LVL 



is now almost useless, might be rendered productive. These 

 lands we possess to a considerable extent. Is it impracticable 

 to introduce the fowl-meadow grass? Has the experiment been 

 sufficiently tried? Some meadow land has been improved by 

 draining, and carrying on earth. The late Col. Baidvvm, a gen- 

 tleman of a truly philosophic mind, gave me the following facts. 

 Having occasion to build a barn, he formed the purpose of open- 

 ing a cellar under it, for the reception of manure. The plot on 

 which the barn was to be erected was a light sandy soil. In 

 the vicinity was a boggy meadow, through which he cut wide 

 ditches, with sides not perpendicular, but on the principle of 

 the inclined plane, to prevent fiilmg. In the winter, when fro- 

 zen, the ground was covered w th sand taken iVom the cellar, 

 this again with the earth taken from the ditch. Clover and' 

 herds-grass seed were then sowed, which grew luxuriantly, 

 rising to the height of three or four feet, giving him three tons 

 to the acre. It may be questioned, however, whether this was 

 the most proper seed to apply. Clover and herds-grass are not 

 natives of the bog meadow, and after being introduced by arti- 

 ficial means, will degenerate. Had fowl-meadow grass been 

 substituted, his success doubtless would have been greater. This 

 valuable grass delights in being irrigated, yet will not flourish 

 amidst stagnant water. It may be introduced by burning, or 

 ditching and carrying on earth. In some parts of Worcester 

 county, it has been introduced with great advantage into wet 

 meadows, which had been useless. I regret it is not in my 

 power, at this time, to make some more particular communica- 

 tions in regard to this excellent fodder. 



Change of crops is ever thought of importance by the intelli- 

 gent farmer. In every soil there are ingredients suited to the 

 nourishment of certain plants. Hence, we see different soils 

 spontaneously yielding different trees, roots and vegetables. In 

 vain you attempt to raise particular vegetables on certain soils. 

 The reason they will not flourish is, the soil does not posssess 

 those particular qualities or ingredients necessary for their sup- 

 port. Often it is impregnated with qualities which are injuri- 

 ous. Useless the attempt to cultivate the willow on the sandy 

 desert, while some vegetables will flourish no where else. Ev- 



