^, *r*.'*^. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. ^ ^t^. i 1.0 I.I l^|28 125 ^ IM 12.2 :!f m L£ 12.0 ^^^B 1:25 1.4 1.6 • ^ 6" ► % e /A ^> ^'} Photographic Sciences Corporation m"^ i\ ^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. MS80 (716) 872-4503 ■^•1*^ % (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Lea exemplalres orlglnaux dont la couverture en papier est ImprimAe sent fllmAs en commenpant par ie premier plat et en terminant soit par la dernlAre page qui comporte une emprelnte d'impresslon ou d'illustration, soit par ie second plat, salon Ie cas. Tous les autres exemplalres orlgineux sont filmte en commenpant par la pramlAre page qui comporte une empreinte d'impresslon ou d'illustration et en terminant par la darnlAre page qui comporte une telle ompreinte. Un des symboles suhrants apparattra sur la derniAre image de cheque microfiche, selon Ie cas: Is symbols — ► signifie "A SUIVRE", Ie symbols ▼ signifie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre f ilmte A des taux de reduction diff Arents. Lorsque ie document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul ciichA, 11 est fiimA A pertir de i'angie supArieur geuche, de geuche A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant ie nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants lilustrent la mAthode. 32X _ 1 ,, ,.,.?,. 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 / ..V- ■HHMMfK l\ V; »> * f*t. .'«/" : jSAJtSte,, REVIEW OF THE AGRICULTURE OF LOWER CANADA, WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR ITS AMELIORATION; FIRST PUBLISHED IN A SERIES OF COMMUNICATIONS, IN THE « MONTREAL GAZETTE," BT WILLIAM EVANS, ESQ., Secretary' Treasurer of the Board of Agriculture for Lower Canada,. MONTREAL: SALTER 4 ROBS, PRINTERS, GREAT ST. JAMES STREET, 1856. 1-,1»4>I ■';*•■ -• s AG A r i :. .'k 1'. ( :{ / rlf i h r, -A ' 'I I'.. J. i IV . J. I y ..'I ■' 1 ■' f ' ► •• • 9 »• • •- . -■ . . ' - .• • I • • ' is B. Q. R, In my lai Hshed in th to give the it is therefo the year to crops ot thi self of the | my commu in the Gai portunity 8( line of the | er Canada, capable of may be req tempt, I mi wltiiin ver publication able todoju tance, in mj however, d( view of our to assure ag r"ve offence may ihir object on thi ways has be same subje prove ment i interists agri interests of c we should b of agricuitu provements It will be culturists thi ploughing a and that ren peeled from and ploughi Lower Cans draining and general, anc it is most re fectien as po Canada is o is a strong c but to make of the first htm beenexi but in most every case t AGRICULTURE IN LOWER CANADA.; in [First Published in the Montreal Gazette.] rli - ■3 111* 111..; :f/ In my last monthly agrirultural report, pub- lished in the Montreal OoAtlte, I endeavored to give the result of this year's harvest, and it is therefore unnecessary at tiiis season of the year to make any further ollusion to the crops ol this year ; but in order to avail my- self of the privilege granted to me of havinR my communications on agriculture published inthe Gazette, I shall occasionally, as op- portunity serves, endeavor to submit an out- line of the present staleof agricuUurein Low- er Canada, and demonstrate as far as I am capable of doing so, ihu improvements that may be required to be introduced. In this at- tempt, I must of course confine my remarks within very narrow limiis, to induce their publication. I cannot expect that I shall be able todojusrice to a subject of such impor- tance, in my occasional cominuniL'ation I shall however, do all in my power to give a correct view of our agricultare; and in doing so, I beg to assure agriculturists that I dn not wish to f"ve offence to any one by myreinarks which may think it necessary io submit. My object on the present occasion is wha) it al- ways has been in my csmmunications on the same subject — to prouote agricultural im- provement as the best means to advance the interists agriculturists, as well as the general interests of our country. It is necessary that we should be perfectly aware of the true state of agriculture, that we may introduce im- provements in our system if required. It will be admitted by all experienced agri- culturists that sufUcieat draining and good ploughing are most essential to good farming, and that remunerating products cannot be ex- pected from arable land where the draining and ploughing are imperfectly executed. lu Lower Canada it is quite certain that both draining and ploughing are very defective iu general, and in sections of the country where it is most required that both be as near per- fectien as possible. A large portion of Lower Canada is of very level surface, and the soil is a strong clay, naturally of cxcUent quality; but to make it productive, careful draining, is of the first importance. No doubt draining has been executed to a considerablo extent, but in most cases uot suflicient, and in almost every case the drains (hat are n)ade are not regularly cleaned or kept in proper order. Their construction is also objectionable: the sides of the drains are in numerous instances, almost perpendicular when they shnnid be sloped — the excavated earth is allowed to accumulate on the banks of the drains, and the land is highest where it should be lowest, and the levels and out-lets are not carefully attended to. Drains will not act, if they have not suilicient fall, and if the grass and weeds are not constantly cleared out of them. In a flat level country, the draining repuires much more attention iljan where the surface is undulating, and a sufficient fall fur the drains almost always attainable. As regards ploughing, according to my ideas, I would consider it to be generally defective. The ploughing and ridges are not straight, the furrow-slice is too wide in proportion to its thickness, and consequently is loo flat to ad- mit of the soil drying to harrow well ; and the furrow between the ridges is too wide and shallow, because it is not finished propeily by etlectively running the plough in tho subsoil of t|;e furrow, after the surface is all well tur- ned over. W.-lien tho furrows between the ridges are not properly cleaned out, the mois- ture remains in and under the ploughed sur- face, and cannot run ofl', becausb the bottom of the furrow is only level with the under side of the plouged S3il, and the furrow left in this unfinished state causes a waste of nearly a third of the land. The obvious remedy "for these defects is, — to plough straight, and have the furrow-slice in due prpportion, 6 inches deep by eight or nine inches wide or six inches deep by 9 or 10 inches wide carrying out the same proqortion if ploughed deejier; and when the ridges are finished pass (he plough deeply in each furrow, thus making a sufficient drain to carry offthe water from the ploughed soil to the head land. The headland should be carefully ploughed, and a deep fur- row between it and the ridges, and this furrow to be made so as to carry off the \. ater fro-n all the furrows of the field, with outlets from it into the main drains at the end or side of the field. By adopting these simple aud easy itnprovemsnt, the land would be in good con- dition at the fiist commencement of the sjr.ng, and the farmer would be able to sow and 57063 {»laDt in (he proper time, and not be waiting or the sun to dry np ilie vast (quantity of •uperfluoua moisture accumulated in the soil for months, for waat of drains and water fur- rows between the ridge There would be no waste by wide furrowsi because the plough io finishing the furrow would loosen sufficient soil on each side to form a seed bed for the grain, and hence the furrow would be only one foot wide, instead of two or three feet as at present. These are not impracticable improvements such as any farmer may adopt, with very lit- tle additional expenditure of labour or money; and these in provements must precede all othera. Manure is little better than wasted if the land is not sufficiently drained and pro- rirly ploughed. From my own experience, am persuaded that insufficient draining and defeotive plouahing is the main cause of de- ficient creps in Lower Caaada It delays sowing and planting and the land is never in good condition either for sowing or for growing oropH. The operation of plowing cannot be properly executed on land not sufficiently drained, though the plough may greatly con- tribute to draining the land, by its injudicioHS use in the manner I have described. Green crops, and summer fallow, to the extent of at least one-third of the land kept under tillage, is considered essential to profit- able farming in Britain, and how does this compare with the practice of a vast majority of our agriculturists in Lower Canada? Of summer fallow there is scarcely any, and the green crops, except in the neighborbood of our large towns, is not, perhops, over two or three per cent of the land in tillage. Under these circumstances, how are we to expect that the land can be kept clean and in a prit- fitable state ofcultivation? The thing is im- fiossible. If we had a large portion ot our ends iu (ood pasture and meadow it would be a good substitute fur green crops, as it would be the means of keeping the land clean and in good condition; but uur pastures and meadows are not very extensive or in that high state of improvement that would make them profitable, and always ready for cnl- tivation. I do not of course include peas in my estimate of green crops not exceeding two or three per cent, because peas are not so care- fully cultivated as they should be, and in nu- merous instances large quantities of weeds are allowed to grow in the crop and mature their seeds. Peas however are one of our best crops we can cultivate, the 8oil aud climate being favorable for them; and they certainly are ooi so exhausting or injurious to the land as a succession of cereal crops. I introduce the subject of green crops and summer fallow to remind agriculturists how defective our sys- tem of husbandry is compared to that of Britain in thts lime of general progress and im| rove- ment; and it is abnurd to expect favorable and profitable results from a defective system of agriculture. There is a certain mode of cuUivaiion and management required to be observed in order to obtain profitable returns from the soil; aud if we neglect what is so tnanifestly our duty and interest to practice, we caonot expect anything but short crops and unprotitabla farming. I know there are grave objectioai ofTnred to the cultivation of green crops upon a large scale as beios expensive, anil that they couldnol be disposedof advantageously. To a reasonable extent they might be em^^luyed profitably in the feeding of cattle. But there can be no objection to summer fallow — aa easy and certain mode of cleaning aud im- proving the land; and when it is necessary to do so, farmers are uot excusable fur negleclisg (his practice while their land is producing ^alf crops or less. No farmer that keeps live stock should neglect to cultivate carrots and mangold wurizel in proportion to his stock of horses, cattle and sheep. Then he mijjht feed some of his straw to his cattle by giving them a small quantity of roots daily; but without roots, straw alone is a poor food for cattle, and scarcely sufficient to keep them from starving. Carrots are excellent lood for hordes and a saving of oats and hay. 16 to 30 tons of carrots may be pnxlueed per acra on sutable soil, properly cultivated. There is no true friend to tno country that will not regret to see land badly managed, and poor orops resulting, when there is no necessity it should be so. The soil is generally of excel- lent quality naturally, aad when properly treated product;s very good ciops. We should not persist in sowing any speciex of grain that does not succeed with our time of sowing or mode ofcultivation; but we should follow the practice of those who do succeed, with this particular grain, or discontinue to cultivate it, and substitute some other. I have seen this year some very superior crops of wheat aud some rery poor ones indeed with the same climate and the same peat., the mheatfly common to all. There must b« some cause for this, and is there a plainer duty than to endeavour to understand this cause, aad si rive to provide a remedy, it is a public and general loss, to have good land occupied, and labor and seed applied in its cultivation, in so defective a manner, that it does not yield remunerative returns, or such returns as would be quite possible to realise under more skilful and judicious manage- ment. With an industrious aud intelligent eommunit be suffiirei •gricuhur particular cooneeted agement I C rices, foi ave (o di I do not that agric much beh or IB the I agricultun •nd profit understani provemcn and the nt any wild i pie impro certain to t but in crec vantages a •• Well as prevent an bad farmin is not suqjc •re, I beg i from an / the London October lai Northum A long a been broug wheal barv period, or t. done this y attended th crop, causii fear, which the produce feature into in last repo produce be years, hole The fall with many the latter p at once, ap examiaatioi which sfari than is usui The bulk have been t large br^adl be expecte( thought, but exceedii so various a to literally tivcourtyt- latofBriiain kI imiroTe- ivorable a ad ) ay tie m of Uiraiion and ved in order the toil; aud ly our duty Eianot expect unprutiiabla 1% objection I crop* upon and thai ibay jeomly. To be eiDrluyed I. But there >r fallow-- aa oiog aud im- I oeceBsary to for neglectisg is producing bat keeps live e carrot* and o hia siook of len he inip;ht Itleby giving 9t5 daily; but poor food for to keep them «Ilenttood for d hay. 16 to need per acre ited. There i« that will not igud, and poor no necessity it rally of excel- vhen properly IS. We should 9« of grain that 3 of sowing or >ulJ follow the ecd, with this to cultivate it, very superior loor ones indeed same pest, the here nauat bo there a plainer ndarstand this •eniedy. It i* tve good land applied in its aaiintr) that it itnrns, or such lible to realise lious manage' lud intelligent eommnnity, such a state of things should not be suSorea to exist, when improvement* in agriculture are making such rapid prngre** particularly in the country with which we are eoaneeted; and al*o, when wa place encour- agement by ample markeis, and remunerating trices, for any surplus products we might ava to dis()os« of. I do not wish to be underatood as saying that agriculiuro in Lnwrr Canaila is very much behind agriculture in Upper Canada, or in the Uoiied Sia'.es. I only state that our agriculture rctiuires, and is capable of vast and profitable improvenieni; and I cannot understand why we should put off these im- provements, wnen we know what they are, and the necessity for them. I do not propose any wild and expenaive speculaiion,but sim- ple improvements easy to accomplish, and certain to remunerate amply, not only in cash, but in credit to agiiculturists. There are ad- vantages and disadvantages peculiar to Upper ■s Well as to Lower Canada, and in order /o prevent any disposition to make excuses for oad farming by imagining that Upper Conada is not suqject to disadvaniases as well as we are, I beg to copy the fullowing paragraph from an Agricultural Report, published in the London Mark Lane Exprtit of the 8th October last: — Northumberland, Newcastle District, C. W. September 11, 1856. A long and tedious harvest has ol length been brought to a close We never knew the wheat harvest here extended over so Ions a period, or the grain ripen so slowly, an it has done this year. Many peculiarities too have attended the season and appearance of the crop, causing an ebb and flow of hope and fear, which renders the stale of opinion as (o the produce very vaiious Aflertakingevery feature inlo consideration, our estimate, given in last report, of one-third deficiency in total produce below the average of the last two years, holds good throughout the district. The fall wheat came on unusually slow with many heavy complaints of weevil, until the latter part of July, when it deadened off at once, apparently with rust, but a closer examination showed it to be a sort of mildew, which shrivelled the grain in a less degree than is usually found to be the effect of rust. The bulk of straw was heavier than might have been anticipated, and considering the large breadths winter killed the produce may be expected to be fully larger than we thought. Sprine wheat was extensively sown but exceedingly Backward, and as to quality is so various as to range from a 40 bushel crop to literally nothing, on well prepared soils; many crops having been cut for foddrr, chii-t- ly owing to the ravages of the Heimian fly ond weevil. We have seen considerabia breadths never push up to oar, but wither away, ihe slums completely cut off by tha worm of the Hessian fly; again very heavy looking crops, which have only 4 to 6 grains left in the lower pari of the ear, the roniaio- dcr eaten up by weevil. The external parli of the field, however, appear in this falter case to have been the worst; so that on oul- ting up. the crops wore viewed more favora- bly. The weevil appears to be most de- structive on the heavieit, the fly oo the light- est soils. Our impression from local reporia, and intercourse wiih many wlw travelled over various sections of the provinces, is, that the proiluco of westcru Canada muat be fhr below the imprassion hitherto given by our public prints, even should the thrashing floor yield better than the liitle trial y«l given leads us lo expect. From this report, if correct, we certainly hare no right to think our situation, climate, or soil, very inferior to those of our frienda in Upper Canada; and it would be very proper that the agriculturists of Lower Canada should be per- fectly satisfied of these facts. If they should think otherwise, they will fancy it good ground to excuse themselves for any defecta in the practice, or deficiency in the products of their agriculture. They have the Hessian fly in addition to the wheat fly in Upper Canada and we aro not troubled by the former insect. In the United States they do not cultivate green crops to any great extent: Indian corn is the staple crop, and is produced there in ihegreal- est perfeciion; and I have no doubt it is iha cheapest and best food they could employ for the feeding and fattening of stock. We how- ever, cannot grow it in equal perfection, and therefore, green crops, which we can grow in perfection, will answer us better for feediog and fattening stock. The extensive cultivatioB and use of lu Jiau corn in the United Stales, is the most marked difference between the agriculture of that country and that of Canada. Fortunately, the soil and climate of Canada are as favorable for the production of green crops as those of the United States are for Indian Corn. These circumstances equalize the advantages peculiar to each country more than we are generally disposed to admit. So fhr as I am capable of judging I have no hes- itation in saying that Lower Canada possesses advantages which makes her equal to any part of Morth America for agriculture. I know this assertion will create surprise, and doubt of its correctness, but 1 believe, never- tbeleaa, it is capable ol demonstration- Our •iiil KHnerally U iiwl iiit'dior tonuy I havflieeii ill North Ainfl''icn« an«l our climatB is not unfiivorablfl for the produciion ofn variety of oropain perreciinn, becauie I hav«ieen them ill tl><5 |tr«nure front townii, HJioulil rndua- Tour to Imve m iiipply iipun tbcir own turiiiii, which li (|uite poiitililf, by attenllun iinil pn por mannKoiuont. U'lt itliuulit linppoii, howevur, thut through ncirlect or from luiy oUior Cuuse, a Biilll- clcnt (iipply of manure, proportioned to tli« litnd In cultiviitlon U not furthcoming, tlai uxluut of land und«r crop oliould be diniiuuthcd, uud thitt part for wliioh there !• no niiinuro, bu fithursuui- Dier fallowfd, 8owd wiUi a crop to be ploughed in as gre«)u manure, or let out to graiiri ; and in no case should any rcKulur crop be attempted to be grown, where the Huil id not In asttito of fertility to produce a fair averaKO rrop. There ■re many ways of increniing the mnnure upon almost every farm. Weedri, and other annual plants not eaten by stock, should be carefully collscted and put to ferment aud rot fur manure. The high banks of drains, bogi or swamu earth, ashes— burned or charred earth— lime, salt, gyp- sum— and any wastes of manure that can bo collected, should bo mixed in a oompoiit heap, which after it is thoroughly turned over with the spade, and subsequently allowed to heat and fer- ment, will make an excellent dressing fur any crop. If there is any liquid manure to throw upon this compost heap occasionally, so much the better. Charred, and burned clay, applied •lone, is found to be a very good fertilixer. There are abundant sources of manure, if we exercise due diligence in collecting them, and ■kill in their management and application. The sources of manure I have enumerated, may be considered as extra, to the supply obtainable from tbe farm-yard. I have in a former commu- nioation alluded to tbe wasteful management of manure which prevail^ to a great extent, and I cannot account for such waste, unless by suppos- ing that farmers who mismanago their manure and do not employ it regularly consider its ap- plication to tbclr crops as unnecessary. Within the last tew years, however, many farmers who previously appeared to sot very little value on manure, are now become acquainted with the necessity for applying it to their crops, and I hope manure will soon be more generally esti- mated at its full value for Agriculture. I have been constantljr under the impression from the time of my arrival in this country that tbe first act of settlers in the forest of Canada is generally to rob tbe land of its natural manure, by cutting down tbe forest, perhaps the growth of many centuries, burning the wood, and then selling all the ashes tbey can collect to be converted into potash for exportation. This is the result of our first connection with the soil of Canada'.to take all the manure we can from it^ and sell it for a consideration, that is actually as nothing, com- pared to the value of tbe ashes to the laud for a great many years to come. Parties may imagine that the land is suiBoiently fertile after depriving it of its natural manure. I, however, beg leave to express my conviction that in taking off the ashes produced from the burning of tbe wood which previously covered the land, they dspriva the loil of a bettor and more suitable manure than is ever again rrturned to It. Tliu dense forests of largo trees whicli cover this country in its natural slatn must have extracted an inmienie amount of nulrimont froi.