"^t^-f^^^'- ?■--■■*%'. J.-y^S?]^<^^^^S^ ■'^^i^^l^'^-^:j'>i ??J?f^^^'-#', ^»i?9«^^*^E.%i^' j-:^ v--^^ -^«ii^--.>:f j:-.>>Slb^ ;^*^,'*$'' YOL. IV. SPRINGFIELD, JANUARY, 1859. NO. 1. PUBLISHED MONTULY, BAILHACHE & BAKER, JOURNAL OFFICE SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — <•• S. FRANCIS, Eincc for Enterprise _............. .....202 The Illinois Cane Crop .^„.202 Steam Power _.......,„_ .................._.2t'2 Lectures on the Farm .„ 202 The Sugar Question „ _ „ „.203 I mpbee Sugar from Africa .-.. 203 The Best Pear _ _ __....„ 203 Sugar from the Chinese Sugar Cane _.„ .wi Care of Roses .'...„ 204 Beat that, gentlemi'B.. .> _ 204 Small farms...™.. ,..™ „ 205 Fall plowing for spring wheat and vats ...205 Enquiries „ .......205 A steam carriage for common roads 205 ThflOarden...„ ^ \^^^ 205 Fruit in Italy ^ 205 Micro copic Wonc^ers .206 United SUtes vs Illiatis State Agricultural Society 206 Effects of late hours _ .J(^g Rich Milk Commercial Advertisements Advertisements .206 .207 .207 .208 Nivel Readings As novels will form some part of our read- ing, and not a little of that of the young, we will dwell upon them in some brief notices. That any person should take up a well selected novel under the impression that they are in- fringing upon any religious obligation, should be dismissed from their minds. If we have spare time for reading, and we should have, these works of imagination may take their place with others in training and improving us. That a majority of these publications are not good, that youth of both sexes read them to their injury, we know, but this should not deter us from accepting those that are good, some of which that have obtained a good verdict we will mention. Walter Scott stands by universal consent at .the head of this class of writers, and will probably retain the position, as we think no age can return when one man's thoughts in an inferior field of literature can make such an indelible mark. The influence of his writings has been good, "high tory" as he was, and with a tinge of superstition peculiar to the Scotch, he yet places images before us of an elevating kind, or those that deeply enlist our better sympathies. Wc i\md his stories in early life and have recalled the characters with very pleasant recollection ever since. Meg Merrilles flits across the fancy as the "repre- sentative of an interesting race, and we are gratified to think that such attributes may belong to one of the most vagrant families of man. Die Vernon. Flora Mac Ivor, Rebecca the Jewess, and many others throughout these volumes, are perfect delineations of fe- male grace and loveliness in the spheres in which they move. It is certainly not a small thing that the imagination has power to re- produce these these beautiful creations un- dimmed by time, and it is none the worse, but all the better, that the ideals are of higher reach than actual life has attained. The same remarks are applicable to the sterner sex, our fair readers may think, for Scott's heroes are noble men in every sense of the word. It was a great triumph, perhaps the greatest fiction ever attempted, to take such a humble person as Jennie Deans and make her the queen of heroines. The delineation of Re- becca has given a kinder feeling towards the whole Jewish family, and has done more than all "Jewish Disability Bills" to rescue them from prej udice and reproach. Through- out these volumes we find manners that near- ly imitate actual history; we are introduced to cavaliers and covenenters, to the wars that grew out of the introduction of Protest- antism and its various places into England, and all every way conservative in moral tone and thought - - . •■ .::,-;" ; .' ■ Bulwer's earlier volumes differ from "Walter Scott j he invests his characters, the bad ones, and they are too unfre- quently of this stamp, in flying colors, and the youthful mind gets betrayed. Passing through every vicissitude, the roue, vaga- bond, and gambler, they come out unscathed at last, sustaining the falsest philosophy ever broached. Latterly we understand his works have borne a better character, and if so, few can instruct better than he. His personages, in however unnatural or unusual positions they may be in, like Shakespeare's, have some- thing to say worth knowing. h , '^^f^^^:--; Slore recently the author of 'Jane Kyre' has attracted greated great attention. A lady of somewhat obscure family, in which the pensive or less hopeful turn of mind may be said to prevail, her writings strike into new and untried paths; her characters are instinct with energy and power; her women are masculine, for what are termed those qualities are needful for them; her children say and do startling things; and so onward the plot is stamped with ingenuity, and the reading world have decided that she has unquestioned genius. She writes for the humble and dependent, and places their wants and necessities, their trials and temptations, the aid and improve- ment tl.ey require in masculine portrayal, blended with that insight into the affections for which woman is remarkable. Such works are needed in the society of England, and, in Vl :j . »1 ff^rn't^ if' •Sfe. ■;hdi^ h-:r-'f: •J y i I defence of tlie irovernepscs, tlicy met a tliat iiotliing else could have so well lied. its Sedirewick, in our own coun- try, has -written fiction to a good purpose. Her "I'oor llich Man," and "Rich Toot Man," with many others of like tendency, are better than tones of divinity to Impress the young with duties that are indispensable to their happiness and well being. Her ''Hope Leslie" is one of the most charming books ever published, and the young swain will be sure to fall in love with the heroine, whose character is so attracting. Cooper, the novelist, has left impressions of life that strengthen our faith in virtue. The Spy and Pilot, are stories of thrilling interest, that taken singly, are not easily excelled in the whole rangs ol fiet'cn. The works of Miss Edgeworth, the Irish lady, chiefly ior children, are found in almost every home in England, and are a pillow of fire to lead the youth- ful luiiid in the right direction. As well obliterate the thinking principle of man as attempt to decry such writings; they have already been appropriated into the intellectual and moral crucible of mind. Her "Murad tlie Unlucky," and "Saladin the Lucky," teach the young novice better than homilies and moralizing, that a persistent effort in some well considered plan is better than any chance reliance in the work of life. 3Ir. Dickens isanother good writer, his Oliver Twist did more to reform the poor laws of ]*]ngland than their legislation. His portraits of low life, eriniiual life, have turned the attention of the British public in that direction with very good effect. His "Xotcs on America" — the journey being undertaken for a purpose in which he did not succeed — are a blotch upon ]iis fame — they arc false, unjust, and in ex- cessive bad taste; he is also too foppish in his manners, and latterly his domestic troubles have left a stain upon him. It is said that his writings will not live; that the pathos and humanity are too much marred by humor and phrases of forced drollery. AVe might observe that our countrymen generally look upon him with favor, and his sentiments are republican in their tendency. ('apt. Marrayat has disfigured his volumes with expressions rather the plot, that are objec- tionable. The London Waterman, the Naval O'lieer, and Jack Tar, are made to speak out in terms that none should be familiar with. Taking a middle course between the levity of the old writers and our own, lie has not met with very decided .success. His characters are as true to nature as AV^alter Scott's, the one dealing with the higher impress of hu- manity, the other with the lower, or at least with the rougher life. lie sketches his persons with more substantial humor we think than Pickens. lie came to this country also, but was neglected as his cotemporary was feted, the result was about the same, a sple- netic volume against us. But for all this there is beneath this vestiture chiefly of pro- fane phrase, a strata of good sentiment and sterling i)hilanthropy — he appears to us just what he was, a generous fellow, too free for his own good, and we are constrained to say, '■'peace he to his ashes." But the fame of all other books has been eclipsed by Uncle Tom's Cabin. We participated in the prejudice against it for several years, and it has not convinced us that the fugitive slave law is not inseparable from the institution of slavery. But the pith of story lies here, that it does not pretend to reason you into belief but lays siege to the affections and the heart. The description of the Ohio Senator is the finest delineation of this power we have ever met, and shows that slavery is a difficult subject to deal with in its moral and humanitarian as- pects. Works of imagination possess the pow- er in an eminent degree of impressing themselves upon opinions. The rugged Chris- tian character of Pilgrim's Progress has done more to sustain the severer schools of our faith, than all Calvin's writings. All that is unchcerful and sombre in that book sinks into insignificance before the stern endurance, the faith and hope, the startling events in the career of the pilgrims. Our views probably of the Scottish patriot, Wallace, their color more from the "Scottish Chiefs" of that ad- mirable writer and woman, Mrs. Jane Por- ter, than from actual history. History itself is written very much in the romantic style. The tory writers of England, who composed most of the early historians, have been very much upset in their estimates of character by Mr. Macauley. The plebian or democratic elements of (Ircece or Rome have suffered from the same cause; the Brutus's, Gracchi's, and tribunes of the people, have been misre- presented in consequence of monarchical sym- pathies. We still want the history of those nations written from our point of view. Of late novels we know less, but our periodical and newspaper literature have to bend to the unconquerable demand for this species of in- tellectual ailment. B. —*— CoutPiits of December NoDiber. Editor Farmer : — As you have given my review of the articles in the Farmer for Xovember, I will again try my hand, with those of the last month. "Ideas of Progress," is a good article. We are going a head in almost every pursuit, and especially in that of farming. That man who makes no progress in his calling, will be far behind his neighbors in a few years to come. Our business here is to improve in mind, in morals, in manners, in the knowl- eege of our profession, "do ahead in every thing that is right I" — that's the word. We have a long letter from Washington Territory. Where is that? It lays on the shore of the Pacific, stretches from latitude 4.3° to 49° and runs back the whole width to the Rocky Mountains. The Cascade Mountains come down within 150 miles of the coast — all West invite settlements — all East is a mountainous, gravelly, sterile coun- try, with foAv exceptions. Washington Ter- ritory will be settled. There is good land tlierc — plenty of rain and no chance to raise corn. Let thoso go there who choose. Illi- nois is good enough for me. "The Sugar Crop" and what's to be done in raising cane next year, is an important matter. Cane can be grown here and it will make capital molas.ses. I like the plan of a few neighbors getting a small mill and work- A grand thing their own cane. A grand thing it will be when a farmer can have half a dozen ing tip barrels of molasses in his cellar. The blacks are always healthy when they can have plen- ty of molasses — and the whites may — "profit by the example." "Going to the country 1" — Some man wants to go to the country so that he can go about the house with his boots loaded with mud'! Let him try it in some country house, and if he don't find worse stumps than in the town, I am much mistaken. Good fellow! if you love mud so well, you ought to make a business of well digging and cleaning sew- ers ! You would be useful in that line. "Traveling Tree Pedlars !"— Well, they are plenty. They have filled our prairies with trees for a long time, but we don't get fruit. Fruit don't seem to grow upon their trees. They grow a little one year and die the next. This is my experience at least. "Sugar Cane for Hogs." — That is so. They love the saccharine. It feasts and it fattens them. "Plant trees!" — Don't put it off. You have an idle hour now, and the weather is open. You may repose under their branches, if you will do this; your children ''will rise up and call you blessed." "Plant cuttings of currants and gooseber- ries." Do it now, if the ground will permit. If not, bury the cuttings in the cellar for spring planting. "Raspberries." — We oflen misa in having a crop because we do not protect them in winter. It is not too late now to do this. Lay the canes down, and throw litter over them. "The Shubbery." — ^No garden Is complete without shrubbery. Get that which is choice. A single beautiful shrub is far more orna- mental than a thicket of common shrubs. "The Wheat." — See that the drains are kept open. Wheat will be worth money next year. "Ornamental Deciduous Trees." — W^e pay too little attention to the cultivation of our beautiful native trees. Ruralist gives us a list of several beautiful varieties, of easy cul- tivation. "The Cherry Currant" grows very large with good cultivation, and is a very fine fruit, — perhaps the best variety of currant. "The Culture of the Grape."— No farm or garden should be without grapes. When you have more than you want for the table, make them into wine. You will get a good article, — not filled with nasty drugs. It is proposed to give more thorough trial to machinery at State Fairs. That is a good idea. No awards should be made without a thorousrh trial. "The Steam Plow" made a good impression at Decatur. It will finally, with improve- ments, succeed. I have not a doubt of it. Mr. JCimball's experience with the Imphee, is important. From the juice he made sugar every time he tried. He made some sugar which was very fine. And he had no experience. Hurra for sugar and molasses in Illinois ! "Illinois Nurseries;" and shouldn't we have nurseries in Illinois? Don't our farmers like to sell their hogs and wheat at home? Shouldn't the nurserymen have a market at home? Can't we get better trees from our nurseries than from pedlars? Let those who have purchased trees of pedlars answer. THE ILLINOIS F^Il]MEIl. 195 Mr. Morrill's land bill, which is to make agricultural colleges and schools in all the States, I hope will become a law. What would I now give if I had been able to spend two years of my youth in an agricultural school ! Speed the day for the passage of Morrill's land bill. ^ "Fall Planting Trees." — If this can be done in November, well; if the ground is open and they can be planted in December, well. Everything depends on the planting, on the character of the ground, and favorable weath- er. <syrup, you will observe it everjwhere turn- iu£j white, or whitish, and hear a hissins: sound. I then continued to boll down very care- fully till large, bright bubbles appeared all over the surface of the syrup. It is now approaching the sugary state, and must be treated with a very slow fire, and less and less fire till finished. My rule was to remove the fire when one little piece of begasse in a blaze would raise the syrup into a foam. My course was at this junctuae, to stop the fire, shovel out all the bone-black I could, and then lade the syrup into some vessel and leave it till pretty cool, and then drain it off to get rid of the remaining bone-black. When nearly cool and you go to drain it off, you will find, a not very thick, but beautiful scum, having much the appearance of yellow buffed buck-skin. I have found granulation taking place, or beginning, at various periods from 24 hours to two weeks after the boiling. A few general remarks and I have done. In my first trial I tried to bring the boiling syrup up to Lovering's 238° and came near burning it up. When taken off and cooled, it resembled candy, at a molasses candy pull- I thought I had made a failure, but y(.j. mg . •- ■ K- 190 THE ILLIISrOIS F^HMEH. I put it iuto my sugar mould and hung it up. All the encouragement I had for about two weokri was, it suaoit like real good sugar, and had a yellowish appearance on the top. In time, however, much of it granulated. jMy second trial was a larger batch, and in some respects worked more to my mind, — having laid aside the thermometer and follow- ed iippcaraucos of the syrup, or rather, being guided by common sense. In my third trial, I put iu more bone-black, and was better pleu-ed with the result. The syrup com- menced iXiaQulatini; in 24 hours. I'ermit me to sa}', my greatest difficulty is to know the exact point to stop boiling. If there is too much water in the syrup it will not granulate. If too little it will all stick together, and the molasses will not separate. I have tried to separate the molasses both in Jackson's and Lovering's methods. Neither work well with me. Thesugarin my experi- ments, mostly, settles at the bottom, being heavierthan tii3 molasses; neither will the mo- lassos pass through it much. I find, siuce I last wrote you, that I c»n pour oft" the molaijses, full of grains of sugar and find considerable sugar at the bottom, J \?i.>h others, like myself, would give all the information they possess. I have been wait- ing to hear froiu others that I might add to my own small stock of knowledge. Had I every- thing on hand to do with, I would as soon un- dertake to make sugar from the Imphee, as molasses. It will be but few years before sugar making from the various canes will be as common as making sugar from the maple juice. I have now done the best I can for you, and I close these remarks by soliciting every one, farmers and all, to contribute their mitcB to our sweet interests. Yours respectfully, E. KIMBALL. concerning the FeeJing Stofk in Winter. Samuel Hale, of Medina county, Ohio gives the following account of some experi- ments in feeding his stock in winter. Prac- tical experiments of this kind are of more value to the farmer than theories. Mr. Hale says : For several years I fed my eoru in the ear, and with stabling and the best of care, could add but little to the weight of my cattle during the winter, and I had nearly given up feeditig cattle, as I found that I could not make it pay. ]Jut three years ago I fell in with a "Little Giant Stock Mill," and liked its operation, procured one and set it to work — -and, during the first winter, I ground and fed some twelve hundred bushels of ears of corn to my horses, cattle and sheep", and never wintered the same as well and as cheap as I did that winter. The next winter I commenced again in a small way to stall feed, the r»3sult of which fully satisfied me that two bushels ground with the cob, was worth more three fed without grinding, to all kinds of stock. The last winter, being the third of my ex- perimenting, I not only ground with the cob, but also cooked with Hedges, Free & Co.'s Agricultural Steamer, about 1000 bushela of ears of corn, which I fed to oxen, horses, sheep, fatting hogs, milch cows, and six head of fattening cattle. The result fully satis- fied me that one-half the corn fed in this way would put more flesh upon horned cattle, hogs or horses, than the whole would, fed in the ear. The facts and figui beef cattle, I will give as follows : Five two year old steers and one cow ten years old, worth not to exceed, on the 1st of J)ecember, $25 per head. During the month of December they were fed in the field with corn stalks; on the 1st of January thej were driven to the yard and lay to stacks of wheat and clover straw — during the month of Janu- ary they were fed once a day in the field with corn stalks. This embraces the whole of their feeding and care through the winter, excepting their mush, which was fed to them regularly from the 1st of January to the 1st of May, as follows : Each trough being fill- ed at night, and also in the morning, with a half pail full of mush — after eating of which they could retire at their leisure to the yard. Xn order to come at the footing, I weighed one hundred pounds of the meal when dry, which made fourteen pails of mush. The corn fed was mostly soft corn, and badly moulded, as the most of the cora was in this section last season, and was not worth more than half price. The footing up then, is as follows : Seven pounds of corn and cob meal per head, per day, for one hundred and twen- ty days, eight hundred and forty pounds; at seventy pounds per bushel, twelve bushels of soft corn at twenty-five cents per bushel, §3; corn stalks and straw, say $3; cost of produce per head, 86. The cattle were sold about the 1st of May, to John Mallery, for the New York market, at $3 02 J per hundred, live weight, and their average weight was one thousand one hun- dred and ninety-four and one-sixth pounds — bringing me in cash, per head, 343 28. In my case it would be more just to give my cattle a handsome credit for converting my straw into manure, than to charge them with it. Some may suppose that the trouble of grinding and cooking might still use up the margin. The facts are as follows : I used to set a boy eleven years old at grinding in the morning with two horses, and with what assistance I could render him while attend- ing to my steamer, he would have fifty bush- els (my usual weekly allowance,) ground by noon — and during the same time I would have half of the same cooked, reserving the balance for another cooking. I think the trouble and expense of feeding cattle in this way, is much less than stabling them on hay; at the same time you fatten your cattle, instead of their losing fro\n one- fourth to one-half of the previous summer's growth, as they usually do with the best care, on hay. It is a fact worthy of note, that sufficient money is lost by the stock growers of Ohio, in allowing their cattle to fall away in win- tor, to pay all their taxes, and support all their schools and churches of every grade and denomination. Every farmer should make his market stock grow every day, from the time it comes into the world until it goes to market, and in so doing will save at least one year's time, and one-third of the feed in growing a steer to weigh twelve hundred pounds, or in raising a calf to be worth $100. I know of no way this can be done so nicely as by raising more corn, grinding and cooking the same with the cob, which makes perfectly safe feed for any kind of stock, in sufficient quantity to secure the desired result — having fed over three thousand bushels of ground corn and cobs in the last three years, to all kinds of stock, and not having a single creature of any kind ail- ing in the least, while feeding the same, I am fully satisfied there does not exist in the vege- table world more wholesome food for stock than corn and cob meal. The virtue of the cob, I believe, consists more in its medicinal properties than in the trifling amount of nu- triment it contains. -••• Sorgho as food for Stock. Editor Farmer: — Among the uses that can be made of the Sorgho is food for stock. Cattle eat the blades readily and the stalks until their mouths become sore. To feed the stalks out to them, therefore, they should be cut into small pieces with the straw cutter, when they will be eaten up clean and will be as valuable food to them as corn. Hogs will at all times live on the stalks; and will fatten on them. The seed of the cane, which will amount to some forty bushels an acre, is as good for hogs as corn. This is experience. Cattle will be poisoned by eating cane seed just as much as they will be with corn. I have seen a good deal in the newspapci-s about feeding cane and the seed to stock, and I thought I would add my little experience in the matter. November 20. M. Note. — ^We add to the above an extract from a communication published in the Georgia i-hronicle : ''This is my third season of cultivating the Chinese cane. I have seven acres of it this year, five of which I planted for the ex- press purpose of feeding it green and dry to horses, cattle and hogs; and since the 1st of June until now, I have been feeding it daily to those animals. My calves have run daily upon two acres, sown broadcast, since that time. My cows and cows and oxen while sick with the "black tongue" were fed daily with it. My oxen, when at work, are fed with it, horses ditto. My hogs are daily fed with the cane now, and are in fine growing order. I intend to fatten my pork upon the cane, as not only good feed, but equal to corn for the same purpose ! These facts can be attested by my neighbors, for they know all about them. After three years experience with the Chinese cane, I hare come to the follow- ing conclusions in regard to it, and I give them for what they are worth — not caring a "bawbee" whether or not they are endorsed by the people : 1. For forage, either green or dry, there is no plant so valuable. 2. More grain can be made on the same land than oats will produce, with an analytic value as food of one-third over oats I 3. For hogs, it is next to corn in every par- ticular. 4. For syrup, it is equal to any cane, and for sugar ditto. This is no more speculation — I have tried the forage, made syrup and sugar, and for the analysis of its value as feed, am indebted to Prof. Lee. If the Patent Office had done noother thing THE ILT^IISrOIS FA.RMER. 197 than imported this seed, it desen^es the com- mendation of the whole country— and while politicians are wrangling over the "tithes of anise and mint and cummin, and neglecting the weightier matters of the law," let the "bone and sinew" — the producers of the coun- try sustain the only bureau of the Federal Government which benefits them by distribu- tion of seeds." 4«« The Dairy. Editor of the Farmer : — Farmers complain that their crops are not good and that they are not able to pay their debts. This is the complaint of many. Some, however, who purchase only what they can pay for, seem to be getting along about as well as in for- mer years. The trouble is that too many live on anticipated crops — live a year ahead of their income; and when this income fails, of course they are in a bad way. But I am not about to lecture on domes tic economy. These lectures have been common enough within the two last years — our own experience the lecturers. What I propose to say is, that there are some em- ployments which our farmers would find rea- sonably profitable, if they would engage in them, ness. We stock. and paying Dairy. I have known certain farmers come here and make money as they made butter and cheese, and after a year or two would fall away into the habits of the country. I am entirely satisfied that good profits can be made here by good Daries. There is a great opening for them. It is a shame that in this fertile region, we have to send to New York and Ohio for our Cheese and Butter. One of them is the Dairy busi- certainly have a g5Sd country for We can have the best pastures. We can have green crops, to feed our Cows in August and September, if pastures fails. — AVc can have good meadows, from which to secure hay for winter. We can raise corn, and feed them, as we like, with cracked corn; and we can raise roots — carrots, the large beet, and turnip, to feed them with occasionally in winter. It is true that the care of milch cows is a steady and constant employment. They must have care and shelter, must be fed regularly, must be milk- ed regularly — the milk must be properly taken care of. There must be a milk house neat, clean, ever sweet, and kept warm or cool as desired. If butter is made, it should be done with care, and it should be a tip-top article. The sanit v^ij be said of cheese. New cheese and butter pay well here. ■ A good article of either brings a good price, a much better price than can be had in any part of New York or Ohio. Good Butter the year round has brought twenty-five cents a pound in this market; and green cheese, a week from the press, is always sold, at whole- sale at eight cents per pound With these good markets for thft products of the Dairy, with pastures free of cost, with roots that produce in abundance all that food required for cows — there is not made butter and cheese enough in this country, to supply the demands of the country. Our public houses — at least many of them, purchase their butter from Ohio and New York — and the cheese found in our States mainly comes from those States. Why is this ? Is it because our farmers cannot make money fast enough with the good profits on butter and cheese ? Or is it, because our people do not like the labor necessary to carry on the Dairy? There is some screw loose here. Perhaps they do not know how to make cheese and butter. — Perhaps they had rather not be industrious as would bo necessary to have a thriveing Wines. Editor Farmer: — A few day ago I saw the paragraph copied below in a newspaper, I cut it out for publication in the Farmer. I thought that the account of the wines usually sold at the shops, and the manner in which they are compounded, would be interesting to your readers. You could see what stuff is sometimes used for sacramental purposes; but (^ener by well persons, as a stimulating and healthful drink, and by the sick in their weak- ness. A pure article of wine is not very in- jurious drink in reasonable quantities. In- deed, I think in many cases it is useful. So our phj'sicians say, and they ought to know. Now, there are many vegetables which can be employed to make a healthful wine. That made from our native grapes; from currants; and from other fruit; is very harmless— unless enough sugar is added to give it strong intoxi- cating qualities. Even some of our domes- tic wines, hailing from Cincinnati, are said to be imitations and counterfeited. Hence, if our people must drink wine — if the ladies desire to have a little in their houses to treat their friends or to use as medicine, they^had better make it themselves. This they can do in the proper season; and I hope that the analyses made of wine in Cincinnati, and given below, will induce them to make the attempt. "MORE GRAPES." What Wines are Made of. — Hiram Cox, Esq., of Cincinnati, made the following statement: "During the summer of 1856, I analysed a lot of liquors for some conscientious gentlemen of our city, who would not permit me to take samples to my office, but insisted on my bringing my chemicals and apparatus to their store, that they might see the opera- tion. I accordingly repaired to their store and analysed samples of sixteen difi'erent lots. Among them were port wine, sherry wine, and Madeira wine. The distilled liquors were some pure, and some vile and pernicious imitations, but the wines had not one drop of the grape ! The basis of the port wine was diluted sulphuric acid; colored with elderber- ry juice, with alum, sugar, and neutral spir- its. The base of the sherry wine was a sort of pale malt, sulphuric acid, from the bitter almond oil, with a per centage of alcoholic spirits from brandy. The basis of the Ma- deira was a decoction of hops, with sulphuric acid, honey, spirits from Jamaica rum, &c. The same week after analysing the above and exhibiting the quality and character of the liquors to the proprietors, a sexton of one of our churches informed me that he had pur- chased a gallon of the above port wine, to be used in his church on the next Sabbath for sacramental purposes, and that for the mix ture of sulphuric acid, alum, and elderberry juice, he paid 82 75 a gallon." Hcdgiilg, Editor of the Farmer : — I have turcd out this winter another half mile of Hedge. It is now on its fifth year. I am so well pleased with my own experience that I intend to plant a hedge around the remainder of my farm the next spring. A little expeaience in raising hedges will show that a good hedge can be made in four years. The idea that you must make a broad base for your hedge, is folly, I think. My hedge was planted, out four years ago last spring — the plants w^ere placed from five to six inches apart — the second spring, I cut them oflf well down to tlie ground — the next spring, I cut them off six inches from the ground — last I again cut them ofi" twelve inches from the ground — this fall I slashed down the tops and let them lay over each side of the hedge and took up the fence that protected it — and not an animal has gone through it. I saw ahull make the attempt three times. He went up deliberately and put his head into it. The insinuating thorns went into his face, and he backed out. He made the at- tempt three times, and on the third time left the hedge with a roar ! My experience is just this. Get good plants; have your ground well prepared; and go to work in the spring and set out your hedge plants five or six inches apart; take care of them; weed them and live them for two years, and then treat them as I did mine. — Don't expect to get a hedge if you have a fence running clcse by the side of it. Your hedge wants air, sun, room, needing cutting back three time? — second, third, and fourth year, and then afterwards topping it as you see it is required. • Some farmers say they can't afford to cul- tivate hedges. I can't afford to keep up a rail fence when I can make hedges, and when I have a hedge — which I always can have it I take care of it— I have something that I can depend on, and which with a little care will last. I do not know how long, and I don't know of any body that does. I have heard that there were osage orange hedges in the country twenty-five or more years old, and which promise to continue; but of these personally I know nothing. My opinion is that a man who lives in a place of his own, and expects to remain on it, will find himself behind his neighbors in a few years, if ho does not surround his IJirm with osage orange hedges. ^ I. S.F. Editor of the Farmr :— I pee in the last Farmer you express the belief that not more than half as much ground will be sown with Wheat this year as last. I think this esti- mate high. I do not believe there will be a third as much. Last .season I had 200 acres of land, in wheat, I had attempted to raise wheat the year Before. I have exper- imented to my satisfaction. Ten acres is as much as I will risk. I have turned my atten- tion to cattle and hogs — mostly to hogs, I can get a crop of them to market every year Indeed, I can so time the matter, as to have hogs ready for market, the whole year. — This crop is growing and in season all the while. Rarely does the price touch hclow a living price, I don't think we can glut the hou; market. 1 know we can the wheat mar- I ket. I 1 am anxious to see the awarded premi I um list oi the ];.ta Fair. I want to know what hugs tcuk the premiums. Send me a cup\'. [.Sutu.iki I^erkshires, Irish, Bycfield, and < ULulcr-ands, took the premiums.] AVants to go into the Country! E.iitur of the Farmer : — I never wrote a piece tor tJie new.'spapors in my life. It seems presumption in n.e to think of doinjj; SO. I never had nnv other chance for educa- tion than in attending a very common school; but when 1 read the piece in your last F.VR- M1:r sijrnj.d Uribya Husband, Ijust thought I Would try to write. So sir, correct the mis- takes, if you pkase, and if that is too much, burn this paper. 3[y mother taught me that neatness was one of the virtues; that it was an index of character; and that in fmiilies where n(>at- nes.s was not tliund, almost everythiiifi; had an unthrifty appearance about the house, about the farm, about the children — about evcrytliing. I have myself called upon a neighbor who professed to have a contempt for neatness, and have been distressed to look about me. It was a good, nearly new, two story house. The owner had a good farm and made some money upon it. He had some six children and the olde.?t was notmore than sixteen. I was invited into the family room. There were at least seven rooms in tiie house. There was a bed in the room where we sat. The quilt wns dirty; the sheets exposed "were dirty. The floor was without a carpet, — even a raj;; carpet, (which can be made without much labor.) The wife was in a dress that looked as though it ought to go into the wash-tub with the quilt. It was winter. I noticed the woman spit on the floor, and rubbed it into the floor with her shoe. The children seemed to follow her exaniple. The iamb and mantle-piece were covered with spit and grease — and the two youngest of the children's faces and hands did not look as if they had ever been wash- ed and their hair stood out all round their heads. These children would come up pret- ty near me, and stand and stare me in the face, and the older hardty behaved any bet- ter. "Won't you stay and eat dinner? "We sliall have it beibrc a ureat while." "No, I thank you — I was just running out an hour — the walking and weather are so fine." After other compliments I bade my neighbor and her cliildren "Good morning." Now, when I read the piece in your paper from some man who complained that his wife did not want mud brought into the room, and the draininars of his umbrella run- ning on the floor or carpet, this scene, which I have tried truly to describe, came to my mind, and I heartily wished that "Debby's iiii.-b.ind," c-ould becomjtellcd to board in the f.uiiiv T I'.av'.v heri' described described i'l.i one blessed fortnight. I guess after that be wuidd ask for .some otiier 'dodge in a vast wilderness " lie would become tired of see- ing persons going into rooms with boots cov- ered with mud, and with all tho ireeuom of (•;,i!(ji'cli. aliil b'ly-^. aii'l wnw, and Wouie i>>;-ki!i;: :; ;e!tir:r to;.;-: Un\ vlth filth aid a stable. I guess a short trial of all these freedoms which "Debby's Husban i' dcsi- ed would sicken and disgust him, and he W'ould return home and ask the forgiveness of his poor drudging wife. But, Mr. Editor, I don't think your cor- respondent need to go into the "vast wilder- ness," or the country to find such place as I have described. I am thinking he could find them in his own town without looking about in the country. In my younger days, I am sure, I have heard of such places in town, and I believe they are more scarce in the country than in town. Now, I want to say a few words in behalf of the wife. Her home is her little world. If that is not pleasant, God help her. To make this home pleasant ought to be her constant aim. I am sure it is if her heart is in the right place. Purity of mind is evi- denced by purity of manners, purity of per- son, and purity of everything around. How much she has to do to accomplish all these objects? See her early and late, working, working, working. See her care over her dwelling, over the yards and garden around, over tho family, their clothing, their food, their comfort, their education, whether of books or domestic economy. Usually how little sympathy has her husband, her sons, or other male members of the family, in all her cares or labors. And thus she goes on from day to day through her life. If her husband sympathizes at all with her, if he recognized and applauds her endeavors to make him happy, to bring up his sons and daughters in a way to honor and bless him, how it rejoices her poor heart almost to bursting. It is al- most all she has to make her happy on earth, — and this wife, how often, borne down with physical toils, ends her life before she arrives to that age age that she could host enjoy it. Mr. Editor, I did not think it was in me to write such a long piece for your paper. But the subject seemed to iu.spire. 1 have lived now some years. I have seen, in my limited sphere, a good deal of the workings of what I think an improper education. It has its eff'ects on men and women; on boys and girls. If it can be done — and I think it can — neatness and industry should not only be taught the young by precept, but they should be required to practice these virtues, for I think they are virtues, as soon as their minds and physical powers enable them to do so. They should be taught to keep themselves neat and everything that they handle or come in contact with, and they should also be taught and required to help themselves, as soon as they can, and not be waited upon by others when there is no ne- cessity for it. EXPERIENCE. dirt, more d;>a 1 1 ;rCO' f.iO ;r.d unhealtbv than Contraotiuu of the Feet in Horses. Almost all horses at some period of their lives suffer from CGntr;ictlon of the feet. This niav be attributed in a irrcat measure to bad management. Jii my last, I mentioned the present mode of shoeing as tho main cause of contraction another exciting cause is staiidins: on a plank floor, in consequence of which the foot become dry and fevered; the mois- ture of the hoof having been more or less absorbed, leaves tlu; horn brittle, un- yielding, and liable to crack; now, this may all be prevented bj poulticing or wrapping the feet in wet cloths when- ever occasion requires it; by these means the horn is kept soft and elastic. Bruis- ed heels will sometimes influence con- traction if not propeilj attended to. I trust these remarks may be sufficient to claim the careful consideration of the readers of The Ohio Farmer, and im- press their minds with the importance of attending well to the condition of their horses' feet. It will not only save that noble animal much unnecessary suffering but will be putting dollars in their pockets — an item these hard times. I will now endeavor to explain some of the ruinous effects of contraction of the feet. The foot of the horse is a very beautiful and complicated piece of me- chanism. There are three bones belong- ing to the foot — some authors make but two — and are named the coffin bone or OS pepis, small pastern or coronary, and the navicular or shuttle bone; the coffin bone, situated immediately within the horny case, corresponds in form to the anterior part of the hoof or semi -oval latterly and posteriorly; on either side we find a wing-like process, to which are attached the latter cartilages, which extend upwards and backw^ards, and can be distinctly felt above the hoof; frequently these cartilages become ossified, (converted into bone,) in conse- quence of the pressure from contracted hoof, causing a high degree of inflam- matory action in the part; this alteration of structure, when once established, never can be removed. This is a com- mon disease in our large cities, where the horse has no opportunity of a run at grass; it has been called by some authors ring-bone, which seems to me a more appropriate name than the ring- bone of the present day. Occasionally the inflammation extends still deeper, penetrating the navicular or coffin joint, which is made up by the three bones previously mentioned, and which also frequently proves incurable, from the fact-- first, from absorption of the syno- via (joint oil); second, the cartilages covering the articular surfaces of the bones are destroyed by ulceration; third, a portion of the bones are destroyed by friction; fourth, exostosis, sometimes ending in anchylosis — two cuch speci- mens are in the college museum of this city. i have recently articulated the skel- eton of the famous trotting horse, jS^ed Ji'orrest^ the fastest trotter of his day in the world. As yet I have been unable to get his pedigree or performances. I find, however, several notices in some odd numbers of the Ttirf liegister and Sporting Magazine for 1834-5, and G. In a match against ISally 3liller, De- cember I'th, lb3o, Ntd won the first THE illi:n^ois F^HiyiER. 100 heat in 2 minutes and 31 seconds ; second heat, 2 minutes and 33 seconds ; heing the best time then on record. He ■was entered in a match against Confi- dence, to cotoe off December 17th, 1836 for $4,000, against |2, 000— $500 for- feit. He received forfeit. An association is now forming in this city, to act in concert -with our Veterin- ary Association, to create a fund for the sole purpose of collecting together the skeletons of all celebrated animals as they may die — horses, cattle, sheep, hogs, &c., &c., Each member is requir- ed to pay a fee of $5 and S3, annually, thereafter. Should any of our friends feel disposed to encourage the move- ment, they can get further information by addressing a line to me. — R. Jen- nings, V. S. Philadelphia, Pa., Decem- ber 6th, 1858. -<•»- Sugar Grower's Convention in Winnebago County. This "was held in Rockford on the 8th instant. We are indebted to the Rock- ford Register for the following report of its its proceedings : The meeting assembled on Wednes- day afternoon, 8th inst. H. P. Sloan ■was chosen President. D. T. Talbot, Superintendent of the County Poor Farm exhibited one specimen of syrup; Joseph Miller, Rockford, two specimens of syrup — one the draining from granu- lated sugar, one from juice yielding one gallon to four of juice; Peter Simpson, Rockford, three specimens syrup — one •which was in proportion of 7 to 1, two ■which were in the proportion of 9 to 1; W. P. Sloan, Winnebago, one specimen syrup, which was in proportion of 6 to 1; Geo. C. Cleveland, Cherry Valley, one specimen syrup — proportion 7 to 1, Micajah Collins, Winnebago, one speci- men— proportion 4 to 1; Sylvester Scott, Guilford, one specimen — propor- tion 9 to 1; Israel Gibbons, Winnebago, one specimen — no statement. The President made a statement in brief of his experience, as follows : Planted one acre of moist prairie land; planted early, after planting potatoes; in rows in hills, 3 to 4 in a hill; cut about the 5th of October; expressed the juice with one of Talcot, Emerson & Co.'s iron mills; considerable cane sour- ed and was lost. That which was cut before a frost soured; boiled the syrup in a 40 gallon Russia iron pan, 8 inches deep, 2 feet wide and 3 feet 4 inches long; is of the opinion that iron colors the syrup; used lime water for cleansing, one-half pint to thirty gallons, which ^ave the syrup a bitter taste; then tried saleratus, one table-spoonful to 23 gal- lons; thinks the saleratus makes the syrup clearer and more palatable; if the syrup is well skimmed and straiaed through cloth the alkali is unnecessary; should boil 7 to 9 gallons of juice down to 1 to make it keep. Made no at- tempt to make sugar. All suckers should be removed from the stalks to make them mature. Yield of juice per acre about 1,800 gallons. Can groAv about ten pounds to the hill; a good stock should weigh 2 pounds; or 10 or 15 tons of clean stalks to the acre, which would yield 200 gallons of syrup; thought the cane could be matured in this climate, and by selecting the best stalks good sugar can be made. It costs no more to raise it than corn, and the syrup at 25 cents per gallon, yields as much profit as corn at 40 cents per bushel. The leaves and seed for forage will pay all expenses of raising the cane, and horses like the grain better than other grain. The yield- of seed \vas about 40 bushels to the acre. He thought cane planted on good sandy loam ripened earlier than when on heavy soil, and produced sweeter cane; thought if outer skin of the cane were removed the syrup would be much improved; had made the experiment and found it so. Joseph Miller stated that he raised two lots of cane; one-half on river bot- tom land, one-fourth acre on light, sandy soil. The cane on the latter was smaller, yet of equal length ■vsdth the other. This was fully ripe about the middle of September, and was crushed the 26th of the same month, yielding 1 gallon of syrup to 4 gallons of juice. The cane on bottom lands yielded 1 gal- lon of syrup to 10 gallons of juice — the syrup being of equal quality. From this syrup sugar was made by taking 8 gallons of juice and boiling it down to 1 gallon. This being set aside in crockery vessels, at the expiration of three weeks was drained and produced 2 1-2 pounds of fair, well grained sugar to each gal- lon of syrup. The juice was clarified with milk and eggs. George C. Cleveland stated that he planted in drills 6 inches apart, and in rows 4 feet apart; occupied 13 rods of good prairie soil; cultivated once and hoed once. Planted May 20th, express- ed juice October 1, with wooden rollers; run them through once; did not get two- thirds of the juice; boiled the juice in an iron kettle, and while boiling added two spoonfulls of lime water to each pail full of juice; would recommend to leave out the lime; boiled the juice to a thin syrup, and put in a little saleratus and milk; kept the syrup well skimmed, but is of the opinion that filtering would be bet- ter than skimming. Produced 1 gallon of syrup to 6 1-2 gallons of juice. Had ten gallons of good thick syrup from the thirteen rods. S. Scott stated that he planted 12 rods of ground on the 20th of May, in drills 8 inches apart, on clay loam; soil very thin — too poor to raise good corn; plowed deep, and cultivated same as corn, harvested October 5th; had 157 gallons of juice; yielding 17 1-2 gallons of heavy clear syrup; expressed the juice with -wooden rollers by hand; did not get two-thirds of the juice from the stalks; boiled the juice in a copper kettle on a stove; used nothing to clarify; skimmed and strained through woolen cloths, and boiled to proper consist- ency. Other speeches and statements were made, showing that sugar cane must be- come one of the most, if not the most, important staple crop of Illinois. *•• — ' ~" " Light iu Stables. Stables should be so constructed, hy the insertion of windows in various parts of the building, that they should be "b'ljht as tJ"^." A ^'dark" stable is only a suitable black hole, — prison house for such a vicious speci- men of the equine race as the notorious "■Cruiser-" it is also the very wor.'