MANN iThesIs S 592 1906 B277 LIBRARY ANNEX M2 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 052 388 836 All books are subject to recall after two weeks DATE DUE ' — : » ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY SOIL S U R V 3 y OF T H B B A R R N ? A R U IN T H R T YrN F h U N T M R R I S L I V I H G G 5 K C UN H Y K lu T/ YORK 'Ti u ;:' ■■; T q B Y U -it iH JI A h h B A R R N F 'R T H 3 D B G R a !3 ^0 x'^ B . a . A . J U N H X 9 o I.OCASIt)K -■ - -. - - - - - - .. - - - - - X hOGAh lil3'S0m ------------- 2 lil3T0M OF KIS FAm ----------- 14 GLIIUTa ---------- -----i? 2a.I?i3RASURiD AND j'RuGl.^l'ZA'SlOi^ -------- lo PHYSIOGROi'Hif ------------- 19 iiOILo -. — — — — — — — — — — — - — — »rf.(. r'iXAIill ItOAI"! — — — — — — — — — — — — — — ^X DUNKIRK GhM ------------- 24 I'lAKURIAL R,i;.,UIRSUJNTo OF DUKKIRK GLAY ----- 30 DUNKIRK GRAVELLY CLAY LOAI.I --.--.-^^^-40' VOLU»JIA LOAl^i ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 43 *4J_-ii"iI u.^Cu^y LOAj-'i -.-^--^•««-----.- i^o PIMAKCXAL uTASS'Ii^iKT -----------49 CASK KrJOi'JIi'l^a ------------- 51 FARI^I iilXi^tilKDIStlRito ----------- 52 WARKi^TS --------------- 53 1. Location. The Barron farm is situated in Livingston county, Kew York, in the southern part of the town of Mount Morris*. m The farm lies about four miles east of the middle part of the Genesee River gor^e , and is just west of the Keshequa Creek. It is located on a north and south road known as thr Creek Road, about four miles north of the village of Nunda and seven miles south of the village of Mount Morris, and one and one half miles west of the station of Tuscarora. The farm contains two hundred and seventy five acres. LOCAL HISTORY* Long before North Ameriea was discovered Western New York was inhabited. In ?Jestern and Central^ existed the great Iroquois Indian c^lfTfederacy composed of the following tribes, Oneidas, Onadagas , Mohawks , Cayugas, Senecas, and later the Tuscaroras# The Senecas roamed fromi Seneca Lake Westward to the Niagara River. Consequently the territory now under discussion was under their control. The tribe was very large and strong. They had many villages and a large portion of these were in^^Genesee counl^y. In the dense forests of , the uplands they pursued the game that gave them a large part of their sustenance and in the lower, more fertile, less forested, and open lowlands along the streams near which their towns were located, they practiced Agriculture. Apples flourished, as also did corn, potatoes, and beans. The Seneca Indians did not live by themselves alone, but they .were an active and strong force in the councils of the Iroquois nation- When war was declared, they. went to the front, and their enimies trembled not onlv because of their great number, but also because of « their sagacity, fearlessness, and blood thirstiness. The ooun-^y of the Senecas early became known to the Europeans. At first French Missionaries came to the Indians to Instruct them in the Gospel. But soon the acquaintance of the French with the Iroquois was to be of an entirely different nature. In 16C9 Champlain , near the lake that bears his name, with a party of Frenchmen and Canadian Indians attacked a small body of Iroquois. By this act he secured for the French interests the undying hatred of this great confederacy , and as it later proved this was an important factor in putting an end to the ambitions of France in the Western Hemisphere. The English on the other hand secured the friendship of the Iroquois. They furnished them with arms and ammunition, and so won their friendship that during the long series of French and Indian wars they always had powerful allies in the Iroquois, against the attacks of France. Belnc^ encouraged by his first victory over the Iroquois Champlain in 1615 again marched into their territory this time directing his attention to the Onondaga strongholds. At first he was successful, but as the advance was continued the Indians gathered together in a great fort, and finally repulsed the French Army. The exact location of the fort and battle ground is a matter of controversy. Sone historians claim that it is In the vicinity of Canandalgua Lake, in Ontario county, while others in trying to make Champlains' description fit a locality and for other reasons say that it is further East, probably in what is now Madison county. Suffice it here to say that this action further incensed the Indians, and fanned into flame the hatre.i of the Iroquois for the French and their allies. So great was this hatred, that any one who was the enemy of the French was the friend of the Iroquois. 4. For the next seventy five years there was an almost constant warfare between the Iroquois and the French. The Indians made raids into Canada^ killed the settlers, destroyed the crops ^ and more than once brought the Colonists to the verge of famine. At one time the French became so disconsolate that they called upon the Massacheusetts colony for aid. But the English having nothing to gain and all to lose by such a compact would not enter into a combat with a friendly Indian nation, who as friends were faithful, but who, as enemies, were almost irresistable. In 1684 a party of Senecas pillaged seven hundred French canoes, and took several prisoners. M. de la Barre , who was then governor of Canada made preparations to punish the Senecas for their insolence. Just as soon as he reached the Seneca- country he received the report that the Governor of New York had promised aid to the Indians in case of an attack. On account of his alarm, and the great ixmount of sickness in his arrn^y he returned to Canada, without having done anything. The next year Denonville superseded M. de la Barre, After looking over the situation carefully he came to the con- clusion that the Indians must be punished severely if the French were to keep any prestige. He estimated that the Seneca nation could muster l-^CO warriors. He said that they were the strongest and the most insolent of the five nations, and that the French could never subjuj^ate them except they surprise them. In the summer of 1687 he fitted up a great expedition oonslsting of two thousand French and Indians, whose priii;e object was to punish and avenge the Senecas. Denonville arrived at Irondequoit Bay early in July, and began great dest- ruction. Great devastation continued for a period of ten days after which Denonville withdrew to the Niagara River region. Indian towns wGr'**^ do^troyea, t^^3 '^1j^. raon , ^^om«:^a and childres who had been left in the deserted villages were cruelly butchered and crops were devasted. The expedition covered a large stretch of territory, and great havoc was wrought among the Indians in Northern Livingston county. Aside frorr. large quantities of beans, Denonville estimated that the army destroyed about 400,000 minots of corn* Durlncr the following years until the Revolutionary war there were many attacks by the