place agriculture, the noblest as well as the foundation. of all other arts, upon a scientific basis-that the lights of science may be brought to its aid-that it may become more profitable and more reputable? But how can this be done, unless schools be established for the study of it; how, unless the farming community are willing to educate their sons into the profession? Could this be effected, could all our farmers be taught those elementary principles, which would enable them to understand the character of the soils, and the mode of increasing their fertility, which should instruct them in the right modes of culture, I have the fullest conviction that in a few years the productions of their farms would be doubled with the same amount of labor, thus furnishing the means of increasing individual and national wealth, and a more liberal supply of all the necessaries and luxuries of life. Thus furnishing time and facilities for a more extended system of intellectual and moral culture, and ́ for improvement in every art, in every branch of human industry, in every department of human knowledge, thus tending directly to elevate the popular mind, and prepare men to sustain, to enjoy the institutions of a free government, of liberty, of order, of law and of religion.

1

REPORTS, &c.

ON PLOUGHING.

WITH DOUBLE TEAMS.

YOUR Committee respectfully REPORT:

That the lots appropriated for ploughing with double teams, were taken in the order and finished in the time and number of furrows exhibited in the following table:

The Committee, after having carefully examined the fields, have agreed to recommend the following awards: That the

1st Premium, $12 be given Perley Tapley.

In reference to this Report, they further submit the following remarks:

That the first award was given without any qualifying circumstances.

The Committee were of opinion, that the work of the

second and third lots was equally well done, and in fixing upon the award, were brought to the result wholly by the fact that the third was finished in less time than the second.

In respect to the first lot, (Mr. Andrews') they observe, that its location was in some respects less favorable, and the grass taller and thicker than on the others, which, of course would render it more difficult to make smooth and finished work, while it is supposed that the length of the yoke used rendered it necessary to set the fixtures and plough in such a manner that the actual line of draft did not correspond with motion of the plough. This, combined with the fact, that Mr. Andrews ran his furrows deeper than was proposed by the Society, was undoubtedly among the reasons why the field presented slightly an unfinished appearance, and not that there was wanting skill in the person who performed the work.

On the fourth and seventh lots, the furrows were lapped over, which probably by many would be regarded as no defect and perhaps a real excellency, for on this subject, we are aware that there exists a diversity of opinion among the most experienced cultivators. Your Committee, however, while they are happy to state that the work was well done, feel constrained to think, considering the nature of the soil and the depth of the furrow required by the Society, that they ought to recommend the premiums offered, to those who laid the furrows flat and smooth, rather than to those who caused them to lap over.

It was an unhappiness, that there was not a sufficient number of lots provided to supply all who had given in their names as competitors, and owing to some misapprehension, or former usage, there had been a little irregularity in the manner in which some had given notice of their intention to take part in the match. All this was entirely unknown to your committee, till they had got upon the field-a place and a time very poorly adapted to investigate and settle questions of a somewhat complicated character. While the committee are conscious of having desired to do equal justice, they by

no means feel confident, that had all the circumstances been fully brought before them, but they might have been led to a different result. They feel happy in saying, that a very good and gentlemanly feeling was manifested by the competitors on this subject, and are certain that they may expect from such men no other than upright intentions accredited to them. Of those, who, in consequence of this deficiency of lots, had no means. of taking a regular part in the contest, were Sylvanus B. Swan, and Richard T. Jaques. These gentlemen, finding, after the ploughing had commenced, that there was a lot designed as we suppose for the single teams, unoccupied, proposed to divide it between them. To which proposal your Committee consented. This lot was unfavorably situated, and the ploughing commenced under unpromising circumstances; but it is no more than justice to say, that from the manner in which the work was done, the Committee were left under the thorough impression, that had the gentlemen concerned enjoyed equal opportunities with the others, they would have found few equals, if they had any superior, in this most important and interesting part of agricultural operations. There was very little, if any difference in the skill manifested in the work, and none in the time taken in performing it. We hope they may have on a future occasion an opportunity to work with advantages equal to those who shall strive with them for the victory.

In regard to the whole trial, the Committee are glad to say, there prevailed a good spirit and great propriety of conduct, that the teams gave manifest evidence of being well trained, that there was very little use made of the whip or goad, and but a slight resort to forcing the oxen along in any way. The ox seemed to know, and feel willing to obey and serve his master, and the dri vers, to realize and act under the influence, that a righteous man is merciful also to his beast.

Respectfully submitted,
For the committee,

Georgetown, Sept. 29, 1841.

G. B. PERRY.

WITH SINGLE TEAMS.

THE Committee on Ploughing with Single Teams, REPORT:

That nine teams were entered for premiums; seven only ploughed :

Namely, Allen Putnam, of Hamilton.

William R. Putnam, of Wenham.
Perley Tapley, of Danvers.

66

John Preston, of Danvers.

Joseph C. Putnam, of Danvers.
William R. Cole, of Boxford.

The land for ploughing was marked off in lots, and numbered, and drawn by the following persons, viz: Lot No. 1, was drawn by Allen Putnam, and was ploughed in 39 minutes, with Howard's plough, with 28 furrows.

Lot No. 2, was drawn by Perley Tapley, which he ploughed in 56 minutes, with Prouty and Mears' plough, with 30 furrows.

Lot No. 3, was drawn by Moses Pettingill, which he ploughed in 59 minutes, with Winslow's wooden plough, with 29 furrows.

Lot No. 4, was drawn by John Preston, which was ploughed in 62 minutes, with Ruggles and Nourse's plough, with 32 furrows.

Lot No. 5, was drawn by William R. Putnam, which he ploughed in 48 minutes, with Howard's plough, with 30 furrows.

Lot No. 6, was drawn by Joseph C. Putnam, which he ploughed in 42 minutes, with Ruggles and Nourse's plough, with 29 furrows.

Lot No. 7, was drawn by William R. Cole, which he ploughed in 64 minutes, with 29 furrows.

After the best examination which the Committee were