MR. PROCTOR'S 
 
 AGRICULTURAL ADDRESS. 
 
 
 1844. 
 
 ' 
 

 ADDRESS 
 
 
 ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, 
 
 SEPTEMBER 25, 1844 
 
 / 
 
 JOHN W. PROCTOR 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE SOCIETY. 
 
 ^^., 
 
 IT; ^883" *j 
 
 SALEM : 
 
 PRINTED AT THE GAZETTE OFFICE, 
 1845. 
 

MR. PROCTOR'S ADDRESS. 
 
 Gentlemen : 
 
 The invitation to address you, on this the Farmer's 
 holyday, has been accepted by me, with much hesitation. 
 Not because I doubt the propriety of the occasion, or the 
 importance of the objects for which you have assem- 
 bled ; but because I feel my inability to present anything 
 of value or of interest, to experienced men like your- 
 selves, on a subject which has been exhausted by the 
 varied illustrations of the most gifted minds, ar:J which 
 more than all others demands personal knowledge of 
 facts. 
 
 1 have seen just enough of farming, to learn, that no 
 man can fully understand the profession of a farmer, 
 without serving an apprenticeship for more than one 
 term of seven years in the actual use of the farmer's 
 implements. I know that much may be learned from 
 books, and the various publications that are daily issuing 
 from the press ; that many of these contain the best ex- 
 perience of those most competent to instruct; the es- 
 sence of agricultural science; — but to determine when 
 and how this essence is to be administered, here is the 
 difficulty. 
 
 This knowledge can only be attained by actual labor ; 
 by putting the hand to the plough — the shoulder to the 
 wheel — and the hoe to the surface. As soon should I 
 expect a man to be skillful in the management of a ship, 
 who had never been upon the water; or expert in 
 chemical experiments, who had never been in a labora- 
 tory; as to understand the necessary processes of 
 farming, without actual personal experience in them. 
 
 To this experience I make no pretensions. What I 
 
4 MR. PROCTOR S ADDRESS. 
 
 learnt, when a boy, under the direction of a father who 
 was then considered a good farmer, is now so far obso- 
 lete, that it may not be used. I therefore hope you 
 will pardon my presumption in presenting such views, 
 as I have been able to cull from the experience of oth- 
 ers. If I can be so fortunate as to make any sugges- 
 tions that may not before have occurred to you; — or to 
 present any reasons for a reconsideration of the opinions 
 heretofore entertained, I shall feel myself amply re- 
 warded. Having been somewhat intimately connected 
 with the concerns of this Society from its commence- 
 ment, I did not feel at liberty to withhold any effort in 
 my power to advance its interests. 
 
 We have come together as farmers, on this anniver- 
 sary, to compare the results of our experience, and if 
 possible to mutually aid and instruct each other. I 
 trust the audience will bear in mind the remark of the 
 learned President Quincy, " that in the every day la- 
 bors of agriculture, there is something too rough for a 
 polished discourse, — too common for one that is elevat- 
 ed, — and too inseparable from soil and its composts, to 
 be treated to the general ear, without danger of offence 
 to that fastidiousness of fancy, which is miscalled refine- 
 ment." 
 
 It will be my endeavor to present such ideas as have 
 occurred to me as pertinent, in the plainest possible 
 manner, without any attempt at rhetorical flourish or 
 imaginative ornament. Such ornaments would be as 
 misplaced, at a business meeting of farmers, as would a 
 ruffle shirt or a gold ring, on the person actually em- 
 ployed in digging a ditch — or any other labor of the 
 field. 
 
 It is about one quarter of a century since this Society 
 was organized. By the generous contributions of its 
 members ; the fostering bounty of the State ; and the 
 fidelity of those who have managed its concerns, it has 
 continued strengthening with its years, making liberal 
 appropriations annually, always limiting its expenses 
 within its income. In so doing, it has set an example 
 to farmers generally, worthy of imitation. 
 
MR. PROCTOR S ADDRESS. O 
 
 Most of those who were active at its commencement, 
 have either ceased from their labors entirely, or are 
 now reminded by their whitening locks and tremulous 
 limbs, that their places are soon to be filled by younger 
 and more efficient laborers ; — enough of whom we hope 
 will always be found ready to enlist in so reasonable a 
 service. Here let me remind the young men of the 
 County, that the honor of worthily wearing a certificate 
 of membership in this Society is quite as creditable as 
 the most glittering tinsel or splendid plume that ever was 
 mounted. 
 
 It has seemed to me that a retrospective view of the 
 Agriculture of the County during this period might be 
 an appropriate theme for this occasion. By comparing 
 the condition of our farms as they then were, with what 
 they now are ; by contrasting the modes of culture then 
 pursued with those now most approved; by setting side 
 by side the implements of husbandry used by our fath- 
 ers with those now in use; — we may see whether or 
 not encouragement is offered for perseverance in our 
 exertions. We want the history of the past, because 
 " it is pleasant to call to recollection efforts originating 
 in good intentions and directed with generous regard 
 to the common good." We want it, because the history 
 of the past is " the only sure guide" for the future. 
 
 In whatever we engage, it is well occasionally to ex- 
 amine the grounds on which we stand, and to state the 
 account of profit and loss. In this way alone, can any 
 business be safely and understandingly pursued. 
 
 This Society received its first and best impulses from 
 its first President, the venerable Timothy Pjckering. 
 Retired from the agitating scenes of public life, and 
 the harassing excitements of political controversy, he 
 applied the energies of his powerful mind to his favorite 
 pursuit, agricultural improvement. For this he had 
 ever entertained a strong inclination, — and from his 
 early years, by observations and experiments, had been 
 storing up facts for future application. 
 
 Notwithstanding others may have done much to ad- 
 vance its interests, it is not too much to say of him, that 
 
6 mr. proctor's address. 
 
 he did more than all others. Having had the privilege 
 of his intimate acquaintance for ten years or more, as 
 secretary, and as his associate on the committee for 
 viewing farms, I speak with confidence of what he did: — 
 and I take pleasure in acknowledging that my admira- 
 tion of his example in this pursuit, has ever had a strong 
 influence on my own mind in its favour. 
 
 The first movements towards the establishment of the 
 Society, as I am informed, were made in 1818, by about 
 twenty practical farmers assembled at Topsfield,* who 
 unanimously invited Col. Pickering to be their Presi- 
 dent. He may be said to have prepared the soil, — fur- 
 nished and planted the seed, which others have only 
 cultivated. He was a careful observer of nature, and 
 drew wise lessons from his own untaught experience. 
 He was never satisfied with superficial inquiry, but 
 carefully looked into the connection between cause and 
 effect. Because a practice had been continued for a 
 series of years, was not a sufficient reason for his adopt- 
 ing it. Always ready to receive suggestions from 
 others, he would cheerfully yield his assent, when con- 
 vinced of their utility. He was a man who thought for 
 himself, and bowed to no man as his master. A refer- 
 ence to many of the maxims that he uttered, and plans 
 that he advocated, will show that he was in advance of 
 the age in which he lived. I have ever esteemed the 
 hints and observations that fell from him at our meet- 
 
 * The names of the gentlemen who constituted this meeting, were, 
 
 John Adams of Andover. Aaron Perley of Boxford. 
 
 Hobart Clark " John Peabody of Topsfield. 
 
 Robert Dodge of Newbury. Ichabod Tucker of Salem. 
 
 Temple Cutler of Hamilton. Enoch Tappan of Newbury. 
 
 David Cummins of Salem. Stephen Tappan " 
 
 Paul Kent of Newbury. Jacob Towne, Jr. of Topsfield. 
 
 James Kimball of Bradford. Eleazer Putnam of Danvers. 
 
 Elisha Mack of Salem . Andrew Nichols " 
 
 Orlando B. March of Newbury. Daniel Putnam " 
 
 Stephen Mighill of Rowley. George Osgood " 
 
 Amos Perley of Boxford. 
 
 Incorporated June 12, 1818. The first Exhibition was at Topsfield, in Oc- 
 tober, 1820. 
 
MR. PROCTOR S ADDRESS. 7 
 
 ings, and in our journeys to visit the farms of the 
 County, as among the most valuable lessons ever taught 
 to the farmers of Essex. I know of no man in Massa- 
 chusetts, unless I may except Mr. Lowell, of Roxbury, 
 who did more to elevate the character of the farmer, 
 and instruct him in his vocation. Fortunate were our 
 farmers, in having devoted teachers, like these, with 
 souls above all sinister purposes, and a readiness to 
 communicate that knew no bounds. At an age when 
 most men think their labors should be ended, he 
 was in his prime in handling the plough, and instituting 
 new experiments. He was not ashamed to soil his 
 hands or his clothes with the labors of the field. He 
 felt it no disgrace to work with those who work. In 
 whatever he engaged, he always took the part of the 
 working man. On the farm he was on a level with the 
 farmer, — in the Senate there was none his superior. 
 
 Many who hear me, cannot but remember the sim- 
 plicity, energy and propriety, with which he spoke on 
 every subject that was introduced ; and no one who 
 listened to him with attention could fail to have been 
 instructed by his remarks. He did not speak to display 
 his own acquirements, but to instruct his hearers. And 
 while all others were admiring his superior wisdom, he 
 himself was the only one not conscious of it. Like 
 Franklin he always had some story to the point, some 
 illustration so apposite, that it would make an impres- 
 sion that would be remembered. To these lessons, 
 thus artlessly and informally given, among the think- 
 ing, practical men in all parts of the County, do I 
 attribute the germs of improvement, that have since 
 been developed. 
 
 In taking a general view of the present state of culti- 
 vation within the County, it must be admitted, that 
 much, very much remains to be done. That there is 
 no one town, and scarcely any one farm, that has been 
 made to yield more than half it is capable of yielding. 
 But it cannot be denied, I think, that important improve- 
 ments have been introduced within a few years ; — that 
 much more enlightened views of culture are becoming 
 
8 MR. PROCTOR'S ADDRE3S. 
 
 prevalent ; — that a spirit of inquiry is awakened that 
 will be productive of good results ; — and that the origin 
 of many of these benefits may be traced to the influence 
 of Agricultural Associations. 
 
 Look for example to the improved implements that 
 have been brought into use, and particularly the 
 ploughs, since the first trials at our Exhibitions ; — and 
 if you remember those then in use, bring to recollection 
 their forms, for I presume none such can now be found, 
 (certainly not in the use of any one who has any claim 
 to be considered a respectable farmer) and compare 
 them with those now seen and used. Will any one for 
 a moment hesitate to acknowledge the great superiority 
 of the patterns of ploughs presented at our Exhibitions 
 for two years last past. Superior in every point of view, 
 both as to the manner in which the work is finished, and 
 the ease with which it is done by man and beast, I 
 cannot doubt at all, that one third part of the labor ne- 
 cessary in this department of farming may be saved by 
 these improvements. 
 
