REPORT OF MR. FRANCIS H. APPLETON.
537
and sowing is to be accomplished, with the assistance of a wire rope stretched over the field, and thus the treading down of the soil by draught cattle prevented.
Thus the steam-plough would accomplish its real mission, and, at the same time, a new process of culture would be developed, and the greatest perfection in the working of the soil reached.
This method must, in connection with the great advances made by manuring and rotation of crops, reach and assure the largest yield and profits possible.
Just as every mechanic and manufacturer endangers his very existence if he does not keep up with the march of improvement and experience, and as it is impossible for him to compete without progress, so the agriculturist also is subject to their laws, as I have already shown. By the ordinary processes the yield per acre can rarely rise above 25.75 bushels in rye for the whole cultivated ground after deducting the seed. The expenses of all varieties of agricultural labor, and the rate of taxes for the parish, district and state, are more than double what they were formerly; and can only be met by a larger yield if one’s owui wants are to be satisfied also.
This state of things renders it unavoidably necessary to bring the three mainsprings together into full working power, if actual profits are to be looked for. The large amount of capital required should not terrify; it must be employed and is sure to repay.
The net profits of my whole estate arising from all sources, at the time that it was let out in parcels and previous to my purchase, was, on the average, $8,490 to $9,434 yearly. In order to introduce my own. methods it was necessary to call in these parcels. At this time there were no farm buildings, no agricultural implements, no cattle, no fodder, and no straw, although wood litter was on hand, it is true. Also, in the years when the leases were called in, no rent was received, as this had always been paid in advance ; further, the swampy tracts had at no time been cultivated, and were then all the worse for a rainy season. On the sandy stretches the roots of the sprouting seed were often laid bare by the drifting of the sand, and on other