MASSACHUSETTS PLOUGHMAN, Boston, March 11, 1871  There was a trend in the 19th century to produce large-size newspapers, typically with a huge, ornate masthead, with primarily literary content. This was one, but the focus is more agrarian than literary. 
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, 23 by 30 inches, minimal margin wear, nice condition. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.

Background: The Massachusetts Ploughman served as a vital bridge between scientific innovation and daily rural life in 19th-century New England, distinguishing itself from typical large-format broadsheets by prioritizing practical farm economy, agricultural chemistry, livestock breeding, and real-time market reporting over mere parlor literature. By publishing detailed reports from state agricultural societies, breakthroughs in soil management, and regional crop prices alongside traditional domestic advice, it empowered readers to modernize their farming operations during an era of rapid industrialization and agricultural reform.