110 



under one ton to an acre. I get two tons on the average of sea- 

 sons, and with moderate top dressing every year or two. The 

 expense of cultivating will not much more than meet the expenses ; 

 but it would be otherwise in the hands of farmers. 



Massachusetts, poor as she is in soil and limited as it is in 

 quantity, — with three or four months less time in the field than in 

 the Southern and Southwestern States, — produces a larger amount 

 of commodities than South or North Carolina ; and much may be 

 added to the existing quantities, if more knowledge, skill and en- 

 terprise are applied to agriculture. 



If I am right in these views, you must, when addressing the 

 farmers, say what you think on the subject. 



Yours truly, 



HENRY LEE. 

 Hon. Marshall P. Wilder. 



REPORT ON MEADOW AND SWAMP LANDS. 



The Committee on Improving Meadow and Swamp Lands, submit 

 the following report : — 



That Mr. Asa Pickering of Bellingham, has called their atten- 

 tion to a lot of meadow land, containing eight acres, which he has 

 reclaimed, and which he presents for premium. 



There are many points in the statement of Mr. Pickering of 

 more than ordinary interest. When we consider that these re- 

 sults have been brought about by the almost entirely unaided 

 efforts of one man, without the help of ploughing or manuring, it 

 is an encouraging instance of Avhat man can do, single handed, in 

 overcoming the sterility of our northern soil. 



Your Committee do not recommend the award of a premium to 

 Mr. Pickering on account of the gross amount produced by his 

 meadow, for in that respect it would not bear comparison with 

 many others. But when Ave take into consideration the fact that 

 this work has been undertaken by a man already past the meridian 

 of life ; that he has Avith a common mattock hoe turned over eight 

 acres of soil ; gravelled the entire surface ; dug and stoned the 



