28 



pasture which I have been reclaiming for the }3ast two years, has 

 been mowed this year, — some of it twice. The balance of my 

 farm is woodland. 



The productions of my farm for the past season, stand as fol- 

 lows : — English hay, 22 tons, as near as I can estimate ; 4 tons 

 of the best swamp hay ; 1|- tons of barley straw, and one ton of 

 rye straw, also the fodder of two acres of corn. Of grain, 22 

 bushels of rye, 27 bushels of barley. Of fruits, I generally have 

 enough for my own use. In a few years shall probably have some 

 for the market, as I intend to give more of my attention to that 

 class of farm products. 



My present stock consists of one yoke of oxen, one horse, four 

 cows and one heifer, and I shall keep more when I get ready to 

 occupy my reclaimed pastures. Since the middle of February I 

 have fatted and sold two yoke of heavy cattle. Of swine, I have 

 five. 



I have paid out for labor, $66.44, — most of it for haying. In 

 the same time I have received, for myself and team, $31.75, 

 so that my expenses for labor, over and above that of myself and 

 boy, amount to $34.67. 



In regard to improvements, I have perfected some previously 

 begun, and think I can say that my farm is gradually improving. 



Of my system of farming I need say but little, leaving it for the 

 Committee to judge whether it is judicious and safe to be followed. 

 The care and management of my crops, I also leave for their in- 

 spection and decision. All that it would become me to say, is, I 

 have endeavored that the cultivation should be thorough, and the 

 crops kept clear from every thing which might hinder their 

 growth. The general plan of my buildings, I have no wish to 

 improve ; the Committee have seen them, and can judge for 

 themselves. 



In September, 1861, my farm was divided into two equal parts, 

 as near as practicable, my son taking one part, and I retaining 

 the homestead. It reduced my hay crop about one-third, which 

 is now nearly made good by the increase. The original farm con- 

 tained about 170 acres, a large proportion being woodland. My 

 present number of acres is 85. My conviction is, that the crops 

 of any large farm may be doubled by a division. In June, when 

 the Committee examined my farm, my crops gave promise of 

 large returns ; but in consequence of two very severe rain storms, 

 accompanied by high winds, my corn was twice prostrated almost 

 level with the ground. This, occurring about the time of setting 

 of the ears, greatly injured it. On three-quarters of an acre, the 

 yield was 80 baskets, which would yield at least 40 bushels. On 

 another small piece, containing 20 rods, the yield was 20 bushels 

 of ears. / 



