27 



It is filtered through sand, as it runs from the press, and sohl im- 

 mediately from the filter at from four to five dollars per barrel — 

 the barrel being returned or paid for, Mr. G. is extending his 

 reclamation of wet lands — his former operations of this kind hav- 

 ing been quite satisfactory, lie uses the Buckeye mowing- 

 machine. 



An appointment was made to visit Franklin on the 28th of 

 July, Here, again, rain interfered with our designs, and the 

 Chairman found himself the only meml)er of the Committee pres- 

 ent out of the town of Franklin. Nevertheless, examinations, 

 though necessarily somewhat hurried and imperfect, were made of 

 a few farms. First, we reviewed the farm of S. W, Richardson, 

 which was visited and reported on in 18(30, Our object, in part, 

 on the present occasion, was to learn the result of certain im- 

 provements which had been commenced at the time of our former 

 visit, particularly the result of draining some kinds of soil. In 

 1 860, drains were made where a "hard-pan," or deposit of iron, 

 had rendered the subsoil, even to within a few inches of the sur- 

 face, very hard, it being almost impervious to water, and ungenial 

 to plants. It was deemed important to ascertain whether the 

 sinking of drains in the soil would produce such a change as would 

 render it suitable for the growth of crops. We are happy to say 

 that the desired change has already been eifected to some extent. 

 On a portion of the drained land a heavy crop of Indian corn was 

 growing at the time of our last visit, and on another portion a fine 

 crop of potatoes — a considerable part of the land occupied by the 

 latter having never produced a crop of any value before the late 

 improvements were made. Mr, R. states that the " hard-pan" is 

 evidently undergoing a decomposition, as the air obtains access to 

 it through the drains, and that he can perceive that it softens by 

 the greater depth to which the plough can be run. 



We are happy to speak of the general neatness practised by 

 Mr. R. and his son in the management of their farm. They ap- 

 pear to realize the truth of the adage — " One year's seeding 

 makes seven years' weeding ;" and they probably agree with 

 another good Franklin farmer, that " they can't afford to raise 

 weeds," 



The Committee called at the farms of J. T. Bacon and Elisha 

 Bullard, but were unable on account of the increase of the rain, 

 to make many examinations. Mr. l^ullard's farm exhibits various 

 indications of good management. The fields are handsomely laid 

 out, and enclosed by substantial stone walls. Drainage of some 

 wet tracts has been commenced with good results. W^e would ven- 

 ture to suggest, however, that additional depth would insure a 



