THE WHEAT CROP. 63 



These figures, though relating to one crop alone, quite 

 confirm what Mr. Pusey told us in his valuable Report, in 

 1851 That the application of machinery to the main 

 branches of farming labour, taken together, has effected 

 a saving on outgoings, or an increase on incomings, of not 

 less than one half." 



We have now to consider an important part of our sub- 

 ject, on which, however, very little attention has been 

 bestowed, considering the broad bearing it has, not only 

 upon the individual farmer, but upon the welldoing of 

 the country at large. The effect upon our grain pro- 

 duce by the various diseases to which the wheat plant is 

 liable ere the day of harvest arrives, and by the various 

 injuries it receives during the different stages of its 

 growth, from the attacks of insects, would be startling, if 

 it were possible to ascertain the amount of even those 

 with which we are acquainted ; while it will be admitted 

 by all who have paid any attention to the subject, that 

 our knowledge of their habits and mode of attack is very 

 defective, and that the number of those totally unnoticed 

 by us is probably very great. We know enough, how- 

 ever, to show us the necessity for knowing more ; let us 

 hope the day is not far distant when the subject may be 

 taken up by our great Agricultural Societies, and receive 

 at their hands that consideration which cannot be expec- 

 ted from private individuals. 1 



The diseases referred to are chiefly of a fungoid para- 

 sitic nature, and are commonly classed under the general 

 head of " blights." 



The "blights" more commonly met with attacking 



ing than by the flail, which should also be taken into consideration ; while, as 

 before stated (p. 31), the produce of drilled seed is considerably in excess of 

 that broadcasted. 



1 The New York State Agricultural Society has specially appointed an En- 

 tomologist (Dr. Asa Fitch), who has already greatly benefited agriculture by 

 his investigations. 



