practical papers—human maternity. 357 
admitted bj all who have tried it. The system of rotation in 
crops that I have adopted with the view of increasing the fer¬ 
tility of the land, is to have the land in clover one year in three ; 
follow the clover with corn, applying nearly all the manure made 
to the corn crop; follow the corn w r ith spring grain and seed with 
clover; sometimes varying with two crops of small grain, wheat, 
oats or barley after a clover crop. 
When a crop of clover seed has been taken off with this system I 
think the land grows richer, and the weeds are held in check by 
the frequent use of the cultivator and mowing machine. 
EXTRACTS FROM 
HUMAN MATERNITY 
BY MRS. ORRIN GUERNSEY, JANESVILLE. 
[Written for State Agricultural Convention, February, 1874.] 
I recognize agricultural and all kindred societies, as based upon 
the grand philanthropy of human betterment; and this better¬ 
ment through improved conditions. And, in justice to their work¬ 
ings, would congratulate the world upon the success already 
achieved, and yet, I find some, aye, many things to be done, be¬ 
fore man’s happiness can be complete. As I understand the ge¬ 
nius of your society, the principle of commencing reform at the 
very base of things, was the incorporating idea — hence the im¬ 
proved condition of every thing touched by or attempted through 
its workings. 
To improve the apple, you do not attempt changing or modify¬ 
ing it, after the fruit “ becomes set,” but, in the very roots or germs 
of its being. In like manner, the animal creation, that part for 
which we feel more particularly responsible, or, rather, in which 
we feel a greater interest as they serve our pleasure or our need. 
If, as is desirable, we would have the fleetest, strongest, kindest, 
or in any manner an improved horse, we do not begin with the 
colt of a month old, or a week, even. The most unthinking are 
not so absurd. But, through the recognition of the “laws of de¬ 
scent,” and conditions, that nature never shrinks from, or ignores ; 