> tlie soil, and to the depth that the roots of thu trees have pei'tiatfd and If all this production of the soil is at once cut down~burn«d,— and the ashes sold off, It cannot full to havn an injurious effect upon (he soil, and diminish its power of future production. The potash thus taken from tbe soil iu large quantity is one of tiie most necessary, and useful ingredients for the production of oropn. and it la said will not be replaced by the application of farm-yard manure, it is a well established fact, that when the soil does not contain sufllcicntin* gredieuts required for tbe crop that is .town, it will bo imperfect, and much more liable to aia- ease — than if a suflicient supply of tbe necessary ingredients was present in the soil. Tbe pota- toe disease has been compared to tbe typhus fever, and tbe predisposing cause ercituses of this fever are supposed to bu the want of a sufB- cient supply of nutritive food for the people. Tbe potatoe is always said to be predisposed to dis- ease, from the want of food in tbe soil that is most suitable for its healthy structure. Soils of a certain quality, long in cultivation, become ex- baustedofpotasBu or potash, and this ingreaient is essentially necessary to exist in the soil in order to produce a bealthv crop of potatoes. I believe tbe potatoe disease has been more destructive on this continent than in any other country, and la said to have commenced ftrst in North America; and the cause assigned for it was :— " That it was a matter of notoriety that the potassa has been extracted from tho soil by limber, tbe timber burned, and the ashes or potassa exported." Is it not quite possible, that from these causes de- bility ia produced in tbe potatoe, that predis- looses it to disease, and this disease may be con- tagious? Dr. Kemp, in bis "Vegetable Pa- thology" remarks " the disease is worst on wet soils, and in those, for an obvious reason, what little potassa there is, is with greater difflcnlty ob- tained by tbe plant. * * * So also on well cultivated land it is worst, for such land is pe- culiarly deficient in potassa, tbe cereal grains growing upon them carrjring off so much of this alkali to towns. But in granitic vallies the disease is again checked, and it happens that the falsparof the granite which, when disintegrated, makes up a great part of such soils, is un-com- monly rich in potassa. However in severely cropped land, and in gardens on these granitic soils, the disease again prevails , and we know that in both these cases, the potassa must bare been very much diminished. The conclusion that may legitimately be come to, seems to be this— tbe existing cause of the potatoe diseases is an epidmemic influence, and perhaps also, a eon- tagiouB miasm ; and it attacks potatoe plants that are in a state of debility— this debility being caused by tbe potatoe having received, for a suc- cession of years, a ver^ imperfect supply of potassa, a substance which is to the potatoe an ingredient absolutely necessary to its healthy 8 ■fracture. •••'•• If the above concluaions are trne, the remedy for the potatoe disease is the careful growing of the seed potatoes for manj years in land where, besides the other ingredients of which they stand in need, they will haye an ample supply of potassa." I do not pretend to say that Dr. Kemp gives a satisfactory explanation of the pototoe disease, but I do think it the most satis- factory attempt to account for the disease that I have yet seen. One thing is certain, that if we deprive the land of its natural manure, which we bave found upon it, before we take any crops from it, we must diminish its fertility and its power of production, when we do bring it into caltivation. The late Professor Johnston, of Durham, England, who published some excellent works on agriculture, says in his Gatechism of Agriculture, Chemistry aud Geology : " When the soil becomes poorer and less productive, f^om bad management and conctant cropping, it may be improv^ by ploughing in green crops, by growing clovers and other plants which have long roots in the soil, by restoring all the hay •nd straw to the land in the form of manure, by laying down in pastures, &c." Again : " If tb<« tame kind of cropping be carried on for a long time without a proper addition of manure, the land will become gradually less and less produc- tive, because crops draw certain substances firom the soil in great abundance, and after a nnmber of years the soil cannot furnish these sub- stances in sufficient quantity to the growing crop. The grain of our crops especially exhausts the soil of phosporic acid, of potash, and of magnesia : the roots of the potatoe chiefly exhaust it of potash, soda, lime, and phosphoric acid." I be- lieve other root crops also, exhaust the soil of these latter ingredients. To remedy such special exhaustion, the catechism teaches us " to return to the soil the particular substances our crops bave taken out. Bvery crop takes away from the soil a certain quantity of those substances wfaich all plants require, and if we are always taking out and putting nothing in, it must at last become exhausted. On the contrary, if we pat in the proper substance?, in the proper qnantity and at the proper times, we may keep np the fertility of the soil perhaps for ever. If we wish to keep our land in proper condition, we must put in at least as much as we take out, and if we wish to make the land better, we must put in more than we takeout; but this can be dune with profit because the manure that is put in, will not cost the skilful farmer, anything near so much, as the crops which he takes out will be worth." Such are the simple rnles laid down in this excellent catechism, written b;^ a gentleman well qualified to give practical in- struction in the science and art of agriculture, and whose death, in the prime of life, I consider a great loss to agriculturists. I avail myself of such good authority as the late Professor John- ston, to strengthen the suggestions which I sub* mit. Baron Liebig has lately published a little work, " The Principles of Agricultural Chemis- try," which contains fifty propositions, bein^ a ■ummaryof tfae true connection between Chemis- try and Agriculture, and these propositions fully support the views of the !ate Professor Johnston on the same subject. I beg to copy a few of these propositions, which are well entitled to at- tention. Objections may be urged against Ag- ricultural Chemistry, but the seleciions I make, are so self-evident, that agriculturists only re- quire to be reminded of these, to admit their full force and reasonableness, and I hope they may produce some good effect from such well known and respectable authority : — "The diffierent substances necessary to the growth of a plant, or the di£ferent articles of their food, are all of equal value ; that is to soy, if one out of the whole number be absent, the plant will not thrive." " A soil is fertile for a given kind of plant when it contains the mineral food proper to that plant in due quantity, in just proportion, and in a form adapted to assimila- tion, or available for the plant." " The increase of fertility in a soil by fallowing an ~ chanical preparation, if the mineral matten % x-mu '• d tn the crops be not restored to the soil, prodnces, sooner or later, a permanent barrenness." " If the soil is to retain perm %nently its fertility, the mineral constituents removed in the crops must be res- tored to it from time to time, at shorter or longer intervals, or, in other words, the original com' position of the soil must be restored." " Two plants, whose root fibres have an equal length and extent, do not thrive so well beside each other, or in succession, as two whose roots being of unequal length, received their food from differ* ent strata or depths of the soil. The more rapid a plant is developed in a certain time, the more food it requires in that time." " The fertile soil takes up from the air, in the plants grown on it, more carbonic acid and ammonia than the bar*' ren one; this absorption is in proportion to its fertility, and is only limited by the amount of carbonic acid and ammonia in the ftt> mosphere. If, after a time, the soil is to reoovet its original fertibty, the mineral substances ex- tracted from it in a series of years, most be again restored to it. If the land, in the course of ten years, has yielded ten crops, without restoration of the mineral sub- stances removed in those crops, then we must restore them in the eleventh year in a quantity ten-fold that of tfae annually removed amount, it the land is again to acquire the power of yielding a second time a similar series of crops. After a series of years, and a corresponding nnmber of harvests, the fertility of the soil or field diminishes. While all the other conditions re- main the same, the soil alone has not done so ; it is no longer what it was at first. Tke change which is found to have taken place in its compost' tion is the probable cause of Us diminished or lost fertility. " By means of solid and liquid manure^ the lost or diminished fertility of the toil is restored." The foregoing "propostions"ofLeibig are, I believe, generally correct ; and assuming them to be o. we must admit that the system of husbandry which prevails in a considerable por^ tion of the country is well calculated to diminisb the fertility of the soil, and rednoe it to comp«ra« tive barrenness. His views confirm as well the expediei the nece soil. H( called tl upon the that cart to the so ammonia " It is a 1 perience, not retail the same that, at tl plant no ', I beg m ing propo ists. The sitythat the soil w( it shall pr Let us onl large port: tious, and numerous very discn defects, by we could I pose any r ture, if I V practicable dians from our advant any other Professor ^ Agriculturt the large ai soil, and wi to the greai ing the soil influences j absorbtion, give way 1 was no sue ing was suf alteration oxygen was val, even hi reality a fal as possible, working of aeration, wa ment. amount of i could not l_ therefore, re tatioD, unlet to release 8 within read from data fi of tertiary able depth, one ton (eqi This was a s the most ac release and tract from 1 how much the practice 9 positions fally issor Johnston copy a few of entitled to at- id agidnst Ag* sciions I make, irists only re- idmit their full hope they may cb well known cessary to the rent articles of ; that is to 8(iy, be absent, the is fertile for a lins the mineral luantity, in just ited to assimila- " The increase an chanical r» ', „/Aa ' d w tht rodnces, sooner 8," "If the soil ity, the mineral tps must be res- jhorter or longer le original com* stored." "Two an equal length well beside each rhose roots being ' food from differ* The more rapid in time, the mora [< The fertile toil knts grown on it, Qta than the bar* n proportion to imited by the amonia in the ai> Boilis torecoTW al substances ez- of years, must If the land, in has yielded ten the mineral sub- )a, then we must lar in a quantity moved amount, if power of yielding I of crops. After onding number of le soil or field ler conditions re- as not done so ; it first. The change ace in Ut compoti^ diminiehed or lot ind liquid monuref ity of the toii i« E)OStions"ofLeibig 3t; and assuming that the system of considerable por« mlated to diminish uoeittocompara- onfirm as well the expediency of adopting a rotation oi crops, as the necessity of maintaining the fertility of the soil. He also speaks of the effect of what is called the weatherinff, or action of the weather upon the soil, by the process of summer fallow ; that carbonic acid and ammonia are conveyed to the soil by the rain and the air, and that the ammonia remains in the soil. He also says : — " It is a matter of undoubted and indubitable ex- perience, thav land, of whatever quality, does not retain its capacity of jrielding good crops of the same plant for an infinite series of years ; but that, at the end of a limited number of years, the plant no longer thrives on the same soil." I beg most strongly to recommend the forego- ing propositions to the attention of agricultural- ists. They show in the plainest terms the neces- sity that exists for maintaining the fertility of the soil we cultivate by manure, if we desire that it shall produce good and remunerating crops. Let us only compare the system practiced in a large portion of this country with these proposi- tions, and we shall at once be convinced of its numerous and injurious defects. It would be very discreditable for us to strive to excuse these defects, by allowing ourselves to suppose that we could not remedy them — I should never pro- pose any remedy for the defects in our agricul- ture, if I was not convinced that remedy was practicable. What should prevent us Cana- dians from doing what would be mnnifestly for our advantage as well as the Agriculturalists of any other country? In a recent lecture of Professor Way, Chemist to the Royal English Agricultural Society, "he called attention to the large amount of ammonia taken up by the soil, and washed into the land by the rain ; and to the great importance, consequently, of expos- ing the soil in suoh a manner to the atmospheric influences as may tend to this ammoniacal alosorbtion. Fallowing land, he remarked, may give way to rotation of crops, but that there was no such thing as simple resting, as fallow- ing was supposed to imply in this case ; for an alteration of the soil under the influence of oxygen was continually going on. Every inter- val, even between one crop and another, was in reality a fallow. Land should be laid as li|;ht as possible, for the purpose of its reration. The working of land, with a view of this abundant teration, was one important means of improve- ment. • » • rfi)e amazing amount of ammonia locked up in the land itself could not be taken up by plants, and would, therefore, remain in a form unavailable for vi-ge- tation, unless the management of the soil tended to release such manuring matter, and bring it within reach of the roots. He had calculated, from data furnished from some rich loamy land of tertiary drift, that the soil within avail- able depth, contained ammonia at the rate of one ton (equal to six tons "f guano) per acre. This was a stock of wealth which would repay the most active measures being taken for its release and distribution." I introduce this ex- tract from the lecture ot Professor Way, to show how much at variance with his proposition is the practice in Lower Canada, in numerous in- stances, of leaving half the arable land waste every alternate year, neither ploughed nor sown with any kind of seed. Green-manuring is a means of improvement almost in the power of every farmer, — if he cannot procure sufiScient manure in any other way. If it were possible, the land should be ploughed in the Fall, and after the Sp .g work was finished, the portion prop'^sed for green-manuring might be sown with seed that would produce plants of rapid growth and would cover the ground well. The plants usually sown for this purpose in England, are tares, clover and rape. In this country we might sow tares, rape, buckwheat, or I. corn, and all these would be of rapid growth in our climate, and would give a large produce for ploughing in, as manure, which should be ploughed down before the plants begin to form seeds, or even before they flower. The " Farmers' Note Book" says on this subject, "Every plant draws the most of its organic elements from the atn^os- phere and water, and all its inorganic or mine- ral, and the rest of its organic elements from the soil. If, therefore, the plant be ploughed into the soil on which it grew, as none of the mineral elements are lost during its growth, not only are all of them returned to the soil, but a great part of the organic constituents derived from the atmosphere. • * • it js important, then, for a farmer wishing to practice green-manuring, to plough down the plant at that stage of its growth when it is found to be richest in organic matter, which is just before the blossom has been fully expanded." Profes- sor Way says : — "If, instead of liaving the land exposed only to the action of the atmosphere, we crop it with a plant whose roots run in every direction for food ; and if, when this plant has arrived at considerable growth, we turn it into the surface soil, we have not only enriched the latter by the elements derived from the air, but also by matters both mineral and veget- able fetched up from the subsoil. The plant thus acts the part of collecting the nourishment for a future crop, in a way that no mechanical sub- soiling or trenching could effect." The straw which farmers often sell in our Market at a very low price, would make excellent manure simply ploughed into strong clay soil, and pay the far- mer much better than the price he sells it for in the Market. With skill, care, and industry, every farmer may be able to keep up the fertility of his land. To expect that its fertility can bo maintaintd by the present system extensively piHCiiced in Lower Canada, and which I have endeavoured faithfully to describe, is out of the question. If we desire in earnest to improve ur agr iculture,and make it profitable lo ourselves and advantageous to the country generally, we must bc-stir ourselves, and endeavour at once to remedy the defects which we are convinced do exist. Agriculturalists, I know, are not fond of uncertain experiments, but in this time of general movement, they alone are not to stand still with folded arms, and decline to advance, though tho prospect before them was of the most encourag- ing nature. In England tliey mix salt or gypsum with li 10 guano, in order to prevent the great waste of ammonia Trhioh taltes place on expoaiog guano to the air, and which these substancea are found to prevent. The quantity recommended is 60 per cent of salt, and if gypsum is made use of in- stead of salt: the same proportion might be adopted, or even an equal quantity of gypsum might be mixed with guano. Two cwt. of this mixture would make a good top dressing to young grain, when three or four inches over ground ; but should always be applied in moist weather, or immediately before rain, otherwise it will not produce much improvement in the crop, when applied in dry weather. If salt or gypsum cannot be had, wood ashes should be mixed with the guano in the proportion of two or three parts ashes to one of guano. The quantity of guano applied as top-dresaing to youug grain should not exceed from one to two cwt. per acre Wood-ashes, that are 60 constantly sold by farmers for making soap or pot-ash, are one of the most valuable manures upon the farm for almost every species of crop, a'ld this is sold for a trifle. Salt and lime, mixed in the proportion of one bushel of salt to three or four of lime, is an excellent application as top-dressing on land under grass, or for any cultivated crop, applied to the soil at the time of sowing or planting at the rate of from twenty to forty bushels to the acre. The mixture will be better for being mixed in the winter in a shed or uuder cover, and turned over two or three times if possible before it is made use of in the spring Salt is not so much employed in agri- culture in Canada as it should be, where we are at such a distance from the sea. I have seen a paper, copied from the Jour- nal of the Reyal English Agricultural So- ciety, on ibe subject of '' Covered Farm Shad- ings," contributed by Lord Kinnaird, which is entitled to attention. Lord Kinnaird says :— " A shading entirely covered in, effects a great saving in iarm produce, which must oth rwise be exposed to the injurious effects of the weather while the amount consumtd and destroyed by the stock is considerably less ; but the most re- markable result of my experience is in the value of the manure." His Lordship goes on to des- cribe his experiment at some length, and very minutely. There were two lots of cattle kept, of the same number, age, and description— fed alike, and Laving the same quantity of litter daily. The manure from one that was kept in an open uncovered yard — and that from the other lot, kept in a covered yard was as follows: "During tba winter of 1850-'1, the manure in the open yard was carted to the field selected for ILe experiment, and put in one large litftp of 200 loads, well pressed down by the carts driving over it when emptying, and liien covered over top and sides with earth and road sc.apings. It lay thus till a week before us- ing, when it got a turn over in the usual way. The dung in the covered yard that bad been allowed to collect all winter, was carted direct to the livild, and put iuto the drills, without any turn- ings, being quite well ouougli luade tbrllio crojis" intended." The cxfti-mcut wab made upon a 20 acre field, There were 20 cart loads of manure put to each acre, and the whole field planted with the same kind of potatoes, and at the same period, the begining of April. The field was of equal quality, and 10 acres, had the manure from the covered yard, and the other 10 acres, the manure from the heap in the field, from the uncovered yard. The crop was taken np from the 1st to the 4th October, after two seper- ate portions in each pait had been carefally measured and weighed, the result being as follows : — Uncovered Dung. 1st measurement, 1 acre produced 1 tons 6 cwt. 8 lbs. potatoes. 2nd measurement, 1 acre produced 1 tons 18 owt. 99 ftis. potatoes. Covered Dung. 1st measurement, 1 acre produced 11 tons 17 cwt. 25 lbs. potatoes. 2nd measurement, 1 acre produced 11 tons 12 cwt. 26 lbs. potatoes. As soon as the laud could be cleared and pre- pared, each lot was sown separately with wheat in drills, from 22 nd to 25th October. In Spring the whole field got a dressing of 3 cwt. of guano per acre. The whole field was cut on the 26th August, 1852, the portion manured by the un- covered dung being at least 4 days earlier than the other. As before, the two separate portions in each half of the field were measured, cut, and stocked separately ; on the 4th September each portion was thrashed, the grain carefully measured, and the straw weighed. The follow- ing was the result : — Wheat on Uncovered Dung. Acre. Produce of Grain. Weightpbu. Produce in Straw Bush. lbs. lbs. Stones lbs. 1st. 41 19 61) 152 22 2nd. 42 33 6l| 160 — Wheat on Covered Dung, Acre. Produce of Grain. Weight p bu. Produce iu Straw Bush. lbs. lbs. Stones lbs. 1st. 55 5 61 220 22 2nd. 52 47 71 210 — The above results would offer suflScient en- couragement to adopt the plan of covered yards, where there would be means of doing so. Lord Kinnaird feeds his cattle in boxes, and this plan he also recommends. I have no doubt whatever that it would be an advantageous plan to cover our farm yards m Canada. It would not be so expensive as parties may imagine. The roofs might be flat and covered with this Asphalte Roofing Felt, that is now being extensively used here. The objection to flat roofs is the fear that snow would collect upon them ; but I am satisfied this might be prevented by constructing them properly, so as to allow the wind to have a free course over them. Covered yards would be much more necessary here than in Britain, and would be a great bene- fit as a shelter to the stock, as well as the manure. In our open yards, it is impossible to prevent the snow from mixing with the manure, and this, with frost, ruin, &c., cannot fail to deteriorate tliQ yard manure, as it is generally kept in Cana- da. Lord Kinnaird had the dung carted to the field, as wi in a better and still tl from the a dung, extet most remar potatoes til the succeed yard, safe fi out to the I the crop, m and be in t than dung i all winter, tage to havi during wint spring, whe season, and free from d yards, in th( periment of 1 the advantf yards until : experiment 1 strongly rec of agricultui should not b ficient to co^ There is mcnts of their excelle ful forms, ; genitors hac theirs' were according to were employ When I see 1 agriculture I my younger for my own i The implerae importance t provement, i tate all the ( turalists ow( ofagricultur disposed to t There is oi management not omit, — tl when clearit upon it, and other trees, e the use of tl vored to att order that so or check this on, as if it leave a ves covered the ' in their plam where settler to be justifiec cart loads of the whole field )otatoe8, and at of April. The I acres, had the ind the other 10 n the field, from was taken np after two seper- beea carefally esult being as sd 1 tons 6 cwt. ed 1 tons 18 cwt. d 11 tons 17 cwt. sd 11 tons 12 cwt. cleared and pre- Uely with wheat ober. In spring : 3 cwt. of guano cut on the 26th ured by the un- lays earlier than jeparate portions ;asured, cut, and I September each grain carefully ed. The foUow- \Dung. Produce ill Straw Stones lbs. 162 22 160 — Oung. Produce iu Straw Stones lbs. 220 22 210 — ffer sufficient en- of covered yards, doing 80. Lord ces, and this plan doubt whatever )us plan to cover would not be so gine. The roofs th this Asphalte extensively used roofs is the fear upon them ; be prevented by BO as to allow irae over them. more necessary 1 be a great bene- ell as the manure, ble to prevent the aanure, and this, lil to deteriorate lly kept in Gana- ung carted to the u field, as we generally do here, but he securtJ it in a better manner than is usual with us to do, and still the difference in the results obtained from the application of covered and uncovered dung, extending to the crops for two years, is most remarkable, equal to over 30 per cent, in potatoes the first crop, and 25 per cent in wheat the succeeding crop. The dung kept in a covered yard, safe from frost, snow, and rain, until carted cut to the field in spring and applied directly to the crop, must retain more of the useful gasses, and be in a better and more fertilizing state, than dung exposed in open yards or in the fields all winter. No doubt it is a considerable advan- tage to have the dung carried to the fields here during winter, ready for use on the spot, in spring, when we are so hurried in that short season, and I believe that it is fully as safe, and free from detericrration in the fields, as in open yards, in the usual way with us. But this ex- periment of Lord Kinnaird proves beyond a doubt, the advantage of keeping the dung in covered yards until required for use for the crop. The experiment has been carefully made, and I would strongly recommend the subject to the attention of agriculturalists. Though the whole farm yard should not be covered there might bo a part suf- ficient to cover the manure. There is a vast improvement in the imple- ments of our agriculture, inviting us by their excellent adaptation, lightness, and beauti- ful forms, to make use of them. Our pro- genitors had no such implements to use, but theirs' were as heavy, clumsy, and unsuitable, according to our present ideas, as the works they were employed in, were imperfectly! executed. When I see the present beautiful impliments of agriculture I regret that I was notso favourel in my younger days as to have such implements for my own use, and the use of those I employed. The implements of the present day are ofimmence importance to the progress of agricultural im- provement, and are calculated greatly to facili- tate all the operations of agriculture. Agricul- turalists owe more to the inventors and makers of agricultural implements, than they are always disposed to acknowledge. TREES. There is one more defect connected with the management of land in Canada, which I must not omit, — that, is, t! e almost total destruction, when clearing land, of every tree that grows, upon it, and the general neglect to plaut any other trees, either for shelter or ornament, or for the use of the farm. I have frequently endea- vored to attract attention to this subject, in order that some steps might be taken to prevent or check this evil, but the destruction still goes on, as if it was desirable that we should not leave a vestige of the fine forest trees that covered the lands of Canada, or plant any others in their place. The total destruction of trees where settlements are being made is attempted to be justified, in consequence of the difficulty of preserving trees when clearing land, and it ia uif ^ also that the trees that are left mterfere V ue cultivation of the soil. There may