ROOT CROPS. 31 



Statement of Solon Carter. 



RYE. 



My field of rye was raised on land planted with corn in 1871. I 

 sowed two bushels to the acre the 25th of April. It came up and 

 looked very promising till it was beaten down in June by the hail- 

 storm. Much of it never recovered, consequently did not fill as it 

 would if it had stood up to ripen. No manure was applied except 

 200 lbs. of mineral fertilizer about the first of June. It was cut with 

 a scythe the first of Aug. It was bound, set in bunches of 12 to 16 

 sheaves, and covered with hay caps. It stood in the field for three 

 weeks ; the rye was well cured but the straw was blackened and the 

 grass under the bunches entirely killed. I like this way of cutting 

 for two reasons : First, it removes all the stubble which troubles so 

 much when cutting the first crop ; Second, it adds considerably to the 

 amount of straw. 



ROOT CROPS. 



The Committee on Root Crops submit the following as their report : 

 Although several fields were entered for premium, yet for reasons 

 OBknown to us, nearly all of the same were withdrawn ; probably, 

 however, on account of the wet and warm season, causing weeds to 

 grow so luxuriantly thai more hands were required to lop their wanton 

 growth than could be found by the owners. A field of potatoes en- 

 tered by Ebenezer Bird of Leominster, although yielding a less num- 

 ber of lbs. per square rod than is required for a premium, yet inas- 

 much as he had the courage not to withdraw his field, we recommend 

 to award a gratuity of $2.00. 



MANGEL WtTRZELS. 



A field of Mangel Wurzels was entered by Solon Carter, weighing 

 475 lbs. per square rod, or about 38 tons per acre. We award : 



Solon Carter, Leominster, 1st premium, 2 00 



Id behalf of the Committee, 



EPH'M GRAHAM. 



Statement of Solon Carter. 

 MANGEIi WURZELS. 



I entered for the premium of the Society a patch of Mangel Wur- 

 ■ela. They were cultivated as follows : Manure mostly spread and 

 plowed in, the fall before sowing. Plowed again just before sowing ; 

 harrowed and furrowed out one way 3^ feet wide, a little fine manure 



