16 



from a personal observation of" his method of conducting the vari- 

 ous operations on the farm of his employer. 



In conclusion, the Committee beg leave to suggest the utility of 

 distributing, at the Annual Meeting of the Society, a brief series 

 of inquiries, — embracing important points in agriculture, — to which 

 full and definite replies may be returned to the Chairman, from 

 each town in the County, before the preparation of the next 

 Annual Report. In this way much valuable information may be 

 obtained and diffused for the benefit of the whole Society. 



Respectfully submitted, for the Committee, 



CHARLES C. SEWALL. 



REPORT ON PROGRESSIVE HUSBANDRY. 



The Committee on Progressive Plusbandry report that only one 

 farm has been entered for the five years' course, — the farm be- 

 longing to Dr. Wm. T. G. Morton, of West Needham. Dr. Mor- 

 ton has complied with the requirements of our by-laws, by mak- 

 ing an annual statement of his methods of culture, the condition 

 of the farm, the improvements made, the amount of productions, 

 the expenses incurred, with all the details necessary to a correct 

 judgment of his operations. The Committee have visited the 

 farm at least once each year, — some years oftener. They have had 

 full and frequent discussions with him and among themselves 

 touching the former and present condition of the farm, and the 

 improvements made, and are of the opinion that he is entitled to 

 the premium. 



Five years ago the farm was poor and unproductive. What is 

 now the largest and best portion of it, was then a swamp, filled 

 with wild grass, rocks and bushes. This has been reclaimed, 

 drained, plowed and seeded, and produces a large crop of valu- 

 able grass. An immense amount of .labor has been expended in 

 sinking, filling and covering drains, and preparing the land for 

 seed. The operation is not yet finished. The ditching and re- 

 claiming are still going on, and new tracts are yearly added to 

 the mowing grounds. 



Large quantities of manure have been composted, — for which 

 unusual facilities existed, — and applied to the uplands, where ex- 

 cellent crops of roots and grain are raised. Barns and other 

 farm buildings have been enlarged, fences renewed, the general 

 appearance of the farm improved, and its value greatly increased. 