be i:\ foundation for these objections ; bat I think i^. ould be quite possible to overcome them, so far as preserving some of the trees, by selecting those that have the deepest roots in the soil, in situations where they are not so much crowded, removing all the underwood, and thinning the large trees out to a certain extent. There may be trouble in saviag the trees when the fire goes over the land, but nevertheless some may be preserved from injury. More trees might be left than would be necessary, and then if some were injured by the fire, a sufficient number might re- main safe. The best varieties to leave as scat- tered trees, for shelter, ornament, and for use, are the elm, birch, beech, maple, hickory, ash, butternut, and perhaps the oak. Soft wood trees, if preserved, must be left in clumps, or groves, as they will not stand alone, if of largo s ze. The cedar, or pine species, left in clumps or groves, are very ornamental in the landscape, and may pay well for the land tbey occupy. If circumstances should not admit the preservation of some of the original trees of the forest, when clearing land for cultivation, trees should be planted at once, and I have no doubt they would pay for the land they occupy. Young trees of thriving appearance may be taken from the forest, and, if carefully planted, they will grow very rapidly. There is an advantage in plan tin a; — that the trees may be placed in the most eligible situations, where they will answer the best pur- pose, and be of the least injury. On an average, one hundred square yards would be amply suffi- cient space to estimate for each tree, until they would attain the age of thirty or forty years ; hence, the use of only one acre of land would be lost for thirty-six trees, and if these trees were of a useful description, they would, perhaps, pay as well, when at a good size, for the land they oc- cupied, as any other portion of the land, besides the shelter and ornament they afforded for so many years. They might, if cut down for any purpose occasionally, be replaced by pUnting other trees. I have seen trees planted alone in good soil attain a very considerable size in thirty years. In Britain, trees are planted for profit, acd were considered to pay well for the land, if parties could only Liot, and the winters so cold. There is no doubt that the destruction of the trees in other countries has been found to be very injurious generally, and I 12 lit>i fear it will have the same effect here, if we go on cutting down every tree, and not planting any . In many parta of L. Canada, where there ia not .i tree left atanding, I have no hesitation in saying that the land suffers in consequence, and also the live stock pastured in Summer upon this naked and unsheltered land. I do not advocate too much shelter upon our arable land, because I believe it would be injurious to our crops of grain, but to a reasonable extent, trees and shel- ter judiciously provided, are absolutely necessary in Canada. In the Mother Country, live fences and trees prevail so much in some situations, that agriculturalists complain that they are inju- rious, but chiefly in consequence of their being a protection to game. In this country shelter is more necessary, and we have not the trespass of game to apprehend. Doubtless, we cannot have the land which immediately surrounds a large tree very productive of either grass, grain, or vegetables, but if all the remainder of the farm is well cultivated, except that part occupied by beautiful trees, left for shelter and ornament, we might very well afford to forego the crop that would be produced where these trees stand. I believe I am perfectly justified in stating, that a farm of two hundred acres, with a sufiScient num- ber of trees, judiciously placed, for shelter and ornament, would be more productive of grass, grain, and vegetables, for man and his live stock, than the same farm would be, if it had not a tree upon it. It may be very desirable to subdue the forests, and settle the country with industrious inhabitants, but the utter destruction of all the trees is not necessary to the accom- plishment of this object. On the contrary, this object may be better attained by preserving some of the forest, or by planting other trees to the necessary extent, in place of those we cut down and destroy. This subject is of suflScient impor- tance to entitle it to the serious attention of our Legislators. Ther3 is already sufficient proof of the injurious effects produced by depriving the land of every tree that grew upon it. It is bet- ter to inquire into the subject in time, while a remedy is in our power, than to wait until the matter is forced upon our attention by the mani- fest deterioration of the land in consequence of the destruction of the forest, and the want of trees and shelter. Any observing person, mak- Dg a tour in the country in summer, will have noticed how animals appear to "ujoy the shelter of a large tree during the heat of the day, if they are so fortunate as to have a tree growing in their pasture. It is also worthy of observation, how greatly animals appear to suffer in the heat of summer, iu exposed, unsheltered pastures, where there is not a tree or shrub growing, and in such situations, there is seldom much grass for the stock. The country was amply furnished with beautiful trees, in all possible varieties, when we took possession of it, and with our boasted civilization, our first connection witti the forest is to destroy it, — in fact, — we declare war by the axe, and the lire against every tree of it. In other countries, the most unmistakeable mark of education and civilization is to have a due proportion of trees in every variety, with hedges, shrubs, &c., and the absence of trees, and beautiful hedges, was the most certain indication of ignorance, poverty, and if not poverty, of bad taste, or want of a due apprecia- tion of the useful and the beautiful. Probablymany parties may object to my proposition in regard 1o the great advantages of a due proportion of trees on every farm for shelter, ornament, and other useful purposes. I however, would bo delighted to have the matter fairly and thor- oughly tested, in order that if trees are proved to be advantageous, as shelter tor our land, our live stock, and for other purposes, measures may be adopted to prevent the utter des- truction of our native forests, without pro- viding for their necessary shelter, ftc, by the planting trees regularly to a certain ex- tent. A country without trees, reminds me of the descriptions I have read of the deserts of Arabia, or the frozen regions near the North Pole. It may bo replied to my remarks, that the country is not so utterly denuded of trees as to justify my observations on the subject. In tak- ing a general view of the country, trees and the original forest are seldom out of our vision ; but at the same time you see numerous farms without a tree or shrub growing upon them. It is not of much advantage to these naked farms, or to the cattle pasturing upon them, that the forest may be within a mile of them, and that one or more trees may be growing upon a farm not far off. I am anxious to show that trees are necessary upon every farm, and if they are not growing there naturally, they should be planted with as little delay as possible. It has often been my chance to see a beautiful tree growing in a cleared field, where, perhaps, it was the only one upon the farm, cut down, for no other object, but the use of the wood for fire. It is very proper to cut down trees when we require them for use, provided we can spare them, or that we plant others in their place ; but to cut down an orna- mental tree, that affords shelter to our cattle in the extreme heat of summer, is, to say the least of it, very inconsistent, with regard for our own interest, for the comfort of our cattle, or any idea of what is necessary to constitute a beauti- ful landscape. Any attempt to interfere with the right of parties to do as they please in the management of their own property may be con- sidered objectionable, and if a settler wishes to destroy all the forest trees upon his lot, without planting any others, he may suppose it would be very unjust to prevent him doing the first, or oblige him to do the latter, if he was not so dis- posed. I will not presume to offer any opinion on this subject. My object is to endeavor to show the injurious effects of destroying all the forest trees, without planting fruit or other trees, where they might be necessary for shelter, ornament, or other useful purposes. It is in our power to as- certain, by inquiry and investigation, what would be the probable result to the soil, and perhaps to the climate, by the total destruction of the forest in the country that is being settled and culti- vated. I havoread many reports of the injurious effects produced in other countries bv the des- truction of the forest, and the want oi trees, and it appears o try we getti production great chan^ compreLenc effect. In and not sut summer as be so inju therefore of ter should are conside that means them in du should be p proprietors vide for tl tent, and wl planted. If the forests I we shall noi the settled i ment, shelt believe the 1 the protectii haps where covered wii necessary ti portion fron the work n every tree ai lot of land i converted in ful he consii that should it for neces recurring, ai not preserv regularly th answer for s ral use to th considered 1 jects, and pears a mo! should dest sary for the large propo down, in oi vated for th( land in sue to destroy a tlement, we no other pu state in whi( and support AGRIC On resum Agriculture per to obse munication this country duce of Car er Canada very litttle i ]3 ibsence of trees, le most certain tj, and if not ' a due apprecia- 1. Probablymany oaition in regard ue proportion of r, ornament, and rever, would bo fairly and thor- ' trees are proved tor our land, oar 'poses, measures the utter des- ta, without pro- belter, Ac, by a certain ex- ies, reminds roe d of the deserts IS near the North remarks, that the led of trees as to subject. In tak- try, trees and the )f our vision ; but ouB farms without hem. It is not of i farms, or to the nt the forest may that one or more farm not far off. )es are necessary are not growing 1 planted with as IS often been my ee growing in a t was the only one 10 other object, but It is very proper }uire them for use, or that we plant ut down an orna- ir to our cattle in s, to say the least egard for our own lur cattle, or any Dnstitute a beauti- to interfere with hey please in the perty may be con- stttler wishes to )n his lot, without appose it would be oing the first, or he was not so dis- ofTer any opinion I endeavor to show ying all the forest • other trees, where elter, ornament, or a our power to as- fation, what would oil, and perhaps to action of the forest settled and culti- rts of the injurious itries by the des- want of trees, and it appears only reasonable, that to strip the coun- try we settle, at once of the whole of the natural production tnat covered it, may produce a very great change, though we may not be able to comprehend perfectly why it should have this effect. In countriea having a humid climate, and not subject to the same degree of heat in summer as this is, the want of trees would not be so injuriously felt as in Canada. It is, therefore of general importance that this mat- ter should be enquired into, and if trees are considered to have a beneficial influence, that means should be adopted to preserve them in due proportion, or that other trees should be planted. In the British Isles, landed proprietors are sure to plant trees and pro- vide for their protection tu a sufficient ex- tent, and when woods are cut down, others are planted. If we continue to go on cuttiner down the forests here, as we have done up to this time, we shall not in a few years have a tree left in the settled parts of the country, either for orna- ment, shelter, or for necessary purposes. I believe the Legislature have passed an Act for the protection of game in this country ; but per- haps where there is so much of Canada still covered with forest, it may not be thought necessary to adopt any measures for saving a portion from the axe and the fire of the settler, as the work of settlement proceeds. The sooner every tree and shrub that grows upon a settler's lot of land is cut down, burned, and the ashes converted into potash and sold, the more success- ful he considers himself. There is not a farm that should not have some reserved wood upon it for necessary purposes that are constantly recurring, and if some of the original forest is not preserved, other trees should be planted resularly that would supply these demands, and answer for shelter and ornament, and be of gene- ral use to the country. Fine trees, in full leaf, are considered by most people to be beautiful ob- jects, and notwithstanding this fact, it ap- pears a most inconsistent proceeding, that we should destroy them all. Of course it is neces- sary for the settlement of the country that a large proportion of the forest should be cut down, in order that the land should be culti- vated for the support of settlers ; but as we have land in such abundance there is no necessity to destroy all the forest as we occupy it for set- tlement, we should spare a portion, if it was for no other purpose than to indicate the original state in which we received it for the occupation and support of our race. AGRICULTURE OF LOWER CANADA. On resuming my promised Review of the Agriculture of Lower Canada, it may be pro- per to observe that alluding in my first com- munication to theexportof beef and flour from this country, it was only as the general pro- duce of Canada, and not as belonging to Low- er Canada in particular, I believe there is very litttle flour exported from the latter sec- tion of the Province, and with regard to beef, a considerable portion of what is slaughtered in Lower Caaada is not raised or fed there, and, therefore, she does not deserve the cre- dit of having fed all ihe lean b ;«f that may appear in her shambles, or that may be ex- ported from her ports. In whatever country lean cattle are slaughtered for Beef, it is a certain indication of the backward state of affriculiure, and the absence of skill and good management in agriculturists. It is impos- sible that cattle can be profitably kept unless thev are constantly improving while young, and when at the proper age to yield .some re- turn, they must either be breeding, giving milk, working, or fattening for beef There is no standing still, or they will not yield re muneration for the food they consume. The farmer who does not bring his cattle to thaat perfection which they are capable of attaining, bad better not keep any except for milk for his family. Oxen or heifers not breeding, should be brought to as great a degree of per* feciion as the animals are capable of, before they are slaughtered for beef, or the profit the farmer should have by them, is lost. From my own experience of this country, and the present state of agriculture, I am convinced that it is impossible for a large majority of far. mers to bring their cattle to the required de- gree of perfection, without a total change io their systm of husbandry, and unless we en- deavour 10 find some remedy, the evil will still continue, of sacrificing one-half of the cattle of the country for want of managing them pro- perly. Cattle cannot be brought to pefection without good and sufficient pastures, unless they are stall-fed ; and where can we have gooci pastures under the prevailing system of husbandry. Pastures will not bo fit to fatten cattle unless they are properly laid down and suflered to remain in grass for several years. In a country like this, the summer fattening of cattle will be found the most suitable and profitable, for selling ihem ofl* in the fall for slaughter, for packing, for the sliamblei, and to parties who might purchase them for stall- feeding, which should be a separate business. Cattle will never fatten properly if mixed up with other stock as at present, cows, heifers, oxen, horses and sheep all pastured together. Oxen should be kept separate from cows and heifers, when fattening, and each required to be kept as quiet and undisturbed as possible. It is out of the powerof ordinary farmers to separate and manage stock in .this fashion ; therefore some other means must be found for fattening cattle, or we cannot greatly improve our present system. The only remedy I see possible, is Io adopt 14 ('■ R71-1 m the aam* system of fiittctilng that is fol- lowed so successfully in the British Isles. We should liave srazin^ farms, and fairs and markets established for the sale of cattle in the comineDcement of summer. At these fairs and markets the owners of those grazing farms might purchase dry cattle from far- mers who would not have ihe means to fatten them. If this plan was commenced and in operation, it would put an end to the sale and slauffhter of lean cattle for beef, because the grazier could afford to pay from five to twenty per cent (in proportion to their suitableness and thriving appearance) for cattle more than any butcher could afford to pay, wlio would have to sell them by the pound, and therefore he must purchase them at their estimated weight in beef, hide and tallow, and give no- thing for their particular breeds or promise of future excellence. Farmers who would be obliged to dispose of lean stock, if they wore of good breed or thrifty ap[iearanoe, would obtain a much better price for them from a grazier than from a butcner. I have no doubt that by this plan the value of our cattle might be doubled, and that the ttharacter of our beef would be good in any country to which it might be exported. Some of our cattle may be of small size, but if this is an objection, it is quite possible to increase their size by care- ful selection for breeding, and by feeding the animals better from their birth. But even in in their present state, if the proper means were adopted, we might have excellent beef, fit for any purpose, though it might be small. I do not recommend any particular breed of cattle, but that each should choose for him- self that breed which he may think most suitable for his pastures and other circum- stances. We certainly have not such excellent and extensive old pastures as they have in En- gland and Ireland, but we have lands of good natural quality ; anfl if wo allow them to re- pose under grass for a few years, they will be excellent pastures. lu this climate, pas- tures that have no shelter are liable to suffer from the heat and drought which frequently occurs in the raonlhs of August a.'.d Septem- ber, but the skilful farmer might make pro- vision to meet this ditficulty, by having arti- ficial food for his stock at that time. This may be readily accomplished where vegeta- tion makes such rapid progress in our sum- mers. Indian corn sown broad-cast, vetches, or tares and many other planis might be grown to supply any deficiency in pasture, where cattle would be fattening, and thus keep them in thriving condition. An experienced gra- zier might make a very respectable and pro- fitablo buisness. This plan of grass feeding entile in summer need not prevent any farmer that has the means of stall feeding cattle in winter. All we require is, — to put a stop to the slaughtering of lean cattle for beef; and I am convinced it never can be put a stop to without a change in our management some- thing similar to what I suggest. It would not be possible in a short review to give all the particulars connected with a system that is not known or practised here to any extent. If it was only in operation upon a limited scale, it would soon recommend itself for gen- eral adoption. It is to no good purpose that we should know and lament that our stock are not so good or our farming so profitable ha we would wish, if we do not make an effort to introduce the changes manifestly required to make them so. We cannot disguise the face that a large portion of our cattle are so inade- quately fed in winter that it requires a good part ol the summer to recover them, and put them in moderate condition ; and pastures are frequently so poor that they will not even do this. Can anything but loss res'ult from such management? I bring this subject forward in the most forcible terms I can, in order to show the necessity which exists for introducing a thorough change. If any explanation is re- quired of (he plan I propo-e, I shall be most happy to give any in my power. Though good pastures may not be general, there are a great many farms that have land under ?rass that would be excellent pastures at once, would not, however, recommend any but skilful and experienced farmers to undfrtake the business of graziers, as both are necessa- ry to ensure success. Fairs and markets in the months of May and June, for the sale of dry cattle, would act as an encouragement to farmers to have their stock of a good quality, and in good condition, so as to ensure a good price from the grazier; and this would be no small advantage of this new plan. I have no object in suggesting these changes, but be- cause I know them to be required, and believe that it would be the interest of farmers, and the country generally, that they should be adopted as soon as possible. This country has a high character, and visitors will be sure to come to us from all parts of the civilized world. How desirable it would be that strangers should see that we were entitled to a high character as agriculturists when travelling through the country— that our fine lands were well cultivated, bearing luxvriant crops of every variety, and our pastures stocked with fine cattle, and abundance of food for them — every variety of animals in the right place, and having the right place for them, to insure their thrivit try is an agi fer that we agriculture, engaged in- the vast mo In treat in that we sli slock, and favorite bre the cattle w and be we great a degr ble of attain sed to hast seldom suc( cientlyunde manner. V aging cattle be better q the perfectio to decide wh most suitabl ges may be perfectly um will be m( tem of feed its effects up to, than to ir subject them that has no have. Sma prove on gc agement ; b pastures and reduce them the result to duction of lai provement c advanced. ' a farmer kee large, providi degree of p There certair tiesofdiffeiei ever breed is ved to the uit ble, or they mean that c fo two or tl great perfect m the regul adopt in feedi to feed one an it becomes ne is only an ex animal may ought not t( 15 grass feeding ent any farmer ling cattle in put a stop to for beef; and ) put a stop to {;ement some- )8t. It would w to give all 1 a system that to any extent, jpon a limiled id itself for gen- lurpose that we it our stock are uofitahle bj we lake an efTort to itly required to isguise the fact e are so inade- requires a good them, and put ind pastures are vill not even do efult from such bject forward in in order to show or introducing a icplanalion is re- I shall be most )ower. Though neral, there are lave land under pastures at once, nmend any but rs to undf rtake )th are necessa- and markets in for the sale of ncouragement to a good quality, o ensure a good this would be no w plan. I have changes, but he- red, and believe of farmers, and they should be !'bis country has will be sure to e civilized world, that strangers entitled to a high when travelling fine lands were XK riant crops of ires stocked with ■food for them — the right place, r the no, to insure their thriving and g^ood condition. Our coun- try is an agricultural country, and I would pre- fer that we should show proofs of our skill in agriculture, to any other business we could be engaged in — as agriculture is the business of the vast majority of the people. NEAT CATTLE. In treating of Neat Cattle, I did not proprae that we should put away all our present stock, and procure at once larger and more favorite breeds. I only recommended that the cattle we have shall be properly managed, and be well kept, so as to bring them to as great a degree of ])erfeciion as they are cajja- ble of attaining. I have been always oppo- sed to hasty and sweeping changes, as they seldom succeed, because they are not suffi- ciently understood to be carried out in a proper manner. When we acquire Iha ari of man- aging cattle in a judicious manner, we shall be better qualified to judge of the defects of the perfections of diflferent breeds, and be able to decide what description of catllle will be the most suitable and profitable for us ; and chan- ges may be introduced gradually when we perfectly understand what they should be. It will be more prudent to practice a new sys- tem of feeding and management, lo ascertain its effects upon the cattle we are accustomed to, than to introduce other breeds of stock, and subject them to the feeding and managemenl that has not succeeded with the cattle we have. Small sized cattle will be sure to im- prove on good food, and under proper man- agement ; but to subject large cattle to bad pastures and insufiicient food in winter, would reduce them to a worthless condition. Phis is the result to be apprehended from the intro- duction of larger breeds of cattle until the im- provement of agriculture is more generally advanced. Therp cannot be any objection to a farmer keeping cattle of any size, however large, provided he brings them to the greatest degree of perfecdon they are capable of. There certainly is a gieat difierence