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■HHMMfK
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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
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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<iaioitt p«rfeci'on With all ilieae facta
before ua, why ahouUI wo be arconii to any
country in ogriouiture?
I m«l a gentleman loiely, who iiaa been for
many yeora in the provioion trade, between
North America and the We-<t fndioa, and he
told ine thai Canndion beef waa considered
ieaii and oflnferior quality to the beef of the
United Stolea, and this 1 am dinpoaed to be-
lieve, troni the sort of cattle I have H'equently
•een slaughtered and paclted in Montreal.
He alao said that flout from aome Stotos of
the Union was auperinr to anv from Canada,
and he attributed thia to the flour being dryer
■nd closer uackod, and said that the barrela
were smaller in aise by one-eighth than the
Canadian barrela for the aame weight of flour,
and this he considered preserved the' flour
lietter, by excluding the air. I mention these
cireumstances without pretending to vouch
for their correctness as regards flour. If there
is any fault in the management of those mat-
ters, they should be remedied, and the char-
acter of our products maintained in every part
of the wcrld they may be sent to.
With regard to the character of Canadian
flour in the West Indies, I may have been
correctly informed. Ifthe wheat is damp, or
frozen, and made into flour in this state, with-
out kiln drying, it would not keep well sub-
quently. It is of great importance that this
matter should be enquired into, the farmer
is not so much to blame for the bad character
of the flour, though the grower of wheat must
sufler ifthe flour will not maintain a good
character in foreign markets. Our country is
and ought to be a produce country, and it is
of the greatest importance to the producer that
the character cf the produce even after it
passes out of the hands of the grower, should
be maintained good. Wheat that is stacked
out, unless carefully thatched, afler the stacks
are well made, is very liable to imbibe more
or less moisture, and in that case the grain
cannot be pArfecily dry, and may become
frozen. If this is a common occurrence, it
is very probable the grain may not be perfect-
ly dry when made into iiour, and of course
the flour cannot keep so well as if the grain
was dry.
Is there any excuse for keeping cattle until
they are two, three or four years old, and then
selling them for beef, when there is no beef
upon them that is fit for use? There cannot be
mure unprofitable farming than this; all the
profit of breeding and rearing cattle is lost at
the time they should yiuld ample remunera-
6
tion for their ktep. Tt is most absurd to rear
Slock two or three yaars, and (hen sell thein in
a loan state to be sold as beef for foreign
market. This is the consequence of insuffici-
ent food in winter, and poor paatures In aum-
mer. If the farmer who haa lean atock, have
not pastures that are sufficiudtly good to make
them fat, he should diapoae of tnera to farmcra
who have good pastures to fatten them as io
the old country.
This is the regular prociice in (he old coun-
try for extensive farmers with good old paa-
tures, to purchase poor cattle at fairs, and fat-
ten into good beet, and what is thert to prevent
the same practice here, and thus put an end
to this most discreditable practice ol slaug^h-
teringlean cattle for beef, that are aoluady
only fit to be put to fatten? I was extensive
ly engaged in this sort of farming as a grazier
before I came to Canada, and I have no doubt
it would answer well here, and be a vast be-
nefit to the country. The manner in which
our caitle are managed at present is a very
great loss to the country, and I hope iheaa
remakfl may induce some farmers who have
moans and opportunity to try the business of
purchasing lean stuck and fattening them .'or
slaughter Osgood beef in the fall. We may
not in a year be able to introduce this system
because there may not be good pasture which
can at once be applied to this purpose, b t
in a very short time it might be in full ope*^-
ation, and successfully carried out. The
management of live stock is very defective
in a lorge portion of Lower Canada. From
the time of birth of the animal until their
death, this mismanagement prevails, with
the exception perhaps of horses. Male ani-
mals, whether required for breeding or not,
are allowed to remain unchanged until nearly
atmat'Urity; no selections of the females of
cattle or sneep are made for breeding ;_ their
feeding in winter and summer is deficient,
and there are other defects that might be enii-
merated. Under such circumstances, it is
impossible that stock can be profitable to their
owners. Compare this management with
that of the live slock in Britain, where they
have the best stocks in the world from good
management, and see the vast difTerence.^ I
have always been an advocate for Canadian
cows eve found them very profit-
able when selected of good quality, and pro-
perl how can the good qualities of
any breed of animals be fairly ascertained un-
less managed properly, and sufficiently fed,
w^h suitable food at all seasons of the year?
I am sorry I cannot do more than bring the
subject under notice. I must, however, con-
clude this communication.
WM. EVANS.
/
A BUftic
to the Biici
eoiintrjr, A
tion to obi
▼our to hu
which ii (|i
manngotuo
through tii
clent iiipp
In cultiviit
Innd uiidor
part /or wli
nier fallow
in «a greo
in no CA8U I
to b« growi
fertility to
are many v
almost ever
plants not
col lac ted Hr
The high bu
sahea— bun
■um— and i
collected, a
which after i
■pade, and a
meat, will n
crop. If thi
upon this cc
tbo better,
alone, is foi
There are al
exercise due
■kill la tbeir
sources of mi
considered a
from the fan
nioation allu
manure wbic
cannot accou
ing that fam
and do not e
plication to t
the last tew j
previously a[
manure, are
necessity for
hope manure
mated at its
been constan
time of my ai
aotofsettlere
to rob the Ian
down the fort
centuries, bui
the ashes thej
potash for ex[
first connects
all the manur
ooflslderation
pared to the
great many yi
that the land
it of its oatur
to express mj
ashes produce
lunl 10 rear
lellthem in
for foreign
ofinsuftioi-
ee in •um-
•tocli, heve
ood to make
Tj w farraora
them a* in
he old coun-
)od old paa-
ilra, and fat-
re to prevent
put an end
, ot •\Vigf^'
ore aoiuaily
B« extensive
e as a grazier
lave no doubt
be a vatt be-
ler in which
ni ie a very
I hope iheae
ere who have
) buiiineu of
ling them for
11. We may
lethit eyitem
pasture which
purpose, b t
J in full ope^-
d out. The
ery defective
inada. From
al until their
)revail8, wiih
s. Male ani-
eecling or not,
ed until nearly
he females of
eeding; their
' is dciicient,
might be enu-
istances, it ia
ifitable to their
agement with
n. where they
orld from good
difference.^ I
, for Canadian
-im very profit-
lality, and pro-
ood qualitieb of
iscerlained un-
ufficiently fed,
IS of the year 1
than bring the
however, coo-
M. EVANS.
MANL'HI.
A ■ufflclant supply of luantire in mnit ciientisl
to tbe luccotfiiloultlvation of the iioil,ntiJ in tli h
eountry, ABrlciilturftll.tU who uic nm iu h diluii-
tion to obtain n>«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 <rait to allow thoui to attain
a good size. But, apart from all consideration
of actual profit, tne rural population have an in-
terest in raaintahiing the beauty of the landscape,
and it is impossille to do so without a due pro-
portion of trees. The long, straight lines of
dead wooden fences, and the absence of a due
proportion of trees, is a great disfigurement to
the landscape in Lower Canada. Trees of almost
every variety were the natural growth or produc-
tion of this country, from the lowest valley to the
summit of the highest mountains, and I feel per-
suaded that it must have an injurious tendency
to strip the land at once of all these trees, par-
ticularly whore the jummers are ^v> 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 (lwin<llud and inferior race of horses. For-
lunatuly, it is in the farmer's power to adopt
a remedy ; (irst, by strictly confining all stal-
lions, and not .illowin": tlium to go at large on
any prctciire ; secondly, uH to breed from
any mares of inferior iiuolity, nor allow
marcs to breed until of proper age; thirdly,
to keep only such stallions as are expected,
from their excellence, to produce good, and
sound progeny. If these simple rules were
strictly observed, and horses supplied with
suitable food from their birih, we should have
quite a superior slock of hor.ses to those we
possess at present. Horses would be a very
profitable stock to cultivaiehere, iljiidiciously
managed and kept up to the required standard
for general purposes. 'J here is a constant
demand and a fair price attainable for almost
every description and size that we have now, ■
and we should have a very much better market
and higher prices, if our horses vers what
they might be. The pure Canailian breed ol j
horses arc highly prized in neighboring States,
but they complain that it i.s almost impossible j
now to procure any of the true breed. In
Lower Canada there is every encouragement j
to cultivate a good deicription of horses, both
(or our own use, and for sale to foreign cus-
tomers, wlio come to the farmers' doors tol
purchase tiiem at a good price. If dnadianl
farmers residing at a distance from Montreoll
and Quebec, were to give due attention tol
the breeding of hoisc to a rcn.sonable extent,!
tliey woultl pay them, perhaps, as well ml
any slock they could idi.so ; but, like all ollic:
farming live .vlock, the success and profit will
m my pov
Jive stock
have incr
in the sam
increased
horses woi
neat cattl
900,000, a
and pel hi
:(;;
19
ity, and itit crowet
gunerally been aii
m.tlrrnglh, actlyily
sxceplioii*, 1 believe
en wilb imported
I very good quoliiy,
n to ihat of a good
Imve succeeded
arged the size of our
wever, of deficiuncy
lanageinent, liolh in
hat iliere is scarcely
lifin horse now to bo
?nt loss lo a country
i of horses not suffi-
oy have lo perform.