 I am not unmindful of the variety of opinions that ex- 
 ists as to the best model for a plough ; that what will be 
 highly esteemed by one, will be thought worthless by 
 another. So great is the variety of work to be done by 
 the plough, and so various are the modes of performing 
 it, that it is necessary to settle in the first place, how 
 the furrow is to be cut and laid, and then select the im- 
 plement that will do it in the best manner. This hav- 
 ing been done, notwithstanding the sneers of foreigners 
 upon our yankee implements,* I say with confidence, it 
 will be difficult to construct ploughs better adapted to 
 the purpose, than some we now have. 
 
 Possibly there may be those who will admit the fact 
 of the superiority of the implements, but still deny that 
 
 * This remark alludes to the account of a trial of ploughs lately in England, 
 at which the American Ploughs are spoken of as altogether inferior to the 
 English Ploughs. The American ploughs are designed to cut a loide furrow 
 and lay it flat ; the English ploughs are designed to cut a narroio furrow, and 
 set it on edge, at an angle of 45° ; — each good for the object in view, but not 
 calculated for a different object. The English ploughs and the Scotch ploughs, 
 that I have seen, for our work, are far inferior to our own. 
 
MR. PROCTOR S ADDRESS. 9 
 
 this superiority is the consequence of these Exhibitions. 
 To my mind it is a direct consequence. The premiums 
 offered operated as a stimulus for improvement, and 
 elicited ingenuity in the introduction of such improve- 
 ments. One improvement paved the way for others ; 
 — different artists endeavored to excel each other, — 
 and thus by compounding and combining the better 
 points of each, have the present perfect implements 
 been perfected. Our farmers seeing the superiority of 
 these implements at these Exhibitions, have promptly 
 seconded the movements of the makers, and brought 
 them into use in the community. If no other benefit 
 had accrued from the Exhibitions, than the introduction 
 to general use, of the improved ploughs, it might well 
 be contended that the balance would be in their favor. 
 
 It is now well understood that one of the most valua- 
 ble improvements in the structure of the plough that has 
 been mad <, consists in forming the mould board so that 
 it will pass through the furrow with least resistance, 
 laying it smooth without being liable to clog. Col. 
 Pickering states that forty years ago, while in Pennsyl- 
 vania, he observed this characteristic in the plough. 
 Afterwards, in a conversation with Mr. Jefferson, he 
 found that he had noticed the same thing, and made a 
 communication on the subject to the Philosophical Soci- 
 ety. Col. P. describes the rule of construction as fol- 
 lows : — 
 
 " Having fixed a straight line, by one cut of a saw 
 " from the upper corner of the mould board behind to 
 " its point forward, — cut away the wood above and be- 
 " low that line in such manner, that when finished if 
 " you carry a straight rule from the fore to the hind 
 " part, keeping it all the way at right angles with the 
 " straight line, it shall touch the face of the mould 
 " board, in its whole breadth, in straight lines, through 
 " its entire winding, so that its upper corner behind shall 
 " overhang the lower sufficiently to effect a complete 
 " turning of the furrow slice." 
 
 Thus you see the best minds have condescended to 
 notice small things ; and by so doing, have done a more 
 2 
 
10 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 valuable service to the country at large, than has been 
 realized from the expenditure of millions in preparation 
 for the destruction of our fellow beings. 
 
 In connection with the structure of ploughs best 
 adapted to our use, allow me for a moment to ask your 
 attention to the sub -soil plough, with which I presume 
 you are but little, if any acquainted. Although known 
 for years in Europe, and in some parts of our own coun- 
 try, I am not aware that it has been much used in this 
 County. It is made to follow in the furrow directly 
 after the common surface plough, loosening and moving 
 the earth to the depth of six or eight inches below the 
 first furrow, without bringing any part of it to the sur- 
 face. The advantage to be derived from such loosen- 
 ing is, that the superabundant moisture settles down to 
 the bottom of the furrow, and there is a constant opera- 
 tion of the atmosphere which gradually converts it into 
 productive soil. It thus produces all the benefits of 
 deep ploughing, without the disadvantage of the admix- 
 ture of an undue proportion of unproductive ingredients 
 in the soil. The soil thus moved will afford space for 
 the extension of the roots or fibres of the plants, so that 
 in seasons of drought, they will be less likely to fail. 
 And the ultimate consequence will be, if the land is 
 properly manured, an additional depth to the soil, — 
 say instead of 6 or 7 inches, there will be found 10 or 
 12 inches. For root crops, and many others, such an 
 - alteration must be of great value. Where this process 
 of sub-soil ploughing has been tried for a number of 
 years successively, and the sub-soil has been gradually 
 mixing with the upper soil, the whole has been found 
 so completely changed, as to be capable of producing 
 crops that could not before have been cultivated to any 
 advantage. 
 
 Mr. Phinney of Lexington, to whom the agricultural 
 community are under great obligations for his numerous 
 and well conducted experiments, particularly those 
 in the management of grass lands, first brought the sub- 
 soil ploughs into use in this vicinity, about three or four 
 years since. The pattern then used has been much im- 
 
MR. PROCTOR'S ADDRESS. 11 
 
 proved by different manufacturers — some specimens of 
 which have this day been exhibited and tried. I learn 
 that several farmers in the county have been trying 
 these ploughs, on their farms the present season. Mr. 
 Phinney, who has used this plough on many acres of his 
 own farm, informed me that the productive quality of his 
 soil, for many crops, had been increased fifty per cent by 
 its use.* On a question of practical cultivation there is 
 no man's opinion more worthy of regard. Are there not 
 many acres of the flat lands in Ipswich, Newbury, Ando- 
 ver, and other towns in the County, that might be greatly 
 improved by this process? Are there not many acres 
 that for want of it have heretofore been considered of very 
 little value ? Certain it is, that the most casual obser- 
 ver, as he passes along through the County, sees four 
 
 * In a recent letter received from Mr. Phinney, he says, " I have used the 
 sub-soil plough some three or four years, and such is the estimate in which I 
 hold this important implement, that I should consider it a great piece of improv- 
 idence to put in a crop, without first subsoiling the ground. The character of 
 our soil and climate are both such, being subject to the extremes of wet and dry, 
 as to render the use of the sub soil plough of more essential benefit here than in 
 England, and if one half the effects from its use, said to be produced in that 
 country, are realized here, no farmer should be without a sub-soil plough. — 
 The substratum with us is either a hard gravel or clay. Both are greatly 
 benefitted by the use of this plough. In case of too much wet, the redundancy 
 of water is absorbed by loosening the sub-soil — when too dry the plants can 
 find support by being enabled to extend their roots deeper in search of moisture. 
 Our crops, particularly our potatoes and other root crops as they are called, often 
 suffer from di - oughts that almost invariably occur in our climate in August or 
 September. A failure of these crops is oftener owing to this than any other 
 cause. Without resorting to the test of experiment, can any rational farmer 
 doubt that this obstacle to the productiveness of our soil may be, in a great 
 measure overcome by loosening the subsoil. In our old fields, which have 
 been cultivated for many years, with the use of no other than the common 
 plough, an under crust has been formed by the travelling of the oxen and move- 
 ment of the plough for a long time, at a few inches below the surface. This 
 is generally so hard as to be impenetrable by the roots of plants, and hence the 
 necessity of breaking this crust by the subsoil plough. A soil having close, 
 hard gravel, or a stiff clay bottom, may perhaps derive equal benefit from the 
 use of the subsoil plough. Most of my observations, with regard to its bene- 
 ficial effects have been upon the former, having but little land with a clay bot- 
 tom. The objections to deep ploughing, that exist in the minds of some farm- 
 ers, cannot apply to sub-soil ploughing, inasmuch as the poorer part of the soil 
 is loosened but not brought to the surface." 
 
 Mr. P. states that he has used a sub-soil plough constructed by Prouty & 
 Mears, and is pleased with it. The best specimen of sub-soil plough that I 
 have seen, was made by Mr. C. Howard, of Hingham- This obtained the first 
 premium of the State Society the present year. It is of medium size, and can 
 be procured for about $ 10. Ruggles & Co. have also made a variety of pat- 
 terns of these ploughs. 
 
12 mr. proctor's address. 
 
 acres unproductive, to one that appears to be rewarding 
 the husbandman for his labor. And may it not be that 
 the cause of this barrenness is the want of the applica- 
 tion of this labor in a proper manner ? We do not pre- 
 sume to say that every soil can be regenerated, by the 
 use of the sub-soil plough, any more than that every dis- 
 ease can be relieved by a single medicine ; but we have 
 great confidence that it will be found an effectual reme- 
 dy, where all others have failed. Were our farmers half 
 as ready to experiment upon their lands, as they are upon 
 themselves or their families, with the nostrums that are 
 advertised at every corner, they would find the hazard 
 much less, and the benefits much greater. 
 
 In this County, I believe, the example was first set, 
 of offering premiums for the entire management of 
 farms, including lands, stock, buildings, and all the 
 incidentals appurtenant. For a number of years this 
 class of premiums were received with much favor and 
 attended with the most encouraging success. They at- 
 tracted the attention of our best farmers, and most 
 public spirited fellow-citizens, who promptly invited 
 examination, and freely communicated the results of 
 their experience. In this way was elicited much valu- 
 able information. The modes of managing by the most 
 successful cultivators wera opened to all. And even 
 these cultivators themselves were enabled to improve 
 upon themselves, when called upon to state with pre- 
 cision their own processes of cultivation. What if 
 these communications have not all the skill of arrange- 
 ment, and the abstract niceties of distinction, that may 
 be found in scientific treatises ; still they manifest good 
 practical sense, in a form too that is readily understood 
 and received with favor. They leave impressions on 
 the mind, in which more confidence is placed, than in 
 any speculative conclusions. They are like the direct 
 testimony of a witness of high character. 
 
 It is much to be regretted that the interest of our 
 farmers in this class of premiums has fallen off so en- 
 tirely, that for three years past, there have been no 
 satisfactory claims to justify their award. Perhaps this 
 
mr. proctor's address. 13 
 
 may be explained, in part, by the fact that many of our 
 most enterprising farmers have already been competi- 
 tors, and therefore do not feel at liberty again to pre- 
 sent their farms ; and by the apprehension of others, 
 that their farms will not bear a comparison with those 
 that have been exhibited. Such apprehensions should 
 not be indulged. He that hath one talent, and proper- 
 ly uses it, is entitled to as much credit as he that hath 
 ten. Certain am I, that it has ever been the desire of 
 those who distributed these premiums to regard with 
 favor the smaller competitors. 
 