in quali- ties of ditfeient breeds of animals ; but what- ever breed is cultivated, they must be impro- ved to the uttermost of which they are capa- ble, or ihey cannot be profitable. I do not mean thai cattle should be fed in the stalls fo two or three years, to bring them to this great perfection, but that they should be fed in the regular way that practical farmers adopt in feeding cattle. It may be very well to feed oae animal of a particular breed until it becomes nearly all fat and tallow ; but this is only an experiment to ascertain what an animal may be brought to, and cannot, and ought not to come into general jiracticc. There ^s no necessity to make animals over fat, nor can it be profitable for the farmers to do so, or fpr the consumers of meat to purchase that which is over fat, or fat in extreme. The proper management of our neat cattle is a matter of very great importance to the far- mers of Lower Canada, and would make an immense ditTerence in the profits derived from their farms. If any proof was necessary that the summer fattening of cattle and sheep is not much practised here, I may state that there was scarcely any competition for the premiums oflfered at the three last annual Provincial Exhibitions, in the classes of fat cattle, and fat sheep, and not even suflficient competitors to take the premiums oflfered. This circumstance struck me as very extra- ordinary to have oc-urred at the last exhibi- tion at Sherbrooke, in the midst of the eastern Tov/nships, so well adapted for pastures, and for the raising and fattening of cattle and sheep It is true farmers might have such slock, and not show them ; but these Exhibitions are es- tablished for the express purpose of showing the products of the country, and the progress which agricultural improvement is making, for the liberal grants by the Legislature for its encouragement. With regard to sheep, it is satisfactory to be able to state, that we have a large number of excellent sheep now in Lower Canada, chiefly of the Leicester breed, and crosses with native Canadian sheep. This class of animals increase so rapidly under good management and suitable food, that there cannot be any difficulty in the improvement of this useful stock, if farmers will only adopt the means that are in their power. There is, however, a material change necessary in their laanage- ment to make them as profitable as they might be to their owners. Confinement to small pastures in summer is not in accor- dance with the nature of the sheep, and on the general average of farms, the pastures are very limited in extent, and together with this disadvantage, sheep are very frequently en- cumbered with wooden yokes on their necks to confine them to these pasture, that are, in many case not sufficient to feed them. There is not any farm stock that will sufier more by this sort of confinement than sheep, particu- larly if of any other breed than the pure Leicester. This breed i as they are kept in the old country, always in fine condition,are not fond of rambling, because their legs are short and they are too fat to leap high fences. The shelter and quality of the food in win- ter is also defective, particularly for breeding ewes. This, I believe to be the cause of a veiy small jcturn in lambs, in proportion to |i 16 m the owes kept. Breeding ewes, in the Iamb> ioc seaaon, should be kept separate from other sheepi and carefully fed with nutritious food, (of which a part should be grain) and constantly attended to. In England and Ireland, they consider it very unsuccesful sheep-breeding, if ihey do not raise at least one lamb to every breeding ewe they keep, and in some instances, they have from 50 to 75 per cent over one Iamb to each. Now, if we compare sheep-breeding in England and Irelandi with that in Canada we may under- stand the vast deficiency and loss resulting from our management. Another defect with UB, is, allowing the male lambs to remain unchanged until nearly full grown. In Britain this operation takes place when the lambs are about a month or five weeks old, on all males not kept for breeding, and we should adopt the same plan if we desire to have good mutton, and our mutton, and our sheep thrive, pastured together as they generally are: all sexes and ages, and at all seasons of the year. The different ages and sexes cannot conveniently be kept separated here as they invariably are in a well managed flock of sheep in the old country, and they oever will thrive properly unless they are kejit separated when necessary. U we, therefore, determime to keep sheep and make them profitable, we should do all in our power to conform to the most approved system of sheep-management, and if we do not, we shall not find them protitable stock ; no matter what breeds we keep. It may be replied, that notwithstanding all my objec- tions, we have very good, well flavoured mutton and Iamb in our markets, and I admit the fact. Our mutton, and lamb, par- ticularly, when properly fattened, is equal, if not superior in taste and flavour, to any I have ever seen ; but I regret to say that a large portion both of the mutton and lamb is not sufliciently fat to be deserving this character. Oar wether mutton here, is not often kept to the proper age to be of the best quality, though I think they would pay well if properly kept to two years, or be- tween two and three years old. Indeed we never considered them good mutton in the old country until over two years old, because they had not attained full size until then, and particular parties thought mutton not very good until after wethers had attained three years old at least, and the eobility and gentry, generally kept then, until that age for their own use. No doubt wether mutton cannot be cf the besi quality until the animal has come to the full size, but they are seldom allowed to come to their due perfection in Canada. It may be desirable that animals should come to early maturity, but it is very questionable ii sheep can be brought to maturity or perfection before they are fully two years old or perkaps three years old. They may be made very fat, and a ^reat weight, but the flesh may not have attained the perfection it is capable of at a more advanced ago notwithstanding. The Leicester breed of sheep is very much esteemed in England for their early maturity, but still I do not think their mut- ton so good when under two years old, as when they exceed that age. There is not perhaps, any breed of sheep that will be found to succeed better than the Leicester when under judicious management, but I do not think the pure Leicester most suitable breeds for fanners who do not keep them, as this variety of sheep have been kept, to bring them to the great perfection they have obtained. A cross with n Leicester ram and Canadian ewes has produced a good, hardy and profitable description of sheep, and this will be the best plan of improvement to adopt under preasent circumstances. There are not many of the South Down breed of sheep in Lower Canada, and the few we have are not of first quality. I saw at the great Exhibition at Boston last October, some South Downs imported by Col. Morris of tho State of New York, the best I have ever seen, i think I may venture to say they were faultless, in regard both to per- fection of form, and having a heavy fleece of excellent wool. These sheep are known in England as an improved variety of the South Down, and I think they would answer well in Lower Canada. No doubt a cross between them and the Leicester, or the Canadian sheep would produce very useful sheep, both in carcase and in wool. The Cheviot breed of sheep is favorably spoken of, and from the description I have read of them, they might be very suitable for this country ; but I have never seen any of the breed, and therefore cannot speak of them from experience. What are known as the French or Spanish Merino sheep, are not favorite breeds with me, though the wool they produce may be very valuable. I think them also a tender stock, and not well adapted to our climate. They certainly have not any beauty of form to recommeud ihem, and they never appear to me to be in good condition, or fat, like other breeds of sheep. I have never kept any of the breed, and therefore cannot say from per- sonal experience whether they are profitable or not. The question for the farmer is, will the fleece o the deficien certainly hi duced /roin and Leicesti fer the Leioi between the our native C As I bef our sheep every farm breed of she in number proportion to bestowed u] perly in su them with th and Ireland, kept on a 1 to fatten th( dry sheep ai of neat catt. and fatten certainly the be easy to pei as they are ii wool — a vei one I would The farmers, give them si not the mea wethers, and better to sell be able to fatt be a thoroug our sheep, a they will no The profit dei should be a products of t and it must be not so. I have beer cultural impro ter of a centui self, what go benefit will a tions produce agricultural s could not fore in; out these improvements would be ad do not apprcvi not adopt the have good reas The manag dkH.u is not ii \ / 17 ble that animals ty, but it IB very be brought lo •e they are fully three years old. fat, and a ^reat aot have attained s of at a more f sheep IS very d for their early think their mut- ivo years old, as ge. There is not Bep that will be m the Leicester agement, but I do ter most suitable lot keep them, as sen kept, to bring otion they have Leicester ram and ced a good, hardy of sheep, and this improvement to instances. • the South Down nada, and the few quality. I saw at oston last October, ed by Col. Morris k, the best I have ly venture to say sgard both to per- r a heavy fleece 'sheep are known red variety of the hey would answer No doubt a cross ^eicsster, or the jduce very useful in wool. iheep is favorably lescription I have be very suitable ve never seen any ire cannot speak of 'rench or Spanish votiie breeds with y produce may be hem also a tender d to our climate, jny beauty of form they never appear m, or fat, like other lever kept any of nnot say from per- hey are profitable the farmer is, will the fleece of the Merino sheep nmUd up for the deficiency of the valne of the carcase ? I certamlv have seen a good kind of sheep pro- duced irom a cross between d Merino ram and Leicester ewes. I would, however, pre- fer the Leicester and South Down, and crosses between them, and between each of them and our native Canadian sheep. As I before observed, the improvement of our sheep is quite in our own power, and every farmer may be assured that whatever breed of sheep be cultivates, they will increase in number and produce wool mutton, in Eroportion to the care and g'ood management estowed upon them— in feeding them pro- perly in summer and winter, and providing them with the necessary shelter. In England and Ireland, where there aie only a few sheep kept on a farm, they scarcely ever attempt to fatten them, but the wether hoggets and dry sheep are sold to graziers, as in the case of neat cattle, who keep them to maturity and fatten them. This plan would be certainly the best here also ; but it would not be easy to persuade farmers to adopt this plan, as they are in tha habit of manufacturing the wool — a very commendable practice, and one I would be sorry to see discontinued. The farmers, however, might keep sheep to give them sufficient wool, but if they have not the means or opportunity to fatten the wethers, and old sheep, it would be much better to sell them to graziers, who would be able to fatten them properly. There must be a thorough change in the management of our sheep, as well as in our neat cattle, or they will not remunerate for their keeping. The profit derived from neat cattle and sheep should be a very large item in the general products of agriculture in Lower Canada, and it must be the farmer 's own fault if it is not so. I have been writing on the subject ofagri- I cultural improvement for more than a quar- ter of a century, and I cannot but ask my- I self, what good has it all produced, or what benefit will any of my future communica- itions produce? I see great defects in our agricultural system, and it appears as if I could not forego any opportunity of point- |in» out these defects, and suggesting such limprovements as, in my humble judgment, [would be advantageous. If agriculturists Ido not approve of my suggestions and will Inot adopt them, I must only conclude tbey [hare good reasons for rejecting them. swr.fE. The management of swine in Lower Ca- aKda is not liable to much objection. Per- haps in no country ia there beuer pork, an4 this I attribute to fattening with peas and bruised grain, The breed of swine in gen- eral is far IVoni being a profitable variety ; the^ are of very objectionable form., and difficult to fatten, and in consequense cannoft remunerate adequately for the food they consume. Fortunately we have some supe'- rior swine in the country, and as they in^ crease more rapidly than any other farming stock,, it is quite possible to introduce an im- proved breed in a very short time through- out the country, if farmers only take the trouble to do so; and if tbey will not take this trouble, it is useless to discuss the per- fection or superiority of any one particular breed over another. A good breed of swine, of that approved form, that will come to early maturity, and fatten readily, would be a great benefit to farmers and to the country generally, and in a very short period there need not be any other than a good and profit- able breed in the country. There iS not one circumstance that can be advanced t6 justify our continuing to keep a really infe- rior and unprofitable breed of pigs, when we have it in our power to substitute a good and profitable breed in their place, without incurring any great expense in making the change. The mode of keeping swine here in summer, in many instances, on very poor pastures and with wooden yokes on iheii necks, is very objectionable. They certcin- ly might be well kept in summer on good pasture, that would be so enclosed, as to make it necessary to have yokes on them. They should be kept well rung to prevent them rooting, and with little other foody they would grow, and keep in good condi- tion during the summer. As regards swiney however little nefd be said, as farmers gen- erally understand tbeir management better than I can tell them. The principal objection is, that the breed of swine is very generally not a profitable one, and farmers by all means should introduce a better breed as soon aa possible. Pigs with short heads and short legs will pay better for the food they consume, than those with long legs and long heads, which are the characteristicsof a large pro- portion of the present breed in Canada. Pig« might be kept on pasture in summer to great advantage, if kept separate on suitable and abundant pastures, well fenced, and kept constantly with rings i'l their noses, to pre- vent them rooting. Pigs would thrive very well on good grass or clover, with a small allowance of ofoer food daily and a constant supply of water or other drink— of co^rsthey should have proper shelter both from the sun C N/ 18 Ml li" ii;! 1 I '?:l :,!;! and from ruin. The futleningofuwiiicis very well underiUxMJ by farmers in Lower Canada; a good breeder breeds ofswinonre what is most required, (o replace ihe bnd und unpro- fitable breeds we havo. 1 wish it wns possible to improve our cattle and sheep, and manage them to advantage as readily at wo ran the stock of swine, and we should hnva little 10 complain of in the manngcmcntof live stock in Lower Canada. The management of swine is more under the control of our farmers, sii- Uuted as they are, than any other farm stuck. noRSE.s. With respect to horsrs, ihero is, perhaps more attention bestowed upon them generully, than upon any other farm stock, though their management is, nevertheless, fur from being unobjectionable. It may besnid that we have no distinct breed of horses in Lower Canada, but a mixture of every brecJ known. This confusion of breeds is to be regretted, particu- larly 80 far as regards what wtis known as the true Canadian breed of horses — so well ad- apted for the country, and (or agricultural purposes. I know there have been objections made to their size for farm purposes, hut if this defect really existed, it is one perfectly capable of remedy by proper selection and judicious breeding and feeding. The form of the true Canadian horse was unexceptionable, and I have no doubt he would weigh consider- ably more in proportion to his height, than any horse of the mixed breeds we have at present. It would be impossible to find a more perfect shaped horse for draught than a first cinss Canadian horse, and while we have such animals in the country, the breed m'lg'.d be brought up to any standiard of size that would be thought necessary, by judicious manage- ment. It IS by careful selection and very judicious management, that other breeds of farm live stock have been brought to the great perfection they have attained in Eng- land. It is not actual size and height which gives strength to a horse, though size and height may bs necessary for certain purposes. It is the form of a horse that indicates strength or the absence of that quality. I tiave fre- quently seen horses of small size perform their work much better and with more apparent ease than larger horses. I do not advocate horses that are too small for their work as a considerable portion of our present stock cer- tainly are, from neglect in breeding ai.l insufficient fjod. The pure Canadian breed of horses when I first came to this country were of moderate but sufficient size; strong, active and hardy, well adapted to agricultural purposes. It is, however difficult now to find ony of thi:) breed in its purity, and iha croues with other breeds have not generally been an improvement, either in form, ■trnngth, activity or endurance. There are exceptions, I believe where the cross has been with imported English breeds of horses ol very good quality, and of very similar form to that of a good Canadian horses. Those have succeeded very widl, and havo enlarged the size of our horsfs. The true cause, however, of ileficiuncy of oize, is actually mismanagement, both in breeding and feeding, so that there is scarcely a good specimen ol Canadian horse now to be found. It must be a great loss to a country to have a numerous stock of horses not suffi- ciently strong for work ihoy have to perform. It is (juiio iiiipasiible that any breed of horses could bo kcpi up to the proper standard of size whilo there was so little iiiteuiion given to se- lection for breeding, in cither the male ortlie fonialu ; and the latter have in numerous, instances been nl lowed to breed when only two years old. We could not expect any other result from such mismanagement, but a (lwint ly fontiuing all stal- hum lo go al large on f, 11 Dt to breed from (luality, nor allow f proper age; ihirdly, ODS as are expected, 10 produce good, and ■SG simple rules were lorses supplied with birth, we should have of horses to those wo rses would be a very ate here, iljudiciously ^ the required standard '1 hero is a constant aitainable for almost zc that wc have now, ry much belter market 3ur horses vers what ire Canadian breed of • in neighboring Slates, i is almost impossible! :' the true breed. In ; every encouragement i|)tion of horses, both or sale to foreign cus- the farmers' doors to 1 price. If Canadian I stance from Montreal give due alienlion lol a icnsonable extent,) , perhaps, as well m iso; but, like allothc.: success and profit wil depend upon ihi dkill and good iiianagciiient bi^stowcd upon their brct'diiig and fieding. There aro many C'uiiailinn farmt'i.s who undorstiirid the moiiii'^cnient of horses much belter tiian I could itiform iheni, and keep excellent horses, but it is not fur such farmers that I submit these sugprostioiis. I iuii well aware that we linve as ^i^ood fiirnicrH iti Lower Canada as cnn Im found on this cuiitiiioiit, and wtio farm as well in cvtry depiiitnicnt as carl bo desired. Wo have aUo soire excellent live stock— liorscs, iiiv'il cattle, slieop and swiiio, and tliey aru well managed and attended lo. It is nor, however, (ijragricul- lurisls who uiiil(.'i.''taiid their o aiiJ jjasturu. If this eiiimate i« nearly correct, and that almost ail theae live slock, and this great extent of arable land, are only prodnoing now, half as much aa they ara capable of producing annually under a uelter syotcm of agriculture, should not this fact be suiricientto sho>v that the necessary improve- ments should be introduced by all means that are possible. It wo are satisHed our ayatem is defcciive, and that iheiie defects arc of such a nature as to be under our conlrol, and capnble of remedy, aa they unquestion- ably aie, there is no excuse for allowing a (IcfiTiive nystem to continue. One of the gieatest dilliculiies lo farmers in a new coun- tiy so extensive as Canada, was the want of easy access to market with llieir produce. Heretofore, this ciicumslance was felt to be a serious drawback, and excercised a very nn- I'iivorable influence on agriculture. Farmers had no encouragement to produce much in excess of the supply of their own wonts in simple food and clothes, from the difficulty ami expense of taking any surplus to market, and disposing of it. Now, ihis difficulty is tea great extent removed, and the means of rapid and cheap access to market is already very general, and likely to become more ex- tended every day. The Reciprocity Treaty has given us the United Slates for a market, in odilition to the markets we had before. It is nliTiost impossible that our position could be more favorable and encouraging lor the improvement of our agriculture. When I came lo this country, we had neither canal, railroad, nor turnpike road, and only about half a dozen steamers on all the numeroua rivers and waters of Lower Canada. Com- pare what we have been, with onr present proud position. We have ihe most splendid line of canals, completing an inland water coinmunication, that is unequalled in the world, for more than a thousand miles from sea, for sea-going ships and large steamers. We have over one thousand miles of railroad, and, I suppose, about five hundred miles more under coutract, and all these roads are constructed in the very best possible situations for aflbrding accommodation and convenience to all classes and interests, and 1 have no doubt, from the high character of our countrv, railroads may be extended to answer allour requirements. We have turnpike roads in- troduced as an experiment where most re- quiretl, and ihey may be extended by our INIunicipali'.ics where considered to be neces- sary. We have numerous bndgesover large livers, where there was not one ; and there is now constructing over the great river St. ,1^ i Lawrence— a bridge iliai wli«>n comploted, will b« lite grcaieat in ibe worlil. Our navi- gable river* and inland tea* are covered with ■teamera of all eorU and *\xf». We bave a weekly line of mail sieamorR, long Hitabliahed beiwenn England ami Halifnxi and a contract i» made for a similar line between England and Montreal to commence in spring. These advantages are all, or nearly all, calculated to act as an encoumgomeni to our agriculture, (provided the chargRs for trannport are not Uio high,)and I may say, that all these ad- vantages have been introilucod wiihin the last twenty-fiva years. In uddiiion to all these, our agriculiurc is rnpresenied hy a Department m the Government, and the LegiNlature have granted an aid of £260 annually to the Agricultural Socieiirs of each county, on the favorable cnmlition of the aooieties subecribmg the one-lhird of that amount among themselves fur the sume object. I enumerate the advaniages which our af;ricullurists have at present, and which they did not possess twenty-five years ago, There is another circumstance worthy of notice — that while the cost of transport of our produce to market has generally greatly diminished, the price of our produce has vastly increased. I must, however admit that with all these advantages, farmers had some draw-back, to which they were not liable previous to the year 1835. 