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to year. Ithink it does. From the best observation that I can
make during the present year, there appears to be no falling off
in the energetic prosecution of the labors of agriculture
among our people. I think that, as an instance of industry well
applied, there has been a greater show of large stones taken up
in plowed fields than has usually been in the case in any one year.
The plowman who is carely to remove these obstructions is not
likely to fail in other measures for ameliorating the soil.

Alas there is now going on in the neighborhood a more than
usual number of buildings, and these of the best sort for farmers;
all of thise in spite of the alleged "hard times". It may be that
the work of improvement is shown more in the number of new houses
than in new barns, which would not be considered a favorable
indecation in some districts. It is, however, in accordance with
the spirit of Sandy Spring, which, though appreciating fine stock
at their full value, has always preferred, and it is to be hoped
always will prefer, to provide first for the comfort and welfare
of human beings.

Next in the importance to improvements of the farm, so far as the
substantial material interests of the people were concerned, comes
the subject of roads. It was mentioned in the last chapter that
vigorous effects were being made to construct a turnpike from
Ashton to the district line, a large subscrition, which was a
suprise to many, having been obtained. During the year several miles
of the work have been done; difficulties remain to be overcome
before it is completed, yet none that can stop such men as have
undertaken to finish the job.

This year is noted for another enterprise in the line of a
turnpike; one to connect Sandy Spring more directly with the main