^t location for any kind of animal. Sir A. Njlie (who was long at the head of the medical staff in the Russian army) states that eases of dis- ease on the dark side of an extensive barrack at St. Petersburg, have been unifbrnily, for many years, in the proportions of three to one, to those on the side exposed to a strong and uniform light. Humboldt has remarked that, among bipeds, the residents of South America who wear very litt e clothing — thus allowing the cutaneous, as well as the orbital surfaces, to receive a free ray of light — en- joyed immunity from various diseases which prevailed extensively among the inhabitants of dark rooms and underground locations, and so excellent an authority as Liunaus contends that the constant exjiosure to solar light, is one of the causes which render a summer journey through high northern lati- tudes so peculiarly healthful and invigorating. Dr. Edwards has also remarked that persons who live in caves or cellars, or in very dark or narrow streets, are apt to produce deform- ed children; and the men who work in mines are liable to disease and deformity. Light, therefore, is a condition of vital ac- tivity, and in view only of preserving the sight of a horse, it is absolutely necessary that while he be the habitat of the stable, his optics shall have free access to the sun's rays. ; If a horse was in the same condition as a polype, with no organ of vision, who shuns light, a dark stable might prove to be his earthly paradise, but as the horse has qyectal organs of vision, evidently susceptible to the influence of light, and the integrity of his organism, or a part of the same depending entirely on the admission of lipht, it is abso- lutely necessary that stables should be con- structed accordingly.— ^i??K'rica?i Veterinary Journal. ■I ! -••»- Sage. — The broad leaved sage is very productive and can only be propagated by the root. Though hardy, like red sage, it is greatly benefitted by a slight protection. t) oo TPiE iL Li:rsrois f^rmek. ehc ;^ll!ini-i;;^ /avmcv. ^•' SPRINCJFIKLD, JANUARY 1, 185«J. agi^Thcre is little traveling now except by railroad. The city i^ nearly out of wood, quite out of butter, has little money. Whis- ky plenty. «•> |®i°"Some of the oldest citizens tell us that we have only about the same quantify of rain every year. If that be so, it is about time that rains should ccapc. T^i^sThere is a very large amount of Chinese Su^ar Cane syrup being made in Iowa this season. In some localities it is selling fur twenty-five cents a gal- Ion. t&'J. T. Little, of the Dixon Nurseries, has 150,000 saleable apple trees, healthy and fine, of varieties which have been proved in Illinois, on sale. His nursery is also well supplied with all the articles usually in de- maud for the farm, the lawn, the flower and the kitchen garden. His motto is ""Western Trees for Western Orchards." -<•► )I55t»Chinese sugar is a regular article on sale in Oregon, and is quoted there at Vil cents per pound. It is not as good as the Sandwich Island sugar, — not being made with as much care. No doubt this Chinese sugar is manufactured from the Sorgho plant. Capt. Perry, in the account of his visit to the Loo Chew Islands, says the people tlierc make sugar of the juice of the sugar millet, (Sorgho.) The Native Azalea — This is an inter- esting shrub, generally found in swamps or low land in the Eastern States. It produces bcautilul and fragrant tufts of flowers in May. B.Jj's frequently find upon these plants exudations which are called Honeysuckle Apples, sweet, cool and watery. This would be a very desirable plant in the gardou. They can be found at F. K. Phoenix's Nur- sery, Bloomington, and almost every thing else in the line of trees, shrubbery, and other nursery articles. *—■ Weioiit of Sugar Cane. — Mr. Coun- cil, station agent of the Chicago, Alton & St, Louis Railroad at Williamsville, last month, had the curiosity to weigh the pro- duct of a quarter of an acre of sugar cane, sent from that station, to the sugar mill at Springfield. To his perfect astonishmont it weighed twenty thousand (20,000) pounds per acre; and it shows the propriety of erect- ing sugar mills on the farm where the cane is raised — a rule scarcely to be departed from except by those farmers who live on the line of railroads. I'ikr's Peak liold Diu^inas. The information •which is constantly arriving from the Pike's Peak gold dig- gings, is such that "sve apprehend a stam- pede of those "who are not partial to the dull pursuits of common life," next spring to this new Eldorado. Some of the emigrants to that point will be likely to make moderate wages there; some will not, and will find their way back to their poorer than they went, som'e will lay their bones there, and be soon forgotten by their companions. We shall hear of the success of a few, but Ave shall hear of the poverty and distress of the many- But still people will go — n"ven who com- plain of the mud of the past month — and will among the runs and streams near Pike's Peak, stand in the icy water as it comes from the mountains, washing the dirt in their tin pans — a work which money would not tempt them to do in Illinois. We suggest that farming would bring in more gold, to some industrious indi- viduals, than this gold w'ashing, in the valleys and canons of the Kocky Moun- tains near the gold placers. The soil in spots is said to be good; the timber is said to be fine; the valleys are sheltered from the snows and winds, and gold to a "ood degree. The climate is more favorable, at many points, than that of Northern Wisconsin and Iowa, and farm- ing can there be made a success. What we wanted to say in this con- nection, is this: The wages of laborers will be higher next year than they have been the past year, and farmers should take this matter into consideration when getting in their spring crops. Proteclion of Farms anil Buildings Willi Ever- greens. The discussions at the meetings of the State Horticultural Society at Bloom- ington, on the subject of evergreens, were very interesting. It was shown that evergreen trees, from nurseries, taken up with care, and their roots pre- served from the atmosphere and kept moist, would live, when planted out, with as much certainty as deciduous trees; while evergreens, taken from their native woods, and planted out in a full exposure, in bad order, would scarcely ever live. The impositions which had been practiced on the community, by tree pedlars, with such evergreens, re- ceived a scathing notice. It was also stated, that the taste and demand for evergreens was rapidly increasing, and that this increased demand induced nur- serymen to largely increase their sto«ks and sell them at greatly reduced prices. A committee was appointed at the meet- ing to report the best plan of cultivating evergreens, and the cost of the different varieties, in quantities, and the probable expense of starting protective screens of evergreens. We trust that this report will show that trees for these protective lines of evergreens can be had at such cost as will justify our farmers in procu- ring trees and planting them out, and thus adding great beauty and comfort to their farms, dwelling and stock. *•» ■ Sowing Grass Seeds. W. W. Rathbone in the Ohio Farmer, condemns the practice of sowing grass seed with wheat and oats. If with oats, he says the oats will choak the wheat. If with Avheat in the fall, the grass will injure the Avheat. If the grass must be sown with w^heat, it should be done in the spring. The bestplaahe conceives to SOT? grass seed is this : prepare your groimd for the purpose in the spring — prepare well and sow your seed as the only crop. Then you Avill be likely to find your grass well set, and you will find the plan to pay. If you dislike to lose the use of yonr ground for a season, he recommends the following practice : In July or August make the corn ground as level as possible with cultiva- tors, and sow your seed, choosing: a moist spell of weather if possible. Cut up the corn at the proper time; follow immediately, while the stumps are green and cut close to the ground; pass over with a roller, and your work is done. _ .*. Ibr Wheat Crop. So far the wheat generally looks well. Some low spots in the fields the wheat is in- jured, and always will be so long as they are undrained. Judging from what we hear, there must be much less ground put in wheat the last fall, than the fall previous. .«. Mr. Editor : — I have sown all the varie- ties of turnip seed seitt out by the Patent Ottice; and have found but a single variety that is equal to our old White Flat Dutch Turnip, and that was the "Rasp-Leaved Purple Top." Bo you know anything of the experience of others in planting their seeds? [We do not, except what we see in the Patent Office Reports. The "Rasp-Leaved Purple Top" is an American variety.] THE ILLINOIS FARMER. 201 Tuiips. ^^•ember is said to be the best month for plantii^ out those bulbs, but it will answer to plant could be readily and cheaply dt^nc, it would double the value of our entire prairies, would make tlie raising of nearly all the best fruits not only possible, but make ours equal to almost any other country in j)omologIeal richness. Apples, grapes, dears, berries, peaches, on for the fact, I gave in my communica- tion published in your December Fae- 3iek; and it was this, — that the Imphee contained much less mucilage than the Sorgho. Let me state a circumstance. In my largest batch of Imjjhee juice I had about forty-five gallons. I then worked a batch of Sorgho juice of sixty gallons. I skimmed my Sorgho all the way through till it had reached the con- sistency of thick molasses, and left it in the boiler till next morning, and then found on it a scum one and a half inches thick. This scum was very solid, — so much 80 that lumps of it would settle at the bottom of the syrup. But thinking that it would do to make \4negar, I put it into a vessel and some three or four days after this was done, I went to put this compound into the vinegar barrel, and found some scum yet on the top. I got the skimmer and tried to remove the scum, but could not. I then dipped deeper, and yet could not insert the skimmer under the scum. On examin- ation I found nearly the whole mass a tough mucus that could not be dipped with ladle or skimmer. This mucus gives to the pith of the Chinese Cane a very solid appearance and to the juice thickness and consistency. "Xow I wish here to remark, that I was of the opinion at the time that there was more saccharine matter in the fortv- eight gallons of Imphee juice, than in the sixty gallons of Sorgho juice; and yet the saccharometer stood as high as in the Sorgho as the Imphee. And here I would make one further remark to cor- rect a fallacy that appears to be generally current. The saccharometer is sujtpos- ed to indicate the .amount of saccharine matter in cane juice. This is very un- certain. Mucilage, in which there is not an atom c>f sweet, will elevate the sac- charometer as readily as saccharine mat- ter. Mucilage of gum Arabic will do the same thing. Tliis deception was very apparent this year in the Sorgho juice. Our Sorgho juice this year was very little more than half as valuable as was last year, though the saccharometer did not indicate that difterence. "In regard to your question whether the Imphee will ripen earlier than the Sorgho, I am not fully prepared to an- swer. My Sorgho was planted out ear- ly in April, and the Imphee the first and laiit of May, as I have ali-cady stated. Some of the varieties of the Imphee headed out sooner than the Sorgho; but the Sorgho seemed to come on more rapidly, and I thought got up T\-ith the Imphee. On the whole, it apj)eared to me that they ripened about together. They all ripened well. "One thing is settled "w-ith me; — ^the Imphee comes up much the quickest after planting, and in favorable weather in from eight to ten days. The Sorgho is said to come in good weather in fifteen to twenty days. [By soaking these seeds they will come up much sooner. — Editor.] My Sorgho this year was a month in coming up; — ^though being planted very early, the ground'not being in the best order, it required more time for the seed to genninate. The seed of the Sorgho will lay in the ground all winter without injury. "I have been examining my molasses to-day, and find much of it granulating. In conclusion I would say, that persons who design to make sugar should have Lovering's jjamphlet.". Imphee Sugar from Africa. — H. S. Oleott Esq., of New Rochelle N. Y., writes to the Editor, under date of Dec. 24th. "At our Farmer's Club on Friday a venerable missionary, a former resident of South Africa, came forward and read details from a letter from a brother mis- sionary in 1832, going to show that at that time a package of Imphee seed, and sample of Sugar (made by his friend, was sent to him.) Do you know of any one in your State" who has made good Imphee Sugar." We do. Mr. R. Kimball, of Delevan has don« it; and so has a gentleman of Grundy county. They made good sugar ■-i o 04 THE IT^LINOIS FARMER. without difficultj. Thcj both say that the Imphce juice contains less mucilage than the juice of sorgho, which is the great obstacle to making sugar of the Sorgho. Mr. R. Kimball, of Delevan, Illinois, will respond to letters from Mr. Oleott. Sugar from Chinese Sugar Cane. S. Francis, Esq., Chairman of State Committee of Sugar Groiccrs' Convention. I have delayed making any statement in regard to the Chinese Sug-ar Cane until I had finished my year's experi- ence. I made the first attempt on the 10th of September, when the tops seeds had began to turn black; the under ones were barely out of the milk. The re- sult of that trial was about two gallons of vei'y thick syrup. I found crystals of sugar mixed with the syrup when I took it out of the kettle, and in a few days a large portion of it crystalized. At the time I felt very much gratified with the result, and supposing it was a very easy matter to make sugar, little pains was taken to preserve it. The sample herewith sent, marked No. 1, is a portion of the same sugar. It was also exhibited at our county fair. Tlie next trial M-ith a view of making sugar was about three weeks later. Cane taken from the same lot, but mudi riper and on a small scale. The syrup l>eiug scorched a little, made the sugar of a rotldish cast, although it was a supe- rior article both in taste and grain; it was also exhibited at our county fair and wtis highly spoken of. This sam^ile was all used up. I continued through the season to make samples of sugar without any deli- nite and satisfactory result, except to satisfy myself that there is a large jior- ceutage of crystalizable sugar in the eano juice,"all that is wanted is the requisite skill and good well matured cane produ- ced from the right kind of soil. I would remark here, tliat the last trial was made on the 13tli of Nov. from cane that was cut a few days after the trial in Oct., it had changed in taste perceptibly when cut, after it was cut and put in the house no change took place njj to the time it was worked up, which Avas about four weeks. The result was al)Out two gal- lons of thick syru]); after standing a few days a considerable portion of it crystal- ized. At this time it is about like nmsh, a sample of which is herewith sent marked No. 2. After exi)ressing the juice I added one tal)le-spo(.>uful of lime water to a com- mon wooden bucket full of juice, two t'lrurs and one T)int of sweet milk to about 16 or 20 gallons of the juice, when it was brought to the boil. After the first scum was taken off I added two nut-galls and two ounces of Ivory Black to the above quantity and boiled down to a thick syrup immediately. The early cane in this vicinity yielded about one gallon of syrup to six or seven of juice. 1 used a w^ooden mill wdiich gave about 45 pounds of juice to 100 pounds cane. I tried several experi- ments in running the canes through the mill twice, but uniformly found the sec- ond run about three-tenths less in weight than the first. The average yield per acre in this vicinity is 160 gal- lons of syrup, although some small patches might go to 200, but it is not a safe calculation, especially such seasons as the last. From observation and inquiry, I have become fully satisfied that it is a paying crop to the farmer, providing he goes to work understandingly in me planting and cultivation of his crop. My course hereafter will be to select the lightest soil I can, with a warm exposure, raise my plants as I would cabbages; set them out when six or eight inches high on well pjrepared ground, which will save much finii'er weeding, and advance the growth of the cane at least two or three weeks. The past season I have trans- planted all sizes from three inches to 2 1-2 feet, with perfect success. Plant as M'ido a2:>art as you would corn, either in hills or drill, tend the ground well in the early part of the season and I will insure a good crop, if the season is favor- able. There are in this county fourteen or fifteen small wooden and iron mills for expressing the juice. From the best information I can get there was manu- factured between four and five thousand gallons of syrup, of a much superior quality to that made last year, although the cane is not quite so rich. All of which is respectfully submit- ted, JOSIAll saaVyer. Tkemont, Tazewell Co., Dec. 2G, '58. Note. — Accompanying the above re- port was a note from Mr. Sawyer, in which he says : "I yesterday examined six stone jars of different boilings, and found sugar in five at the bottom, in considerable quantities, which confirms my judgment in regard to the crystali- zable sugar in the juice." Care of Roses. — Tender kinds, will need some protection. Dry straw or leaves are the best material for this pur- pose. Draw the tops of the j^lants togeth- er and tie them in several places with a string; then place straight rye straw around, and bind in a conical form, or if they stand in a bed, a foot thick of dry leaves may be placed all over the bed and around the plants, with some heavier ma- terial to keep them from blowing si way This, will most ellectually protect themo>t tender roses. The tops may get killed. but the roots and lower part of the stem will be uninjured, and when cut down to the live wood they will grow up and bloom as well as ever. This is a much safer method of protection than laying the tops down and covering them with soil, where the latter is heavy and tenacious of moisture. The cold and dampness constantly surrounding the tops, are apt to rot the bark, and indeed to kill the plants you intend to protect. Hybrid perpetual, climbing, and garden or an- nual roses will need no other protection than a coat of rotted manure laid about their roots, to be forked in the spring. After all the tender plants have been removed and cared for that require it, and others have been protected where they stand, then put your garden in win- ter order. Clear oft' and store away dahlia and other stakes, remove to the rubbish heap all decaying stems, tops of plants, and leaves, that will otherwise lay around and look unsightly. Edge all round the beds, borders, and walks with a spade or edging iron, to cut off the grass, &c., that may have grown ever either. This, by defining the edges and giving a clear outline to the whole garden, will of itself add vastly to the good appearance of the place. Beat this. Gentlemen. — Mr. Jno. B. Poyntz, of this vicinity, one of the best farmers in the state, has devoted special attentien to raising Milch Cows, and with his imported and thorough bred Alderneys, Jersey, and Derons he chal- lenges the State to a fair trial of the merits of his cows. On Saturday last he brough to our offiice, a bottle of Milk which he had taken from the bucket into which his two cows, Bravible, Alderney, eight years old, and Jenny Lind, Jersey five years old, had that morning been milked. These cows have not been fed lately, but are grazing on fair blue grass and he does not consider the speci- men to which we refer as a fair average of the milk given by them, under usually favorable circumstances. This milk was just five inches deep, m a bottle with straight sides, and four inches in diameter After standing twenty four hours, we measured the thickness of the cream, which had arisen, and found it to be ex- actly one inch — in other words one fifth of the total depth of the milk as it stood in the bottle, was cream. Extraordinary as this statement may seem, we have the best possible reasons for believing that other tests have been repeatcdhf instituted which resulted more favorably than this as regards the richness of the milk and quantity of cream. We do not believe, however, that this can be beaten by any gentleman in the State; and we will be -'pleased to publish the result of any exp^r- imcntfs thsit mav be made to test it. — MayHville Express. THE ILLINOIS FA^RMEH. 205 Small Farms. Editor Farmer: — Send me two copies of your paper — ouc for. J. S., who is the near- est neighbor I have, and he lives a mile off. You must know that when wheat was high and the crops good, I fancied I would make money by extending my farm and growing wheat. I have now four hundred acres of land; and in 1857 and '58 I had nearly three hundred acres in wheat. The crop was des- troyed in '57 and nearly so in '58. The raising of wheat has been a losing business with me. Last fall I made up my mind that it would not answer for me to devote my at- tention to raising wheat. I t^ed to sell a portion of my land, but could not, and I suc- ceeded in leasing it. I put twenty-five acres only in wheat last fall. My intention is, to give more attention to stock. I like your idea of raising pork. Pork has paid well for years. Sometimes it has been raised with great profit, and I think always has paid for the raising. I can do a good business in this lino with seventy-five or a hundred acres of corn — making this my main crop. I can seen get into a stock of hogs. I have made a slave of myself and family in edeavoring to carry on a large farm. I am tired of it. I believe I can make abetter living by cultivating asmaller farm, the work of which I can mostly do with the assistance of my boys. I shall have time, too, to attend to my orchard — to fix up my place and to im- prove its natural beauties. K you have an opportunity, you can inform inquirers for land, in regard to that that I wish to sell. It is in fence within four miles of the Alton & Chicago Railroad, and I will sell it on very reasonable terms. J. E. Lick Creek Prairie, Dec. 16. Fall Plowing for Spring Wheat and Oats. Editor of the Farmer : — I see that some of the correspondents of the Illinois Farmer appear to know but little of the val- ue of Fall plowing for Spring Wheat and Oats. It is universally practical in this County, not only because there is more lei s ure to plow, and it enables the farmer to sow his grain in better season in the Spring; but because it is generally thought to produce a better crop, especially if plowed early in the fall. Onr practice is to turn in the stubble as soon after harvest as other business will permit. That early fall plowing is better than Kte. I had the opportunity to witness this year on a field, part of which was plowed the first of September and the balance in November. The field was sowed with wheat in March, across the furrows. That on the early plowing was much more luxuriant during the whole season, and produced bet- ter grain. The difference was disccrnable during the growing season, at the distance of i a mile. Our land is Prairie — some flat and some gently rolling. Oats are much surer to be sold very early, as early as the ground can be worked. G-. N. enquires if there is an early kind of corn that will produce a fair crop '{ I ans- wer, there is. I have a kind that this year was fit for the Table 15th July, and fairly glazed, 1st of August. It is small, -with small cob, white, 8 rows, and will bear plant- ing very thick. I planted some in March, not thinking it would come up, but it did, and was several days earlier than that planted the last of April. I consider it very valua- ble for early corn for the table, and early feeding. I will send a sample to any body that will pay the postage. S. W. ARNOLD. Enquiries. Editor of the Farmer : — Can you tell me how to grow White Mustard on a large scale? Can the Castor Bean be successfully culti- vated here? Will hogs eat the Japan Pea? Where can these seeds be had? I have found the best way to raise oats is — to clear the trash from the ground; then sow your oats and plow in the seed two or three inches. Of course this must be dry ground. It would be well to roll or harrow the ground afterwards. The work must be done early in spring. J. S. Answers. — Mustard seed can be sown broadcast, — though it would probably do better drilled in. The ground should be well prepared, should be clean, and less seed is required than to sow the same ground with turnips. In good seasons. Castor Beans can be raised in this latitude. Several farmers in Chris- tian country raised crops last season. Hogs will eat Japan Peas; but the crop is not considered profitable. White Mustard Seed, Castor Beans and Japan Peas, can be had at the seed stores in St. Louis. These would be obtained by our correspondent more conveniently from that point than any other. . A Steam Carriage for Common Roads. — The New Haven Palladium of December 3d, had just made a thorough examination of Gold's new steam car- riage, which he has just invented and now completed for use upon turnpikes, farms, or wherever such a carriage may be needod for draft or travel. The Pal- ladium says "it is indeed a new wonder — another marvel of the age. Its size is six by sixteen feet, and its weight is two and a half tons.'' On a common turn- pike it can draw twenty tons with great facility. "It has four wheels, the two front are common carriage wheels, except that their diameter is much greater. — The wheels are turned by a small crank and thus the whole thing is steered. It may be turned completely about in a road of thirty feet in width. The back or driving wheels are covered with shoes, between each of which are small grooves, so that the wheels are can take hold of the road and not slide upon soft or icy tracks." -^ The machine can be made of all sizes. The Palladium says they will be brought iuto common use in a short time and it thinks will take the lead of similar con- trivances. / The Garden. The garden is a bound volume of agri- cultural life written in poetry. In it the farmer and his family set the great in- dustries of the plow, spade, and hoe, in rhyme. Every flower or fruit bearing tree is a green syllable after the graceful type and curse of Eden. Every bed of flowers is an acrosstic to Nature, written in the illustrated capitals of her own alphabet. Every bed of beets, celery, or savory roots or bulbs, is a page of blank verse, full of the bellesi lettres of agriculture. The farmer may be seen in his garden. It contains the synopsis of his character in letters that may be read across the road. The barometer hung by his door will indicate certain facts about the weather, but the garden, lying on the sunny side of the house, will mark, with greater precision, the degree of mind, heart culture which he has reached. It will embody and reflect his tastes, the bent and bias of his perceptions of grace and beauty. In it he holds up the mir- ror of his inner life to all who pass; and, with an observant eye, they may see all the features of his intellectual being in it. In that choice rood of earth he re- cords his progress in mental cultivation and professional experience. In it he marks, by some intelligent sign, his sci- entific and successful economies in the corn field. In it you may see the germs of his reading, and can almost tell the number and nature of his books. In it he ■will reproduce the seed thoughts he has called from the printed pages of his library. In it he will post an answer to the question wnether he has any taste for reading at all. Many a nominal far- mer's house has been passed by the book aflent without a call, because he saw a blunt, bruff negative to the question in :jhe garden or yard. — Ulihu Burritt. -•t- Peuit in Italy. — An American trav- eler says : — 'T have not yet seen either in the markets or grape yards of South- ern Europe anything that would com- pare with the fruit displayed at onr an- nual shows. Not only in the large grape yield, but in other kinds of fruit, this will be a bountiful year in Tuscany. Figs, pears and peaches are in nncoin- nion abundance; indeed, the last named are about as plenty, good and cheap as with us during a favorable season in New Jersev. Of fresh fiirs, fifteen to '■>-'- J twenty, can be bought for a crazia, little more than our cent. The olive vieUl does not promise so well as usual, which may oblige the Florentines after tins, to pay a little more for the oil they burn in their laraj)s and eat on their salads. The past summer has been a very comforta- ble one in this part of Italy. There were only a few days of excessive heat, and, indeed, rarely is any great inconve- nience felt on that account?' 206 THE ILLINOIS F^HMER. lUicroseopie Wonders. Among the most remirkable of those myriads of animals which exist in every drop of water, is the navicula — a little creature which has some twenty or thirty legs, and is endowed by Nature with an armor of flint. In a paper which was recently laid before one of the scientific societies of London, some curious facts concerning this diminutive animal were stated. Among other things it was mentioned that if an observer watches narrowly for five or six hours, he will note a tbin transparent line spreading across it in some direction. After the line makes its first appearance it becomes every moment more distinct, and rapidly increases in width. At length the crea- ture begins wriggling its limbs violently the body splits asunder, and two new naviculie are made out of one old one. The animal has something like a hundred stomachs, and its mouth, which is situa- ted, near one extremity, is surrounded by a number of almost invisible tentacula, with which it grasps its food; but as soon as the transparent line appears, which denotes its approaching division into two as another mouth will be wanted, another is seen sprouting from the other extremi- ty, and is ready to perform its functions as soon as the separation is effected. — The navicula divides itself in two, once in twelve hours, under ordinary circum- stances. But there are some kinds of naviculrc which split themselves into six- teen instead of two in the same space of time. Were there no checks to the in- crease, a single ona of the the tribe would become the producer of many hundied millions or creatures in a month. — Port- folio. The Gold Fever. — There is likely to be a malignant, contagious gold fever the coming year. The average of the news from the neighborhood of Pike's Peak is, that gold is found there, and that persons engaged in washing earth for it, can make fair wages. We notice that companies are being organiz- ed in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri, to go out in the spring to the diggings. We shall be disappointed if twenty thousand or more of the excitable popiilatiou of the States i and Territories named, do not take up the line of march for the regions of the setting sun as soon as spring opens. If thisisdnoe, farm hands will be in demand next summer. United States vs. Illinois Agricul- tural Society. — The following are the entries made at the fairs of these societies last fall : United States Society. Ci»ttlo no IIuraeR, Jacki), Ac 191 Sheep 51 SwiTio "24 Poultry 39 Farm dupartmeiit .368 Mechanical articles 134 Art and utility 74 Entrioa 991 Illinois Society. Cattlp 186 Iloraes, Ac 373 ?heep 148 Swiue 69 Poultry 21 Farm departmenl 376 Mechanical articleB 423 Art and utUity 97 Textile fiihrics 92 Plowing match 13 Entriea 1,788 -«••- Fattening Sheep. — About the begin- ning of October, I set apart the sheep that I intend to make fat, put them into good pastures, and give them a little grain once or twice a day; one bushel of grain at this season is better than two bushels in cold weather. When winter begins to set in, I prefer a shed open to the south, with cribs to hold their food. In the morning I give them peas in the straw, cut green, and turnips after; a couple of sheaves of oats at noon, and turnips and peas at night. Common sheep, fed in this way, can be made in the spring worth $8 or $10. Those that are disposed to feed sheep or cattle, ought to raise th ee or four acrss of Swedish turnips; feeding on grain is expensive, and sometimes does not pay very well. Give them plenty of litter, and as many turnips as they can eat, and you will have a^ heap of manure that will pay you for your trouble, and of far more value than all the composts of all leaves, old shoes and old trash, that you can scrape together — Gcnessc Farmer. This is a good exhibit for Illinois. «•• Editor Farmer : — Do you know of any- body in this section of the country who has succeeded well with dwarf pears. [Professor Turner, of Jacksonville, ias succeeded well with with the Bartlett on quince stocks. They grow in his garden — warm, dry ground, and are unquestionably well taken care of] «•• Rich Milk. — Mr. Prentice, of Alba- ny, states, that his Ayrshire cows pro- duce one pound of butter from six quarts of milk. Mr. Norton, of Connecticut, has Alderneys which do better than this. The general average in dairies is said to be one pound of butter from fif- teen quarts of milk. -«•. Duration of Life of Animals. — The follow- ing table of the duration of life in certain ani,^ mals is transluted frum an old German work ; The cricket, ten years; spider, one; CJtrp, one huridrel to one hundied and fifty; pike, forty; iTocodile, one hundred ; tortoise, one huneied : hen ten ; pencock, twenty four : ninhtinjjdle and lark, tsizteen to eighteen; canary, (if it does not couple), twenty four ; canary, (if it breeds anually), ten; sparrow hawk, forty; goose, fifty ; swan, one hundred ; eagle, one hundred ; paiTot, one hundred and ten : rabbit, from eight to nine; goat, ten; sheep, ten; hog, twenty; cat, eighteen ; squirrel, seven ; hare, from seven to eight ; dog, from twenty three to twenty-eight; wolf, twet.ty ; bear, twenty ; fox, fifteen ; lion, sixty ; cow, twenty : bull, thirty: ox, (druughi), nineteen; deer, twenty ; horse, from twentj'five to thirty ; ass, from twenty- five to fifty ; camtl, from filty to sixty ; ele- phant, one hundred and fifty to two hundred. *•. American Enterprise in tue East. — S«ve ral new fields for American enterprise in Asia apr>enr t) be opening at once. Japtin and China are not the only ones. "While Europe has been either ignorant or doubtful of the im- mense importance of the River Amoor, (a stream hardly inferior to the Mississippi.) run- ning between the Russian and the Chinese pos- sessions, quite a number of Yankee merchants and sea captains h..ve found it out, and have been taking advantage of it. Several cargoes of sugar were the first consignment ventured to this region. The Central Asiatics were not only surprised, but greatly gratified by the un- expected HU). plies, ut a much cheaper rate than their previous overland supplies had ever been nifjrded. Sugar fell in price 30 per cent, at Novgorod, and the Americans made a hand« soaie speculation out of their undertaking. 1 his ia only an ezanmle of what can be done with numerous other commodities, manufac- tured and agricultural. A large and increas- inn population along the river, oS'ers a steady and profitable market for our productions. By way of Panama and California, we can contend successfully with England for the control of the greater part of it. — Albany Juunial .•• Will of an Earl of Pembroke- — Imprimis — For my soul, I confess I have heard very much of souls, but what they. are, or whom they are, or whal they are for. God knowb-; I know not; they tell me now of another world, where I never wa?; nor do I know one foot of the way thither. While the King stood, I was of his re ligion, made my son wear a cassock, and thought to make hiui a bi;>hop; then came the Scots and maae him a Presbyterian; and since Cromwell entered 1 have been an Independent. These, 1 believe, are the kingdom's three estates, and if any of these can have a soul, I may claim one: therefore, if my executors find that I have a soul, I give it to him who gave it to me. — Jletn. I give my deer to the Earl of Salisbury, who I know will preserve ihem, because he de- nied the King a buck out of his own parks. — Item. I give nothing to Lord Say; which lega- cy I give him, becaut^e I know he will bequeath it on the poor. — Item. To Tom May i give five shillings: I intended him more; but who- ever has seen his 'History of Parliament," thinks five shillings too much. — Item. 1 give Lieutenant Cromwell one word of mine, because hitherto he never kept his own. — Iie7n. I give up the ghost. -.*> Effects of Late llourtt. From a recent trial we learn that a new wo- man's profession is known in England — that of a "face painter," or "ladies' decorator." The mistress of this art attends ladies who go to balls, &a., beautifies their complexion, and ar« ranges their teeth, besides dressing their hair, and attending to the making up of their per- sons generally. Some who pursue this business can produce the required qunlity of paleness or color to suit various times and circumstances, and can make the subject languidly interesting or billiahtly handsome, from the contents of a small box. It prob-vbly will not be long ere some such profession is in practice in New York — Inte hours and dissipation maldng sad rava ges on the health and beauty of our lasbionable wjmen. There is one custom which, though univer- sally prevalent, is advocated by none, and is complained of by all — most bitterly by those who are most the slaves to it — viz: that of turn- ing nig" t into day at parties. The necessity of goi g at ten o'clock, when the powers of na'ure require rest instead of further taxation, draws fatally on the constitutional strength of the in- dividual. All the vivacity and gaiety requisite for making a brilliant appearance, must, after that hour, be derived from artificial stimulus ot some kind ; and if the b dy bo not fed with exciting food or drink to supply the fount of vigor, the brain and the emotional nature must be taxed for thiit purpose. This unnatural con- dition continties during the hours given to social assemblies of the kind — perhaps from ten to ' ■ . :v-^*^%~h«W^f :T!?"ijt!aa'?7>;^iTp! ?riJS**^ -T' f.SSS'''^ .JVT. - .; -■ .■;r.-^>T-^'^ ,■- ..r7?^*J THE ILLINOIS F_A_IIMEII. 207 lUiuois Agricultural Society. The Siate Agricultural Board hiive made the following award of premiums for farms . To S II. Elliott, of Edfiar oo. lor the most highly cultivated farm, gold modal. To Sylvester Ryder, of Payne co. for first be«t farm 160 acres, gold medal. For the second best to A. G. Carle, of Cham- paign CO. silver medal. To A t O. Bernard, of McLean co. for first best farm, of 40 acres, gold medal. To J. T. Al.ison, of Whiteside co.for second be»t, silver medal. To J. M, Blackburne, of Edgar co. for best grating farm, gold medal. To F. L. Scott, of Champaign co. for seoond bef't, HJver medal. To L. EUsw irth, of Du Pdge co. for best nursery, gold medal. To A. R.Whitney, of Lee co. for second best, silver medal. To L. II. Thomas, of Macoupin Co., best grove of timber, guld medal. The following are the awards for premium Esoays : "On the raising of Sheep and their adapta- tion to prairies." A. B. McConnel, $10. "On the cultivation of Orchards," to C. R. Overman, $10. '•On Agriculture as connected with common Bcho.)l-i," to Mias L, A. Pl&tt, Silver Medal. "Oo Practical Gardening in Illinois," $40. "On rearing domestic fowls," to B. C. Be- ment, of New York, $10. "On the culture of rice in Illinois," to J. Ruosell. $10. To Mrs. H. M, L. Cutler, of Grundy, was awarded the first premium for maple sugar. To D.C. B. Odtrander, of LivingstonCo.,was awarded the first premium for b.'St specimens of sugar from the Sorghum. To II. E.Walt'tn, Macoupin Co., was awarded the first premium for Syrup from the Chinese Cane; the second best to B. Van Ilenton, third, to Orin Sholes, of Whitesides. The following are the awards made of Flelc Crops: Best 40 acres Spring Wheat, Hugh UulU, of St. Charles. Best 20 acres Fall Wheat, Jas. Erwin, of Randolph Co. Best 15 acres Drilled Wheat, Hugh IIuUs, of St. Charles. Best 10 acres Drilled Wheat, Hugh Eas- dale. Best Crop Fall Wheat, Hugh Easdale. of Randolph. Best Crop Indian Cirn, same. Best Crop Rye, Harrison Hancock, of Taze- ■well. BestCropAVhite Beang, same. Best Crop Irish Potatoes, same. Best Crop ^weet Potatoes, Michael Jowe, Madison Co. Best acre of CI >ver Seed, Hugh Hulls. an- State Agricultural Societt. — At th« nual meeting of the State agricultural Society, held at the Hall of the House of Representa- tives on Wednesday evening, the following officers were elected. President — Louis Ellflworth, of DuPaa;e Co. Vice Piesidenis—lsi District, C. B. Dsnio, of JoDavieas; 2nd District; W II. Van Eppes; 3rd District, John Gerard, of Vermilion ; 4th District, Alva Dunlap, of Peoria; 5jh District, J. W. Singleton, of Adams; 6ih District, Ste- phen Dunlap, of Morgiin, 7th District, Wm. Kyle, of Edgar; 8th District, S. B. Chandler, of St. Clair ; 9/h District, H. S. Osborne, of Perry. Recording Secretary — John Cook, of Sanga> mnn. Corresponding Secretary— S. Francis.of Sang- amon. Treasurer— J. W. Bunn, of Sangamon. Go to bed Early. To all young persune, to students, to the sed- entary, and to invalids the fullest sleep that the system wiU take, without artificial means, is the balm of life — without it there can be no restoration to health and activity again. Never wake up the sick or infirm, or young children, of a morn — it is a barbarity; let them wake of themselves, let the care be to establish an hour for retiring, so early that their fullest sleep may be out before sunrise. Another item of very great importance is : Do nut hurry up the young and the weakly. It is no advantage to pull them out of bed so soon as their eyes are open, nor is it be»t for the stu- dious, or the well who have passed an uuusu- ally fatiguing day, to jump out of bed the moment they wake until the sense of weariness passes from their limbs. Nature abhors two things: violence and a vacuum. The sun does not break at ' nee into the glare of the me- ridian. The diurnal flowers unfold them- selves by slow degrees ; nor fleetest beast, nor sprightliest bird, leaps at ona« from it» restirg place. By all of which we mean to aaj, that as no physiologiciil tru'h is more demonstrable than that the brain, and with it the whole nervous system, is recuperated bj sleep, it is of the first importance, as to the well being of the human system thut it have its fullest measure of it, and to that end, the habit of retiring to bed early should be made imperative on allchildrsn, and no ordinary event should be allowed to inters fere with it. Its moral healtbfulness is not less impo'tant than its physical. Many a young woman, has made the first step towards degradation, and crime, and disease, after ten o'clock, at night, at which hour, the year round, the old, the jr-iddle aged, and the young, should be in bed, and then the early rising will take care of itself, with the incalculable accompani- ment of a fully rested body and a ren(^. WUISKY — Tlio mark.'t is dull, but aurfaauged* Salei to- day comprise 347 bbls, in lois, at 2-ic %i gnllun. illDI^S — 15 and 7c for flint aud salt. FUUIT— A lot of 87U bags dri*d apples was sold at $2 ^ hnehel. H.1.Y — Sales 40 bales fair at TOc, and 30 bales choica at 90c ^ 100 R>B. PROVISIONS— Lard in tierces at 10c f» lb. Chicago Market.~JaLuary 3. ' FLOUR— Quiat. f^alas to-day w«r«: 100 bbls choice IIH DOii wkite winter at |6 75. Spring vxlra nomioal at $3 76 @4 WKKAT— Sales to day wen 2,000 bushels No. 2 spring ; (O. t G.'s boose) at 60c in stora; 2,000 bushels do (Sturges ,) at 70c in s'tore. COItN—Ntry scarce. Sales to-day 4 aars aar sorn at 50c I on track I OATS —-00 bn^bels choice new oati in bags 4eli!rersd, st I 50c; 100 bushels du at 47c on traak. HYK— frJQeSc %* 00 fts at dapot. BARLEY— Nominal at 40(3(70c for SUte, and $i;iO@$l 20 forOan*diaa. IlIv)IIvVl\K3— Nominal at 22c. PitOVtSlONS— Qui»tt»ut nriuat tha foUowinjt qnoUtiops: Vkss pork $16 3S(a>lti sO: bulk meats 53^c shoulders, 7c for side', aod 7^c for hams, parked. LARU— firm at l^)%®M%c. New York Cattle Market.— Jau. 4. A. M Allurton & Co., preprietors of the Washington Drova Yard'!. Fort}' fourth street, report the cattle in market from the "llowiug States : Towa.„ 63 Connecticut..... 70 .\ew Jersey „ 18 Michigan I02 J.732 New York „ 1,455 Ohio 688 ludi'itna 48 Illiaois „ S3S Pennsylvania. 45 Number reported lor this motket at Forty fourth at The prices lu aay are quoted as follows : First quality 10 (ffilOV^c Me'iiuMi „ s}^2@ ^■ Ordinary „ 7 (gi fic. S12c. The jr neral averse" "f fhe m "ket at hardly 4* • The most of the sales ran^je trom 8 %9y.:c. jKBpprjTTTI'-i^^Kl^jpgfjjjllSTy'- -■iiii!i^.i II 'iufn^^^^-s^ 208 THE ILLINOIS F^RMiER. B. F. FOX, niiolesale and Uctiiil Dealer Iii Hardware, IX AM, ns YAItlOUS BKAXCHKS, HAS NOW IN STOHE one of tliu lnri(PSt ami tKvt iissortiiionts r.f goods in his lino ever oflVreil in thin miirki-t. Iiiiiioitiiig many styles of Kug- lish goodH dirvct, iinii purchasing liiri Aniericuu gooUa of the manufacturers fit thu lowest (cush) prices, he is enabled to offur nicrchiiiits and consumers (loodsat tlxe lowest prices, and on as favoralilo tirnis as any house e;i.st or west, ilia stock embraces a very large and complete assortment of AgricuUiirat Tools and Implements ! of the latest ami most improved kinds and (lualities. Henp- ers, Mowers, tilruw Cutlers, Jli-ilye Trimmi-rs, Sickles, Grass and 1 runing llwhs, Cradles, Scythes, Snaths, J-hrhs, Ifittui, Shiirrh, S'loups, ^1j>!s(all Vinds anil makes), I'icks, MaUocl-s, Fan Mills, Seed S-jmrators and Threshing Ma- chines. MOUSE FURMSUIXG & BUILDERS WAREHOUSE. Larjfe and complete assortment of Lucks. Latches, Suits. Jlin- ges. Screws, Hulls, llrads, yails. Th' I MMIJVGS— great variety Carpenter^s and Kuilder^s Tools I Planej:, Saws, Cliisfls, ^higers, Hraces, Bills, Drawing Knives, Si/uares, Trowels, B'THs, Jlatchrts, Hammers, Adzes, Burch and Brnad Ares, Boreing Machines, Gould's and Steptoe's Morticing Machines, Files, cfc. Blacksmith's Tools. BrTlntos. Jnvil.t, I'lccs, Screw IHates, Tongs, Uurse Jfails, Horse Shoes, Buttresses, dx. COOPER'S TOOLS. Fine assortmu'Ul, Kiiiccs. J/ooks, I'lanes, etc. ClJTIiERY. A very large stock and assortment of Wostenholm's Butch- er's and nthui's, Tahle, Fockst, i'cn. Butcher and /Shoe Knives, liazurs, Shears, Cissnrs, Oyrers, ifo. (Ireat variety. GUNS, PISTOI.S, Gun Trimminr/sand Mmintings,sin(jUunddmd>leharreUed En- glish and German Jiijles, Vislr.ls of great variety, toufther witli a general assortm uit of goods u-iually kept in a Hardware Btoru. SAWS Every variety, mill, cross cut and circular, from three inches to sixty inclusive, furnished at manufacturers prices. Saddlery Hardware and Carriage Trimmings. lu this t>rauch uf my business, I am enabled to e.xteuil to saddlers and carriage makers unusual facilities, beingsupplii-d direct from tlie manufacturers. Uoods in this liuecome to mo at extraordinary low prices. My stock embraces all varieties: Buckles, Ferrets, Ornaments, liosfates, Kings, Snajlles, Bills, Punches. Webbing. SeJf-Adjusting and Dennison Trees, Sad- dler's Silk. ,Sh and Kubbtr packing. •Hn^ Urd."rs promptly filled and forwarded. Maylst, 1S07. B. F.FOX. ST^tn COItJV JflMIjlj^ $ THE ILLiyOIS •Jfiuiual Fire Insurance Co, LOCATED AT ALTON ILLINOIS, CUARTERED FED. 23,1839. ORGANIZED APRIL 4. 