1 any breed of horses
ropiT stnndurd ofsiaa
Uleniion given to se-
Llior the male ortlie
huvo in numerous,
to breed when only
luld not expect any
mismanagement, but
ace of horses. I'^or-
iiier's power to ado|>t
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<vci hnHincsM,
and who aro poifcctiy conscioiis of their skill
in everything which !ir!oni;s to tlu-ir prof(.ssioii
that I wonlil over nttonipt to wiilo on the
subject of agrii'ultnio. 1 only writo (fjrihose
farmers who may tlilnk tliiit some of my
suggeslionsiiiinlit ho n()\'!ini(i;!;'onsIy adopleil,
and would ho an iMi|irovcin;'nt of their present
system of hnshaiulry. 1 thciilbie rrcpiest
that skilful and practical agriculturists wiio
may happen to read my conirniitiicat'oiis will
do me the justice to lie iuve, thai I do not
pretend to write for their instruction ; but
rather to induce farmers who may not be so
well qualified or instructed in ilicir j)rofes.siou,
to adopt the improveriie ntithnturn mniiil'esily
required in their system of husbandry, and
thus bo upon a more etpial footing with the
most skilful agriculturists, which thc^y never
can be while they practise a defective system
of ngricultuie.
Remarks.— h is generally admitted, that
the arable lands of Lower Canada might very
readily be made lo produce on an average
over double the crops they do at present, not-
withstanding that we raise somo excellent
crops,— by a more judicious system of hus-
bandry. There is not any doubt thai the
live stock of the country, though we may
have a considerable proportion very good, is
capable of improvemni to fully the same ex-
tent on an average, so as to be worth double
the amount they are in their present condi-
tion. It may be imagined then, how vastlj' the
property of agriculturists might be increased,
by the introduction of an improved system,
tliat is quite poss'blc to adopt. I have not
in my power to give the exact number of our
live stock at present, but supposing them to
have increased within the last twenty years
in the same proportion as our population have
increased in the same period, our stock of
horses would now be little short of 200,000,
neat cattle 700,000, sheep from 800,000, to
900,000, and swine from 500,000 to COO.OOO,
and pel haps there is from 3,000,000 to
1,000,000 arpent« of land in tillage, meaJuw>
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<l eflectually, by
the plough or otherwise. 'I'lii filly, — by sup-
plying the eoil with n.rnui' wh n rc(|uired,
to restore fertility to tlie i» il ii' rii'iuuAivd by
producing crops. Fourthly,— to sow good,
clean, and unmixed sred, > 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 .<i
Ir '
I'ill
Mi
:J.
are desirable, can only be introduced gradually
and will require a long period to bring them
into operation. It is certain, however that the
longer we put off improvements that are re-
quired, BO much longer do we put off obtaining
the advantages we mi^^lit expfcl loderivefrom
them, and they will have to be adopted at last.
At the present raomi-ni there is more encour-
agement for agriculturists to produce abundant
ly, than ever was oll'ored to them before in
Canada. What does it signify to farmers that
there shhould ba high prices —many j^ood
markets, with easy and clieap means of ac-
cess to them, if they have no surplus produce
to dispose of? What is the advantage to us
if we have millions of acres of good land in
tillage, meadows and pastures, mid hundreds
of thousands of horses, caitle and sheep, if
all ara not Jiidiciously cuUivaied and man-
aged so as to yield the greatest amount of
annual production, or, at ail events, what
might be considered a remunerating average
of production ? Thire is another ineeniive
which should have as powerful an influence
upon agriculturists as upon any otlicr class of
the co.nmunity — the desire to possess the
nf.eans of obtaining the necessaries, conveni-
ences, and even the elegancies of life, to as
great an extent as possible. Now, it is quite
certain thai unless we are able to raise a
considerable surplus from our farms over what
is required for simple food and clothing, we
cannot have many of the enjoyments that are
common to classes of this community. P'ar-
mers are generally proprietors of the farms
they cuUivate, (about 100 arpents)and under
good cuhivation and management, they should
aSbrd means of very comfortable living lo
their owners. Of course, what might be
thought a comfortable or respectable mode of
living by some parties, might be considered
quite the contrary by others; but I shall not
attempt to define the standard of what should
constitute the one or the other. It is suffi-
cient for my purpose to say, that the larger the
quantity of produce we obtain from our lands
in every way, the more we shall have at our
disposal to expend, and undoubtedly, the
means to expend is calcnlaied toafliud a great
amount of satisfaction both to ourselves and
others, if we know liow to expend on laudable
o^^jects.
When I have expressed regret at the back-
ward state of agriculture, it has frequently
been replied to me, that the farmers were
perfectly satisfied with their condition, and
were not desirous of any change, and that it
was nothing less than offensive intrusion to
find fault orobjeci to their modes of cultivation
and management, or to recommend new sys-
tems for their adoption. To avoid givin
ofl'encp 1 have been always very cautious, an
rather endeavoured to demonstrate what was
objectionable, than condemn it without ex-
planation. I have ever wished honestly lo
submit the result that might be expected from
diflereni systetns, and recommended that for
adoption which I conceived to be best and
most |)rofitalilc. It would 1)0 a great improve-
ment, if agriculturists in Lower Canada would
not cling to a defective system and practice
(jf liMsbamlry that must be unprofitable. We
owe a duty to our country as well as to our
own iuiere-ts, to adopt all practicable means
that tiie lauds wc occupy shall produce as
mucliasthcy are capable of producing, and
iheio is not any one who knows tlic country
that will pretend to say that we do so at
present. 'I'lierc is another circumsiance wor-
i!iy of note, that the lands we occupy, unless
they are constantly improving, must be
deteriorating, and if Ihey are deieriorating, as
they must be if our system of cultivation and
managemen is defective, what must result
from all this at last, but that they will become
worthless. There is a simple tact connected
with sheep wiiicli I omitted to mention under
the heading "sheep." It has been ascertain-
ed tlu.i the careful and regular feeding of sheep
has a most important influence on the value
of the wool. As the general rule, whatever
keeps the animal in a healthy slate promotes
the regular growth of the wool, and thereby
renders it more valuable for whatever purposes
it may be applied. It is fotmd in England
that when sheep have not a sulliciency of good
food, the wool gi'owsiiregularly, and the sheep
is rendered tender and weak at that part
which was growing when the check to its
supply of food look place. With such facts
before us, what can we expect from our sheep
if not sulHciently provided wiih suitable food
at all times? It is by hearing results of prac-
tice in other countries that we can best under-
stand the practice we should adopt. I have
seen lately some interesting statistics of En-
glish and French agriculture, which were given
in a lecture delivered in Cornwall, England,
by M. DeLaTrehounais, an eminent French
Agriculturist, who has purchased largely
English breeding stock and sent them to B'rance
He stated that the average produce of wheat
in England was 32 bushels to the acre, and in
France it is a little less than 14 bushels to the
acre ; Ihattiifire is 1^ sheep kept for each acre
in England, and only 1-3 of a sheep kept lo
the acre in France; that 4,000,000 cattle are
slaughtered aunnally in France, weighing on
an average only about * cwt. each, and in
England less than half that number of cattle
4
giving
d
To avoid
very cautious, an^
mstiate what was
in it without ex-
dished honestly to
I be expected from
m mended that for
ed to be best and
a great iinpiove-
wer (.'aniida would
item and practice
jnprofitable. We
as well as to our
oraciioable means
>• 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'Tri<Miltural in-
struction should be dreclly provided for in
the system proposed. No wondor onr youth
should not estimi'te very highly the occupation
of th- Rgriculturis', or regard it as a respectnble
prorcssion. He perceives from bis childhood
that education is highly pri/.ed, and considered
actually necessury for the successful practice of
any respectable profession, or even handicraft
trade ; but for the occnpatijn of the farmer it
does not appear to be an essential qualification,
and he therefore despises such a profession, as
only fitted for the most ignorant and illiterate.