 This plan of offering premiums was for several years 
 adopted by the State Society ; — and more than once 
 have their first premiums been awarded to farms in 
 Essex, and to those too, which had not been brought 
 forward in their own county. Within a few years an 
 intelligent agent* has been in the employ of the State 
 Society, to personally inspect such farms as may be pre- 
 sented to his notice, and to report such things as may 
 be found of value. If our farmers are still to be so dif- 
 fident as to be unwilling to come forward with their 
 statements and their claims, is it not worthy the consid- 
 eration of trie Trustees, whether some plan of this kind, 
 of condensing information, could not be advantageously 
 adopted? Beyond all question, there are within the 
 knowledge of many of our farmers facts and processes of 
 tillage, of great value and importance to be known. And 
 so they will remain from generation to generation, until 
 their diffidence is removed, or their enclosures are entered 
 
 Who that has ever read the valuable documents given 
 to the public by the late commissioner on agriculture in 
 Massachusetts, but has regretted that mistaken economy, 
 that compelled him to cut short his labors in the midst, 
 before the work was half completed ? True economy 
 takes into view the object as well as the amount expen- 
 ded ; — and it oftentimes is the wisest economy to appro- 
 priate liberally, when the object is of unquestionable 
 utility. If our legislators are to be so much more anx- 
 ious to retain their own seats, than to benefit the public 
 
 * Hon. Morrill Allen, of Pembroke. 
 
14 mr. proctor's address. 
 
 by reasonable appropriations for useful purposes, how 
 could our county societies better apply a part of the 
 means they may command if they will, than by perfect- 
 ing a plan so well conceived 1 If nothing else could be 
 done, might they not require of each of the Trustees, 
 annually, an intelligent well digested statement of the 
 progress and produce of agriculture in their respective 
 towns. Taking care in the choice of these officers to 
 select those competent to the performance of this duty. 
 By so doing a mass of information would be accumulated, 
 that would richly repay the labor of obtaining it. Spe- 
 cimens of this kind of information may be seen in the an- 
 nual publication of the Commissioner of patents. But 
 it is impossible for one man, to survey the whole country 
 with that accuracy, to give entire confidence in his esti- 
 mates. Every town at least, should have its own agent, 
 well instructed in accumulating statistical information. 
 This is done in other branches of labor — why should it 
 not be done by the farmer ? Ask any farmer in this 
 house, how many tons of hay, or how many bushels of 
 corn, or what quantity of any other kind of produce, is 
 raised in his town, or in the county, and I doubt wheth- 
 er he will be able to answer you half right. There is 
 no want of ability among our farmers ; but there is a 
 degree of careless inattention to their own interests ; a 
 disposition to go on as others have gone before them, 
 heedless of inquiry — that needs correction. Suppose 
 the merchant should conduct his business in this loose 
 way, where would he find himself, at the close of the 
 year ? Precision and accuracy are as necessary in farm- 
 ing as any other employment. 
 
 The improvement of the animals with which our farms 
 are stocked, is a primary object of attention at our cattle 
 shows. To this a large proportion of the bounties of the 
 society are appropriated. From the farmer's stock, di- 
 rectly or indirectly, is derived a large portion of his in- 
 come. It therefore is to him a matter of first importance, 
 that he have correct ideas on this subject. Much has 
 been written in relation to it, and, without doubt, opin- 
 ions have often been modified by interested considera- 
 
MR. proctor's address. 15 
 
 tions; but still we do not find any essential improvement 
 among the animals on our farms generally. Now and 
 then we see a few that have been reared with care and 
 attention, but the great mass of our animals may be said 
 to come forward in the natural way. 
 
 Public spirited citizens, with abundant means at com- 
 mand, have introduced choice specimens of the improved 
 breeds from Europe. In so doing they have done a com- 
 mendable service, by showing what may be accomplished 
 by perseverance in the application of scientific princi- 
 ples. For these efforts to diffuse information, they mer- 
 it the thanks of those who are less favored with the 
 means of making such experiments. Of the superiority 
 of these animals in many respects, and particularly in 
 their size, and early maturity of growth, there can be no 
 doubt. The testimony on these points is too full to be 
 questioned. And of their having been made such by 
 care in the selections and crossings, there can be as lit- 
 tle doubt. Nature does not refuse to be assisted in the 
 perfection of her works. By the application of the in- 
 dustry and skill of man, may all the productions of na- 
 ture, whether animal or vegetable, be essentially modified 
 and improved. 
 
 The point to which I particularly ask your attention 
 is, whether it is better for our farmers to endeavor to 
 stock their farms with what are commonly known as the 
 improved breed of animals from England, such as the 
 Durham short horn, and others ; or whether their at- 
 tention had better be directed mainly to improving what 
 are called, our native, breed of animals ? True it is, that 
 these came originally from that country which is the 
 mother of us all, (and were there known as the Devon 
 breed, I believe,) but they have been so long settled and 
 have become so acclimated, that their peculiarities are 
 as distinct, as are those of the people. 
 
 In instituting this inquiry I have no particular theory 
 to support, or party to serve. My only object is to elicit 
 the truth; and this I must do by comparing the facts 
 stated by those who have observed with discrimination 
 and impartiality. 
 
16 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 First, as to working oxen; is there any reason to be- 
 lieve that better animals for these purposes can be found, 
 than are those of our native beed ? I have never seen 
 any oxen superior for labor to the best specimens of those 
 raised in the county of Worcester. I speak of this coun- 
 ty with emphasis, because much more attention is there 
 paid to the rearing and training of these animals, than 
 in Essex. Their steers (particularly in the town of Sut- 
 ton,) are made to know and take their places with as 
 much regularity as boys at school. Many fine spe- 
 cimens of animals well trained have been exhibited from 
 Andover, Haverhill, and other towns; and without doubt, 
 such can be found in almost every town in this and other 
 counties ; but in none in such perfection and abundance 
 as in some of the towns about Worcester. 
 
 In proof of the opinion expressed of the superiority of 
 our cattle for labor, may I not refer to the numerous teams 
 that have competed in our ploughing-matches in years 
 past, varying from thirty to fifty in a year ? When has 
 it happened that one of our first premiums — I may almost 
 say any of our premiums — have been obtained by oxen, 
 other than our own native breed ? Or when has it been 
 known in this county or elsewhere, that premiums for 
 best working oxen have been awarded to others, when 
 our own were admitted as competitors? I am not aware 
 that this point has ever been considered in making these 
 awards. This does not in any manner weaken the force 
 of the argument. The inference I think is, that had they 
 been actually superior, some of those shrewd practical 
 men who have contended for premiums, and who know 
 how to manage these things to the best advantage, would 
 have been likely to have discovered it. I think also, 
 they would ere this have been more generally used. I 
 therefore, think, that their superiority is not proved by 
 their works. On the contrary, that our native breed are 
 decidedly preferable for labor to any others that I have 
 seen. 
 
 How is it in regard to milch cows, for dairy purposes ? 
 An animal which when viewed in all her relations is not 
 second in importance to any other. In regard to these, 
 
MR. Proctor's address. 17 
 
 the county of Essex may speak with some confidence. 
 Here have been raised and exhibited numerous cows 
 that will bear a fair comparison with those of any other 
 county. Instance the Oakes Cow and the Nourse Cow, 
 and the present year the Pond Cow, (all of which were 
 from Danvers, I believe,) they have not been excelled 
 by any others. Two of these yielded from 1() to 20 
 pounds of butter a week, for many weeks together, of 
 superior quality, and this without extraordinary feed 
 or pampering ; and the other, 14 quarts of milk per 
 day, for ten months together. Statements of similar 
 produce have I noticed within a year, of cows of native 
 breed at Springfield and Northampton.* 
 
 If such animals can be found in this manner, without 
 any extra care in rearing, what might they be made, by 
 the application of the skill that has been used in perfect- 
 ing the foreign breeds ? I am not unmindful that single 
 instances may be found of the short-horn cows that have 
 yielded from thirty to thirty-six quarts of milk per day; 
 and of flocks that have produced larger quantities of 
 milk, in iveight and measure, than have been obtained from 
 the same number of native cows. In the notices of 
 these cows that I have seen, the quantity of their milk is 
 usually spoken of, and not the quantity of butter it will 
 yield. Now every intelligent observer knows that 20 
 quarts of milk from some cows will yield more butter 
 then 30 quarts of milk from other cows ; so that the 
 quantity only gives but an imperfect idea of the value of 
 their produce. Take into view also the expense of feed 
 required, and their comparative capacity to endure the 
 severities of our climate, and the peculiarities of their 
 habits ; and it may well be questioned whether the for- 
 eign breeds are of so much value upon our farms, as 
 those that might be raised from the best of our own 
 stock. All that is wanted is the same care in selection 
 and vigilance in rearing that have been applied to the 
 others, and there will be no deficiency in an adequate 
 supply of milk for our dairies. 
 
 * In the Massachusetts Ploughman, a paper worthy to be read by every 
 Farmer. 
 
18 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 Why is it that so little care is given to the selection 
 of milch cows, when there is so much choice in them ; 
 — both in regard to the feed required, and the milk pro- 
 duced ? It costs no more to support a cow that will 
 yield from 16 to 20 quarts of milk per day, than one that 
 will yield 10 quarts. The one merely earns her living, 
 the other not only supports herself, but him who feeds 
 her ; — and if care is taken to rear her progeny, will en- 
 sure a perpetuity of her good qualities. 
 
 In connection with this idea, it will be remembered 
 by some of the Trustees, that as early as 1823, premi-* 
 urns were offered for improving our native breed of neat 
 cattle, to be paid in 1823. And it was then remarked,* 
 "that it would avail little to bestow premiums merely 
 for the best that shall be produced, unless something is 
 done to preserve the breed ; for such premiums might 
 be given for a century, without effecting any real im- 
 provements; and thus as to live stock, defeat the object 
 for which the society was formed." I now appeal to the 
 Trustees to consider the principles then stated, and to 
 inquire how far they have been applied. Have we not 
 gone on from year to year, almost exactly in the way 
 then stated to be of no use ? How can it be expected 
 that our stock will be improved, unless care is taken to 
 raise from those of best qualities, their offspring of best 
 promise ? Every farmer recognizes the principle that a 
 good cow is most likely to have a good calf. They act 
 upon this principle in selecting their calves to be raised. 
 This then is the ground upon which your premiums 
 should be offered; not only for the best animals, but for the 
 best efforts manifested in improving the breed of the animals, 
 with a statement that shall enable others to imitate these 
 efforts. 
 
 So distrustful am I of my own competency to express 
 an opinion on this subject, that I beg leave to corrobo- 
 rate my own views by citing the opinion of Mr. J. Low- 
 ell, as expressed by him in a report made at Brighton, 
 October, 1822. Says he : " Although the milch cows 
 
 * By Col. Pickering — then President of the Society. 
 
MR. PROCTOR S ADDRESS. 
 