1839. Ainoiint of premium notes in force February 1st, 1650, conatituting a fund for the payment of Louses, 80 0,000.0 0, Secured by a lien on property insured, valued at over $9,000,000! TUTS company insures dwellings,3tores,warehousc8,mann- factorios, mills, Imrns, 8talilo-< and tile contents of each, together with every other similar spuciua of property witbiD the State, from LOSS OR DAMAGE BY FIREl The Directors feel justified in recommending tliis company to the tavorable consideration of the citizens of Illinois. Every one insured becomes a metnber. thu coni|)auy being an as- sociation of customers— each of whom is concerned in in- suring his neighbor. As tlie indenuiitication fund augments in exact ratio witli the increase of risks, the capital of the company it comparatively uxhaustless; and the entire safety of tiio in.->titutioa must be apparent to every one who reads the charter. Tlie cost of insuring in this company is so low, as to render it aim )st iuexcn.siil)le for the owners of iusarable property not to avail themselves of its protection. BO.Vnn OF DIRECTORS. liTM*M Trumbull, Lenj. F. Long, KoiiERT Smith TlMOTirv TuilN'gE, M. (J. Atwood, KI.IA3 lIlIinARD, Samubl W'adb, Jdiix James, Hknmiy I.ka, Xatu'l JIa.vso.v, BENJAMI.S F, T.. KCLLE.VOKRaER, Alfkcd Dow, Benj. K. Hart, Joitx Dailhaciiz, Joa.v Atwood. LONG, President. Lrwia KELI.ENDFR0E7l,Treas. M. O. Atwood, Scc'y. Jig- An Agent for this Company may bo found in almost ery County of the State. 4t^ Application for insurance may be made to JAMES L. UILU Agnnt, at Spriugiiutd. For Griudlng Corn, Cob, Hominy or Meal and General Stock Feed. WE DELIVER THIS MILL AT ANY point, or from our wagons, that run through the dif- ferent parts of the country, at the luauufacturer's retail price, which is, for the mill compKte, ${Hi. Orders, or letters of inquiry should be addressed to IIU.NT, I'YKK & Co., Springfield, 111. We need but say that where the Star Mill has been used, it has gained credit beyond ail other Mills ..ow in use; and the farmer only needs to see and try it in order to become con- vinced that it is perfe< t in its arrangemeut from the tnct that it grinds green is well as old corn, (corn and cub pasMUg through it together,) which no other Mill will do. Farmers and stock-growers can save from 30 to 40 bushels of corn in each 100 by the use of this Mill; (at least wo have «ertiticatei to that effect.) Persons having onco experienced its benellt, will never return to the wasteful practice of feeding corn in the ear. It will undoubtedly make good meal of shelled corn for fam- ily use. The Millgrinds from twelve to twenty bushels per hour, and niakesan easy draft for two horses. We can produce first premiums, diplomas, and recommen- dations too numerous to mention. For full particulars, refereucus and description of Mills, see circulars. N. B.- Persons can be supplied with a "tar Mill, and also see one inopeiatiou by calling at the Agricultural Store of FRANCIS & BAllRELL, Jan 1, 1858 Authorized Agents. UHLER'S PLO\VS The Double Curved Uprlgnt Steel Mould Board Plow. THE PROPRIETOR OF THIS SUPERIOR Plow still continues to supply, the great demand which its merits have created. Itii combination of rare ad- vantages has recommended it to the agricultural community throughout the State of Illinois, it is now iidmittcd that it hasuoui|iial. The folluwiug note is but one of the ni.tny testimonials which have been turnishedtho uiauafacturer of the working of his i)lows. We certify that wo liave lately used the above plows, manu* facturod by .Mr. John Uhler, and we would state that they are iu all respects, superior to any other plows we havo ever used. We cheerfully recummeud them to the public. Wm. P. Lawsou, Wni. Polliubarger, J.J. Short, Day id Nowsom, John W. Beck, Uriah Mann, John Kavanaugh, Philemon Stout. Sangamon county, Jan 1", 1865. "From the peculiar form of Uhler's plows they are not ex- celled by any other now in use. It scours very bright, sheds off stubbles admirably, and runs light and easy to the team. The largest sized two-horse plow of this kind, has been used sevb-ral seasons successfully in breaking prairie. The limits of a newspaper advertisement will not admit of an accurate description of these plows. To see them is tobo pleased with them. In addition to the above, the manufactnrer is making wrought iron upright ones, and two-horse plows. Also, a superior Prairie Plow, warranted to be equal to any prairie pK'W now in use. Any size that may be wanted can be had at short notice. A large number of all sizes, kept on hand constantly. .Manufactured by JOHN UIILER, Springtiebl, 111., at whoso ostablishnient these favorite plows can be had, from a single one to a number unlimited. auc4-wlT B. B. LLOYD, D E ISTTI S T, OFFICK O.N .VOnTll FIFTU STREET, OVER J. KArBUR-"'!. SPRXNGFX£I.I>, JiUL. A DENTAL I'RACTICEOKFIFTEEN YEARS WARRANTS him in saying that all operations shall be carefully and neatly performed. He is in possession of several premi- ums and dii)lomas awarded by the best iuHtitutetJ for the pro- motion of science and arts in the countrj'. Teeth inserted, from one tooth to full sets, as substantial and handsome as can be had in any city of the United Mates or Europe. Artificial palate plates inserted, supplying the want or loss of the palate, velum and would, so as to restore articulation. Uefer to Prof. David Gilbert, Pennsylvania College of Med- icine, Philadelphia: Hon. J. S. Black, Washincton City; Rev. Dr. llarkey, Illinois University; Drs. Helm, Kyan and Wal- lace: Messrs. Jacob Loose, J S. Condell, J. II. Gray, Fossel- man, Owen. Corueau Si Diller. JuneT, 1S5. Sw et Hi) iit I'laats. WE WILL HAVE THEM IN THE PRO- per season, for Sal ' by the hundred or thousand, at fair prices; (See advertisement of early Nansemond potatoes) febl FRANCIS & BARREL. A SUBSTITUTE_FOR POTASH ! CONCENTRATED LYE ! A FAMILY AWTICLE, For making soap without Lime, and with little or no trouble and trilling expense. THE CIIEAPESI' AND MOST CONVE- NIENT article ever offered to the public for that {)nr- pooe. EVEKY FAMILY can make all the soap they uso from their ordinary kitchen grea.so and this Lye. Kcthiug else is required. ONE POUND BOX will make 25 gallons of fine soft soap, or nine pounds uf elegant hard soap, and several gallons of soft. A single trial will convince any one of its great utility and cheapueks. PRINTERS, and all others using a strong Lye, will find the "Concentrated" three hundred per cent, cheaper than anything else they can use. For sale by all the Druggists and Grocers in the country. BE WAKE OF IMITATIONS! Manufactured only by the Pennsylvania Salt Mannfactur ing Company, Pittsburg, I'a., who maunfacture extra super fine snow white TABLE, DAIRY and POllK PACREKS SALT, warranted free from all impurities, and the only really pure salt made in this country. Caustic soda, for soap mak'.-rs, soda ash, refined soda ash, sal Soda, bleaching powder, bleaching liquor, mani^anese, nitric acid, muriatic acid, aquafortis, chlorotorni. soda sale- ratus. Beptt>-daw4m farmer2m For sale wholesale and retail, by J. B. FOSSELMAN, Druggist. Mauutactured by John Dere. AS THE SEASON FOR FALL PLOWING is at hand, the subscriber would ask the attention of Farmers and others interestetl, to his lar(;e and superior stock of Plows of all kinds, now iu use in the West, cunsiut- ingof Tliree sizes of Improved Clippers, made from the best Cast- steel, and tlnisbed in very superior manner; these (lows for ease of draft, and perfect plowing, have no equal in this State. Four sizes and qualities of the common form of old ground plows, made from Cast, German and Auiericau Steel, which are equal to any plaw made alter this style. Corn Plows of two qualities. Double and single Shovel Plows. Five Tooth Cultivators. Hnrrows, t» o styles, reversable, adjustable, and Giddes Double Harrow. Ox Yokes of three sizes, finished iu the best manner, and a very superior article. Twelve and Fourteen in Extra Breakers, for breaking Prairie or other sod, with two and three horses — these are Very superior breaking (ilows. Common breakers of every size and styls, on hand, or made to order. The Michigan Double Plows. Cf this I am making two ■izes for tbre> and tour horses. This plow is adopted to breaking, plowing stubble-lanil, or sub-boiling: and will do anykinds ofplowiiit: in the best manner. No plow has given such general satisfactien wherever jt has been used. It should be more generally introduced for deep plowing and BubsoiliLg* All orders for plows either singly or by the dozen will re- ceive pronii)t attention Sepi , IS.S— 6 times. JOHN DEERF. JKt" All of said articles can be had uu application to Francis i Barrell, Springfield. We^tern^^Land^ Office. T. s. MATinai. FOR TUS PURCHASE AND SALE OF CITY PRO- perty, Farms and Unimproved Lauds, PAYMENT Of TAA'ES,~ CuUtction of Claims, \ Government Liantis ENTERED WITH WAKKANTS OK CASir IN ANT LAND DISTBICT IN ILLINOIS, IOWA. MISSOURI, MINNESOTA OK NEBRASKA. LAND WARRANTS BOUGHT AND SOLD. ^Office over N. 11. Ridgely's Bank, West side Public Square, Siirinictield, Ills. FRUIT AND ORN.%MENTAL TREES SUUADERY, &c. SFRANCI.S, SPRINGFIELD, ILL, » will receive orders for all description of trees from tho DuPage County Nnrseriea, L. Ellsworth & Co , j)roprietor8. These trees are well ^rown, healthy, and their genuiiuss ig warranteu. Orders for fall planting can be forwarded to them at any timti from June till No.vember. Catalogues will bo furni.-'bed those who wish to purchase trees and shrulhery on application to Messrs. Francis & Bar- rell, Spriugfield. auK QUEENS WARE. A LARGE lOT DIRECT FROM THE potteries in England, to be sold at verv low prices by aug FRANC1S"& BAIiRELL. 0 MMrills, N HAND, FOR SALE, varieties grain drills. THE BEST FRANCIS & BARRCLL. «-a^SKcsft^5^ V'™"^"^;. •/■.vs"^p. "^ry. ''z^i'^i^V^^-''~'f7^^^^MMiil^»^Tyop8 21 Items „ , 2Y7 CropB _ 217 The Wheat Crop „ ^1% Hungarian Grass , _ 218 McCormackN Reaper 218 Our Revenue Great Western Raifroad ' January No. of Farmer .....^ ^ Fruit Grower's ^i-ciefy ___ Fute Ag icultural Society . . r^jo rrantng Gruips *" n^„ * B -J- „„, _ 220 The Plautiu^of Vew Orchneds 22o BotaniSHl and Z )ological Survey of the Sute '.!! "." •'ot Indualfial Muivcrsity -. ''*' Nothing New Under the Sun .,.,. Small FruitH -"i Wa-hington's Birth'iay 200 Market" .,^ ..218 .218 .219 .219 Apple CultQrc in Illinois. An Address hy Arthur Bryant hcfore the State Horticultural Society, delirered at Bloominijton, December 14, 1858. It is my present object to make some re- marks upoa the obstacles to the successful cultivation of the apple in this State, and as far as I am able, to suggest the means of their removal. So numerous are these ob- stacles, that it cannot be expected that I should in the limits of a short essay do more than briefly discuss some of the principal. — The idea may suggest itself at the outset, that the greatest obstacle to success in the cultivation of the apple is the ignorance and negligence of most of those who engage in it. This may be true ; but the fact being admitted and the remedy obvious, it is need- less to enlarge upon it here. It is by at- tending-to, and discussinir the minor dilBcul- ties, that the greater is to be removed. Among the enemies of the apple, insects hold a prominent place; and among insects the most destructive to young orchards in this State is the borer. My horticultural friends are doubtless well acquainted with this insect; b'it it is not for tho.se who already know as much or more than myself, that I write. Many of tho.se who plant trees are, at the outset, scarcely if at all aware of the existence of such an insect; and most are ignorant of the best methods of prevent- ing Its ravages. Entomolosists recognize thi existence of many species of the borer, and three are commonly destructive to the apple tree in this S ate, while two or th.ee more occasionally attack it. The most de- structive of these, and the only one meu- tioned in fruit books, is that known as the apple borer. This insect in its winged form is about three-fourths of an inch long, of a dark brown or had color, with a longitudinal M-hite stripe on each wing, and two long white attennac curving from its proboscis to its opposite extremity. It deposits its eggs at the collar of the trees during the months of June, July and August. I have never been able to discover that it punctures the bark to deposit its eggs — in fact, 1 have rea- son to think that it does not. The worm when hatched bores through the bark, and for the remainder of the season feeds on the wood immediately beneath it, penetrating deeper as the winter appronehe.- , and de- scending towards the ro(jt. T.u; next sum- mer it bores the wood in diiT'.ren; direction.^, and passes the second winter in or near the heart of the tree. The following spring, the worm now full grown, and about an inch long, changes to the winged form, and emer- ges from the tree sometime in the month of June through a hole bo: ed horizontally from the heart, u.'sually higher up the tree than where it entered. The ravages of this in- sect may be prevented by surrounding the collar of the trees early in June with leached ashes, also bj an occasional application of soft soap, ley, or a solution of potash, to the stems of the trees. The trees should be examined several times during the summer, and the worms removed if any are found. — Their presence may readily be known b\- the dust they throw out, and during the first season they may be destroyed with a flexible wiro or the point of a knife. If they are too deep in the wood to be reached by these, they maybe killed by thrusting into the hole a small pledget of cotton dipped in spirits of turpentine or camphorated spirits, and plug- ging it with a piece of wood. A pint of sulphur, a gallon of soft-soap, and tobacco water enough to make the mixture of the consistence of paint, is said, if applied to the trees in June, to insure their safety from the borer for the rest of the season. I hope I may be pardoned for digressing her? so far as to remind some of my brother horticultu- rists that they may in some such way make a much better u&e of their tobacco than by passing it through their own mouths, to say nothing of its being more agreeable to their families and others who are compelled to receive its odors at second hand. The next species of borer of which I shall speak is, I believe, commonly confounded with that above mentioned but is really dif- ferent. In size and color it resembles the first, except that its back and wings instead of being striped are curiously mottled with white. It is, I think, the same which is found in the hickory and other forest trees. As far as 1 have obscr\'cd, it is seldom if ever found in orchards remote from forests, while those near woods are certain to be infested with it. This specios attacks only the branches and stem of the tree* at .some distance from the ground. It makes a slit in the smooth bark resembling the scratch of a cat, in which it deposits its eggs. The time of its continuance in the tree is the same as that of the first mentioned species j the same washes will prevent its attacks, and after it has entered the tree it may be destroyed in the same manner. , > . Another species is that S( metimes called ■Hf^-r :mWr^-' W'^'^^r^^'jlSIPS'"''^'^!^; \ ^*^ Tiiiii iLLiisrois f^hmer. the hark ^rcr, from its Ibodinu; exclupivoly upon the camhiiin^ itiiinciliately l)cncath the bark, never penetrating deeper into the wonel except to pass the winter. This spe- cies, I think, remains in the tree but one year. I do not know the inseet in its per- fect form ; the worm i.s puialler than the preceding specip.s, its body is flattened; with the joint next tlie head twice as broad as any otlier part of its body. It rarely, if ever, attacks appU^ trees, except where the smooth bark is exposed to tlie full power of the sun, or has been otlicrwise rendered unhealthy by brui.^injj;, hici'ration or injudicious prun- ins, done much injury to the or- chards of this State. It is not my purpose, at present, to enlarge upon this subject, about which .so much has been said and writ- ten, and the discussion of which has been so unsatisfactory as far as practi'^al results are concerned. Various causes of this dis- ease have been assigned, but nothing certain is yet known respecting its origin. Some eminent cultivators have strongly insisted that hot, moist weather — showers, alterna- ting with sunshine — -is essential to produce the disease ; but those who, in this State, have carefully observed it in its frequent recurrence during the last fifteen years, know well that here, at least, no .such concat- enation of circumstances is necessary for its development ; but that at any time, while the tree is growing — in .spring, summer or autunm — in dry and cool as well as in hot and moist weather — it may appear in all its virulence. Trees growing in all the difl'er- ent soils and exposures of Northern Illinois have been affected by it. Certain localities, it is true, have hitherto escaped ; an exemp- tion for which no sati.ssactory reason can be assigned. It attacks all the species of the J*yrus family, as well as some kinds of forest trees, with which they have no affinity. In most cases only the terminal shoots and small branches of apple trees are affected by it, and they may then be expected eventually to recover; but where, as not unfrequently happens, it attacks the trunk or large branch- es, it destroys the tree. The remedy commonly proposed for this disease is cutting away the aflected branches down to the sound wood, and burning them. In large orcliards, and trees of considerable size, the application of this remedy is simply impracticable; whera it is not so, my own experience leads mo to consider it about as efficacious as the whisk of a conjuror's wand. Accident or investigation and experiment may, perhaps, disclo.se some effectual remedy; in the meantime, we must bear itsvisitations as we best may. For three years past, it has .scarcely appeared at all. It may, like some epidemics among the human race, gradually die out and disappear. Another difficulty in the way of apple cidture arises from the sudden and great vi cissitudes of our climate, combined with the stimulating richness of our soil. This branch of my subject, embracing in its bearing the consideration of the hardiness of varieties, and of different modes of propagation and cultivation, with other matters, takes alto- getlier too wide a range for the limits of the pre.sont e.«??'-»SK,W>">V^W.>,'2T ^i,»^';»T!«--s-'TW-a!fi'-V.','^'H . IVA.*!,' THE ILLII^OIS F^HIVLEH. '211 There is no female hand to help them, none of the restraints that other society imposes, but a carelessness succeeds, of not only per- son and appearance, but in the valne of their earnings, in the very mammon itself that has become their divinity. That man cannot live alone, was one of the earliest announce- ments, that has gained strength with succes- sive ages ; but here woman cannot enter, her very tastes and susceptibilities would revolt. She would be out of her orbit in scenes so rough and uncongenial as arc here presented. Without women, without children, or with but few of them J without schools or provis- ion for learning, or but poorly encouraged, what can be expected of man but that he should lapse into barbarism ? Men can scarcely go on these enterprises without leaving families, mothers, sisters, some one dependent on them, at home, that are har- rassed with cases and suspense, though, if the ties become weakened or dissolved, worse yet for the parties concerned, that such temptations should have been permitted to rupture the smooth current of their life ! — Women fear these mining adventures, and well they may ; they are the greatest suffer- ers by them. We knew a party of young men from staid New England, that so lost their bahnce at eight and ten dollars per day, that they could not work, did not work, would not work, and the major part of them became little better than vagabonds. Could they have scooped up gold by the shovel full it would have been the same. The thing had lost its value in their new surroundings, and without solici- tude or care, nothing remained for them but neglect and improvidence. How many are there ia any community that succeed to wealth and competence? Not many; and rely upon it, the ratio of success will not be disturbed in mining. It will be the lesser fraction, and not the greater, that will return unsuccessful. In the dispensation of railroads and tele- graphs, the ease and rapidity of communi- cation, the different parts of the world are put nearly on a par in the results derived from labor. No one department continues favored or depressed tor a length of time, but soon reaches the general level. Grada- tion is the law of progress. It requires a well disciplined mind to use even a moder- ate degree of success with advantage or credit to itself There is not much use in saying that money is a secondary consideration, but if we have to lose all balance of character, all respect for stationary life and quiet pur suits, become alienated from home and kin- dred, then we may well doubt if respecUible poverty is not better. There is no need certainly for all this, but the liability to it is Very great with those who embark in these enterprises. Let them weigh well the cost, the expense, the risks we have named, ere they undertake them. ; Again, what farmer boy would lose his, home, the incitements that are constantly presented in his pursuits, the elevation at- tending increased knowledge, the duties that pertain to the family relation, for gain that is precarious, that has little in it that is com- mendable as a means, much that is damaging to the character, that is impermament as a vocation ? Gambling is very common at the mines, and very subtle in its influence over the excitable spirits of the young. Money is spent much after the manner in which it is earned. If it come by chance, it will go in the same way, or by other lawless expen- diture. If the miner return unsuccessful the wiser may profit by it, but this is not the rule when adventure has once possessed us. We still crave new excitements, repel slow acquisitions, .dislike quiet unobtrusive ways, covet that lawless Independence which ends in the worst subserviency, and, lastly, the unsuccessful has lost time and opportunities that may never return. The farmer who sees the processes of veg- etation, if he is an enlightened man, has unalloyed delight, and his prospects under this development have nothing in them to shock his moral perceptions. The black- smith' if he chooses to give rein to his tho'ts, may consider the coal and iron that he uses and works upon as something more than the representative of value. He may even com- pare Pennsylvania and California as States, and find one wanting in the elements of a permanent prosperity — the other overflowintr with them. But in justice to the latter, we might observe that its mining, as now chief- ly conducted, by companies and organized bodies, leaves the agricultural and other intereets of the State unaffected to their own development. It may be said that the mibers for gold in the United States, show a better.record than those of England, who work in coal, iron, tin, and copper, but the difference between their respective conditions in the social scale, is as wide as the poles. Until we can place English lower society in the same base as our own', which theoretically acknowledges no lower. Is practically energetic and ambi- tious, and intellectually better informed, we may be prepared to admit that our reasoning is iuconclusive. The worst feature of Amer- ican society is its instability. We are not satisfied to leave places where the institu- tions, labor, and soil oper te against us, and so far so good ; but we never stop. We sat- isfy the mind in its adventurous cravings, but we satisfy nothing else. No sooner is the farm fenced in, the soil broken, the trees planted, than we volunteer for the Mexican war, start off for Texas or Iowa, perhaps turn fillibuster, or the flaming vision of gold haunts us and we go to California, leaving the farm to waste, the association of neigh- bors, society, kindred, friends, natures land- marks, to wither in their freshness, with little prospect of their being revived again in all their fair proportions dujing life I Such is too much the career of our coun- trj-men. The continent gets peopled the earlier, but not the better. The material ends of existence are elevated into undue importance, civilization is weakened into a normadic system, into a rough, border, per- haps Mormon life, that in its c-oarcctions involves the old States in turmoil, confusion, and expense, towers the general intelligence, lecil, and retain their oScei for life, and a Secretary and Treasurer. The Vice Regent of each Statt is authorised by the Repent, for the purposes of »-ol!ecti6n, to appoint Standing Committees of ladies and gentlemen, county manngern and other officers as may be required, whose duty it is to advise with the Vice- Regent, and collect and receive contributions in aid of the ofject, and who will hold their offices during the exigencies of collection. The capital stock of the Assooiation i6 limited by charter to five hundred thousand dollars, two-fifths of which is required for the purchase of the estatp, comprehending two hundred at res of land, including the mansion and tomb.with the ga.den, grounds, and landing place up(m the Potom e. Of this, nearly one- half has already been paid, and great etforts are being made ro complete tho amount due on the con- tract, at the earliest possible time, to relieve tlie payment ef interest. The undersigned, having received official ggg'?y!?^g?^'?v;.^*'^ff?gJ!»5'^yT^"-g^'^^ Wf?^^^^^^^^^^^^?^^^: THE ILLIIS^OIS E^IIM:ER. 213 appointment fr'^m the Resent, Misa Ann Pn- mela Cunningham, o the Vice Reu;ency for Illinois, propones to commence at oiee a c im- prehpnisive orgr'inization, iu the confident apsun ranee of a hearty co-operation, in a Slate, which, if it can boast no ilhistriou«t Revolutionary antecedents, no Banker Iliil. Saratoga or York- town, can clrtim for its citizens a share in the common elorv as descendants of tho8e who followed the Great Leader to victory, and freely ehed their blood hy his side ; and can «1emand fur them the privilege and the right, as common recipients of the blessings of that freedom which Wat-hington bequeathed to all, to unite with those who would thus enshrine his mem- ory, and those lofty sentiments of patriotism of which be was the noblest embodiment. The movement of thi^ Association extend^ to every State of the Union; and it is intended that nil persons, every man, woman and child, shall havethe privilege of contributing their dollar or their dime, and thus obtain a personal in'erct and ownershin in this one great ral- lying h >me of the nation's affection. The name, sum and residence of everv sub- Bcri^ier will be recorded by the Vice-Regent, and a dnnlicate forwarded to the Regen', "which will hereafter be trans^ferred to honks that are to be bound and placed at Mt Vernon and in the archives of each State, that it may be known forever who purchased and consecra- ted the H me and Grave of iVashington." Anj citizen who contributes one dollar, be- comes a member of the Association, and by pa'ving the same sura any subsequent year, will he entitled to a vote at the annual meeting ef that vear. The names of such donors will be published. Lis 8 of contributors and of sums given by individuals, associations, &c , legibly written, should he sent to Mrs. William Barry, Rich- mond House, Chicasro; and ail eontributiuns, with a duplicate list of the namesof stibseribers to Lutber Haven, E<:q., No. 42 Lake street, Chicago. Elizabeth Wh.lard Barry, Vice Regent for Illinois. Chicago, January, 1859. The undersigned, approving the patriotic design of !he Mmnt Vernon Ladies' Asaocia- tion of the Union, cordially unite with Mrs. Barry in her appeal to the pe iple of Illinois in behalf of its obi>>.'ts, and will tnke pl-^-^cure in assisting her efforts to secure their entire success William II. Bissell, Joel A. Matteson, John Wood, William B. Ogden, Mark Skinner, ■ •♦. Wants a Farm. 3Ir. Editor: I have always been a subscriber to your paper. Some years ago I came into into Sangamon county, and pitclied my tent fif- teen miles away from Sprinjrfield on a good tract of land. It was then near one of tlie great thoroughfares of travel. Since the era of railroads has come and I found myself off the road. This did not suit me ; but a forehanded farmer came along, who it did suit, and I sold him my farm ; and now I want another; and I will just tell you what kind of a farm I want. One hundred and sixty acres of land will be enough, and twenty of that should be timber. I 'would be glad to have it somewhat improved. Tlie lay of the farm must be rolling— rolling enough to carry off the water. The soil I would' like to be rather light— I mean in distinction from heavy black prairie soil. I would like the soil to contain more sand and less clay than the heavy black soil. I want livino- stock water on the farm; and I want it with° in one or two miles of a railroad and within ten miles of Springfield. If I can get such a pice of land, with the means I have, and with my disposition to improve, I will make it a model farm, and if there is as much as you say in thorough cultivarion, I will make crops all the time. Though I am now " foot loose," I have no disposition to go to Pike's Peak or anywhere out of the world to get a large plat of land and slave myself and family all the balance of my days for the benefit of others. I want to make a home. I had a pretty good one, but it didn't suit me. 1 believe I can suit myself better. Now, if you can hear of a place for sale that answers my description, with a price to meet the times, I want to purchase and to take possession next Octo- ber, when I shall want from you fruit trees and vines and shrubbery and ornamental trees, to start with. E. D. Es 11. Our friend E. is probably hard to suit. Scarcely any place can be found with all the advantages he asks for. We will only say that he is in earnest in the desire to purchase a farm. — — — <•» ■■•■■ Small Farms for Rent. Editor Farmer : Among many farmers, there is a strong conviction that large farms, mainly devoted to the raising of wheat, are, and must be, unprofitable. Besides being unprofitable, they are diflieult to manage, requiring much hired help, and merely furnish- the means to pay this help. I have heard, lately, that there were many " llenters" in the country who desire to rent farms, and that no small farm, which has on it buildings at all com- fortable will fail of beiu": taken at a fair cash rent. All these facts' taken together, have led me to the conviction that persons who have large farms will find it for their benefit to divide their farms, put up small houses and other fixtures on the difierent divisions and rent the same. A man, who has a family, and is working for himself, as a general thing, will do better for himself than if work- ing by the day or month for another. The owner of the land can have a general eye to their management, and if the renter does not please him he can make a change in a year. I believe that a farmer, who has a large farm, diflieult to mjmage, will find many advantages in adopting the policy here pre- ferred for making his lands profitable. In getting up these " renter's houses and fixtures," a little care will make them com- fortable and pleasant, and sach will induce good renters to hold on for some time. Make your house for the renter comfortable. Se- lect some spot for it where the ground is high, and if possible where there i^ some shade; have the well convenient; havethe house large enough to admit of sleeping rooms, an d^eood kitchen ; a cellar, if po.ssible; have a garden. These preparations, started right, will not cost much, and they attach a renter to his home. He is a man, and loves comforts, and HIS wife can appreciate them. I care not if the house is of logs, it can be made comfortable and have a certain air of taste and refineojent. Many persona compelled to rent farms, have as fine a sense of what should constitute a home, as other men. I have been led to make these remarks, Mr. Editor, by the fact, that there are many large farms now, or have been in cultivation, and the owners do not know what is best to do with them, and by another fact, that there are many persons in the country who desire to rent small farms. I. S. C. Potatoes. Mr. Editor : I do not fail in getting a crop of potataes every year, and in some years they are better than in others, — but I always have enough for my own family use, at least. When I have more than I want for the family, I find them useful for stock. My feeding ground is always dry. I se- lect for this purpose rolling ground. This ground I reserve for my potatoes. At the usual time of planting I plov, and plant my potatoes in every third furrow, and cover them as I go along. The tramping of the ground iu winter, and the manure left on it, seem to suit the crop ; and when the crop needs plowing, I plow it, sometimes twice and give myself no further trouble about the crop until digging time. I then plow the potatoes up with a shovel plow, gather them, aud put them into my cellar. This is the way I raise my potatoes, and, as a general thing, I am satisfied wiitli my crops. Griffith. What is to be Done? Air. Editor: The season has nowarri^ed, when we must adopt plans for the cultivation of our farms the present j'ear. The two last years have been trying on farmers. Many of us have lost our crops, and we must now save our selves if we possibly can. What is to be done ? We must so prepare our grounds, plant our seed and cultivate ourx?rops,'as to make crops despite of an adverse reason. — This is the true science of farming. And this to a great extent can be done : and that farmer who does not aim to raise crops in bad seasons, and accomplish his aim, will never be a successful farmer. That is a fact which will force itself on the minds of all who will give attention to the subject. We have many farmers who have made money all the time through the late adverse reasons. They know that their fllat grounds, unlss so drained that the accumu- lation of waters of wet seasons will run off with fait to produce crops. They know that we have five bad .spring seasons for getting in crops, where we have one good one; and like prudent men their work shows that their kncwledge is worth something to them. There are flat farms within a mile or ten miles of your town that produced abundant crops the last season — wheat, corn, ' grasses, Hungarian miJlet, potatoes, atid oth- er things — not so much as they would have produced in a more favorable season, but good paying crops. These formers pay their store bills promptly, and have money on hand. They don't run up bills and then have to be sued on theL:i. They do not carry off goods because they can get them on credit — and then when the money is wanted from them they go off and purchase at other stores, y.% »s.;*-WT'3^ijwj ^1-t Tiii^ iLLiisroiis fa.rme:r. making new bills on their new proniisi s 'J lio time Ins come in Illinois when we must not ('cp Mid on the "hit" of the sea- son to make crops:. ^Ve nm^t thoruujihly cultivjito. If our land is wet, we must take lUvians to carry off the water. We must plow well, smd deep. We must keep clown the wced.«. We must put in our seed well — cultivate well — and when all this is done, we are all but certain of fair crops. Knix- 1 aid is a irreat a:;ricultural country. Tliore productions per acre are immense. Our system of cultivation there, would rarely return the seed .'^own. Our cultivation there Would desolate the country. I repeat, th.it w.^ must adopt the system of tlioruiuih fiilti vation, if we would soeiiro good crops. AVe must not dejicnt upon the seasons for crops. We must, depend more upon ourselves, and God will help us. liCt our neglectful farmers think of these things — some do think of them, and adoj)t an imj)rovcd system of farming, and their improved system pays well. Tlie time was wluii a partial failure of a crop in Illinois, worked no great evil. It is not so now; our people are not content with the same m >de of living that was in fashion here twenty years ago. A little hog and harmony, and the courest and cheapest clothing satis- tied (hem. Now our farmers want all the comforts and luxuries which farmers enjoy elsewhere; and to have these requires con- stant vigilance in farming. This vigilance — this exercise of enlightened judgment. This use of " mind with muscle " — this habit of doing our part in the thorough eul- tervation of our land, will secure all the ends wc may reasonably ask for. "One who intknds to practick WHAT HE PREACUES." 1—- The Sugar Question. The importance of this subject, demands all the light that can be thrown upon it. — The following communication states some now facts which should be considered by cane L'rowers. The ofi'er of the writer to superintend a sugar establishment, we hope will meet the eye of some man who is dis- posed to engage in the business. TL.scoLA,Coles Co., 111., Jan, 15, 1859. aS'. Francis, Ei^q.: Dear Sir : Yours, of Dec. 22d, was duly received. I have mostly i'orgotten the con- tents of my former letter, though I believe that I stated, that I intended planting some 30 acres of cane the ensuing season. I am not a freeholder in this state. My profession is that of a practical engineer and millwright. I was some six years in Louis- iana and Florida, erecting sugar mills, and taking off crops of sugar. The climate was was so sickly that 1 was obliged to come north. While there I had the best of ofipor- tunities, posted myself up well, as I think, in all that pertains to the manufacture of raw su;.rar. .Siiiee coming north, 1 have had two soa- BOns experiince (in a small way, and with miseral)le materials,) with the Chinese Cane, and know vi-ry well what can be made (mt of it, by correct management, and skillful plans from the start. Though the Sorgho is a difficult, juice to work — or difficult to one accustomed to the Southern cane juice; yet it is perfectly easy, when once the hinh-x are fairly understood ; but 1 have no hesitation in saying, and time will prove me correct, there is less known at the north /'// nynni to the nine vulture., than there is in regard to working it up. It was not owing to any skillful manage- ment, that some few succeeded the past sea- son, in making sugar, or a fine article of syrup, as 1 have their published, or written statements, and some of them were as un- skilll'ul as possible, almost. It was owing to good juice. The cane was planted on dry or rolling sandy land, and Itwas attended to. I came here the second week in November last, to take off a crop of cane, of 40 acres, and Ibund the cane good for nothing; it having been planted the lOth of June. It looked so sp'ndling, and feeble to Mr. R., he never having had any experience with cane, that he gave it up for a bad bargain. After harvest time, early in August, having lost nearly all his crops, bethought he would make some fodder out of it, any how. So he turn<^d to and ploughed it once, and that was all the cultivation it ever got ; but it started off at sueh a rate, and grew so rap- idly, that late in the season, (^too late,) he coneluded to work it up into syrup. The leaves were all killed by the heavy frost of the 7th October, and it stood in the wet ground, till in November, in constant rain and water. The highest the juice stood was 5° or h\°, and even that strength was made up of gum, and not sugar, and though we had uH.serable fixtures for the business, and nothing but constant rain, I made an arti- cle which, if not the best, sold quite readily, and we make a constant and free use of it at our table. But one gallon of juice at 10° is worth more than two gallons at 7°, or four gallons at 5°. When it is low, its juice is nnide up almost entirely of gum, and it takes so long to boil it down that what little sugar there is iti it will undergo decomposition. Propositions have been made to me by several in this neighborhood, to superinteud cultivating; and taking off' a crop of cane, the ensuing season, on shares, and I had made up my mind to do so; but on more mature reflection, think I had better seek a more congenial soil, if not climate. The borders of the large river, and the southern part of the State, are the places for cane culture. — There will be no trouble at all in making good cane on the borders of the Illinois riv- er, from Marshall county down, or on this side the Mississippi, all the way, or in the vicinity of the Wabash. But these low flat prairies have too tight and impervious a sub- soil for good juice. Much better or handsomer sugar can be made in Florida than can be made in Louis- iana, any way they can tix it. The last sea- son I was with Mr. Yulee, (Hon. I). L. Vulee,) we made 143 hhds — jironounced the handsomest American sugar that ever came to New York market. It .sold within } cent, per It) of what the very best Porto Ilico did. And on all the plantations I was on at tlie South, I invariably found the best juice, and that the most easily worked, on a dry sandy soil. I would like to meet with a party having suitable land and some means, to superintend cultivating and taking off a crop of 30 or 40 acres. I am ready to guarantee, in writing, a net profit of SlOO per acre, over and above the cost of cultivation, and taking off; but not including cost of machinery. Thfs, for engine, mill, kettles, (fee, would cost from 12 to 1400 dollars, half cash, balance in G months. I had thouglit, that perhaps, among yonr numerous subscribers, or correspondents, some one might be in the vein for such an enterprise. As I said before, I know very well what can be made out of the Chinese or the African cane ; and from the first I have said the latter was the best ; and I will enter iuto written stipulations, either as to qual- ity, or quantity, of the syrup I will pro- duce. Syrup that shall command, at the lowest figure 75 cents per gallon, can easily be made, and at a cost not to exceed 20 cents; and 300 gallons, or even 400 gallons can just as easily be made from an acre, provide you have the right land, aud set out for it from the start. Cane is cane, as much as cotton is cot- ton, or peaches are peaches. To be sure, the juices of the different varieties vary much; yet their cultivation requires the same soil and treatment. I have never yet seen a set of kettles fit to make a fine article of syrup from either the Chinese or African cane. I shall get up a set next season that shall tell a differ- ent story, from any I have ever yet seen or heard of. Not a particle of iron shall there he about them. Should any of your acquaintances be in a mood for the "sweet business," if you will inform them of my wishes, or intentions, I will reciprocate the favor to your satisfac- tion. Should no njore advantageous proposi- tions be made to me, than I have received here of course I shall remain. Very truly yours, J. S. W. Badger. P. S. I notice that Mr. Griffith, of San- gamon connty, offers to cultivate 200 acres of cane for §9,00 per acre, provided he can find a responsible party to take it off. Is he aware that a suitable establishment for such a job could not be erected for less than from six to eight thousand dollars. It would take a 40 horse engine, mill and ket- tles to match, nnless it was calculated to be six months about it. I could not cultivate cane, and cultivate it as it should be, to have good juice, short of 12 or 15 dollars per acre. If he could come down to thirty or forty acres, to cultivate and take off", I can give him a chance to make something, but no one who knows any thing about cane cul- ture, will undertake to w..rk up a field of slip slop — cultivated cane. It is not the seed we are after, it is the juice : farmers do not seem to comprehend the difference. T was up in Wisconsin in the early part of the season — every body h:id a half acre or so, but they were all going in next year for 50 or 100 acres, and the majority could not raise 8500 to save their lives. At the South they always allow from 75 to 100 dol- lars, ibr their sugar works, for every acre they intend to cultivate. ?^^gyp^ffl^'lf^'^^!t!!!fg'B#»^J-»»^ST Jll9M*WJ?lfl|!JtWiW.u THE ILLIIsrOIS FA-Il]MEIl. 215 Statistics of the State Prison. We have already given our rea'iers a8;eneral pynophis of the report or the ^ arden cf the Illinoie Penitentiary. Accompanying the re- port, however, we find a number of tables, giving intere-^ting statistics in reference to the conviote. which are worth noticing as showing by whom and from what places our prison is filled. The following is a statement giving the na-* tivity of the convicts in the Penitentiary, Jan. Isf, 1849 : Ire'an'1 138 I Marjlacd , 4 New York 129 North Carolina 1 GerraHiiy 60 { Pnigsia....^..... 3 JlDglaiid 34 PeuiisyiTMiia 36 Ohio 36 Keut»»ky 19 Yireiuia 16 Illinois 22 BcotlaD<] 16 Conuecticut 8 Ytrmoiit 7 CmiailH 23 Tennrsiie* 9 Indiana 10 MHinr 5 M|t<>-biisett 11 Mi«fOuii i N'-w Hanipehlre 3 Wi-'Ciniin 3 MicliiKHD 8 Alabiinia 6 liOuiiiiiina 2 Haooyer 1 Holland 2 Hungary 9 *'rai)ce „ 3 Isle 01 Man 1 Newfoundland 1 Nova gcotia 2 Britinli PossegsiouR 1 Rhode Island 1 Iowa 1 Arkansas 1 Wal B 2 BHlgiiin. 1 Denmark 1 Norwa> 4 Auitritt 2 NeWiXersey 10 Mississippi 2 'I'olal. .661 The fiiliowing is a statement exhibiting: the crimes for which the convicts were committed to the Illinois State Peidlentiary : Bobbery 30 Larceny 378 Muriler.. 38 Incest 2 Asfault to '«pe C " to kill 16 Perjury « 2 Forgery 28 Burjrlary 69 Mausluiignter 7 Coiiuti'rfeitiug 7 HHpe 10 V'olatinp mail 2 A'lsaulf to marde 17 Steitlji.g mail 4 Posting fictitious bills 1 <^rime against nature 1 ArsiiB 9 Attemvtingto pass coun- terleit money 3 Hobbioic post office 1 Passing cmnterfeit mon- ey 12 Assault to rob 3 Kidnapping 3 Kmhezzliug letters 3 Bigtnij 2 Vagrancy 3 Receiving stolen goods 2 Obstructing railroad track 2 Total., 6C1 The fo!l(jwio2 statement shows the occupa- tion <>{ the convicts in the prison on the Ist of January : Tailor 20 Sailor 37 Far uer 138 School teacher 3 B ncksuiitb 20 Miner 4 Tea»^Bter 22 Clerk 19 Painter 12 Tanner. 2 Co»k 14 Harn-^ss-maKer 8 Grocer 6 LaKort-r 125 Hope maker 1 Shoe maker 10 Printer 11 Upholsterer. 7 Merchant 3 Barber 9 Ph VKician R Bxatnian 25 Trader 1 Stone-cuiter... 4 ^te«'a^d 2 Wait'ir 16 ' arpenter 22 llasiiM 1 1 .MHchini»t. 15 Hntcher ]l PerMlr 4 Gamtiler 1 Pilot " 3 Miller 1 Jciiner 2 P'lisher 1 Hatter 3 WagoB-maker 2 Baker '. 5 onper 6 Porter 2 Enu;raver 1 Broom-maker. T. Kditor 1 Wood-chopper 1 Thief. 2 Tinfmifb 3 Weaver 3 Gliiss-liiower 1 IFouselieeper 5 lirewer. 1 'iilder I Lather 1 Fireman 3 Srtilmaker ». 1 'lurne 2 Gardenei 1 Poor-keeper. 1 Caulker 1 Jeweler 2 Fancy woman 1 .Sawyer 5 Anclior-niaker 1 Ooiifj ctionor 1 G:'H fitter 1 Segar-maker 1 Lawyer 1 Newsboy 2 Tumbli-r 1 SeamstrfSE.' 1 Reporter 1 Paper-maker 1 Total 661 Driignist. 1 The following is a statement, designating the counties from which the convicts werecom- miftei to the prison : Peoria 21 Li SalU 12 St Clair 27 Clay 1 Jo Daviess 29 Monroe ' Tazewell 7 Cook 236 Montgomery ...„ 1 Sott 1 Kdgar 4 Pntnam 4 Macoupin 2 Hanc' ck 9 Gallatin 4 Moultrie 2 T'nion 3 AlexTinder 4 B)nd 1 Coles 1 M.-rrer 2 Warren - 1 Woodford 1 Hardin 1 Henr> 5 K'lox 8 Sangamon 8 Menard ...„ 2 Henderson 2 McLean 2 Wabash 2 Osl* 2 Boore 10 Adams 11 Mndison 31 Logan 3 -Marshall 3 Randolph 4 Jercey 3 M:iBSac.... S Will ,. 1.^ Hock I.slaiid 17 Vcllenry 5 White 1 M rion 6 Greene 4 Pulaski 3 Lawrence S JelTerson 1 Shvlby 1 Du Page „ 3 Champaign 3 Masuii 6 Stepbetifion 9 VViDuebago 11 Kane 14 Clark 1 Jasper 2 Cass 4 Of the 661 convicts in the prison, 406 can read and writ<; 154 can read and 101 can neitlier read or writ?. Five are sentenced for life; one is se fenced for 25 y^a'n; one f»r 20 years; two (or 18 year ; two for 17 yea'-s; four fir 14 years; two Jor 12 years; twenty three for 10 years; all the others are for a less term. Kankakee 2 Crawlord 2 Oe Witt 2 Whiteside 5 McDonough 4 Miicon 2 Jackson 2 Bureau 5 Vermilion 3 Ciiuton „... 1 Lee ; 6 ■lohnsou 1 Williaicsou 1 I'erry. 1 t'fflngham 2 runiherlauU;.... 1 Christian 1 lliclilaud 1 Washington 1 De Kalb 6 Morgan 1 thuyler 1 -tark 1 IlaDiittun 3 Kiiltoti 2 Calhoun 4 U. S Court, N'rtUTDliist. 7 U S. Court, S^'tbern Dist.. 1 Total. .661 Sugar Trade of the United Stales iu 1858. The editors of the New York Sh>j)pi}i(/ and Commercial List have published their annual htutement of the Sugar Trade of the Ur»iied Sta'e.s, (exclusively of Culiroruia and Oregon.) f r 1858: "The total receiptfi .jf Fo'eij^n Uure- fioeLl Suijar nto the United Stiites for the year ending Dec 31, 1858.were 255,100 tons, against receipts in 1857 of 269,180 tons; and in 1856, 215,662 tons; and in 1855, 205,064 tons ; and the quantity of this description wiich passed into Consumption in 1858 was 244,758 tons, against a cunsumption iu 1857 of 251,705 tons; in 1856, 255,292 t .ns; and in 1855, 192,607 tons, being an increiise in the consumption of Foreign in 1858, over 1857, of 903 t(ms, or 1} ^oent., wh le tiie. total consumption vi Fureijin and Domestic Cane Sugar in 1858, was 388.482 tons, (ijirrtinHt a total consuiiir>iion in 1857 • f 280 735 tons; in J856, 378 160 tons; in 1855, 377,752 tons; in 1854, 3-85.298 tons; in 1853, 372 9h9 tons ; in 1852 315,217 tons; and in 1851, 288,485 tons, making an increase in the totHJ consumption of foreign and domesiic in 1858 as compared with 1857, of 107,727 tons, or over 3« ^ cent., beinjj; tue large.^t quantity ever taken lor oonsumrtion in the histiiry of the country. We slightly increape our estimate of tilt- quantity of su, ur made from molasses during the past year ; the trade having I een generally more prospeious, the businet^s has been on a somewhat larger 8 ale, thoujih in this connection we would remark that notwith- standing the quaiitity of molasses cnn.^unied for this purpose exceeds that taken last year, snd is nearly equal to that manufactured in 1856, and about the same as that boiled in 1855, \ tf the quantity of .^u^jar obtained fails considerably below that yielded in the t^*o la- ter years, owing to the introduction into Cuta within that period of cer.trifugiil machinery, extractinjj more cljsely the saccharine matter contained in the molasses, and consequently rendering it less productive and not sodesiral le lor refiniog pjrp>.se.-i. We are informed that the quantity of su 'ar made from molasses in th^ ountry in 1858 ay be placed at 25 O0il,000 increased the previous consumption) would make the total consomntion of raw sugar in the United States in 1858 431.152 ton*, a-raiMst a total consumption in 1857 of B32,065 ton«, fih )wing th:^ increase in the consumption of all kinds in 1858 of 99,087 tons, or nearly 30 per cent. We may add here that this increased would have been doubtloss still further enlar- ged but for the partial failure of the fruit cr [is m most of the Northern aod Western States the past seiison, curtailing the amount, that it is reasonable to suppose would have be«n otherwisf consumed in the domestic manufac- ture of preserves, jellies, &c. Trie C'nsumption of 1857, haxvever, was greatly Ir-s.seiieJ by causes Still fresh in the memory of all engaged in the trade. The high and extravajrant rates whit'h theartiele eommandpil in the markets both of the Old and New World brou^jtu with them its inevitaVile consequences — an astonish- ingly dimin^^hed consumption — a severe re«. vulsion, f.dlowed by, to many, a heavy disasn te?. The average price durinc the fast year having been reduced equal to about 25^^. cent, as compared with those ruling in 1857, ha-* apain j^iven an imrietus and vigor to the trade which will doubtless be continued while it retains its present henjtliful position. IlUQgariaii Crass. Editor of the Illinois Farmer : — In tlie November number of the Farmer your cor- respondent ''Enquirer" asks for the practiciU experience of those who Lave grown the Hungarian Grass the past season. Being one of those who received a small package of this seed in its first distribution by the patent office in 1854, from your hands and having grown it more or less for the last four years I think I can speak experimcntaly upon its merits. It has its advantages and objections in common with olher farm crops. Our crop the past season was very sati.sfactory. Parts of it grew on laud that has been in cultiva- tion twenty-two years and was considered the thinest soil on our farm, [t grew rapid- ly attaining three feet in highth and as thick as it could stand — was entirely exempt from rust or blight of all kinds (somcthin. Wc 30 OiiB H( IkUii Hon' ymickle at 25c — ninniii); 25 One r)iiufi A Wrong Done. A few days ago a bill was before Con- gress in relation to preemptions on public lands. An amendment was offered, provi- ding that no public lands should be brought into market until ten years after the same should be surveyed. The object was to se- cure those who designed to make farms for themselves the benefit of selections of land for that time. The measure was defeated by a few votes. Capitalists and speculators desire that lands shall be offered for sale immediately after they are surveyed, so that they can select all that are choice and sell to poor settlers at ten times their cost. -<•► Strawberries. Farmers who hare plenty of ground and do not cultivate a bed of strawberries, de- prive themselves of a great luxury. They are a healthy as wt 11 as a delicious fruit. — Nor is it great labor to have them in abun- dance. The plants can be had at any of the nurseries and at very low rates. There ought to be twenty acres of strawberries in the market gardens near this city to supply our citizens with this fruit. Cincinnati gardeners make a good business of selling "fine, large, delicious strawberries" at 8 and 10 cents a quart, and at these prices the masses can afford t) eat them. Eurgreens. No man in Illinois has had more ex- perience in the culture and management of Evergreens than Samuel Edwards, of Lamoile, Buroau county. He has cultivated all the staple and fancy va- rieties, and gives the following list of kinds suited to and hardy in this cli- mate: •White Pine ♦Au-'rian " Caoi'Tian " •Norway '« Grey " •i-ofch " American Arbor VKeb *-ib--'ian " •SwedibU Juniper •Vorwuy Sprue* •Black " Rh({ Hiid whit* " •n^-ml. ck " Rf d Cfdar " •B-ilsam Fir Parin T'Hiiiug Hemlock ♦Iri'li Juniper Trai Ing Juniper. All these varieties succeed well, and are worthy a place in extensive grounds. •Varieties thus marked are Tery crnamental. Premium Crops. — The Connecticut State Agricultural Society awarded pre- miums on last year's creps 5th January. Corn, Dwight Hine, of Middlebury, eight rowed yellow corn, 118 bushels per acre; A^Tm. H. Putnam, Brooklyn, 110 bushels per acre. Winter Wheat, Street Williams, Willingford, 24 4-9 ts. bushels per acre. Rye, Edward Shep- pajd, Portland, 51 bushels per acre white rye. Oats, Jabez P. Manning, 47 bushels per acre. These are good crops, especially the Corn and Rye, not often surpassed here. At the late meeting of the State Horticultural Societo at Bloomington, the catalogue of apples was read, and members were requested to object if they had objec- tions to the fruit, as bad, unproductive, &c. The result was that not more than four va- rieties passed through this ordeal — showing conclusively that some varieties of apples were suited to particular localities, and would not answer for others. Benoni was one of the apples that passed successfully through this trial. -••»- An old mountaineer says that in the vallies in the neighborhood of Pike's Peak, as well as in the country on the Cherry Creek, the winters are not colder than in St. Louis. Miners were working in their shirt sleeves on Cherry Creek on the 4th of November, though snow was four feet deep on the mountains within twenty-five miles of them. The Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Railroad. — The difficulties on this Rail Road have been settled. The com- mittee on the part of the employees have declared themselves entirely satisfi- ed with the management of the road by Gov. Matteson. The whole emeute, it seems, was got up by the agents of some of the bondholders, -who were seeking their own advantage, and not that of the employees on the road. Country homes are wanted for two hundred German, Irish, Swedish, African and American boys, from one to fifteen years of age. Persons who can do justice to'such boys, in all respects, may address E. C. Newcomb, Chicage. — .•* Salsify. — This plant is now excellent. They can be taken from the gardens while the frost is out of the ground, Cooked and dressed as asparagus, no vegetable is more delicate, and it is peculiarly desirable at this season of the year. JB^" There is more inquiry for Osage Orange plants than we have ever known at this early season of the year. Those who have had no faith in the Osage Orange, are among those now most anxious to get plants. We suggest that on prairie farms, where it is desirable to break the force of winds, as well as to secure a good hedge, to put out the hedge in two rows, six inches apart, thus: . ■ , ' , . '-^ ■ ' ■ ■ Cultivate your hedge and keep it clear of weeds. Let the plants grow two years, and in the spring of the third year cut them off close to the ground, and afterwards let them grow. They will make a tight fence and a protection from winds to some extent. If they should get too high and you wish to top them, do so Good. — The Moultrie Express is collect- ing the statistics of the Chinese Sugar Cane culture in that county. Many farmers there have made their own syrup. Among them E. W. Brooks, 29 gallons; J. Ray, 10; Wm. Ray, 10; J. J. Dixon, 20; R. Randall, 10; F, Redman, 20; R. G. M. Henry, 63; J. Millyen, 84; R. Rutherford, 21; A. M. Pheeters, 80. Moultrie will make her own sweetning next year- ••» ■ ■' , Sheep. — E. B. Hopping, a few milos south of this city, who has the care of 5000 sheep, did not feed them until the month of January. This is decidedly fortunate, while corn is worth fifty cents per bushel. By- the-byc our wool growers have fine prospects as we notice that wool -is quoted higher at this time than at any time for many years past. . — -%» ■ Upright Honeysuckles. — These make beautiful shrubs; grow some ten ieet high, if they are in good soil, with a fair exposure. The varieties are three — having a general resemblance — bearing white, yellow and pink fiowers, succeeded by small berries. — When large their flowers are numerous. A neat shrub, not gorgeous, but pleasing. 11 Syrup in Wisconsin. — P. Allen writes us from Allen's Grove, Wisconsin, that he made 300 gallons of Chinese sugar cane syrup, the last season, some of which was very fine. The seed of the plant does not ripen there, however, and he will have to supply himself with seed from central Illi- nois. We hope our farmers have supplied themselves with seed corn for Spring. A great crop of corn must be grown in central Illinois the present year, as we feel appre- hensive that the wheat will be light. I ■ ^'':' • > v-n^ -frcV' ^•'Iv^^^v^iK^. 218 THE ILLIlSroiS F^HISIEII. Crops — A Movement in the Right Dircetion. Several of the Legislatures of the North Western States have made pro- vision for ascertaining the amounts of the staple crops of their respective States yearly. The object of which is to prevent speculation injurious either to the dealer or purchaser. At this time, if operators derive to make the impres- sion general that crops are ample, they find no difficulty and in purchaing low . After being able to control the market, and they choose to find that crops are small they can sell at high prices. — What is wanted is, that there should be some reliable authority in regard to the amount of crops, embracing the cereals, hoffS and cattle. These statistics can be obtained every spring by assessors. They can learn the amount of crops of the previous year, of hogs, slaughtered. &c. and they can also learn the amount of land sown with wheat the previous fall and of corn in the spring, oats, &c. We do not suppose that an accurate ac- count can be obtained, but we do believe that sufficient information could be had to be of vast service to the interest of Agri- culture. We believe Ohio, Wisconsin and Michigan have made a movement in this direction, which should be followed by Illinois and Indiana. Farmers pay most of the taxes, and to ask a little expendi- ture in increasing the duties of assessors fer their benefit — ( and Avhich would be of great general benefit) would not be unreasonable. The Wheat Crop. — We have taken some pams to learn the present state of the crops in the ground. That which is on high rolling grouad, or ground which is drained well, looks very fair ; but wheat on fiat ground, undrained, and which has been saturated with water, thawing and freezing all winter, is in a bad state. The wheat in many such fields which have been exam ined, is thrown out of the ground by the action of the frost, and tliere is no possibility of a crop on grounds where the wheat is thus thrown out. Our opinion is, that less than usual extent of ground was put in wheat last fall, and much of the crop is already lost. — jg^^'Our farmers can nev*»r be certain of raising good wheat until their grounds are thoroughly drained, and the seed put in in the best manner."^^ Last fall the ground before plowing was generally covered with high weeds, and these weeds were plowed in, the soil thus left light, and porous, the seed sown broadcast; every circumstance attending tlie putting in of the crops was calculated to kill it out by, just such a winter as we are now having. HuNGAiiiAN Grass. — A communica- tion from Mr. J. K. Young, of Menard county, who received from the editor of tnis paper five years ago, a paper of Hungarian Grass Seed, which came from the Patent Office — puts a damper on that humbuging story that a handful of the seed was brought to this country by a poor Hungarian exile, who after delivering it to an Iowa farmer was immediately missing, taken up by a whirlwind or something of that sort. — Mr. Young has now considerable seed, which he will bring te us to dispose of. We are apprehensive that the demand last year stimulated unprincipled men to sell Italian Millet Seed for the Hungar- ian Millet or Grass — which makes a much coarser and not by any means as good forage as the Hungarian. -«•► McCormick's Reaper. — An effort is now being made at the Patent Office, to get an extension of the patent for McCormick's Reaper. If this succeeds, it will be most disastrous to the farmers and a large number of mechanics of Illinois, — for, it is understood, that M. McCormick claims improvements that have been for sometime used on all the other different reapers manufactured in the State. M> Morgan Horses — Seem to becoming quite popular in Kentucky. Mr. Elias Dorsey; is breeding this stock, and last year at St. Louis, Centralia and Louis- ville, and other fairs, received on his stock more than thirteen hundred dollars in premiums. This is simple evidence of the high character of his stock. ••» Country School Houses. — James Johannot has got up a work, giving the elevations, plans and specifications for country school houses. We are told rhat is a most valuable work. If so, it is much needed in our State, while our people are building .school houses, they may just as well build such as are con- venient, and pleasant, as such unseemly structures as we sometimes see in the country. From wliat we Receive our Reveuue. The Auditor's Report shows that when the last assessment was made, (1857) the number of horses in the State of Illinois was 467,531, and their assessed value $25,434,171, or an average of |54 40. In the same year the number of neat cattle was 1,351 209, and their value $10,171,830. or 11 97 a head. The num- ber ( f mules and asses was-s 28,882, and their value $1 969,284, making $68 18 tho in .ividual average. There were 760,602 sheep, ivjcluding rams, valued at $881 126. or $ 16 a head. The hogs numbered 1,893,685, and were valued at $4 032,588. 'ihere were 173,580 carriages and wagons, at $5,806,415 ox $33 45 each. Clocks and watches to th3 number of 145,688, and of the value of $881,000 were enumeratoi in that ye*r — 1857. Pianog to th« number of 2,320 responded to ten times the number of fair flying finjrers. "Gnodh and merchandise" were valued a' $14 173,205; "bankers' property' at $3,729,- 940; •'maduf.KHurei articles" at $1,296,758; ••m.-uey and credits" at $19,183,421; 'bonds, stocks" Ac, at $752,621; "unenumerated prop- erty" at $15 327,503. The foregoing do>8 not include the counties of St. Clair and Moultrie, which are marked blank in the report Sanga^non county ranks next to Cook; (Chi- cago) and Peoria next. The total value of the real and pergonal property of Cook, is $45,680,- 333. 'I he valuation of Sangamon is $12,000,000; of Peoria $9,867,000 ; of McLean $9,211,000 and of Knox $9,093,000. All the other coun- ties range beetwcen one and eight millions. <•• Great Western Railroad Traffic. We are indebted to the politeness of B. Stock- well, Jr., Gent-ral Fi eight Agent of the above railway Company for the f ILiwing statement of the traffic ol the road for 1858. It shows a great increa.-e of business on that p jpular road, and will be read with nterest : Statif'iics of Freiyhf trauffpiHed oDei- the Great Western liailruud of li's., for the Fear 1858. A. gortfd iiitTch'dise Ibg 33.521.252 Wlieil jbusb -l^oAiO llyo. " 'LY'd C..r, '• 16^3;U OoKts. " 17.133 Hniley '< s.f.lS I'.itHtoi'S " £,.626 Kloiii, Itig 10.' 42 W liiskey, libl -.i.r.fiS I'o'k, '• ti,711 IJe.f, " 40 Al'ples, ' 1,173 Lima an:l Ccmt- utbbl 2,7.H Lird Ibd 1587 l.ard, t'ici-8 l.siu Salt. bl'lH 9.;il4 .■< It, siii'kH 7.3(14 Iron, lbs „ S,ol9.o7t> CortI, tons 1H.J7S DreHsM piirk l,583.2v!8 :tiR l,S8i} MiiluKaiid (lores. No 1,340 Sheep. No S,(»17 n..g» (live) No 113.695 Cat tie. No .*.li,9!»l LiiiiibiT. Wnt 12,825. Mil ■ liiiipbs iiii I l.iitbs .M 7.521 VVu.d lb- 299,1 13 C'Dttuii brtU'ti 5.920; Iti-t 2,bo7,Oll Kutiiies and teuderp 6 (;ir u.s curs 29 Illt.V, bHie.i 41'Q UblH, StiiveH, cur load.-* ]6rt Ice, &c 32 — «•• Camels. — The government have forty nine Camels near St. Antonio, Texas — ten of which are quite young. 5^^?^~?r'.. -'-J. - ^ ■.>•"•;•■-; TC'!T»."'T ?*awg55g^r5:Jlie 1 in ttie manufacture of China ware, and other similar articles. Thj amount j thus used is ne..rly ail lost. There is no dan- | ger of having currency too plenty, as long as 1 the human apoetite fur gewgaws and fiivolous . jubilee of our national independence. Bota events are pr.iud ones in our history. Bv>th des.rve to kindle anew with each returning anniversary, the glow of patrioti^^m in the bosoms of old and young. It will be a sad presaire for tlie future g'or]' of America, when the birth day of our national freedom, of the nativity of the great jefidfr and Deliverer in the dark times of the R3volutionary strug- gle, shall pa'^s unh eded by. For our chil dren's sake, let the natal day of the great Washington be ushered in with due and fitting honor. Let beauty bring its wreaths to gar^ land the memory of him whom the united homage of the world has recognized as the representative man of raodtim times, as he haa been ' first in the hearts oi" his countrymen." We bavo ventured these rellections to call the attenti m of our citizens •.o the pr ipriety of promptly arranging some appropriate ohserv- anc* of the approaching anniversary of Wash-* ingtons biith. Especially fitting would it be, as an expression of sympathy in the interesting national movement, promoted and conducted by the spirited women of tie Uuited States — our mithers, sisters and daughters — to secure to the natioral possession, ihe home and grave of the iilusfious Father cf our Country. It can need only, we think, the preliminary Bugi gestions of a few of our y( ung meu, to array in cord-hl union the sympiithies of our otitii'Q community in an ohject which appeals tj iSia common heart of all. Let our hearts be g^iad^ dened once more oy the stir of the warm gloVT of American patriotism. Let us redeem (Me day, when all can meet tog3ther as sharers \n the unspeakable blessings cf free instituticna-^" sharers in the honor and prosperity of cur Lee country, sharers in the renown and glory as- sociated with the great Dame of h'm whose memory will be forever and inseparably asso- ciated with all that is great in our past history, and will deserve fresh horDrs with every ad~ vancing age in our national development. <«• jg@°" L. B. Allen has collected mate- rials nearly sufficient fc»r the fourth vol- ume of the American Herd Book. — Breeders who have ne^jlected to do so, should send pedigrees 8 3 as to reach him in the early part of this month. <» Socrates called beuuty a short lived tyranny; Plato, a privilege of nature ; Theo- phrfltus, a silent cheat; Theocritus, a delight- ful prejudice; Carneades, li solitary kingdom; Domitian said, that nothing; was more grateful; Aristotle affirmed, that beauty was better than all the letters of leeommendation in the world; Homer, that 'twas a glorious gift of nature, and Ovid, alluding to it, calls i; a favor bestowed by the gods. • ~f> (!^" Rigaud, the painter, being one day em- ployed in painting the portrait of a lady, when he perceived when he cime to the lower part of the lace* that she contracted her lips in a most violent manner, in order ttat she might appear to have a little mouth; upon which the arti-st said to her very gravely, 'lie not uneasy. Mad- am ; if you ch ose, I shall aiake no mouth at all." Mail Robber held to Answer — Frank Bu- chanan, the mail robbing Postmaster at Beverly Wisconsin, whi was detected through the agency of Dr. Lieb of Chicago, special Post Office agent, wasexamin>d before Judge Miller at Milwaukee Saturday, ard held to answer in default of §2,000. The evidence of his guilt is conclusive. " ■ ■^fSTrSf^^'r '^TV^^v^^'T?^^ ^ •'?• -wT^isJJf ?'?"!**??'«* ~- , .V* H'^f^^^^t^ ■ .-•voT^'STi-^^T^ !l(gW|f-~|»p»l._ -::?^*-J?-'' THE ILLINOIS FA.IIM:EII. 223 COMMERCIAL. St. L,oui8 Market~Feb. 5. Flour— =ale8 of 1,000 bbls city sniKrfine delivered at $5 12J^ 800 do country superfine. 5uO do city superfine; 300 de country t-xtrn, and 200 di> double extr.i ronn'ry. all on pri- vate jernis; 85 country superline $5 tb; 500 do city extra |6; 2li tmiriibUdo i'o 25. Wheat — Only a Bm:ill portion ofaeceipts sold, and market declinuil 3 to 5c. Sales of loo tk* poor tnd •'omuiun at from 90c to il: 63 ilo common 103c; 141 do fair lOoo; 150 d.> «oni- mon and fair i04@105c; 817 do prime 113c; 75 do choice white nsc. Corn —Sales of 300 ^c, 10,000 shoulders at Alton at e 1 10c. Lard— Sale of 30 tesat ll^^c. Kacou — 10,000 loose hams sold at 0)4c; 20 casks rib sides at gi^c. Whisky— Salss of 37 bbls at 261^0, and 25 do at 27c. St. Louis L.ive Stuck Market—Feb. 5. JHellevue ^tock Yards. liKEF OATTLK— But f-w on the market and demand ratlicr liKhtfor sliippiu^, with sa es VBrying from 7 to '14, fur net; one lot averaging 817 fi)s net. sold tor ij^c net — Butchers paying at retail prices tor cjmmon to fair 214 t" 3c gross, fur good lo choice 6J^ to ll/^c net, with sales of a few wxtra lit 8c. IIO.tS — In good demand for butcher's use at 7 to 7J-^ net, with few on tli»- tuarket. SllKKP — Scarce and felling readily at prices ranging fr m $2 to {a per h ad for coiumcn to choice. COWS AXDCXLVUS— npply liiuiU'd. »ith afair demand at $20 to f-iO per he»d, according to qua'ity. Kew Y ork Cattle Market.— Feb. 2. A. M Allerton A Co., proprietors of the Washington Prove Yards, Forty fourth street, report the cattle in mark..-t from the following Stites: New York 776 Pennsylvania 34 Ohio tiiS Indiana 176 Illinois 379 Kentucky 136 Iowa 84 New Jersey 23 Michigan 51 Canada 33 BKEF CATTLE. Number reported for thi.< market at Forty-fourth Btreet..2,000 The prices to day are quoted as follows: Fir.-t quality. 10Vi;@llo Medium 9 '(^lOc Ordinary 7 (g> 8c Some extra (rood beeves may be quoted atllj/^©l2c Toe general average of the market at —to 9c The most of the sal«i rai ge from 8}^(g>10c Tot.il uuinhfr of beeves received in th; city this week. ..2,958 This is 94 head more tbau lust week, and 722 head more than the average of last year. The averag" number at eacii Wednesd >y market last vear was 2,782 head, while the num ber to->day being 2.000, thowx 782 head less tbau the averaj^e, and 72 head mure than this dny week. CALVES. Veal calves are still in good demand if they are good; snch will sell quick at 7@8o '^ lb, live weight. ■HEKP. Sales of sheep at $3,60@$4.40 ^, head. Lambs, $4. Heavy hogs scarce, held at 7c grofs; ligtit range from 5c to 61/^c gross; stock hogs dull at 4J<^.g>5c; heavy distillery Oj^c. Corneau *• Oilier, yS'VLOJjE.SXX.E. AND RCTAII4 DRUGGISTS, WOULD RESJ'EOTFULLY INFORM their frit-nds and tke public that tliey have removed to their NKW tTOllK, last side ol tlie J«quare, where they would b ' happy to receive their former pttrons and as many Pew ones as will be pleased to call upon them. Their stock Of DRUGS AND MBDICINES Is entirely fresh and warranted genuine. All their prepara- tions are made in strict accurdauce uith the United States Pharmacol oela. and are reliable. They keep on hand svery article usually obtained in a we'.l furnished DRUC-STOKE!:, And would invite all in want, to remember them. I*. S. — Iht'Se indebted to them by note or accennt would confer a iavoi by settling the i^ame as soon as they possibly can. jaa22dw;2m RESOLVED, BY DN'ANrMOUS CON- sen! , that hedging on the prairies is a decided success \sbere 'cr it bus hud a •' fair shake." Overman « Mann, Commercial Nursery, n^ar Blooming- fr'i, offer for the spring trade of 1859, about eleven millions 0° .Maclura Hedge PliintH,two years old, of superior quality. AIoo, apple root grafts, in box, and one and two years old, small fruits, evergreens, shrubbery, Ac , &c Prices and terms uniutuiMy favorable (Jive us a call without fail Hedge-cvower's Manual sent to all applications. fin, Address Overman A ftlann, (Box 600; Bloomington Illinois. jan7-fw MYERS LES AT H. C. MYERS & CO. ILLINOIS MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMM ^V^ ^^J" ^^'^^/f^^ CAPITAL '^"^•---^^^•'"'UraiMITED AND CQNSTAPfTLY f-- Iif CREASING. i rUESENT FUND tor tbe payment of LOSSES BY FIRE PRINtlPAI. OFFICE AT AI.TON, IL-l.. THIS COMPANY WAS CHARTERED in 1839, and insure.«i, at a moderate cost, almost every specie" of property in Illinois again»^t Loss or Damage by Fire. Vhe r.ite8 of rir.k are so arranged that eac • class ot property insured will support its own loss. Kvery one insured becomes a member — the Company being an association of customers — ea-h of whom is concerned in insuring his neighbor. The capital iiugments in exact ratio j with the increase of risks; the security or which rcmaius in thohands of the insured; therefore, every member is the trnasurer of his own money until the same is r«»qaired for the purposed paying losses. BOARD Ol '»TRHCTOn.S: Tim Turner, Benj. F. Long, .lohn James, Henrj- l.oa F. A. Uofimann, H. W. Billings, M. O. AtW(KHi, Koliert sniiih, Alfred Dow, John .'Vtwood. Lvman Tnimbull, Samuel Wade. L. Kellenberger, Elirts Hiiibard, B. K. Hart, B. F. LONQ, President. L. EEUi:NB£BOER,^Treasuror. M. G. Atwood, Secretary. John Atwood, Ass't Sceretary. John Blaisssll, Gen'ljAgent. O" Application for insurance may be made to the Local Agents, one or more of whom may Ite found in every county . in the State. JA.MES L IIILL, Agent. janIO d3mwly Garden Seeds^ FOR s:le by S. FRANCIS, SpringBe d 111. Asparagus, Artichoke. Beans, for j-naps — Valentine, Karl yNe win gton,Thon«and to-One, Karly Mohawk, Early China, White Cranberry Buucb, Ro al Whire Bunch. Bean, Pole — London Horticultural Cranberry, Liva, Lima, Red Cranberry, ludiau Chief. Cabbags— Krtily Kichefold. Early York, U»d Du ch. Early Sugar Lvaf. Prmii im flat Dutch, Large Americas i>iura- head, Drumhead and Str- nwrites. Kohl Kaifi CAnLiFL'W>R — Karly London. Corn— Jiarly Ked Cob .-^wfet Mammoth Sweet, Early Tue- carora, Ac , Smiths Farly White. ilELTS— Karl ' Baa- adore, Early Blood Turnip, Long Blood Fed, .Mangel Wnrtzel, Ac, English Sugar Beet, Ac, White Sugar. CccCMBia? — Short Green Early, Long London, Long Tur- ke>, Gherkin. Ac. CiLtBY — 8olid white, cbrystal white, solid red. CEtss— CurteJ double, proud leaf. Cakkott — Cumwou yellow, early horn, blood red, Balgiuin yellow. Eqg Plant — Early long purple. - ■. Kale — Sea kale. Lettuce— J'le coss, early Liberia, green drumhead, 4o., early white, joe co's. Melon— (Cantnl.ipe), pine apple, nutmeg, beach wood, green citron, large yellow cantalope. Water Melon — .vlountain ciii out, mountain sweet. I.on^ Island, ice cream, black Spanish, citron melons, naslurtiUBi, ukra, short and long green. ()»,iox — Large Wetherfiuld red, early red, Danver's yellow, yellow silver skin, white Portugal. Pi'PPEK— Large bull nose, large squash, Spanish, cherry, small cayenne. PK\g — Early constocks dwarf, Bi-rhoh's long pod, cham pion of Euglaud, dwarf Prussian, large maorrwiat. Prince Albert Pumpkin —Large yellow fold, parsnip, long eweet. Parblev. — Doubl« curled, Wyatt's guiiifhiug. RhfBARB.— Mltcliell'seariy, Myatfs Victoria, Spinach. Sqi'asHis (wint"r.) — Autumnal marrow, wiuter croohnech, lima corranut, Hubbard's winter. >(ju\6HEs (summer.; — Karly croohnech bush, early yel- ! low bu»ti I TORNiP.— Flat Dutch, early ei.\ weeks and various varietieg. Tobacco — Variflies ToMATOE.— Large led, red cherry, yellow. Saob. — Common r«d. Radish — Early red turnip, early long red 8hr>rt top, long salaio^.. bl.ick S| inich. 8,lsil'y (white), surgoutra. ^eedsof VHiiius gifden hebs. FluWEB SEBDi — In great variety — embracing a hundred sort'. Chihese SnoAi Cane Seem— and various other seeds for eurdeu aud field usually found at Seed Stores For sale by •^jebl 8. FII.A.NC1S. ~ SOUTHER'S COAL MINES, BETH ALTO. ILLINOIS.— WE ARE NOW prei>ared to furnish coal of the host qualitv, loaded on cars at our switch, and d-liveral>le on the line of St. A. A C Railroad. Persons wis ing to contract for any quantity can >>8 acc'immotla'eJ by addressing T. .>^OUTHRR, -•->nlO Aim Alton, Illinois. GARDENER WANTEC. A MAN WHO HAS PRACTICAL EXPEv rience, and understands general farm wor«,wiU l)e re- qniied One who could take charge of the same if neces- -ary, snd manage a fruit garden, preferred. Can furnish house for family, and would be willing if prscttcable, to c n- tract system lor mutual benefits afLei the first J tar. Wa- ges moderate. Applicants can sommnnicate with the nndersigned at Athens, Iliiuois. ELIUU IIALL. feb9 It* Springfield Book Store, JOHNSON & BRADFORD. MISCELLANEOUS BOOKS. SCHOOL BO()K=, All the TariouR varieties uii-d in this Kctkm. .' JUVENILE BOOKS From numerous am hors and publiah«n. PAfEKS In large quantities. FOOLS CAP, : Various prict'S and qualities. - ' COMMERCIAL NOTE • Papers in large qnantieg and varieties. . LETTER PAPER. .; r Various qualities and prices. ENVELOPE-. 150,000, coneisiitig of all sisi-s and varietiM. .'■--_ 500 GROSS . ■ . ■■ steel pens, various kiods. — INK— ' : Inlutands— Fealing-Wax — Wafers. PENCILS. Large variety gold pens from the best makers in thecoontry LAKQE VARIETY POCKET BO K". . .-; ' -PEN KNIVES. : Siatiotiers' Tin Ware. Large variety of fancy articles and everything neaallj kept by BookHellers aad Stationers. JOIIN'SON t BRADFORD. BLANK BOOKS. We have a larg» stock of blank books, consisting rf Medium ledger, Joarnal, Day-Book. ' Demi " " " Cap « « . « Small blank books, all kinds and virieties to suit all the wants of the pablio. DIARIES FOR 1859. We haveseveral dozen of various siees and prices. BACKGAMMON BOARDS. : CnECKERS! CHECKERS!! . CHESS. . Several prices and kinds. ". ; ■ -^ DOMINOES. OUR BOOK BINDERY. We have a very large stock of binders and materials, and pay particuIaratt('ntion to the manufacture of blank beaks to any patteru and in any form. Particular attention paid to rebinding old books, binding periodicals. &c., Ac. JOHNSuN & BRADFORD. ■■]■: ANNUALS. ,. GIFT BOOKS— We have and wi.l have tbe belt to be had in the market, decll-rity papers copy ] JOHNSOV £ BRADFORD. Singer^s Scwin'g^fiarh ines, Western Office. I40 Lake Sii-eet, Cliicag-o. IM. SINGER & CO. HAVING ESIAB- » lished a West<-rn office for the sale of their Macbioes, would call the attention of the ladies of Springfield to tbeir FAMIL% SEWIKC; MACHINE, Which is the latest presented for competition. It is the most eai ly opor^^frf of anj' machine ever made. Their machinea, for manufucluring purjmi-es, have no equal A. W. UARKIS. Western Agent, 140 l.ako street. Chicago. ta^A copy ofl M. Singer 4 Co.'a Gazette will l.efurniBhed BRATis on application. ausclii «'m c. h b. McKl)UERT!» <& JES^, WIIOLE.-;aLE AND RETAIL CON- fi'Ctiouers, dealers iu candies, preserves, grren and drifd fruits, nnts, provisi'^'us, couiitry produce. Ac Address Post OWce box 893. McR BKK'i>*JESP, anl9 w Springfield, lllinoi ■V. v-yy^f^ ^^4 THE ILLINOIS FA.RM:ER. B. F. FOX, Wholesale and Retail Dealer iu Hardware, IN ALL ITS VARIOUS BRANCH ES. HAS NOW IN STORE one of the largest and hest Hssortnients f f gooilii iu.liis lino ever oflVred in tliisi nmrl^et. Importing niiiny stylcH of Kiig- lifh gomls direct, and purrliasing liis Anioricim goods of the iU:)Qnfacturcr>i at tlio lowest (Ciisli) liricoH. he is onuliled to olfur merchants and consunii-rs };oodsat tlie lowest priee.s, and on as favorable terms as any lioune enst or west. Uis stuck embraces a very large and complete assortment of igricultnral Tools and Iniplements ! of the hitrst and most improved kinds and qualities. Reap- ers, Mnw.rs, Utraw Cullrrs, Hnlge. Vrimni'TS, S cldrs, Grass and I runiny Honks, Cradles, Scytlies, Siuillis, Birks, Hies, Sliovuls, i^/)'ips, >tx's(al\ kinds and makes). I'icks, Mattocks, J'\in aVMs, Setd Separators and T/iresliiiiy J/u- c/tilif.s. HOUSE FURNISHING & BUILDERS WAREHOUSE. Large and complete iissortmeutof Locka. Latches, ButtJ. Hin- ges, Screws, Biilts. Brwls, JVails. TillMMlSdS — ^ri-at varit-ty Carpenter^§ and Builder^s Tools ! Planes, Saws. Chisels, Auije.rs, Uraces, Hills, Drawing Kitivis, Sjuares, Trowels, Jievil.i, Hiitclirts, Jlummcrs, Adtes, JHurcli and Broad Jjres, Uoreing Machines, Gould's and Steplve's Morticing Machines, Pil^s, th: BlacksmUh^s Tool^* Bdhws, Anvils, Vices:, Screw Plates, Tongs, UorseNaiU, Horse Sfioes, Buttresses, (£c. COOPEIc'S TOOLS. Fine assortment, Knives. Hooks. I'lunes, dx. CUTLERY. A very largo stock and assortment of Wost^nholm's Bntch- er's and othei 's, Tiible, Pocktt, I\m, BtUche.r and «S7ioe Knives, Jiazors, Shtars, Cissors, Ciirvrs. ig. tf%, Orders promptly filled and forwarded. May Ist, 1857. B. F. FOX. THE ILLINOIS Jflutual Fire Insurance Co, LOCATED AT ALTON- ILLINOIS. CIIARTKRED FEB. 23, 1839. ORQAMZED APIIIL4. 1839. Ainount of premium notes in force February \st, 1856, conslituling a fund for the payment of Lo.nses, $800,000.00, Secured by a lien on properly insured, valued at over $9,000,000! fflllTS company insures dwellings,stores,warehoHse8,mann- M. factories, mills, barns, stiiblo-" and the contents ot each, together with every other similar species of property withiu the titate, from LOSS OR DAMAGE BY FIRE! The Directors feel justified in recommending this company to the favorable consideration of the citizens of llli'iois. Every one insured becomes a member, the company being au as- sociation of customers— each of whom is concerned in in- suring his neighbor. As the indemnitication fund augments in exact ratio with the increase of risks, the capital of the company it comparatively exhaustless; and the entire safety of the institutiou must be apparent to every one who reads the charter. The cost of insuring in this company is so low, as to render it almost inexcusable for tlio owners of insurable property not to avail themselves of its protection. BOARD OF l)tRECTOR«i Ltm\m Trumbull, BfiNJ. K. LoNii. KOUERT SM1T!1 TlMOTHV TUR.VSB, M. U. At WOOD, ElIAS (liUlliRU, Samobl Wadk, JilUX Jahis, IIu.N'ur Lk\, Natu'l Uansox, I/. KELLEXnEROER, ALFKLD Dow, Ub.nj. K. Hart, JoHX U\ii.ii\cue, JoU.V ATWm(iI), BKSJAMIN F. Li).V(J. fresiJent. Lewis KsLLEyBERORii, Tn^n. M. 0. Atwood, riec'v. tig- An Agi'iit for this Company may bo found iu almost ery Coumy of the State. Jt^if Appiicatioa for insurance may be made to JA-MK* L. m LL. Ag-nt. at l>priugui-|d. ST^R CORjy JfllLil,^ For Griudliig Corn, Cob. Hominy or Meal and Cieneral i$tock Feed. WE DELIVEIl THIS MILL AT ANY point, of from our wngoiis, that run tlirough the dif- ferent p^i t» lit tin- r.miifry. at tlie iiiauufucturer's retail price, whirh is, for the null complete, JtiO. Orders, or letters of inqniij' shoulJ beaddrcRBed to HUNT, PYKE k Co.. Springfield. Til. We need but say that wlx-re the Star Mill lias been used. It has gained credit beyond ail other Mills ..uw iu use; and the fanner only needs to see and *ry it in order to tiecomo con- vinced that it is porfert iu its arrangement from the fact that it grinds green is well as old corn, (corn and cob p:vsp that eOect.) I'eisons having once experienced its benefit, will never return to the wasteful practice of feeding corn in the oar. It will undoubtedly make good meal of shelled corn for fam- ily use. The Millgrinds from twelve to twenty bushels per hour, and makes an easy draft for two hcrses. We can produce lirst |>iuiiiiiims, diplomas, and recommen- datlniiM too iiuiiifi'ous to nicuiioii. Kur full particulars, references and descriptionof Mills, see cii'cularB. N. B.- Persons can bo sufiplied with a °tar Mill, and also see one iuopeiutiou by calling at the Agricultural ^toru of FRANCIS k HARRELL, Jan 1, 185S Authorized Ageuts. UIILER'S PLOWS The Double Curved Uprl^lit »tcel Mould Board Flow. THE PROPRIETOR OF THIS SUPERIOR I'low still cont nues to supply.' the greatdeniaud which its merits have created. Its combination of rare ad- vantages has recommended it to the agricultural community throughout tho State of lliiuois, it is now admitted that it Ims uo eijoiil. IHio following note is but one ol tho many tostiroonials which have been turnished the manufacturer of the working of his plows. We certify that we have lately used the above plows, manu* factured by Mr. John lihjer, and we would stat<> that they are hi all respects, superior to any other idows we have ever used. We cheerfully recommend them to the public. Will. I'. L*wson, Wni. i'olBnbarger, J.J. bhort, Dayid Newsom, John W. Ueck, Uriah Mann, JohnKavanaugh, Phiiemou Stoat. Saugivuon rounty, Jan l", 1806. Fn.>m the peculiar form of Uhlor's plows they are not ex- celled by any other now in use. It scours very bright, sheds off stubides admirably, and runs light ami easy to the team. The largest sized two-horsi? plow of this kind, has been used .several seasons surcessfully in breaking prairie. The limits of a newspaper .vlvertisenietit will not admit of au accurate description of these plows. To see them is tobe pleEised with them. In addition to tlie above, the manufacturer i« making wrouglit iron upright ones, and two-horse plows. Also, a superior I'rairie Plow, warrantwl to lie equal to any prairie pb-w now in use. Any sizi' tliat may be wanted can be had at short noticu. A large number of all sizes, kept on hand constantly. Manuiactured by JOHN UIILER, Springtleld, 111., at whoso establishment these favorite plows can be. had, from a single one to a uumber unlimited. au;j-i-wlv B. B LLOYD, D E ISTTI S T, OFFICE ON NORTH FIFTH STREET, OVER J. RATBURN's. SPKXNGFXELO, ILL. ADKNTVI. t'RAGTICEDFFIFTEExN YEAUSW.ARRAXTS him in saying that all operations shall be carefully and neatly performed. He is in possession of several premi- ums and di]il )m:is awarded liy the best institutes for the pro- motion of science and arts in the country. Teeth inserted, from one tooth to full sets, as substantial and handsome as can be had in any city of the United Mates or Europe. Artifii-ial palate plates inserted, sujiplyiiig the want or loss of the palate, velum and would, 80 as to restore articulation. Refer to f rof. David Gilbert, Pennsylvania College of Med- iciue. Philail«lphia: lion. J. S. Black, Washington City; Rev. Dr. llarkey, Illinois University ; Drs. IliMm, Ityan and Wiil- lai-o: Messrs. JacoO LcH)se, J S. Condell, J. II. Gray, Fossel- man, Owen, Corneau k Diller, JuneT. 1S5. Sw et Pola l»l!i:itH. WE WILL IIAVK THKM IN THE PRO- per season, for H.il:! by the hundred or thons.mil. at fair p-ices; (aee advertisemeu t of early >iaiisetn"ii>l potatoes) febl S. FRANCIS. T' A SUBSTITaTE^FOR POTASH! CONCENTliATED LYE! A FANIJLI AUTICI^B, For making soap without IJme, and with little or no trouble and trilling ex leuso. HE CHEAPESI' AND MOST CONVE- MENT article ever oflered 10 the public for that pur- po.'-e. KVEKY F<\MILY can make all the soap they use from their ordinary kitchen greaat and this Lye. Motbing else is required. O.NE I'OU.ND Ui)X will make 25 gallons of fine soft soap, or nine pounds of elegant hird 80.tp, and several gallons of soft. A single trial will convince any one of its great utility and cheaptiekS. I'Rl.VTERS, and all others n«i)ig a strong Lye, will find the "Cunceutrated" three hundrei per ceut. cheaper than anything else they can use. For sale by ail the Druggists and Qrocers iu the country. BE WA HE OF IMlfA TIOA'SI Manufactured only by the I'eiintylvauia Salt Manufactnr ingCouipauy, Pittsburg, I'a., who mauiilacture extra super fino snow white TABLE, D.VIRV and I'OKK i'ACKEKS :n bo forwarded to lAember. >se who wish to purchase to Messrs. Francis & Bar- aug o DritU. N HAND, FOR SALE, varietie k rain drills. THE BEST ;. IRANClo- ■W*^!?;i^7**'|5r?!»5^s5J'?-"'^^ VOL. IV. SPRINGFIELD, MARCH, 1859. NO. 3. Win ^llnxn^ ^mmtt, rUBLISHED MONTIILT, BT BAII.HACHE: ...236 Cherry Creek Farms ThH Wht-at Pike's Peak Cream Biscuit...., The Best T.me to'^'p;i;;:;-;:::;::;::::;"-"v"-' f « Farmers I'lant Apple Orchards ,....!^"""^ .S Original Domestic Receipts.^ Frosted Feet ^ Wit on Tombstones „ Markets, £c -«,«'_____ . ••t>«£;w4;.';4...,C. ,..237 ...•iS8 -.23« ..239 A G R ICUI.TURB. • BT KIT. F, SPKINOE8. - The earliest records of the human race are those of the Bible. In these ancient and venerable records, allusions are made to agriculture and the arts. The very firpt employment which God assigned to Adam (Gen. 2; 15,) was "to dress and keep " the garden of Eden. Whence it is evident that even before "man's first disobedience " he was occupied in the culture and use of agricultural products. Adam was a gardener in the days of his innocence; and he was made such by ex- press appointment of his Creator. Of two of the sons of Adam, it is said that " Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.'' (Gen- There can be no doubt that the tillage of the ground engaged a large share of the time and attention of the people who lived before the flood. Indeed, religion, matrimony, agriculture and arts must all have originated with the very begiuning^ of the human race; because all these in- terests have their foundations in human nature and human wants^ The first act of Noah, after the subsi- dence of the deluge, and when he again set foot upon dry land, was to build an altar unto the Jjord: " And he took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burned offerings on the altar." (Gen. 8 : 20.) And immedi- ately thereafter, Noah is represented (Gen. 9; 20,) as a husbandman, and that he planted a vineyard. As the Israelites were an agricultural people, the wealth of their richest citi- zens was reckoned in the property of the field. Job, who is stated to have been f'the greatest of all the men of the east," had seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels and five hundred yoke of oxen, besides other valuables of a sim- ilar character. Patriarchs and princes are represented as actively employed in the pursuits of husbandry. . • Nor are such statistics of agriculture alone confined to the Hebrews. The Assyrians, Chaldeans, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, all gave early attention to this peaceful and necessary piu'suit. But it does not appeat that the literature of ancient nations ever rendered due honor to agriculture. While wars, the aspira- tions of ambition, and the intrigues of demagogues occupy the pages of the an- cient writings, and are the themes of their poetry, but little space is allowed to the praises or the improvement of husbandry. And though at times, cer- tain distinguished patriots are presented to us as having been cultivators of the ground, yet the general impression we derive from the records and icaditions ti£ pa«t ages, is, that agriculture was not held in high honor. The common senti- ment appears to have been that it was a necessary evil; necessary, because it fur- nished subsistence, and an evil, because it required labor. Occasionally, wise and good men Endeavored to dignify the pursuit by their personal devoti^i to its toils. Thus did Cincinnatus, tne patri- otic Roman ; and Divine Providence sought to invest the practise of husband- ry with due honor, by special arrange- ments which made the chosen people of God an agricnltural nation. Moses was a shepherd, and so was Gideon, one of Israel's most distinguished judges; King Saul was a herdsman, and so was David. Elisha was summoned to the dignity of the prophetic office from the plow. But, notwithstanding all the effort* of wise and good men, aided by Divine Providence, to prevent the pursuits of the field from falling into degradation, they did so fall. In all countries of the olden time, the toils of the field were held in lower estimation tnan was their ^r*»ii: »^ :> r 226 THE ILLIiSrOIS F_A-R]MER. real -worth. The political arena, the priesthood, and the strifes of war, offer- ed brighter glories and more dazzling rewards than the quiet and honest labors of husbandry. The popular sentiment was everywhere in favor of the prizes of ambition, which the fancied greatness of official power and warlike distinction could confer. To the call of the con- queror thousands readily gave heed, be- cause they were lured by the prospect of an easy and glorious life at the expense of the victor's spoils. The spoils of war might make the successful soldier weal- thy all at once, and then, as he fancied, he would have no further trouble, and would be great. In comparison with such a prospect, his tranquil and steady pursuits at home dwindled into nothing. Mankind, at an early date, gave evi- dence of eager readiness to live by plun- dering their fellow men. This propen- sity is singularly exhibited in the char- acter of all inferior grades of civiliza- tion. Not only the Indians of America, but the rude tribes of every continent, despise the labors of .regular industi-y, while they are enthusiastic in their love and practice of arms. War has tended greatly to retard, depress and degrade the character of agriculture. It has de- luded the laborer from the plow, to wear the gaudy decorations of Mars. It has devastated the fields, and spread famine over the world. It has prostrated the arm of quiet and productive industry, by the offer of higher glories on the theater of military strife, and by stimulating the hope of riches by means of sudden tri- umph over unoffending neighbors. It has deceived its votaries by assurances of a short and easy road to Wealth, while farms and fields and flocks were left to wasting and neglect. Nor has war been the only means of depressing the ancient and honorable employments of the farmer. Capital has been a powerful antagonist of this great interest. The same ambitious prowess which wrested the honest toiler from thi plow, also managed to monopo- size the gains of plundering war. The soldiers that fought the battles of their chieftain seldom obtained a just share of the spoils. The highest honors have not generally satisfied the aspiring leaders in human strifes; they appropriated to themselves exclusively, all the valuable acquisitions, while the toiling and hardy soldier was put off with eloquent speech- es and flattering promises never to be redeemed. The capital thus accumula- ted by the crafty few has always been the special favorite of the same few in their legislative enactments. The legislation of the world has always been partial to capital and neglectful of la- bor; hence but little favor has been shown to the workers whose hardy toil cultiva- ted the fields and made them remunera- tive to the owners. False views regarding education have had no small share in retarding the pro- gress of agriculture, and depressing the rank of those laboring in it. Learnino; has been regarded as useful, chiefly to acquire shining distinctions of office and power. In this view of letters and sci- ence, no one was deemed worthy of a polite education, unless he was destined for the honors of official rank. For the laborer that tilled the ground,knowledge was held to be useless. As the only service required of him was that of the body, of course it Was a matter of no concern whether he possessed a mind. The more brute-like he could be rendered in activity, strength and endurance of body, the more valuable would he be to his employer. If a laborer, he could perform more service ; if a soldier, he would escape death by fatigue and want, and be most likely to last until felled by the weapon of a foe. I tell you friends, that to make beasts of burden, pack horses and draught horses of the million masses of mankind, was the procedure of the ancients, and in most countries of Europe and Asia, the same brutalizing inhumanity still prevails. Now, I do not pretend to affirm that every person should be equally educated, for this is impossible; nor, that all should aspire to be philosophers, poets, orators, statesmen, physicians and divines. Not so ; because there must be^men to labor with the hoe ; the spade and the plow, and besides so long as men think the rank of eminent learning more praise- worthy than eminent skill in the use of the hoe and the plow, just so long will valuable labor and the laborer be de- pressed. The odious distinctions of caste by which five hundred out of every five hundred and one are doomed to inferior- ity of rank, can never be consistent with the rational equality with which all men are regarded in the eyes of God. But the one most effectual remedy for the unfounded disparities now exist- ing, is Education. For this purpose must the rural population be educated. In this country, where the access to earning is equally open to all, without distinction of rank, I ought rather to say the rural and agricultural laborers ought to regulate themselves. Books, periodicals, schools, churches, literary associations abound among us, and open their graceful portals in persuasive invi- tation to us all. The son or daughter of the laboring farmer may open the same books, enter the same schools and colleges, and sit side by side in the same lecture room, and be instructed by the same teacher, and be rewarded by the same literary distinctions, with the sons and daughters of statesmen, generals. philosophers, presidents, governors and heroes. If in this country, the farming commu- nity are not properly educated and ele- vated in society, it is chiefly their own fault. But in what shall they be instructed ? If they intend to continue at the toils of their honorable calling, they need not attempt to ramble over the whole cyclo- pedia of knowledge. They need not be erudite philologists, surely, nor profound mathematicians, nor richly stored with the systems of theologic lore. But cer- tainly they ought to be good arithmeti- cians, well practised in the ordinary rules of book-keeping, thoroughly versed in the well-established facts of chemis- try, physiology, botany, geology and mineralogy; and they ought to possess a good acquaintance with the history, po- litical organization, and the national character of the American people. These things certainly, they ought to know, though there is nothing in the whole round of learning to which the rural community ought not to have ready ac- cess, in case they should think proper to press their inquiries still farther. But, my friends, in referring to the causes by which the cultivators of the soil have been depressed, I should not be true to the subject and the occasion, if I should make no allusion to slavery, as one of the most degrading to labor of every kind. To the injurious influences of war, reference has already been made, but not only in the manner already indi- cated did war debase agriculture, but it it carried the work of debasement still farther by becoming an instrument for the introduction and establishment of slavery. The captives taken in battle, from time immemorial, have been reduced to servitude, and wars have been the fruit- ful source of slavery. Slavery, in its turn, has degraded human toil. Work has been loaded upon the captured slave. The condition of the slave has always been that of inferiority and degradation; and for this reason, the work to which his master dooms him is also a degrada- tion. Slavery prevailed among the Israel- ites long anterior time of Moses. The Hebrew patriarchs were slaveholders, and the condition of bondmen, was a prominent feature in all the social orga- nization of the ancients, from a very remote antiquity. In the time of Joseph's administration in Egypt, the whole laboring population of that country was brought under a species subjection similar to that which now prevails in despotic Russia, and some other nations of modern times. When the famine afflicted them, the people parted with their money, their cattle, their lands and themselves, fo W^i^^^^W^f^r^''^. r : •sfviftvjryntr^^ts^^ THE ILLINOIS F^R]SIEIl. 