REPORT. \^£iEG7: 



ROOT CROPS AND CABBAGES. 

 (The following report came too late to be printed in its order.) 



" The object of every practical farmer is to grow from a given 

 extent of land, the largest quantity of the most valuable product 

 at the least expense; and at the same time with the least injury to 

 the soil." 



Experience ought to teach every farmer that here on our old 

 sterile soils of Worcester North, that it is folly to think that either 

 cereals or root crops without deep and thorough tillage, which is 

 effected mainly by efficient plowing, can throw out strong roots, 

 luxuriant stalks and an abundant harvest. 



It is obvious too, that the little seed after breaking the shell, 

 delicate, thread-like as it is, cannot penetrate the soil unless it be 

 made soft and fine ; neither can these small rootlets extend their 

 researches for food unless the soil has a corresponding depth and 

 richness to feed upon ; hence thorough tillage must be resorted to, 

 and this can not be effected unless the soil itself be in proper con- 

 dition at the outset. 



All vegetables in their various stages of growth require air, 

 warmth and moisture ; otherwise life and health are not supported. 

 Below the surface of the ground there is a body of cold, stag- 

 nant water, sometimes, however, to great depth, but frequently 

 near the surface, and in retentive soils within a foot or so of the 

 surface. Now this stagnant water not only excludes the air and 

 warmth, but renders the soil wet and cold ; and being of itself no 

 benefit without air and warmth, its removal to a greater depth is 

 desirable; hence underdraining — preliminary to deep tillage, in 

 fact a thorough pulverization of soil can not be reached without 

 the removal of the stagnant water below the surface. 



As farm drainage is yet in its infancy in this section, (Worces- 

 ter North,) questions are frequently put by young farmers, and 

 those also of long experience : What lands require drainage ? For 

 what crops should soils be drained, and for what purpose ? 