I have frequently endeavored to show the inju-
rious effect on agntuUure that the youth of the
country, who do receive td ucation, are more dis-
posed to oth r profissions th m to be agricultur-
ists. This I attribue pavtly to the course of
eduC'ttion they receive, wherein the science and
,' practice of agricult' re is never mentioned or al-
• luded to, DO more th^n if there was no snch
sciunce to be learned ; nUo, to the circumstance
of witnessing in uam"rnu3 instances the defec-
' tive practice, and unfavorable and unprofitable
results obtained fr ira aRriculture. All these
,5 causes operate unfavor.ibly upon educated young
I men, and lead thera to suppose that farming is
' only fit for the ignorant and laborious, or for the
' wealthy classes, wtio eng:ige in it for the plea-
sures and amusements of a country life, an1 work
the firm by hired laborers. It must oppcar
strange that, although five-sixths of our popula-
tion have to make their living bv agiiculture,
* there is no direct means provided for instructing
them in the science and art of agriculture, ex-
cept what they may learn from those who are
not the most capable of instructing them. Kvery
other profession and occupation have a suitable
<< education provided, that has direct reference to
■| their future pursuits, while agriculture is denied
Tany similar advantage. Schools for the rural
population should at least be f irnisbed with
Btandard a"d suitable books on the science and
art of agriculture, and these boks should form a
part of the study of every male scholar. There
, are excellent Agricultural Catechisms, and other
^ books on the subject might be selected which
J would be plain and easy to comprehend. At »ll
'events, such books would convince the scholars
that there were means of teaching the science
Sand art of agriculture as well as any other art or
'profession, and it might have the effect of giving
'many a taste for agriculture, and a desire tc un-
^derstand it thoroughly, which t'ley are never
Jlikely to feel, if their education has no reference
■^whatever to it. We should also have properly
^'qualified persons to deliver practical lectures on
the subject at all our colleges and schools.
'However agriculture may be desjiiscd and
neglected, it is an occupation, above all others,
■ Which we cannot do without, and therefore it will
be for the general benefit of the community that
rit should ho understood and practiced in tie
. jiuost perfect manner that is possible ; and if we
.j\iT in earnest in our dpsiro.' that our agricult iir-
tlionld impiove niiri flourl.;li, we must pivc it
n
importance and respectability by ft direct educa»
tion for it at our schools and colleges. Of
course the properly educated can du'y appre*
ciate the importance and resppctability of agri"
culture, and do not requi e to be told that it is
the most 'mportantand most honorable, because
it is the most useful and necessary of any art or
profession practised by mankind, and is more
particularly dependent for successful results
upon the goodness of the Creator, — after man
has executed properly the part which falls to his
lot to perform .
I have now endeavored to give a truthful
picture of the present state of agricultura
in Lower Canada, and offered suggestions
for its nmelioratinn. Many parties who take
the trouble to read my communication may
think I have made matters appear in a more un-
fdvor.'ible light than they are in reality, and I
wish sincerely that I may have done so, and
there will be less necessity for improvement. I
have had frequent opportunities of seeing the
count''y, and the stock and crops of the farmers,
and could not help imagining how much room
there was for improvement, and what a grtat
advantage it would be to make the required im-
prov ments. Throughout the Valley of tho St.
Lawrence, and in many other sections of the
country, tlie general quality of the land, and its
adaptation to agriculture cannot be surpassed
in any part of North America, and there cannot
be any doubt whatever that a large proportion of
this land is not managed to the best advantage,
aud does not produce anything near what it is
capable of producing. We are most anxious for
the extension of commerce and trade, and I ad-
vocate the improvement of agriculture as tlie
only certain means to promote and support com-
merce and trade, by tbe inciensed annual pro-
duce it would create. TrafiBc in foreign rroduc-
tions will never augment to any great extent the
Renerul wealth of a country, and we may assure
ourselves that the wealth of Carada will chiefly
depend upon her own productions, obtained
from her land. It is these productions whirsh
directly and indirectly provide tbe means for
paying almost all the claims against the country,
whether for revenue, or imported goods. From
any other source except the land, we need not
expect much assistance in this country under ex-
isting circumstances. If this proposition be ad-
mitted, and I think it cannot be disputed, how
much does it behove every lover ot his country
to lend his aid, and every influence he can exe -
cise, in promoting improvements in which all
are interested. I wish it was in my power to
induce others to view this subject in the same
light I do. If it was a political subject, or any
other on which I might be mistaken, 1 would not
presume to have kept it constantly before the
public, as I have done, for the last quarter of a
century. It may be replied to me, that if my
views, or the suggestions I presume to oU'er,
wi*re considered of that importance which I at-
tach to th«ra, they would bo immediately acted
upon by those who have the power to do all that
i.i npci'ssMry for agricultural improvement,
Wy have many aMe inun in Canada, who couM
26
I I
II V' I
If
■ II
1/
"! !
1}
do wouders for agiicullare, if they would only
be persuaded that they conld not devote their
talents or eloquence to any subject of so much
importance to the whole Canadian community.
Perhaps it may not be thought offensive, if I ex-
press my regret that when reading the debates
in our Provincial Parliament, and admiring the
eloquence of many of the speeches reported, I
scarcely ever meet with one sentence that has
any reference to agriculture, or its state and
requirements. As the humble advocate for
agriculture, it would be a most g'-atifying " sign
of the times" if I could only see a small portion
of the eloquence expended on other subjects
given to the cause of agriculture, and to recom-
mend its improvement to the rural population.
If this population was only to learn, that their
representatives in Parliament occupied them-
selves with the consideration of the interests of
agriculture, and made eloquent speeches upon
its vast .importance, and the advantages to be
derived from its improvement to the uttermost,
we should soon see a change for the better, and
the occupation of the farmer regarded with more
favour. Our Legislature may certainly have
numerous mterests to occupy their attention,
but I humbly conceive that there is not one of
these interests that is to be compared in impor-
tance with that of agriculture, which is the occu-
pation of the great majority of those who have
elected the members of the Legislative Assembly
— and as their representatives, agriculture is
entitled to every possible attention toils interests
80 far as they can be promoted, without injustice
to any other interests.
I cannot better or more appropriately con-
clude this communication, than by copy-
ing a few lines from a la'e number of that
excellent newspaper — The Mark- Lane Ej^press.
Farmers I know, are generally disposed to feel
profound gratitude to the ciikatok for His never
failing goodness, in the annual increase of their
fields, their flocks, and their herds — which has
Gcyitinued from the creation of m.Tn, to the pre-
sent time — and they may with perfect coniidence
rj'iy upon a continuance of the same goodness. —
*' We should feel that we had very inadequately
loticed this period of the year if we neglected to
remind our readers of the agricultural c'ass, of
the source from which they derive their prosper-
ity, and the power on whom it depends. Tlie
farmer, above all other men, must feel how help-
less he is after all his eflbrts to secure his own
welfare, or insure the safety of his crops. A
blast of wind, a tempest, vege'.able pestilence,
may in one short day lay his hopes prostrate,
and defeat his best arranged plans. On tlie other
liand, gratitude for the past, and hope for the
future, ought to fill every heart, and constitute a
motive for increased efforts, and iiiterpri o.
Whilst witli liumility wo should recogni/o the
bund of a superintending Providence, we should
consider who it is that has given us ficuUics luul
powers /br use, and nut for iuaclioii, or al)Utc.
That we should both " plough and sow in hope,"
and lal'our as if all rlupcudcd ujion ourselves,
having the event to Him wlio hiilh ajsai*;;! i.s
that " wliile the eartli remainetb, seed time and
harvest, day and night, summer and winter, shall
not cease."
What more can I say, or rather ought I to say.
I may have been too bold, if on such a subject, I
could be too bold. However, if I have said any-
thing offensive I hope I may be pardoned, because
my only motive is the good of my country.
Having submitted numerous objections to the
existing mode of cultivating crops and the gene-
ral nmniigement of land, which prevails in u
large portion of Lower Canada, it is only reason-
able that I should also submit what I conceive
would be a better system of cultivation and
management, that would be perfectly practicable
to introduce. It is a very serious damage to
any country, particularly one so much dependant
upou licr agriculture as Canada, if the cultivation
and management of the land is so defective, that
it docs not produce one half the quantity or value
it would be capable of producing, and as I before
observed, the quality of the soil must be deterio-
rating under constant cropping, unless properly
cultivated, and its fertility maintained by the ap-
plication of manure to make up for what is carried
a-yay by crops, however scanty. Land under
grass, aiid pastured by stock, improves every year
il remains in that state, and in a few years when
again ploughed up, the umnerous roots of grass
in tlic soil act as a manure to the succeeding cul-
tivated crops, provided tlicir vitality is destro3-ed, |j
so tliat tlie grass does not grow in the crop. In
any good system of husl)audry tliat would be gene-
rally suitable for Canada, a due proportion of the
laiul must be kept under grass, not as at present,
left waste for only one year, producing a scanty
lierbagc of wild grass and weeds, but in grass
produced from seed sown, or natural grass which
must replace sown grasses after a few years. No
ordinary farm can be managed with profit to its
owner, that lias not a due proportion of good pas-
ture that will support his live stock in a tlirivinp,-
and improving condition during the summer.