1 allude to the ravages of the wheat fly, and_ to the potatoe disease. The first of these inflictious particularly, was a very great injury to agriculture in Lower Canada, and it waa the more felt, because farmers did not adopt the remedy of cultivating other crops instead of wheat, but clung to the cultivation of the latter grain before they had discovered means of checking the ravages of the fly by substituting new verities of seed, and sowing at a later season than usual, remedies which have been found to check considerably the power of the fly to damoge the crop, though It does not prevent the injury altogether. Under present circumstances the wheat fly is tiot so serious an evil as it has been. By skilful management, some farmers are able to grow very fair crops of wheat, and if some farmers can do this, others may do so by adopting the same means. The great ad- vantage of skill in agriculture is, that it enables the farmer to understand nn^ over- come difBculties that may arise, in tti") practice of his profession, which the unskilful farmer is unable to cope with. The mark< 'R of the United iStstes are open to us at present, venHnrs the cultivation of peas, barley, and ai^, is profitable as wheat, particularly it itiR> e latter grains are substituted for whee.t on hnds that are not siiiiablo for producing it in the greatest perfection. Farmtrs mav rest assur- ed that a good crop of peas« barley, or oats« which, I may add, are certain crops here when cultivated properly, will pay much better than an inferior erop of wheat, or any crop ol wheat that is under a fair average. The markets of the United States were not only closed to us by heavy duties twenty years ago, hut there was a considerable im- portaii'^n of agricultural produce from that country. Now these markets are onen to us, and the importation of agricultural produce to Canada may be said to be at an end. These advantages are more than suflicient to compensate us for the damages of the wheat fly and the potatoe disease, particularly now that a remedy for both these inflictions is better understood. I have no doubt that with the advantage of the Reciprocity Treaty, Lower Canadian farmers will find it iheir interest to grow barley, peas, and oats, rather than wheat, where there is any uncertainty of a fair crop. It is better to allow those who ran, grow wheat, and we can exchange the grain we grow in perfection for wheat. It appears to be a very proper subject of en- quiry, whether our agriculture has made that progress in improvement within the last twenty five years which might reasonably be expect- ed, under all the favorable circumstances I have enumerated, ^'o far as I am acquaint- ed with the subject, I have no hesitation in saying that very considerable improvements have been intioducer'j, and with every pros- pect that these improvements will rapidly extend ; but, ai the same time, it must be manifest, from this review which I have at- tempted, that our agriculture generally is still in a very backward state, and is susceptible of vast improvement in every department. My chit>fobject in preparing this imperfect review is to bring this subject, that is of such vital importance to Canada, prominently be- fore the public and agriculturists in particular, that means may be adopted to correct any defects that are found to exist in our system of husiiandry. 1 know that the progress of agricultural improvement must be slow but at the same time, we should accelerate progreei as much as possible. I must, however "j.' elude for the present, but I shall havb io tresspass upor you on a future occasion. AORICZJLTURE IN LOWER CANADA. I suppose it to be an established fact, that Agriculture was the first art practised by raan- !:'nd, and as it was the most necessary art trom the creation of the first man, Adam, we might n£i'j rally expect that it would by this iducing il in the I mav reit ucur- ^ barioy, or oait« tain crop* here will pay much of wheaii or any r a fair averago. I State* were not vy duties twenty coniiderabie im- ■oduce fVom that 1(8 are onen to ui| icultural produce be at an end. than au flic lent to igea of the wheat particularly now lese inflictions is 10 doubt ttiat wiih jiprwily Treaty, will find it iheir I, and oats, rather my uncertainly of ) allow those who can exchange the )n for wheat. It }er subject of en- ure has made that hin the last twenty lonablvbe expect- B circumstances I as I am acquaint- e no hesitation in ble improvements with every pros- )Dt8 will rapidly time, it must be which I have ai- re generally is still and is susceptible very department, ing this imperfect ct. that is of such , prominently be- irists in particular, ted to correct any xist in our system at the progress of nustbeslow but at accelerate progresi ust, however '^j.' it I shall havci (0 :are occasion. ITER CANADA. tablished fact, that t practised by man- nost necessary art It man, Adam, we tt it would by this St lime, have altaiod to the gronlcst perfuctiim it was capable or. Experience, however, con- vinces us, that though our teaching has con- tinued for a period of near nix thousand years, without the interval of hi i; year, except during the time of the FUtud covuring the earth we have not yet luarnod perfectly either the art or tl>? practice of Agriculture — notwith- stautiing ihi'i the art and practice is, by most EeriMiiin, consi:lered very simple and easy to e understood. No doubt the principles of the art are very simple, and coiiHist chitfly in first drainioff tlie laiui of superfluous moisture. Secondly,— broaking up the soil intended for growing crops thoroughly an f whatever variety, in ihe proper lasonaudiii t judicious manner. Fifihlj — po' '^ I How any p'oni to grow with iheculiivr^iei crjp, except snob plants as are the produce of the seed sown. Sixthly,— to esiuliligh Boine fixed rotation of crops, suitable tu the soil and the locality, and to carry out this plan of rotation ns closely as circumstan- ces will admit, oonttanily observing the ruleof not allowing tlie same species of grain or roots to succeed eiicii other upon the same soil for two years in succession, and not to cultivate any species of crop which the quality of the soil is unsuitable to produce in perfection. Seventhly, — when lands are let out of tillage with whatever object, to seed them down in- variably with some variety or varieties of grass seeds, and thus give the land a chance of being covered with verdure, as when first brought under culture, whether of grass or trees. This would be doing justice to the soil, for which it will make a generous re- turn. The subsequent management of crops I shall not discuss on the present occasion. In my Treatise on Agriculture! published many years ago, I endeavoured to describe this management, and I could not give any belter description now. Ifthe rules I have above enumerated were properly executed and carried out, we should not have nuch to complain - f In the tillage part of our agri- culture, ana, though they are very simple yet they are manifestly necessary to be observed, in order to insure good crops and preserve the quality of our soil from deterioration. No doubt, agriculture in every department, has attained to a great degee of perfeciiou id .ne Btilish Isles, though all circumstnnr-es con- sidered, this i>erfection is not surr :sing at this advanced age of agriculture, ^mmued from the time of Adam. Howeve ii would appear to be our duly to imitate th« improvt- mcnis so siie'-esafully introduced in Enitland so far as they have gone. Our lot has been cost in a country posspsting a very superior soil that has been left in n siaie of naiure— accumulating fertility, prutmbly mora iban 6000 years longer than nihei parts of ih* world BU|)|ioriing a lar^' population.. Un- doubtedly ili "'- are favornMn circumsiaoceit and we shnuiiJ sfiownur appreciation of tham, by endeavoring to nttnin ti high, if not the v«ry highest rank in the prnetice and productions of agriculture, as I am convinced we are capable of attaining. The Agricultural products sent lYom Lower Canada to the Paris Exhibition of the producta of all nations, were not very carefully select- ed, because there was not sufficient time or notice to make the selection, and it was so laie in the season that most of the produce was disposed of by aKriculturists, particularly ihe best samples. This circumstance I had ao oppoit unity of ascertaining in my capacity as Secretary to the Montreal Central Committee for the Paris Exhibition. But, notwithstand« ing theso unfavorable circumNlancea, almost all the products sent, except Fall Wheat, of which I believe there was not any sample sent, took first class prizes. I can further say, from experience, that there are hundreds of thousandsof acres of lands in Lower Canada of equal, if not a superior natural quality to the lands which produced the samples of g,-ai a ^., sent to the Paris Exhibition. Tbir ia an unquestionable fact, and why then should we be second to any country in any Department of our Agriculture, or the qality of any part of our produce be inferior ? Now is the time for action, when the products of Canada have attained so high a position when in competition with the products of the first countries on earth. We shall have numerous visitors to see the country whose productions and other wondera, stand so high in the Exhibition of the producta of allnatione; and it becomes our duty, in Older to secure a consistent character, that our practical system of Agriculture in every department, sliould be in strict accordance with the high character our products have attained in Paris. Probably many who have read my late communications on the state of our agriculture in Lower Canada, may be disposed to enter- tain a difTerent view of it from that which I have given. It is not by any means my wish to give an unfavourable view of our agricul- ture, but only to state things as they really are, and suggest improvements which I think might be advantageously introduced. Il may be replied that the changes I propose, if they liiil: 22 §• 'i i .• shall produce as of producini;, anil iiiows ihe country that we do so at :ircumsuince wor- 'e occupy, unless roving, must bo e (leieriornting, as of cultivailon and i'hat must result 1 liny will become lie fact connected to mention under IS been ascerlain- jr feeding of sheep nee on the value a) rule, whatever ly slate promotes aiol, and thereby vhaiever purposes oimd in England uliiciency of good ly, and the sheep eaU at that part the check to its With such facts ct from our sheep iih suitable food results of prac- e can best under- adopt. I have siaiistics of En- which were given rnwall, England, eminent French rchased largely nt them to France •reduce of wheat i the acre, and in 14 bushels to the :ept for each acre I sheep kept to 0,000 cattle are cc, weighing on VI. each, and in number of cattle 23 but weighing on average about 5 cwt. eacli- Though in this review, I have undoubtedly found great fault with the general management of cattle here,yet I believe the average weight slaughtered in Lower Canada would exceed the weight of the French Cattle, if the lectur- er was correct. But however all Ihis may bo, I conceive I was perfectly justified in all I have said in relation to our cattle and sheep, Our aim should be lo equal, if not surpass, others and not excuse any deficiency by im- agining that we are not inferior to other agri- culturists. I have trespassed lo a great extent 00 your columns, but 1 must b g your indul- gence a Utile longer before I can conclude my task. If any proof was roquirod to convince ns that Lower Ctinada was capable of producing excel- lent wheat, barley, oatg, peas, beans, timothy seed, &c., the PIxbibition of these grains on the 25lb of March, in the Bonsecours Market, at the instance of ilie County of Montreal Agricultural iSocety, would demonstrate the fact in the moat satisfactory manner. The samples, ■which, I believe, c.d'sisted of about 20 lasbels each, were numerous, and I may confidently say, there never has been a beltrr show of these grains in this country, than upon that occasion. There was no wheat exhibited except spring three months' wheat, of the variety Fife and Black Sea, all of which were of very superior quality, clean and unmixed. Of course, spring wheat could not be expected to compete in appearance with choice samples of fall wheat; but with this exception, I have no hesitation in stating that the grain of every description exhibited on the occasion alluded to, would compete favorably, and, I have no doubt, successfully, with any samples of the sime varieties that could be produced in Canada West, or in the United States. I have had opportunities of seeing exhibitions of grain in both countries, and, as 1 have slated, with the exception of fall wheat, I have no doubt Lower Canada can compete successfully with any part of North America in the production of any other grain, and also in hay, and every variety of root crops. I admired particularly the samples exhibited, for their perfect cleanness, and appear- ance of being unmixed. The Montreal Agricul- tural Society are entitled to the thanks of agriculturists for this judicious move, and 1 hope they will have an annual exhibition. Tbe premiums paid were very liberal, and amounted to about £45. The greater part of the grain was the production of the Island of Montreal, though the first prize wheat was from the Isle Jesus. I allude to this exhibition of grain as an encouragement to agriculturists to iutroJuce improvements in their a\ stem of husbandry, i, where it may be required, as it must be in every •; instance where there is not favourable and S remunerating results obtained from farming. I t We may be assured, if wo take the trouble to '^ enquire, that the excellent sumplcs of grain exhibited at Montreal on the 25th of .March, W8« not produced by chance, but tb«t ia every instance, good samples resulted from skilful and judicious cultivation and management ; and any farmer who desires to produce similar aamplea of good grain, W'U be certain to succeed, pro- vided he adopts the same skilful and judicious cultivation and management of his land. These are evident facts that cannot be controTerted. The successful agriculturist has the same climate, and generally no better soil than the most un- successful agriculturist, and, therefore, the yery different results obtained by each from their land and labour, results solely from the cultivation and management of the soil. Farmers need not expect to excuse their want of success, by com- plaining of iosufBcieut capitol, ^c. I bare known many persons here, who, with scarcely any capital to commence with, have succeeded in making themselves very comfortable, if not independent, and altoge.iicr by their skill, industry, and good management in agriculture. Any excuses for bad management in the practice of agriculture should not be admissible, while better management is possible. It is quite absurd for a farmer, when he witnesses the suc- cessful practice of another farmer, to suppose that he could not adopt the same practice. The feeling that should animate and predominate with every agriculturist ought to be a desire to equal, if uot excel, those fanners who practice a judicious and successful system amongst them. I cannot understand why any farmer should rest contented witli raising only one-third or one-half the produce, which he sees another farmer can raise with the s^ime climate, and on soil that is not naturally better than his own. If I see my neifjhbor's land well drained, well ploughed, sufficiently manured, good crops growing upon it, free from all weeds, live stock of fair quality, provided with sufficient pasture — while my own land is not well drained, is not ploughed in the best manner, has not an adequate and regular supply of m.anure judiciously applied, my cropi not very abundant or cleau of weeds, my live stock not of good quality, or having sufficient pasturage, surely 1 cannot be at any loss to account for the different results obtained by my neighbour and myself. Hence it would appear, that there is not in reality any excuse that our system of agriculture is not generally better than it ij. I am sorry to be obliged to admit, that what we should undirstand ns good farming, is tbe exception, and not the rule in Lower Canada ; nevertheless, there is sufficient speci- mens or cxaui])les of good farming in every district, to show what it is, for our instruction, and this removes all ground for excuse for continuing a deftctive system of husbandry, because we cfin see before us continually, the practice, and tbe results obtained from good husbandry to encourage us to follow the exam- ple. It may probably sur[irise farmers, when I tell them, that the productions which are ob- t lined from the most defective system of hus- liaufiry,Knd the least expenditure of labour and capital, cncts the farmer more per bushel, than tbe pr.jduclioii wiiich results from the most per- \) i > % lili III I ! J : 24 feet sjstem of agricultare, and the ample but ntenunj, and judicious expenditure of capital and labour, practised in Oanada. The farmer who is able to raise a produce of 30 bushels ot wheat per acre, and of other crops in the same proportion, can do this at less expense per bushel, than it will cost the farmer per bushel, that will only raise 8 or 10 bushels of wheat per acre, and of other crops in proportion. If we compare the average produce obtained per acre by one of our best farmers, with the average per acre obtBined by the great bulk of Canadian agricul- turists, who practice a defective system, we shall be able to form some estimate of the great ad- Tantage of a good system, and the very great loss to the country generally, which results from a defective system of agriculture. I would be the last who would recommend a large and extravagant expenditure of labour and capital in agriculture^ because I know that beyond a certain limit it would not be expedient or pro- fitable to do so. In fact, capital should only be applied so far as its employment lowers the cost of agricultural production. This is the grand secret of all improvement, and where the cost of production is not actually diminished in propor> tioh to the expenditure, I would not consider it an improvement in agriculture. The skilful agriculturalist, who employs capital or labour judiciously in the cultivation of land, is sure to diminish the cost of production, or as I before observed, he will raise a quantity of produce from his land and labour that will not cost him near so much in proportion to quantity, as it will cost the farmer, in proportion to qnantity, who raises the least produce. In the present eircomstances of Ganadii, if we desire to main- tain the credit of the country, and the high character we have attained, the improvement of agricultnre is no longer -a matter of choice or fancy, but a matter of comparative necessity. All tbe great things that has been done for us, and the fine thmgs that have been said of us, will be of little avail, if we do not help ourselves, by making a good use of what has been done for the encouragement of agriculture, and thns proving that we are not unworthy of the high character we have attained with the world. We should endeavour to come up to the full standard of perfection in our system of agricuU ture, when we have abundant examples of a system that is very near perfection. I think I am perfectly justified in stating, that upon a well managed agriculturnl establishment, of which there are a great many to be seen in the British Isles, if not in Canada, the practical art of agriculture, in every department, including tbe management of land, the live stock, and the implements employed, are as well understood, and brought to as great perfectioL, as ia the pro- duce of any other art or manufacture practised in Britain. The improvements in agriculture are decidedly gnod, both as regards the increase of quantity, and the improvement of quality, — and this is more than can be said in relation to all other arts and manufactures. There is no manufacture practised by man that can com- pare with an agricultural manufactory that is well conducted, in the excellence and perfection of its productioFS. There is no deceit or deception in a fine animal, or in the productions of a well managed field or garden. I have never seen any of the products of manufacture brought to so great perfection, and bo free from deterioration as are the products obtained from a perfect sys- tem of agriculture, — where the animals of every variety are of perfect form, and adaptation for their several uses, — and the products of the field, of the finest quality, without any deterio- rating mixture. We cannot bring our oxen to the size of elephants, nor would it be advisable if we could do so,— nor can we bring the grain of wheat to be the size of a horse bean, and I believe it would not be an improvement if we did. Animals, and field productions are, how- ever, brought to a high degree of excellence, if not to actual perfection, and if this can be accomplished by many agriculturalists, I cannot see why it should not be possible to all, who would employ the same means, with a favorable climate, and a naturally good foil. I mention these circumstances because agriculturalists are often taunted as being behind this age of pro- gress, in the improvement of their art. No doubt many farmeis are very backward, indesd, in adopting the necessary improvements in their system of husbandry; but I am persuaded, nevertheless, that agriculture in numerous in- stances, has attained greater perfection than any other manufacture that we are acquaint- ed with. This is an important point achieved, in favour of general improvement. And it is no wonder that agriculture should have been brought to this great perfection. In the Bri'ish Isles, the best educated and the most wealthy of the community are engaged in agriculture, and connecting science with prac- tice, work it out in the most judicious and suc- cessful manner ; and thus, by their capital, ex- periments, and example, instruct and encourage tenant farmcs to adopt improvements that are proved to be advantageous. This is a proof of the vast importance of education to agricultural improvement. Without any wish to give the slightest offence, I may submit that uneducated men certainly may be induced to adopt improve- ments which they can see practised successfully and profitably before them ; but improvements in agriculture seldom originate with them, though they may work them out when they have a good example before them. Agriculture is a science that can be best explained by actual experiments in the field, and it would not have attained to anything approaching its present perfection in Britain, were it not for the lead taken by the wealthy and educated, by having these experi- ments judiciously made, both in the field, and in the management of their flocks and herds. It is from these circumstances only that agriculture, in all its branches, is brought to greater perfec- tion in Britain than in any other country, so that it has become the admiration and example of all the civilized nations of tbe earth. The subject of education has been fully I dncnsspi bly ; bu sion to structior the ayat should n of th • ftg professio that edu( eclualiy any resp? trade ; does Qut and he th only fitte I hare fre rlous effe country, posefl to ists. Thi educ'itlon practice o iuded to, sclunce to of wltnes live pract results ol causes ope men, and only fit fo weTlthy c suresandi I the farm f strange th J tion have ' there is nn '^i them in th :|cept what ; not the mc V other prof( I education ■f their ftitiir lany simila i': population :^etandard a Jart of agri< I part of the ' are excello books on t would be I events, sue that there and art of i profession, imaiiy a tas derstand i [likely to fe whatever t^ 'qualified pc 'the subjec 5;; However i ' neglected, which woe be for the {i lit should 1 |iiiost perfec rr In earni hoiilfl imp 25 1 mBDufactory that is Eellenee and perfeotion 8 no deceit or deception produotioDB of ft well I have neTer seen any ifacture brought to so ree from deterioration ted from a perfect sya- re the animals of every rm, and adaptation for the products of the r, without any deterio- inot bring our oxen to would it be advisable jan we bring the grain if a horse bean, and I an improvement if we , productions are, how- legree of excellence, if 1, and if this can be ;riculturalists, I cannot )e possible to all, who neans, with a favorable r good {loil. I mention use agriculturalists are lehind this age of pro- ent of their art. No very backwftrd, indeed, r improvements in their but I am persuaded, ilture in numerous in- iter perfection than any it we are acquaint- an important point general improvement, bat agriculture should this great perfection, best educated and the imunity are engaged in ing science with prac- lost judicious and suc- 3, by their capital, ex- instruct and encourage mprovements that are lis. This is a proof of [ucation to agricultural any wish to give the ubmit that uneducated iuced to adopt improve- practised successfully ; but improvements in tate with them, though when they have a good griculture is a science 1 by actual experiments not have attained to present perfection in tie lead taken by the having these experi- ^oth in the field, and in locks and herds. It is only that agriculture, ight to greater perfec- y other country, so that ion and example of all e earth, ition has been fully dwdisaod lately in the Leftistlivtivc Assem- bly ; but I was surprised to see no allu- sion to the necessity that H'Tritems of rotation have had tlioir ;^, origin, taking the quality of the .soil into cousid- ® eralion. ^ [n the Brtish Isles, where the farmers have lo pay |S|, heavy rents on short leases, there mi,i.;'lil be some '¥ excuse or justiilcation for farmers deteriorating tthe lands by severe cropping ; but here no such necessity exists, and consequently no such ifsjustitication. Farmers are proprietors, and if they |^;eshaust the soil by tillage beyond the point con- sistent with good management, they will be sure to pay dearly in the end for every crop forced from the land unreasonably. A farmer who is a pro- prietor, cidtivating his own land with skill and experience, if he tmderstauds the quality of his soil, and state of his field, will know what crops are most likely to grow well in each ; he will know what is most in request, both for his own use and in the market, and he will act accordingly. But if he allows his land to be impoverished for want of rest or manure, or to run wild with weeds, he does not exercise the experience, judgment or activity necessary to make his profession and pur- suits profitable, whatever his skill or experience may be. The system of rotation is adapted for every soil, though no particular rotation can be given for any one soil which will answer in all cases. In some situations much depends on the kind of produce for which there is the greatest market demand ; indeed, this will influence rotations directly or indirectly in everj' situation. But whatever the system of rotation that is followed, if the several processes of labour which belong to it are properly executed, land will rarely get into a foul or e.x- hausted state, or at lca.