Iroquois upon the French, and vice versa. Missionaries were ^t all times among the Indians All these clrcunstances resulted In the lands of Western New York becoming known more or less to Europeans, but very little progress was m.ade toward their settlement because of the in- security of the times. During the Revolution, the Iroquois were for the most part, the allies of the British, and a source of danger to the colonists. Many an unprotected household on the frontier suffered severely from the attacks of these savage marauders. In 1779 after being earnestly exhorted by the frontier colonists 6. and after a long list of Indian atrocities in the border settlements of New York and Pennsylvania, including the bloody affairs at Wyoming valley^ Cherry valley, and Minnisink, congress determined to punish the Indians. The expedition was fitted and the command given to General Sullivan. The objects were the destruction and total devastation of the Indians and their settlements, as well as those of their adherents and associates, and the capture of as many prisoners of either sex as possible. The expedition was directed especially against the country of the Senecas in Central and Western New York where the torles and their allies made a place of rendevous and from which AW issued forth many a -^and of steathily pra«ling savages «ta^ and no less blood thirsty torles to visit death xxpon the defenseless forms of the colonists on the frontier. During July the arny assembled at Wyoming, Pennsylvania and on the thirty first of the rr.onth set out its long ciarcjh. Sullivan, with his thirty five hundred men marched up the Susquehanna vt.lley, and at length he arrived at Tioga Point. Several days were spent In the Chemung valley, during which several skirmishes were fought, and no Inconsiderable damage done to the Indians. On August twenty sixth the army moved upon Newtown, (Elit.ira). A body of Indians and tories under Butler of the British army was here encountered. The ensuing battle lasted for two hours, and , finally was won by the American army. Sullivan encamped for a few days, destroying the town and crops. 7. Ha th©n took up his inarch and, soon came to Catherinstown at the head of Seneca Lake* The town containing about thirty homses was burned, the orchards and the growing oro )s of beans, corn and cipher vegetables destroyed. Detachments were sent out in all directions to extend the devastation which was most thorough. The army now slowly moved north along the east side of Seneca Lake. Arrived at the northern end of this body of water they found several towns, among them Aj,>yletown, which contained some apple trees, the remains of some of which may be seen to-day. All the towns and the outlying cultivated fields were destroyed and laid waste. The army now turned westward, and in a short time came upon the present site of the village of Canandaigua. A village containing several large houses, and large cornfields whi Qh^oro^aid waste. The General then marched on to what is now Honeoye. This was a small village. Here he left a small part of his army, taking the remciinder with him in serch of Chenus^io , the great town of the Senecas which was near the present Geneseo. The army moved up uhe east side of Gonesus Lak^ Q^ear its head the enemy under Butler were encountered. Here a small detachment of the army was separated, and destroyed, the prisoners taken, being moved to a nearby Indian town and tortued to death. At last Sullivan had reached his goal and great was the 8. havoc that he wrought* Two great towns near the Genesee river were destroyed , and the fields laid waste. His work finished Sullivan now quiGkly withdrew, rejoined his detachment previously left behind, and returned to Wyoming by the way of Cayuga lake and Ithaca* The results of the caispaign were satisfactory. A great army had entered the Seneca country, and forever broken the power of that great tribe. But there was also an imi^ortant local effect. The men in Sullivan* s army who had seen the Genesee country were pleased with it and wished, after the war, to return to it to settle. They were im.^ressed with the productiveness of the country. At the great Seneca town alone 15,000 bushels of corn were destroyed, in addition to ap,.le trees, beans, and other cro^^s. The troops had never before seen such corn, some of the ears being reported as having a length of twenty two inches. In addition to this there were open glades along the river ^lats which gave proof of great fertility. Not only were they covered with herbage, which was very large, luxuriant, and excellent xor the aniiaals but the cultivated areas gave proof of great ^.roductiveness. As soon as the war was over there was a demand for western lands. But Hew York and Massacheusetts were in dispute over these very fertile districts, Aiiie disputes were finally settled by giving to New York, soverignty over the lands which oom^jrised all that part of New lork west of a lina extending due north from the eighty second mile stone on the Pennsylvania border west rrom the north east corner of that state, and by giving to Massacheusetts the right to i^reempt the soil included here in from the native Indians. In 1788 Phelps and Gorham ..purchased this preemption right thus acquiring about 8,000,000 acres. They were, however, unable to fulfill all the requirements, and later in 1790 about half of the purchase reverted to Massacheusetts. Phelps and Gorham retained the eastern part of the lands originally purchased* *he western boundary being a north line 44.78 miles west of the eastern boundary , to the confluence of the Canasmaga tfreek and Genesee ftiver, thence following the river to two miles north of Ganamagus, thence west twelve miles and thence north twenty four degrees east to Lake Ontario. The purchase. then did not include the town of Mount Morris, it being situated to the west of it. Through Robert Morris most of this tract was sold to a company of London capitalists who opened the whole for settlement. The Wadsworths' ^:^rocured a large ^.ortion of the remainder of the purchase directly from Phelps and Gorham. In 1791 Robert Morris Procured the reverted portion of the Phelps and Gorham purchase, and in 1793 he sold the western portion consisting of seven eights of the 10. whole to the Holland Land Company, Between the imrchase of the Holland Land Coin^.ciny and the Phel^^s and Gorhaxa purchase was a tract of twelve miles wide known as the Morris reserve, 4^ong other towns it embraced Nunda, and Mount Morris. It was sold out in large tracts to ^mr chasers who in turn sold it out in small parcels. Among these purchasers were the Carrolls who purchased a large parcel of the land owned by the London Capitalists, and also a large portion of the Morris reserve. When at last about 1300 the territory was Oi^ened for settlement, emigrants began pouring in, in large numbers. About 1805 the price of the best unimproved lands varied