This may be considered as an established fact,
unless stock are housed and supported on green
food in summer. The rotations whicli I shall now
propose provide for a due proportion of each farm
lobe kejit under grass, and wlien considered ad-
vantageous, some parts may be continued in grass tM
for a much longer period than I propose in tlie;|
rotations. The plan of rotation which I shall 3
now subiuit. diU'ers very little from tl.at which 1 1
gave in my Treati.^e on Agriculture many years J
ago, but I hoiie it will be found perfectly adapted!
to our present circumstances. I do not pretend r
1() submit any other good system of husbandry |
that has not been already known and practised |
siu'cessfully, and my description cannot posses- |l
any groat originality upon a subject which hasS
bi'i'ii .-,0 iilily trci-Jcd by the most eminent agricul-|i
Imi^ls of ilii; age of experiment and [)rogre5S.^
UOTYTIO.V in' CROPS, i.C.
The ilistributinii v\' (Tops, and plan of tlieirs
;:mie.s,-ioii, is one of <lie first subjects to whir!:!
all liirnier.- ipqniiT tn direct their attention f
msm
•
iinotb, seed time and
mer and winter, sbnll
rather ought I to aay.
f on such a subject, I
er, if I have said any-
be pardoned, because
d of my country .
rous objections to the
ig crops and the gene-
wliich prevails in u
lada, it is only reason-
ibmit what I conceive
in of cultivation and
)e perfectly practicable
ry serious damage to
jne BO much dependant
nada, if the cultivation
nd is so defective, that
f the quantity or value
ducing, and as I before
le soil must be deterio-
pping, unless properly
maintained by the up-
;e up for what is carried ,
scanty. Land under
:k, improves every year
nd in a few years when
mnerouB roots of grass
; to the succeeding cul-
cir vitality is destroyed,
t grow in the crop. Ii\
idry that would be gene-
a due proportion of the
;;ras?, not as at present,
ar, producing a scanty
id weeds, but in grass
, or natural grass which
) after a few years. No
naged with profit to its
proportion of good pas-
live stock in a thriving
during the summer,
as an established fact,
vud supported on green
aliens which I shall now
proportion of each farm
nd when considered ad-
ay be continued in grass
\ 'than I propose in the :
rotation which I shall
little from that which i
\gi'iculture many years
fuund perfectly adapted
,nces. 1 do not pretend
)d system of husbandry
y kiiown and praetispd
■icriptiou cannot posses-
ion a subject which ha?
most eminent agricul-i
pcrimenl and progress,
■ cuor,-!, ic.
ops, and plan of Xhf'v'
(u-t subjects lo whid'
fiircrt tlioir attention
27
Whatever lillie regard ha.i been hitherto paid by
farmers to a proper rotation of crops in Canada,
is now a point on which their profits depend
more than on any other. The kind of crops to
be raised are determined in a great measure by
the climate, soil, market and demand.
It has been found by experience, that beside.^
the general exhaustion of manure or vegetable
food produced by vegetation, especially those
plants with farinacious seed, each kind of crop
has a specific effect upon the soil, so that no care
or manure can make the same grouml produce
equal crops of the same kind of grain, f(U- any
length of time, without the intervention of other
crops. AVhether this be owing to any peculiar
nourishment necessary to each particular kind of
plants, or because plants not indigenous degene-
rate in a foreign soil, the fact is certain willi re-
spect to most crops usually raided. Tliis points
out the advantage of varying the crops according
as they are found to succeed liest after each
other. In general, all kinds of oT.iin succeed bast
after a croj) which juis been rut before tiie seed has
ripened, or the stem is dried up. Those jdants
which have a naked stem with i\-n- leaves thrive
,.|. i)e3t after leguminous plants, winch have more
'■?& succulent stems, and which bear their seed in pods,
-^ as peas beans, tares or vetches, or after succulent
m roots which strike dcap into the ground, as carrots,
P parsnips, beetroot-, aiul even potatoes. From this
:'^ circumstance, conlirnied by universal experience,
i§* the different sy.>tems 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.<ial of iliene fundi foi
the encourogeinent of agricultural improve-
ment, and certainly it would be only reat^ona-
blethat the Government and I^egiiiluiurc would
expect that improvement wa» making rapid
and (atisfantory progress, ond iliut every pos-
sible tneans was lieini; adapted to put un end
lo any defects in our system of liusbnndry.
Nothwithstanding the numerous defects I have
f Dinted nut, as still existing in our system of
Ulbandry, 1 admit wiih great satisfuctinn that
improvement in agriculture, though not gene-
ral, is making very considerable progress; but
all true friends of Canada must wish to accel-
erate this progress and see it more general.
County agricultural societies arn the proper
medium ihmugh which general improvcnront
nhould be introtluced. The defects in our sys-
tem of husbandry must be known to them, in
whatever department it may exist, eii[>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
<o the suitableness of the farm to be selected
for the experiment. Icnniotsee why ihero
should be any difficulty in esioblishing and
carrying out this plan satisfactorily. As I
before observed, any changes that would be
introduced in our system of iiusbaiulry should
be proliiablo. or they could not well be con-
sidered as desirable improvements: and ad-
mitting this view to be correct, the plan I sug-
gest would be to award two prizes of JESO and
£ib to any two farmers who wou'd have the
courage and patriotism to break through long
established habits and modes o( cultivation
preven defective and unprofitable, and odopt
a system acknowledged to be better and more
proliiablc, by practical experience, It will be
imagined that there should be no neces^.ity lo
pay a farmer for doing what it would be fur
liis own Interest to do; but as it is a woll es-
tablished fact, that farmers who have not re-
ceived a liberal education arc not fond of trying
experiments, or ciianging from old habits, it
would be necessary to hold out some pecuniary
reward to them to adopt the plan p;-)|><.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«p<Ksal in the hands
of the agricuUurnI societies; that tliey should
establish with a part ot their funds, what wi uld
answer as mmiel ur pattern farms, to show (he
workin;; and prove the benetit of adopting d
regular rotation of crops, proper cultivation,
and the judicious munajgemeni of live stock.
II do nut pretend to lay down the rules and
egulations necessary for these farms ; this pax
f the business will be best under8luod and
aniiged by the agricultural societies. I shall
luwuver, iu my next communication suggest
course of roiutioii of crops, which may bo
ii'jditied to suit peculiar circumstances and
ocai ties. Iiniay bo re|)liedto my [)ropr)aiiion
haf, fliere are already many farmers in the
lO'.intry that practice a rt-'jiular roiatiuu of crops
nd farm exceeding well, and iliat ilieise mi^lit
nswor all the purposes of model farms. No
uubl of this fact; but, nevertheless, improve-
ents are required in eveiy department of
griculture. A part of the public funds appru-
riaied by the Legislature, tnighibe devoted to
Dcourage improvements in the defective sys-
m of agriculture prevailing to so great an
tent in the seigniories of Lower Canada, and
establishing a pattern farm carried on iu
e midst of them, sanctioned and approved by
;ricultural societies chosen by (hemselves, it
uld not fail to produce a most salutary eflfect
here it is the most required. Farmers will
)t always close their eyes to improvements
ataro proved to be practicable and profitable,
irticulaily if proven so by establishments
oh as 1 propose, and to wiiich (hey should
,ve at all times free access. Ifareg'ular
alien of crops were to become general, and
land let out of tillage without being tho-
ighly cleaned, and seeded down with clover
other grass seed, we should not have any
ire of these mostunprofitable wastes, produ-
g nothing but weeds and natural grasses,
o not object to natural grasses when they
place artificial ones where the land remains
grass for several years ; but where these
ural grasses have only one season to grow
il the land is again ploughed up, they cannot
of much value. There are some lands iu
wer Canada, where the soil is of such supe-
° quality, that it becomes naturally covered
_h white clover the year it is not in tillage
' affords a very good pasture ; but this is not
generally thi case, and when the season hap-
pens to Lb dry, the land doca not pnNluoa
much natural gra8aes,when only out of tillage
for one year,
I cannot belter conclude this communicatinn
than by copying a paragraph from a late
number of the IVfark Lane Rxprcas : —
*< Climb higher, and yet higher toward the
summit of moial, intelli-ctual, and iiidustriul
perfectiOD, until every occupier of lond be-
comes a man of science, every farm the
laboratory of a practical chemist, and every
field exhibits the neatness, regularity and pro-
ductiveness of a well managed garden."