-l. if t'oul oic.\hauste(l un- diT a judicious rotation, nmtters will be much worse when no proper system is followed. The particular crops which enter into a system of rotation must be such as are suited to the soil an(l climate, varied by local circumstances, such as the proxinnty to towns, where there is gener- ally a demainl for potatoes, carrots, turnips, hay, ifcc. In a thinly peopled district, peas, beans, tares, hemp flax, summer fallow, clover and tim- othy, might be interposed between corn crops on day soils, and potatoes, carrots, Indian corn, clo- ver and timothy, on dry loams and sands. A vari- ety of plants such as beans, peas, tares, hemp, flax, Indian corn and carrots, might occupy a part of that division of a farm which is allotted to green crops, and on good lands, well managed, these plants might lie grown to prepare the soil for grain, without perhaps resorting' to summer fal- low, except verv rarely when the land is very foul. A farm of strong, rich soil, divided into six fields or enclcjsures, miglit have half the farm under difTerent species of cereal grasses, or grain crops, pca.^, beans, tares, roots, or plain fallow; the other half under cultivated herbage, meadow and pasture. The rotation and distribution of crops might be the following: — One field or division, equal to one-sixth of the arable land, to be under wheat, if the soil is suita- ble, and the wheat a variety that will resist the fly ; if not, barley or oats should be substituted. The wheat to succeed green crops or summer fal- low, and the land, with this crop, or any other crop substituted for it, to be seeded down invari- ably with clover and timothy, or other grass seeds. Second field, or one-sixth ploughed in the previous fall, after pasture, to be in peas and oats, or per- haps all oats. Third field, or one-sixth, (following after oats and peas the year before, )to be manured with beans, peas, potatoes, carrots, and mangold wurtzcl or turnips; and should the farmer be un- able to find manure for the whole division, he may fallow the remainder, or sow tares, or some ether green crop which he might plough in a manure if necessary. This last division will be prepared for wheat or barley the ensuinif spring, and be seeded down with whatever crop is sowed. The other half of the arable land, comprising three fields or divisions, should be in meadow or pasture. One field or divi- sion, equal to one-sixth of the whole, coming annually into tillage, to replace the division seeded down yearly with the crop of wheat or barley, as before stated. On farms of light or sandy soils, divided into nine fields or enclosures, the tillage should not exceed one-tlurd of the arable land, or three fields in tillage, and six in meadow and pasture. By this rotation the land would be under grass six years out of nine, instead of three out of six, as in the first rotation, the management and course of cropping for the part in tillage to be the same OS that laid down for the rich or clay soil, vary- ing the distribution of crops to suit the quality of the soil, and introducing Indian corn in this rotation. It may be expedient to vary from these rotation!. 1' 1 ! \ \ , > i V I- 28 The experienced fftimer will underatimd wben and ill what manner it ^vill be prudutit lo do so, I believe, however, that the more nearly the rotation adopted in Canada is conformable to thuse general rules, the more certain will be tlie profitable improvement of agriculturo. This gj-stera of con- vertible husbandry is tlie most suitable to the pre- nent circumstances of this Province, and of British America. Under tliis c.o'irso of husbandry tiie lands would be constantly in good heart, capable of producing abundant aud i-xcellent crops, and though the largest portion may l)e undci' cultiva- ted herbage aud grass, 1 am well (lonvinced the gross produce of the land, and the farmer's profit, may be augmenteil two or three fold, if the pro- duce he judiciously applied, and the rearing and feeding of cattle, ^r the dairy and the shambles, extensively introduced. Peas, beans, tares and roots may be raised in tiiis rotation In great abun- dance, for feediug cattle and hogs, aud a great quantity and a bolter quality of grain produced in one year, than under tlie present system of farni- ing can be produced in two. " No food, no cattle ; no catlle, no dung ; no dung, no corn ; is a maxim that ought to be fixed in every farmer's mind." Not to repeat the same kind of crop at too short intervals, is a rule, with regard to the succession of crops, that ought to be strictly observed. Whatever may be the cause, whether it is to be sought for in the nature of the soil, or of the plants themselves, experience clearly jjrovcs the advantage of introducing a diversity of species into every course of cropping. On new land, or land that has been pastured several years, before it is again brought under the plough, there may be less need of adhering steadily to this rule ; but the degeneracy of wheat, and other corn crops recurring upon the same land every second year for a long period, has been generally acknow- ledged. Wheat, it is supposed, cannot be grown in per- fection, on an average, more frequently than once in every five years on the same land. Beans, peas, potatoes, carrots and red clover, that may be called green crops, become in many instances less productive and much more liable to disease, when they come into the course, upon the same land, every second, third or fourth year. What the interval ought to be has not yet been ascertained, and fl'om the great number of years that the ex- periments mnst be continued, to give any certain result probably cannot be determined until the component parts of soil, particularly the sort of nourishment which each species of plant extracts from the soil, have been more fully investigated. All good farmers will, however, avoid overcrop- ping, or treating land in any way so as to exhaust its powers, as the greatest of all evils. A new system of cultivation has been lately in- troduced in England, by which it is said that large crops of wheat arc produced in succession annu- ally, upon the same land, The whole of the land is cultivated, and the wheat sown in drills three feet apart. While the wheat is growing, the in- tervals between the rows are deeply and frequent- ly cultivated with the spade, and immediately after the crop is reaped wheat is sown in rows upon the cultivated intervals, without the application of any manure. The crops thus raised lor several years in succession, are said to be as large as if the whole of the land had been sown. This cir- cumstance can only be accounted for by supposing that ihe deep and frequent stirring up of the soil, and exposing it to the atmosphere, has a very beneficial inlluence, and counteracts the ill effects produced by repeating the same kind of crops upon the same soil for many years in succession. This system, however, is not likely to come into opera- tion in this country under the present circumstan- ces of abundance of land, with a high price for labor. I do not pretend, in this short notice, to do more than sut)niit what I conceive to he the most judi- cious {dan for sub-dividing ordinary farms, and a simple outline of the rotation of cropping which mjght be introduced. This plan of draining and rotation is not alone suitable to farmers in the Seigniories, but may be introduced on farms of every description, and io every .section of the country. Whatever may be the system of sub- dividing draining, and rotation of oroi>s adopted it must have a vast influence ujioirnhe aelual profits derived from farming. Where there is not a proper rotation of crops observed, it is not possible to keep land in proper condition, or profitable cultivation ; and wi h a proper rotation carried out, tipon land sufficiently drained from superfluous moisture, sufficient man- ure may generally be obtained, and profitable crops produced. 1 understand that a proper ro- tation implies that all manure that can be made upon a farm shall be judiciously applied at the most suitable season. As regards the natural productive powers of the Canadian soil, it is, 1 am persuaded, generally equal to that of any country on earth, and with judicious cultivation and management, crops of every sjiecies and variety, usually grown in Eng- land and France, might be produced in Canada in great perfection, with perhaps the exception of wheat, which latterly has become very liable to injury by the ravages of the wheat fly, though there are some varieties of wheat that resist the the attacks of this destructive insect. The climate and soil of Canada is also extremely favourabU for tha production of hemp ; and all that is re- quired to bring flax and hemp into extensive cul- tivation, is, that we should have mills provided! to dress and prepare the fibre. The cultivation of' these plants could not be introduced here to anv advantage hitherto, in consequence of there not being mills to prepare the fibre. If parties were to purchase hemp and flax when produced by the farmer, it would encourage these productions, and make up, in some degree, for any deficiency in the wheat crop from injury by the wheat fly. i would observe, however, that this insect is not confined toCanada but is eqiially, if not more de- structive in many of the States of the Union Both our soil and climate are favorable for Agriculture, but the success of the Agriculturisti mainly depends upon the skill and industry with which he practices his art, It is an established i'iwn|-|'ll^-ni- 29 al is sown in rows upon ithout the applicatiou i thus raised lor several id to be aa large as if been sown. This cir- ninted for by supposing stirring up of the soil, tmosphere, has a very niinfcraets the ill effects ' iaiiie kind of crops upon irs in succession. This id y to come into opern- tho present ciruunistau- , witli ft high price for abort noticp, to do more ive to he the most judi- ig ordinnry furmn, and ition of cropping whicii i.s ])lan of draining and table to ftirmcrs in the ntrodiiced on fiirms of ) pvpiy section of the be the system of sub- tation of cro]is adopted uence upoiTthe actual )roper rotation of crops ! to keep land in proper ultivation ; and wi h a t, upon land sufficiently noisturc, sufficient man- btnined, and profitable stand that a proper ro- [111 ure that can be made iciously applied at the productive powera of im persuaded, generally itry on earth, and with management, crops of usually grown in Bng- e produced in Canada in rhaps the exception of 1 become very liable to the wheat fly, though )f wheat that resist the tive insect. The climate extremely favourablt ip ; and all that is re- lemp into extensive cul- Id have mills provided bre. The cultivation of i ntroduced here to anvf nsequence of there not fibre. If parties were to s'hen produced by the e these productions, and for any deficiency in iry by the wheat fly. 1 that this insect is not equally, if not mere de-g ! States of the Union nate are favorable for !ss of the Agriculturisti skill and industry with: 't, It is an established i principle of good husbandry, that whatever the rotation, land must be well drained, well ploughed, sufficiently manured, good and unmixed seed made use of, the crops kept clear of weeds, nnil every work executed in proi)er season. The live stock of every description must be well chosen, managed judiciously, and well kejit ; and the products of the dairy must be mauuf'acturcd so aa to insure the best articles of butter and cheese, and the higiiest prices of the market. It may be expected that I should state the aver- age produce in Lower Canada, but there is sucli a wide range in this average that I could scarcely venture to do so, with any pretension to accuracy. Products depend so much upon a variety of cir- cumstances, of soil, cultivation and management, that you may see in one field an excellent crop, while on the next farm the cropis poor and scan- ty. I shall therefore only state what soil of ordi- nary quality may be brought to produce in ordi- nary seasons, under a judicious system of hus- bandry and good management : — Wheat, in con- sequence of the wheat fly, has, for the last few years, been an uncertain crop ; but even within that period I have known it frequently to produce 30 bushels per arpent. But between 20 and 30 bushels of spring-sown wheat are very commonly produced per arpent on land properly cultivated, but without any extra expenditure in cultivation. Fall-sown wheat succeeds occasionally, but is too uncertain a crop to warrant cultivation to any great extent. Barley from 25 to 40 bushels per arpent. Rye not much cultivated. Oats from 20 to 40 bushels per arpent. Peas from 15 to 25 do do. Beans about the same. Indian Corn from 25 to 60 bushels per arpent. Potatoes, free from disease, from 100 to 200 bushels per arpent, or perhaps 300 bushels. Carrots, Parsnips, Mangold VVurtzel and Tur- nips, produce very good crops, except the latter, which is very liable to damage by the turnip fly. Flax and Hemp produce large crops under pro- per cultivation ; but neither plants, particularly the latter, are cultivated to any great extent. TlLL.\GE. In my review ofthetirageof Lower Cana- fla I shall only refer to that which I consider defectively managed. There is a considerable portion of arable land managed in ilie very be^t manrier, and producing excellent crops of every species, and ihereforc there is no neces- eiiy 10 suggest any changes to farmers who already understand and practice a system that is h'th productive and profitable. My object is to suggest impmvement when they are manifestly required, in order that every partof our arable lands shall be managed in accordance with the established rules of good husbandry, and produce abundatu and remun- erating crops of every vaiiely cultivated in Canada. Wherever the practice prevails of having too large a |iiopoitiuM u( each farm nnnually in li lage under cereal crops it is veiy objec- tionable, and cannot fail to deteriorate the soil, and render it unfit for producing remuner- ating crops, particularly with the mode of ciiltivaiiun generally nilopted m a large portion of Lower Canada. The usual plan is to have nearly one half of the arable land ploughed in the fall or spring, and sown with wlifat> oals, peas, and perhaps barley — and veiy rarely any manure is applied, e.vcept occa- sionally upon a small part, which I shall here- after refer to. The succeeding year this division of land is allowed to lemain waste without having had either clover or grass seed sown on it, and conse(|uently it only producer weeds and natural grasses, afl()rdinga poor pasture for the farmers' live slock until it is again ploughed up at the end of the year. The second division of land is ploughed up when the first is let out waste, and is cropped in the .tame, way as the first division, and when the crop is off', this also is let out of tillage as the first, without any grass-seed or clover sown upon it. This alternating system is carried on for an indefinite period, and 1 have no doubt it has in some instances been con- tinued fura century or more. Uence the land receives only one ploughing and one harrow- ing (neither executed in the very best inanner) in the year, producing one crop which can scarcely be expected to be large or remuner- ating from such management. This mode of cultivation is inconsistent with any system of good husbandry. Land constantly cropped in this manner with grain, without any green or hoed crops intervening, or summer fallow to clean the land, must become full of weeds and roots of natural grasses. The year the land is waste, let out of tillage without cither clover or grass-seed, encourages the growth of weeds, natural grasses and vermin, so that it is almost impossible to have a clean good crop u pon it the succeedin.g year when again brought into tillage. Wild peas and other seeds of weeds get mixed with the grain produced, if not separated from it when it is again sown. The grtjin that isgenerally sold in our markets is very generally mixecl to a considerable extent with these wild peas and seeds of wetds and hence it is almost impossible fur any farmer to keep his crops or his lands fiee from injurious weeds. This nuitsance cannot too soon be put an end to. The ploughing which the land receives is always in the same direction — and never cross ploughed, so that the soil is not at any time broken up or pul- verised as it should be in order to prepare it for producing a good crop. There is not one ciioumsiance connected with this mode of i; 1'^' 30 : li < a i) Piiliivntiori lo recommpii(] hs cnnliiiueil prac- tice. Tlie frost ami siiowuf wintflv iincloubt- tdly have a very beneficial influence upon ploughed soil, pnrliculfjrly if it is 6trong clay, nnd drained sutticit-ntly ; niul 1 have no doubt f»nr crops would not be even so good ns they ar«, only for this beneficial action of the frost nnd snow upon iho soil. With regard to general management ami ihe application of manure, it CDuld be sciircely more objection- able. Most formers ninko use of n part of iheir manure annually for frrowiny potatoes, Indian corn, and garden vogeiablus for their families, but as I stated in my first commu- nication on this siibjoct, I do not believe that ihe green crops annually cultivated amount to two per cent of the arable land of each farm. I should except, perhaps, land culti- vated with potatoes for the supply of towns. The remainder of the farmer's manure, except that employed as I Iravo stated above, is generally left in the yard, spread over a large surface until the month of Juno or July, and frequently for many yeais, and consequently its best qualities a^e BulFared to evaporate, or be washed away with rain or snow water. This manure is ultimately carted to the field in summer, and thrown down in cart load heaps, exposed for three or four months to the summer heat, so that by the time it is spread and ploughed into the soil in the fall, it has not much value as a fertilizer. There is another objection, that when this manure is taken to the field, the ciuaniity placed upon one acre, would be suilicient for five or six acres, if it bad been properly managed and distributed. Hence, while only one ante is manured, five acres equally requiring to be so, are left without any. Perhaps there may be from twenty to filly uores of land ploughed in the fall upon an ordinary sized farm, and not a tenth part of it manured in the slovenly way described above. In my fiist commu- nication I endeavored to describe the defects in ploughing and the consequent imperfections in harrowing, and there is no necessity to repeat whai I said on this f^ubject. If how- ever, ploughing and harrowing were executed in the most periect manner possible, we could not expect ihal good crops of grain would be produced in cootinued success-ion upon the same land, every alie-nate year, otdy receiv- ing one ploughing and hari owing in two years without the applicrition of any fertilizing substance, except upon a small proportion. Thismodeof cultivation might succeed upon a new fertile virgin soil, but it will not answer upon lands long in cultivation under a very de- fective system of hiinbandry. I know farmers who raised very fine crops last year, butcei- luitily not by sucii a system of agriculture os I have described. Why ahuuld we cling to a defective mode of farming while we see other farniersadopting improvements with complete success and certain profit. It might not be prudent or advisable to cultivate green crops upon the same prO[)orlioniite scale to the whole land in tillage which they do in England, but if we have not a duo proportion of green crops, we should make up the deficiency by suinmer fallow. It is absurd to expect that we can ever gtow the large crops said m be produced in oilier countries, if we do not adopt the modes of cultivation necespar) for producing large crops. The soil is bountiful, but it will not give, give, conirnually, unless treated gener- ously by good cultivation, and rendering back to it some return for its bountiful gifts to us year after year. Farmers who understand their business, adopt some plan of rotation, and when they take up land for tillage, they invariably manure it one year dm ing rotation generally with a hoed green crop, and when let out oftillage, it is seeded down with clover and other jjrass seed. Every farmer should fix upon some plan of rotation, and endeavour lo work it out. To ])lough less and plough belter, would he onn of the necessary improve- mciitii we should introduce. Very many far- mers waste mijcii valuable labour on tillage that docs not roiiiiitierate by the pi'oduce ob- tainscl. If only h.-ilf titu larid usually in til- lage was ciiltivatod in conformity to the rules ol good husbandry, it would yield a larger produce than the whole of it does at present ; and the remaining half of ihff land would be reposing under grass, affording ample" pasture to live stock, and gaining in fertility every day, until taken up for tillage in the leaular course of rotation, when the first part wotJld be let out of tillage,and laid down with clover and grass seed* to repose, and improve without any cost to the farmer. Would not this be a better i)lan than the present practice of turning up a large extent of ground, that does not produce haLfa crop one year, and the next year produce scarcely anything until again torn up. Farmers tuny be disposed to set a high value on the pasture obtained from the land the year it is waste atid not ploughed — but except in very rare cases, I would not estitnaie at much value, land left in this waste for only only one year, without having either clover or grass seed sown upon them. With- in the last two years I had opportunities of seeing land left in this waste state, that was of excellent natural quality, and which I am convinced, 'did not yield pastunige for the season that was worth two shillings the acre, indeed, in numerous instances, the slock lilMiiitli*^ /Wfliiliiiliii 7 31 pastured upon tliem, must have sutlertul greatly for want of sufficient food. How I much better it would be to have these wastes I going through the regular process of summer tallow, preparing the soil fur yielding a good crop the following season. Part of these wastes might be sown with some crop to be ploughed in green as manure. I know it is necessary to let ihe land rest every alternate yedr under the system of Agriculture which prevoils, or it would very soon not yield any crops ; but I object to the whole system as fauliy, and at variance with all the rules of good husbandry, and not practiced by any ! skilful agricultniisi. I hope my reinarks I may not jjive otll-nce, but if I expect to etlect liny good, it is nocessary that I should deal plainly willi the defects which I know to exist in our systoni oi" husbandry. If I did not endeavour to prove their existence by point- ing them oiii, farmers might not perceive them to be derccis, but altrib'ie scanty crops ' to other causes rather than a defective system — or 1 might say, the absence of all system. Perhaps no man would venture to address farmers as cordially as 1 do, but I presume upon llicif favour, in consideration of the many years I have occupied myself on this subject, that thi V will not be otTended, but give me credit for jood intentions towards them, how- ever they may dlHer with me in regard to my views and suggestions. I persevere almost against hope, and persuade myself, that by constantly bringing the subject of improve- ments before agriculturists, they may be in- duced at last to give my suggestions some consideration. I desire no more than to have suggestions considered, and am perfectly con- lem that any proposition of mine shall be carefully exmiiined, and rejected at once if not found correct, reasonable and as practica- ble as they are necessary to the success of agriculture. It may be very well to talk of improvements, but in agrituiture I would not consider any change in our system would be an improvement, liiat could not be demon- straled to be profitable. Houses, gardens and domains may be improved (l)rihe convenience and satisfaction of their owners; but improve- ments in agriculture arc expected tn be remun- erative, as farmers have not money to ihro\\' away, and 1 should be the last to suggest or recommend changes or improvements which I did not feel convinced would yield a money profit if judiciously carried out. From the best cultivated soil, we frequently see a pro- duce that is not of the best (juaiity, occasioned by excessive luxuriance in a favorable season, with rather an excess of moisiure at a certain I'lMiod o( i!ir growth uf llir; crops, which cau- ses it to lodge. This circumstance, however^ does not diminish the fertility of liie land, al- though it may diminish the value of the grain, and may perhaps check the growth of the clover and grass nueA sown with ihe crop. It is possible fur the skilful farmer to prevent in some degree this excessive luxuriance, by applying remedies which ate in his power, but this must be done previous to, or at the time of, seed sowing in spring. The application of salt ut the rate of from five to ten bushels to the acre, is found to check excessive luxuriance, or at least to give strength to the straw, that it will not lodge or fall down. Not to sow the seed too thick on rich land is another prevpiitive, and deep ploughing, raising soire of the sub-soil, is one of the best remedies that can be adopted. We are, however less subji-ct 'o have onr crops lodged in this coimtry than in England, be- cause we have a drier season. The applica- tion of lime to the soil would, I have no doubt, be a great improvetneni, where it does not al- ready exist in the soil in sufficient quantity. The straw of grain crops will not be strong where the soil does not contain some lime in it — naturally or artificially supplied. There is one circumstance certainly in favor of the system of husbandry which 1 have been find- ing fault with, that the crops will seldom be- come lodged from luxuriant growth. Perhaps more has been done within the last few years by the (Government and Legislature of Canada, for the encouragement of agricul- tural improvements, than has been done for a similar object, by the Government or Legis- lature of any other country on earih. About twenty thousand pounds currency has been annually appropriated lothisobject, undertwo excellent Acts of the Legislature. There are .57 agricultural societies how organised ^n Lower Canada, in conformity to the provi- sions of one of these acts, besides three of the counties that have not any agricultural society. I suppose an equal, if not a Irirger number of societies, are organised in Upper Canada. Some of the Societies of Lower Canada, I am sorry to sa.y, iiave not subscribed sufficient to entitle them to receive the fuU amount appro- priated for each county, and £750 is also unappropriated, in consequence of there being no agricultural societies organised in the coun- ties of Kamouraska, Porineuf and Montmo- renci. The agricultural societies have the expenditure of these liberal and ample funds, except 10 per cent reserved in each section of the province for holding an annual agricultu- ral and industrial exhibition. It would be al- most inipossihle ihai more liberal and judici- ous eiicouragoiiiciii could be given. 