to accrue from it, which will ulti- 

 mately prove more than an equivalent for the expenditure. 

 Public attention has been particularly called to the cultivation 

 of wheat — a product of general and necessary use ; and one of 

 the most valuable crops which can engage the attention of far- 

 mers. Though to a certain extent the crop of this year may 

 be considered a failure, yet this fact will itself awaken intelligent 

 inquiry into the causes of failure ; and, it is hoped, in the end, 

 lead to its successful cultivation. There are few parts of the 

 State where it cannot be cultivated ; but, if we look for a 

 profitable return, it must be under a ditferent course of hus- 

 bandry from that now pursued. It is my firm conviction, that 

 there is indeed, allowing always for some particular local ex- 

 ceptions, nothing in the soil, or climate, or agricultural condi- 

 tion of Massachusetts, which forbids its extensive and profita- 

 ble production. I shall ask leave, under the order of the Leg- 

 islature, and as Commissioner for the agricultural survey of the 

 State, to submit my views on this subject at some length. 



The importaiiCe of the wheat crop to Massachusetts is very 

 great. It is not necessary to go into any statistic^ returns of 

 the number of pounds or barrels of wheat or wheat flour, 

 which are brought from abroad an"", annually consumed in the 

 State. Every one must perceive, that the amount is enormous, 

 since the consumption is universal, and the quantity produced 

 in the State can do little towards supplying the demand.* 

 Public manners in this matter have undergone a considerable 

 change within the last quarter of a century. Bread made of 

 rye and Indian meal, was then always to be found upon the 

 tables in the country ; and, in parts of the State, was almost 



* Appciidiic A. 



