52 



might specify the barn of B. V. French, Esq., in Braintree, as for 

 convenience and labor-saving an almost faultless model. Fe^Y 

 farmers, it is true, need or could afford so expensive a structure ; 

 but, we would advise all, of whatever means, who intend to build, 

 to examine Mr. French's barn, because, in our opinion, it is excel- 

 led bj none in the County. 



We would also call the attention of farmers to the improved im- 

 plements of husbandry and labor-saving machines. This is a mat- 

 ter of vital consequence. While the price of labor is so high and 

 the necessity of more thorough cultivation so apparent, it is of the 

 first importance to obtain the best implements for performing the 

 work of the farm, and the most approved machinery for saving the 

 cost of it. The Horse-rake, which, but a few years ago, was re- 

 garded with ridicule, is now almost indispensable. The Mower 

 and Reaper, though not yet fitted for common use, will, in an im- 

 proved form, be of invaluable benefit and saving to every large 

 farmer. The Sub-soil or Sub-sod Plough, once having small favor, 

 is now fast gaining friends and advocates by its usefulness, Otlier 

 improved implements are brought into notice by the inventors or 

 sellers of them ; and we recommend the examination and trial of 

 them wherever they can be had. 



We believe that a new impulse has been given to agriculture 

 among us by the formation of our Society. By its meetings, 

 shows, premiums and reports, — by the intelligence it combines 

 and diffuses, — by the enterprise of its leading members, — by the 

 improvements it has suggested or made in the quality of stock and 

 swine, it has fully justified its existence and merited the encomiums 

 it receives from every quarter. It is instrumental in inducing men 

 of wealth and energy to remove from the cities into the country, — 

 men, who by their means and efforts, contribute largely towards 

 carrying forward the noble Art which feeds the world. It is doing 

 much in redeeming agriculture from the charge of empiricism, and 

 advancing it, through its transitional states, towards the character 

 of a perfected science. 



Such are some of the reflections suggested by our recent obser- 

 vations. There is no evidence that the value of agricultural pur- 

 suits in Norfolk County has depreciated. On the contrary, it 

 may safely be asserted, that, taking the whole body of farmers 

 together, there has been no time, within our remembrance, when 