It is very aattsfactory to be able, in my first
Agricultural Report for this year, ta congratu-
late farmers on the very favorable commence-
meat of spring, succeeding a stormy, and rather
severe winter. From the middle of April the
land has been generally in good condition for
Bgricitlturttl operations, wherever justice bad
been done to it last fall, as regards ploughing
uud draioing, — and on well managed soils,
sowing might have been commenced shortly
uHur the middle of April. The snow passed off
this year without producing any flooding, and
laud properly drained was soon la a dry state
for sowing, and there was scarcely any rain up
to the 18th instant. Meadows and pastures
have not suffered injury by frost, as they did
last year ; but lands seeded down last spriofr
have not succeeded very well, in consequence of
the drought of last summer ; and in many cases
from the weight of the grain crop, where the
laud was very fertile, the voung clover and
timothy plants were destroyed for want of space
and air. The spring has been cold and dry, and
heace very favorable for sowing and planting,
which should now be in a forward state toward*
completion, with the exception of wheat sow-
ing, wbich, in order to escape the ravages of the
wheat fly, is generally put off to the last week
of May and first week of June. This year, how-
ever, some farmers have ventured to sow wheat
early, when they had an opportunity of doing so
in April ; but the weather has been so cool, that
the young plants have not made much progress
yet, and should the early sown wheat not coma
into ear previous to the first of July, it will
probably be more or less damaged by the fly.
With all the injury to be apprehended from this
insect, I would venture to sow early, provided I
could do so previously to the 15tb or 20th of
April, as I have very frequently done for several
years after I first came to Canada, It would
appear that, for the last 20 years, the sowing
time has not commenced so early as for the pre-
vious 18 years. In the first period, I have fre-
quently sown wheat from and upon the Ist to
the 15th of April, and it wau considered very
late indeed if sown after the 1st of May. Of
course, we then had onlv varieties of wheat,
which required four months to mature from the
time of sowing. Now, we have got rariotiea
34
i.j
wbich mnturt In three montbi from tlio time of
lowIoB, or we ibould give up cultWAtlag wheat.
Our climate muit, unTuubtodly, be retj fnrora-
ble, when In three months from the diiy of tow-
ing, a very good crop of wheat may bo harv»>ited.
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<iucea good crop I
is m very unnrotitable practice. In a gocHJl
system of agriculture, crops are not attemptedl
to be grown, unless the land is in a proper stattl
of preparation to ])rodace a fair crop ; and tbcl
sooner wu adopt tho same general rule, the bettcri
it will be for us. As much an from 10 to 20 tomi
of farm yard manure, and from 2 to 4 owt. cil
guano, fa applied to the acre of land fori
root crops in England, and frequently ball
a ton of guano, without other manure, tcl
the acre for potatoes. Guano does not produnl
much effei't when its application is succeeded b<|
very dry weather, and therefore, in top-dresiind
cultivated crops, or grass land, it should, if poi'
Bible| bo iipjilied during rain, or immediately b«
fore It. It 13, however, nearly useless to apiil;
guano to crops where the land is not properlH
cultivated and clean, and it is as hopeless to eii
fleet good crops of wheat on five-sixths of d'
and tliat is sown with that grain in Lower Civi
nadn, under the present usual system of cultival
tiou for it. Farmers may imagine they grod
fair crops when tliry are ver^ deficient from wLu|
ought to be conHldered a fair remunerating crofl
Wheat is a grain that ri quires that tho sof
should be clean and properly cultivated for ii]
and we need not expect to rniso heavy or rcra':l
nerating crops of it where the land i« not in 1
proper state of preparation. Riickwheat shoii^
be sown as soon as possible after the other cropj
are finished. Last year a large portion of tliJ
crop was destroyed by early frost. It is said \,
be a good crop to sow clover and grass scej
with, to lay down land. Great attention is m
cessary to liave the furrows and drains in il
cultivated fields well cleaned out, and when tlii
time arrives for weeding, that there should m|
bo a weed Buffered to remain m the crops,
should be the farmer's delight to do all ii. .,
power to give bis crops a fair chance of succeej
ing ; and when he has dene this, he may conj
dently hope and trust in the goodness of ti[
Creator for favorable results in the harvea
The farmer who cultivates well, does so in ccj
fidence and hope that an abundant return \fl
reward him fully ; but the careless cultivl
tor appears to have no hope that his toil al
care would receive any reward, and thereforej
expends the least possible amount of labor j
care upon bis land and crops, takes his chanJ
and is quite content with the return, whatevtl
may be. I hope the season may continue tof
ns favorable as its commencement up to J
time, and we shall have abundant cause to]
thankful
I d'd not intend to continue this subject ai
my last communication, but circumstances La
occurred that has induced me to make an adi
tion to what has already nppeared.
In looking over Agricultural Periodicals,!,
other papers, which I receive from the old coJ
try, I caaiiot help observing, that we havel
the same advantages here for promoting A^
.^
nA nfcculljr for gnntio
I where there is not iuf.
.1 to produce ft HooA crop
practice. In a. good
crops »re not attempted
land is in a proper Btut«
CO a fiiir crop ; and th«
10 general rule, the better
jch BR from 10 to 20 torn
nnd from 2 to 4 cwt. ci
the acre of land foi
d, and frequently hal
hout other manure, tci
Uuano doei not produn
^plication li succeeded b;
therefore, in top-dresiiti)
isslnnd, it should, If po
{ rain, or immediately h
nearly useless to appl;
the land is not proper!;
,nd it is as hopeless to ex
leat on tive-sixths of tb
, that grain in Lower Ca
it usual system of cultlva
may imagine they grois
•e very deliclent from wLn
1 a fiur remunerating crop
lat n quires that the bo
I'operly cultivated for li
:t to Tn'iio heavy or rcnul
'here the land is not ii» '
ation. Buckwheat shoiil
ssibie after the other cro|
ar a large portion of th
y early frost. It is said t
QW clover and grass sei
d. Great attention is in
urrows and drains in
cleaned out, and when tti
,ng, that there should m
remain in the crops
s delight to do all ii. Ij
JB a fair chancaof succee:
done this, he may con
in the goodness of tij
„ results in the harvei'
rates well, does so in co
an abundant return •^■
but the careless cultiv
10 hope that his toil a
y reward, and therefore
laible amount of labor
d crops, takes his char.
?ith the return, whatevc:
ea3on may continue to
ommenceraent up to
,ve abundant cause to
33
continue this subject afl
m, but circumstances ha
luced me to make an adj
,dy Appeared.
icultural Periodicals, «
receive from the old coJ
serving, that we havef
here for promoting Afl
culliirnl hnprovoniotit which thry poticS't in tl>«
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. Cana<ia would have made but a
poor figure at the £zbibition, if it were no' for
the productions of her soil, her woods, and her
minerala that were aent. It would have been
impossible to puff her up to her present position,
if her products w«-re not there to speak for them-
8' Ives. I was delighted to see the remarks in
reference to Canada and her products, by Mr.
Denison, M.P., Vice President of the Interna-
tional Jury of Agriculture, at the Paris Exhibi-
tion, in his Report to the President of the Board
of Trade, &c., Lord Stanley, of Alderley. Af ler
a few favorable remarks in reference to the
steam plough of Mr. Remain, be goes on to s ly :
"Besides taking the lead in promoting culti-
vation by steam, the Canadian Legislature voted
a large sum of money (£10,000 currency) for the
foneral object of the Exhibition, and sent aome
good mach'nes, and a magnificent collection of
products.
" The Ehthibitlon of 1851 brought favourably
into notice the great resources of Canada, in-
creased the general confidence in the security of
snms invested in its public works, and facilitated
the introduction of capital into the colony. The
display which was made at Paris cannot fail to
fix on broader and firmer foundations the confi-
dence in the natural resources of the colony, and
the intelligence and public spirit of its inbabi-
tonts."
This is saying a good deal for Cannda, by such
a man as Mr Denison, a great ngiiiruUurist, and
for man^ years a member of the British Parlia-
ment. There is so much of Mr. Denison's
Report so very interesting, that I am induced to
copy some further extracts from it. The letter
of instruction from the President of the Board of
Trade to Mr. Denison, was : " That he would
furnish a Report, to be Inid before Parliament,
of the position which the United Kingdom held
in the Paris Exhibition, compared with foreign
countries, in the class of agriculture, and the
progress, if any, whiih has been made since 1851,
in respect of this class of objects." Mr. Denison
remarks, that as the comparison is very favor-
able to Britain, he prefers employing the words
of a French author, rather than makt use of his
own. It is a remarkable circumstance, that
many of the acknowledged defects in the
agriculture of France are also prevalent in
Canadian agricalture, all will appear from the
following selections which I copy from the
Report. Tlie author quoted by Mr. Denison is A
French gentleman by the name of Leonce de
Lavergne, and his work has gone through two
editions in Frnnoe, and has been translated into
English. The French hectare is something less
than two and half English acres, and over two
and three quarters Canadian arpents. The
weight of the kilogramme is abont 2i lbs.
English :— " Systems of Cultivation.—France
has devoted itself too exclusively to the produc-
tion of c irn crops, which are the immediate food
of man, without sufRciently considering the
mean? necess-ry to uphold the fertility of the
soil under this exhausting process. England, on
the contrary, has been led, partly by the nature
fif the climat", part'y by design, to take a sort
of by-path, which reaches corn crops, through
the intervention of green crops; finding, in the
rearing of cattle, and the supply of manure, the
restorative process which is necessary. T lo
experiment has entirely succeeded, and is ex-
tending itself day by day; and the remarkable
fact IB, that in proportion as the bead of cattle
increases, the quantity of corn increases also;
the grain in intensity exceeds the loss in extent.
• • * " The British Isles produce mote food
tor animals than the entire surface of Prance, of
double the ex ent. Hence, the supply of manure
is, in proportion, three or four times greater m
Britain than in France." He goes on to say that ^
the produce of grain in England is more than
double per aire what it is in France, " and three
times more in saleable value." He says that if
France produced in proportion to England, she
would produce more than double what she does
at present. Again : " Taking all products into
account, nnimal and vegetable, it appears that
the produce of England per hectare, is nearly
donble that of France. The great lesson which
these figures teach, beyond the disproportion of
the results, is the relation of vegetable to animal
products. In Franco the vegetable products
form four-sixths of the whole, and the animal
products two-sixths only ; showing at first sight
an exhausting cultivation, and one at least
stationary. In the United Kingdom, tbe animal
products are equal to the vegetable. Thus, the
animal products alone of an English farm are
equal to the entire products, animal and vegeta-
ble, of a French farm of the same extent."
"Sheep. — The most remarkable feature of
British farming, in comparison with that of
France, is the number and quality of the sheep.
According to statistical returns, the number of
sheep in France and England is about equal,
35,000,000." He siys that if France had the
same proportion as Britain, she should have
about 60,000,000; and further, he states that
England supports three times as many sheep, in
proportion, as France. " But this great differ-
ence is in tbe quality of the sheep, upon the breed-
ing and improving of which, with a view to
weight and early Jiaturity, so much care and
attention has been bestowed . The weight of the
English sheep is twice that of the French sheep ;
so that an English farm on an equal surface,
gives six times as much mutton as a French one."
i;
,T Mr. DeoiaoD is A
ime of Leonce de
jone through two
;en translated into
is something less
res, and over two
n arpents. The
is abont 2} lbs.
Itiration. — France
'ely to the produc-
tbe immediate food
Y considering the
the fertility of the
cess. England, on
irlly by the nature
lign, to take a sort
)rn crops, through
ps ; finding, in the
ply of miinure, Ihe
3 necessary. T le
ceeded, and is ex-
,nd the remarkable
the head of cattle
Dm increases also;
9 the loss in extent,
produce more food
irface of Prance, of
le supply of manure
lur times greater in
goes on to say that ^
Inland is more than
France, " and three
!." He says that if
)n to England, she
lublc what she does
ig all products into
bTe, it appears that
T hectare, is nearly
i great lesson which
the disproportion of
vegetable to animal
vegetable products
ole, and the animal
howing at first sight
and one at least
viDgdom, tbe animal
^getnble. Thus, the
in English farm are
, animal and vegeta-
same extent."
oarkable feature of
arison with that of
quality of the sheep,
urns, the number of
and is about equal,
t if France had the
1, she should have
ther, he states that
es as many sheep, in
But this great differ-
sheep, upon the breed-
Ich, with a view to
r, so much care and
I. Tbe weight of the
of the French sheep;
on an equal surface,
ttoa as a French one."
37
" Horned Cattle.— In tbe case of cattle, the
same care in breeding from selected animals in
the United Kingdom, and continually improving
the races, m studying meat producing qualities
and early maturity, has effected results similar
to the results produced in sheep. France pos-
sesses 10,000,000 head of cattle; the United
Kingdom, 8,000 000. In France, three products
are demanded from cattle— labour, milk and
meat. In England, only two — milk and meat.
The yield of these two valuable productions is
materially interfered with, by rcqnirmg work
also from cattle." • • • The habit of labonr
forms hardy, vigorous races, which, like men
devoted to hard work, eat much, fatten slnwly,
develope their bony structure, make little flesh,
und make it slowly. The habit of innction, on
the contrary, forms races gentle, tranquil, which
tatten early, nssume round and fleshy forms, and
give, with equal food, a far larger yield to the
butcher. If we look to labour, the ox U killed
when he has finished his task. If we look to
meat, the ox is killed at the m^^ment when he
vields the largest amount. Cattle in France are
killed too voung or too old ; among the 4,000,000
head killed, figure 2,000,000 calves giving each
only SO kilogrammes of meat, (about 67 lbs.
English.) Those who survive are killed at an
age when the growth has long ceased— that is,
when the animal has long been consuming
nourishment which has not added to its weight.
"In England, on the contrary, animals arc
killed neither so young, because in their youth
they make the most meat, nor so old, because
then they make none. The moment is seized
when the animal has reached his muximum of
increase.
"In France, the number of animals killed
annually is about 4,000,000 heaa, averhging
about 100 kilogrammes (or about 225 lb.
English) per head. In the United Kingdom, the
number killed is about 2,000,000 head, producing
of meat, on an average, 250 kilogrammes each,
or about 562} lbs. English each.
" Thus, with 8,000,000 head of cattle and 30,-
000,000 hectares of land, British ag iculture
produces 600,000,000 kilogrammes of meat ;
while France, with 10,000,000 head of cattle and
53,000,000 hectares oi land, produces only 400,-
000,000 kilogrammes of meat."
The foregoing remarks on the live stock of
England and France, arc well worthy of the at-
tention of farmers in Canada, and it is not neces-
sary for me to say more than recommend them
to their serious consideration.
The experiment with ploughs was very
interesting. Tbe ploughs made by Howard
and by Ball, England, appeared to be tbe
lightest draught, but the plough of Ransom
and May, England, is reported to have done
very good work ; though the land was
father harder, it was next to the ploughs of
Howard and Ball in lightness of draught, and it
tnrned a deeper furrow than Howard's plough.
Tbe two ploughs sent from Upper Canada were
much heavier of draught than any of tbe English
ploughs. The following remarks on the experi-
ment with ploughs, I beg to submit :— " It wnt
objected against the English ploughs, and, indeed,
against the English maoliines in general, that
they were too heavy and too costly, but the triala
showed that a li^ht plough does not always make
light work, nor is an implement cheap at first
cost, always cheapest in tne end. The same ob-
jections against iron ploughs, and in favour of
the old wooden ones, have been freely made M
home, hut they are passing away under a long
experience. To do good wo>kin 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!>^<i3 and weeds, which have to be care-
fully collected by the grubber, the harrow
and by hand picking. 1 do nor think we are
yet in a position in Lower Canada to grow a
sufficient quantity of green crop." to keep >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?:<i happen to be wet, we lose nearly the
whole of the crap. The best soil for potatoes
uuder pieseut cucuiostaac^s U tliat of light
quality, stony or sandy, and always dry na»-
turally, or b^ draining. When farm-yard ma-
nure IS applied, it should not be placed in the
drill under the seed, but be previously well
mixed with the seed. Ashes, lime and salt
are useful applications. Selections of such Ta-
rieties of potatoes as are known to be the least
liable to disease should always be made for
planting. I have foand (hat land ploughed
alter grass, though )t increases the labour con-
siderably to prepare the soil for the seed is
best for potatoes, and that they ate not so liable
to rot when planted in such soil. The potatoe
is a root, which though known for more than
three centuries, yet it is only within the pre-
sent century, that h has come into general
and extensive cultivation all over the world.,
and every means adopted to increase itsprduce
to ttie uttermosrt extent it is capable of. This
forcing may hav6 produced a very great
change in the nature of the plant, though we
may not be able satisfactorily to account for
it.
It would be a very geat advantage if every
agriculturist endeavoured so to manage their
buisness as to be capable of completing their
harvest early in September. I would not
proipose this, if I was not convinced by expe-
ricoe that it was possible, even to finish the
harvest in August, in ordinary seasons, and
under ordinary circumstances. If excuses for
late harvests r re ad m ted, unless in very un-
usually adverse seasons, there is no use in
recommending to sow and plant early. We
know our seasons are short, and with the full
certainty of this fact before us, it is absurd to
expect to farm prufitablyi, unless we sow and
plant in such time as will give our crops the
full advantage of the saason allowed for
growing and watering them. In some ofthe
northern countries of Europe they have only
a few days for spring sowing ; and unless the
work is completed in these few days, they do
not and caanot ■expect to raise crops of 4in;f
value*
i((
i k
I i;
r
I have I
Exhibitior
ate resting
must forej
present oc
the plough
awarded tt
EansoD li^
cultivation
Paris Exh
mation ia ^
Governtnei
however d
of husband
from the k
ment, that
France v.il
ing care of
of the '<g
Exhibition
— Ail anirr
be consider
well as the
agricultura
general cou
re-sold by (
ciatiuns eiti
i4iticle 5l
one prize i
when one c
age of the i
will be pen
as he may i
ries.
Article 6t
been adjud^
in France, i
agaia for [
which they
animals be
))reviously
titled only t
out medal,
inferior priz
order to be i
be marked.
Article 1
medals wi]
of Agriculti
shall haveh
tion of a pre'
ADDENDA.
I have 8«en several reports of the late Paris
Exhibition of live stocks, from which many
-iteresting selections might be made, but I
must forego the satisfaction of doing so onths
present occasion. On the trial of implements
the ploughs of Howard Sf Co., Efigland, were
awarded the first prize for deep cullivation,and
Hanson ^ Co. first prize on ploughs for light
cultivation. The whole proceeding at the
Paris Exhibition, is a proof of the high esti-
mation in which agriculture is regarded by the
Government of France at the present moment,
however defective may be the general system
of husbandry which pre^ Us, and I inticipate
from the favorable disp tion of the Govern-
ment, that the improvement of agriculture in
France will advance rapidly under the foster-
ing care of Napoleon the 3u. There are some
of the '< general regulations " for the Paris
Exhibition worthy of attention. Article 4th.
— All animals shall be excluded which shall
be considered in an over-fattened condition as
well as those which have been purchased by
agricultural societies or associations, or by
general councils of departments and afterward
re-sold by the said councils, societies or asso-
ciations either by public or private sale.
iliticle 6th. — An exhibitor can only receive
one prize in one category and sub-category
when one category is divided according to the
age of the animal, and for each sex; but he
will be permitted to exhibit as many aniinals
as he may think proper in each of the catego-
ries.
Article 6th— Animals for which prizes have
been adjudged at previous general exhibitions
in France, can only be allowed to compete
again for prizes a degree higher than that
which they had previously obtained. If such
animals be shown for a prize equal to that
l)reviously awarded to ihem, they will be en-
t titled only to the mention of that prize, with-
out medal. If they be shown for only an
inferior prize they will not be licentioned. In
j order to be identified, the prize animals will
be marked.
Article 16th. — GoM, silver, and bronze
J medals will be awarded to the exhibitors
lof Agricultural produce, of which the merit
[shall have been established. The fresh men-
jtion of a previous award, will disqualify one
to receive the medal. Exhibitors to whom
awards have been made for grain or seed'; of
any kind, will be required to have a certain
quantity of such grain or seed at the disposal
ofrlie administration.
The general regulations are not unlike those
adopted by the board of agriculture for the
Provincial Exhibitions here — and it is worthy
of consideration whether the regulations copied
above should not be strictly enforced at our
Provincial Exhibitions. Category is the same
as section in our prize lists, and sub-category
is for sub breeds resulting from any crosses
French or foreign. The French prize list
appears to be very liberal, aud the " general
regulations" to be very judicious. TTieirnext
annual Exhibition is tixed to take place at
Paris from the 22nd May to the 6th June
next.
In looking over the several communications
which have appeared in the Gazette upon the
agriculture of Lower Canada, I find there are
many things omitted which might be worthy
the attention of agriculturists. In the cultiva-
tion of turnips, carrots, mangold wurtzel, ^c,
the ravages of vermin are found very destruc-
tive and it is said,and I believe it to be true from
my own experience, that one of the great cau-
ses of injury to these cro^s in the early stages
of their growth, is the common practice of ma-
nuring for the crop from the farm yard at the
time of depositing the seed. The manure
thus applied in the months of May and June
cherishes the turnip fly and other insects, that
make such devastation among the young
plants of all these crops — and to prevent this,
the manure should if possible be worked into
the land previously, and well incorporated
with the soil, before the drills are formed, and
this will in a great measure prevent the rava-
ges of insects. If any artificial manure con-
taining invigorating qualities is applied, the
time of sowing is the most advantageous. It
is of great consequence, to attend to these
matters, as the loss of these crops, or of the
first sowing of them, is a serious evil. Lime
is a substance that is not much used in our
agriculture, chiefly in consequence of its high
price — and I cannot understand why the price
should be so high as it usually is. Where
lime is not found in the soil in sufficient
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[wi
I'I'I
I'
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X 'i
2
quantity, its application i.i as necessary in
good hu.sbanJry an any otiior substance wliich
we apply. The best way to apply it is — by
a slight dressing lo the land, immediately
before ihe manure froti the farm yard is ap-
l)lied, which being thus acted upon by (he
lime, forms ammonia, a great portion of which
will be absorbed by the soil, and nourish the
young plants, instead of being deissiputed by
the atmosphera. The good effects of ail fer-
tilizing application for the improvement of the
soil, depend upon a variety of circumstances,
and more particularly upon the nature of the
soil and the time and mode of making the
application, and the cause of frequent failure
arises from ignorance of the true nature of
the soil, and the injudicious application of
fertilizing substances. Hence, when failure
and disappointement result, the parties con-
demn what they term scientific or book farm-
ing, which recommended them to expend
money upon the purchase and application of
so called fertilizers, which they found to be of
no value in practice. No doubt many frauds
are committed by vendors of pretended ferti-
li/.rir.s, that have no real value in Agriculture,
and Agriculturists have been imposed on fre-
quently ; but that is the fault of the Agricul-
turist who would expend his money upon
trash, without first asceriainmg, upon reliable
authority or sufficient security, that the sub-
stance offered for sale was what it was repre-
sented to be, and if it was not proved to be so
on experiment, his money should be returned,
with all the expenses and loss incurred. There
are means of testing the fertilizing qualit/ of
all manuves olTered for sale, and if dealers in
such commodities take upon them to advertise
and sell these articles as containing certain
valuable qualities without having themselves
properly ascertained whether they are what
they represent them to be, they should be
liable to pay all the loss incurred by their pur-
chase and use, It would be a very inade-
quate satisfaction to the farmer to be only
paid back the amount actually paid for a
worthless article, unless he was also entitled
to be paid for the loss he sustained by impo-
sition. If this rule was established and acted
upon, we should have no frauds of this nature
to complain of; and, in England, the vendor
of worthless feitilizers are subject toan action,
and obliged to pay all the damages. If we
only use fertilizing substances of established
character, and that have been alf'eady experi-
mented with, aid apply them in the proper
manner and at \he proper lime, we shall not
suffer loss or disappointment by their use,
and unless we ate resolved to do all that is
necessary to insuic their success, it would be
much bettor never lo purchase thorn, and no
farmer should purchase them that did not
understand what ho should do with them and
how to apply them.
Thejudicious mixture of ditferent qualities
of soils is one of the best moans to improve
them. A dressing of h(;avy clay to light soil
will have a very beneficial effect, and of light
soil to iip.nvy clay will be emially beneficial .
There is ample supplies in Canada of various
sorts of marl, which I have no doubt would
answer an excellent purpose applied to heavy
clay soils. Marl should be regularly analysed
to ascertain its exact quality. The white shell
marl would be the best to apply to strong clay
land. A heavy dressing would be required
to be well incorporated with the soil, and I
believe such soils, properly marled i would be
rendered more suitable for every variety of
crop, its texture greatly improvecf, and much
more readily worked at all seasons. Light
aandy soils, dressed with heavy clay is also
vastly improved, but those sort of improve-
ments are expensive if the difTerent soils are
at a considerable distance from each ether.