from one to four dollars according to location. Until 1812 settlers came to Livingston county in large numbers, but the war then put a temporary stop to all new sales of land. The sturdy settlers furnished their ^^uota for the United Gtates army; and took ^^art in many of the important battles on the then western frontier. After the war the tide of emigration again set in for the Genesee valley and from then until 1825 the increase in population was very large, most of the settlers coming from the New England States. From this ^^eriod up to 1850 the population gradually increased. From 1350 to L870 it decreased some what but increased up to 1380 since which time there has been a decrease. The following table shows the population or the eounty at different periods. jL jU • In 1310 13.390 1320 21 1830 27 35 1050 40 860 39 j„37 38 1880 39 1890 37 1900 37 305 729 140 373 546 303 261 20i 059 Although there has been a slight loss in population lately generally a steady and healthy growth has always been maintained. Livingston oounty is almost purely agricultural as she cannot to-day , nor never could t^oint to any gigantic ooimnercial or manufacturing enterprises. The only industries of this character undertaken are salt production, the manufacture of small amounts of machinery in some of the larger villages, and a very limited production of oil and natural gas» Although Livingston county cannot point to great enterprises she possesses evidences of wealth in the prosperity and contentment of her tillers of the soil. Her citi^iens have made a beautiful county more beautiful, and have transformed it from a wilderness to productive and attractive f arras, which adorn its valleys and hillsides. The early settlers who came to this county brought their claims i*rom the agents or the .^articular company in whose domain they wished to settle. They built rude log huts, chinking the spaces to keep out the cold. At first they gained their living chiefly by hunting and fishing. But soon these primitive industries gave way to the o^.eration of plowing; saw mills and grist mills were built, and frame houses were built in place of the poor log shanties. As fast as the land was cleared of its timber it was put undefc cultivation. The principal crop was wheat. Before 1850 the production of wheat was close to 1,500,000 bushels annually* About 1654 the wheat midge t)@gan to cause great damage, and in 1S60 the production of wheat had decreased very markeflly , about 200,000 bushels being produced annually. Other crops, oats and corn particularly began to be produced in increasing amounts. Beans and potatoes also began to become important and to-day Livingston pounty ^roduces very large crops of beans. Wheat has by no means passed out, for the last census reports a production of 730,000 bushels • Hay and forage crops are increasing in importance. Animals are becoming more numerous, especially dairy cows. Cheese factories and creameries are increasing very rapidly. There is also a small but JLkj • steady increase in the ^>roducticn of fruit. HISTORY OF THE FARM. 14. Having now made a hasty review oi^ local history, let us come directly to the point and take up the history of the farm in question. The Barron farm lies in the old Morris reserve. Robert Morris sold a large portion of this land to the Carrolls, who in turn opened it up for settlement. The farm was sold by them in 1324 to Johnathan Barron. A log shanty was built near the site of the present house, the location being chosen largely because of the presence of numerous springs of soft water which flow from the bases of the hills toward the east through small swales, and clearings soon made. The first timber cut was about the present farm buildings on the Volusia Loam. At first commercial agriculture was not attem^i^ted, time being *f*»dft only to the clearing of the land and to the growth of sufficient material for the support of the family. In a few years the log shanty was displaced by a frame house which stands to-day in good condition. Barns were built. Wheat was then srown in t^uite large quantities. . The grain was drawn to market at Geneseo , about fifteen miles distant, whence it was floated down the Genesee River to Rochester, the Flour city. About 1834 the farm was sold to Moses Barron. At first he gave a considerable amount of attention to grain growing. He was a Vermonter, therefore a stockman, and consecjuently he introduced animals. For many years he maintained u^jon 15 the farm a large flock of excellent sheep, 150 to 200 animals being kept* On this account a diversified agriculture was practiced and the soil kept in a good state of fertility, for rotations had to be practiced in order to maintain the animals. Wheat growing was an important part of the farm economy, but it was iiot the sole aim of the management. Oats, corn and hay were grown in considerable quantities. About 1350 in addition to sheep, cattle were brought in* Shorthorns were procured, not only for dairy production, but also for the production of beef. Several excellent bulls were introduced which not only built up a good herd for the owner, but also they had a marked influence upon the local cattle. These were the first ^jure bred cattle which were brought to the neighbothood, and for many years the effect of their blood was noticeable upon all the cattle of the neighborhood. M^ses Barron died in 1362. His flocks were allowed to deteriorate and thereafter less attention i' OQ B attontioa was given to the stock breeding. From 1362 to 1873 the farm was not managed with anything ^.articular in view. A promiscus agriculture was practiced, grain being the chief producttf.^A. f ew animals of all classes being kept.. In 1373 Milton Barron, the ^.resent owner, oarae into possession of the farm. From that time until 1380 he grew grain and hay for sale, and in addition 16. maintained a large floek or sheep* From 1880 to 1885 the farm was rented. During this period only the necessary animals were kept, grain only being grown. Large crops or wheat, barley and oats were grown annually , and sold. Since 1885 the owner has maintained a general farm. Wheat is grown every year, for a nurse crop for seeding, and also as a source of profit. Hay has been sold in large quantities. Corn and oats are grown for feed for the horses and cows, and for pigs a considerable number of which are annually turned off. Beans have become a crop of considerable importance. A flock of from 50 to 100 sheep has been maintained. Cows have always been kept and during the past eight years an increasing number, milk lately being sold to the local cheese factory. A small orchard and vineyard are also maintained. 