hay per acre. From 80 to 100 bushels of corn, 30
bushels of wheat, and 45 bushels of oats are the average of the crops
reaped. The soil has been analyzed, and put in the best possible
condition, while it is yearly supplied with manures containing every
thing taken away in the abundant crops. The analysis is never lost sight
of in the regulation of crops and the application of manures. The
_worthless_ muck bed was retained, and is made worth one dollar a load
to the compost heap, especially as the land requires an increase of
organic matter. A new barn has been built large enough to store all of
the hay produced on the farm. It has stables, which are tight and warm,
and are well ventilated _above_ the cattle. The stock being thus
protected from the loss of their heat, give more milk, and make more fat
on a less amount of food than they did under the old system. Water is
near at hand, and the animals are not obliged to over exercise. The
manure is carefully composted, either under a shed constructed for the
purpose with a tank and pump, or is thrown into the cellar below, where
the hogs mix it with a large amount of muck, which has been carted in
after being thoroughly decomposed by the lime and salt mixture.

They are thus protected against all loss, and are prepared for the
immediate use of crops. No manures are allowed to lie in the barn-yard,
but they are all early removed to the compost heap, where they are
preserved by being mixed with carbonaceous matter. In the tool shed, we
find deep surface-plows, sub-soil plows, cultivators, horse-hoes,
seed-drills, and many other valuable improvements.

This farmer takes one or more agricultural papers, from which he learns
many new methods of cultivation, while his knowledge of the _reasons_ of
various agricultural effects enables him to discard the injudicious
suggestions of mere _book farmers_ and uneducated dreamers.

Here are two specimens of farmers. Neither description is over-drawn.
The first is much more careful in his operations than the majority of
our rural population. The second is no better than many who may be found
in America.

We appeal to the common sense of the reader of this work to know which
of the two is the _practical farmer_--let him imitate either as his
judgment shall dictate.

FINIS.

EXPLANATION OF TERMS.

ABSORB--to soak in a liquid or a gas.

ABSTRACT--to take from.

ACID--sour; a sour substance.

AGRICULTURE--the art of cul