'J lie agri- \ ' n2 i ciiltiirUif of ilifl country linve the complete management RnJ di4|io.pr in the cultivation of the soil or the management of live stock ; and it is the duty of these socie- ties to encourage farmers to introduce the changes and improvements required, or tlio public money which they annually receive for this purpose is little better than wasted. it is a qnestion of considerable importonce that the Government ollowance to ugrirultu- ral societies should be so employed as to produce the greaicst atnouni of real improve- ment where it is most required, — and it would appear that the esiubiisliment of one or two •• Economical Model Farms," by Oiich societVf in conformity to the provisions of the Act. 16 Vic, chap, 18, sec, 9, would be one of the best means that could be adopiod for the rernedy of the defects that exist— particu- larly in the Seigniorial sections of Lower Canada. The general introduction of some regular course of rotation of crops, is one of the first improvements required — next to sufficient draining and good ploughing. It is out of the ouestion that we can have good stock, or good crops, unless by chance, until we establish a regular rotationof crops, where the land will be cultivated properly and crops of various kinds succeed each other, and the soil receive a thorough breaking up and clean- ing, either by hoed crops or summer fallow — once in each course of rotation and never be let out of tillage without being seeded down with clover or grass seeds. When we have our farms judiciously sub-divided, well-drain- ed, and under a regular rotation of crops, we may then expect to have good stock— but not before. If OUR or two farmers cnuhl be induced in the limits of each agricultuiiil society, to esialiliih fi iudirious plan "I roiaion and cropping, and general good management of land and stock, priaes miyht be awarded — suppose £50 to the best, and £25 tothe second best annually — during the working out of the rotation agreed upon, provided it was contin- ued to the end, executed systematically and in a proper manner. The farms to be inspcci- ed at leost four times in the year by iwoor three competent judges, duly appointed bytfie society. Of course due regard should be hsd <.sed, however much it would ultimately p: (. /e for their actual profit. The amount of the piizei I propose may be thought insufficient, but I hope there is not a county in Lower Canada where two or three (armers ray not be Ibund to make the experiment suggested. The pri- zes continued for five or six years would pay for any extras that might be required in order to have the farm and establishment worthy the object sought — lo be a pattern for others, and to prove the advantages of a regular and judicious system. The farm should be judi- ciously sub-divided, fenced and drained, and all the other work of the farm carried on in the most economical manner. Unless the faim was contlucied and managed in such a man- ner as to show other fanners that they may adopt the same plan without inconvei icncc or difficulty, the •' model farm" would be ut- terly useless. A model farm on a large scale would not, I fear, succeed well in Lower Canada at present, and might turn out to be only a "bad job." No (loui)t ill) agricultural school with a mi)del larin at (a*, lied, estatilisfied in each county, \\(juKl answLi a good jinrpn.>e, provided every I'lirtrfir--""^^-' S3 d manogement of r)ii bo awarded— l£25totheMCOi»t working out of i he led it was coritm- ^9'einalically and arms lobe iiispi'f'i- lie year by <«'"<"■ y appoinitid by tHe. lard should be Iih(I ^rm 10 be ielectfid ,ot see why ibwro in raiablishing ami lisfiiciorily. A» I ^es that would l>« r iiusbaiulry should \ not well be con- )vement8 : and ad- reci, the plan 1 sug- ro prizes of JE-O and vho wou'd have the break throuph ionm odes of cultivalion irofiiable, and odo|)t I be belter and more perience, ll will be d be no necesMty ii> what it would be tor ,t as it is a woll es- ers who have not re- are not fon.l of trying from old habits, it d out some pecuniary the plan pr)p<'Sed, ultimately li^ '■■ '^ f«»r amount ol" the pii/.e-J insulficient, but 1 in Lower Canada rs ray not be tound upsesicd. The y)ri- sfx years would pay be required in order pmhlishment worthy a pattern for others, s;e3 of a regular and aim should bejudi- ;\ and drained, and rm carried on in the , Unless the faim ged in such a man- ners that (hey may hout iiiconvei icncc farm" would be ut- re scale would not, I 'rCanada at present, only a "bad job." school with a tniMltl pd in each county, kia-e, provided evrry •d department was properly conducted ; but ihit is nut so easy a matter, and m\%\it be found a more expensive machinery than would be compensated by the amount t^Rocd produced. At all events the municipalities might take the matter up, and establish such institutions if Ihey consider thai (liey are advantageous. I propose that we should make the best use of the funds already at our dit«pited. produolog from three to four quarters of good grain, or from 24 to 32 buvheii per acre, which I nave known farmers to raise here, by nroper cuUiration and management ; and if one rarmir oandoso, whatis to prevent othurs doing so? To obtain favorable results in agriculture, every act of husbandry rouut be dune well, in the right manner, and nt the right time : and tn order to be able to accomplish this, the best implements, the best and cleanest seed, fiound practical ex- perience in the art of agriculture, and close per- sonal attention, is actually necessary, — and without all these qualities combined, and ia action, we need not expect large products from our lands. I have not had sufficient opportunity this spring to see what progress has ucen raado in sowing and plantincr, but I know there has been a f:ivorablo time for both these operations, where anything like justice has been done to the land last '"all ; and at this date tho spring work should be very fir advanced, with all agricul- turists who are dnsiiious to " do the work well, in the right manner, and at tho right time." Peas, beans, oats, barley, Indian corn, vetches, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, mangold wurtzel, might all be sowed from the lirst moment the land wos in good condition. Thore It no injury to be apprehended from sowing all these crops as early as tho soil is in a tit stuto to receive the seed. When the soil is in a good state of pre- paration before sowing, and left properly drained after aowing, the agriculturist has done his part 80 far, and he may confidently hope f.r favorable results ; but he must not relax his attention, or neglect the after cultivation and Wfoding that may be necessary, until the crops are nt maturity. It will be fortunate for those farmers who have availed themselves of the dry weather to sow and plant all they could, previous to tho late change to rain. At this period of the spring, it is quite necessary that most part of the work should be finished, and that we should only have the wheat to sow. In our rather short seasons, the seed should be put into the soil as early as it is pos- sible and expedient to do so. In preparing wheat for sowing, the seed should be steeped in a strong pickle of salt and water, the grain frequently stirred, and the light grains skimmed olT and separated. After steeping a few hours, the wheat rnay be drained out of the pickle, and dried with lime, gypsum or wood ashes, before sowing. The clover and grass seeds should be sown after the wheat has obtained the first harrowing, and these seeds should be also harrowed in with a light harrow. If guano i.' "pplied, it is con- sidered a good plan to harrow it in with the wheat. The quantity should be about two cwt. to the acre, previously mixed with dou'le that qiiantity of salt, if conveniently procurable at n fair price. If salt cannot be bad, wood ashes might be substituted. This applioatlon would bo rather expensive bere ; but if the land is suf- ficiently fi-rtile, there i« no necessity for guano , To sow wheat, honever. where there Is not siiri fluiant fertility tn the soil to pro« ilrillih Tsleii. In thodn rountrii-s the moit cmi- iirnt tnlfnt and sciontiHc skill Is engaged, and liberally paid, to study and explain the best, moans th*t can ho cniploypd for alvancing the improvement of huslmndry. These nhle men give public lectures upon the mo)t important i|u<'8lion3 of Agricultural practice, discussioui take place, and (]U03lions are proposed nnd rciilieu to. These lectuyrs are given at the great nnniinl meet ngs of the National Agricultural Soci('ti<;a of Kugland, Ireland, nnd Hooiland. The Kngli.sh Socieiy of Arts, the Royal Dublin Socii'ty, the amithficld Fnrmertt' (Jlub. and at many jirovlnclnl Agrii-uUiiral eetings. At these mcetlrigs the audience U composed of noblemen, gentlemen, and fir- lers of education, who ore able to nppreciuio hat Is submitted for their considcratiun, and .vlio are not slow to act upon any sugRcstion nd reconimondutlon proposed, which ai^pcnrs f) promise to bo advantngeous. If wo have not ."■». at present, the ndvnntago of hearing Agrl- ultural lectures and discusaions, we can, never- boless. profit by thera aa they aro r(»pnrtod to 3 froni our native land ; and ^vo have the fur- her advantage, that improvements proposed by ecturers, if demonstrated satlsfactorl y, have cen put into practice, their merits fairly te.stid, nd the results ascertained, so that wo need not ncur any ilik by adopting imiirovenionts al- eady succossfully tested. Ii has been constant- y my object in pII my Agricultural communica- ions, to bring under the consideration of farmers n Canada, Agricultural Improvements that ave been successfully practised in other coun- Ics. I know that I may have opportunities of earing of these improvements, that other far- ers have not, nnd It is my desire that they hould be made acquainted with every iraprove- aent that is being introduced in the first Agrl- ultural country on earth. It is no advantage to e that I should do this, if I was not nnzious hat Agriculture should attain to a high degree f perfection in Canada ; and there is nothing ore annoying to me, than to see some of tho nest lands In the world, not producing half he crops they tn? capable of producing. It is lOt Agriculturists alone, or even tho inhabitants f any one country, who are interested in the luccess of Agriculture — the whole population of ha earth, however variously occupied, are deep- y interested in Agriculture, and that it should e 80 conducted in every nranch and depart- ent, that the lands should produce the greatest ossible quanti'y, and of (he best quality, for the se of mankind. People talk of commerce and ■ade as if they were the source of all wealth, and e only object worth the ambition of all educated lasses, that are not proprietors of landed estates, nd they also appear to suppose that commerce nd trade must precede agriculture, instead of llowing it. Commerce and trade has unques- onably been extended and increased within the resent century in most civilized countries, but ore particularly in Britain — her widely ex- uded Colonies, and iu the United States, and vii^t fortunes have beenncmiired in thololtervof oomtncreennd trade, and thii luocesit of a row, Ii4s acted as an attraction and encoaragement to young men of cdueatiim to venture in thii uncertain lottery rather than In agrlculturo. when there wore very few larifi pri/.ps to be gainea There is, I believe, a very prevalent raiatake In regard to the real cause of the extension of com- merce and trndo within the last fifty years— and I \rtii>i confllently attribute It altogether to tho kill, industry, and enterprise of thone engaged 1(1 trade nnd commerce. I nm convinced, how- ever, that so farns regards (ireat Britain and her Cidonies, and also the United Htates, the great incrcas't of trade nnd commerco is solely to b« attributed, nnd i.4 the consequence of tho vastly augmented produciionofagriculture nnd popula- tion In the HilM-ih Isles — in tho widely extended (lolonlal Kniplre of lliitain nnd in tho United Slate', with whom Britain has largo commercial trnnaaction?. Tho increased productions of the laiidi of Hritvln and her Colonlefi, and of tha lauds of the United Slates, within tho last 30 or 40 years, la fully equal to any increase of trade and commerce within the same period, however great tliu latter has been. Tiiese are facts that are not generally brought forward lo promi- nently as f icts relating to the Increase of com- merce nnd trade, though the latter facts, most certainly, are produced by the farmer, and de- pend altogether upon their existence. Tho pro- duce of tho soil, created by the skill and labour of agriculturalists, is tho only true source of all wealth, and commerce and trade can only bo heilthfully extended and supported, in propor- tion as these products are augmented in quan- tity and excellence. I mention these circum- stances, which I beliovo to be incontrovertable, in order to shew that the mei chant, the manu- facturer, and the whole population, not only of tl.i3, but of every other country, are indirectly interested In the improvement of agriculture, as much as those vt'ho are directly engaged in that occupation. A country of scanty production can never bo rich or flourishing, or have either trade or commerce, unless all her inhabitants are manufacturers ; and if so, they do not require to occupy large tracts of land, but exchange their manufactures for tho products of the soil of other countries. Many of the cotton lords of England, whose vision and ideas were confined within tho width of their extensive manufacto- ries and of their great bales of cotton, have endea- vored to convince the people that England might not only exist, but prosper and flourish, inde- pendent altogether of her agriculture, when at the same time the annual value of the agricultural productions of the British Isles were five times as great as the value of manufactured goods an- nually sold to foreign consumers, and when Bri- tish agriculturalists were the principal custom- ers for manufactured goods sold in the British Isles. These subj cts are, however, becoming better understood and appreciated, now that the occupation of the Corn Law League is all over, and agriculture is in a very different position from what it was a few years ago, not only iu 36 II - England but in Canada, and I confidently hope that it Will, yer^ soon, by general consent, attain fully that position here to which it is entitled by ita importance above all other occupations. At the late Paris Exposition of the produc- tions of all Nations, the products of the soil of Canada attained a deservedly high chnracter, and proved, beyond all doubt, the capabilities of the country for successrul agriculture. The pro- ducts contributed by farmers to send to Paris, were those resulting from good husbandry and skilful daily management, and although equally good products might perhaps be furnished by many other farmers, yet, those who did contri- bute them, were entitled to the thanks of the community. Canakin the field, you must have strong and well constructed imple- ments. The best implements are the cheapest in the end, they are fast supersed'ng inferior imple- ments at home, and they will, no doubt, in time, receive the same preference, whenever they shall be put fairly to the task. Tbe value of solidity and strength was fully recognised in the implfr* plements akin to ploughs~>'drags,scarificersand broad-shears, by which so much «f the labour on the best conduced farms is done effectually." In reference to draining the lepott says J—" It is understood now that draining, not only keeps the land drier during the rains of winter, but keeps it cooler and more moist during the beats of summer, preventing the baking of the surface by the sun, and promoting the constant progress of vegetation. It is the foundation of all im- provements — the first step in the path of good cultivation." I believe tbe draining is not much practiced in France, and it appears tbat on the importation of English tile machines into tbat country, there is a very heavy duty. And this heavy tax upon English tile machines acts as n discourag mentto tile making, and retards drain* ing in Fiance for the present. AoRiCDLTunAi, Products.— Under this heading I shall OTiIy give the following extract :— "Amid all the beautiful specimens of wheat from Algeria, from Australia, from Van Die- men's Land, from Canada, it was admitted that no single specimen equalled in excellettce tbe specimen sent from South Australia to the Exhi- bition of 1851. It does not appear from the in- formation that has reached me, that these fine grains, sown in this country, retain the excel- lence of their original type. Grains matured under a hot sun form, according to the com- monly received opinion, the most valuable seed ; but m the case of wheat, the practice seems to bo the reverse of this. It is cer'ain tnat our strong and prolific wheats are imported Urgely iato France for seed. Not less than 5,0f>0 quarters (40,000 bushels) were imported early in last autumn for this purpose. These strong and coarse wheats, no doubt, refine in color and in quality under a more southern sun. It does not appear that the exchange of tbe fine grains of the south to our northern latitudes, is at- tended with r.esults equally advantageous. It would be desirable that some care^l experi- ments should be made, to induce to greater cer- tainty on this point of so much interest." These latter observations are deserving of consideration by Canadian Agriculturists, who may be desirous of experimenting on new seeds. I sowed some Australian wheat of beautiful 3H !-^, M U quality, ond it progressed mo«t luxuriantly un- til it camR into ear, and was then connpletely destroyed by rust. I have never seen any other wheat have the same luxuriant appearance as the Australian during its progress until it came into ear, but then it failed. I, however, made only one experiment, and that is not sufficient to ascertain how it might succeed in Canada, I have been always under the impression that seed wheat from southern latitudes, and when there is not much rain in summer, will not suc- ceed in more northern latitudes, and where con- BiderHbly more rain falls during the summer and autumn. I come now to that part of Mr. Denison's report, whicli refers to the interesting question — " Wliat progress has been made fince 1851," in the agriculture of Britain. Mr. Denisons says:—" A reply may be confident- ly given that progress has been made on every side. In Machinery, in scientific ac- quirements, in field practice, and to snch an extent the productive powers of Britain have more largely increased within the last four years than they have within an equal space of lime at any former period. In machine making, though some interesting novelties have appeared, the characteristic feature has been the constant improvement tending to perfection, of our established implements, and a great extension of their use through the body of the farming community, a fact significant of the superior intelligence which is now brought to bear on farming affairs, promising a sure and constant progress. First on the list in point of interest, first in its remarkable increase, stands steam ma- chinery. It was a very remarkable thing, that in the year i851our firm, Clayton (Ij- Shuttle- worth, of Lincoln, a firm not known to the agricuhural world ten years ago, should have sold in one year 140 portable steam engines. Since 1851, the annual progress has been as follows:— 1852, 243 engines; 1853, 293 do 1854, 263 do; 1855, 491 do; in all 1390— having an aggregate horse power of 8701, or an average of nearly seven horse power per engine bring an increase of power etiualtotwo horses on each since 1851 " Mr. Denison says that 00 per cent of those engines were sold to agri- culturists. He mentions a.iother circi'mstance that Messrs. Garret, have sold to one foreign customer from Hungary, not less than £8,000 worth of agricultural machinery, and many other machine makers have sold a large a- muunt of implements to foreign customers since the Paris exhibition. The demand for improved implements by English agricultur- ists is rapidly increasing every year. JMr. D. observes : — " It may be imagined by some that too much stress is laid on the value ofim- I roved implements. It may be worth while to examine the point more closely." He then makes a calculation that the sav- ing by the use of good implements, and drain- ed land, is equal to 8s. 6d. per acre in every way upon a farm of 200 acres— or one third of the rent — say 25s. per acre. He says that the difference in lal)or by ploughing drained, and undraincd land is very great. The great- est improvement in culiivaiion and manage- ment have taken place in strong lands. Draining is the cause of all these improve- ments. Draining now better understood and generally well executed in sufficient depth, has changed the character of whole districts turning unmanageable and unprofitable soils into easy worked a. id productive soils. * * * Draining operations are carried on by means of the public loan, the capital of private companies and individual proprietors. Of the loan of £1,000,000, the sum issued for works in each of the last three years have been —1852, X410,476; 1852, £318,637; 1854, £322, 7>8; total £1,051,813." Mr. Denison thinks that lands drained by the public would not be more thsn one-fourth of those drained by private capital. And in that case the to- ta' sum expended in draining for the last three years would be £5,257,615, and allowing £5 as the expense per acre it would exceed 1,000, 000 acres drained. Here is an example. We know how vasii s thorough draining improves strong clay land particularly, and how land in England, that was not worth 2s. 6d. per acre, has, by thorough draining become some of the most valuable and productive land in thai part of die country. I am convinced that thorough draining properly executed in Can- ada, on a large portion of our lands, would have an equally beneficial effect. Want of sufficient draining is in this country one of the most injurious defects in Agriculture. In England they consider it the first and most profitable of all ii provements, and the want of it the greatest defect and loss to the Agri- culturist ; and from my own observation, I am persuaded, that draining should be regarded in the same light in Canada. In the Brit- ish Isles, where great land proprietors are generally vvealthy, Parliament has, neverthe- less, loaned a very large amount for draining. Ifsuc.'i aid was considered necessary in Britain, how very much more necessary is it in C'anada? and it might be as safely loaned here as there. I met a gentleman in May last, who told me that £50 which he had re- ceived from Government last year for distri- bution to farmers in his parish for the purchase of seed, had bf fln all returned except a small amount which he ex|)ected soon, and he ex- n:^ \i e worili while to [)sely." >n that the sav- ient8, and drain- r acre in every —or one third of IJe says that •ughing dfrained, 3al. rhegreat- n and manao;e- strong lands, these 1 mpro ve- il nderstood and utficient depth, whole districts nprofitable soils ive soils. * ns are carried on the capita! of dual proprietors, e sum issued fur years have been e3l8,637 ; 1854, " iVlr. Denison he public would of those drained that case the to- for the last three and allowing £5 lid exceed 1,000, in example. We aining improves , and how land in 2s. 6d. per acre, become some of ctive land in that . convinced that jxecuied in Can- jr lands, would jffect. Want of s country one of Agriculture. In e first and most ts, and the want 3ss to the Agri- abservation, I am )uld be regarded I. In the Brit- 1 proprietors are nt has, neverthe- )unt for draining. 