 19 
 
 "of Great Britain and the Netherlands are in general far 
 "superior to our own ; I-have never seen an imported 
 "cow of equal merit with some of our own that have been 
 "here offered. So fully .am I convinced of this truth, as 
 "well as that our country possesses a very considerable 
 "number of these fine cows, that I am persuaded if Great 
 "Britain or the Netherlnnds were to send us ten cows, 
 "each of the best quality, New England alone could 
 "furnish twenty which would equal them in the quanti- 
 fies of milk, butter, and cheese, which they would re- 
 spectively produce." 
 
 To this he adds, "If every owner of a good and very 
 "superior cow, would consider her in a proper light, not 
 "merely as a valuable animal during her life, but as ca- 
 "pable of improving his whole stock, if he will spare no 
 "moderate expense in procuring calves from her of bulls 
 "of an improved breed, we shall soon see our whole 
 "stock gradually improve." 
 
 It will be remembered by many who hear me, that in 
 1825, a very full discussion of this question was had be- 
 tween- Col. Pickering and Col. Powell, of Philadelphia, 
 in the course of which Mr. Powell admits that the short- 
 horns, so called are too large for the ordinary purposes 
 of our farms, and then adds, "by an immutable law of 
 nature, which never ceases to affect the animal not less 
 than the vegetable creation, in a few generations, their 
 size will be accommodated to the food given for their 
 support." Mr. Pickering replies, "we now have a breed 
 exactly accommodated to the food given for its support, 
 and inquires whether it is more eligible to propagate a 
 gigantic breed which "in a few generations" may be 
 sufficiently reduced in size, and thus accommodated to 
 our service and means of keeping them, or with spirit 
 and resolution, to engage at once, in the laudable and 
 profitable enterprise of improving our native cattle by 
 a careful selection of the best males and females, and 
 thus "in a few generations" raise them not to gigantic 
 sizes, but to a high pitch of perfection, for the primary 
 objects of New England farmers, labor, beef, and rich 
 milk for butter and cheese." In expressing this opinion 
 
20 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 of the equality not to say superiority of our own milch 
 cows, and their peculiar fitness for our farmers' dairies, 
 I know that I am treading upon the toes of high author- 
 ity, and exposing myself to criticism and remark. I 
 know there are those, who will give you the pedigree of 
 their stock, with as much precision, as ever did a Jew of 
 his family, and that their notions of value are much mod- 
 ified, by the number of degrees they have taken, or the 
 high sounding epithets applied to their names. This 
 practice of tracing their history is commendable. But a 
 high sounding title will never alter the character of a 
 coif, of whatever description he may be. 
 
 I know that at our cattle shows we admire and give a 
 preference to those sleek and beautiful animals, that are 
 as it were polished for the exhibition; and that we should 
 feel grateful to those who thus show us what can be ef- 
 fected by care; — but still we do not find in them the real 
 stamina for our dairies. As soon should I think of select- 
 ing from the brilliants of a ball room, the best manager 
 of a dairy. 
 
 The prices at which these animals are holden, consti- 
 tute a serious obstacle in the way of their being procured 
 by common farmers. I cannot see any good reason why 
 such extravagant prices as $1000, or more, for a single 
 animal should be countenanced. Our farmers cannot af- 
 ford to appropriate the entire income of the year, to the 
 purchase of a single animal. " I have found," says Gov. 
 Hill, (a very intelligent and safe guide on agricultural 
 subjects,) " it to be the invariable safe course, for all 
 who have no property they can afford to throw away, to 
 purchase no article or commodity not absolutely neces- 
 sary, when that article or commodity bears an unusual 
 price." * 
 
 * In 18-37, at the suggestion of Col. Pickering, and by the liberality of 
 Gorham Parsons, Esq., of Byfield, an attempt was made to introduce the Al- 
 derney breed of cattle at West Newbury. I have received from my friend, 
 Col. Newell, some interesting facts in relation to these animals, many of which 
 are now there. He thinks them superior for their milking properties; but in 
 consequence of their inferiority of size and appearance, they have not readily 
 come into favor. He thinks favorably of crossing the Alderney and the Ayr- 
 shire breeds with our native stock, with a view to produce good cows for the 
 Dairy. It seems to be the better opinion of those among us who have had 
 
MR. proctor's address. 21 
 
 The use and improvement of wet meadow and swamp 
 lands, early occupied the attention of this society, and 
 has afforded some of the best examples of successful ex- 
 periments. A brief reference to these may be useful, 
 not only in showing how similar improvements may be 
 made, for this is one of the most extensive fields for im- 
 provements ; but in guarding against the misapplication 
 of labor in mistaken modes of operation. In regard to 
 these grounds, it should be borne in mind, that they vary 
 quite as much in their texture and component parts, as 
 do the upland soils ; and that it is necessary to vary the 
 process of redemption accordingly. The foundation of all 
 improvements in this kind of land, is first to free them 
 of the superabundant water with which they are burden- 
 ed. This must be thoroughly done, and in a manner 
 that shall continue them free. Much labor has been lost, 
 by temporary drains, that soon become impeded by grass, 
 leaves, or other obstructions ; leaving the ground in as 
 bad condition as at first. The same necessity that re- 
 quired the drains to be made, demands that they should 
 be continued open. When the water is removed, then 
 the coarse grasses or meadow plants are to be destroyed, 
 and the texture of the soil is to be brought into a condi- 
 tion to support the growth of the upland grasses. In its 
 meadow state it is too porous, too much like a honey- 
 comb, for this purpose. It needs either to be wrought 
 over or to have some other substances mixed with it to 
 make its texture more compact. There is no want of 
 vegetable matter or nutritive substances, the only thing 
 necessary is to bring these into a position that they can 
 be successfully used. Various modes of doing this, have 
 been attempted, with more or less success ; probably 
 from a want of proper attention to the qualities of the 
 land sought to be reclaimed. Some meadows are com- 
 posed mostly of decayed vegetable and animal substances 
 
 most experience, so far as I have been able to learn their opinions, that by a 
 judicious crossing of the best of the English animals with our own, a race may 
 be produced of more value, and better adapted to the climate, than any now to 
 be found. A very large proportion of the Durham cattle now to be found are 
 of that coarse, elephantine character, that would not be admired or even endur- 
 ed, by the best judges in England. 
 
22 mr. proctor's address. 
 
 that have passed through a state of putrid fermentation, 
 and as soon as the water is removed, and the particles 
 of the soil are brought in close contact, are susceptible 
 of being made very productive. Especially when a 
 dressing of some appropriate manure is applied, adapted 
 to stimulate the other parts to successful action. 
 
 Others of a peaty texture, contain substances that have 
 not been through the putrid fermentation, necessary be- 
 fore it can be used as the food of plants, or the compo- 
 nent parts of manure. These need to be exposed to the 
 action of the atmosphere, and to have other substances 
 mingled with them. 
 
 The first attempts at improvement on these lands, to 
 which our attention was called, were by Messrs. Osgood, 
 of Andover, Putnam and Ingersoll,of Danvers, and others. 
 These were made principally by draining, and by the ap- 
 plication of sand and gravel to the surface. The expense 
 of covering the sod with a sufficient depth of these ma- 
 terials, to completely check the growth of the meadow 
 grasses, operated a serious check upon improvements of 
 the kind, and the care and attention necessary to conti- 
 nue the water courses open, and the frequent repetition 
 of a dressing of manure required, prevented an extensive 
 application of this kind of improvement. Fine crops 
 were in some instances produced ; but it is not expedi- 
 ent for the farmer to spend his efforts in raising fine 
 crops, when they cost more than they are worth. Such 
 instances of culture, in the vicinity of his residence, may 
 sometimes be justified by collateral considerations; but 
 in general, it should be the aim of the farmer, that the 
 produce should repay the expense of producing it. Oth- 
 ers attempted improvements by paring and burning the 
 surface ; and this was done in repeated instances with 
 good success. Among the best experiments of this kind 
 were those of Messrs. Osborn and Brown, of Saugus, and 
 Mr. Newhall, of Lynnfield. I witnessed the crops on 
 their lands, on the first and second year after they com- 
 menced, and found them most luxuriant. What have been 
 the subsequent crops, I am not informed. 
 
 More recent experiments in reclaiming these lands, 
 
MR. proctor's address. 23 
 
 have been made by turning over the sod, and mingling 
 with it a sufficient quantity of loam, or other substance, 
 to give it a consistency to support vegetation, and then 
 cultivating it in a manner to preserve the remains of the 
 decaying vegetable matter in the soil. Unquestionably, 
 where the process of draining can be so complete as to 
 admit of this, — this process of culture will be most eli- 
 gible. For so much of the vegetable material as has been 
 destroyed by fire, or otherwise removed, will in the course 
 of time, need to be replaced for the renovation of the soil. 
 Successful experiments in this way have been made by 
 Messrs. D. P. King, of Dan vers, J. Marland, of Andover, 
 and J. Newhall, of Lynnfield. Similar experiments with 
 the best success, without the application of gravel, were 
 made a number of years since on the farm of Mr. J. 
 Nichols, in the south-westerly part of Salem. Here spe- 
 cial care was taken to keep the ditches clear, and free 
 of grass or leaves, so that no obstruction should remain 
 to the perfect draining of the land. I refer to these in- 
 stances of culture, as specimens of the practical applica- 
 tion of the principles, but not as descriptive of all that 
 has been done. The mode of management proper to be 
 adopted, must depend upon the particular character of 
 the meadow or soil, — upon the depth and component 
 parts of the vegetable material ; — upon the nature of the 
 sub-soil beneath; — upon the character of the springs that 
 flow in from the adjoining hills; — and upon numerous other 
 varying circumstances observable in particular cases, that 
 cannot be anticipated or specified in any generalrules. In 
 this as in all other farming processes, there is constant oc- 
 casion for the application of good judgment and good sense. 
 The application of theoretic'rules without these will often 
 end in disappointed hopes. By good sense, I mean the 
 right application of well established scientific principles. 
 A most important use can be made of these bogs and 
 reservoirs of vegetable matter, by taking therefrom at 
 convenient times, supplies for the barn-yard, for the 
 swine-pen, and the compost heap, all of which are indis- 
 pensably necessary on every well managed farm. The 
 experience of the last twenty-five years has taught much 
 
24 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 in relation to the making of manures. The farmer who 
 then made fifty loads of manure in a year would not now 
 feel that he had done his duty, with less than two hun- 
 dred loads. And no farmer does his duty who does not 
 produce this quantity, or more. If you expect bountiful 
 crops, you must feed the soil as bountifully with the 
 necessary food of such crops. The primary vigor of our 
 soil has been used up. Our success in cultivation de- 
 pends mainly upon skill in preparation and application 
 of manure. As well may you expect your beef or your 
 mutton to be fatted by the air, as your land to be pro- 
 ductive of good crops, without an ample supply of ma- 
 nure. It was forcibly remarked by Mr. Gray, in his ad- 
 dress to this society, in 1841, "These " unimproveable 
 " lands," as they are styled, contain manure enough in 
 " some sections to cover all our tilled lands a foot deep ; 
 " manure enough to render every acre of the soil as fertile 
 " as the prairies of the west ; manure enough to cause 
 " two tons of hay to grow, where now grows but one, and 
 " an equal increase in all other productions of the farm." 
 From the chemical analyses that have been made within 
 a few years, of different ingredients that may be found 
 in our swamps, meadows, and marshes, capable of being 
 converted into manures, there is reason to think that we 
 have scarcely begun to find out the means of improving 
 our soils within our reach. Further inquiries are proper 
 to be made on this subject ; and it behooves our agri- 
 cultural societies or the Slate, to see that it is done. If 
 we could be assured that by proper application of labor 
 and skill, the productive power of our soils might be 
 doubled ; there would be no occasion to roam after more 
 fertile fields, in other regions', to the hazard of the loss 
 of those distinguishing traits of character, which consti- 
 tute the charm of New England society. 
 
 Much discretion is to be used in the adaptation of ma- 
 nures to the different kinds of soil, and to the peculiarity 
 of condition in which the soil is at the time of application. 
 What will be life to one, will be death to another. Many 
 of our farmers learn this, more or less, from their own 
 personal experience, without knowing the reasons why 
 
MR. proctor's address. 25 
 
 it is so. If they would take pains to look into and un- 
 derstand these reasons, which can be done just as readi- 
 ly, as they understand it is better to plant their corn in 
 May, rather than in November, they might save much 
 labor. Without doubt, many a farmer loses more than 
 half his lafror applied on manures for the want of this 
 knowledge. 
 
 Public attention has lately been much called to the 
 application of manures in a more condensed and con- 
 centrated form, such as poudrette, guano, bone dust, $-c, 
 divested of the coarser and unproductive ingredients. 
 For gardening and city culture such manures may be 
 highly valuable. But whether it will be in the power 
 of our farmers generally, who rarely have spare funds 
 for the purchase, to dress their lands in this way, has 
 seemed to me questionable. The farmer should endeav- 
 or to find within his own precinct the means of replen- 
 ishing his soil. His main reliance, after having taken 
 proper care of his barn-cellar, his barn-yard, and his 
 pig-pen. should be on his collection of compost. It is 
 believed that almost every farmer will find within his 
 own limits, or in his immediate vicinity, abundant mate- 
 rials for this purpose. When not necessarily employed 
 in other things, his attention should always be given to 
 the collecting or saving something that will increase his 
 supply of manure. The careful cultivator will find many 
 opportunities in the course of the year to add to this 
 main-spring of good husbandry. " Let no man," says 
 Mr. Quincy, who is equally at home on the farm, as in 
 the College, " consider his barn-yard properly arrang- 
 " ed, until he has a receptacle for his manure, water 
 " tight at the bottom, and covered at the top ; — so that 
 *' below nothing shall be lost by drainage, and above 
 " nothing shall be carried away by evaporation." 
 
 What would be said of that farmer who when he 
 had raised his field of grain should suffer it to remain 
 exposed until one half of it was scattered by the winds, 
 or otherwise lost ? Do ws not often see a destruction 
 equal to this, in their collections of manure ? Is it ex- 
 travagant to sav that one half of the manure ordinarily 
 4 " 
 
26 MR. proctor's^ address. 
 
 made by the cattle on a farm is wasted ? Look to the 
 common structure of barns, where the manure is thrown 
 out to the sides, exposed to the sun and rain for half 
 the year ; — or to the yards where the cows pass their 
 nights in summer ; and compare the products of these 
 barns, or these yards, at the end of the year, with re- 
 ceptacles for the manure properly regulated, and I doubt 
 whether there will remain half the quantity. Take into 
 view further the increase that may be made by placing 
 the cattle in position to preserve the liquids that are 
 about every stall, by the aid of which mingled with earth 
 may be made the best of manure, and it will not be too 
 much to say that our farmers generally lose two thirds 
 of the materials they have at command for enriching 
 their lands. How many of them not satisfied with the 
 losses thus accruing take special care to draw their ma- 
 nure to the fields when made, and to lay it in a position 
 that will effectually scatter a large proportion of the vir- 
 tue that remains ? Or when they come to use it, spread 
 it upon the surface and thus lose its fertilizing powers 1 
 Again and again has it been demonstrated, when ma- 
 nure is applied to land, its tendency is to ascend and not 
 to descend. An examination of the sub-soils on lands 
 that have long been under a state of high cultivation 
 proves this. It is therefore indispensable in the appli- 
 cation of manure to the best advantage, that it should 
 be mingled with and covered by the earth.. Care also 
 should be taken that it be properly pulverized or sub- 
 divided, so that when mingled with the soil, the union 
 be as perfect as possible. Recent experiments of Pro- 
 fessor Liebeg, show that ammonia, or the power to 
 produce this, is the principal fertilizing ingredient in 
 manure. As much care, therefore, should be taken of 
 this in the field, as in the smelling bottle at church. 
 
 Clay, sand, and lime, are the principal ingredients in 
 most of our soils. A due admixture and proportion of 
 these is essential to successful cultivation. It was the 
 remark of Mr. Fessenden, that " clay without sand, or 
 " sand without clay, and both of these without lime, are 
 11 like a stool intended for a tripod, with but one or two 
 
MR. proctor's address. 27 
 
 " legs, worth little or nothing, till the missing part or 
 "parts are supplied." Such modifications of the soil, 
 with the application of such manures as are specially 
 adapted to the crop sought to be raised, is the business 
 of the intelligent (aimer. No man can make pretensions 
 to this distinction, without the requisite qualifications. 
 If a man offers his services to make your shoes, or to 
 build you a cart, or to teach your children at school, 
 you inquire into his qualifications to discharge these du- 
 ties. Why should not the same inquiry be instituted, 
 when he offers to cultivate your lands ? To constitute a 
 good farmer requires a due admixture of scientific theory, 
 practical skill, and common sense. The one without 
 the others often misleads to visionary speculations, and 
 thereby brings into contempt all scientific operations. 
 I cannot better illustrate the benefits that may be 
 derived from the proper preparation and application of 
 manures, as compared with the heedless use ordinari- 
 ly made, than by reference to the extraordinary crops 
 obtained by gardeners and others from the careful culti- 
 vation of small parcels. In every village may be found 
 instances of such culture, where the profits accruing 
 over and above the extra labor, are ten times as much 
 as farmers usually realize from the same quantity of land. 
 Possibly it may be said that the demand for such garden 
 vegetables, as asparagus, lettuce, strawberries, $rc, from 
 which the greatest profits have accrued, is of so limited 
 a character, that few can find their account in this kind 
 of cultivation. I will, therefore, refer to the cultivation 
 of the onion, which is distinctly the business of the far- 
 mers in my neighborhood, many of whom have more acres 
 of onions than most farmers in the county have of Indian 
 corn. The average yield of this crop is 300 bushels to 
 the acre ; sometimes as high as 500, or 600 bu-mels. 
 The ordinary expense of manure and labor to an acre 
 may be estimated double that required for Indian corn ; — 
 this estimate is believed to be ample to cover all that 
 will be requisite, for a series of years, especially when 
 it is taken into view that much of the labor of weeding 
 and gathering may be done by children. For ten years 
 
23 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 past from 30,000 to 60,000 bushels in a year have been 
 raised in the single town of Danvers. The average val- 
 ue of the crop when brought to the market is fifty cents 
 per bushel, or $150 per acre. In what way can so fair 
 a profit be realized from the land ? Take into view al- 
 so the condition in which this crop leaves the land for 
 other crops, actually benefitted, and it will be found one 
 of the most advantageous crops that can be put upon the 
 land. How happens it that these cultivators are thus 
 successful. Is it not because they are careful in the 
 preparation of their grounds, and in the selection and 
 application of appropriate manures in a proper manner? 
 Within my own remembrance, these same cultivators 
 scarcely knew how to raise a bushel of onions, and 
 thought their soil would not produce them. Would not 
 the same kind of care find its reward in the cultivation 
 of other crops ? Indian corn for example, this most lux- 
 urious and valuable Yankee crop, thirty years since was 
 estimated at an average of thirty bushels to the acre. 
 Will our farmers be content with such an estimate, when 
 double the quantity can readily be obtained by the same 
 labor, with the application of proper skill and manure in 
 the preparation and cultivation of the land ? The lesson 
 to be drawn from these facts and considerations, is, cul- 
 tivate so much land as can be well done and no more; and 
 leave no part of the process of cultivation slightly performed. 
 Neglect of this salutary rule is unquestionably the 
 common error of our farmers. In the first place, they 
 spend their means in procuring additional acres, thereby 
 depriving themselves of the power of profitably cultivat- 
 ing the few they had. This disposition to engross many 
 acres, and to own, as is the desire of some, all that join 
 them, is not only a private but a public evil. It checks 
 enterprise and prevents the natural increase of popula- 
 tion. Where lands are thus possessed, what chance is 
 there for the enterprising young man to become a pro- 
 prietor ? Can you not bring to recollection hundreds of 
 acres that have thus for years, been excluded as it were 
 from all useful purposes ? Within my own observation, 
 I have known farms that remained for years in the hands 
 
MR. proctor's address. 29 
 
 of one proprietor, when they came to be divided into 
 the hands of five or six, to yield more on each part, than 
 the whole did when held by one. By a proper division 
 of our lands, allowing no one to engross more than he 
 can judiciously manage, not only would our territory 
 support a larger population, but the population itself, 
 would be more independent. 
 
 The proper appropriation of capital and labor on a 
 farm may be illustrated by a comparison with the every 
 day occurrence of the building of a house. Suppose a 
 person of moderate means is about to erect a house, for 
 the accommodation of his family, is it wise to put up the 
 frame and covering of a building, so large that he cannot 
 finish but a small part of it, leaving the front and cham- 
 bers, a sort of dreary and desolate w r aste for swallows 
 and vermin ; — or is it best to put up a tenement such 
 as he has the means of furnishing and finishing in a de- 
 cent and comfortable manner? No one who has ever 
 noticed the contrast in such tenements, and many such 
 can be found in almost every village, will hesitate to say 
 that the wiser course will be to erect such an one as 
 can be comfortably finished. Let the farmer apply this 
 principle. Let him procure so much land as he can 
 thoroughly cultivate, and apply himself to this. And as 
 his means increase, so may his cultivation extend. Cap- 
 ital and labor are the true sources of income. If con- 
 centrated they produce more than when diffused. It is 
 not the extent of lands that determines the farmer's pro- 
 fits, but the State of culture to which he brings them. 
 What were formerly sound rules of conduct, have now 
 in many cases become almost obsolete. So many and 
 so great have been the changes in the facilities of com- 
 munication from place to place ; — in the transportation 
 of commodities from one part of the country to another ; 
 in the introduction of new varieties, and in the altera- 
 tion of habits of living, that the course which was then 
 judicious now needs much modification. Now when the 
 farmer goes to the market with his beef, his pork, or his 
 butter, — articles from which he used to expect to raise 
 cash to meet his taxes and other necessary payments, — 
 
30 mr. proctor's address. 
 
 he there finds it forestalled by the products of the valleys 
 beyond the mountains, — where the fields are waiting to 
 be sown, and the forests of hundreds of years, have en- 
 riched them to overflowing. How can the farmer here 
 compete with the farmer there, in raising pork, with corn 
 at one dollar per bushel ; — when there it can be obtain- 
 ed at one quarter part of this sum, and when raised it 
 can be transported to our market at one quarter ot a cent 
 per pound ? And so with wheat, with corn, and many- 
 other articles on which the farmer used to rely for his 
 income, and for raising the means for paying for his lands. 
 For so it is that most of those at the age of fifty, who 
 are found to be in the possession of their own acres, in 
 the most thriving condition, have purchased these acres 
 with their own earnings. In the agricultural, as in the 
 trading community, property will not adhere that is not 
 cemented by labor. The young man, therefore, who 
 sets out to be a farmer, must look about him and see 
 how farming can be supported. What kind of crops 
 there are that will pay for themselves, and something 
 more. He must so manage as to make both ends meet. 
 I cannot too strongly urge upon him the necessity of 
 keeping accurate minutes of what he does ; — and of 
 making exact estimates of the result of his labors and 
 experiments. Nothing is more detrimental to good hus- 
 bandry than uncertain conjectures. Though the result 
 of our operations may not correspond with our wishes 
 or expectations, we should not close our eyes upon the 
 facts. Truth, exact truth, will ever support itself and 
 him who cherishes it. I would not by any means dis- 
 courage the farmer in his labors by these suggestions ; 
 but would exhort him to vary his culture ; look about 
 him for a market ; select such articles for cultivation as 
 the demand requires ; so that when driven from one po- 
 sition, he may have another of more security in reserve. 
 Those are said to be the wisest commanders in war who 
 make certain a safe retreat. 
 
 The implements and tools to be used by the farmer 
 demand much more attention than is usually given to 
 them. The difference between the application of labor 
 
MR. proctor's address. \ 31 
 
 with tools of good construction, adapted to the purpose, 
 and with tools of bad construction, may be the entire 
 difference between a successful and a ruinous husbandry. 
 This has been before remarked in regard to the plough. 
 In many other branches of labor have there been almost 
 equal improvements. Instance the gathering of hay, by 
 the use of the horse rake. If I am rightly informed three 
 fourths of the labor of raking may be saved by it. This 
 is a matter of great consequence, when time is so valuable 
 as in the haying season. The cultivator too does much, 
 when properly applied, in a short time, far better than 
 it can be otherwise done. The roller, how few of our 
 farmers rightly understand the advantages to be derived 
 from this ! In the most approved processes of managing- 
 lands, a roller is as indispensable as a plough. Still I 
 doubt whether half our farmers have ever had one on 
 their farms. Many other less prominent implements 
 have been equally improved, and demand of the farmer 
 who would labor to best advantage to be brought into 
 use. The grand difference between a thriving farmer, 
 and one that does not thrive, is — the one looks out for 
 the fractions, the other does not. In farming, nothing 
 should be lost ; nothing should be neglected ; every- 
 thing should be done at the proper time ; every thing 
 should be put in its proper place ; every thing should 
 be performed by its proper implement. When these 
 rules are observed, the farmer will surely prosper — 
 though his gains may be slow, they will be certain and 
 sure. His dividends are under his own control, and are 
 not liable to embezzlement. 
 
 Among the improvements of a few years past, there are 
 none that promise more, than those in the cultivation of 
 grass; — a crop of greater value and extent than any 
 other to the Essex farmer. A crop that demands a par- 
 ticular notice at an Exhibition in Ipswich, distinguished 
 before all other places in the County for its hay {Prod- 
 ucts. The peculiarity of this culture, first brought tp 
 the notice of the public by Mr. Phinney, is, that the land 
 is continued in grass, year after year, without the inter- 
 vention of any other crop, except occasionally Indian 
 
32 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 corn. How long this can be done remains to be proved. 
 Thus far it has succeeded well. It is done by turning 
 the furrows flat, rolling them smooth, harrowing or cross- 
 ploughing, or both, without disturbing the sod, applying 
 compost manures and the seed upon the surface and har- 
 rowing it in. This process is repeated as often as the 
 land demands a coating of manure. The land is kept 
 in a light and favorable condition for supporting the crops, 
 by the decaying vegetable matter that was upon the sur- 
 face. This mode of culture is somewhat at variance 
 with the system of rotation of crops, which has been so 
 generally recommended as essential to good husbandry. 
 The best specimens of this culture that I have seen, 
 have been on the farms of Mr. W. Sutton, of Salem, and 
 Mr. D. P. King, of Danvers, to which I refer the curious 
 to examine, as affording a better illustration of the ben- 
 efits, than in my power to give. 
 
 Another modification in the cultivation of grass which 
 has been successfully practised by Mr. D. Putnam, of 
 Danvers, and others, and which is now coming into gen- 
 eral favor, is by sowing the seed among the corn at 
 the last hoeing — taking care to have the ground left in 
 a level and smooth condition. Repeated experiments 
 have shown that the old practice of raising a hill about 
 the corn is not attended with any benefit. If then, the 
 smooth culture of the corn will aid in bringing the lands 
 into good conditionfor grass, which is the primary ob- 
 ject in view, — our crops of barley, oats and rye being 
 raised merely as secondary objects of attention, — does 
 it not behove our farmers to inquire whether their grass 
 seed cannot be advantageously sown in the Summer or 
 Autumn, without any intermediate crop of English 
 grain ? When thus sown it is much more certain of 
 taking root, and in much less danger of being cut off, by 
 the burning sun, which usually follows the removal of 
 crops of grain. I have adverted to these modes of grass 
 culture more for the purpose of inviting attention to 
 them, than to express any decided opinion of my own ; 
 because I am sensible it is never safe to draw general 
 conclusions, from a limited number of experiments. 
 
MR. proctor's address. 33 
 
 The comparative value of crops raised for the feeding 
 of cattle, &c, has been a prominent object for which 
 premiums have been offered by this society, but without 
 producing any satisfactory experiments. This would 
 seem to be an object deserving attention, as without 
 this knowledge the farmer is playing a game of chance, 
 without knowing the value of what he raises.* 
 
 In bes owing the bounty of the State upon the Agri- 
 cultural societies, it was done on condition " that such 
 encouragement should be annually offered as seemed 
 best adapted to increase and perpetuate an adequate 
 supply of ship timber within the Commonwealth." The 
 letter of the condition has been complied with ; — but 
 what has been the result 1 Where is the tree now grow- 
 ing that started into being in consequence of this boun- 
 ty? Where is the cultivated plantation of oaks, even 
 to the extent of a single acre within the County ? Our 
 records show hundreds of dollars offered for their en- 
 couragement, and occasional awards for hopeful promi- 
 ses ; but I fear that the time is far distant, when it will 
 be in our power to use the fruits of these bounties in de- 
 fence of our shores. 
 
 * In the report of the Commissioner of Patents, for 1843, p. 120, is the fol- 
 lowing tubular statement, which will afford some light, until we ascertain 
 for ourselves with more certainty. One hundred pounds of good hay are 
 equal to 
 
 275 lbs. of green Indian corn, 
 
 442 " " rye straw, 
 
 164 " " oat straw, 
 
 153 " " pea stalk, 
 
 201 " " raw potatoes, 
 
 175 " " boiled potatoes, 
 
 339 " " mangel wurtzel, 
 
 504 " " turnips, 
 
 54 " " rye, 
 
 40 " " wheat, 
 
 50 " " oats, 
 
 45 " " peas or beans, 
 
 04 " " buck wheat, 
 
 57 " " Indian corn, 
 
 68 " " acorns, 
 
 105 " " wheat bran, 
 
 109 " " rye bran, 
 
 107 " " wheat, pea, and oat chaff, 
 
 179 " " rye and barley chaff, 
 
 16 lbs. of hay is equal to 32 lbs. of potatoes ; and 14 lbs of boiled potatoes 
 will allow of the diminution of 8 lbs. of hay. 
 
 5 
 
34 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 Curiosity led me a few weeks since to inquire for the 
 plantation in Hamilton, for which the State bounty of 
 one hundred dollars was awarded about forty-five years 
 since. By the aid of a friend I found the place, but the 
 trees were few and far between. 
 
 Were our Legislators entirely in the wrong in sup- 
 posing the cultivation of such trees to be a desirable ob- 
 ject ? Or does the mistake lie with the proprietor of 
 tha soil ? That timber trees are indispensably neces- 
 sary for the convenience, prosperity and safety of the 
 nation, will be admitted by all. That they can be suc- 
 cessfully cultivated, with proper attention applied, is 
 equally clear. Why then is it not done? Why has it 
 happened that all the attempts have proved abortive? 
 In what manner could Essex farmers better consult the 
 permanent interests of their children, than by planting 
 trees? Grounds so rough and rocky as to be unfit for 
 tillage, and we have many acres such, can in no way be 
 so profitably improved. In Kngland and Scotland are 
 hundreds of acres of forests now growing, in most thrifty 
 condition, that were planted by the hand of man. Shall 
 not the independent Yeomanry of New England, the 
 tenants of their own soil, have equal confidence in the 
 stability of their institutions, and the propriety of provid- 
 ing for the benefit of those who may come after them, 
 as do those who toil to plant where they never can 
 own? Perhaps the uncertainty of the tenure of our es- 
 tates, and the still greater uncertainty of the disposition 
 of the rising generation to be willing to follow the hum- 
 ble but honorable occupation of their fathers, has deter- 
 red many from venturing upon experiments, the benefits 
 of which could not he realized while they lived. Such 
 a policy is short sighted, and unworthy enlightened 
 citizens. What consequence is it whether our acres 
 are inherited by our sons or others, if they are but 
 rightly used? Does not this jealousy of feeling operate 
 in a manner to alienate the affections from the paternal 
 estate? Are not the ever changing movements of the age 
 unfavorable to permanent valuable improvements? 
 
 The cultivation of trees generally, whether for orna- 
 
mk. proctor's ADDRESS. 3-5 
 
 ment, for fruit, or for timber, is an object that demands 
 much more attention than has been given to it. I have 
 not time to speak as I would like, of the cultivation of 
 fruit trees, — of the increasing attention lately given to 
 the subject. — of the many and valuable varieties of 
 apples, pears, kc. cultivated by our horticultural friends 
 in Salem, Lynn, Haverhill, and other towns; — but can 
 simply say, that there is no branch of husbandry that 
 yields a more certain and ample reward, and that the 
 demand for good fruits of every description seems to be 
 in advance of the supply. 
 