227 the sake of saving their lives ; and ever after they were required to pay to the monarch one-fifth of all the productions of the soil, for the privilege of cultivat- ing the lands of their rulers. The ancient province of Attica, of which Athens was the capital, is said to have had a population of 5.*)0,000 people; 400,000 were deemed to be servants and slaves, from whom were withheld the rights of citizenship. The vast dominion of the Roman em- pire is believed to have extended over 120,000,000 of human beings ; and Mr. Gibbon, the historian of the "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," informs us that about one half of the whole pop- ulation were slaves. In our time there is reason to believe that more than one half of the ten hun- dred millions of people who dwell on the globe, are slaves to the remaining minority. In such a condition of socie- ty, where laborious industry is degraded by servitude, what better can be expect- ed but that the laboring classes, whether in the field or the workshop, should be held in odious disesteem, and doomed to ignorance? When here in this boasted "land of the free and home of the brave," the enervating and degrading influences of slavery are seen by com- paring the healthy intelligence and pros- perous activity of any of the free States with any of the slave States. In the slave portions of our country, even a freeman who is obliged to labor, suffers by the degradation to which his labor is reduced by the slavery around him. A freeman that toils by the side of a bond- man is not as much esteemed as the bondman. Such is the pitchy darkness of this ruinous and dreadful evil among men. If the tillage of the ground is to be performed by slaves, then is tillage a mean pursuit, dooming its pursuer to the lowest ignominy which the heart of proud man conceives. Nor is this all : Slavery has it grada- tions, and is various in its forms. To avoid the odium of maintaining it, men sometimes change its forms. Abject depenuence is servitude — it is slavery, be its name what it may. Slavery, at the very first, gave to a few over the many a monopoly in the lands. That monopoly still abides, even in countries where slavery in name is not tolerated by law. A monopoly of lands leads to slavery, as certainly as does slavery, when it comes first, lead to a monopoly of lands. The one, no mat- ter which, is sure to be produced by the other. In Britain, for example, there is scarcely less degradation in labor than there is among the slave territories of the south; and no wonder it is so, for the soil in Britain is not owned by the fam- ilies who work it. Accordinsr to Mc Culloch, there are are 77,007,040 acres of land in the United Kingdom, includ- ing the small islands adjacent. In a population of not less than twenty-eight millions, the entire lands are owned by only fifty thousand proprietors, eachone having an average of a little more than fifteen hundred and forty acres; so that, in every community of five hundred and sixty inhabitants, there is only one who is an owner of lands, though there are many pei'sons who are many persons who are cultivators of it. Some of the estates of the English aristocracy are enormous, even to the extent of five hundred thousand (500,000) acres. Nor is this all; but "these large dominions" says Emerson, "are growing larger. The great estates are absorbing the small freeholds. In 1786, the soil of England was owned by 200,000 corpora- tions and proprietors, and in 1822, by only 32,000. All over England, scat- tered at short intervals among ship- yards, mills mines and forges, are the paradises of the noble, where the livelong repose and refinement are heightened by the contrast with the roar of industry and and necessity." Previous to the revolution in France, two-thirds of the lands were owned by the nobles and the church ; yet both the nobles and the clergy were exempted from several of the most burdensome taxes imposed by th<» government. The plea for this exemption was, " That the nobles defended the State by the swords, while the priests interceded for it by their prayers." During the same period of landed monopoly, not one in fifty of the people was able to read ; and their taxes were oppressive and degrading. If the products of an acre, for example, were worth $13,76, the portion taken by the king was $8,40, and the proprietor took $3,96, while the farmer, who per- foi-med the labor, was compelled to be contented with $1,40, not quite one-tenth of the product of his own hard toil. Nor in France only, but in all the despotic governments of the world, labor has been oppressed by exorbitant taxation to sup- port the cunning fiction of the "divine right of kings," while the laboring mill- lions, both in the field and the workshop, have been doomed to subjection. Perhaps in a future number of the "Farmer," we shall attempt an additional talk on Agriculture, intended to point out more distinctly the means whereby this necessary and noble pursuit maybe eleva- ted to its rightful dignity among the call- ings of men. -***- To Knit Heels — To knit beela of socks double, so that they may thus last twice aar'«r^ ^ ; j-S![i. MARCH 1. 1859. KHHATA. — In liiti 1 iHt runner is iiiiiuy t.vpogiBpliic^l erroM. Yon iniike dio eaj that I |nit iu le-'S than one tuliU epoonfiil of milk of lime before tho frost, and moie tbnn one after thn frost. Tho worJa " to the giilloii," U left ont. Again — yon make me say, " I am nn ailmlt in sugar makini,.-," whereas I Bnid "lam no< an adept," Ac, Yob nmhe mo say that my boilers were uinde of J4 inch plnnk, whereas I said IJj inch p!3nk. Thi'se niistukeg are of some iinpoi tanci- and ahould be corrected. II. KIMBALL. «•»- State Agricultural Society. The Executive Committee of this So- ciety met in this city on the 22(1 ult., and continued in sessiom three days. They fixed upon Freeport, for the next State Fair; and decided to oflfer premiums for a Steam engine, which could be used ad- vantageously for plowing, and all other work of the farm. The premium is di- vided into first and second — three thous- and dollars for the first, and two thous- and for the second. The premium list will be ready for the press in a few days. The premiums of- fered this year amount to fifteen thousand dollars. Every effort will be made to make the fair at Freeport a great suc- cess. The fixtures will occupy thirty acres of ground, and are designed to be made sufficiently extensively to cover all stock and all articles which may be ex- hibited. mO' Morrill's Land Bill. / This bill finally passed both Houses of ' Congress, but has been vetoed by the President. We deeply regret to an- nounce this fact. "VVe looked to the re- sults which would be accomplished by that bill, if framed into a law, with the highest satisfaction. Every State would have had a Farmer's College. Farmers sons would enjoy the benefits of an edu- cational institution, where they could learn just what would qualify them for their duties in life. The farmers and other industrial classes of the United States will be grievously disappointed at this act of the President. Shall they yield their claims to a portion of the pub- lic lands on account of this defeat? The Tea Plant.— The Patent Office is experimenting on the cultivation of the tea plant. Was not that pretty effectu- ally done by Julius Smith in South Caro- lina some years ago ? Mr. Smith found that the plants grew well, but that labor was too high to make the cultivation prof- itable. "NanscDiond Sweet Potatoes" We ask the attention of the lovers of this most excellent vegetable, to the ad- vertisement of Messrs. Ten Brook and Allen, under this head, in this paper. Undoubtedly the Early Nansemond Sweet Potaloe is the best variety which can bo had for the north. It comes early, pro- duces well, is fair, yellow, very sweet and hardy. Those who have tried the yellow Nansemond here, will not give it up for any other. When sweet potatoes like these, grown in the north, and of excellent quality can be had, what miser- able policy to import, and plant sweet potatoes that come from New Orleans or points down the Mississippi? This was done last year, by farmers in this sec- tion to some extent, and an article was produced by their trial which bore no comparison in value to the Early Nan- semond. The gentleman interested in the sale of the Nansemond Sweet Potatoes, will promptly respond to all orders. 4«> Currency for Taxes. A bill to authorize the collectors of this State to take the paper of our State banks for taxes has been introduced into the House. We apprehend that it will be rejected ; and yet we do not see any sufficient reason that it should be. Our State has authorized the establishment of banks. They are furnishing the people with means to do business. The paper is readily taken every where, except in the payment of taxes. It appears to be good enough for the people, but not good enough for the tax collector. This ap- pears to us to be as wrong, as it certainly is inconvenient to the people. The State should be required to take its own paper, and if anybody is to lose on the transaction, it should be the party that authorizes the issue of the paper. The theory of our government is, that it is established for the benefit of the people. We are quite willing that the theory should be carried out in regard to the money to be paid for taxes. -—- E^r° There is a periodical publi.shed in" Cincinnati, we think, which is well designed for the patronage of dentists. It is a good work, as wo should judge. One article seems to show that the offers of premiums by agricultural and other societies for articles of dentistry, is en- tirely useless, so far as improvement in these articles is concerned. A good me- chanic can make a good exhibition, for instance, of a set of teeth, which would be of no value if put to use. Those who make these exhibitions ■will be found to be pedants — pretenders, who seek in this unprofessional way to secure business. The argument seems to be entirely con- clusive. -•0»- TiMBER Planting. — The best season of the year for planting acorns of every kind of oak, and also chesnuts, walnuts, hickory nuts, &c., is immediately after they fall from the trees. When kept dry long, they lose their vegetating principle. But by sowing them at their proper sea- son there is danger of their being de- stroyed by mice, squirrels and moles ; and if persons prefer the spring season for planting, they can be preserved in boxes of damp sand till early spring. As most of the plants have tap roots, they had better be planted where you design to have them stand. Some, however, may prefer to have them grow two years in their gardens, and afterwar.i plant them out. Experienced gardeners say that the tap roots can easily be put off with a sharp spade, running under the tree, Avhich will cause the tree to throw out lateral roots. The nut-bearing trees produce much better when subjected to this treatment. -f^ Bloomington NaRSERY. — We have received F. K. Phoenix's catalogue for this nursery. It contains a list of a great variety of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubbery, green house plants, &c. &c., and very many valuable remarks on the cultivation of orchards, shrubs and plants. The nurseries of this State are abundantly able to supply all the demands which can be made upon them. We venture to say that if cultivators will carry out the suggestions of Mr. Phoenix in the cultivation of their orchards, gar- dens and lawns, they will be well re- warded for all their outlays. "B@:= The Legislature passed a resolu- tion at the heel of the session, authoriz- ing the printing of 3,000 copies of the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society for 1857 and 1858. ••► Ho-xEY Blade Grass. — We still see advertisements in the papers, designed to dupe our farmers with this bald impos- ture. The Honey Blade Grass is our Hungarian Millet. THE ILLINOIS F-ARISIER. 233 What is to be Done ! Another spring is about to return and many farmers indebted to mercbants for goods whicb they have used in their families, are unable to pay for them; merchants arc crowding farmers, and merchants are being crowded by those of whom they have purchased goods. — What would we counsel ? We would counsel forbearance where it is possible; but if the merchant is pressed, what can he do, but press his customers ? Every way psssible should be used to raise money and pay as far as you can; and countrymen should not fall upon that unfair and injurious prac- tice too often seen, ^to avoid these mer- chants to whom they are indebted and take what ready money they can raise and go to other stores to purchase goods for cash. This is a grievous wrong — 'tis a moral wrong — and we do not see how a conscientious man can practice it. Then buy what you must buy of those you owe, and pay them all the money you can. And we further say to our friends, make every turn you can honestly to save a penny. If necessary wear your old clothes, patch them, make them last ; cut oflFyour bill of groceries as much as you can; — live, as far as possible, on the productions of your farm. Dean Swift naively said — "To-day it made no difference with him whether he dined on meal or veliison yesterday.'' The productions of our farms will furnish good and healthful food, — the industri- ous housewife can double the term of time for the wearing of clothing; she can also furnish the best food from the farm, andnteds a little of the condiments found at stores to make it more desirable or healthful. This system rigidly fol- lowed for a time, with the coming good crops — and we trust our friends will do all that in them days to make good crops will bring themselves and the country out of the present difficulties. We are talking plain facts to our countrymen. Let them weigh them; and if they are just and true, practice them; if they are wrong, disregard them. Gold at Pike's Peak. These accounts are increasing as the spring approaches, and we should not be surprised, if, some months hence, we should learn that many of the glowing accounts we receive in the papers were got up by interested persons either in the towns on the route, or at .the mines, who have goods to sell, and who wish to in- veigle large numbers of emigrants to Pike's Peak. Some letters we have lately seen, and statements given in newspapers, impress us seriously that these surmises will be found to be facts. We therefore suggest caution. Ii there is gold there stretching through an extent of 700 miles, it will not be exhausted next season, and there are enough people there at present to make a thorough trial of the value of the placers. Many young men will go there investing there all, and return much poorer than when they left their homes. We are not yet satis- fied that the gold placers near Pike's Peak, will pay for washing. "The Advisory Congress." Some weeks ago there was a collection of gentlemen engaged in agriculture for horticulture, congregated at Washington from the different States, selected and undefined purposes by the head of the Patent Office, and paid out of the gov- ernment funds. They met, as we under- stand, and there was submitted to them some thousand or so questions, and sub- sequently they adjourned. What was done, no outsider seems to know as yet. The veil of mystery thrown over this matter, we think will be withdrawn in due time. a Potatoc Cnltnre— The One-Eye System. The plan of raising potatoes on the one-eye system," is briefly this; Cut the potatoe in small pieces, leaving one eye on a piece. Plant in drills, dropping them from six to ten inches apart. Plow and dress them as you would other pota- toes. This plan has been very successful. The crops yielded well, better than where the old system was pursued in parallel rows. The potatoes were all large and fine. A farmer of New York says, in the Country Gentleman, that with this culture, " he harvested more potatoes, and of a uniform size, than he had ever done before on the same amount of ground." A Massachusetts farmer says, that *'he did not expect much from his potatoes, thus planted; but he was greatly disappointed. You should have seen them roll out — great big fellows, many of them the size of a man's double fist.'' We would like to secure atrial of this system in Illinois. «0> LiOE ON Stook.— If your stock are troubled wltli lice, now is the time to kill the pest. The Homestead says: "Use tlic card and currycomb; to sheep apply anguentum mixed on and back of the ears, where they cannot possibly mb it off. If your fowls are troubled with lice, mix suliduu* with wood ashes for them to roll in.'' Protection for Ont Lots. Persons in cities find it inconvenient to purchase and improve out-lots. Those usu- ally enclose some five acres of ground. On these out-lots can be grown all the fruit nec- essary to furnish a family all the garden crops, grass, corn and many other articles — making the out-lots a highly cultivated farm in miniature. Owners of such lots are often annoyed by depredations, suffering great loss and vexation. Now such lots can be sur- rounded with hedges of the Osage Orange, and be made perfectly secure from intruders. They can be done in three and four years from the planting of the hedge, and at a moderate cost. Seedlings. — Here is a most interest, ing field for our young farmers and am- ateur cultivators. There is a charm in a new flower or a new variety of fruit. Our most beautiful modern flowers are tlie production of hybridization, and are clioice seedlings. Our best roses are new creations by tlie same means. And we may say the same thing of many of our best varieties of apples, pears and peaches. And all these are chance seedlings. How should we then rear with care the seedKng plants and shrubs and trees that come up around in our gardens and grounds? True we may be disappointed in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred in our hopes of obtaining an improved flower, shrub or fruit; but we obtain a variety that will be of value to the world. How much this country would have lost, had Mrs. Peak ne glected to rear the little grape plant Avliich has proved to be such an acc[usi- tion — the Itebecca Grape ? ■ »*^ : — _ To Delay Flowers. — Have you a cherry, apricot or peach tree from whicli you have a strong desire to obtain fruit? This can be often done by delaying the flowers; and this can be efiected by covering the ground under the tree when it is severely frozen, by a heavy coating of wheat straw, and" covering that straw with plank, so that rains can- not reach it. Let this covering remain until danger from frost has past. The tree will then flower, and will be likely to obtain fruit. ■«•>- What is a F.ujmeb ?— The Home- stead answers this question. The farmer is the man who inaiuiges the farm. He is the one who does the thinkln;'!?5^'rdSsyj3W3?!;5^K?^ 234 THE ILLINOIS F^HIMEH. "A Great Corn Year." " This will be the greatest corn year ever seen in Illinois," said a farmer to us a few days ago.'' **And why?" * • Because every fanner I see expresses that opinion, and his determination to raise all he possibly can himself." "But can you grow cgrn if the season is as bad as the last." "We'll try. We could have raised more than we did last year, if we bad worked with more energy. Why, I know farmers who didn't plant their ground till near July, and raised good corn — far better than the average of corn the year previous." We like to hear this talk. If every farmer feels right and works right, there will be a wonderful crop of corn the com- ing season. "Where are the pigs and other stock to eat it ?" " Ho ! FOR Pike's Peak! '' — We un- derstand that in some of our neighboring towns, among those who will emigrate to Pike's Peak, the coming spring, there are some persons who design to turn their attention to farming. These farm- ers, of course, wish to make farms pro- ductive at once. They can grow but little the first year, if prairie is broken up in the ordinary manner. But prairie can be so broken up this spring, as to make it equal and even superior for pro- duction to old land ! This can be done by using the double Michigan plow. This plow will cut eight and ten inches deep. The first plow will cut oft' two inches, or more, depth of the turf, lay ft in the bottom of the furrow, and the other plow will cover it so deep that it will give no further trouble, and cover it with well pulverized earth, so that crops of corn, potatoes, or anything else grown in rich soil, will succeed just as well or better than on old land. This plow is no experiment Thousands have used it, and all will concur in these facts. We therefore say to those who intend to make gold by farming at Pike's Peak, that you cannot dispense with the Michi- gan double plow. -•«'- A Talk ahout Fruit Trees. "Well, Mr. B , I want to sell you some fruit trees, pear trees, peach trees, cherry trees, apricot trees, gooseberries, currants, blackberries, roses, ilowering shrubs, ornamental trees, ornamental shrubs " " For heaven's sake stop. I have bought of you before, and 1 would just like to have you see my trees. They are not more*^ than half a mile off, and you know I bought of you two hundred apple trees, which you told mo were in lino order, and would bear frnit enough in three years to pay for themselves and all the expenses of planting and taking care of them. Come ! I'm ijlad to see you ! come, let us go and look at the trees !" " I have n't a great deal of time to spare just now. But can't I sell you some trees? I can let you have the best you ever saw. Green and line, and sorts that sell at double price in 'New York." "Come! come! Xcver mind talking about your present stock of trees. Let us go and see my new orchard, and then well speak about buying more trees." " I have n't time now ; but will call again ! " ^'■'li' you do call again, I will not let you off as I have this time!" [Tree pedlar moves off.] <■» Hedge Growers Manual. — "A treatise on the theory and utility of Live Fencing ; its necessity and particular adaptation to the prairies of the West, comprising the thorough directions and all the latest improvements in the cultivation, completion and after treat- ment of the Hedge. By C. 11. Overman, of Blooniington, President of the Illinois State Horticultural Society. Third edition, re- vised and enlarged. Springfield : Lanphier & Conner, printers, 1858.^' We have examined this work, and find that the contents fully sustain the statements in the title page of the work, above quoted. That farmer who has this publication need go no farther for information in regard to the history of the Osage Orange plant, and of the necessary attention to make of the plant a perfect hedge, entirely sufficient to answer all the purposes of a good fence. Peas. — Many farmers are deterred from raising peas, because they suppose they must always be "bushed.'' This is not necessary. All varieties are sown in England broadcast. They should be plowed in. They produce well thus cul- tivated; but no doubt the yield would be larger if bushes were planted for the peas to run on. <*. IIaedy Perpetual Roses. — People will be disappointed in these roses un- less they give them thorough cidtiva- tion. They require the richest soil, and as sof)n as the first bloom is over, they should be cut back to two or three buds to insure late flowering. Madam Laft'ay is an exception to this rule, but that will do better to be cut back after its June flowers have lallen. .*• — i^ DoT^.s DiiAixixG Pay. — An enterpris- ing gardener about a year ago purchased tive acres of land near this city at $200 an acre. It was immediately under- drained; and last season he raised crops of vegetables upon the land sufficient to pay for it. Does draining pay ? From an Inquiring Lad. Mr. Editor : For two years we have failed in some of our leading crops. I am told that it did not use to be so. I have heard our neighbors, who have been fanners for a great many years, say that until within some few years past, (except the noted year of the of the deep snow,) they always made good crops, and that they took no more pains in making crops, than they do now. I do not understand why this is so. I wish I did. I have talked about it and thought about it a good deal, and I cannot satisfy myself anj other way, than to suppose the seasons have changed and that these changes are against the success of our common modes of farming. Now, what do you think on this subject? Am I right ? If I am right, we must im- prove our farming if we expect to get good crops. I am young, have read some in the agricultural papers, but yet do not know what is best to be done. I want to be a progressive farmer — that is, I want to im- prove as a farmer, for I know no other busi- ness. James H. We hope that some of our farmers will be kind enough to reply to this young man. It does seem strange that this country, which was formerly so prolific in crops, should now fail in producing good crops so often. The fact is, nevertheless, so. We may probably charge the misfortunes to the seasons. Cer- tainly our fields are as rich as they ever were. But we can greatly improve production. To do it, we must cultivate well. AVe must drain our lands so that water will not destroy our crops. We are now cultivating what used to be considered wet lands. To make them produce well, we repeat, they must be drained. If we were to be called on for our opinion what is best to be done to insure good crops, we should say, plow deep, cultivate well and drain your land. If the question should he repeated, we should still answer, plow deep, cultivate well and drain your land. Thousands of acres of wheat will be lost in this country the present season, be- cause the wheat was not put in well and the land not drained. Thousands of acres of land in Sangamon county, were not planted last year in corn, because the laud was not drained. We tell our young friend, that if he will drain his land so that the water can run off', and will cultivate well, forty-nine times out of fifty, he can make good crops. This word "drain" should never be forgot- ten by a farmer who wishes to make good crops and carry on profitable farming. Editor Farmer: — Is there any way to grow field peas so that they shall be free from bugs ? M. [It is said that if they are planted or sown late, the bug will not trouble them. Of this, however, we are not certain. If sown or planted late, they must be cov- ered with at least five inches of earth.] ■^ - ■ '*"^3r^'^^?PW'. iJ^^B^'sWvWSsiTT :» =r^1.-i«^lp^,,,.J^,,^l5p(^ THE ILLINOIS FA.R]MEIl. 235 Eastern Emigration. The signs are tliat there will be a large emigration from the east the ensuing spring, summer and falL We see it so stated in the eastern papers. The ma joritj are coming out to buy farms. The impression is at the east, that tliey can obtain such at much less price than has been known for years. Let them come. It will be a benefit to a large class of our farmers to dispose of por- tions of their farms, and give rnore at- tention to that which shall remain after- ward. There are fine opportunities in our cities to purchase property. A good crop this year will change the aspect of affairs in the west. |J:^^Mr. Fawkes, dissatisfied with his first steam engine, is building another at Philadelphiar It is to be of greater capacity and power than that he exhib- ited in Illinois. The plows are to be made by Derre & Co., Moline. He states that he has the offer of breaking 5,000 acres of land in lUinois at paying prices. He thinks that he can draw any of the mole ditchers with his new machines, . • —t- ■«•»- Yentilatiox. — ^What would be thought if we were to introduce into our stom- achs half putrid meats and half putrid veijetables and fruits? The stomach lives on food — the lungs on air. Do we consider the importance of provid- ing the lungs with pure air? Are we not constantly imbibing in our close rooms the tainted breaths which come from diseased lungs, fetid breath caused by tobacco, whisky, and other nuisan- ces? Is it a wonder that woman, often compelled by necessity to set in close, hot, ill-ventilated rooms, becomes a vic- tim to bad air, and lingers her life out in consumj)tion ? 49, 13^" Downing says — " As an orna- mental object, we consider the oak, the most varied in expression, the most beautiful, grand, majestic and pictur- esque of all deciduous trees." This is even so. But these trees are trans- planted into our grounds with great difiiculty. To have them where you desire, plant the acorns. These are sure to germinate and in a few years you will have handsome trees. A grove of noble oaks is one of the most admi- rable objects to be seen in the vegetable, world. Wool. — Eastern buyers are already in our markets trying to engage the next clip of wool. AVe hope our wool growers will not sell their wool while it is on the backs of their sheep. This year wool will pay. If not fuul'd awav. Oats. — There are two points to be aimed at by farmers who desire to raise good crops of oats. The first is that the ground shall be in good order, well plowed and well pulverized, and the second is that the seed shall be own early. Stkiped Bugs. — These are destruc- tive insects among vines. Jas. Weed says in the Country Gentleman, that if gardeners will go into their gardens about sunrise and pick up these insects and pinch them sufiiciently, and follow the plan up, they will soon rid the vines of them. It is some benefit to plant pumpkins for food for the bugs, near cucumber hills, as they prefer the thick leaf of the pumpkins to the thin leaf of the cucumber. When the bugs leave, the bugs pumpkin vines be destroyed. jg@°* Wheat is bound to advance. The crop was short last year. Iowa is al- ready importing wheat. The northern part of this State is bare of wheat, and (this fact is of some importance) a great portion of our winter wheat is already killed. Many farmers, if they design to furnish themselves with bread from their own farms must sow spring wheat. — . .> ♦ < IIaevesteijs 1600 yeaes ago! — In Palladon's " Fourteen Books on Ajrri- culture," he says that in Gaul they had a summary method of doing harvesting work. A machine was drawn by an ox, which picked off the head of the wheat very much as the machine does which now gathers the heads of clover. It was raised and lowered by the driver, who followed the machine. ——- E^utLY CoRN.^Many varieties of ear- ly corn were planted in this section of Ilhnois last season. The pubhc are in- terested in knowing how this corn suc- ceeded here. We should be o-lad to receive information upon this point. A good, productive, early corn, for early feeding, and for late planting, (if corn cannot be planted early,) must be inval- uable to our farmers. Spring Wheat. — There will be a de- mand for spring wheat for seed. Those who have more than they expect to sow, should clean what they have to spare, and take it to the seed stores. Horticaltnrai Society of Soutiiera Illinois. On the 1st instant, there was a meet- ing of fruit crrowers and others interest- ed, at Centralia. This meeting organ- ized the "Pomological and Historical Society of Southern Illinois." The ofiicers elected were : B. G. Roots, of Perry co., President. N. D. IxGKAHAM, of Mariou county, Corresponding Secretary. -■ J. M. Hunter of Washington county, Recording Secretary. . v .. J. P. Reyxoi>ds, of Marion countv. Treasurer. W. S. Wait, of Bond couhfy, Uriel Mills, of Marion, W. S. Bainbridge, of Union, Wright Casey, of Jersey, Wm. Yates of Perry. Stock Hogs. — Our farmers should save as many stock hogs as possible. The present year, if the season is at all favorable, a great breadth of land will be planted in corn, and we shall ff^ant consumers near our own cribs. -«•»- Editor Farjier : — Can matured seed of the Chinese sugar be had in Spring- field? Last year our crop did not ma- ture to seed, although the cane made fine syrup. P. Allen, Allen's Grove, Wis. [Good seed can be had at $1,50 per busheh] 1^" The bill introduced into the Senate of this State, authorizing the State Agricultural Society to offer a premium of 85,000, for a successful steam plow, which shall be practical and useful, has been laid on the table of the Senate. A Isew Cokn Plaxteb. — Robert Dillon of Mason county, has invented a new Corn-planter. It is a very simple instrument. It is drawn by one horse and drops a single row. One man plants with this machine. Cost tiifteen dollars. Sugar Cane Coxwentiox. — Tliere is to be sugar cane convention at Waverly, Iowa, on the 3d day of Mai-ch. The object is to spread before the i>eople all the fiicts that can be gleaned in regard to the cultivation of cane and the man- ufacture of the juice into syrup and mo- lasses. - ' |^°It is said a steam plow, on new principles, is about completed at Canon Falls, Minnesota. ''>^^T^^rm^xf^'^- • -r-«jw^»y^?v i-v^'^- - 't •'=?Wf«<«<«55«3S!»^ 236 THE ILLINOIS E^RMER. List of Shrubbery, &e. "We present the listof shrubbery, &c., pre- pared in our last number, for Gardens and Lawns on a small scale, and add other arti- cles on the suggestion of an esteemed friend. The object of this list is to enable persons of small means to purchasesuch articles of shrubbery and such at reasonable prices. Two Balsam Firs, Norway Sprues or Black Spruce trees— say 50 cents each $1 00 Two Pprslan Lilackn, white aad purple, at 20...._ 40 One Snowball, at 25c _ 35 One Tamarix, at 25c 35 One sweet (cented Seringa, 25c 25 Tbree Spir as, Pranifolia, Dunglanat and Sorbifulia, at 20c - 60 Wefcclia Ronea, at 25c 25 One Japan Quince, at 30c - - 30 Ono Rclgian Uoneysnckle at 25c — running 35 One Chinese " 2.'ic — rannine 25 TwobardT p<>rpetnal roseSjDntchesaof Southerlandand Madam Laffay, 50c each 1 00 $4^80 We add, as before stated, on the sugges- tion of our friend, the following Bulbous Plants : Ond dozen Hyacinths ~ Ttilips — — Crocus w $ T5 1,00 50 TigoT I.iUies - 50 Jonqnil - ~ 60 Diptrytra Speotabilis hi-rbaceons 26 [These can be rapidly propagated ] Ehbobs — Althea, white daublo » 25 " " blue " 15 Half doien kinds June Roses 1,00 $5 00 Double Hollyliocks, (which will cost no- thing more than for the seed,) are very beautiful if trimmed, (that is, the tops pinch ed off, so as not to grow higher than three feet) planted about in the fence corners. Our correspondent says : "I cannot bear to think of those two ever- greens you properly recommended, without also thinking of a ring of fine tulips to conic up around them and contrast with their green shade. Then after these another ring of red gladiolus, &c. Then, perhaps, some coxcombs or other red flowers later, all of which, by culture, help grow and set off the evergreens to advantage. I do think a yard without roses, tulips and trimmed double hollies in the country, is unpardonable. I know they arc common, and so are fools com- mon, who want to go to Asia, Mexico or Ja- pan for unknown, troubiessme and tender plants, not half as beautiful." The lists there given, can be greatly ex- tended, and perhaps purchasTs would like to substitute some of the following articles for those previously named : Herbaceous PafonifS, all c'dorf, from 30c to $1,00 nerhaccons Peren' iul I'til' x. new and tine varcti s 25 Climbing Koscs, American varieties 26 B@° Ladles who like early annual flowers, can plant the seed in a box, set it in a win- dow where it will be warm, and the plants will be large enough to transplant when warm weatlier comes. The seed of China and German Asters, Candy Tuft, Annual Phlox, Marvel of Peru, Balsamine, Hearts Ease, Petunia, and numerous other plants will do well thus early planted, and they will flower a month earlier than when sown at the common time. Sugar Cane for Fodder. A writer in the Country Gentleman, ad- verts to the fact that cattle cannot eat the sugar-cane stalks after they become dry and hard, and goes on to state that he has tried the cutting up of the stalks in a "Stalk Cut- ter and Grinder," and finds that his cattle, when the stalks are thus prepared, eat every portion freely. He also states that with this food, the cows have sensibly increased their milk. He believes that a single acre might be made to feed half a dozen cattle through the winter, and the cost of raising it would not exceed a dollar a ton. The production of an acre of good cane is enormous. themselves with seed corn ; and be certain to have an early variety for an early crop. We are not certain of a favorable spring. It may be that we shall be late in getting our corn. -«•»- 2^^ The wheat crop in Southern Il- linois promises well. Draining. — We find a capital article on this subject in the "Weekly Quincy Whig and Republican." It gives a history of draining, and notices the benefits of the dif- ferent systems. While we are satisfied that the greatest advantages can be received by the most extensive and thorough system, we are compelled to admit the truth that but few farmers have the means to adopt it : and under the circumstances our farmers must do the best they can ; and the best they can do, now, extensively, is tosurface drain. The writer referred to, says : "In many parts of our State the soil when new and first broken up was filled with fibrous substances, which kept it loose, so as readily to filter the water, and winter wheat was successfully cultivated. But as those substances have decomposed and left the soil more compact, so that the filtration of the water is obstructed, the crops are to a great degree liable to suffer from the frost. Draining is the only means to bring back such fields to wheat culture, are to secure at all times a sure and heavy crop. Under- draining as an art, has made great advances among the better class of farmers, especially in P^ngland, since the introduction of drain- irif; tile, or perhaps we should say since the modern use of tile, for prior to 1 0-0 thc i^ar- den of the monastry at Maubeuge, in France, was drained with earthern tile placed at a depth of about four feet, and so late as 1850, when the conformation of the surface wai changed to make a park, this garden was fa- mous for the excellence and abundance of its productions, and the people of the district had been at a loss to account for its astonish- ing fertility until the grading exposed a thorough system of drainage which had been made earlier than interments dating at 1G20." Thorough tile draining on some farms in New York has paid the whole cost in the in- crease of the crop in the first year. What better investment can a farmer of means make with his money? Thousands of acres of land in Sangamon county were not put in cultivation last year on account of not being drained. Experi- ence ought to teach wisdom. — ♦ ♦ » Seed Corn. — We again suggest to our farming brethren the necessity of providing "Cherry Creek Farms." Among the numerous letters from Cherry Creek (Pike's Peak country) is one which states that emigrants are making claims for farms near Cherry Creek ; and in describing the "farming land," says ''it will have to be cleared of trees and brush." This will be rather a damper on some who go out to Cher- ry Creek for the purpose of making farms. And there is another obsticle in the way of success, of which but little has been said — the want of water. But little water falls in the region at the eastern base of the Rocky mountains in summer. The smal} streams nearly all dry up. Irrigration, therefore, will be difficult; and we are not sure but summer frosts will prove trouble- some. We recollect that emigrants for Ore- gon, a few years ago, stated that water in buckets was covered with ice in July, while the companies were farming near the South Pass. The Cherry Creek country must be eleva- ted nearly as much as the South Pass. It is very certain that we shall have but little re- liable information of the capabilities of the region near Pike's Peak as a farming and gold producing country until next autumn. ••. : The Wheat. — It looks tolerably well on new prairie ground. We counsel our friends in this region, if their wheat is aU gone, to sow a field of spring wheat, provided the seed can be sown in properly prepared ground in good season. jj©" The farmers about Hartford, Connec- , ticut river, are raising large quantities of to- bacco. They get their seed annually from Cuba. The cultivation of tobacco pays them well. ••• Pike's Peak. — We have news from that quarter to 5th February. Miners were still coming in. The talk about gold was as great as ever. Most of the accounts, however, we believe, are written by interested men. A good many who go to the mines will come back poorer than when they went. That is our opinion. -«»- Cream Biscuit. — B'our tea-cupsful of cream, one tea-spoonful of saleratus, dissol- ved in a cupful of milk. Both milk and cream should be sweet, or both sour. Add one egg, if you chouse. Mix soft as you can, and not mould it much. Bake in a quick oven. THE ILLINOIS FA.R1SIER. 237 The Best Time to Sow Peas. 1. I have raised many peas, of many sorts, for market, both in garden and field culture. Those sowed early have, with great uniformity, produced the best crops. Peas sowed late are injured by dry, hot weather, and almost always mould more or less, and so produce a lighter crop. The cold freezing weather that often oecm's in April and early May, does not injm-e peas once in ten yeurs. 2. The pea-bug — alas, I know of no certain means of resisting this almost omnipotent enemy. The assertion that he may be a^'oided by very early sow- ing, is simply not time. It would seem that the pea-bug finds other places for the deposit of his eggs, in the absence of the peapod. Hence it is that clean seed, sown on soil where i^eas have not recently been grown, does not avoid him. The pea-bug, however, may al- ways be cheaply and thoroughly ex- pelled from the seed you are about to sow. Let your seed be well dried in the fall, and put up in close vessels. When you are about to sow them, turn them into a tub of water, when yon can readily skim olf and destroy every bug. Thus you will somewhat diminish your enemy. I do not esteem the presence of the bug in peas so great an evil as some other persons do. As the bug always deposits its eg^r in the side of the pod, and not in the edge, so the germ of the seed is rarely injured by it. True, the amount of food furnished by the body of the seed, is diminished just in proportion to tlie amount eaten away by the bug ; but this is usually so small in proportion, as to make no great dif- ference in its strength of early growth. For the table, the injury by the bug is small. The green pea, as shelled for the table, eontaing but the egg, and so is not greatly injured. To those who cook the pea as a winter food, and those dishonest persons who purchase (as ma- ny do,) and mix it with coffee, the pres- ence of the bug is a serious drawback. [Correspondent Country Gentleman. "«•»- Farmers, Plant Apple Orchards ! If any farmer who has had for twenty years a good orchard of grafted apple trees, properly selected for market, and in tolerably favorable portions of the country, has kept an account of the annual average product of his trees for that time, he will find that they have netted him fifty dollars per acre a year. This remark applies to such orchards as have had no care. Those which have received good cultivation have done better. Why then cultivate whole farms, at hard labor, for a net proceed of five dollars per acre? Why not plant orchards? "They won't bear in an age." That is because, then, they receive no care. Give them the same chance that a crop of potatoes receives, (and which would not coat a tenth of the la- bor expended yearly on the potatoes,) and they will send out shoots two or three feet long — but if neglected and weed-grown, and grass-bound, they will grow only two or three inches — ^in one instance twelve times as fast as in the other. No wonder, then, while the thrifty orchardist with his thrifty orchard, has fine young trees with remunerating crops in five years, the slip-shod cuhivator does not attain the same in fifty years, at the above estimated rates of growth. These rates are stated from the result of actual experiment, and not from hap-hazard estimates. Plant orchards, then, of the best varieties. Occasionally, it is true, there may be desti- tute years, and sometimes the crop at large may overstock the common market. But the above yearly average my be attained at least, in the "course of the seasons; and the cultivator who is known by his skill to have none but the best fruits, and make better than that of his neighbors by superior culti- vation, will be eagerly sought by fruit buy- ers, even in the most abundant seasons, and if he ships his own apples, he may oftain tripple prices for his handsome and excellent specimens. — Country Gent. -—^ Original Domestic Receipts. BuTTERXUT Pie. — One quart of milk, two eggs, a coffee-cupful of pulverized butternut meats, and a Kttle sugar and nutmeg. To Reimove Ixk from Lestex. — Dip the soiled part in pure melted tallow. Wash out the tallow, and the ink stain will be removed with it. Al]M0XD Custards. — Blanch a quarter of a pounds of almonds, beat fine; add a pint of cream, two spoonsful of rose water, and the yolks of four eggs. Su- gar to taste. WiGGS. — Half a pint of warm milk, three quarters of a pound of floui*, three sj)Oonsful of yeast. Let it rise, and work into fon/ounces each of aimsx and biitter, and a fevr carra%vay seeds. Bake quick. Ax Excellent Oommox Fried Cake. — One cupful of sugar, one cupful of cream, three eggs, some cinnamon or nutmeg, and a teaspoonful of saleratus. Cut in jumbles or in strips, and twist and frv in lard. DoFGGXUTS WITHOUT YeAST. 