91 



than an open drain around the field. At the time of 

 our visit, Aug. 31, the onions were fully ripe, and of ex- 

 cellent quality, with scarcely a scullion on the half acre ; 

 while on the adjoining' farm, on high land, a field sown at 

 the same time and out of the same lot of seed, the onions 

 stood up nearly as green as ever, and were at least three 

 weeks later. 



Mr. George called our attention to a trial of seed pur- 

 chased of several different parties who claim to sell a good 

 article. The result was, some did not come up at all, 

 some very sparing, while others that did grow were large 

 necked and coarse, with not one good lot among the whole. 

 This shows that the selection of seed is of vital import- 

 ance, and we can recommend no better seed, of any variety 

 of vegetable, than that grown by our Essex County seeds- 

 men. 



While in Methuen, we examined the crop of turnips of 

 Walter Smith & Co., although rather early in the season 

 to judge. The outlook was for a fair crop. 



At Danvers we were highly entertained by Ansel W. 

 Putnam's explanation of the manner in which he con- 

 ducted his farm. As he showed us his crops, each depart- 

 ment was taken up and the methods of cultivation ex- 

 plained by one, whose many articles in the agricultural 

 press have taught us to look up to, as an experienced 

 farmer ; but we had never had the pleasure of listening to 

 his farm talks so direct, and we know that this was a day 

 well spent. 



His crop of potatoes was not a large one, but his object 

 in entering his crop was to bring his report before the 

 Society, showing experiments he has been making for the 

 past few years. Although we cannot award a premium 

 for his crop, we earnestly request that his excellent report 

 be printed in the Transactions, believing the information 

 therein given is of great value. 