 Very early in the history of the Society were facts 
 stated by Dr. Nichols, in relation to the cultivation of 
 the locust tree, highly worthy of regard. Having myself 
 witnessed similar facts, I am fully persuaded that in no 
 way can our barren and gravelly pastures be so advan- 
 tageously used, as by covering them with the locust, 
 which may readily be done, either by planting the seed, 
 or by here and there transplanting a tree, and allowing 
 them to spread, as they are much inclined to do. Lands 
 thus managed I have known to yield posts and rail road 
 sleepers, that sold for more than one hundred dollars 
 per acre, for ten acres together, within forty years from 
 the first planting, — which during this period had been 
 of more value for pasturing in consequence of the trees 
 growing thereon. For it is a fact, that the feed both in 
 quantity and quality, under and about the locust tree, is 
 better than where there are no trees. Take into view 
 also the increasing demand for this kind of timber, for 
 rail roads, fencing, trunnels for ships, and other purpos- 
 es, and the rapidity of its growth, advancing so rapidly 
 that those who plant may gather, and it will not be easy 
 to find an object more worthy the attention of the own- 
 ers of such unproductive lands. 
 
 Suppose our farmers should set out rows of the locust, 
 the sugar maple, the ash, the elm, or the larch, by the 
 borders of their fields, by their pasture fences, or by the 
 road side, — and in this way start a growing from fifty to 
 one hundred trees to each of their acres, — would their 
 other crops in any manner be prejudiced thereby ? — 
 
3f) MR. proctor's address. 
 
 Would not the verdure and beauty of the scenery more 
 than balance all inconveniencies ? Let these trees con- 
 tinue to grow, for one generation only, and the trees 
 themselves would be of more value, thr.n the land on 
 which they were planted. Let them be planted in the 
 streets of villages, and about dwellings, as seems to be 
 the growing taste of the public, and they will have a 
 value almost beyond estimate.* 
 
 The cultivation of the mulbury tree, for the making 
 of silk, demands a passing notice in the history of the 
 efforts of this society. Much pains has been taken to 
 bring this subject before the public, and many efforts 
 have been made to diffuse information, and to encourage 
 the culture. I regret to say that the present condition 
 of this culture, in this County, so far as I have been able 
 to learn it, does not warrant sanguine hopes of much 
 benefit accruing therefrom. Numerous premiums have 
 been offered and awarded for nurseries and trees in va- 
 rious stages of their growth, and numerous experiments 
 have been made, notices of which have been given to the 
 public ; but I am not able to refer to any cultivator who 
 has a plantation in successful growth, or to any individ- 
 ual who has realized a fair remuneration for his labor. 
 Visionary theories have taken the place of established 
 facts. Fanciful estimates, of well balanced accounts. 
 It should be remembered that plants attain to highest 
 perfection for all useful purposes, in the climate and soil 
 where they are found indigenous ; and that the further 
 they are removed from these, the greater is the uncer- 
 tainty of their success. The application of this princi- 
 ple will lead to the selection of those species and varie- 
 ties that are best adapted to our climate and soil. If 
 any such can be found that will endure and flourish, from 
 year to year, without special nursing or hot-bed forcing, 
 
 * In three instances within my observation have I known the ravages of fire 
 stopped by the shady elms. This was distinctly so in the destructive fire of 
 Sept, 22, '43, at Danvers, which was prevented passing from the Church to 
 the easterly side of the way, by several thrifty elms that had been set only about 
 twenty years. Had it not been stayed in this manner, the whole village must 
 have been consumed. A similar event happened at Gloucester but a few years 
 since. Surely such facts should prompt to the cultivation of such trees. 
 
MR. PROCTOR S ADDRESS. 
 
 37 
 
 then may the fingers of the young and the feeble be ad- 
 vantageously applied to picking the leaves of the mul- 
 berry, and to aiding the labors of the most perfect of all 
 manufacturers, the silk worm. Until some such variety 
 can be naturalized in our soil (and of this I will not des- 
 pair,) I shall have little hope of this culture.* 
 
 Repeatedly has the propriety and expediency of the 
 establishment of schools for the instruction of young 
 men in the science and practice of agriculture been agi- 
 tated. So often has this been adverted to in public ad- 
 dresses, were it not for its intrinsic importance, I should 
 hardly feel justified in again introducing it. The Acad- 
 emies at By field and at Andover, have been presented 
 to your notice, with all the plausibility that the eloquence 
 of a late President^ or the ingenuity of a learned Pro- 
 fessorj could suggest ; but still we have none of their 
 graduates at our festivals ; — we grope on still without 
 the illumination of their rays. Why is this ? Is the idea 
 of instructing young men in a business that is to occupy 
 their time for life a fanciful one, that cannot be carried 
 into practical operation ? Such is not true of other em- 
 ployments. Who that has a son destined to be a car- 
 penter, a blacksmith, or even a manufacturer of cloths, 
 or of shoes, hesitates to appropriate years of his time to 
 qualify him in his art ? And does the farmer's art de- 
 mand less instruction ? The mistake lies in a misappre- 
 hension of the qualifications requisite in a farmer, and 
 in the manner these qualifications are to be acquired. 
 If farmers heretofore have been deterred from placing 
 their sons at school as proposed, by their want of confi- 
 dence in those who conducted such schools, because 
 they did not exhibit the hardened hands and sinewy 
 limbs requisite for the handling of stone, or holding the 
 
 * From the. abundant reservoir of facts annually furnished by the Commis- 
 sioner of Patents, we learn thai 315,965 pounds of cocoons were raised within 
 the United States the past year. This would seem to justify the belief that 
 some parts of our country are favorable to the growing of silk ; and that all 
 that is wanted is more care in the selection and adaptation of the varieties to 
 the different parts. 
 
 f Hon. E. Moseley, of Newbwryport. 
 
 X Rev. A. Gray, of Andover. 
 
38 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 breaking-up plough, — or were arrayed in black coats 
 and kid gloves, instead of woollen frocks and leathern 
 aprons ; — let the farmers themselves take the direction 
 into their own hands, and govern them in a manner that 
 shall be practically wise. 
 
 Here may I be permitted to make a suggestion, which 
 seems to me capable of being advantageously applied. 
 It is to make it a part of the course of instruction in our 
 common schools to learn the elements of agricultural 
 science, the constituents of soils and manures, the 
 geological formation of the earth, the physiology of 
 plants, and the philosophy of vegetation. I do not sup- 
 pose that all boys at school can fully comprehend these 
 subjects, in which the wisest can ever find some- 
 thing new ; but they can acquire the original elements, 
 and when once impressed on the youthful mind with 
 proper illustrations, they will never be entirely effaced. 
 Like nursery tales they will constantly be recurring to 
 recollection, for instruction and delight. The modern 
 system of teaching useful ideas at the same time that 
 boys are taught to read and to parse, is worthy the at- 
 tention of those who direct these matters; — and what 
 more useful ideas can be selected than those which are 
 essential to be known by a large majority of the people? 
 We have our grammars and text books simplified to the 
 lowest degree on every other subject; — why should there 
 not be such on agriculture ? Would there be any diffi- 
 culty in collecting a cabinet of specimens in each of these 
 schools for the illustration of all these subjects ? Let 
 it be known that these things were to be taught, and 
 then teachers would take care to be prepared to teach. 
 In what manner could a Dana, a Jackson, or a Gkay, 
 who have by their publications, manifested so much abil- 
 ity to instruct the farmers themselves, better add to their 
 well earned reputation of public benefactors, than by 
 preparing an agricultural catechism for common schools? 
 One adapted to the instruction of the pupil, rather than 
 a display of the knowledge of the author. And how 
 could our learned Board of Kducation, whose peculiar 
 duty it is to cherish these institutions, which are the pride 
 
mk. proctor's address. 39 
 
 and glory of New Kngland, better advance the interests 
 of the Commonwealth, than by making such a work a 
 part of the requisite studies in all our schools ? He that 
 contributes to elevate the condition of the farmer, im- 
 proves the main pillar of the State. 
 
 While penning these remarks, a notice came to hand 
 of a liberal appropriation by the State of New York, a 
 glorious State, always ready to go ahead in every good 
 work, for the establishment of a State Agricultural 
 School. Shall Massachusetts be out-done in a work so 
 essential to her best interests? We admire that liberal- 
 ity which has founded and cherished the many noble 
 Institutions of learning and benevolence with which she 
 is blessed, and blessing the afflicted and unfortunate. — 
 To her immortal glory will her charities to the deaf, the 
 blind, and the insane, be ever held in remembrance. 
 But is there not a necessity for something more directly 
 to be done for that class which constitutes the major 
 part of her population? Without a common centre, 
 without a fountain from which teachers are to be drawn, 
 we shall look in vain for those qualified to teach. We 
 want practical instruction. We want that kind of in- 
 struction which is calculated to qualify young men in 
 the best manner for the real business of life. We want 
 Institutions that shall combine theory with practice, so 
 regulated that when our sons graduate, they shall not 
 then be under the necessity of beginning to learn. Whence 
 have originated, and how have been educated, those 
 practically useful men, of which our Country has most 
 reason to be proud? Let the history of a Franklin, a 
 Ruraford, or a Bowditch, all sons of Massachusetts, an- 
 swer the inquiry. 
 
 I cannot otherwise so forcibly express my views of the 
 importance of establishing agricultural schools, as by 
 quoting the language of that most eminent friend of the 
 farmer, and of man, in his last address, delivered at 
 New Haven in 1839 — the late Judge Buel of Albany. 
 " I pretend not," says he, " to the spirit of prophecy, 
 yet I venture to predict, that many who now hear me, 
 will live to see professional schools of agriculture estab- 
 
40 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 lished in our land; to see their utility extolled; and to 
 be induced to consider them the best nurseries for re- 
 publican virtue, and the surest guarantee for the perpe- 
 tuity of our liberties." 
 
 Accurate observers have estimated that more than 
 half the young men from the country who have left the 
 rural pursuits of their fathers, for the more fascinating 
 and promising employments of the city, have either been 
 ensnared in the nets of vice there spread at every cor- 
 ner, or been made frantic with the visionary dreams of 
 speculation, so that before the meridian of life, ruin has 
 been their destiny. Have we any reason to expect bet- 
 ter things in future ? Is there such an improvement in 
 the moral condition of our cities as to allay our fears ? 
 If heretofore, one half have been lost, what is now the 
 prospect ? Let the wise parent say which is the better, 
 so to educate his sons that they may settle down around 
 him, substantial, useful citizens, or send them to the 
 cities to seek their fortune with the equal chance of ter- 
 minating their career in infamy. 
 