3d necessary in necessary is it in IS safely loaned nileman in May which he had re- it year for distri- 1 for the purchase 3d except a imall icon, and he ex- .39 pressed great saiisfaction that he should have it in his power to return the full amount to the Government. 1 do not know how it may have been in other parishes ; but I do not think that money loaned under similar cir- cumstances, in arjy parish in Britain, would be 80 promptly returned. Thoui^h I may be very candid in pointing out defects in Can- adian agriculture,I am delighted when I have it in my power to report any circumstance that is favorable to Canadian Agriculiurisls. I do not think it would be possible to find in any country on earth a bei'er disposed or a better conducted rural po|)u!ation, than that of Canada. The only fault I ever could see ill their character, was ihetr backwardness to introduce the improvements necessary in their system of husbandry, and improvements that could not fail to be advanlaaieous to them. As a further proof of the progress which Agricultural improvement has made since 1851, Mr. Denison alludes to the vast quan- tity ot Peruvian guano imported by Messrs Gibb of London, for the last three years:— "1852, 118,000 tons ;1853, 105,000 do; 1851, 177,000 do, making in all 430,0i)0 tons by one house. Allowing £12 per ton for cost and carriage, the sum expended amounts to £5,160,000. To this must be added the large outlay on linseed cake, on bones, rags, on minerals containing fertilizing principles, on lime, on plaster, Sfc. With these combined efforts on the part of the owners and occupiers of the soil, there can be no danger in asserting that the productive powers of these Islands have largely increased, and are continually gaining new force." Mr, Denison in speaking of Agiiculturul Chemistry, names several able chemists who by their investigations and experiments dur- ing the last few years, have done much for Agriculture. There cannot be any doubt that the publications and lectures of the late Professor Johnston, of Baron Lcibeg, Lawes, Way, Nesbit, and many otliers, have had a most beneficial influence upon Agriculture, and were the means of enabling the former to conneot science with practice in the culti- vation and management of his animals and his crops. The results of the great Exhibition of 1855 are highly flattering to Agriculturists of the JEfritish Empire, and quite fully sustains the opinion I submitted in a former communication that the produciions of agricuhure both ani- mal and vegetable, had attained a grreater perfection, compared with the agricultural productions of other countries, than any other productions of the empire had attained, com- pared to the same class of pioductions of other countries, flie advice of Mr. Denison at the conclusion of his report, is well worthy the attention of tho agriculturists of Canada as much as those of the British Isles. — "We call upon the farmers to continue and increase their effotts ; so alone will they be able to keep pace with the demands made upon them by a population ever increasing in numbers and in wants, and to maintain the place ia the front rank which they now honorably hold." It should be very satisfactory to Canadian agriculturists that the products of Canada at the Paris Exhibition have been found every way worthy of this the first colony in impor- tance,— of the first agricultural country on earth. This is a position we may well be proud of — and now that we have attained this high position, we are inexcusable if we allow a defective system of husbandry to prevail in Canada. The agricultural products both animal and vegetable and the agricul- tural implements of Britain, have attained the highest place, "the front rank" in the general products of the Empire, and there i'» no doubt they will always maintain that rarjk. The agricultural products of Canada at the Pans Exhibition, were described by a most competent judge as a most " magnificent col- lection," and this collection was not selected from farms that were of superior quality of soil, or from any particular section of the country that was favoured by a superior cli- mate above the general climate of Lower Canada, but unquestionably tbey were ob- tained from farms that were well cultivated, and under a good system of management. Our greatest ambition should be to bring our general system of husbandry to that degree of perfection, that at any time we might make a " magnificent collection of products" taken by lot, from all sections of Lower Canada. It is no advantage to the farmsr who annually obtains a scanty produce from his land and labour — who hears df and knows to a certainty that other agriculturists obtain annually large products under similar circumstances as re- gards climate and the natural quality of the soil — unless he endeavours to understand the cause of this diflerence and r^oves oi cures the defects in his own system of husbandry. A good example is advantageous for instruc- tion, if we endeavour to learn by this example, and adopt improvements which we perceive to be beneficial and profitable to those who prac- tice them. Skilful agriculturists may come to Canada and settle there for their own special advantage, but there is no doubt that their doing so, and introducing the practice and example of a good system of husbandry, is I 40 ! ■ i ^^ every way calculated to confer a great benefit U|)un (he country, if farmera wlm require in- struction will only follow the example of good husbandry so far as it may be manifestly pro- Htable for them to do so. I am more and more convinced every daVi that in order to check the growth of wecd« in Lower Canada,a regular rotation of crops must be observed, and worked out carefully and strictly. Without this regular rotation and (hurough cleaning of the land at certain intervals, we cannot subdue the weeds, or prevent them being very injurious to culti- vated crops, and to meadows and pastures, Thistles, wild peas, wild mustard, crows-foot and the ox-eyed daisy, prevail to a great ex- tent in many farms and localities, and unless we can check them, they will be sure to ex- tend every year by the falling of their seed upon the soil, and by mixing with the manure. 1 believe it to be necessary that where there is any chance of seeds of these weeds mix- ing with the manure, this manure should not be niade useof, until by active fermentation the vitality of all seeds that might be mixed with it, would be completely deslroj'ed. I have experienced the injury of top dressing with town manurs not properly fermented. No doubt there is a loss in allowing manure to ferment very much before using it, but while seeds of weeds are allowed to mix with it, or while these seeds are by any means brought into the farm yard, their vitality must be de- stroyed pisvious to the manure being applied to the soil ia any way. We cannot kee,) our lands clear and in profitable condition by any short cut process. If we wish to subdue bad grass and weeds, we have to destroy them thoroughly in the soil before we lay down our lands under new grasses, and this can only be done by a regular rotation of green crops, &c., by 8umme. fallow properly executed or by burning the surface, and the roots of all bad gra!>^ur lands in good condition, and tiisrefo e it be- comes necess#y to resort to other means of cleaning our landr , nnd summer fallow will be found the most convenient and efficient, but that process must be commenced in the fall and completed during the succeeding summer, and if not properly executed by the utter destruction of all grass and weeds, it will not answer the purpose sought, or pay for the expense, and the loss of the land for one year. Tares, buckwheat, or other crops are sown for ploughing green into the soil as manure, but when this is done on soil very foul with weeds it Cannot be properly cleaned, and the weeds are sure to grow again. There is no doubt, however, that to n'ough in a green crop as manure where weeds do not prevail, and other circumstances are favourable, answers a very (rood purpofte, but the farmer must exercise his own judgment in all these cases. No farmer requires to be told that if weeds and grass are simply ploughed down with green manure, they will be sure to vegetate and grow up again. They must be destroyed, taken out of the soil, or buried so deeply, that they can- not vcgeiaie. j^dJing manure while grass and weeds or their seeds or roots are in full vigour in the soil, only produces agdin grass and weeds in greater abundance, and while they are allowed to grow with out crops, we need not expect the latter to be good or pro- fitable. I presume it cannot fail to be very interes- ting to Canadian agriculturists to near that in Franco, the nation with wiiom, fortunately Britain is now in close and friendly alliance, the improvement of agriculture ia made a Government question, under the '• Minisier of Agriculiure, Commerce and public woriis," and that *he second " Universal Exhibition nf Foreign and French breeding Stock, Agri- cultural Implements and Produce," has just closed at Paris on the 7th of June instant, after continuing for 14 days. The encourage- ment ofTered as premiums were u|)on the most liberal scale, and the Government pro- vided a free transport for foreign stock from the time they entered France, to Paris, and also their return from thence to a shipping port, besides providing provender for them and every possible accomtnodation, free of expense. I did not add up the premiums oflered, but they must have amounted to several thousand pounds sterling. There are separated classes for the difiereut distinct breeds of animals, both foreign and native, and the "General Regulations" are admirable. In fact, any one who feels an interest in the progress of improved agriculture, must be delighted to see the French Prize List, Gen- eral Regulations, and all the ample and judi- cious arrangements made for carrying out succesiifuUy and usefully the greot national Exhibition, so as to be worthy the g.cat nation that has taken up the matter for the benefit of the people of France. This is unquestion- ably a move in the right direction by the Emperor of the French, and will be produc- tive of more real benefit to France than all the wars she has ever been engaged in. how- ever successful. The number of live stuck and agricultural implomoiits sent from Eng- 41 foul with weeds I, and the weeds 3re ia no doubi, a green crop as )revail, and other , answers a very I must exercise lese cases. No at if weeds and own with green Bgetate and grow troyed, taken out y, that they can- ure while grass roots are in full ices agdin grass ance, and while h out crops, we be good or pro- be very interes- its to hear that !iom. fortunately friendly alliance, ture ia made a the '• Minister d public worts," sal Exhibition of ng Stock, Agri- )duce," has just of June instant. The encourage- were u|>on the rovernment pro- eign stock from to Paris, and i to a shipping render for them lodation, frets of p the premiums ve amounted to ling, There are IfTercnt distinct ign and native, i" are admirable. interest in the ilture, must be Prize List, Gen- ample and judi- br carrying out e grept national the g.eal nation for the benefit is is unquestion- direction by the will be produc- France than all ingaged in. how- ber of live stock sent from Eng- land, Ireland and Scotland, has been very large and Ireland gained l5 prizes on stock, and the gold and silver medal for flax and cereals. It was said that Her Majesty the Empress of the French became the purchaser of a beautiful Kerry cow belonging to Mrs. O'Reilly Dease, that had been awarded the 1st prize in her class ■£20, and the price of the cow was said to be from £40 to jGSOJ A great number of prizes were awarded to British exhibitors for stock, implements, &c. The Exhibhion al- together as I have seen il described, would have been worth a journey to Paris to have witnessed it. I believe the number of animals exhibited was over 3000. From my long study of Canadian Agri- c!ilture, and my particular connection with it for many years, it appeared to me that an agricuhural implement establishment, for the sale ofthe most approved implements as they came into use, would be very necessary towards the progress of agricultural improve- ment in this country. In the jBritish Isles, such establishments are very numerous, and farmers have brought under their notice con- tinually for purchase, the very best imple- ments that can be invented and manufactured. Having no such establishment in Lower Can- ada notwithstanding the high character of our agricultural products, I was induced to en- deavour to have this want supplied, and ad- vised one of my sons to establish an agricul- tural v^arehouse and seed store, and lie has had this spring a considerable assortment of implements and seeds, and by giving orders any implements in use in Britain or the United States, may be had with as little delay as possible, and at a moderate comml -• on the first cost and charges. The store i di- ready supplied with imported English ana Scotch ploughs of the most approved make, and an extensive assortment of samples of English implements are to be imported im- mediately. As, however, these implements are expensive, it would not answer any good purpose to import on a large scale, 'vithout a ccfiain prospect of selling them. It atTords ni« great satisfaction to have it in my power to acquaint the agriculturists of Lower Canada that there is un establishment of this descrip- tion over the St. Ann's Market at Montreal, a central situation, accessible to all parts of the country, and any agriculturist who will take the trouble to visit the warehouse, will tind that he can supply himself with imple- ments, and with field and garden seods of the very best description and quality, upon mo- derate rerms. As regards hand agricultural implements, that a'^e obtainable in this country there are not better to be had ia any part of the world for lightness, excellent material", and suitableness to the work to be executed. The advantages of a certain supply of imple- ments, seed Sfc would have been highly prized here a few years back. These advanlagen are now in the farmer's power, and the success and usefulness of the establishmrnt will de- pend upon the agriculturists of the country. When good implements are brought under the notice of experienced agriculturists, they are so well acquainted with their usefulness that they only require to see them to induce them to purchase. Hence it is, that good far- mers will have all the good implements thf y require, while unskilful and careless farmers have such implements as are in accordance with a defective mode of husbandry, and a scanty produce lesulting from this bad farining. This is a certain ecnisequence of a defective mode of agriculture, that the implements of husbandry are inferior, and not the n^.ost suit- able for executing the work to be done. Tho experienced agriculturist is sure of those im- plements that will do the work in the easiest, the cheapest, and the best manner.and this can never result from the use of inferior im- plements. One of the most certnin evidenc(?s ofthe progress of improvement in sigriculturo in any country, is the general use of good and perfect implements, suited to their vaiious uses. And as a proof of this, I may refer to the great perfection ofthe English implcmenis of husbandry that are at this moment as su- perior to any of ihe world, as are the products of her agriculture and her domesiic animals. I allude to these circumstances in order to remind farmers that £!ood implements are a necessary part of good husbandry, and thut such implements may be had to purchase al- most at their doors. Guano of the best quality I believe, is also to be had at this warehouse in any quantity required, and any other fer- tilizing substances might be obtained there by ordering them. The result of my experiments and expe- rience of the present season, confirms the opinion I have always entertained, of ihe ex- pediency, if possible, of early sowing and planting, as the best and most certain means of ensuring a favorable produce of crops in the harvest. Since the visitation of the wheat fly, farmers have found it necessary to procure a variety of wheat that only requires about three months from the time of sowing to bring it to maturity, and it has been th"i general practice in Lower Canudu for ihe last few years, to defer sowing this wheat untl the last week of May or the first week of Jane, in order to escape the fly. To this late sow- ing there are nuraerous and seriouu objections. UK « Ill i 42 h ^ I ^Irst, iTiat the land remaining so long plonghetl bef >re it is sown, encourages the growth of gra!>8 and weeds, that are generally in the soil, and hence they commence to vegetate liefore the seed wlieat is sown, and are always in advance of the latter until the crop is har- vested. The second objection is, that at that advanced period of the season^ the soil be- comes dry and hard, aT)d if the weather is very dry about that time, the eprouting of the seed is retarded, and the final succeesof ihecrop very uncertain. The sowing of cio-ver ana grass seeds at that advanced period seldom succeeds, which is another great disadvantage. I admit if we sow wheat, that the sowing must be deferred vntil after the 2Ist of May or later, perhaps, to escape tlie fiy, unless we <3an flaw it previous to the last week of April ; and this I ihiak is possible in most seasons. Karly sowing did not this year prevent the damage which crops of barley and peas have sustained by the unfavourable weather through out the month of August, but this was an un- usual occurrence, and late sown crops were just as liable to suBer damage by such weather as those that were at raaturiiy at the time. Long cortinued rain in August can scarcely fail to produce rust, and lodge heavy crops of grain. And when this occurs while ihey are in agreeu state, the produce is never of much value. Fife wheat was sown on the 18th and 24th of .^prii for experiment, and although the month of May was cold and backward and unfavourable for vegetation, the crop is now harvested and scarcely injured by the lly, ex- cept in some ears of a ditTerent vaiiety that liappened to be mixeil with the seed, and those ears are only injured in the extreme top. — This experiment convinces me, that early sowing, if possible to execute previous tu the 21st of April, will be the best period for sowirg spring wheat, and that the pure Fife and Black Sea wheat will be the best varieties 10 sow of any yet known in Lower Canada. 1 suppose many agriculturists have ascertain- ed this fact to their own satisfaction: but those who have not, may rely on the experiment I report, as having been fairly made this year on land of light quality, well drained, but not under-drained, and no manure was directly applied to the crop. I know by past experi- ence, that it is often possible to sow wheat und other grain in Lower Canada previous to the 21st of April, on land properly prepared the previous fall. 1 have sown wheat as early as the Ist, the 4th and 7th ot that month, for three different years, and while we had ouly spring wheat that required four months to ma- ture from the time oisowing, it was consider- ed to be too late to sow after the end of April. Now that we have got a species of excellent wb^at that only requires three mouths to ma- ture from the time of sowing, early eowing would be very advantageous, and save the CTop from much risk by rust or mildew, which is «o frequently the consequence of lato sowing when we experience such weather as we have ibad daring (he last fortnight. Early sowing ia advisable for every crop. we culiivate. Our «pTing never commences until April, andoftea not until nearly the end of the month. As our fleasons must consequently be short, we should consider that the last day of May should ter- minate the season of sprmg, and the time for executing the spring work, otherwise our crops will not have a fair chance of the growing season, if the time of sowing aud planting is allowed to extend into the flummer, the crops have notthefuU advantageof theseAsonthough short it is, to come to perfection. Short sea- sons are urged as an objection to liowier Ca- nada, but I think not veryjuslly. The skilfi^l Agriculturist will be able to manage lus busi- ness so as to produce good crops and in good season. Wemay not always produce a general crop of wheat equal to agriculturists South or West of us, nor of Indian corn, but 1- have no hesitation in saying that Lower Canada will yield an average enviable produce, including every variety of crop cultivated, together wiin meadow and pasture equal to, if not of greater value annually, than any other agricultural country in North Ameiica. I presume that this proposition may be questioned, but I am confid«nt I should be able to prove it satis- factorily. I admit that Agriculture is in a backward state in Lower Canada ; but we have many examples of good husbandry to show what the country is capable of, and even in its present state, generally, is not much in- ferior to the general state of agriculture south or west of us. There are numerous defects in our system of husbandry ; but defects exist elsewhere, though perhaps not exactly of the same description, but equally contrary to the rules of good husbandry. When we perfectly understand our climate by past experience, we should adapt our sys- tem of husbandry to tlie climate and circum- stances of the country; and if we are prevented from ploughing for several months in winter, it requires increased activity and industry in the spring, summer, and fall ; and we should not forget to be thankful, that even in winter the frost and snow acts most beneficially upon the cultivated soil of the agriculturist, wbo ploughs and drains his land in proper manner. The farmers in England would be very glad if they could have the advantages we deriVe Iff a^ r the end oT April, ecies of excelleot ee mouths to ma- 'ingt early eowing , and save the crop mildew, which is ice of late sowing 'eather as we have , Early sowing is re culiivate. Our itil April, andoftea 16 month. As our be short, we should kf May should ter- . and the tim^e for jtbsrwise our crops ce of the growing ing and planting is lunimer, the crops oftheseAson though iction. Short sta- tion to Lowier Ca- iustly. Theskilfi>l lo manage bis busi- crops and in good ^s produce a general iculmrists South ar orn, but I- have na Lower Canada will produce, including vated, together with 1 to, if not of greater f other agricultural a. I presume that uestioued, but I am le to prove it satis- Agriculture is in a it Canada ; but we good husbandry to capable of, and even illy, is not much in- of agriculture south numerous defects in f ; but defects exist ps not exactly of the lally contrary to the derstand our climate lould adapt oiir sys- limate and circum- J if we are prevented I months in winter j irity and industry in fall ; and we should that even in winter lost beneficiaUy upon he agriculturist, who ad in proper manner. would be very glad dyantages we deriVe from the trost and snow of winter upon the ploughed soil. We must be prepared to do the work in seven or eight month3,which they have ten or twelve months to execute in other countries; hut seven or eight months afTurds us a much greater number of working days than the same number of months does in other countries where there are many rainy days. We may have disadvantages to'contend with but so have they in othercountries, and al- though not of a similar character, they may be equally injurious to the agriculturist. By 'Sowing and planting in the season of spring, we shall have all the summer to bring them to perfection, and by an early harvest we shall have a chance of more favorable weather and longer working time; and be able to com- mence our fall work suffioiently early to ■complete it in a proper manner, ■which never can be done if we have a late harvest that occupies all our attention until too far advan- 'Ced in the season to admit of the judicious conipleiion of the ploughing, draining, ifc., which should be done in the fall, if we expect 'to sow and plant iu time, or in a proper man- aier, in the spring. The potatoe crop is very generally injured thip year by the usual disease, brought on ti-'s year by the long codtinued rain in August, i'erhapa no human precaution could have al- together prevented this loss, though I suppose it might have been diminished by observing more care in the selection of seed, and plant- ing. When we succeed in raising a good crop, 'and free from disease, of this useful plant, which we generally do when the season is dry, we flatter ourselves that the crop may be no longer liable to this disease and imagine there is aa necessity for adopting any precaution as regards the application of manure, the selec- lioD <»f seed, or the adaptation of the soil for thisToot, The cooasequence is that «vhen the aeat9aa?: