130 PLYMOUTH SOCIETY. 



second, $6, to Paul Hathaway, both of Middleborough. These 

 gentlemen cultivated their corn chiefly with horses, and did it 

 at small expense. The fields presented a level surface, and 

 were remarkably clear of weeds. In the field of Mr. H., it ap- 

 peared that Avorms had not operated much, if at all ; it was so 

 even a growth, it seemed difficult to select a square rod, in any 

 part of it, which would not be nearly a fair average of the 

 whole field. 



To Messrs. Nathan Whitman, Josiah Whitman and Orsamus 

 Litteljohn, the Committee award, to each, one vol. Massachu- 

 setts Ploughman, and one vol. Boston Cultivator. 



On one experiment only in sub-soil ploughing, claim has been 

 entered by Dr. Anthony Collamore, of Pembroke, It was con- 

 ducted, in every respect, conformably to the requisitions, and 

 the result shows greater influence of sub-soil ploughing than has 

 before been reported. The difierence in the two rods selected 

 was so great, the doctor seemed inclined to charge the supervisor 

 with some mistake in measurement ; but he endeavors to keep 

 his mind so intent on that business as to avoid mistakes. 

 The whole crop would probably have been weighed by the 

 owner, had not the field been so broken by the ravages of 

 worms as to make it impossible in that way to attain any more 

 correct views of the influence of sub-soil ploughing. We have 

 now had three experiments, and the result, in every instance, 

 has showed a salutary effect of sub-soil ploughing beyond the 

 expense of the operation. This fact is more interesting to tlie 

 public, than the precise amount of influence, which it may be 

 very difiicult to ascertain with minute accuracy. 



There is one point in the doctor's statement to which we wish 

 to direct some special attention. He considers it wrong to muti- 

 late the corn plant by taking off" the top stalks, and gives one 

 reason for the omission, which, though it seems philosophical, 

 has not, to our knowledge, been often urged in the case. He 

 supposes the quality of the corn is impaired in topping the stalks. 

 We had proved in several experiments that the crop would be 

 diminished, but had not insisted that what might be obtained 

 would be less perfect. This idea, advanced by one of the pro- 

 fession who have extensive knowledge concerning what kills 