We have bog or moss soils, which are not of
much value in this Country, unless dressed
with either clay or sandy soil. Frequently
the moss is not very deep, and atrongsoil may
be found at no great distanre from the surface,
under the moss. When this is the case, the
improvement is easy efTected, by digging up
the strong and mixing it with the moss on tha
surface. By this mixture and sufficient drain-
ing, moss soils would be converted into very
useful land for any purpose except, perhaps,
fur producing wheat.
-., But were I to continue to offer the hints
and suggestions on agricultural improvement
which occur to me from time totime, 1 should
never bring this review to a conclusion, and
therefore I shall bring it to a close at once,
and only hope it may be as useful as I wish
it to be. I know that I must have fallen intu
the error of repetition, which was almost una-
voidable, in consequence of the manner in
which it has been published, at intervals com-
mencing in November last. But with all its
faults, it has gone before the public, who will
appreciate any part that is worth their notice,
and who I hope will forgive what was faulty
and useless.
Before I conclude my observations, o the
Agriculture of Lower-Canada, I may advert
to the Canals and Railroads which have
already been completed, and are in progress
of construction. As ample means of rapid
and cheap communication, is of the first im
portance to the Agricultural, as to all other
interests in Canda, it is very satisfactory lo
8
base thorn, nnd no
them I hat did not
d do with thtiin and
•f different (jUoUlies
means to improve
ivy clay to light soil
al effect, and of light
1 equally beneficial.
in taiiada of various
ive no doubt would
lose applied to heavy
le regularly analysed
lily. The white shell
apply to strong clay
J would be required
with the soil, and I
ly marled, would be
for every variety of
improved, and much
all seasons. Light
I heavy clay is also
ase sort of :mprove-
ihe different soils are
ice from each ether.
)il8, which are not of
intry, unless dressed
dy soil. Frequently
sp, and strong soil may
anre from the surface,
1 this is the case, the
reeled, by digging up
with the moss on ths
e and sutficieni drain-
8 converted into very
lose except, perhaps,
ue to offer the hints
icultural improvement
I time totime, 1 should
to a conclusion, and
it to a close at once,
)e as useful as I wish
must have fallen intu
vhich was almost una-
nee of the manner in
ished, at intervals corn-
last. But with all its
e the public, who will
at is worth their notice,
»rgive what was faulty
y observations, o the
Canada, I may advert
Railroads which have
3d, and are in progress
ample means of rapid
ation, is of the first im-
uliural, as to all othei
is very satisfactory t
know, that piovision has been made for com-
jiletitig lines of railroad from one uxlfcniiiyo
the f rovince to ihu other, with collaieral bruiif
ches, which, conibiuod with our canals and
water communication will be in some ilegreo
conimensurute with the capabilities of this
vast and noble country for production and po-
pulation. It is a fact not tu be questioned,
that ample, easy and cheap means of trans-
port, nnd communication, is the most certain
encouragement that can be given to agricul-
tural improvement, and to the general settle-
ment ol this fine country, as the want of such
means must act as the greatest discouragement
and bar to both improvement, and the settle-
ment of the country. The value of our rail-
roads, canals &c., should not be overlooked,
or under estimated. They encourage produc-
tion, by increasing thrir value in proportion
as they diminish the c^st of transpoit to mar-
ket. I view these great works as being
necessary for the developing of the vast re-
sources of this great country — and which could
not be done for centuries to come, without
such aids. Their construction has been pro-
vided for by our Legislature in the first ins-
tance, because they considered them neces-
sary, and that necessity exists now in as full
force as it ever did. II the 'ountry is largely
in debt, we shall have the janals and rail-
roads, and cannot be deprived ofthern, and it
now becomes our duty to make the be t use of
them, by endeavoring to find full c oploy-
iiieiit for them by our increased pmductions,
and by travel upon them, and thus be able to
pay creditors who had perfect confidence in
our means to give full employment to all our
public works. A stranger viewing a map of
Canada and seeing our navigable water and
tracks of railroads marked out upon it, would
very properly imagine that there was every
facility for the settlement of the country. Com-
pare the country with these advantages, and
what it would be without them, and the differ-
ence will be foufid to exceed the expenditure
upon these great works, if the calculation is
made correctly. By constructing a canal or
railroad through the wild forest, never before
trodden by civilised man, it is at once opened
for settlement, and rendered capable of yield-
ing valuable productiond. We do not give
ourselves the trouble to examine into these
matters in all their bearings, before we pro-
nounce an unfavorable opinion upon them.
If the c. dais and railroads now completed, in
progrc s of construction or otherwise providetl^
for, will not pay, it will be the fault of the
people,— beca«8e they are placed in the most*
judicious position, possibly throngh a v^Si
extent of fertile country, which does not noW
yield n fourih of what they are capable of
producing. I luivosfcn railroads mady ihroujih
couiitrii's lliiit aril lar from fertile, nnd where
the land is scarcely capable of yielding any
valuable produclinns; but it is not so with us;
on the contrary, our railroads oie generally
located ihrougli a f( rtile soil, cnpablo of pro-
durinjj abundance of corn ond cattle. TIk'
value of Canoda for settlement, for aKriciil-
lure and for traiio nnd commerce, within tin-
last 25 years, I have no iioubt has nearly
f'lubled by the improvement of her water
communications and her railroads. I hnpt',
therefore, we shall not hear any more com-
plaints about the debt we have incurred inr
these works, but endeavour to complete Iheni
as soon a« possible ; and then increase our
productions to the uttermost, so as to give
them full employment.
The results of the present harvest would
indicate the necessity of many improvements
in the cultivation and management ef our
lands for the ensuing year. Now is the lime
to prepare and drain our arable lands, so that
they shall be fit to sow and plant immediately
upon the disappearance of the snow in spring.
Applying manure in the fall to land intended
for potatoes and other root crops in the spring,
would be very advisable for any farmer who
has it in his power to do so. Every possible
means should be adopted lo assist early plant-
ing and sowing in the spring. If satisfactory
crops do not result from early sowing and
planting, they are not likely to be produced
from late sowing and planting, with perliajia
the exception of wheat, which, if not sown,
previous to the 'iOth or 25th of April, I would
not take upon me to advise it to be done from
that lime to the end of May, while we are
subject to the visitation of the wheat fly at the
usual period of its appearance.
The high price always attainable for horses
in Lower Canada, offers a great encourage-
ment to increase the number of this stock by
judicious breeding and .selection. There is
also abundant encouragement for increasing
the number of our neat cattle, sheep and swine
as there are good prices to be obtained, and a
steady and increasing demand for these ani-
mals, either alive or in beef, mutton or pork.
Dairy produce, in cheese and butter, if of
good qilality, commands a very fair and re-
munerating price. The farm live stocks
requires to be augmented ; but to make them
would be better riotto augniehl ouYlive stock
'■arid! it'lsirilily^dn JbeyJi'htiSrKfnefislng in size
•t^^,J^ vf ItK!,* or/^oduoiu;^ mil^ clis'ese, butter
J ''
nri<l wool, in proper proportions, tlint ihcy rnn
pay a luir price. TIiij* in ihn ici.tet ol'kooping
tarin livo stock to proHt. It is tlio same in
regard to raiding cropH, to advantagu— iinleRS
tliny proddco what will tairly ruinuiioralu for
labur, !iecd and land, it would be hotter not to
(■ultivato thorn. Fortunately, however, boih
livH stock and crops may bu cultivated and
rained to protit by thu skilful and industrioun
agriculturist. We never before had such
itncouraging prospects for the agriculturist to
employ every means to augment the products
uf his land ; and I hoye this encouragement
will havathe effect of introJucing an improved
systenn of husbandry throughout Lower Ca-
nada, when it is so evidnnt that iinproveineni
IS conducive to our prosperity and enjoyment.
If all other arguments fail, 8r3lf interest may
operate jjowerfully ; and I most sincerely hope
it may in so far as the improvement ol agri-
culluro is cnncorned. It is very possible that
self interest may be carried to extremes ; but
in this instance of endeavorins to increase the
nuantity and improve the quality of the pro.
auctions of our land and labor, it will be n
laudable motive for action, and not much
danger of being carried to excess.
^■■■^
Owing to illness during a portion of the
time this series of communications was being
prepared in pamphlot form, and full occupa-
tion fur the last few weeks, the author has
been prorentcd from bestowing upon them
that attention necessary to their correction apd
arrangement ; but submitting them to agri-
culturists witli some trifling imperfections, he
trusts they will be found to contain such use-
ful suggestions as will contribute in 8<jino de-
gree to promote the improvement of agricul-
ture, or the prosperity of agriculturists.
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