374 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



HYBRIDIZATION OF THE SWEDISH TURNIP AND TRANS- 

 MUTATION or WILD OATS. 



Mr. Morton's experiments since 1851, show the origin of our 

 oats to be the wild oat and the Swedish turnip, a hybrid of rape 

 seed and our common turnip. 



These experiments are interesting, for they show us the way to 

 vary and multiply our cultivated plants. 



The following letter from William J. Townsend of Skaneateles, 

 an early and valuable member of the Farmers' Club and the 

 Institute, was read : 



Skaneateles, February 20, 1857. 



Friend Meigs — I will try to give you a little sketch of the 

 proceedings of this branch of the mother tree which was planted 

 by a few of us on the 23d of June, 1843, at the Pacific Hotel in 

 Greenwich street, which has grown to a great size, with many 

 branches spreading over all quarters of the United States. 



We have been in operation two years and a half, and we have 

 held two fairs which were well attended, and fine stock as well 

 the productions of our farms were exhibited. 



We call our club " The Skaneateles Farmers' Club." We 

 awarded three hundred and eighty diplomas for best articles. We 

 had last year forty-eight paying members, at fifty cents each. 

 We meet seventeen times a year for discussion, and seven times 

 on fair business. The subjects discussed were : 



" The best method of Wintering and Fattening Cattle. 



The best method of Erecting Farm and other Buildings. 



The best method of Fencing Farms. 



The best method of Managing Colts and Steers. 



Kinds of Spring Wheat and Wheat Crops in general. 



Use and Abuse of Domestic Animals. 



Draining and Watering Farms. 



Best Mode of Seeding lands and the use of the Roller. 



Fruit and Fruit Trees. 



Miscellaneous, 



Is Farming Profitable ? 



The best kinds of Grass and Grain for this locality. 



Agricultural Implements." 



Our fair is free to all. Our expenses were eighty-two dollars 

 last year, which was willingly paid by our merchants in the vil- 

 lage. Thus far this year seems to promise fair to beat last year. 

 We meet every Saturday afternoon, and on the first Saturday in 

 January our election is held. At the last one the officers elected 

 are: 