 I cannot forbear quoting a sentence on this subject 
 from an address delivered before the Berkshire Agricul- 
 tural Society, in Oct. 1829, by an authority as high as 
 any other in the Commonwealth — and as well entitled 
 to respect. Says the orator,* "It should thus be one 
 of the first and most important objects of the farmer, 
 after having familiarized his son to habits of industry, 
 and instructed him in those branches of labor fitted to 
 boyhood and early youth, to provide for him the means 
 of a regular and systematic education, and when he shall 
 have finished his course of education, instead of indulging 
 the delusive hope of deriving honor or success by entering 
 into those learned professions which are already crowded 
 to overflowing, and dividing the profits of a dunning let- 
 ter with some hungry brother of the bar, or mounting the 
 same steed with some half starved disciple of iEsculapi- 
 us, let him return to the pursuits of early life and become 
 the industrious, intelligent, and independent farmer." 
 
 * George N. Briggs, Esq., — the present Governor of the Commonwealth. 
 
MR. PROCTOlt's ADDRESS. 41 
 
 In glancing at prominent incidents in the history of 
 this Society, the aid it has received from the Clergy of 
 the County, should not be passed unnoticed. At its 
 commencement they were all freely admitted honorary 
 members. From many of them have we received much 
 useful instruction, both in their learned discussions of 
 agricultural topics, and their practical application of the 
 principles taught. From none more than our venerable 
 friend at Bradford,* who is always at his post ready to 
 serve in the cabinet or the field. The pages of our 
 journals will fully sustain this remark. Such examples 
 of practical and elaborate usefulness are an honor to the 
 profession. Not less are we indebted to our friend now 
 in Europe,f who having drained our own Commonwealth, 
 and drawn deeply upon the inexhaustible fountains of the 
 Empire State, is now laboring with his characteristic 
 ardor to amuse and enlighten the world. Gladly would 
 I have adverted to some of the interesting hints and facts 
 with which he has lately favored us, in his view of the 
 present state of agriculture in England. But they must 
 not be marred by abridgment. 
 
 With the Clergy it mainly rests, whether agriculture 
 shall continue to flourish and advance. Diffused as they 
 are in every village and corner of the land, and holding 
 the control in «• influence which should ever be conceded 
 to men who fill this station, as it ought to be filled ; if 
 they would but lend their counsel for the introduction of 
 new improvements, and apply their hours of leisure in 
 practical illustrations of them, they would add much to 
 their benign influence upon those under their charge ; — 
 and indirectly increase the fleeces on the flocks from which 
 they are to be clothed. Was it not a good custom of our 
 fathers, when they settled their minister (for life, as all 
 such settlements should be,) to provide him with a man- 
 sion and a few acres for tillage, upon which, by his own 
 industry, he could raise a portion of those little comforts so 
 convenient to all? By thus dividing their labors between 
 
 * Rev. G. B. Perry, 
 t Rev. H. Colman. 
 
 6 
 
42 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 the garden and the study, they found themselves greatly 
 benefitted in the products of the one, and in the superior 
 ability to discharge the duties of the other. 
 
 Farmers of Essex, — Notwithstanding the many ob- 
 stacles with which you have to contend, in the compar- 
 atively hard and unfertile character of your soil, — in the 
 tedious and protracted labors of the winter, — in the oc- 
 casional interruptions of your crops by drought or by 
 frosts, — and in the competition from the overflowing 
 superabundance of other climes more favored ; — still 
 you have much reason to rejoice and be content with 
 your condition. First of all — that you are freemen — 
 and all around you are so. The curse of slavery does 
 not, and cannot exist on your soil. That spirit of liber- 
 ty which animated the breasts of our pilgrim fathers, 
 when they abandoned their homes and friends, most dear 
 for conscience' sake, by the patriotic efforts of their most 
 distinguished son* in our courts of justice, secured to us 
 this boon forever. No one circumstance has contributed 
 more than this to elevate the character of the people of 
 Massachusetts. Happy are we even now, in the vigor- 
 ous protection of this palladium of our liberties, by the 
 manly efforts of his descendants, not less distinguished. 
 When services like these shall be forgotten, then will 
 freedom cease to be worthy of remembrance. 
 
 Congratulate yourselves on the general prevalence of 
 the sound conservative principles of liberty, integrity 
 and law, that pervade this community. Where on the 
 face of the globe can there be found a people, in the sta- 
 bility of whose institutions more confidence can be placed 
 than in those of the good old County of Essex ? When 
 has it been known that popular phrenzy or misguided 
 fanaticism were here to any considerable extent trium- 
 phant ? When did the people of Essex ever presume 
 to be wiser than the law ? Who ever for a moment 
 questioned the entire security of life, liberty, and prop- 
 erty within our borders ? Of what avail is it that there 
 are other lands, watered with crystal streams, warmed 
 
 * Hon. John Adams, in 1765, at Boston. 
 
MR. proctor's address. 43 
 
 with a milder sun, and regaled with ambrosial breezes, 
 if these rights are insecure ? Have we not still ringing 
 in our ears, from the favored paradise of the atlantic 
 shores, the city of brotherly love, and from the fertile 
 prairies of the west, rumors that make our nerves rigid 
 with horror, and chill the blood within us ? Who for 
 a moment would exchange the peaceful security of the 
 New England farmer's cottage, for the splendor of a 
 palace thus surrounded ? Be content then, with the lot 
 assigned you, and avail yourselves of all the means at 
 your command for its improvement. Who but the far- 
 mer did the poet contemplate, when he wrote 
 
 " Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, 
 Lie in three words, health peace, and competence.'''' 
 
 Contrast for one moment, the condition of the Massa- 
 chusetts farmer with the farmer in England, as given 
 by Mr. Colman in his report just published. There, 
 rarely if ever, does he own a rod of the soil that he cul- 
 tivates ; — burdened with an annual rent that would al- 
 most purchase the acres here, — subject to the whim 
 and caprice of an aristocratic landlord, whom he dare 
 not approach, except by gracious permission, — the won- 
 der is, that he has a heart to labor at all, — or even to 
 superintend the labor of others. I now speak of the 
 higher class of farmers, who rent the lands of the lords 
 above them. If you look at those who actually do the 
 labor, you there find the ditcher, ditcher for life ; — the 
 ploughman, incapacitated for any other employment, — 
 with a mind as void of intelligence as the horses he 
 drives ; — and all with such limited means of sustenance 
 and support, as never for a moment to indulge the hope 
 of a shelter from the storm, that they may call their own. 
 Such things may be endured where better are not known. 
 But such things will not be endured by those who have 
 inhaled the breezes that wave over our rock-bound 
 shores. 
 
 England, who boasts of her abhorrence of enslaving the 
 Africans, to her honor be it ever remembered, at the same 
 time degrades her own sons with a more servile slavery. 
 
44 MR. proctor's address. 
 
 Wonder not that reform is contemplated ; — humanity 
 demands it; — the spirit of liberty demands it ; — Christi- 
 anity demands it. Let it come — come it must. 
 
 Have we not cause of congratulation in the improved 
 moral and social condition around us ? Is it not true 
 among farmers as with others, that their customs and hab- 
 its have materially changed for the better within a few 
 years ? Twenty-five years since, and nine-tenths of our 
 farmers were more or less in bondage to alcohol. I do 
 not mean that so many of them were intemperate, in the 
 ordinary sense of the term, but that they were in the 
 habit of using that which was not necessary to be used — 
 to the great detriment of themselves and their estates. 
 Where will the farmer now be found, who will unblush- 
 ingly say, before he commences his haying, that he must 
 lay in as many gallons, or even quarts of spirit, as he ex- 
 pects to cure tons of hay ? Or that his men cannot com- 
 mence mowing in the morning, without their bitters; — 
 proceed at eleven o'clock without their grog; — or load 
 in the afternoon, without their bumper; — not to mention 
 the grosser indulgences of the evening. Time was, 
 when these customs, by whatever name they were call- 
 ed, were as familiar as household gods. When even the 
 sober man thought that some was necessary in haying — 
 especially in going to the meadows, or the marsh. But 
 manners have changed with times ;— what was once al 
 most a universal custom, is now only to be countenancei 
 for medicinal purposes, and then with sound discretion. 
 May the change be perpetual. 
 
 May I not congratulate you on the auspicious circum- 
 stances to our country, under which you have this day 
 assembled ? All classes of our fellow citizens actively 
 and successfully employed. The necessaries and com- 
 forts of life at command in abundance. The prices ot 
 labor, such that no man in health need to be in want. 
 Each of the various branches of industry in the commu- 
 nity, receiving its due encouragement, under the foster- 
 ing protection of our government : and in a multitude 
 of ways, mutually aiding each other. The farmer feeds 
 the manufacturer ; the manufacturer clothes the farm- 
 
MR. proctor's ADDRESS. 45 
 
 er ; the merchant transports their commodities from 
 one to the other ; and the surplus, if any, where it is 
 most needed. In the body politic, as in the natural 
 body, — no one part can say to the other, I have no need 
 of thee ; but the united and harmonious co-operation 
 of all is essential to entire success. If one is sick, 
 the others will faint ; if one languishes, the others will 
 decay. 
 
 Whatever may have heretofore been thought, it is 
 now admitted by all, whose opinions are of any value, 
 that the vocation of the farmer is as honorable and re- 
 spectable, as any other in the community. 
 
 "Worth makes the man." 
 
 Our most distinguished and valued citizens have been 
 farmers, and esteemed it their highest honor to be con- 
 sidered such. Instance the farmer of Mount Vernon; 
 the farmer of North Bend; and may I not add, the far- 
 mer of Ashland; to complete a trio, of which any nation 
 might be proud. 
 
 To be an honest, worthy, and intelligent farmer, is 
 the highest grade of nobility ever to be desired in this 
 land of equal rights. When other titles shall tower 
 above this, then will our liberties be in danger. In the 
 "times that tried men's souls," to whom did we look 
 but to the substantial yeomanry of the country for suc- 
 cor and support. Our main reliance for the protection 
 of our rights, under the Providence of God, will ever 
 be on the independent tenants of the soil. The home 
 of the farmer is on the soil he tills ; — there he desires 
 to live ; — there he expects to die ; — there he hopes will 
 abide his descendants for many generations. How 
 direct then his interest in the welfare of his coun- 
 try ! — How ardent his hope that she may continue to 
 prosper ! 
 
 Remember that our rational enjoyments do not de- 
 pend so much upon the bounties of nature, as upon our 
 personal exertions to procure those enjoyments. 
 
 Our necessity for labor is the surest protection against 
 the allurements of vice. 
 
46 mr. proctor's address. 
 
 When man was originally placed in the garden of Eden, 
 in a condition the most favorable for happiness, in the 
 power of Omnipotence to create, he was directed " to 
 dress it and to keep it,'' by the application of his own 
 labor ; and such has ever been his duty and his privilege, 
 and ever will be, while the laws of nature shall endure. 
 
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