, 398 [Assembly 



up. In October, cut up the corn smooth, and in the early spring 

 plowed and seeded part with oats, and part barley and clover seed, 

 sowing soon as the oats, &c., were up, about two bushels of gypsum 

 per acre; both crops good, and the clover uncommonly well set. 

 You will observe the above process leaves the land perfectly level, 

 and so far from the want of hills exposing corn to be blown down 

 by high winds, I have for 14 years, observed that my flat culture stood 

 the wind much better than my neighbors on the hilling system, and 

 at the same time retained more moisture. From 30 years experi- 

 ence, I can fully recommend bones as a highly valuable manure for 

 light loamy lands, perhaps superior to poudrette, as their effects will 

 be felt at least 5 to 10 years. Had I the choice of manures, I should 

 use at planting, 25 bushels of bones, and at second cultivation or 

 hoeing, about half a gill of poudrette. 



"Wishing you every success in your laudable undertaking to better 

 the agricultural interest, and for the welfare of each individual mem- 

 ber of your valuable society, believe me gentlemen, your friend and 

 well wisher. 



IMPROVEMENT OF WORN OUT SOILS. 



The following statement in reference to the improvement of worn 

 out soils, has been communicated by a gentleman engaged in agri- 

 cultural pursuits in Vermont. He says: 



" As I have had a little experience in the way of improving worn 

 out soils, (for we have some farms even here in Vermont, that are J 

 "well nigh worn out,) I beg leave to make a few suggestions based 

 upon facts. 



" In this district or section of country, we have a great variety of 

 soil. We have dry sandy soil that is very easily tilled, and is best 

 tor corn and rye. I have known some fields to be planted for ten 

 years in succession, and improve all the while, from the application 

 of a small quantity of lime, plaster and wood ashes to the hill, either 

 before or after weeding. This kind of soil will not retain manure 

 more than two years, and the best way is to apply a little every sea- 

 son. We finally found great difl^culty in getting grass seed to take 

 root, on account of the soil becoming very dry; we find that by sow- 



