92 



to the acre, tells us he thinks corn has been a slandered crop ; 

 that he was becoming more and more convinced every year of its 

 value ; that although he had been sadly disappointed this year in 

 his corn not coming up, he should continue to plant largely of it, 

 satisfied as he was that it could be raised at a profit. 



The Committee award 

 To E. and J. Sias, the first premium on corn of . . ^8.00 

 To Abner L. Smith, the second premium of . . 5.00 



To Samuel D. Bradford, the first premium on rye of . 4.00 

 To Josiah F. Twombly, the second premium of . 2.00 



For the Committee, 



L. CLAPP, Cliairman. 



E. AND J. SIAS' STATEMENT. 



The field of corn entered by us for a premium was measured 

 by Mr. Charles Breck, and contained one acre ; but as you and 

 Mr. Hawes measured and weighed the produce of one square rod, 

 you can tell your own story from actual observation, and we will 

 give ours from the whole field. The land, which had been in 

 grass for several years, was ploughed May 5th, with two horses 

 and a common plough, about seven inches deep. May 13th we 

 spread on four cords of horse manure, and three and a half cords 

 of compost horse manure. May 14th, harrowed lightly and culti- 

 vated both ways. From May 15th to 19th, planted with Ply- 

 mouth county or smutty white corn. After putting about two 

 cords of compost manure in a hill, which was made from the hen- 

 coop and out-houses, mixed with loam, we furrowed out each both 

 ways, intending to have the hills three feet apart each way ; but 

 afterwards, by actual measurement, we found that the whole field 

 averaged three and a half feet. It was planted the same as last 

 year, four making a square, with two near the centre ; but from 

 some unexplainable cause it came up very poorly, having upon an 

 average only four to the hill. We cultivated the field three times 

 and hoed twice. In many hills there were but one or two stalks, 

 and, consequently, as the ground was slightly manured, there was 

 a large quantity of suckers, which were all cut, with the stalks, 