17 • CLIMATE. The climate, like that ot Western New York in general, is very varied. But on the average it is mild enough for all the crops which are commonly grown. Peaches cannot be considered a safe crop, not only because of winter killing but also because of frosts at blooming tiihe. In general climate does not adversely affect other crops. Ocassional droughts come in summer and cause much inconvenience and loss by reducing pasturage, and the yields of corn and beans. The following figures furnished by the Weather Bureau Station of Rochester, New York give a summary of the weather conditions. These figures cannot be applied to the locality in question in all respects, however, because Rochester is in close proximity to Lake Ontario, and the farm is far from any such influence. The average date of the last killing frost in spring is May ist. The average date of the first killing frost in autumn is October 19th. la. AVBRAGK MONTHLY AND ANNUAL T3I^«i'ERATURS AND PRiiCIPITATION . Month 1 Cemper- Precip- Month T< 3mper- i'recip- ature • itation. ature . itation. *p- Inches. ^r Inches. January 24.0 3.30 August - 69.0 2.75 February 22.7 3.10 September 63.0 2.31 March 34.0 3.40 October 52.2 2.28 April 45.7 2.24 November 39.4 2.21 May 57.9 2.12 December 20.0 3.01 June *^.9 ^.f; Annual '47T8~ 33T3~ July 71.9 3.70 Annual Maximum and Minimum Temperature. Maximum Minimum. 1S96 92° n - 10" 1397 99° 1S9S 95° 1399 94^ -n - 7" 1900 96" - 1^ 1901 96 "' . 3° 1902 91^ 1903 92" -3° 1904 91° -14° 1905 92° .6° Note: The figure-s in the above tables are averages for ten years. o PHYSIOGROPHY . The rocks of the region belong to the upper iDevonion series and to the (po\|age group. They are alJ- ot a shaly character, but soF^e are sufficiently hard to allow of quarrying. About five miles south of the farm there is an abrupt rise in the land^ constituting the northern limit of the plateau of the southern counties of New York State. The farm itself extending from the Keshe^ua creek on the east, westward into the hills is located in a broad preglacial valley. Many geologists maintain that this I valley was formerly occupied by the Genesee river. At Portage ten miles south that river has been diverted from its course, to the present gorge. About six miles north down the Keshe^ua valley there is at present a large amount of drift. Taking this into account and also taking into account the fact that the ice sheet retreated toward the north it is evident that during glacial times and for a considerable time thereafter the Keshequa valley was occupied by a lake. Gradually the dam at its northern end has been cut down and now no lake remains. The creek to-day flows through the old river course and joins the river near Mount Morris. n The farm has a slope from west to east. The lands on the lower portion which are very close to the creek are flat. Just to the west of them is a steep slope, beyond 20, whioh is a stretch of level land about one half mile in width* This land rises gently toward the west, but is out up to some extent by streams. Following this level stretch is a steep slope whioh beyond the limits of the farm ends in a broad and level upland i^lain* All the streams crossing the farm are small and all have an easterly direction. The streams which cross the tract all originate in the uplands to the west* They are rapid during rainy weather, but quite or almost dry for the greater part of the year. In addition to the streams properly so called there are small swales extending across some of the fields. These are in low places and are caused by the water following along hard layers ufetil it comes near the surface, where abundant and never failing springs originate. The swales are the courses followed by water from these springs. They ar^ very wet, and in summer covered with a vary dense growth of flags. 31. TSf » • Soils, There were mapi^^eci on the Tarm eight types of soil, ile in their distribution they follow general laws, their distribution is rather intricate and in some cases rather hard to account for* The Dunkirk Clay and the Volusia loam are the chief and important types ♦ Miami Loam. The Miami Loam is a brown or black silty loam soil, six to ten inches deep. Small amounts of sand eire present, and in small area3 sand predominates in the soil. Only very small amounts of gravel are present. The subsoil to a depth of three feet is a chocolate brown to brownish yellow in color, and slightly mottled. It is silty in texture becoming more clayey as the depth increases. This soil occurs along the old flood plain of the Keshaqua Creek. It consists of glacial material worked over and deposited by the creek as it has cut its way down through the material filling the old valley • As the creek has swung from side to side of the valley it has left this material as a terrace. The source of this soil is very evident when it is noticed that its western and upper boundary is plainly the limit of the meanders of the creek. This soil is level. On account of the fact that it lies low, and on the account of the shallowness of the small ditches which cross it, it is likely to be overflown in the spring. It is very fertile and strong soil. On account of its distance from the barns it has never to the knowledge of the writer received stable manure. It \^ rich in humus, and usually produces good crops without the addition of fertilisers. Light applications of coimnercial fertilisers are occasionly given when it is seeded to wheat. Wheat, oats and grass do well on this type, and it also affords excellent pasturage. Twenty bushels of wheat, thirty five of oats, and two and one half tons of hay are the usual yields. Beans may also do well but their culture on this soil is risky as it is likely to be too wet. The yields given above are obtainable when too much moisture is not present, and they are frequently exceeded in favorable seasons. In seasons particularly suited to vegetative growth, wheat and oats become very tall and are very likely to lodge. This soil is easy to work and c-uickly responds to efforts expended upon it. While as great care in handling it is not required as is necessary in some cases, it will bake if worked when too wet. This is due in part to its silty nature and in part to the clayey material which it has received as wash from the surrounding clay hills. 23, MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF MIAMI LOAM. Fine gravel Coarse sand Medium sand Fine sand Very fine sand Silt Clay Soil % Subsoil % 2.68 1.64 i.44 t/^ 8.52 3.47 9.14 9.56 ip.36 12.74 35.75 43.10 24.08 30.36 24. DUNKIRK CLAY, The Dunkirk Clay lies just west of the Miami loanu Its eastern boundary is irregular, as it was formed by creek meanders. It rises abruptly from the Miami loam to a height of about sisty feet. This abrupt rise is due to the fact that since glacial times the Dunkirk clay material has been deeply cut into by the creek east of the farm. The creek during its eutting has formed the Miami loam at the foot of the clay slopes. Prom the top of the slope of the present creek valley the Dunkirk clay rises gradually to the westward. Its surface is fairly level, except that deep cuts have been made in it by the small streams which cross it. The Dunkirk Clay is a gray to dark brown clay or clay loam six to ten inches in depth, underlain by a mottled or dark brown subsoil, which at the depth of three to six feet is underlain by boulder clay# This type is the heaviest soil on the farm. Gravel is absent or only very occasional pebbles and small boulders may occur. The soil is in an exceedingly fine state of division. On this account when situated on hill sides it is subject to washing. Also it is inadvisable to work it in wet weather on account of liability of puddling. On drying this soil cracks, and breaks up into hard lumps • In many places on account of 25. the impervious nature of the subsoil this type is likely to be poorly drained. The soil is composed of offshore de^josits laid down in the glacial lakes which origiaally covered this region. For this reason it is very uniform in texture and appearance. The few boulders and small bits of gravel scattered througii it were probably dropped from floating bits of ice as they slowly melted. This soil is especially well adapted to wheat, oats, rye, barley, buck»irheat, grass and pasture. Blue grass seems to be at home on it. Usually fields which are left for a time, seed themselves to it and dutch clover, even though the common meadow mixtures have previously been sown. The meadow mixtures thrive for two or three years when they begin to deteriorate, and become replaced by blue grass and dutch clover. This type is not used for any of the cultivated ctops, as corn, beans, and i>otatoes. It responds well to application of nitrogenous fertili^ier, green manure crops and stable manure. In fact many very poor spots have in the past few years been entirely reclaimed by the application of stable manure alone. When well handled this type gives good yields of all kinds of grain, with the exception of corn, affords abunciant hay crops, and excellent pasturage. On account of its 2a. peculiar nature it is not a sure soil. Winter killing of wheat and hay mixyures, eSi^ecially clover, oi'ten results, not on account of the cold, but by heaving which breaks the roots of the plants. 27. MSCHAiYIGAL ANALYSIS OF DUNKIRK CLAY. Soil % Subsoil % Pine gravel .700 .407 Coarse sand .638 .260 Medium sand 1.212 .537 Fine sand 5.160 1.996 Very fine sand 20.484 18.355 Silt 34.314 30.055 Clay 35.792 48.189 •w • MANURIAL REQUIREMENTS OP DUNKIRK CLAY. Fifty years ago in Livingston oounty Dunkirk clay was an iniiiortant wheat soil. At that time ©©reals were the principal crop of this county, and under the systems of management many soils deteriorated* Especially was this true of Dunkirk clay. Most of the other types have partially or wholly recovered, but the Dunkirk clay on^ account of its i^eculiar nature is not so susceptible to ameliorating influences, and to-day is not utilized in the best manner. By continued cropping in cereals this soil gradually lost a large part of its humus, and is now in a rather poor state of cultivation. The loss of humus has tended to make this soil more oomiiact, and to make its drainage poor. This loss is due in part at least to the original condition of the soil. Humus was never plenty if the condition of the soil in the woods to-day indicates anything The predominating timber was pine among which were a few deciduous trees, and under which a small herbage grew. On this account this soil was easily reduced in its nitrogen and humus content, when, as was the case, no attempts were made to put anything back on the soil, but every endeavor was to gpt as much out of it as possible. On account of its various peculiar properties this 29. soil is to-day looked upon with some disregard by farmers, but experienoe has shown that it resi)onds quickly to good treatment. It is handled as little as possible being commonly kept in pastures in which there is often a scant herbage, and usually when the land is cropped it does not give as large returns as it should. In handling this soil care must be taken it in good clay physical condition. Dunkirk must not be worked wet, Also underdrainage is in many oases essential to success. Granting that the physical condition is imi.:.ortant , and that attention to it will be profitable, the author « believes that something else is lacking. In many cases where the physical conditions are nearly perfect, entirely satisfactory results are not obtained. Accordingly an attempt has been made to find what manures give beneficial results. In this work the wire basket method of the United States Bureau of Soils was employed. Soil was procured from the worst and most compact places on the Barron farm. The tests were carefully carried on during a i^eriod of three months in the winter of 1905 - 1906. in the greenhouses at Cornell University. It is generally sUi./i>osed by farmers that this soil is acid, and thus they account foi^ non success. Tests of the sam^>les were conducted by Mr. G. W. Tailby, several different methods being used. As a result it was shown that this soil is not aaid. The rirst series oi* the tests consisted in merely adding the comirieroial fertilizers to the soil at the time of planting, the soil being well mixed to distribute the fertilizers. The experiraent was re^^eated three times, the results of eaoh run corresponding iiuite uniformly with those of the other runs. The results here presented are those obtained in the third trial* Only these are used because they show, just as well as more tables would, what results were obtained, and further they are more to be relied upon because they were obtained under better growing conditions and because the author by this time was able to manipulate with greater accuracy. In these tests as in all the others transpiration and gieen weight are the factors taken to indicate the growth. 31. TREATM3NT . Total transpiration Total green of each treatment material grovm consisting or rive on each treatment baskets for 5 days. 1. Check. 2. 320 lbs. NaNO^ per acre 3. 320 lbs. Ga^(i^O.)o " " a 4. 250 lbs. K^SO^ 5. Ca^CPO^)^, - KaNO^ # 6. NaNO., - K,,GO II II 2 ?— 4 t^ 7. Ca3CP0.)^ - K^SO^ 3.' K SO- - Ca.Xi'0.)o - HaNO Grans . 370.0 463.5 350.6 345.0 363.3 359.9 313.9 37S.8 9. 10 tons Stable Manure per A 302,2 10. 10 T. Green Manure(clover) " 394.7 11. 1 ton line ,^er dcre 12. 1 ton chalk per acre 13. 1 ton gypsum per acre 338.0 357.4 362 . 1 during 25 days. Graras . 4. 