38 



— including all the elements of the operation. Then if the ex- 

 periment is a failure, we should know ivhy it failed ; if successful, 

 we can profit bj it. In either case, a positive addition is made 

 to our agricultural knowledge. 



Every year we have the same question propounded and discuss- 

 ed as to the profitableness of Indian corn. On no other subject 

 do opinions vary more widely. On no other do farmers more 

 nearly agree in practice. We do not beheve they would continue 

 to grow corn and to enlarge their fields according to their ability, 

 unless there was good reason for the common opinion that it pays 

 for cultivation. The average yield in this county is about thirty 

 bushels to the acre. Farmers can better afford to raise fifty bush- 

 els than thirty. Is it too much to hope that the time is coming 

 when, in consequence of increased knowledge and facihties of ope- 

 ration, fifty bushels to the acre will be the average production in 

 this county ? 



The Committee award to Mr. E. N. J. Sias, of Milton, $8.00 

 To Mr. J. F. Twombly, of Milton, the second premium of 5.00 

 To Mr. P. Ruggles, of Milton, the third premium of . 3.00 



J. M. MERRICK, Chairman. 



STATEMENT OF MR. P. RUGGLES. 



I planted one acre and a half of ground, wanting five rods, as 

 measured by Mr. C. Breck. I applied compost manure at the 

 rate of eight cords to the acre, Avhich is as good as more, if the 

 land has been well cultivated before. My method of cultivation 

 has been the same as stated in my communication last year. On 

 two thirds or more of the field the frost has reduced the crop one 

 fourth ; on the other third, less. One acre was measured ofi" — of 

 which the proceeds were as follows : 



147 baskets of corn, each weighing 43 lbs. The shelled corn 

 weighs 35 lbs. — cobs, 8 lbs. Also, 8 baskets of poor corn. The 

 whole at 56 lbs. to the bushel, equal to 96| bushel. 



96| bushels at $1, 

 Suckers, . 

 Two tons of stalks, 

 Stover and husks, 



$96.87 

 10.00 

 16.00 

 12.00 



$134.87 



?i 