0x16 cupfid of sugar, two eggs, one cupful of fresh butter, three cupsful of buttermilk, Hour enough to form a dough, (not too stiff,) and one one teaspoonful of salera- tus. Fry in lard. B^ixxocK. — Two cupsful of meal, two cupsful of flour, one teaspoonful of salt, one teaspoonful of ginijer, and four spoonsful of molasses. >Vet up with buttermilk, adding a teaspoonful of sal- eratus. Bake one hour. Milk Toast. — Boil a pint of rich milk with a tablespoonful of butter, and one of flour. Have ready, in a dish, eight or ten slices of bread, toasted. Pour the milk over them hot, and cover it until it goes to the table. How TO Render Ladies' Dresses KoN-CoMBUsTiBLE. — Add a little pow- dered alum to the starch used in pre- paring them. The alum will prevent them from bursting into flame when placed in contact with any burning sub- stance. Lowell Brown Bread (Capital.) — Three teacupsful of Indian meal, two teacupsful of rye, one half a teacupful of molasses, one teaspoonful of salt, and one teaspoonful of saleratus. Mix in one quart of new milk. Bake two hours. /; ' : ' Baked Indian Pudding. — Take three pints of new milk, and scald half of it. Stir in meal until quite thick; then add the remainder of the milk. Beat four eggs, and stir into the batter. Spice and sweeten to taste, and bake two houi'S. Raised Biscuit. — To three pints of sifted flour, add one quart of boiling milk. When milk- warm, stir into the batter one cupful of potato or liome- brewed yeast, and a teaspoonful of salt. When light, add one teaspoonful of so- da, four spoonsful of melted butter, two teaspoonsful of white sugar, with flour stift' enough to mould. Make into small cakes. Wlien light, bake in a quick oven. Cookies. — One cupful of butter, two cupsful of sugar, four eggs, two table-spoons- ful of sour milk, and one tea-spoonful of sal- eratus, dissolved in milk. Do not work them stiff, only so as to roll. Bake in a moderate oven. When half done, strew them with grated loaf sugar. ~ y Crullers. — One cupful of sugar sugar, one cupful of milk, half a cupful of butter, two table-spoonsful of cream (if not too thick and rich — if rich, one table-SpOOnful is suf- ficient), two beaten eggs, and one tea-spoon- ful of saleratus. Work well, but not stiff — only so as to roll. Fry fast. Rice Pudding, with or without Raisins. — One pint of cooked rice, one pint of milk, one tea-spoonful of salt, and yolks of four eggs. Bake till done; then add the whites of the eggs, beaten to a froth, with four table-spoonsful of sugar. Bake again five minutes. Serve with liquid sauce. Brown Bread without Yeast. — One quart of Indian meal, one pint of white or brown flour, one tea-spoonful of salt, one-half a cupful of molasses, and one tea-spoonful of soda, dissolved in hot water, stirred into one quart of sour milk, warmed. Beat all togeth- er into a batter, and bake slowly two hours. Indian Meal Puffs. — Into one quart of boiling milk stir eight table-spoonsful of meal and four spoonsful of sugar. Boil five min- utes, stirring constantly. When cool, add six w^l-beaten eggs. Bake in buttered cups half an our. Try them with a little butter and maple molasses, and see if they are not good. Ginger Nuts. — Ten cupsful of flour, three cupsful of molasses, one cupful of melt- ed butter or pork gravy (it is good half and I •■ '-■^^'^'\ir'*^^7'7^?-^7^^s^Kxr: SS^i 238 THE ILLINOIS FA.R]VIER. half,) one cupful of sour cream, two table- spoonsful of salcratus, dissolved in half a cupful of warm water, and one table-spoon- ful of ginger. Make soft as can be rolled, and bake quick. This keeps well. Drop Biscuit. — One quart of sifted flour, one tea-spoonful of salt, one beaten egg, one small tea-spoonful of soda, dissolved in a lit- tle hot water, and cupful of cream, two cups- ful of sour milk, or buttermilk, and a spoon- ful or two of white sugar. Stir thoroughly to a thick batter. Drop with a spoon on buttered tins. Bake in a quick oven. —■ «•• Fkosted Feet. — W. A. R., in the Country Gentleman says: "Apply com- mon tar to the parts afleeted, and bind np with a clotli, so as not to interfere •svitli wearing a stocking. "Wear this four days or a week. This I know is a sure cure, much." though it does not cost White Beans. — These are worth §1,75 per bushel. Few were raised the last year. It is a profitable crop ; but clean, light and and poor soil is wanted j though they will grow well on rich clean soil. On rich soil, however, the navy bean, or some even lar- ger varieties, should be grown. «»■ Pigs. — We just say to our farmers, save all the pigs you can. You will want them next fall. Seed Spring Wheat and Oats. — Our readers will learn that these articles can be had by application to the Seed Store, Journal Buildings. S!^ A despatch from Washington, states that Mr. McCormick failed in his applica- tion at the Patent Office for an extension of his patent for his reaper. It is now public property. . >m> On Making Poetry. — Rev. Dr. Plummer re- cently delivered an address at the opening of a female seminary at Wheeling, Va., in which he made the tubjuined, avaoa^ other senbible remarks. It deserves the consideration of a very considerable portion of tlie poetizers whiise elTuaions are forwarded to newspaper editors, especially the closirg sentence. TmnH inj» to the principal of the seminary. Doctor Plummer said: '1 hope sir, you'll n t teach poetry hero— I mean what some people call the science of composing poet'y. If it will come from some of these youths, let it come, but don't force it, I feel about like the Methodist preacher who was giving a charge at a class meeting about Bome regulations. While in the midst of this charge one old lady uttered a shout. 'Now,' Biiys he, since the subject of siiouting has come up, brethren and sisterrJ, I'll give you my views on tne subject, Never shout from a sense of duty. If jou feel that you can't hold in, why then shout, but n )t oiherwise.' "1 hope, then, that no one here will ever write poetry from a sense of duty. Poetry is despicable unless it is first class. Poor poet- ry is abjut the meanest of all things. As the Latin satirist has said, neither gods nor men can endure it.' wit ou Tombstones. A vast amount of wit is to be gathered from tombstones and mortuary puns have long been famous The epitaph of the witty divine, Dr. Thomas Fuller, is worthy of himself, simply. Fuller's earth. There is a professional point in the epitaph of the eminent barriatcr. Sir John Strange: Here lies an bonest lawyer — tbat is Strange. And by wh it an outrageous quibble has the name of William Button, Eeq., been handed down to immortality. The epitaph is to be seen in a churchyard near Salisbury: O sun, moon, stars, and ye celostinl poles ! Are graTes, then, dKindltd ii to liuttun-boles? There is something quaint and touching in this epitaph of Grimaldi, the distinguished clown: Htre I ( I20c;2()5do good white, 12lc; 352 do low prime, 12i!3^@123c; 50 do l'24c; 4'J4 do prime aud strictly prime, 12d@13Uc; 221 do liB.ACON- 10 cks city shoulders 7^c; 10 do city clear sideg llo; 37 do countrv shoulders "i^c; 2 ao hams 9%c. WH1?KY— 307 bbls Sold in lota at 28c. DlltED FRUIT-— Sales ofllobuebels applesat$260; other small lots do 2 50; small lot peaches 3 5U, SEED~U2 sks good timothy at 2; 125 bushels poorly cleaueil at 1 85; 32 sks Hungarian grass, private. G KKASK— 6 tcs sold at 914c aad 10 pkgs brown t 8%c. WIUXS BKANS— Dull, Sale of luO bbls on private terms POTATOES — 50 bags poor Neshanro«ks at 95c, including bags; 53 bl)lN do $4 05, including bble; 50 prime do 1 20, exr cludive of bbls. HAY — 21 bales prime at 80c. TALLOW— 24 tcs sold on private terms. SUGAR— 50 hbds fair at 7c. '—f St. liOUfs Horse Market. Sapplies are coming in, which has made the market more active, and B3 head of Horse aud Males htve buen sold at tlie Bazaar Stable, by P. Wiles, on Fifth Htieef between Washing- ton Avef^ue and Green streots, during the week as follows: Tuesday, at auction t^ale, 13 head sold: 1 fine b ggy horse, $130; 1 brood mare, $150; 1 dratt horse, $111; 2 omnibus horses, $110 each; 1 brood mare, $107; 7 head common sold from $58 to $99. At Fridiy'it anctiou sales, 16 head sold, a8 follows: 1 buggy horse, $119; 1 do $125; ] do small, $101, 1 do draft horee, $125; 1 do $100; 1 do $1:22; 7 bead common and inferior hordes sold from $41 to $83; 1 pair small mules, $il8; 1 siLigle mule $139, Private sale* were had during tha week as follows: 1 pa r matched greys, $406; 1 pair ponies, $■250; Upair buggy horses $2S'); 1 pair wagon horses, $275; 1 fine bob-tail mare $175; 1 do horse, $150; 1 fine family horse, $275; 1 do, $180; 2 draft horses, $295; 1 brood mare, $150; 1 brown bnggy horse, $150; 1 pair medium sixed mules, $275; 1 pair do $250; 3 Hinall mules, $100 each; 11 head com- mon horses at from $75 to $110. Thirty head left over, with a supply coming in more than equal to the demand, <•» St. Louis r,ive Stock Market— Feb. 26. IklUvue .ftock Yards The market his been barely supplied with Beef Catt'e for the piist wsc k, with sales of several lots at prices ranging from 7 te S%i! net. Butchers piiy for ordinary to fair (J^ te 8c; for good to choice 8 to 9c. A few extra sold a traction higher. tlOQS — Several small lots arrived during the past wrek and Hold readily at 7J/a '« ^c, at an average from 140 to 200 pounds net. Sheep — Are selling at $3 to $5 per bead, as to quality. (lows AND Calves — A moderate stock olfering, and iu fair demand at $20 to $45 per head. New York Cattle market.— Feb. 23. The following tables show from what States tho supply at 4tth street came: New York 983 Connecticut 35 K'-ntucky 153 Michigan 82 Pennsylvania 71 Indiana ISl Ohio 770 lUinoiH li>7 Iowa 50 Tho following are the prices at which stock was sold. BKEF CATTLi;. Premium quality, per cwt.. $13 00@13 60 I'rime quality 10 6ii(g)ll 50 Otdiuiry quality 9 0U(g>10 00 Common quality 7 50(t$ 8 50 Inforiof quality 6 50(a> 7 00 cows Afj ^^S^^^r* ^ r=T,3:r'^r^5^ ^?ii^^^^^?*Ti*9'^^ THE ILLIISTOIS F^HJV^ER. 239 Ordinary qniilitv 40 00050 09 Common quality 30 00@3o 00 Inferior quality 20 00«3>i5 00 VEAL CALVES. ^01/ Prime quality. pprlb ••• ° ©•%" Ordiuury quiility » @0/5C BHKEP AND IAMB3. ^„„,„ ,„ Prime quality, p«r head (extra) |6 50@12 50 Onlinary * .\'^ t X- Inffcrior. 3 60® 3 .0 BWIN2. First quality, per 100 IbB (extra) 6 50® 7 00 luferlor qualilieg, per 100 lbs 5 00® 6 00 OENSRAL REMARKS. Kt market, 2715 besves, 207 cows. 553 veals, 61E0 sheep and lanibs, and 8000 swiuo— nhowing «n increase of 2iS bcevts, 41 cows. 478 Khfep and lambs, aid 13S2 swlue, and » decrease of 16 veals. Tbe uuDiber of beef cattle on sale at Allerton'a today, was 2430- At Bergen, N. J, 437 head were sold to butchers for this market. The catl^le were mainly from New York and Ohio. The trade to-day was rather active at the ful priceB of last week, and for the best grades, which were scarce, even higher figures were obtained. We quoteordina- ry at 7@10 cents, and extra well ted lieeves at lOj/jOHJ^c. Some premium sold as high as 12@13J/^c. Amon;; Ibe sales was a Hue Dunham ox owned by U.S. Kowler, fed by Joseph Ketchuui, Yates co. N Y. weighing at Bergen Hill 2700 lbs, bought by Geo. Uaws for $220, equal to 13}^c for the meat ; Woodruff & Co. were the sellers. Cows have not varied; sales at S20@65 Calves are quiet at 5@6c. Sheep and lambs are a shade higher for ordinary grades. We quote at $3 60 @ 10; some extra $12. Swine are leas active. The demand is to the trade for coubumption: packers have ceased to cut, the season being over. Western dressf d hogs are not coming in. We quote heavy we-'tern at 6%@7c gross, light do 6@dJ4o heavy distillery at fi^^c. EIVCRGKGBNS. ORDERS MAY BE LEFT WITH S. Francis for Evergreen Trees by the quantity, from the well known Nursery of Samuel Edwards, Bureau county, at the following rates : Balsam Firs, American Arbor Vitse, White Pine. White Spruce, six to ten inches high, $5 per hundred and $35 per thousand. The same varieties, from the woods, collected by Mr. Ed- wnads' agents, who take them up in thebestpossiblejnauner, selecting trees carefully from open exposures, packing at once in damp moss, at $15 per thousand and $90 per ten thousand. American Larch, two years in the Nursery at $10 per IGOO. Kurnpeun Mountain Ath, 6 feet high, $18 per 100; 8 to 10 feet, ^25 per 100. NelL Pine Strawberry plants at$3 50 per 1000; and Hybrid Scotch Rhubarb at $3 per 100. Orders for the articles may be left with _nichl 8. FRANCIS. he:dge: pl.ants. by th£ mii.i.ion. riMIE UNDERSIGNED OFFERS HEDGE 1 Plants, two years old, of the very finest growth and size, for sale very low, in any quantity, mchl 8. FRANCIS. GARDEN, FIELD AND FLOWER SEEDS in great variety, for sale by. 8. FRANCIS. ag't'eedB will be sent by express or ma'l, lis ordered. Fruit and Ornamental Trees and Shrubbery. riMlE SUBSCRIBER WILL RECEIVE JL orders for Fruit, Ornamental Trees and Shrubbery to be had from any Nursery in this State. The articles will come frebb, in good ord>r, will be true to name, better and lower than the trash often imported from foreign Nurserius. mchl S. FRANCIS. SEEDS OF THE FAMOUS JAPAN AP- pie pie melon at 39 cents per) dcz., by W. H Gardner, S ublette, Lee Co., Illinois. farm mchl 7"^ S EED'W HE AT. ''pANADA CLUB," "SCOTCH FIFE," yj "DUNDEB," &c. HelUwell, Brother, Milwaukee, Wis., and B. F. Pixluy & Co , Juiiesville, have received Irom Caiiadv West a supply of these Spring Wheats for seed. It is well known that the change of seed produces a large increase of the crop. Applications for this seed can be made at S. FRANCIS Seed Store, i-pringfiuld, who will send orders to mset the wishes of farm'-rs, SEED OATS. Persons desiring seed oats, should apply immediately as ahove. _^____ ?*"^'" """^^^ NANSEMOND SWEET POTATO. FARMERS AND DEALERS WISHING to secure a good and reliable variety of Swe^-t Potatoes for this climate, can have thtm shipped to their order at the pror-^r time next April, by sending in time $10 per barrel (throe bush'"! ) for tlio quantity they deeire. Send direct to us, and thereby avoid being imposed upon with Southern Potatoes, which are comparatively wortbh ss at the North for seed. J W. TKN BKUOK, Kockville, Paik Co , Ind. mhl WM A ALLEN, Vincennep, Knox Co., Ind. GAR De JIER WXn TEC\ A MAN WHO HAS PRACTICAL EXPE rience, and understands general farm wor ;, will b^' re- quired. One who could take charge of the same if neces* «ary, and manage a fruit garden, preferred. Can furnish house for family, and would be 'villiog if practicable, to c n- tract system for mutual benefits af;ei the first 3 tar. Wa- ges moderate. Applicants can sommunicate «ith the nndersigned at Athens, Illinois. ELlliU ilALL. brtade9 1* A MICHIGAN DOUBLE PLOWS, NDALL OTHER KINDS OF DEERE'S Moline Plows, for sale by mchl 8. FRANCIS. ILLINOIS MUTUAL FIRE imum COMPANI. CATALOGUE ■•-■PITAL FfllTED INCREASING. i PRESEiNT FUND for the payment of LOSSES BY FIRE $i,oou,uou 0 PRINCIPAL OFFICE AT ALTON, ILL. THIS COMPANY WAS CHARTERED, in 1839, and insures, at a moderate cost, almost every species of property in Illinois against Loss or Damage by Fire. Vhe rates of risk are so arranged that eaca class of property insured will support its own lose. Every one insured becomes a member— the Company being an association of customers — each of whom is concerned iu insuring his neighbor. The capital angmeuts in exact ratio with the increase of risks; the security 'or which remains in tho hands of the insured ; therefore, evwry member is the treasurer of his own money until the same is required for the purpose of paying losses. BOARD 01 '>IRECTORS : Tim. Turner, Lyman Trumbull, H.W.Billings, Beuj. F. Long, Samuel Wade, M. Q. Atwood, John James, L. Kellenberger, Robert Smith, Henry Lea. Elias Hibbard, Alfred Dow, F. A. Uofimann, B. K. Hart, John Atwood. B.F. LONa, President. L. KELLESBEEGEB,^Treasurer. ■; M. G. Atwoob, Jecretary. John Atwoob, Ass't Seeretary, JosN Blaisdell, Gen'l^Agent. iBS* Application for insurance may be made to the I/xia Agents, one or more of whom may be found in every county iu the State. JAMKS L UILL, Agent. janlO d3mwly . THE COLEMAN FARM MILL. THE WONDER AND ADMIRATION OP the age: Every farmer his own miller ! Great saving of t ime and expense, the only successful metallic mill »Ver invented for miiliiBg back wheat and family fiour. It rati be run by Horse, Steam, Wind or Water power. Price, with Sieve arranged, for aif ting Corn Mcai let f%mily use, while grinding, $50. Price, with Bolting Hachiue attached, for making foibily flour, $75. Descriptive circulars can be had, or the mill can be seen in operation, i?t tho Office of the "Coleman Farm Mill Com- pany," Tribune Buildings, No. 7 Spruce St., N. Y., where all orders will receive prompt atteution- MARTIN THATCHER, Fecrotary. febSwOraJ C * 00 1' EARLV NANSEMOND POTATOES. '4IIS VARIETY OF POTATOES HAS i been tried in Indiana for years, and for two or three of the Ust years in Illinois, and has proved to be an early va- riety, sweet and tine, and better adopte. J. Scott, 01 S^augamou county; .M. L. Dun- lap, of Champaign county;. H. D. Kuiery, of Chi<.ago; F. K- Phoenix, Bloomington; h. Francis, Springfield. To secure a supply of these potatoes, early application should be made. J. W. TEN BROuK, Rockvillc, Clarke county, Indiana. WESTERN TREES FOR WESTERN SOILS ! FRUIT TREES, ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHUBBERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION FIELD, -SLOWER A^TD GARDEN SEEDS, A»D *flsriculturai Inipfcinents, Can be had at the storo of S . FRANCIS,;: Springfidd,... lUiaoii, i^-Orders respectfully solicited. They will be filled in good faith. OF GARDEN SEEDS FOR SAIiE BY S. FRANCIS, SPRINOFIELD, ILLINOIS. -«•► Asparagus, Artichoke. Beans, poa Snapo— Valentine, Early Newlngton, Tboasand to-One, Early -Mohawk, Early China, White Cranberry Bunch, Rojal White Bunch. Beaks, PoLE-London Horticultural Crmberry, Siv», Lima, Red Cranberry, Indian Chief. Cabbage— Early Wakifield, Early York, Red Du ch. Early Sugar I^af, Premium Flat Dutch, Large Ameiicfta Prom- head, Drumhead and Kohl Rabi. Cauliflower — Early London. CoEK— Early Red Cob Sweet Mammoth Sweet, Early Tns- carora, &c , Smith's Early White. Bekis — Early B;issano, E4rly Blood Turnip, Long Blood Red, Mangel Wurtzel, Ac, English Sugar Beet, 4c., White Sugar. CcccMBERS— Short Green Early, Long London, Long Tur- key, Gherkin, tec. CELEEr— Solid white, chrystal white, solid red. Cre.^8 — Curled double, broad leaf. Careoti— Common yellow, early horn, blood red, Belgium yellow. Ego Plakt— Early long purplo. Kale — Sea kale. LETincB — Ice" coss, early Silesia, green drumhead, Ac, early white. Melon — (Cantalope), pine apple, nutmeg, beach wood, green citron, large yellow cantaloupe. Water Melon — Mountain sprout, mountain sweet. Long Island, ice cream, black Spanish, citron melons Nasturti- um, Okra, short and long green. Onion— Large Wetherfield red, early red, Danver'g yellow, yellow silver skin, white Portugal. Pepper — Large bull nose, large squash, Spanish, cherry, small cayenne. Peas — Early Comstocks dwarf. Bishop's long pod, cham- pion of England, dwarf Prussian , large maorrwfat. Prince Albert. Pumpkin. — Large yellowfield, parsnip, long sweet. Pabslev. — DoubU curled, Myatt's garnishing. RuuBAEB. — Mitchell'searly, Myatt's Victoria, Spinach. SdHASHES (winter.) — Autumnal marrow, winter croofcnec ^ lima cocoanut, Hubbard's winter. Squashes (summer.) — Early ^crookneck bush, early yel- low bush. Turnip. — Flat Dutch, early six weeks and various varieties. Tobacco. — Varieties. ToMATOE. — Largo led, red cherry, yellow. Sage. — Common red. Radish. — Early red turnip, early long red short top, long, salmon, black Spanish, S-ilsify (white), scorzoonera. Seeds of various garden herbs . Flower Seeks — In groat v.iriety — embracing a hundred 8ort3. Cbikese Sugar Cane Seed? — and various other seeds for garden and field usually found at Seed Store;. TO MERCHANTS AND MANUFACTURERS. PERSONS WISHING TO OBTAIN INSU- ranre iu companies among the best and most responni- blein the Union, are invited to call upon tho undersigned, who will take plea-i^urc in affording them all the neeessary information, (^ood dwelUiog houses taken at low rates. Ail losses equitably adjusted and promptly paid. feb2fi, dtr. T. S. MATHKR. EESOLVED, BY UNANIMOUS CON- J sent, that hedging on tbe prairies is a decided success VTiiOTS7er it has had a " fair shake." Ovsrman A Maun, Commercial Nursery, near Blooming- VX:, offer for the spriig trade of 1859, about eleven millions of jiaclura Hedge Plants, two years old, of superior quality. .-M30, appla root grafts, in box, and one and tw« years eld, small fruits, evergreens, shrubbery, 4c., 4c. Prices and terms unusually favorable. Give us a call toithoiU /aU. lledga-grower's Mannal sent to all applications. 'KB, Address Overman 4 Mann, (Box^ 60O) Bloomington Illinois. jan'-fw RIMSTONE— FOR SALE BY COllXE^U A miXKR. A.L SODA— FOR WASHING PURPOSES^ for sale by CORNEAU 4 DILLEB. s 41 '■yv'^?- • f ■^j«"'K«p?J'.!(^*'; ; ' J • ^;wr:^*««Biitat of tiie company It comparatively exhau-!tle->s; and the entire safety of tliu iustitatiuQ must be apparent to every one who rciuls the charter. Tlie cost of insuring in this company is so low, as to render italniDst inexcusable for tlie owners of insurable property not to avail themselves of its protection. BOARD OF DiRECTORS. Ltm^m Trumuull, Euas Hibb^rd, L. Kellendergeb, liKNj. F. Lo.NQ, Samuel Wade, Alfred Dow, iJoiiERT Smith Joun James, Benj. K. Hart, 1 iMoTitv Turner, Hbnrv I.ea, Joii.v Bailiiache, M. G. Atwood, Natu'l Hansox, John Atwood. RKNJAMIX F. LONG, Presidont. Lewis KELLENDEROEa, Treas. M. 0, Atwood, Soc'y. Jtif .Kn Agent for this Company may be found in almost ery Couniy of the SUite. JtkS" Ai)plicatiou for insurance may be made to JAMES L. Hi LI., Ag»nt, at Springfield. For Grinding Corn, Cob, Hominy or Meal and General Stock Feed. WE DELIVER THIS MILL AT ANY point, or from our wagons, that run through the dif- ferent parts of the country, at the manufacturer's retail price, which is, for the mill complete, $00. Orders, or letters of inquiry should be addressed to HUNT, PYKE & Co., Springfield, 111. We need but say that where the Star Mill has been tiscd, it has gained credit beyond ail other Mills ..ow in uee; and the faruK^r only needs to see and try it in order to become con- vinced that it is iierfert in its arrangement from the fact tliat it grinds green 'is well as old corn, (corn and cob passing through it together,) which no otlier Mill will do. Farmers anil stock-growers can save from 30 to 40 busliels of corn in cacli 100 by the use of this Mill; (at least wo have eortificates to that effect.) Persons liaving once experienced its benefit, will never return to the w.istcful practice of feeding corn in the ear. It willuudonbtodly make good meal of shelled corn for fam- ily use. The Mill Rrinds from twelve to twenty bushels per hour, and makes an easy draft for two horses. We can produce first premiums, diplomas, and recommen- dations too numerous to mention. For full particulars, references and descriptionof Mills, see circulars. N. B.- Persons can be supplied with a ^tar Mill, and also see one in operation by calliug at the Agricultural Store of FRANCIS & BARRELL, Jan 1, 1S5S Authorized Agents. UHLER'S PLOWS The Double Curved Uprlgiit Steel Mould Board Plow. THE PROPRIETOR OF THIS SUPERIOR Plow still continues to supply.. the great demand which its merits have created. Its combination of rare ad- vantages has recommended it to the agricultural community throughout the State of llliuois, it is now admitted that it has no equal. The following note is but one of the many testimonials which have been iurnishedtho manafiicturer of the working of his plows. Wecertify that we have lately used the above plows, manu- factured by Mr. John U.hler, and we would state that they are in all respects, superior to any other plows we have over used. We cheerfully recommend them to the public. Wm. P. Lawsou, Wm. Poflinbarger, J. J. Short, Dayid Newsom, John W. Beck, Uriah .Mann, John Kavanaugh, Philemon Stout. Sangamon county, Jan 1", 1855. TFrom the peculiar form of Uhler's plows they are not ex- colled by any other now in tise. It scours very bright, sheds off stubbles admirably, and runs light and easy to the team. The largost sized two-horse plow of this kind, has been used several seasons successfully in breaking prairio. The limits of a newspaper advertisement will not admit of an accurate description of these plows. To see them is tobe pleased with them. In aHdition to tlie above, the manufacturer is making wrought iron upright ones, and two-horse plows. Also, a sui)eri<>r Prairie Plow, warranted to be equal to any prairie plcw now in uso. Any size that may be wanted can be had at short notice. A large number of all sizes, kept on hand constantlj". Manufactured by JOHN UIILER, Springtieirt, III., at whoso establishment these favorite plows can be had, from a single one to a number unlimited. au;;4-wlv ~" B. B. LLOYD, D E ISTTI S T, OFFICE ON NORTH FIFTH STRKET, OVER J. RATBnil.N'8. SP»IWGFIEX.», ILL. A DENTAL I'llACTICEOFFIFTEKN YEAUSWARRANTS him in saying that all operations shall bo carefully and neatly performed. He is in possession of several jirenii- ums and diplomas awarded by the best institutes for the pro- motion of science and arts in the country. Teeth inserted, from one tooth to full sets, as substantial and hand:x Yokes of three sizes, finished in the best manner, and a very superior article. Twelve and Fourteen in Extra Breakers, for breaking Prairie or other sod, with two and three horses — these are very superior breaking plows. Common breakers of every size and style, on hand, or made to order. The Michigan Double Plows. Cf this I am making two sizes for thre) and four horses. This plow is adojited to breaking, plowing stubble-lund, or sub-soiling: and will do anykinds ofplowing in the best manner. Nu plow has giveu such general satisfactien wherever it has been used. It should be more generally introduced for deep plowing and BubsoiliLg- All orders for plowc dither singly or by the dozen will re- ceive prompt attention Sept., lSo8— 6 times. JOHN DEERE. if All of said articles can be had on application to Francis & Banell, Springfield. Western iiand Office. T. "sTmatheh. FOR Tns PURCHASE AND SALE OF CITY PRO- perty, F'arms and Uuimproved liauds, PATMEKT 01 TAA-ES^ CoUection of Clmns, ' Government Elands ENTERED WITH WARRANTS OR CASH IN ANT LAND DlSriaCT IN ILLINOIS. IOWA, MISSOURI, MINNESOTA OR NEBRASKA. LAND WARRANTS BOUGHT AND SOLD. ^Cilice over N. II. Ridgely's Bank, West side Public SquarOf Springfield, Ills. TREES FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL SIIUAB£RY, &c. S FRANCIS, SPRINGFIELD, ILL., »will receive orders for all description of trees from the DuPage County Nurserica, L. Ellsworth & Co., proprietors. These trees are well grown, be.althy, and their genuiness is WHrrantCL.. Orders for fall planting can bo forwarded to them at any time from June till NoAcmber. Cutalofcues will bo furnished those who wish to purchase trees and shrulbery on application to Messrs. Francis &, Bar- ren, Spriugfield. aug Q.UEENSWARE^ A LARGE LOT DIRECT FROM TIIE potteries in England, to be sold at very low prices by aug 8. FRANCIS. 0 Drills. N HAND, FOR SALE, varietie ^ rain drilU. THE BEST S FRANCIS. iillj niiiiii|ii|iniii»iii||iiiiiii|i III I. Ill iijLJ.iiil I .1 lUi'T'lili II I "'I' 'I' I IP II ^ ' ".' "H"ili| »>i*^ '*!«^J!y«iiilisa(jpj!»«iJ»^^^ . VOL. IV. SPHINGFIELD, APRIL, 1859. NO. 4 PUBLISHED MONTHLY, BY BAII.HACHE: «b BAKER, JODRNAL OFFICE SPRINGFIELD, ILL «•» S. FRANCIS, Editor. <•» TERMS OP 8DBSCRIPTI0N. One copy, one year, in adyaL.ce fl 00 Five copies, " " „ 3 75 Ten " and one to the person getting up club 7 50 Fifteen copies and over , 62J^ cents each, and one to person getting up club. TABI.E: OF CONTENTS. How to do it 241 nungarian Grass 214 Potatoes in California 244 now to Raise Early Po'atoei. 245 Northern Trotters vs. Thoroughbred. ^ ...245 Draining. ...~ „ ....246 Detection of Horse Thieve- „ ^ 246 The Vineyards of the Rhine 247 Sorghum Convention 247 The State Fair « 248 Grapes 243 To County Agricultaral Societies .248 The Egyptian Pioneer „ .249 Shade Trees ^ 249 A word in Time „ .249 County Agricaltural Societies .249 Upland Rice 249 PpriBg 249 To the Ladies 249 Agricultural Society of Union County 249 Strawberries 249 Box Edgings ., 249 A Legson 250 Rochester Trees 2eo Hedging for Open Prairies 250 Premiam Lists .„ 250 Who wants a fine Currant Bush .2oo Draining Improves the Quality of Crops 259 Noble Premiums 251 Draining on the Prairie ..251 Who wants a Grape Vine 254 Orchards 251 Spring Bosineis 2S2 Ooogeb»rrie8 252 Sbade Treas .....262 Camels 262 Items „262 Valuable Recipes 252 Set out Orchards 253 The Dairy „ .253 Suggestions to Growers of Cane 263 Cultivatiou of the Onion .253 Nesting Hogs 254 Premium List 264 Fianklin's Maxims 254 Illinois State Agricultwral Society Premium List 25 > Markeis „ 255 Advertisements 256 now TO no jTTf GOLD FIELDS IN ILLINOIS, EVERY THiNG BDT MY OWN BUSINESS. BY JACOB STRAWN, ■ OP MoBs&ir couiriT ill. There has been a continual complaint of hard times. Good people, if you will take my advice I do believe we will have easy times in less than five years. I am afraid it will take three years of close attention to business and good economy with it to get out of debt. I feel certain there is gold enough within less than one foot of the top of the earth to pay ten times as much as we all owe, and please one and all. Pay strict attention and I will tell you how to find it. In the first place when you go to town get everything you want, so that you need go no more than once in two months. Get your fire- wood forthwith; cut and split it up ready to use. In tbe next place, see that you have plenty of flour, meal and meat, to hold out until after harvest. Next, see that your plows, hoes, harrows and all your tools are in good repair. Have a place for all your tools, and every tool in its place. Everything about farming, driving stock, fattening cattle, and raising horses and hogs, and almost everything about my whole business I have learned by ex- perience. I feel so certain that there is such a large amount of gold in the soil, that I am anxious that all should try and find it. Make it an universal rule to go to bed at 7 o'clock, from the first of October to the first of April, and get up at 4 o'clock winter and summer. Whenever you awake in the night do not lie in the bed awake. Instead of lying and rolling over, roll out and get at something that wants to be done. Get done eating be- fore six o'clock, winter and summer. Commence plowing for corn as soon as the frost is fairly out of the ground in March. Plow two inches deeper than you ever plowed before. Get ready to plant it as soon as you can. The first warm days in April commence planting, and stick close to it until you are done. Commence plowing your corn when it is not more than three inches high, or as soon as the weeds begin to start. Plow it as often as you can. Plow close to your corn. When your corn gets large enough to bear it, plow it deep, especially the last plowing. Commence cutting your grass before the seed gets fairly ripe, if you have much to cut. W^hen you begin, do not let it have but one dew. Rake and cock it in good sized cocks, so that a peert boy can keep up with a stout man pitching. If it looks like rain when you roll up half a cock, get on it with all your weight and give yourself a good shake. Then run your ferk about five feet from the cock and turn it in the cock Do not pat it with your fork. That is losing time. Remember "time is mon- ey.'' Go as far from your cock as ever you intend to get hay enough to finish it. Put it right on. Just before you finish the cock, spring upon it and tread it two seconds more. Then you may haul it with a grape vine or a rope, which- ever you may have. Forthwith stack it as soon as you cock it. If you are afraid it is too green, sprinkle a little salt upon the Stack, every two or three cocks. — The greener it is the more salt it requires. If there is no appearance^of rain, cock it up as soon as it will do. Then if you do not stack it until the next morning, there is no need of treading it. Do not let it stand in the cock more than one night until you stack it. Take no pains in dressing your cocks; you can cock it up rough and stack it nearly as soon as you can cock it well. I think it is very poor policy to cock hay and let it stand until the bottom and all the outside is weather-b;Baten. You waste half of your hay and it is still to be stacked. Put but one stack in a place and right in the centre of your coeks. It will enable yon to get it stacked a great deal sooner. — Fence your stacks well so that your stock cannot taste your hay. In feeding out, do not leave hay within forty feet of the stack. Every timofj'ou feed, put the hay in afresh place. They eat it much bet- ter, and by taking pains you can manure a whole meadow. With feeding on your 242 THE ILLIjN^OIS F^HMEH. meadow and treading, in in the winter, it tmproves the meadow very much. When ihe heavy rains come, and the frost is going out of the ground in the spring take the stock off. I think it is not best to sow more Wheat than double the amount you think you will want I'or bread. If it should not be more than half a crop you will still have enough for bread. Always BOW your Wheat in September. When- ever you get your hay and wheat stacked go over all your fields and pull up all the cockle burrs, and the balance of the sour dock you did not see in June. The time to pull up the sour dock is after the first rains in June ; then it comes up easy. If it should get too hard to pull get a chisel made two and a half inches broad, fifteen inches long, and thick enough through so that a man cannot bend or break it. Get a shank put to it for a man to put his foot on, with a handle on it to push it down by the side of the dock, then pry it up by the roots ; it is much easier than to pull them when they get old, and burn them when the seed gets ripe. If you have old land plow it up ten or twelve inches deep in the fall or fore past of winter. You will find yon will raise almost double the quantity of corn with less work than by plowing shallow in the spring. I like it best to cut and set up my corn sixteen hills square. W^hen you commence your shock throw the first load on the ground, then cross it. It stands up much better than to the hills together, while even the blade is not blown away it is a good time to cut corn There is a great deal of corn spoiled by cutting it when too green. You hud better cut it when the blade is all blown, and perfectly dry to feed fat cattle, than cut it too green. If you want to make money by feeding steers, commence feeding on the 1st of October. Let your cattle remain on the pasture and do not give them more than six quarts once a day. After feeding them ten days you may give them seven quarts per day if your cattle are large. Feed at the same time of day as near as possible. If you want to get them fat soon, by the first of November give them five quarts twice a day ; by the 10th of November give them six qaarts twice a day. Increase very slowly, but never give them their full feed until cold weather if that should not be until January. I expect good grass until cold weather. Do not put them in a lot until cold weather. Your cattle will be much healthier than if in a lot, and take much less corn. By the latter end of January or the first part of February begin to feed so that they will have beds of corn and fodder to lay on, if corn is cheap and you want to get cash without grazing them. Have hogs enough to eat up all thej waste corn. If you feed heavy have halfj as many stock cattle as fat cattle to follow. If you can, get cattle to follow coming four years old. If you can get a chance sell your fat cattle the first op- portunity and put as many more in their place. Ilcmember to commence with .them so as not to founder them. Do not get to a full feed under ten days or two weeks. They will be good for the June market. Whenever you can get a price sufficient to make a reasonable profit sell and buy more. My judgment whenever I have anything to sell, and can get a reasonable profit, is to sell any thing I have to spare. Do not sell on credit unless you are sure of getting your money. Wheat wastes very much unless it is well stacked — laying out of your money, paying interest "and cash and losing credit — I think it is better to sell any thing you have to sell than to let the officer sell it. I have not, for many years, let my stock horses in a stable. Let them run out all winter. Give them nothing but hay, when there is snow on the ground. I have a blue grass pasture, water, and brush in it. I do not wean a colt. I put my stallion with the marcs, never catch the horse to put to the marcs, but turn them together to let them do as they please. There is no doubt but the mothers of the young colts wean them as our mothers wean us. Come to my place and you will see several young colts running with their mothers, and the young sucking colts fat. I wmtered rising seventy head of stock horses last winter without any grain of any descrip- tion. They all did not eat exceeding six tons of hay during the winter, and I am doing the same way this winter. I sold a few days ago a pair of brown bay colts three years old past, for three hun- dred and fifty dollars, with ten per cent, interest from date until paid, with good security. The colts were not more than half broken. I sold the same day a filly three years old for one hundred and thirty dollars, getting more than half cash and ten per cent, interest until the balance is paid. The same day I sold a filly four years old, not broke, for one hundred and fifty dollars — American gold. I raise five colts large enough to use, cheaper than one steer. The trouble with the colts is that you cannot sell a lot of colts together for the cash as you can steers. Raise horses, steers, hogs, and babies, if you feel like it. It is bet- ter to raise hogs than dogs. Whenever you get your corn cut, dig your potatoes and gather your apples bo- fore they freeze. Then fall to making rails and resetting your fence. I think it pays well to reset your fence once in every four or five years. Make a good fence sufficient to save your crops. — Stake and rider it. To double rider it is for the best. It keeps it from blowing down and keeps you and your neighbors on good terms by having a good fence. I think by this time you can keep away from town ten weeks without over strain- ing yourself. If you have to go, do not go on Satur- day, for every trifling, indolent person is there to hinder you from attending to your business. Whenever you enter the door, ask for what you want, get it all, and then go home to your wife and boys. By staying all day and going home in the night you are apt to eat too much, and not apt to work enough in the night to make it digest well, which if you had gone home when you should, you could have packed the same load and had time to have worked it ofi" before night, and not have hurt you. Take care to do all your work in the proper season. Ground plows much easier and lighter for your teams when ploughed in the proper sea- son than it does out of season. Dr. Franklin says, "Riches are like the ark, the growth of it is not in one year. The daily additions of pence in time makes full purses." If I understand him — he means, if you cannot get five dollars per day, take what you can get, rather than do nothing, and get into mischief as many an idle fellow does, for it takes many a hard year of labor to pay the penalty of crime, be- sides the loss of character, which is the worst of all, when had they been at work for two bits a day, it would be much bet- ter for them, and have saved theur friends from distress. When I was about sixteen years old I went to rake hay in Pennsylvania for Jacob Rusch, much tlie|wealthiest man in all that country. I worked from the time the dew was off the hay, close and tight, until dark, and went two and a half miles after my money, and got seven and a quarter cents for my day*s work, together with a great deal of praise for being a good boy. My father, Josiah Strawn died by the side of Mr. Rusch. Jacob Rusch, bought all his sons, ex- cept Reuben, the best and largest farm in that country, and gave them every- thinc: to work them besides. And if I am rightly informed, there is not one of them doing well. Reuben Rusch had just brains enough to work. On Mon- day morning he would get up at twelve o'clock, and thresh wheat until twelve o'clock, at night, and then half of the night all the week. I think it is much better to bring up our children to industrious and steady habits, and give them a good common education, if we cannot give them ona dollar. There is being educated in Jacksonville, Morgan Co., enough law- -Ty^RWf^jpsr^W^!*^^ gi^'jjytW.^yjTy^yB'J^^yA.^Bryy^ l^V?^ -_-r?i:^-^ ^.