5 6. ,5 4. ,0 3. ,8 4. ,3 4. ,3 3. ,5 4. ,7 5, .0 5. .0 4. ,7 4. ,25 4, ^ The same amounts of each constituent were used in the mixtures as were used when each constituent was employed by itself* 32. AS measured by transpiration and green )*eight sodiv«t. nitrate, a coraplate fertilizier, stable manure, green manure, and litiie had a beneficial erf eat. Trioalciura ^.iiosphate and potassiuxa sulphate each depressed the growth, the potash salt being the more injurious. When either one of these two salts was combined with sodium nitrate there was only a very slight retardation of growth. Apparently the sodium nitrate whi@h, when applied by itself, gave far better results than any of the other appliaations , exerted a beneficial influence, but such benefits were not sufficient to 4uite overcome the mischief wrought by the other two salts. When the phosphate salt and the potash salt were applied in combination the poorest results were obtained. In a complete fertilizer application the nitrate was able to over come the bad effects of the other two salts, and give a slight increase as is shown by comparing the results obtained with those of the check. Stable manure and green manure were etiuaily beneficial, and in efficiency stand next to sodium nitrate, which however far surpassed them. Lime was as effective as a complete fertili;ser using green weight as a factor for comparison, but when transpirations are compared, lime had a slight advantage. Chalk and gypsum were not beneficial. It is a matter of common field experience that lime has beneficial results on this soil. As by the previous test it did not prove markedly beneficial another experiiaent was devised to test its erficiency. Lime was added to a considerable volume ox' soil at the rate of one ton to the acre. This soil was allowed to stand four weeks it being stirred ocassionally , and moisture enough was added to kee^. it in good physical condition. At the end of four weeks this soil was put into baskets, various fertiliisers were added to it, and it was compared to soil not so treated in regard to lime. Another comparison was made by adding lime, sodium nitrate, green manure, and stable manure to the soil four weeks before it was planted, and comparing the results with the soil to which the fertilizers were added at the time of planting. During the four weeks that the soil was under treatment it was kept m*oist and well worked. The following table shows the results. 34. Transpiration Green weight TREATMENT. per 5 baskets per 5 baskets. in 25 days. (a) Soil taken just as it came rrom the field, well worked, put into good condition, and fertilisers added at the time of planting. 1. Check. 450.5 5.5 2. 320 lbs. NaNO^ per acre 564 .4 7.8 3. 10 tcbns stable manure ..er acre 493*8 6.0 4. 10 tons green manure per acre 504.0 6.2 5. 1 ton lime ^er acre. 436*8 5,3 (b) Soil treated with lime four weeks before -lanting, during the interval being kept in good condition. All fertili2;ers except lime added at the time of planting. 6. 1 ton lime per acre 507.8 5.3 7. 1 T. lime - 320 lbs NaNO per acre 595,3 8,1 3 8. i T. lime - 10 T. Stable manure " 524.7 7.2 9. 1 T. lime - 10 T. green manure " 533.2 7.6 Cc) Soil treated with lime and other fertilizers four weeks before planting. During the interval it was kept in good condition. 35 10. 1 ton lime - 320 lbs NaNO i>er acre 603.4 3.3 11. 1 ton lime - 10 tons Stable manure " 592.6 . 3.1 12* 1 ton lime - 10 T. Green manure per A. 610.5 8.4 36. The above ex-)erinents show that lime, sodium nitrate, stable and green manure all have beneficial effects. The results of A verify the results shown in table 1. Sodium nitrate was very beneficial while the other fertilizers were less so, but showed a slight increase. B shows that lime as time goes on increases in its beneficial influence. In B the ap^ili cation of lime alone was attended with an increase over the test in A in which lime alone was applied. Applying lime a time before planting and then ap dvincr the other fertilizers at the time of planting increased slightly the efficiency of sodium nitrate, and greatly increased the efficiency of green manure and stable manure. Yifhen, as in C, the fertilizers together with lime are added a time before planting peculiar results present themselves. Sodium nitrate is increased but slightly in efficiency and green manure and stable manure have their efficiency greatly increased, green manure being even more efficient than sodium nitrate. From the results obtained it may be argued that this soil is deficient in nitrogen. For use by young plants, this element may be furnished by sodium nitrate ap.aied at the time of seeding. No appreciable increase in efficiency is obtained by making the a^-plication ..revious to that time, for nitrogen in this form is .uiifikly available and in field 37. conditions ii' the salt were dLy^Xied a considerable time before planting a large part of it might be lost by leaching as it is very soluble. Also nitrogen, ( or the same effect may be procured as is given by sodium nitrate ) may be applied in green manure and stable manure, but for best results these materials should be applied some time before planting to allow them to decay some what, and thus liberate some of the stored up plant food* Also lime should be applied. In this ease it apparently aids nitrif illation, for when applied with sodium nitrate it does not produce any marked increase, but when applied with green manure and stable manure the good effects of these fertilizers are greatly enhanced. Lime also ^robably has other actions for when applied by itself it produces beneficial results. Practically then directions may be given as follows: Apply lime sometime before planting; apply sodium nitrate at the time of planting as a source of nitrogen, or with the same object in view, apply stable manure or green manure some time before planting. From what the writer knows of this soil it seems, that if good physical condition is secured, good cultivation given, humus increased, and lime applied, the Dunkirk Clay will im^^rove, give good crops, and as time goes on so improve in texture that it will be no very hard task to handle it. 33. DUNKIRK BLACK CLAY LOAIvU The DunMrk black clay loam is a minor type being conrined to a very small area. It is a blaok clay loam of rather light texture underlain at depths oi six to ten inches by a yellow to dark brown clay subsoil which may be mottled. This soil has been formed largely by small ponds in the surface of the Dunkirk clay becoming filled with organic matter. This is an aarly soil and produces large crops of all kinds. Corn grows excellently* In dry seasons it dries out rather quickly, and for this reason it does not hold sod well. It is very rich and if no crop is present produces a luxuriant growth of weeds. 