404 Transactioxs of the American Institute, 



New Weeding Hoe. 



E. M. Conkling, Panama, N. Y. — In working, this lies flat on the 

 ground ; it is arrow-shaped and has cutting edges on three sides by 

 which weeds are cut both in a backward or forward motion, while 

 there is an elevated pointed edge rising in the center helping to- 

 separate the soil, something like a colter. Such a hoe ought to do' 



most effective garden work.* 



Adjourned. 



November 10, 1868. 



Mr. Nathan C. Ely in the chair ; Mr. John W. Chambers, Secretary. 



Fakming in Salem, New Jersey. — Deep Plowing. 



Dr. Trimble, as chairman of a committee, read a paper on farming 

 in Salem county, New Jersey ; and to illustrate the subject he 

 presented most wonderful ears of corn, which grew in that region. 

 One specimen was the result of twenty years' exj^eriments by David 

 Pettit. Originally it was short and thick, but by culture and selection 

 it has now become long also, with from twenty-eight to thirty-two 

 rowsj and often with 2,000 grains to the ear. 



Mr. Chairman. — It will be remembered that deep plowing has, been 

 frequently urged by members of this club. One gentleman who often 

 honors us with his presence, and who has world-wide fame as one of 

 the most profound thinkers and the ablest journalist of the age, has, 

 on several occasions, been very strenuous on this point ; so much so that 

 practical'farmers, whose experience has taught them to take different 

 views on this subject, have been fearful that such teachings might 

 lead the unexperienced to try a system of plowing, not only laborious 

 and expensive, but which, on many soils, would prove quite injurious. 

 One such farmer, David Pettit, of Salem county, N. J., who lives 

 in the midst of a large community of the most intelligent, pains-taking 

 and successful farmers of our whole country,- sent us a communication 

 so boldly controverting this theory and supporting the contrary view 

 by so much experience of himself and neighbors, that a committee 

 was appointed to visit that section and report as to the truth of his 

 communication. That committee made the visit to Salem county 

 soon after its appointment, but have delayed reporting till now, so 

 as to be better able to judge of crops not then matured. In all this 

 trip we found but one farmer who was in the habit of 



