show the production of each fertilized lot as named, in adding the whole of the same together, in order to show the crop of hay from each, and which has so far proved best and most reliable :

For 1860, when compost was used, produced

1,170 lbs.

1,090 "

965"

3,225 lbs.

For 1860, when leached ashes was used, produced 1,120 lbs.

For 1860, when dry wood ashes was used, produced 1,450 lbs.

For 1860, when Peruvian guano was used, produced 1,670 lbs.

Perhaps a recapitulation may show more distinctly the grades of fertilization, in the following:

The foregoing experiments, when commenced, were not intended for publicity. I was induced to offer the results to the Society at the solicitation of several persons who had witnessed the operations in the field. Should they prove at all interesting, or of any utility to the farmer, I shall be amply repaid in the end, as I myself may be in hereafter knowing practically the best fertilizers to be used for the renovation of grass lands, or sward partially run out or otherwise.

From the remarks in my former reports, of 1860 and 1861, they will show the importance, in my opinion, of knowing what can best be done to promote the interests, and encourage the farmers in raising one of the most profitable as well as valuable of crops that of hay.

The farmer of small means is often induced to worry along with an old and worn out sward, whereas had he taken it in time and used upon it but a small portion of his manure, he would have been incalculably remunerated on seeing a large crop of hay for his reward.

I hope it will not be taken amiss, when I say farmers must drop some of their old-fashioned notions of tilling the ground in this age of improvement, and strike out some new mode of production, where labor and expense can be saved, in making two blades of grass grow where only one was before.

This subject of top dressing reminds me of a little incident that happened while I was employed on my first experiment in top dressing. An intelligent and practical farmer happened to be passing at the time—he asked, "Why not put that manure under the grass?" meaning, no doubt, by turning it over. I

replied it would be very expensive, as much manure would be required, as well as much labor; and again, I could not get a good crop of hay under four years, as it would require two years to get the ground in good tilth, and two more after being seeded down to obtain a good crop. I promised to let him know the result of my experiment the next year; which I did. It was on a ten acre lot that had not been turned over for many years, that I expended upon it about seventy-five dollars in manure of a compost kind; which was applied late in the fall of the year. In the following season, in July, I cut (1st crop) nineteen tons; in September following (2d crop) six tons, making twenty-five (25) tons on the same land on which I only cut the year before eight and one-half (8) tons for first and second crops inclusive! Was not this experiment and result sufficient to encourage future top dressing?

Oak Hill, South Danvers, Nov. 1, 1862.

SHEEP.

[The following communication from Mr. Charles Corliss of Haverhill-which was received too late for insertion with the Report on Sheep-will interest those who are engaged in sheep-husbandry; and may perhaps induce others to try the experiment.]

DR. GEORGE B. LORING:

Dear Sir-Circumstances, unexpected and beyond my control, have so drawn upon my time as to prevent an earlier compliance with your request, "that I would write you in regard to my flock of sheep, my mode of feeding, management, &c." I keep about thirty head, mostly "Cotswolds;'

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would like to keep a larger number, but do not think it best, from the risk of loss by dogs.

The outside fence of my barn-yard-part stone and part wood-is surmounted by a wire net-work fence, three and onehalf feet high; here my sheep repose in safety at night, and during the winter; thus rendering them secure a large portion of the time. They are trained to come, at call, to the yard at dark every night, where they have a shed opened to the south, for shelter in wet or cold weather; a constant supply of fresh water and of salt, both mineral and coarse-fine. A door opens from the shed to a pen in the barn for winter feeding. They are not shut in the barn, except during the lambing season, but are allowed to stay out in the open air even during the coldest nights. No other stock is ever allowed in the yard with them. They are kept quiet at all times; are tame, so as to feed from the hand, and willingly allow themselves to be handled. For a few weeks previous to and during the breeding season they are fed, just before night, with oats, about one pint each per day for six or eight weeks. The change from grass to hay and vice versa is gradual. During the winter they are fed regularly twice a day, viz: from 7 to 9, and from 3 to 5. The intervals allowed between are about right for sleeping and chewing the cud. Feeding often has a tendency to make them restless and uneasy. As large a variety of food is given as possible-hay of different kinds, green oats cut for fodder, salt hay, a few roots on warm days, &c., &c. They have no grain except as above, all that is given them is to be eaten up clean. If there is any left, thay are not forced to eat it, but it is taken away and less fed next time. Neat stock and horses are fond of sheep orts in small quantities. My ewes go with young 148 to 150 days. Lambs come in March and April. The ewes before lambing are provided with a warm, dry, well-bedded pen, and all is well."

The young lambs, "each a little faithful copy of its sire," soon learn to help themselves. No change in feeding is made, except to feed often for a few days. Warm water is given the

ewe for her first drink. The lambs, when about three week old, are provided with a crib, to which they have access through a door too small for their dams. This crib is kept supplied with oats and second crop clover, of which they soon learn to eat freely. The milk of the ewes is also now increased by feeding roots, clover, hay, &c. When the lambs are about six weeks old, their tails are docked at the joint, about one and one half inches from the body.

My sheep are shorn in May, and sometimes again in August. They are not washed before shearing. After shearing they are washed several times during the warm weather. Their hoofs, when grown long, are pared. Fetters, bells, and other encumbrances are never used. The only thing allowed is a small split steel ring in the ear, with a copper label attached having the number of the ewe stamped thereon. bered, and the number is not repeated. In regard to the weight of my ewes can make no accurate statement; having seldom troubled my self about it. Full one year fleeces weigh about eight to ten pounds unwashed, but clear and white. If the shape, qualities, and disposition are right, I pay but little regard to size, unless extreme. I want none of my ewes to weigh less than one hundred or more than one hundred and fifty pounds.

The ewes are numThe bucks are named. and of their fleeces I

That sheep properly managed pay, there can be no doubt; but as to the exact profit I will not venture a statement. The improvement of the farm on which they are kept is an item of no small consideration.

Of diseases and other troubles to which sheep are liable, such as scab, foot-rot, stretches, ticks, lice, and being poisoned by eating "kill-lamb," with which my farm abounds, I have had, I think I may say, considerable experience; yet all of these difficulties I have met and conquered, so that now they cause me but little uneasiness; being fully pursuaded that they can be successfully treated if taken in season.

Great care is taken in the selection and management of the bucks; for upon them the future character of the flock in a