39. MSCHANIGAL ANALYSIS OF DUNKIRK BLACK CLAY LOAlJi. Soil % Subsoil % Fine gravel .300 .98 Coarse sand 2.541 .194 Medium sand 3.260 .643 Fine sand 4.375 2.431 Very fine sand 19.878 10.754 Silt 52.134 31.072 Clay 37.684 45.872 4 u DUNKIRK GRAVSLLy CLAY LOAM. The Dunkirk gravelly clay loam is a small type, and occurs typically developed near the western border of the Dunkirk clay. This soil was formed under lake influence. It is a yellow to a light brown loam, four to six inches in depth, underlain by a yellow loam changing to silt and mottled clay, below which is boulder clay. From fifteen to thirty five per cent of gravel is present. The fine earth of this soil consists of silt and clay into which is mixed a considerable portion of sand and gravel. It owes its origin to a set of peculiar conditions in that at the same time that clay was being deposited, sand and gravel were also brought in and deposited. Boulders are rare in this type, the stony material being all rather fine, not more than two or three inches in diameter, and well worn both by glacial action and by water. In color this type is not very unlike the Dunkirk clay, but its texture is very different. The soil is rather loose, and well drained except in places where the subsoil comes very close to the surface. In adaptation it is similar to the Dunkirk clay. Of course it is easier to handle, and in its cultivation so much attention does not have to be given to determine if it be in right condition. When very wet this soil becomes v-juite like quick sand. On side 41. hills it washes badly , and great oare must be taken to prevent this. A wagon wheel rut down a hill side occupied by this soil is dangerous, because after a few rains it will develop into a yawning chasm. MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF DUNKIRK GRAVSLLY CLAY LOAM. Fine gravel Coarse sand Medium sand Fine sand Very fine sand Silt Clay Soil $ Subsoil % 4,290 6.6 3.145 3.86 8 ,'615 10.46 11,960 12.905 15.260 11.205 39.96? 33.716 16.763 21.476 42. ■ VOLUSIA LOAM. The Volusia loam is a very important type not only because of its extent on the farm, but also because of its many excellent qualities. It occurs to the west of the Dunkirk series J and occupies a slightly higher level than this series. It extends to the western limit of the farm, f and still further up the hill to the west. Westward from the foot of the hill near the western limit of t-he farm, it occupies only the little valleys. The surface of this soil is gently sloping. It was formed largely by the deposition of the till sheet by the glacier. Since glacial times it has received additional material from the high hills to the west. Originally this soil ^^robably did not extend much further east than the heads of springs which now occur on the farm. Apparently the springs mark the limit of a lake which stood for a long time at one level. Since the disappearance of the lake the soil has been washed out over the lake deposits to a considerable extent. The soil is a brown or black loam having a depth of six to twelve inches. It rests upon a silty loam of a yellow color, which at a depth of three feet or more is underlain by gravel. Near its eastern border the subsoil of this type is underlain by clay, and as it gradually passes over into the Dunkirk clay, the subsoil becomes more and more dense. Along its western boundary as mapped » 43* upon the farm this type is underlain by shale rock at a depth of about six feet. This is accounted for by the f aejt that as we go west we are climbing the old valley v/all , and by the fact that the material here is thinner than out toward the middle of the old valley which is occupied chiefly by the Dunkirk clay. In the area mapped the Volusia loam is typically developed upon the uplands, but extends well down to the forelands of the old glacial lake. The surface of the soil is strewn with shale fragments and erratic boulders are not Uinccbmmon, Fine shale fragments form a large jart of the soil. The material of which the soil is made is of glacial origin, and consists mainly of moranic material of heterogenous composition. The Volusia loam is usually well drained, and a fairly easy soil to work. It does not re^iuire as much skill in its management as the clays and by farmers is considered much more satisfactory. This type is usually considered a strong soil and when well treated gives excellent yields. It is adapted to all kinds of crops which are commonly grown in the region. Cereal crops give large yields. Many times on the farm under consideration this type has given an average yield of thirty five bushels and more per acre of wheat. Such a yield is not based upon good spots in a field, but the whole field gave this 44. average. Excellent crops of hay are obtained, three and four tons ^^er acre not being uncommon. Aside from these crops Volusia loam is better suited than any of the other types to intertilled crops, corn and beans give excellent yields, and potatoes do very well. This soil seems well adapted to apples. In 1825 an orchard was planted on the farm surveyed. But a few of thp trees have yet gone out. In general this orchard has not received any care, but it yields fruit of good quality with a good degree of regularity and the trees are exceedingly large. A few years ago a young apple orchard was set out and up to date has done remarkably well. A peach and plum orchard alfiohave grown good trees and^ yielded several good crops. A vineyard of Niagara grapes did excellently for twelve years, and yielded large crops. The peach orchard and vineyard on the farm have not been entirely successful. This is not do to poor soil conditions but to a bad location which has several times resulted in injury by frost. The Volusia loam is then a generc.l all round soil suited to many crops, especially grasses and cereals. It works easily, in most places is well drained, and gives good yields. It responds most readily to applications of sodium nitrate and green manure. It is well supplied with humus. Originally this type was covered with deciduous trees and an abundant herbage. In this way a large 45 amount oi" humus accumulated, which was not exhausted by the early term of wheat growing. MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF VOLUSIA LOAM. Soil % Subsoil %. Fine gravel 10.022 10.292 Coarse sand 5.300 6.424 Medium sand 9.200 10.535 Fine sand 9.432 11.036 Very fine sand 10.342 10.131 Silt 33.629 31.669 Clay 15.863 19,7 08 46 • MIAMI STONY LOAM* The Miami stony loam- occupies a level higher than that occupied by any of the other soils on the farm. It occurs as- ridges hung upon the hill side. It is probable due to deposit from subglacial streams. The soil of the Miami stony loam is a dark yellow to light brown sandy loam six to ten inches in depth. The subsoil is but little lighter in color, and is of a sandy loam texture to a depth of about two and one half feet, where it changes to a silty loam. Cuttings by streams shows that the whole is underlain by shale or clay. Stones and gravel are present in large amounts, composing as they do from five to forty five per cent of the soil mass. The stones are mostly of granite, gneiss, and sand stone, usually they are not very large, but many boulders of the size of a man's head do occur. Many shale fragments are also present. This type occurs as well defined ridges extending up the hill side, the intervening spaces being occupied by the Volusia loam. The origin is glacial, and the peculiar distribution is due probably to deposit from streams under the glacier. In fact these ridges have in many respects the appearance of eskers. The soil is well drained, underdrainage is unnecessary. It is a warm soil, and of such a nature that it can be cultivated very soon after a rain. 47* Most of this type is still covered with forest, only a ©omparatively small portion being under cultivation. On account of the steepness of the slope intertillage crops are not planted on this soil. Oats, wheat ^nd hay are , however, planted, and exceptionally good crops are produced. Wheat often gives more than thirty bushels per acre, three tons of hay per acre are usually secured^ at the first cutting, and very commonly meadows give two crops per season^ the second crop of course being much lighter than the first. In regard to its ability to give two crops of hay in a season this soil closely resembles Volusia loam, and differs from Dunkirk clay, which soil rarely yields a satisfactory second crop. MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF MIAMI STONY LOAM. Soil % Subsoil Fine gravel 1.842 1.742 Coarse sand 3.360 2.54 Medium sand 5.569 3. 500 Fine sand 3,134 4.909 Very fine sand 19.501 12.394 Silt 46.153 54.573 Clay 15.375 20.375 40 u • MUCK. The name muek has been dii^ylied to low lying lands which in their present state cannot be cultivated. They are present as long strips extending across the Volusia loam, and Dunkirk clay. They are caused by water following down the hard layers on the hillsides, and breaking out about midwav between the eastern and western boundaries of the Volusia loam. The springs c.hus formed are perennial, and the water from them spreads out and flows slowly through the mucky land^ which in summer supports a very rich growth of cat tails end the like. 49. A FINANCIAL 3TATBMSNT. In order to show what is being done on a farm composed of the soils discussed, managed with but little more than ordinary care, and on which the agrieultural practice is by no means intensive, the following finanicial statement of the farm in question is given* In this connection it should be well to state the rotations used. About sixty acres are kept continually in pasture. Those parts of the farm on the Dunkirk clay grow oats, wheat, and hay two years. The rotation on the Volusia loam and other lighter types is corn, beans, wheat and hay two or three years* All stable manure is carefully used. Commercial fertili2;ers are but little employed. Meadows not standing long afford a large sod to turn under to make humus, and in addition clover is still abundant in the sod* The farm consists of two hundred and seventy five acres, ninty two of which are in timber and waste land. The following table shows the acreage of the different crops for 1901, 1902 and 1903. 50. Crop. Corn Wheat Oats Rye Beans Meadow Pasture Tree fruits Small fruits Potatoes 1901 1902 1903 6 7 7 IS 27 16 10 10 8 - - 17 6 17 75 60 70 50 60 60 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 6 3/4 51. TABLE SHOWING TOIAL CASH RaCBIPTS. Crop 1901 1902 1903 l^heat I 300.00 $ 605.00 ^ 213.00 Beans 510.00 248.00 655.00 Hay 400.00 350.00 295.00 Potatoes 75.00 375.00 Tree Fruits 260.00 195.00 10.00 Small Fruits 200.00 150.00 35.00 Horses 125.00 Cattle 50.00 150.00 60.00 Sheep and Wool 150.00 150.00 150.00 Swine 75.00 100.00 150.00 Dairy Products 275.00 300.00 500.00 Poultry and Products 25.00 50.00 30.00 Bee Products 150.00 175.00 250.00 Total ^ iEisToo" I 284gT00~ $ 2348.00 5ry FARM EXPENDITURES. Item 1901 Labor % 225 Board of Laborers 20 Feed and Seeds 100 Fertilizers 75 Machinery and re^>airsl50 Buildings and fences 250 Live Stock 200 Miscellaneous 150 75 175 1902 1903 1 225 $ 225 20 20 250 50 150 50 100 125 100 100 50 100 Total $ 1170. I 970. I 845, During this period the capital increased from | 17,300 to I 18,7 00. The work was done by the farm owner and one man who was employed by the year. Two sons of the farm owner worked during the summer vacation only. 53 MARKETS • In til® early days markets were a long distance from the farm. Easily transported products had to be grown, and also products whioh did not easily receive damage in transportation. Wheat was advantageous from this point of view, and the first crops grown were drawn to Geneseo , a distance of fourteen miles. About 1350 the Genesee Valley Canal was built, and in fact was along the eastern boundary of the farm. Warehouses were built at Tuscarora, and this became a loading point for boats. To-day the canal is replaced by a branch of the Pennsylvania railroad extending from Rochester New ¥ork to Olean, New York. The station is Tuscarora, one and one half miles distant from the farm. By this road the Rochester markets are easy to reach, as also a're those of the cities in southwestern New York and western Pennsylvania. The Erie at Dalton, and the D.L. and W. at Mount Morris are also within easy driving distance. A sketch of the development of this region of the Genesee valley shows that in the first place those products to which the soil was adapted, and which could be marketed under the existing conditions were grown. By this method the fertility of the land was depleted, and by pests and competition the old lines of effort were displaced. Gradually new crops have come which have not entirely displaced the 54, old* Animals and dairying are beooming more and more important. This is a distinct advantage^ not only beoause the present soils are eminently adapted to growing forage, but also because animals intelligently managed will continually improve the productive power of the soil. Lastly fruit is becoming, slowly to be sure, of considerable importance. Again the soils indicate that some kinds of fruit can probably be grown to a considerable degree of ^.erfection, especially those kinds which are hardy* By reviewing the past it is apparent that the soils of the region in question have produced crops to which they are adapted. Taking the present as an indication of the future it seems that a change is coming.iin, to which the region is no less adapted than it was to that of the past. Now perishable products can profitably be grown and disposed of at markets far from home. The. conditions of the past did not permit of this. The new products will be largely those which tend to make the soils better, instead of decreasing its fertility. In conclusion it may be said that farms in the Genesee valley presenting the soil conditions of the one in question, can by careful management, by adaptation of changing conditions, by taking advantage of the new markets now opened up, by growing crops to which the soil is adapted, become more oo • profitable, i^roduce good crops, beoome more fertile, and sustain the agricultural reputation of the Genesee Valley region -- a reputation which in early times was won by fertile soil and great wheat production, but which now is and in the future will be sustained not only by cereal production but by the production of many other crops which do not rob the soil of its fertility, but which are well suited to the existing soil and market conditions.