■^■^ THE ILLIISrOIS F^Il]V£ER. 243 yers, doctors and fools to supply the globe. A child whose head is not right, it only injures to crowd in dead langua- ges. Common English education is the best, unless their heads are right, and they wish to study a profession. When you wake up do not roll over, hut roll Old. It will give you time to ditch all yeur sloughs, and break them up, and harrow them, and sow them with timothy, with a small portion of red clo- ver seed with it. One bushel of clover with ten bushels of timothy is sufficient. March is a good time to sow; but August is the best, if there are rains after that time. I do not remember of ever failing having a good stand, when I sowed my seed in March, with nothing with it. If you do not need your money until June or July; feed a peck of good corn planted in April, at two feeds. Feed in the morning a few minutes after the sun rises the other feed long enough before night, so that they will get done eating before night. Try to not vary feeding ten min- utes in the time of feeding each day. — Make your fence high, tight and strong, so that it will keep your cattle in and pigs out. Some of my neighbors who bought cattle last fall, had such poor fences that the cattle jumped into the corn field and eat until they were foun- dered so badly they will not get over it this season, besides destroying much more than they ate. If you have brush, make your lots there, and be sure to keep pigs and hogs from the cattle; for if the corn is clean they will eat it much better. Study your interests closely, and do not spend one-twentieth part of your time in electing Presidents, Sena- tors, or other small officers, and talking of hard times, while spending your time in town setting on the store boxes and whittling all the soft wood up, instead of leaving it to kindle fires with, so they can get to business. Be sure to get your hands to bed by seven o'clock, and they will be compelled to rise early by the force of circumstan- ces. Pay a hand — if he is a poor hand — all you promise him; if he is a good hand pay him a little more; it will en- courage him to do still better. When I was younger, and employing a great many hands, (I have worked over two hundred a day,) I made it a universal rule all the time — to pay good hands more than I promised them. I thought it brought me more interest than any money I ever handled. Extra pay is appreciated by a good young man much. Always feed them as well as you feed yourselves, for the laboring men are the bone and sinew of the world, and ought to be well treated. All our wealth and fine clothes come by hard labor. Even our pianos, and all our music which our girls prize so highly come by hard labor. Our best girls, if they would go to bed three hours earlier than their usual time, and get up two hours sooner, which would give them one hour more to sleep than they now get, and when they did get up, help get the breakfast, wash the dishes, and sling the pots around — not so as to over- strain themselves, they would be much healthier, more handsome, and get better husbands. I am satisfied that getting np early, industry and regular habits, are the best medicines ever prescribed for health, — Look at our general surveyors, when first running off the land in the West, wading in water from the shoe-mouth to waist, at night making calculations, keeping their mind employed, were well and hear- ty, while the hands employed in carrying the chain, when they stopped, had noth- ing to do, laid down, and died like rotten sheep. When did you ever know of a General in the army that was a man, but what was at his post when duty called for it, in good health ? Look at our neighbors in the spring, about the time their corn shonld be planted. They get in a great hurry, getting harness, plows, and almost everything belonging to their business — ^bustling around, going to mill, getting a part of a load of wood at a time and not time enough to haul a full load at a time, they are so extremely hurried to get their corn planted. If they would keep at work all the season, we would starve the lawyers and whip the doctors. If you want to find a treasure hidden of gold, haul your wood the first cold weather, and be sure to haul enough to last one year. When it comes rainy, bad weather, so you can- not plough, cut and split your wood. — Make your tracks when it rains hard, cleaning your stables or fixing something which you would have to stop the plough for, and fix in good weather. Make your tracks fixing your fence or gate that is off the hinges, or weather-boarding your barn when the wind has blown away siding, or patching the roof of your house or barn after the plough. Some years ago I was at an educated man's house in Maconpin County, Illinois, about six miles east of Carlinville. I had bought of him at St. Louis a lot of what he called fat cattle, just strong enough to travel up to Morgan County. He invited me to go home with him, say- ing he had a better lot of cattle there. If my memory serves me right, our horses were put in what had been a frame barn under a small quantity of hay and likely some grain. Almost all the weather-boarding was off his barn, >hich made it I think, much colder in the barn owing to the many crafts of air through it, than it was out in the open air. My horse had nothing to eat, and stood tremb- ling like Balthazzar. I being a tender hearted man, felt truly sorry for my horse. With some difiiculty I got him plenty of feed, and then went back to the house much encouraged. There was a number of his neighbors there when I went in. I learned he had been building the season before, and had not paid up his bills.f He was complaining very bitterly of hard times. His boot heels were up against his mantel piece, which was full of small holes. I asked him what made so many holes in his mantel piece. He was then seated in his chair with his heels against his man- tel piece. He seemed to be diverted to think I was no smarter, and told me it was his boot-heels that made the holes. I did not like to be accused of being fool- ish or silly before so many people, and I told him that I thought if those tracks that were on his mantel piece were weather-boarding his barn or after his plough it would tell to better advantage, and times would not be so exti*emely hard. If I understood it aright all those men were after money he owed them. It made a hearty laugh, and he looked at me as sour as sin. I expected to be or- dered out of the house into the snow. — He finally forced a smile, and I was glad of it. I think a man is doing wrong to place his heels higher than his head. It looks to me as though it was unhealthy. I think our heels were mad« to use under us, not over us. I call the attention of every person in Illinois of every sex, name and nation, that we all ought to be assessed to work on tne State and County roads in propor- tion to our property, and let the poor laboring class of men work if they see fit. This winter past I heard of one of our neighbors selling a cord of fire wood for eight dollars (when the common price was three dollars) because the road were so bad ordinarily that teams could not get in. This was in the town of Jack- sonville. Our roads are a disgrace to our State, put it on us one and all, town and country, in proportion to our pro- perty, and let us enhance the value of our lands and fill our pockets, besides having the satisfaction of traveling on good roads. We have the soil, material and tools to excel the world if we w^ould use them and make our tracks to advantage. When I came up to Springfield and landed at the depot the news was that they could not get to the hotel with a team. I looked around me to see if there were any strangers, and I felt glad that I could not discover one. What a disgrace it is to our State and County to have such roads. I believe our Supervisors' ought to have at least two and a half or three dollars per day for warning the hands when to work, and for working with them and collecting the money from every man of property who would not work, and did not pay promptly ; and appropriate the money so collected to 244 THE ILLINOIS FA^HMEH. improve the roads, make those that do work, work nine hovrs in the winter and twelve in the summer seasOn. Keep our tracks out of town only once in ten weeks instead of three times a week, and sometimes six days in the week. Pleapc, one and all try it. It will be the best step toward finding the hidden treasure so much needed. For your own sake, your irife's and your babies', and friends', if you have any, be very cautious where you make your tracks. Do not fail to get into bed by seven, and roll out early and attend to your business. There is no morning so dark but you can do something if the will is there. For Heaven's sake, and that of your wife, children, and the State, let us all try it for three years, and if your creditors see you are trying hard, and making tracks in the right place, they will have mercy on you. If they will not, come to Old Jake, and if he has it in his power he will help you. Re- member you must take his advice all through the piece. Consult your wife, especially in all cases of difficulty. A wife who deserves the name will never fail to economize when she knows her husband's circum- stances require it. Never keep her ignorant of your circumstances, for this has been the undoing of millions of fam- ilies. Put cattle on ' grass half feed, and they will improve as much again in the same time as full fed cattle. I think it much more profitable only to half feed, unless you owe money which you have promised in March or April; then feed heavy. If your circumstances will allow you to do without your money until June or July, I like half feeding the best until the middle of March; then increase gradually, get them to a full feed, turn on your grass early if you have territory enough for your pasture to get good, so that they can get full by walking only a few rods. I write this to encourage men who get in debt and give up. "Don't give up the ship." In 1820, in Licking County, Ohio, my corn was higher than my head. On a steep side-hill I saw a flock of wild turkeys scratching very busy in the corn. I married Matilda, John Green's daugh- ter; she lived a few miles north of Utica. My wife's sister, Nancy, was visiting at my house (now Nancy Armstrong, living about fifteen miles southwest of Morris, 111.,) I think she was not more than eight or nine years of age. I showed her the turkeys, and told her if she would pay strict attention to what I said, we eould have meat as well as feathers. — She eyed me very close, with eyes and w»rs ready to catch every word. I show- ed her where I wanted to get, and told her wc must move very cautious, for they were cunning, sharp-eyed fowls. I went on the hill above them — she went below, and then started towards me. I stood fii-m, waiting for them as they rose to fly. One flew a foot or so to my left, another about two feet to my right. I first thought of trying to catch both; it struck me at the moment to save one. I sprung up, and with my left hand Caught it by one leg; with the right hand I caught it by the breast. I took out a whole handful of skin and feathers, and if it had not been for my hold on the leg, it would have got away. I brought it to the ground, and soon broke its neck, without its thumping me very often with its wings. It made us all the meat we could eat for several days, besides the feathers. I tell this true story to men who are in debt, to encourage them to never quit trying. I hope none of your cases look more hopeless than mine, in catching the flying wild turkey. I have since seen the same little girl now grown to be a woman, George W. Armstrong's wife. I asked her if she remembered my catching the turkey; I think she answered forthwith that she always thought of it when she saw a flock of wild turkeys. No odds how bad your cause is, "don't give up the ship." Patience and per- severance will overcome everything. If you will take my advice we will find the gold by rolls, rims and wagon-loads, almost countless. Excuse my mistakes I have no time to correct them. I have written this just for the good feeling I have for my country, state and nation. My learning is quite limited. I do not protess to be a grammarian, neither have I ever swallowed a dictionary; and you need not expect me to let it up by leaves. My parents wore plain folks. I was born and raised until I was about seven- teen years old, in Somerset County, Turkey Foot Township, near the forks of Youghiogheny, Pa. My father moved to Perry County, Ohio, six miles north of Somerset, Ohio; lived there one year then moved to Licking County, Ohio, thirteen miles north of Newark, the county seat — thirteen miles south of Mt Vernon in Knox County, four miles east of Utica, Licking County. I moved with my wife and three boys to Morgan County, 111., in the Spring of 1831. I still stay four miles southwest of Jack- sonville, which I think is the center of the world, as far as good lands and farms are concerned, and gold coming out of the earth ready-coined in large quantities. If this is not sufficient, when I write again I will tell you part of the rest. March 5, 1859. Hungarian Grass — Directions for Sowing. Editor Illinois Farmer: la a late number of the Farmer, I gave some state- ments and my opinion in respect to the Hungarian grass as a farm crop. The fixcts and statements there given are the result of four years' experieuee in its cultivation. With us it has proved a perfect success. Its cultivation is no longer an experiment, and the result of the last year's crop has ren- dered it quite popular with the farmers of our neighborhood. As proof of this, I will merely state that we have sold the seed of our entire crop at $2.00 per bushel at the bin. As there will be a large crop of it sown the cominjT season, I will give, for the ben- efit of those who may read it, some practical directions to guide them in its cultivation. Select a dry and moderately thin piece of land for j^our crops ; ground that has been in cultivation for a number of years, and is free from weeds, is the best. The plowing should be deferred until the proper time for sowing; then plow thoroughly and level with a harrow ; mark off by small furrows into suitable lands for sowing; scatter your seed as evenly as possible at the rate of ten quarts to the acre on thin, or twelve on fresh or strong ground, and cover with a light harrow cr brush drag. If sowed thus immediately after the plow, the young grass will get the start of the weeds, and will maintain its as- cendency until maturity. About the 20th of May is the proper time for sowing, but it will do well as late as the 10th of June. If sowed the 20th of May it will be ready to harvest the last week of August. The proper time for cutting is wheu the upper or head joint of the plant is of a bright yellow color. If cut too green the seed will not be so good, and the blades, which are large and succulent, will blacken in curing. It may be cut with a cradle or reaper, and secured as we do oats; or it may be mowed and housed as we do timothy. It requires a little more time than timothy to cure, but that is no great objection, as the harvesting comes in at a comparatively leis- ure time, when farmers can afford to give it a little more attention. In conclusion, Mr. Editor, I would just state that the story of the grass having been introduced into this country by a Hungarian exile is all a fiction. In 1854 I received from the patent office, through you, a pack- age of the seed. I have the sack and a small quantity of the imported seed in my posses- sion now. It was imported from France and distributed under the name of "Moha de Ilongrie," J. E. Young. Menard County, March 2d, 1859. 4«*^ — Potatoes in California. — From the correspondence of the New York Times: "Speaking of the Colonel, (Col. Warren, editor of the California Farmer), he is the most enthusiastic editor we have left. There was a time when every editor in California was " chuck full " and running over with enthusiasm and admiration of this beautiful country, but they have gradually run down, oozed away, run out. As the business be- came dull, they did likewise, and in these times the Colonel is about the only one left to cry out for us. He records all the won- aiiliiiiiiHiaiMiirtiiCiife W^r: THE ILLIlSrOIS FA^RIN^ER. 5^45 derful turn-ups of gold leads or gardens, the beats that beat everything, gives two para- graphs to a big pear, is fruitful in his reflec- tions on the great fruit crop, ready to im- peach the testimony of any man or paper that can out Herod him, is never sour but always sweet on the grape question, and holds forth in excellent spirits on the wine grow- ing districts below. The Colonel, as I gaid before, is our only salvation when we come across any very remarkable production. We call him Vegetable Warren ; ercrybody jokes the Colonel, and everybody likes him — and while on on the subject of potatoes, great and large, I am going to come out and tell the plain truth about that vegetable, and say what I firmly believe, and that is, that we have not had a good sound, well-flavored pomme de terre (do let me air my French) in California for two years or more. In early days, when they were new, they grew larger and were better than anywhere ; but latterly they have degenerated sadly, and now a good potato is not to be had. Such is the case with many other vegetables — they are no longer good — why or wherefore our scientific savans have not yet been able to determine. I know it's considerd " high season" for "a native to the manner (or manor) born" to tell the truth about California when it is " Con.," but it's time somebody told the truth in California — it's a little luxury one should be allowed to indulge in occasionally. flow to Raise Early Potatoes. As I have never seen the plan adopted here, in raising early potatoes, mentioned in any agricultural paper, I herewith give it. About six weeks previous to the usual time of planting in the open ground, mark out a piece, say five or six feet wide, and as long as required, on a dry and sheltered piece of land ; dig outthe surface to a depth offiveor six inches; place boards around to keep up the loam or sand ; then fill to the depth of six inches, with horse ©r some manure which has been thrown over to produce heat : tread it down lightly, as for a hot-bed, and cover the manure with four inches of loam. I keep some in my barn cellar through the winter, where the bed is to be made, with straw or something to keep out the frost. Then pack your potatoes as close as you can, over the surface, a single thickness ; cover with four inches of loam, or, what is better, sand, as the sprouts are touglier and do not separate so easily from the potato in lifting. I cut my potatoes a day or even weeks be- fore, and place them cut side down. At night cover with straw or coarse hay j in the morning, if mild, and no rain, rake off the covering and replace at night. In case of continued dry weather a slight wat- ering may be of service, though seldom ne- cessary. When the time for planting arrives, land manured and furrowed, take up the front board, and with a dung-fork lift as many as it will hold; give them a shake, and separate each plant carefully by hand, placing them in a basket or box; then drop them, either for hills or in rows, and have a person to follow to cover as fast as possible, placing an inch or two of earth over the tops, through which they will break in a few hours. It planting has been delayed from any cause, and the plants should have attained considerable growth, (I have planted them when a foot high and had them do well), lay them down and cover as above. If your field is not too far from your dwelling, make the bed there, as it saves exposure in carry- ing the plants to a distance. With a few boards and stakes a shelter can be made to keep off the cold winds. By sprouting potatoes in this way you can have them ready to dig at least three weeks earlier. A Jamaica Plain Farmer. — Country Gentleman. Northern Trotters, vs. Thoroughbreds. The following article, evidently from the pen of a discriminating observer, appeared in the Southern Fanner, sign, ed "Physician." We agree with the Doctor in the main, yet prize crosses of thorough-bred with trotting stock, espe- cially with our Morgans and Black Hawks, the characteristics of whose breed are bo strong that the trotting qualities are not impaired in the stock, are benefitted by taking many of the traits of the thoroughbred. Among beasts, there is no greater ar- istocrat than the race-horse; he is no producer, he lives on the fat of the land on the labor of others. The "winds of heaven are not allowed to visit him too roughly, and he is unquestionably lord over all brute creation. I am a great admirer of the horse for his beauty, his excellence, his sportiveness, nay, I would say give me the "Horse, which In fmntie fit. Throws the foam from curb and bit." but yet I do not desire the race-horse, and why ? He is not suited for work, his belly is too small, his legs are too long, and he is rather deficient in size. He is not suited to the saddle. I have seen but very few good saddle horses that were genuine race horses. Their stride is generally too long in the gal- lop, and as a general thing but few of them pace. For light draught and har- ness, perhaps they are better adapted; and yet they are inferior in my estima- tion to the northern trotter. For more than thirty years I have ridden or driven horses daily, and very few men have owned more horses or driven more miles. Now, whilst I admit that good horses may occasionally be found of various forms, yet I have uniformly found the following to be the best characteristics of a good horse. His muscles should be well developed on the thigh; the breast prominent; the shoulders deep and thrown well back; the abdomen round and large; the legs clean; bones flat and large. A horsj with small bones is very liable to spavin, splint and wind galls. His rump should be round. and the juncture between the extremities and the body should be neither too close nor too open. The rump should be a little drooped, that is, a little higher be- fore than behind. There are some ex- cellent horses rather low before; they are frequently strong and suited to draft, but not travelers. A full mane and tail, indicate a strong constitution. A good horse will stand well; if he be unexceptionable he will stand on all four feet, if allowed to remain some time alone, without resting either. If he be a good mover, he w^ill carry one foot immediately after another. Such a horse is apt to be a good traveler; if^he be not over fast, he will endure a long time. Some horses, with a powerful ef- fort, throw their feet far beyond their bodies. Such horses may be fast, but are apt to tire. Give me the horse that keeps his feet well under him, shakes his body but little, holds his head up, and raises his feet sufficiently high, not to stumble. ' Now I have not so frequently found the characterisucs of a good horse to exist in the race-horse as in the northern trotter, and instead of believing that our horses are improved by raising from race-horses, I think our horses would be better for the plow, for the gear and the saddle, by raising from horses o£ shorter legs, larger bodies, and more compact in form than the race stock. — The latter is better adapted to the turf, but not so well adapted to ordinary pur- poses. We need a horse of power, of endurance, of good performance, and not a horse remarkable only for his swiftness. Many horses are active, sportive and easily kept, and yet unmix- ed with the race- horse. I have seen some very superior and excellent Cana- dians. The Morgan horse and northern trotter are worthy of all praise. Some of the most inferior geldings I have ever owned were said to be of the race stock. Their fine and glossy hair, long legs, lank and gaunt abdomen, seems to indi- cate their descent from a race of illuS' trious ancestors. These views, I know, are in opposition to the current opinion of the day, but facts are stubborn realities that cannot be easily controverted; and my opinion is based upon my own obser- vation and experience — an experience based upon daily use for more than thirty years. And when I desire to purchase a horse, to recommend him as of the race stock is rather an objection to me. I am fully satisfied that the race stock has been a source of injury to the horses of Virginia, for such horses as we need for work, for the saddle or for harness. Some people read and take it for granted; others weigh and consider. Some adopt opinions that their fathers entertained; others think for themselves and form opinions accordingly. " ^46 THE ILLINOIS FARMER. Draining Prevents " Jleaving Out " Among other evils incident to un- drained soils, is the liability to heave or freeze out the crops sown thereon, so that it is difficult, if not impossible, to grow winter grain or clover profitably though the soil otherwise is well suited to their production. A case coming under our observation the past winter, will well illustrate the subject. A field of five acres, seeded to clover two years ago upon rye, owing in part to the pre- sence of snow upon the ground the grea- ter part of the first winter and spring, escaped with slight injury from this cause, and gave a very good growth of clover. But the past winter, the weather being of a different character, the grass on about three acres of the field was en- tirely destroyed, every root of clover, being pulled up or thrown out, laid loose upon the surface of the ground the pres- ent spring. This was an example of "heaving out" of unmistakable charac- ter. The cause and process of freezing out has been explained as follows : "The soil is pulverised only to the depth of the plow, some six or eight inches. Be- low this is stratum of clay (or hard-pan) nearly impervious to water. The autumn rains (and melting snows in spring) saturate the surface soil, which absorbs water like a sponge. The ground is suddenly frozen; the water contained in it crystalizes into ice, and the soil is thrown up into spicules or honey-combs, and the poor clover roots or wheat plants are drawn from their beds, and, by a few repetitions of the process, left dead upon the field in spring." The evil lies in a saturated soil. It matters little whether the surface be clay or sandy — it did not in the case above mentioned — if the subsoil is of an impervious character. We were much surprised to find in a slight depression, some three or four rods across, where the surface soil was alight sand, that the clover was as badly winter-killed as on the clayey part ^ of the field. And the clayey part, it is well to mention, had good surface-drainage from the descent or slope of the ground — at least an inch in a foot. This sandy corner was un- derlaid by an impervious hard-pan, hold- ing water equally as well as the clay ; and we believe this will generally be found to be the case in all loams which suffer from heaving or freezing out. We have shown in a previous article, that "draining deepens the soil," and hence it is the remedy for freezing out in all cases. Water no longer saturates the surface soil in such quantity as to form honey-comb ice every time it freezes; the plants are no longer confined to short roots, but have a better hold upon the soil, and it has been found that no loss whatever results from this cause, however unfavorable the season, on a thoroughly drained soil. A little testimony on this point may not be out of place here. Maxwell Brothers of Geneva, tell us, in the Transactions of the N. Y. State Agri- cultural Society for 1855, about draining a clay field which previously could not be worked for spring crops in season for sowing, and heaved so badly as to rum winter crops, which draining has render- ed as mellow and productive as can be desired, so that they can cultivate imme- diately after heavy rains, and grow wheat and clover without loss from frost. John Johnston of Seneca county, has given pointed evidence on the subject, both in our own columns and in other publications. By draining he has so improved his clayey farm that no loss is suffered from this cause, though for- merly it was a source of great injury to the crops in the low lands, entirely ruin- ing wheat, and destroying it in many places upon the higher parts of the farm. Many like cases of the beneficial results of draining in this respect could be given were it needful, to our readers. «» Detection of Horse Thieves. Freedom, March 12, 1859. Mr. Francis; — In view of the in- creasing amount of horse stealing, I have been thinking for some time about a practible method (to be adopted by tnp masses, especially the Agricultural por- tion of men,) in order to check these depredations. And it appears to me that my project (although it may not be new) might be made to pay well, both to the patron and the publisher, which is simply this; that some publisher of an Agricultural journal, attach to his per- iodical a stolen horse detector, the list to briefly state the owners name; the Post Office address, minute description of the animal, the time stolen and the reward, &c., &c. Which notice should stand for a given time, say three or six months, the owner of the animal advertised to pay a fixed amount of money for said insertion, or in his getting a certain amount of paying subscribers as compen- sation. The objects are these, to deter thieves from stealing, and to enable the owners of stolen horses to recover tbeir proper- ty, and further to enable officers and other individuals that are anxious to de- tect thieves, and protect innocent per- sons from being imposed upon in the way of purchasing. You may say, how can such an argument effect any thing ? Simply in this way, when a horse ap- peared or is offered for sale by a stran- ger or other individual under suspicious circumstances, the purchaser or acasual observer could refer to the list and if in it the animal is then described, &c., it might lead to the detection of a thief and help the owner of the animal to re- cover his property; and more than that it would deter thieving. There has been many horses stolen in our county the past year, very few of which have been recovered or the thieves detected; and there have been quite a large number of strange horses sold, under circumstances that created much suspicion, so much so as to induce some individuals to put forth efforts to traee out the whereabouts said, horses were obtained — no doubt stolen in some remote section and run here for sale. I have mentioned the project to many individuals, all of whom speak favorably What think you ? Would it not be an inducement to individuals to subscribe, that would not if the list was not in ? All the trouble would be to get' it estab- lished. I see no difficulty in describing a horse minutely and as briefly, as a bank note. The people of our locality are alive in interest, in organizing Socie- ties, the object of which is to detect horse thieves, and if they accomplish the object sought after, our Penitentiary will soon be overrun, if there is as much complaint in other counties through the State as in this. But the measure I propose would not cause any increase of detections, but probably would deter criminals, or cause them to seek other fields of operation. Yet that does not remedy the rule. We want the means of detecting them, let them operate where they may, or in. other words, we want a Detector, or Detectors, extensive enough so that whenever they may appear, with those stolen horses they would be in the midst of numerous tell-tales, in the shape of detectives. Some individuals manifest much inter- est to expel a thief from a community where he is known to be a stranger, and among strangers. I think it is wrong for when we know, a man to be a thief, we can watch him, and keep him under restraint, but when we drive him among strangers, he is free from restraint, and is induced to steal, from a thievish dis- position. Consequently we do the stranger an injury, and the individuala greater injury. JOHN H. HOSFORD. A year or more ago Mr. Pollard Simmons, of Mason County, got up a prospectus for a paper similar to that recommended by Mr. Ilosford. It was to be published semi-monthly at a low price, and one copy of each number was to be sent to the Sheriff of each County. :JJ !^^.. *■'■*[■-.'*""■■' '■• THE ILLINOIS FA^HIMEK. 247 The project fell through for want of subscribers. Few persons seem to re- alize the importance of such a paper, until they have some animal stolen. The plan of Mr. Hosford is a g'^od one and so was that of Mr. Simmons. -» ♦ * The Vineyards of the Rhine. The Scottish Quarterly Journal of Agriculture contains an interesting article on " Rhenish Wine and Rhine- land, " a few extracts from which we think will be acceptable to the readers of the Farmer. The writer visited the most celebrated vineyards on the Rhine, in 1855, and again in the summer of 1857. In 1855, the crop was almost a universal failure, owing to the late frosts in April destroy- ing the fruit-bearing shoots of the vine; while in 1857 the vines were loaded with an exuberance of fully ripened fruit. In 1855, search had to be made among the luxuriant green leaves for a bunch of grapes, and, when found, the fruit pro- ved diminutive and unripe. In 1857, on the other hand, bunch was suspended over and beside bunch in such pr-jfusion that surprise was excited that so small a plant as the pruned vine was able to bear so large a quantity of fruit as far to out- weigh the weight of the plant itself, and which it could not have done without ample support. Everywhere the grape was presented to the tourjst, in inviting bunches of red and white, at the low cost of six kreutzers (four cents) the bunch. The writer states that he ate grapes grown in the open air on the banks of Lake Como "of much finer fragrance than from any vinery in the United Kingdom." "In every respect the vine is a remark- able plant. No one could anticipate, on first seeing a vine-plant without leaves, that its dry, withered, wiery stem, could produce, elegantly-formed, expansive leaves and beautiful bunches of fruit of large size and weight, suspended as they are from the most frail-looking tendrils; but, notwithstanding its shrivelled aspect the vine is a plant exceedingly suscepti- ble of external influences. Color, size, form, taste, aroma, productiveness, vary in a remarkable degree with a change of soil, position, and temperature. It is, therefore, no matter of surprise that the grapes of the sunny sideof Johannisberg should bo very superior in flavor to those of the north facing slopes on the opposite bank of the Rhine." The practice of concealing the bunch- es of grapes from the direct rays of the sun, behind screens formed of growin<^ leaves, and at the same time leaving them open to light, was quite common." The direct rays of the sun foster by their heat the acid principle of the grapes by increasing the amount of tartaric acid; and it does so more decidedly in the red than the white grape, because the dark color absorbs the heat more readily; while the light of the sun, passing easily through the white skin, envolves the saccharine principle in the white grape in a greater degree than in the red, and thus brings each kind ripe nearer at the same time — an important j^oint in wine making. Protection from the direct rays of the sun also improves the flavor of the fruit. Fetid manures exercise a very preju- dicial influence on the odor of the wine; while such as are inodorous and decay slowly, such as wool, horn, and bone- black, conduce very much to enhance its fragrance. "The leaves of the vine, which contain a considerable quantity of alkali, consti- tute an excellent manure for the plant. At the vintage, only the fruit is removed from the vineyard; and when the leaves fall to the ground, their constituents ne- cessarily compose the best manure for future vine leaves. Only in this manner can the fact be explained that the vine requires little inorganic manure, and often contents itself with substances which it obtains principally from the weather-beaten rocks on whose slopes it is planted." We believe it is, now conceded that grave vines are not particularly benefited by the application of inorganic manures such as potash, soda, etc. It is only one of many facts going to show that the composition of any particular plant is no certain indication of the kind of manure most needed for its growth. Potash en- ters largely into the composition of the wood, leaves, and fruit of the grape; and therefore it has been supposed that its cultivation would soon exhaust the soil of potash. But while it is true that nearly one half of the ash of the entire grave vine is potash, yet the growth of grapes does not remove from an acre of soil so much potash as many of our farm crops. Potatoes, turnips, etc., remove nearly double the quantity that grapes do, and yet even these plants are not particularly benefited by the application of potash as a manure. Manures rich in ammonia and phosphoric acid appear to be best suited for the growth of grapes. "The full ripening of the fruit by the action oft he sun is of the greatest im- portance in order to secure good wine. On this account the vines are not allowed to grow high, but the nearer they are kept to the ground the better, in order that the heat of the sun may be reflected back upon them from the ground, and the process of ripening is then carried through the evenings and nights by the warmth which is radiated from the earth The vines are not kept short to obtain a greater quantity of grape juice, for those which are allowed to grow six feet and upward yield a larger quantity of juice, but their wine is worse than from the short vines in the same place." . The Agriculture OF theRhineland says the same writer, has improved amazingly of late. *'A few years ago, the land was gen- erally in a very foul state with weeds; now it is much eleaner, and now also the manure is applied in large quantities. — The manure is all from the farm-yard, the stock being constantly kept in the homestead. The crops are mostly of rye and oats, the rye affording the or- dinary food to the population, and the oats to both man and beast. Wheat is now raised in increasing quantities, and so is barley. Red clover is cultivated with success as a forage plant. The peculiar crops are mangel wurael, kohl rabi, scarlet clover, and Indian corn, all of which grow luxuriantly. Potatoes are largely cultivated, and ruta baga may frequently be seen. But the most striking feature in the change of Rhine- land agriculture is the great extension of the cultivation of fruit trees. These are not planted in masses like our orch- ards, but along the highways, and at stated distances in rows in the cultivated land. The ordinary fruits cultivated are apples and pears, both for eating, though the old apple trees had been planted for the purpose of making cider. Cherry trees are common, and so are walnut; but the increasing culture in fruit is in plums, and of these the Mirahelle seems the favorite. This is a small, somewhat oblong, yellow-colored plum, sweet to the taste, and capable of being eaten ripe, or preserved for compotes. The trees are pruned so as to allow the plow- ing under the lowest trenches. A new orchard of Mirahelle plums, consisting of five thousand trees, has lately been - planted in the neighborhood of Kronthal; and on surveying the country from the heights, it, is fast being covered over with fruit trees, which in addition to the forests which are raised for fuel, will ere long give it a wooded aspect- «•»— Sorghum Convention. — The Waverly (Iowa) Repuhlican says that a convention of agricultural societies, and of a-1 persons who ar^ interested in the planting and cultivating of the Chinese sagar cane and the mnanu- facture of sugar and molasses therefrom, is called by order of the Bremen Country Ag- ricultural Society, to meet at Waverly on the third day of March, and continue as long as it may be interesting. There will be a gene- ral discussion of the best mode of planting, cultivating and manufacturing sugar and molasses, and for a free interchange of views on this important branch of agriculture. Specimens of syrup and sugar of last season's crop, with mode of manufacture, are called for. mp is'' * ' ' •^'^^' '^^ '^ '<•'»"'.> ,^!'^v^f^^^y'- . 248 THE ILLIISrOIS FA^ll]V£ER. SPRINCFIEtD, APIlir, 1, li350. The State Fair. President Ellsworth, and Cor. Sec. Francis, of the State Agricultural Socie- ty recently visited Freeport, for the pur- pose of selecting ground?!, and making other arrangements for the next State Fair. They wore highly gratified with the manner in which they were received by the Committee of Freeport, and the evident disposition manifested by them to do all in their power to further their wishes. The belief is unqualifiedly ex- pressed that accommodations will be furnished for boarding and lodging to all persons who may attend the Fair. All the grounds suggested were exam- ined with a view to the location; and fin- ally, lands were selected on the south of the city, including the County Fair grounds, (a portion of them within the citylimits,) and which can be made most beautiful and convenient for the great exhibition. They are located within less than a half mile of the business part of the city, and about the same distance from the depots of the Illinois Central, and Galena and Chicago Bailroads. The contracts for putting the grounds in order, erecting the fences and build- ings, and other fixtures, were to be given out on Saturday 12th. It is supposed that subscriptions entirely sufiicient have been obtained to pay all the expenses for material and work. The grounds to be inclosed will include some forty acres; and it is anticipated, that when the work is done, they will present as handsome an appearance as grounds occupied by the Society at any of the previous fairs. We trust that our friends in the difi'er- ent counties in the neighborhood of the Fair, will labor to secure at the exhibi- tion specimens of the agricultural wealth of the country. We desire to see farm products in the greatest abundance and excellence. We want our farmers to be there with the best stock of the country. In the neighborhood of the manufacture of all the superior agricultural imple- ments of the day, we want not only to gratify ourselves with a rare display of them, but to astonish the citizens of other States with the exhibition of these articles — the pi'oduction of the genius of our mechanics, which cannot be ex- celled at any point in the States. We want to see the fruits of the country in excellence and profusion. We want the ladies should fill the hall for textile fab- rics with the rich productions of their fairy fingers. We want them, too, to be on hand with their condiments, their wines, their canned and preserved fruits, and the long list of articles in their de- partment which will be noticed in the premium list soon to be printed and scattered over the State. We believe that the fair has been located where our artists can display, to the advant age of themselves, and make their exhibition a distinguishing feature of the Fair, with the productions of their taste and skill. We learn that a hall especially designed for the exhibition of paintings, drawings, &c., will be provided and got up in a manner that will satisfy the most fastid- ious. We desire to see the Natural History Department well filled. The premiums in this department should bring out a good exhibition, even if there was not the higher motive of ex- hibiting at our annual fair specimens of the mineral wealth of our State and other illustrations of its Natural His- tory. The grounds to be inclosed will be sufficient to make the test of a^ricultur- al implements, and especially of our common plows and the "steam plows," which are expected to be on exhibition We shall be disappointed if six steam plows are not present. We have infor- mation that the proprietors of six steam plows design to be at Freeport with their machines. Such an exhibition of itself ought to draw together a hundred thous- and of our people, to witness the geni- us of man controlling the power of steam and making it subservient to his will, in doing the ordinary business of the farm. It will be a sight wonderful indeed — one of the greatest achievements of the hu- man mind in modern days, and which we hope to witness at the State Fair in Freeport. gf^g="The "Connecticut Grape Grow- ers' Association," have ascer- tained that last year about 3,000 gal- lons of Grape Wine were made in that State, and mostly from the native grapes. The best wine was that to which no su- gar was added. Catawba and Isabella, have failed in that State, but strong hopes are entertained that the cultiva- tion of the Diana, Hartford, Prolific, Concord, Rebecca and Delaware, will prove successful. •- — To County Agricultural Societies. The County Agricultural Societies of this State, will learn with regret, that the bill which passed the Senate, for con- tinuing the yearly appropriation of one hundred dollars to the connty Societies, has failed to become a law, having been left with the unfinished business' of the House of Representatives. It is feared that the failure of this appropriation will be disastrous, perhaps fatal, to some few of the more feeble county Societies that are with difficulty struggling into existence. It is believed that the Leg- islature was entirely favorable to the passage of this bill, and that it will be- come a law as soon as an opportunity for further legislative action is secured. S. FRANCIS, Cor. Sec. State Ag. Society. U^^Publishers of papers in Illinois, are desired to publish this notice. «•• TuE Egyptian Pioneer. — This paper is published at Ewington, in this State. It has an " Industrial Department," which is conducted by Mr. Mathews, who resides near Mason, on the Chicago Branch of the Cen- tral road. In the paper of the 10th, under this " Industrial" head, we find several good articles. One of them is on the subject of farm gates. IJe says that any man who has the skill to cut oflF a pig's head can make a farm gate. All that is wanted is that they shall be strong, and moving clear of the ground. He constructed gates out of oak plank nearly an inch through, four to six inches broad, and ten feet long. The only tools he had was an old handsaw and a hatchet. Two pounds of nails were used to each gate. Hingeg worth forty cents to a dollar apiece. Posts eighteen inches in di- ameter and ten feet long, make just as good posts as any other. No necessity of hewing them. Dig the post-holes four feet deep, and if properly rammed will not lean, but will remain perpendicular until rotten. A gate properly made and hung will last twenty years. The Pioneer denounces the ''Honey Blade Humbug." This project of swindling farm- ers will succeed to some extent with those farmers who do not take agricultural newspa- pers. This lioney blade grass is only another name for the Hungarian grass. The peach crop is not destroyed in Effin- gham county. Mr. Mathews says his trees, planted fifteen years ago, have borne every year large enough, with the exception of one year. He recommends the country about hini to persons who desire to go into the business of raising peaches. The wheat that was properly put in looks well. That which was drilled in is looking best. WW ■ THE ILLINOIS FARMER. 249 Sbade Trees. Every spring we see large trees, brouglxt from the timber, lor planting out is sliade trees, with roots cut off within a foot of their bodieS; and without any fibrous roots. Peo- ple buy them, pay large prices for them, and thirty-nine out of forty die ; as every sensible man knew they would, and as they ought to die. Every spring this same scene is re-enacted, and we suppose it will continue while the world stands. Men learn little from experience. The same has been the practice with ever- greens. What is there now to show for the laods of evergreens which have been brought to Springfield from the forests and sold here ? If any exist, they have a hard time in doing so. And yet if another load of ever- greens were to be brought here, with the huckleberry roots about them, they would still be bought. Men would make another trial. They would take these trees, grown in J sand, and plant them out in black prairie soil, where the water will stand about the roots, and have the folly to expect them to live. If our people want beautiful deciduous shade trees, they must grow them from the seed, or purchase them from nurseries where they have been grown from seed. Then they will have trees that will grow rapidly, and make shade and beauty. If they wish evergreens, there must come from nurseries where they have been trans- planted twice, and have many fibrous roots • and then taken up carefully. A Word in Time. Next August and September our farmers will want corn to feed their horses, and to fatten their hogs early for market. Our ordinary corn will not be ripe in those months. Now, what is to be done ? Just this : Get seed of the King Philip corn, or some other early variety, and plant it when you plant your general crop. You can then have ripe corn to feed out in August and September. But you say, probably, "This is small corn and won't produce well." Now, there have been as many bushels of shelled corn raised to an acre of this King Philip corn in New Hampshire, as have ever been raised of the large corn in this country. It requires dif- ferent cultivation. The rows should be three feet apart, and the hills eighteen inches, with four stalks in a hill. That farmer who provides himself ^ith an early corn crop— that he can feed out in August and September— will find it a source of profit and pleasure. He can do this, if he chooses to do it. TVe know some farmers who have been in this practice for several years, and will not be likely to abandon it County Agricultural Societies. The 8th annual fair of the Fulton County Agricultural Society will be held on its fair grounds, near Lewiston, on the 5th and 6th days of October next. Our premium list is greatly enlarged, particularly in cattle and sheep. The citizens of the State are invited to compete for the premiums. Leonard L. Koss, Sec'y. Bureau County Soeiety will hold their next fair on the 20th, 21st, 22d and 23d September next. The Officers are — H. C. Fields, President; J. M. Dexter, I. P. Ev- ans, Vice-Presidents ; E. S. Phelps, Corre- sponding Secretary; R.T. Templeton, Treas- urer. Clark County Agricultural Society — offi- cers for 1859 — Wm. G. Stephens, President; John L. Purcells, Vice-President; 0. G. Stephens, Secretary. Sangamon County Agricultural Society fair will coa^mence on the 12th day of Sep- tember and continue five days. Its ofllicers for 1859 are — J. N. Brown, President ; J. Cook and A. B. McConnell, Vice-Presidents; S. M. Parsons, Treasurer, and S. Francis, Secretary. Officers of Chamgaign County Agricnltu- ral Society — A. C. Cande, President ; F. L. Scott, Vice-President ; H. C. Stewart, Treas- urer, and Wm. Webber, Jr., Secretary. «•• Upland Rice. — Mr. A. Conner, of Carbondale, has sent us a package of Upland Rice, raised bj himself the last season. It is not hulled, and resembles barley. The kernels are of good size and doubtless would cook as well f.s the rice of South Carolina. It can be grown in this latitude. Prof. Russell, of BluflT- dale, having succeeded in raising a good article last year. In regard to its cul- ture, Mr. Conner, says: "Prepare your ground well before planting. Any rich or new ground will do, if you make it loose and mellow. Then throw up small ridges, say three or four inches high, about eighteen inches broad ; then make two drills on the ridge one foot apart and one or two inches in depth. — Sow the seed in the drills about the last of it put in the first of May — the seed to be three or four inches apart in the drills — cover up one inch deep. AVhen it first comes up, it will be very tender and will grow slow for some time and until it be- gins to branch out. You must keep it clean from weeds or grass. This you can do by hoeing between the drills, and as it grows draw a little fine earth to the plants — every time you work the ground. If the ground should bake, loosen it up, and when the heads begin to shoot up the rice plants needs no more cultivation.'' Should the seed of the Upland Rice, fall into the hands of any one of our readers, the above process of cultivation may be found useful. »•• The prospect seems to be at this writing that we shall have a pkasant spring. Garden- ers should now lose no time in planting the seed of peas, potatoes, beets, carrots, parsnips, spinach, radishes, lettuce, and salsify. Asj paragus and rhubarb roots should be set out. No garden should be without beds of these. The Hlghbrld Scotch Rhubard is one of the most reliable varieties — hardy, fine flavor, and produces well. About the middle of this month celery may be sown. Those desiring to obtain spring turnips should sow them on rich ground and very early, so that the bottoms may swell before hot weather. Ladies save themselves much labor by planting out perennial herbaceous flowering plants. The peonies, lillies, phloxes, lark- spurs, penstemons, are all hardy, and all that is necessary for their cultivation is to divide the plants every three or four years, as the handsomest flowers come from new plants. It is now time to sow hardy annuals — larkspurs, phlox, coreopsis, scarlet cacalia, escholtzia, candy tuft, and some others. The seeds of tender annuals should not be sown until May. The Agricultural Society of Union county, has invited the Horticul- tural Society of Southern Illinois, to hold their first fair and exhibition in the city of Jonesboro' on the last Tuesday, in the month of May next. If this in- vitation should be accepted, we have no doubt that there will be a mos^ interest- ing exhibition at Jonesborough. *» ES^'Strawberry cultivators are aiming to obtain a fine perpetual Strawberry. The Alpine Strawberries are perpetual, but they yield little fruit. It is believ- ed that by hybridizing properly the great object will be obtained. The French have already obtained varieties that will produce for four months. ■» lg^=Box Edgings, for borders of walks, will not stand in our prairie soils. They die offby degrees until all are gone. We apprehend, however, if the soil is mixed with two thirds sand the plants might be made to live, especially if they aere covered with straw through the win- ter. ■ . m'-: ■ 250 THE ILLINOIS F-A^HMER. A Lesson AVhich Uugbt not to be Forgotten. We hear from all around us of large numbers of Cattle d^'ing and dead of star vation. Not sufficient food was provided for them last season. What would have been the condition of man v of our farmers had the fall, winter and spring seasons, been of the usual severity ? It is a re- corded fact that in some cases horses have lived in blue grass all winter, sheep were not required to be fed until 10th of January, and, cattle have not required, by any means, the usual quantity of fee.d. Are we not to blame for the state of things presented on some of our farms and on our prairies ? Skins of cattle hung on pens, and sheds, and skeletons about on prairies, poisoning the atmos- phere. When our great staple crop of corn was known to have failed last summer, there was time enough remaining of the season to have made large crops of corn fodder. Corn sown broadcast and light- ly ploAved in and the land rolled, would have yielded large crops of fedder, with little cost, that would have saved the lives oi thousands of head of stock. This practice of raising stock to starve them to death, because we fail in mak- ing a crop of corn, is as unnecessary as it is brutal. Rochester Trees. — M. L. Dunlap, of Champaign County, has a fine Nurse- ry, some four miles South of Urbanna and which shows beautifully on the West side of the Central Rail Road. He has a large supply of fruit trees of his own growing for sale, and will also sell at low prices, Rochester trees, to all who may want them. Of course no sensible man will prefer trees grown in Rochester to those grown in our own climate and soil. «•» Spiraes — These beautiful shrubs have lately been introduced to notice. They generally grow some four feet hi- jg@°"It is a great mistake to suppose that deciduous trees should be planted out as soon as frost is out of the ground. They do best when the ground has become dry, and something warm — in the condi- tion suited to the planting of corn. — Evergreens should be the last trees plant- ed out. Ladies will be careful not to uncover the plants they have protected until the Middle of this month. To expose tlicm to a sudden freeze, and afterwards to a hot sun, will be sure to kill them. 16@=0ur correspondents for the past month seem to have been busy with their farm work. All right. Now is the time to commence work for the season. Pros- pects are fair for good crops. We shall be glad to hear from correspondents as they have leisure to write. Who Wants a Fine Currant Bush. You may have one, or as many as you like, in this way. Find out who has some Red Dutch or White Dutch Cur- rants: they are much better than the common red and white currants. Go to them and ask for a few cuttings, or go to a nursery and buy a few, and, if you take a fancy to some other kinds, for instance, to some of those fine new kinds several of which every good nurseryman ought to have, such as the White Grape White Transparent, Fertile of Paliua, Cherry, and others. When you have the cuttings, (they should be about a foot long), take a sharp knife, and cut all the buds out from more than half ttfe lower part, taking care not to tear the bark, nor cut any more than just enough to take the buds out; then put them away Wrapped in paper, and buried in some earth in the cellar till early spring. As soon as earth is mellow set them out. They may be simply stuck up in the mellow soil, after it is spaded, and the weeds and grass roots all taken out, and the earth press- ed close about them. The first bud should be two or three inches above the soil, and there should be no bud below. Thus each cutting will grow to fine little tree, and no suckers will come from the root. Next year they will bear fruit. ft Draining In»proTcs the ([uality of Crops That the productive power of the soil is largely increased by draining in cases of re- tentive lands, has often been noticed ; few, however, have remarked upon the improve- ment in the quality of the crop effected by the same process. Mr. French, in his essay on drainage, gives a brief paragraph on the subject, so pertinent and conclusive that we copy it here. " In a diy season," he says, " we frequently hear the farmer boast of the quality of his products. His hay crop is light, but will 'spend' much better than the crop of a wet season — his potatoes are not large, but they are sound and mealy," — and so of other crops. " Every farmer knows that his wheat and corn are heavier and more nutritive where grown upon land suf- ficiently drained." Tlie deepened soil in which manures have their full effect — the season not shortened at both ends by the presence of stagnant water in the soil — the mellow, porous seed or root- bed, not affected by draught or freezing out, all resulting from drainage, readily account f(jr the improved quantity and quidity of the crop, whether it be grain or fruit, roots or grass, or whatever it may be desirable to cul- tivate iu the best manner. w^4-!..*|1!?«j«;.j!.!^'-w™ r^f:^ 's'z^^'afvs'^y^.*t^'z»^ ^■':.'.-~ST-:y^^^^^'^.- THE ILLIISTOIS FA.II]M:ERv 251 Noble Premiums. The Mass. Society for Promotion of Agriculture offers two premiums of ex- traordinary liberality. For the best Plantation of Forest Trees, $1000. — "The above sum is of- fered for the best plantation of trees, of any kind commonly used for, and adapt- ed to, ship building, grown from seed planted for the purpose, or otherwise, on not less than five acres of land, one white oak, at least, to be planted to every twenty square yards. Notice in writing must be given to the Secretary of the Society, on or before January 1, 1860, of the intention to compete for the pre- mium, stating where the land is situated the nature of the soil, and what has been done in relation to the plantation up to the time of giving notice. The premi- um will be awarded in 1870, in case the success of any competitor has been such as, in the opinion of the Trustees, or of those appointed by them to adjudge the same, or give a reasonable probability that the plantation will produce eventu- ally a fair supply of ship timber, in pro- portion to the number of acres planted. The Society likewise claims the right, after awarding the premium, to desig- nate from time to time what trees shall be reserved for timber, and the success- ful competitor shall give security that the trees so designated shall not be cut for any other purpose.'' Premium for the Best Farm. — The Massachusetts Society for promoting Agriculture, in their Annual Report for 1858, offer the liberal premium of |500 for the best conducted farm in Massa- chusetts, of not leoS than forty acres, taking into consideration the mode of cultivation, farm buildings, breeding, selection and keeping of stock. Farms devoted to market gardening will not be admitted to competition. The trustees reserve the right of withholding the pre- mium, in case no farm offered shall be considered worthy, and also of dividing it, in case no one farm shall be consider- ed decidedly the best conducted. Notice of intention to compete for the premium must be given to the Secretary of the Society, on or before the first day of April, 1859, accompanied by an entrance fee of ^10. A written statement, veri- fied by oath of the competitor, will be required, containing an accurate state- ment of the farm, with an account in fis- ures showmg the results of the year's operations. To commence on the first day of April, 1859, and to terminate on the thirty first day of March following. All farms entered for the premium shall be subject to the visits and inspection of the Trustees, or by others appointed by them for the purpose. No Trustee or officer of the Society will be allowed to compete. Draining on the Prairie. There are many truths in the following article : While upon the subject of the weather and particularly wet weather, I wish to confess my entire conversion to the doc- trines of the advocates of thorough drainage — I mean as a grand national measure, called for and demanded by the nature of soil and the extreme humidity of our climate, referring especially to the season for farming operations. I have read everything that has fallen in my way for several years on this subject but while admitting its application to several localities, have been skeptical as to its general value. Observation, con- nected with the digging of a cellar on ground supposed to be as dry as land "ever gets to be," has opened my eyes, and I now firmly believe that the time is not far distant when "thorough drain- age" will be considered the "sheet anchor" of western agriculture. Our lands are rich enough, but' in a country where sixteen inches of water can fall in a single month, and "not half try,'' we need special appliances for getting rid of the surplus. This excessive wet^ lies at the bottom of the ainost total failure of crops every two or three years, which is sure to befall the country. Here we are to-day in the heart of the richest farming country in the Union, and yet starvation prices for the common neces- saries of life, before the next harvest, are boldly staring us in the face. If our lands are drained and farmers prepared for wet weather, these things would not be so. Fruit growing ivill never suc- ceed here on undrained land. Fruitmen will please stick a pin there. Its as true as holy writ. We greatly need a Tile manufactory, somewhere along the river. I know of none in the river towns. Can't some of your enterpris- ing men come Out and start the busi- ness ? It's sure to be established, and the man who first sets the ball in motion, will deserve a higher place in the hearts of the people of this valley, than all the miserable demagogues who now disgrace them in the halls of National Legislation. The first demand for tile would be for gardens and orchards. The transition to the farming fields would be natural and easy, and the final demand far exced the demand for building brick. This country must and will be drained. Who will be the pioneer in this work ? I had intended to have put in a few words about farm gates in general, and that one figured in a few numbers back in particular, but as my sheet is full, will stop by asking ^ou to say to that man with the tall heel post and long brace runninjr down to the foot of the head post, that if he will cut down that post to the height of the other, and turn his brace the other end up, and then bolt it with smalt carriage bolts, costing about three cents each, to each of the rails, he will have a genuine self-supporting gate and not otherwise. — Hawk ^YE.—Keo- kuk, loiva. — County Gent. ••» — • ' .■ ^ ■ Who Wants a Grape Vine f Boys, do you want to sit under the shade of your own vine and eat the fruit of it be- fore you are three years older ? If so, get some grape-cuttings either now or before the sap starts. Your father or elder brother will get them for you, and do you keep them hur- ried in the earth in the cellar where they will not freeze, till warm, pleasant gardening weather in May, then you can set them out, and they will each, or most of them, form a grape vine. Select the best kind, such as the Diana, Hartford Prolific or Concord, if you can get these kinds, otherwise take the Isabella. This last named grape is not sure to ripen in the northern parts of this State, except in very warm exposures, and there are kinds of Isabellas which ripen earlier than others, so select these to get cuttings from. There is not a boy or girl either who reads and understands this, who may not raise this summer from the cuttings obtained at this season several fine grape vines. — Se- lected. Orchards. — Drainage is an indispen- sable necessity to thrift with young or- chards. If Nature does the work — well; if not she must be helped. In setting out trees do not dig too small holes, and putting a little hot manure in the bot- tom set the trees upon it. Men who have been in the habit of setting trees Avith no manure except a few sods thrown into the bottom of the pit, think they do admirably well for their young trees if they give them a heap of horse or cow -yard manure to luxuriate in. It is a great mistake. All varieties of fruit trees need soil rather than manure yet a good compost is essential as a sort of home bank of deposit, to be drawn upon for whatever the soil may lack. — W^e prefer to dig holes at least four feet wide; but a compost of muck, leaf-mould yard-scrapings, bone dust, ashes, leath- er scraps, etc., which has no heat in it ; add to such a compost about half a peck of slacked lime, and throw on a layer of earth upon it. Spread the roots so as to lead out in every direction, and fill in three or four inches of fine soil^ not yel- low dirt, and tread it down upon the roots; then fill up. The roots should spread naturally from the crown, which should be, if an apple tree, two inches below the general level of the ground in a slight depression; if a dwarf pear set the junction of the stock and graft two inches below the ground. When set, throw around the trees a mulch of coarse grass, straw, tanbark, or something of the kind. -«#» J|@^ A friend writes us that he wants to purchase 1000 sheep, with a view to dri- ving them to Texas. -„v. -:'«i 252 <^* THE ILLINOIS EA.IIMER. Spring Businpsi We notice that some of the papers are predicting a flourishing spring business? What is to make a flourishing spring business ? It is the selling of goods in a country already drained of money, for goods, and indebted for them to an amount of thousands upon thousands ■which cannot be paid ? That will not make a flourishing business. A flourishing business which we desire is, to see our farmers preparing their grounds well, and putting in the seed of oats and barrley and spring wheat — and then again planting their corn and pota- toes— increasing their stock — and work- ing with a will to make fine crops, by which to pay their debts, and which will pay the debts of merchants to their cred- ors. That is the business we wish to see: and it behooves every farmer to do his best to transact this "flourishing bus- iness." Many of these debts might have been avoided. They never need to have been contracted. We have been too extrava- gant. We have not practiced economy. The great prices of produce led us into this evil way. It is too late to retreat. The only means we have now to remedy the past is to earn money and pay our debts, and have a care for the future. Yes — have a care for the future. Live as far as possible on the produce of the farm. Is any man, woman, or child, healthier for swilling down a half dozen cups of strong cofi'ee a day, or of tea — or by depending on the groceries of the towns for family food which should be raised on the farm ? Too much of this thing has been done — too much — too much. Yes — we repeat, have a care for the future ! Wear the old clothes a little longer ! Trim up the last year's bon- net ! Give a new touch to the old dress! Use milk instead of cofi'ee ! In some cases, pure cold water is better than either ! Practice in this way and make every turn you can — and in a short time, shorter than you now think, you will come out " right side up, ivith care I This is plain talk, you say. Well it is : It is better for that. And if it touches the case of the reader, (we are sorry if that should be so) it will not hurt him. He has committed no crime — only an imprudence — and if in the experience he now has he continues hon- est, an honorable man, it will be the bet- ter for him in coming time. He has only to make every cfi'ort in his power — earn all he can — save all he can — pay all he can — and he will get along well in the long run. We go in for a flourishing business — not the selling of gew-gaws to farmers — but the flourishing business, driving a head the plow, the drill, economy in the house — in the making of butter, cheese — in the bringing of gold out of mother earth, which generally yields to every one who will properly cultivate her bo- som. Here you have it, reader. We have had our say. You understand what we think of " flourishing business " — such as you need, and the conntry needs. Gooseberries. — For several years it was supposed that gooseberries would always mildew in our climate. In the early settlement of Sangamon county, an English Gooseberry was brought here that did mildew. It gave a bad charac- ter to the whole race. It was fortunate that other trials were made with difi'er- ent varieties and we now find that we can raise gooseberries equal to any country in th» world. The largest gooseberries are not the best. Hough- ton's Seedling, though smaller, is better fruit, and the bushes produce enormous quantities. The fruit is good enough. 4«» Shade Trees. — We hope it is not too late to caution persons who want to plant out fine shade trees, not to expect to obtain much from the woods. To secure a quick and handsome growth, trees must be taken from the Nursery or from open grounds. Elm, silver leated ma- ple, sugar maple and mulberry, make handsome shade trees. Camels. — These arelikclv to become numerous in some parts of the country. J. II, Machado has imported a lot into Texas and finds them more useful and easier managed, than horses or mules. A full grown one will carry sixteen or eighteen hundred pounds. .•• In planting out shrubs or trees and shrubbery, be sure to trim them. Cut off injured roots and some of the tops. Eoses require severe pruning. Items. The Wilmington (N. C.) Journal predicts that there will be no rain in May. We can tell better after May shall have passed. It is said that wool is falling in price in the Chicago market. Many farmers would make money by selling oflT a portion of their farms. If that cannot bo done, would they not find advantage in disposing of portions of their farms for a term of years at a nom- inal price ? Flour and Wheat are in as good de- mand for consumption in the West as in the Eastern Markets. The falling off" of the Wheat crops last year in the United States is estimated at eight mil- lions of bushels. We continue to learn favorable ac- counts of a portion of the new wheat crops. In Southern Illinois it never looked better. The valuable horse Bellfounder, lately the property of J. Stockdale, deceased, of this county, has been purchased by L. M. Wilson, of Alabama. Unques- tionably as a "Roadster for all work,'* he is one of the best horses in the United States. We regret that Illinois should lose his services. The Sugar Convention of Iowa was well attended. The Convention passed resolutions, recommending the Imphee as the best sugar producing cane; that the seed should be planted on high and dry ground and tested before being plan- ted. (Good advice.) Sulphur mixed with salt, say one ounce to the head, given two or three times, will destroy lice on cattle. It is often the case that the very men who know the least about practical farm- ing, do the most writing on the sub- ject. ■—— Valuable Receipes. Warts. — Rub tliera with fresh beef every day until they begin to disappear. For a Sting. — Bind on the place a thick plaster of salt moistened. Ring Worms. — Take tobano and boil well, add Vinegar and Ije and wash often. Burns. — Mix one part essence of Pepper- mint and three of whiskey, and apply with cloths. To Prevent Bruises from Turning Black. — Make a plaster of salt and tallow and cover the wound. , Boils. — If very painful, apply a poultice of bread and milk. ^p?^- ^^p^iri^.'r'^;^^s^^Pf'^s^;^^^^frfs_^^,<9^;^ N THE ILLINOIS FA.RMER. 253 Set out Orchards. Editor of tlie Farmer : We are now enjoying favorable wea- ther and, like all others, I ardently hope it will continue. Some farmers who have dry land, are already plowing for spring wheat and oats and before your paper is issued, there will be large amounts of ground sown with these grains. Considering the demands of the country — and considering the condition of the country, it is hoped that our far- mers will put in all the crops possible and to the extent possible. The coun- try is bare of oats, wheat, barley, corn and potatoes — never so bare before, at this season of the year in my recollec- tion. I set out with the design of saying a few words on the subject of planting or- chards. We are somewhat discouraged on this subject. The few last years of unusual weather has been destructive to our orchards. Many of those which yielded fruit in abundance, and of which we were proud, cannot now be found. It is thought, that orchards planted on similar land, with the same kind of treat- men:^ will be^likely always to fail. But we have some experience on this subject which may be useful to us. We have some idea of what trees are the hardiest. We can get them from the nurseries. We have some knowledge of the kind of soil and the best protec- tion for fruit. We must take advantage of this knowledge. The Rull's Jenet, Northern Spy, Maidens' Blush, Early Harvest, Yellow Bellflour, Winter Wine Sap, very gener- ally survive the late hard season. We can rely on the hardiness of these trees with tolerable certainty. There are oth- ers, undoubtedly, equally hardy. We know that it will not answer to plant orchards on black prairie soils. — Experience has proved that lands, for apple trees should have dry bottoms. Hence it should be elevated land. Bar- ens would probably be best, and these if protected on the South and West would add great security to the orchard. Let these account for these facts who can. The facts exist. I think that the trees should not be set out in dry windy chilly weather, ear- ly in spring. I rather set them out late when the earth is dryer and warmer and is in a condition to receive the trees kindly and make them grow. Trees taken up in the fall, and put in- to the ground in trenches, as is done in most nurseries, for sale in the spring, are kept back from growing, so that they can often be set out with good success until May. Farmers desiring to obtain trees from Illinois Nurseries, have ample time to order them now. "Rock Rimmon." The Dairy. Editor op the Farmer :— I was glad to notice in your last number an exhortation to farmers on the subject of the Dairy. It is a fact known to all, that except a small portion of the year, when it is too late to keep butter without one has an ice house or othej conveniences for doing so, good butter is scarce in market. I say good butter; for a very small proportion of the butter brought to our markets from the country is it. No. 1. We have better butter from New York and Ohio in winter than we find made in the country. It can be brought a thousand miles — subject to all sorts of handling and then is greatly superior to the home manufactur- ed. I do not say that good butter is no*^^ made here; for I know that we have some excellent butter makers; but I speak of a large portion of them. Now the fact that some families here make the best kind of Butter; that they get the uniform price of twenty-five cents a pound for it during the whole year; that they make money by their Dairies, — must be satisfacto- ry that the business can be carried on here with success and profit. I wish to call the attention of farmers to this subject. Some of them, at least, are so situated for the right kind of help, that they can make the business pay. If they under- stand how the thing is to be done, they can make it pay well, the while, and it will give them a certain living. Get twenty cows — have good pastures — sow a few acres of land with corn broadcast in June, — so that it can be cut and fed in August and September, when the feed is short, — raise crops of carrots and corn to feed out in winter — keep your cows under cover through cold, wet and sleety weather — treat them as a human ought to treat a brute which lives and eats and breathes on- ly for his benefit — and you will have rich milk, a good deal of it, and if you take of it and manufacture pure, sweet, rosy scented butter, you can always find a ready market for it at high prices. Should there by pos- sibility he a surplus in summer, you can put it up and make it bring you an advanced price in winter. I had the duty a few days ago to hunt about Springfield for Butter, and there was scarcely a pound to be had and that which I got was about No. 5, and I paid for it 30 cts. a pound. In the midst of these hard times a plan is here pointed out by which some farmers can make a good living, and at the same time furnish our towns with a very necessary arti- cle of food. Mr. Editor, will you give our farmers a jog on this subject. A. *%» Suggestions to Growers of Gane. 1st. Select the highest and dryest land, bordering upon sand, marl or clay, and avoid as much as possible the black prairie muck, which grows a large, coarse cane, not very sweet, and is later in ripening. 2d. Plow deep and ridge the same as for corn ; plant on the ridges from 3 to Si feet each way, it being less trouble to tend than when drilled, and will produce as much juice. 3d. Soak the seed in warm water until about ready to sprout ; plant as early as the ground will admit, and not later than the last of May ; cover from 1-4 to 3-4 of an inch deep ; cultivate two plants to a hill ; allow it to stool well ; keep it clean until about three feet high, when it will take care of itself. 4th. When the seed becomes fully black and ripe, strip the leaves by hand or with a stick prepared for that purpose (which is better ;) then cut oflF the tops below the up- per joint, as all above injures the syrup ; then cut the standing stocks and grind. 5th. Cane should all be cut as soon as ripe, as it injures by standing ; keep it clean from dirt ; reject all green succor stalks. If you have much to work, you had better commence as soon as a few heads begin to turn dark, a.s it will then make good synip, although it will not grain well until ripe, and an early begin- ning will enable you to work up your cane before it freezes and sours, or sours standing, which it will do if permitted to stand long after it is ripe. 6th. The working of early planted cane, with a good season, may be commenced by the first of September, when everything should be in readiness. It maybe kept safely for weeks after it is cut, if protected from freezing by overflowing with straw ; fre- quent freezing and thawing spoils it. In any case, it must be cut before heavy frosts, as they will cause it to sour. -«•>- Culture of the Onion. Eds. Country Gentleman. — In your paper, Vol. XIII , No. 9, are instruc- tions about growing onions — some of which are very good; others not so good First it is well to have new seed, of the right kind — to be sure of this, grow it yourself, by selecting onions of the size and quality you wish to grow, and setting them out where they will flourish without any intermixture of the baser sorts. — Onions, like persons, aro known by the company they keep; he, therefore, who would have his product pure, must be careful that they have no bad associates. Spare no pains in preparing the soil, pulverizing and fertilizing it well, and clearing the surface of all extraneous matter, so that the seed may be evenly distributed — in rows about fourteen inches apart, and thick enough in the row to admit of the young plants being thinned, so as to leave them growing about two inches apart. No harm will accrue from their being thus thick; this will enable them to grow two inches in diameter, and when they grow larger than this, thev are coarse and not so palatable. H. speaks oi applying twenty cords of manure to the acre. It cannot be necessary to apply so much if the land is at all decent; one-half this quantity will be enough if properly fined and intermingled with the soil. No crop better rewards care in culture than the onion. It has an extreme aver- sion to weeds, and every thing else that disturbs the tender fibres of the young plant. Although the bulb forms chiefly gm'm-^'f'Wff"^^'T'-)*i-^T-\':F~^^ 254 THE ILLINOIS FARMER. on the surface, these fibres extend to the depth of ten or tuelve inches, and the soil should be in condition to favor this extension. Otherwise, when drouth comes on, the growing plants will feel it; and once checked in their growth, from this or anj other cause, they never again fully recover. Having lived for the last thirty years in the midst of fields of onions, where more than one hundred thousand barrels of best quality are annually gathered, I have presumed te make these sugges- tions. If they should find favor in your sight, and place in your excellent paper, perhaps more of like character on other crops, may be forthcoming in due season. J. W. P. South J)anvers, Mass. "Netting Hogs." Or in other words, to find the net weight when the gross weight is given, is to some a difficult operation. Any one who can read figures, can see at a glance, by the following table, what the net weight of a hog is. The table is made from the "Kentucky Rule," that is, for the first 100 lbs. deduct 22 lbs. for gross; for the second 100 lbs. deduct 12i lbs.; and for the third 100 lbs. deduct 6i. All over the third hundred is net. Pounds- lbs Oz. 100 groit will net 75 105 •• " 79 6 110 «• " SS 12 116 " « 98 2 120 " •« 93 8 125 « " 96 14 ^^i^ <( « 101 1 AOM •■•... '••■••I*. ....■.■••....••..•••••••*••.•• Iv & ^ 135 " " 105 10 140 « " -. 110 145 " " - 114 6 160 " " « 118 12 lo» " " 123 2 160 " " 127 8 166 " " 181 14 170 " " 136 4 175 •« •' .140 10 180 « " ~ » 143 186 " «' .148 8 100 << " 158 12 200 " *• 168 ■ 205 « " 162 8 210 " « 167 3 216 " " "174 14 220 " •' —.178 » 235 " " ••182 4 230 •• " 185 15 235 " " 190 10 240 " " 185 6 245 •' « .200 250 " " ~ 209 6 255 « " 214 1 260 " " .218 12 2«5 " " 'iiZ 7 278 " " 228 2 375 " •' 232 13 280 " " 237 8 285 " " 242 S 290 " " 246 14 295 « " '251 300 " " .258 ••• I. I S T OF PRE :m I tjm:s YO Bl AW4BDED AT TBE FIRgT IXHIIITION •? THK POnOLOGIGAL kM UORTICULTDRAL SOCIETY or souTaEBK illikoii. To be held at Jonesboro, in Union Couuly, May 31 aud June 1, 1859. la- Daring th« forenoon of the first d«y, none bat •zbib itora or members of awarding comniitteas will be admitted. The evening of each dajr will be devoted to tbe discussion of pomological and horticultural subjects. All, whether living wiihiu tbe boundaries of the society or not, are inTited to compote for premiums. Where agricultural or borticultural books or papers are awarded as premiums, should the recipients be, already, Bubscribers to paid papers, or hiiTC received the same in some other award, permife'SioD will be given to select from th* list some other book or paper of equal price. Magazines and papers, offered as premiums, will be sent for oao year. When there are no competitors, no premium wil be awar- ded, unless the article exhibited i» really meritorious. Clasa A — No. I. Rest floral design, to be conspicaoos iu size, well-propor- tioned and tastefully arranged— " UorticultnralUt," with colored plates. Second best fioral design— "Rural New Yorker." Best and most tastefuhy arranged floral wreath — "Ohio Fanner." 2ud best fliiral "9 reath — " Valley Fermer." Best floral aroh—" Gardener's Montblyt' 2ad beat floral arch — '• Brt;ck's Bnok ot Flowers." Beat and moat tnatefully arranged pair of large boquets for THNoa- "'Couutry QenUenien " 2nd best pair l«rge boquets — "Oliio Cuetivator." Best and moat tastefully arranged pair of vases or shells with flovteis — •' Barry's k'. B " Best display of choice and well grown hardy flowers, by an amateur- "III rt ," with colored p'ates. 2iid best dinplny of flowers — "O Cultivator." The SHme by a professional florist or nuraeyman — '•Ilort " with co'ored pUtes. Znt beMt of tbe ame — "llllaota Farmer " CoMMiTrKi. — Mra Col. Ashley Joaenboro ; Mrs. A. E. Cory, CVntraUa ; Mrs. J. P. Keynolds, Salem; Mrs. B. L Wiley, Joneaboro; Mra. W. B. Formau, Nashville ; Jfrs. A. r. Starr, Alton. Claaa A— .No. 3. Best and greatest display ot hardy Jane roses — "Uorey's Magaaine. 2nd bnst display of roses — " Valley Parmer." Best diaplay of perpetual roses — " Thomas' F.B." Beat display of Kreeuhouse pluuts in tiluom — "Hort." with colored plates. 2ud bftgt I f greenhouse plants — "O. Cultivator." B< St display of wild flowers, coirectly named — "Ohio Far- mer " 2nd beet display of wild flowers — " lllinoia Farmer." Best display of the the greatest variety of wild flowers unnamed—" KUiott's F. li." Best display of Pansies — "Valley Farmer." Best display of Delphlnuma — " Breck's B, of F." Best diaplay of liollitud Bulbs— do. Best display of fink— do. Beat display of Phloxes — do, Best di;9play of Annuals- do, Beat display of Spireaa — do. Beet display of Cut Flowers — do. ConMiTiiE — Sir. Danphry, Central City ; Mrs. J. M.Radd, Salem; u.rs. J. D. Wood, Nashville; Mrs. 0. B Overman, Rloomiugton ; Mra. K. Chandler, Belleville; Mr. D. L Phil- lips, Jonesboro. Class A— No. 3. Pest botanical collection — " Country Gentleman." Best aooloKicil collection — "Pr»irie Farmer." Best geological collection—" Oout. Press " Largest collection uf insects deBtrnctive to fruits or flow- ers, correctly named — •' Hort." with colored plates. Largest cull ctiun of same, destructive to garden vegeta- bles— "Haral New Yorker." CoMMiTTES. — S. S Coupon, Jonesboro ; J. II. McChcsney, Springfield ; Dr. Q . W. Uotchkiss, Ashley. Class A— No. 4. Best Essay on Orramental Gardening — " Rural N. Y." Best plan for flower garden — "*>. Farmer. ' Best Essay on Fruit Urowing in Southern Illiaoig—"Coan- try Gentleman'" CoMMiTTU. — Mr. Marschalk, Jonesboro ; M. L. Wilcox Ceutralia; L. D. Silling, Kinmundy ; M. L. McCord, Cen- t:ailia. Claaa B— No. 5. Best display of last year's fi nits — "Prairie Farmer." 2nd t)eet diaplay of fruit — "uhio Cultivator," Best aiu J greattst variety of strawberiiss— "(iardoner's Monthly." Best single variety of strawberries — "Uovey's Magazine." Best display and greatest variety of currants — '-Cenintlia Press " Best display and greatest variety of gooseberries — "Rural New Yorker." CoMM iTTia - Oov. Casey, Mt. Vernon ; Dr. Brooks, Ashley ; Jae. d Martin, Balem ; John White, Marion; 8. L. Owes, Wltliamson county. Class B—Na.6— Canned Fauits, &c. Beat canned peaches — "Vall«y Farmer." " " Apples— '-Ohio Cultivator." " " Prara— "111 Farnur." << «' Plums— do. " " Blackberries — do. " " Uaxpbfrries — do. " " Currants — do. " " ttoiseberries — do. " Apple butter — do. " Quiace jelly — do. *• Collection of canned frnl's— do. " Collection of preserved fruits — d ). CoMHlTTKl. — W. R. Arthur, Centralia; Mrs. Lewis Klls- worth, Naierville; James Bradley, Bradley; Mrs. N. D. lugraham, Ceutralia; Mrs. D.J. Pa ker, Ealem ; Mrs. B. G Roots, Taiaaroa, Class C— No. 7. Best and greatest variety of garden vegetables — "Gardiner's Manthly" 2nd best variety of vegetables — "Illinois Farmer." Beat to uatoes — "Ilovey'a Magaaiue." Beat I'Brrota — " Prairie Kariner." Best bests— "Centriiilia Press" Best early turnips — ' Prairie Farmer." Dest early radishes — "Centralia Press." Best early lettuce — " lUiuois Farmer." Best early cress— do. Best early encumbers— " Prairie Farmer." Best early asparagus- ''Centralia Prets " Best early cabbnge — "Illinois Farmer." Best variety of rhubarb — "Centralia Press." Best three varieties of rhubarb — " Rural New Yorker." Best earl? peas— " Prairie F:rnier." Best early beans — "Centrailia Press." Best diaplay of vegetables out of season (t.(. fsrcod)— " Gardiner's Monthly." Best greeo corn — " Prairie Farmer." Committee.— C. W. Webster, Salem ; B. Pullen, Centralia; 0. B. Nlcholls. Carlyle; Joseph Barber, Richview; D. L. Phillips, Jonesboro; T. J. Johnson, Centralia; W. W. B*n« net, Jonesbora ; Dr. Owen Bainbridge. Claas D— No. 8. Best display of wax fruit- "Rural New Yorker." Best difplay of wax flowers — "Country Guntleiuan;" Committer.- Mrs. Phineas Peaso, Ceutralia; Mrs. John Oall, Central City; Mrs Primmer, Fandoval; Mrs. E. H. Uowell, Cen ral City; Mrs J. G. Vanghn, Walesa; Mrs. R. Bond, Carlyle. Claaa D.-No. O. Best painting in oil— "Ohio Farmer." " Painting in water — do. " Display of ambrotypes — do. " Display of daguerreotj- pea — do. " Fruit painting in oil--do. " Fruit paintinK in water — do. CoMMiTTsa. — W 8. Wat, Greenville; George Bbninger, Salem ; D.Mc Vein, Anna; Mrs. N. Drestor, Anna : Mrs Col. Baiubridge, South Pass; Mrs. J. M. Hunter, Ashley. Clssa E—iNo. lO— Mlacellaneoua. Best bouquet of dried flowers and leaves — "B. B. of Flow- ers." Best eollection oi native mosses — "B. B. of F." Best display of horticultural tools— "Hort." " Horticultural books and papers — "ITort." Committei. — A. J. J. Pearcy, Centralia; John D. Wood, NashTille ; Dr. Ilotobkiss, Ashley. NatlTe Wlues, &c. BastCatawha wit • — "Dowring's fruit baok " " Isabella wine— "Harry's frnit book." " Currant Wina — "Themaa' frnit book." " Wine from other fruits or vegetables — "Blliott'l fruit book." Best cider — "Downing's F. B." COMMiTTii.— Governor John Reynold, Belleville; Dr. J. C. Warden, Cincinnati; S Francis, Si.ringfield ; J. A. Kenni- cott, West Northfleld; Judge Breese, Carlyle; Phineas Pease, Centralia; Judge Haynie, Cairo; John Dougherty, Jonssboro ; John T. Preston, Nashville. Discretionary, NoTi. — Under this head, all articles not enunisratsd in th* above Hat will be entered and premiums awarded the same as if they had been regularly listed. In thii clasi only flrat preminms will be awarded. Committee. — J. E. I obdell, Centralia; Thos: A.Morton, Carbondale; D. H, Brush, Carbondale ; Jacob Zimmerman, Makenda- Paul Wstkins, Dn Quoin: M. Beckwitb, Pana; Wm. M. Bird, Vandalia; Sid. Olney Times, Olney ; Pres of McKendree College, Lobitnon. B.O. ROOTS, Pres't. K. D. INRQABAM, Sec'y. Some of Franklin's Maxims. ne that by the plow would thrive, Himsel Tmust either hold or drive. The following from the pen of the great American philosopher, Dr. Franklin, should be printed in letters of gold, and hung up in every schoolroom, side by side with the usual a-b ab dog latin, and other nonsense with which our children's minds are crammed, and which seems to be the rule in our modern system of tu- ttion. There will be a time when a professor- ship of political economy will be consid- ered as absolutely necessary to every school. But that time is not yet. At present we have nothing but profusion and shameful waste, on the one hand, while abject poverty, meanness of spirit and total carelessness, is too much ob- servable on the other. These are the two extremes which characterize our present false state of things in a physi- cal point of view — all laid to the score of false training, from the highest to the lowest. But hear what "Poor Richard'' says : 1. Plow deep while sluggards sleep. ■ -v..' ■^5r«^-- V V^TSprWR^-Wi^^SeJI^JIJFT^^ THE ILLIlSrOIS F-A_IIMEII. 255 and you shall have corn to sell and to keep. 2. Pride is as loud a beggar as Want, and a great deal more saucy. 3. Silk and satins, scarlet and velvets put out the kitchen fire. 4. Diligence is the mother of good luck. 5. Pride breakfasted with Plenty, dined with Poverty, and supped with Infamy. 6. Extravagance and improvidence end at the prison door. 7. It is easier to build two chimnies than to keep one in fuel. 8. If you would know the volue of money, go and try to borrow some. 9. The eye of a master will do more work than both of his hands. 10. What maintains one vice would bring up two children. 11. He that goes a borrowing, returns sorrowing. 12. Rather go to bed supperless than rise in debt. 13. Sloth, like rust, consumes faster than labor wears. 14. A life of leisure and a life of lazi- ness are two diflferent things. 15. Three removes are as bad as a fire. 16. Creditors have better memories than debtors. 17. The rolling stone gathers no moss. 18. If you would have your business done, go; if not, send. 19. It is foolish to lay out money in the purchase of repentance. 20. Buy what thou needest not, and it will oblige thee to sell thy necessar- ies. "These maxims by Dr. Franklin," says a contemporary, "though often printed, lose nothing of their value by repetition.'' «e» • State Fair Premiums fur Best Farms, Nurseries, &c. Office CoRBEspoTtWNO Seorktaet, I Spriugfiiold. April 1, 1859. / The followinz is a list of the premium^ offered by the State Agricultural Society for the best farms, nurseries and groves which shall be enteral for competition. It is hoped that these entries will be numerous : For belt improTsd and highly cultivated farm, not IsBfl than 600 acres Gold Medal Second best $15 Best improved and higbljr cultivated farm, nut less tban 160 acres Gold Medal 2iidbeat 16 Best improved and bighljr cultivated farm, not less than 40 acres Gold Medal 2nd best 15 Best ariangadandeconumically conducted prairie farm Gold Medal 2nd best 16 Best grove of cultivHted timber on the prairie. ...Gold Medal 2nd best .....Silv. Mtdal Best arranged and cuUivated nursery of fruit and orna- mental trees, shrubs and plants.. |30 2ad best 10 Best arranged and cultivated nursery of the various fruit trees i. $20 Zud best ".. 10 Best arranged and cultivated nursery of grafted apple treei), from 1 to 4 years old , 20 2id beat 10 Bust hIiow of cue iiud twoj'ear old graf.cd or budded apple trees.'. 10 2nd best 6 The committee, in making tbeir award, will be governed by the genenl arrangement, cultivation, thrift, pruning and training of trees and (thrubs. All competitors are required to furnish the committee, at' the time of examination, or before they make their awar^, a written statt-ment. of the mode of the preparation of the nur'ery grounds— the man- ner of cultivation, mode of pruning trees, shrubs and plants in their respective nurseries. All persons who desire to compete for the above preminms must communicate their intention to S. t'KANCls, Currespon - ding Sec y, Springfield, Illi., by letter, previous to the Istday of July, BO as to give the committee full time to examine tha farms, nurserieB and gioveB to be entered. Awarding Committee: Benj. P.JoBNSoN „. ....Ilrbana. Da. JS. H.CtAPP Peoifa. Oh. H. Bosemstisri. .' Freeport. S. FRANCIS, Cor. Sec'y 111. State Ag. Society. COMMERCIAL. St. Louis Market— March 26. FLOUR— Dull. Pales 75 bbl- country single extra at $6; 60 tibis fdury at $5 66, and 654 bbls country donble extra private. WUKAT— Steady . Sales 30O sks stumptail spring at 9.^c 69 sks poor fall at 110c ; 684 sks good spring atll6@16^; 736 sks ordinary and common fall at 115@11Gc; 677 sks fair fall aM2U@122c ; 455 sks good fair 122(a> 123c; 143 sks gocd at 126@13Sc ; 12 sks prime at 130c; 100 sks choice White 135@H38c ^ bushel. CORN — Firm, with sales of 158 sks poor white at 77c ; 916 sks white, yellow and mixed, in lots, at 78c ; 160 sks white at 79c ; 640 sks do at 8Cc, and 960 sks white and yel- low, private. OAT:^ — 8ales of 3S0 sks common at 65c; 381 sks gKod at 72^@73c ; 60 sks prime at 75c, including sks, and 77 sks choice at 75c, sks returned. BARLETT AND RYE— No sales of barley A smaU lot of prime live in bbs broughf 95c. HIDES— Steady at 18%c for dry tints. Receipts small. PORK— Sales of 141 bbs Mess and M. 0., mostly the for- mer, at $15 50, and 200 bbls Mess at $17 fi bbl, CUT MEATS — 40G0 shoulders and sides sold at 5?^ aad 8c, and 3000 shoulders and bams at 6^ and 8c ^&). BACON — Sales of 5 cks (food country sboulders at 7c: 4 cks eood conn try hams at 9J^c ; and 15 cks light rib sides at 9>^c "^^ ft LAKU — 38pkg8 eood manufacturing sold at lO^c, and 32 bbls prime at lie ^ fl). WUlt^KY— Market unsettled. Sales of 335 bbls in lots at25^c; 32 bbls at 25^c, and 66 bbls in two lots at 26c ^ gallon GRKRN APPLES-15 bbls sold at $3 50 fi bbl. H AY -^ales of 2-1 bales prime at 87 J net. About 450 head remain on sale Sheep — The market has been bare for several days. Last sab sat $6 75@$8. Milch Cows — At $40@85 ^ head. A small stock. Veal Cattle — Good demand. Prices at $7@13 50 per head. ^t. liOuls Lilve Stock Mark<;t~March 26. Cattle — The supply is light, and the 8him)ing demand moderate. i>ales of common to fair at from 77 to 8i^c net; good and prime from 9c to 10c % lb. Uogs — Are arriving freely, and sell at from 6c to 8e net Shaep — Are scarce and in excellent request. Common and fair are worth from $3 to $5 — extra |C, A fair aveage lot brongh t $6 50 each. Cows and Calves- Good cows are in poor supply. The ex- tremes are $'20@$40. !■> New York Cattle Market— March S3. A. M. AUerton A Co., proprietors of the Washington drove Yards, Forty fourth street, report the cattle in market from the following states : New York 635 Indiana 149 Ohio 6-24 Illinois 666 Virginia 76 C' nnocticut „. 18 Missouri 52 The following are the droves from Illinois : Shuester & Seigle „ 91 Alexander & Fitch 73 S Stainright 15 A. M Allerton 71 George RidclifiT...... 76 J. T. A lexander 196 John Taylor 46 And_25 small lots from this State. BEEF CiTILB. Number reported at this market at Forty-fourth street, 2,741 The prices to-day are quoted as follows: First quality, ~ 10J^@llc. M'-dium 9>i@l0c. Ordinary 8@U c. Pome extra good beeves may be quoted at Ilj.<^@l2c. The general average of the market at — ^ lOc. ^he most of ths sales range from 9@10}^. EVERGREENS. ORDERS MAY BE LEFT WITH S. Francis for Evergreen Trees by the quantity, from the well known Nuroery of Samuel Edwards, Bureau county, at the following rates : Balsam Firs, American Arbor Vifie, White Pine, White Spruce, six to ten inches high, $6 per hundred and $36 per thousand. The same varieties, from the woods, collected by Mr. Ed- waads' agents, who take them up in thebeit possible manner, selecting trees carefully from open «xposures, packing at once in damp moss, at $15 per thousand and $90 per ton thousand. American Larch, two years in the Nnrsary at $10 per 1000. KurY>pean Mountain Ash, 6 feet high, $18 per 100; 8 to 10 feet, t2& per 100. Neik Pine Strawberry plants at $3 60 per 1000; acd Hybrid Scotch Rhubarb at $3 per 100- Orders for the articles may be left with nichl 8. FRANCia. GARDEN, FIELD AND FLOWER SEEDS in great variety , for sale by. 8. FRAN CIS. AWSeeds will be sent by exprfus or ma'l, as ordered. Frnit aad Omameiital Trees and Sbrnbberf. THE SUBSCRIBER WILL RECEIVE orders for Frnit, Ornamental Trees and Shrnbbery to be had from any Nursery in this State. The articles will come fresh, in good ord> r, will be trne to name, better and lower than the trash often imported from foreign Nurseries, mchi 8. FRANCIS. ME1.1.0NS. JAPAN AP- ~ ^-e pie melon at 39 cents per.' dc*., by W. H. Gardner, I 8ublette, l«e Co., Illinois. Iowa „ 12 Kentucky 266 Michigan „ 203 Peunxylvania «. ... New Jersey 17 Canada.- 110 Massachusetts 19 SEEDS OF THE FAMOUS pie farm mchl 46 CAl "I SEED n^HEAT. ANADA CLUB," "SCOTCH FIFE," _ DUNDEE," Ac. Helliwell, Brother, Milwaukee, Wis., and B. F. Pixley k Co , Jantsville, have received from Canadi West asnpply of these Spring Wheats for seed. It is well known that the change of seed produces a large increase of the crop. Applications for this seed can be made at S. FRANCIS Seed Store, Springfield, who will send orders to meet the wishes of farm<>rs. SEED OATS. Persons desiring seed oats, should apply immediately as above. form mchl " ':-'■ OP - ■ -■ ■ GARDEN SEEDS FOR SALE BY S. PEANCIS, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS. Asparagus, Artichoke. Beaks, for Snaps — Valentine, Early Newtngton, Thonsiuid to-One, Early Mohawk, Early China, White Cranberry Bunch, Rojal White Bunch. Bte?i3, PoLE-London Horticnltural Cranberry, Siva, Lima, Red Cranberry, Indian Chief. Cabbaoe — Early Wakefield, Early York, Red Durch, Early Sugar Leaf, Premium Flat Dutch, Large American Dnua- head, Drumhead and Kohl Rabi Caoliflowee — Early London. Corn — Early Red Cob Sweet Mammoth Sweet, Early Tna- carora, &c , Smith's Early White. Beets— Karl V Bassano, Early Blood Turnip, Long Blood Red, Mangel Wurtzel, Ac, English Sngar Beet, &c.. White Sugar. Cucumbers — Short Green Early, Long London, Long Tur- key, Gherkin, &c. Celbrt — iSolid white, chrystal white, solid red. Crers — Curled double, broad leaf. Carrott — Common yellow, early horn, blood red, Belgium yellow. Egg Plant — Early long purple. RAI.E — Sea kale. LETTncE — Ice" cobs, early Silesia, green drumhead, kc, early white. Melox — (Cantalope), pine apple, nutmeg, beach wood, green citron, large yellow cantaloupe. Watek Melon — itloantain sprout, mountain sweet. Long Island, ice cream, black Sptnisb, citron melons Nasturti- uui, Okra, short and long green. Onios — Large Wetherfield red, early red, Danver's yellow, yellow silver skin, white Portugal. Peppeb — Large bull nose, large squash, Spanish, cherry, small cayenne. • yuKS — Early Comstocks dwarf. Bishop's Ions pod, cham pion of England, dwarf Prussian, large maorrwfat, Prince Albert. Pdupkiic. — Large yellowfield, parsnip, long sweet. ParsLET. — Doubls curled, Myatt's garnishing. Rhubarb. — Mitchell's early, Myatt's Victoria, Spinach. Squashes (winter.) — Autumnal marrow, winter crook nee : lima cocoanut, Ilubbard'p winter. !?qua8Hes (summer.) — Early ,crookneck bush, early yel- low bush. Turnip. — Flat Du3*c'/*^ SPRINGFIELD, MAY, 1859. NO. 5. PUBLISHED MONTHLY, BT BAIIillACUE ■ Camels — Thkir Strength. — We visi- ted Parson's wharf to witness a feat of strength performed by one of JMr. Watson's camels, of which there were near a dozen on the wharf of all ages. The camel loaded was one of the largest. On the word of command being given, the camel lay down ready to receive his load, which consisted of five bales of hay, weighing in the aggregate over 1400 pounds, which was firmly bound to the pannier placed upon the animal's hump. Upon the utterance of command by the native keeper, the huge animal arose without any apparent effort to his feet and walked off" in a stately manner along the wharf and through the city. We were in- formed that the same camel had IGOO pounds placed upon him, with which enormous weight he arose. The animals are all ex- ceedingly : ractablc, and seem to possess much affectiou for any one who treats them kindly, as an example of which Mrs. W. informs us that one of them, a pretty white one, which she had petted, would always kiss her, when she was within kissing distance, which fact we really thought, certainly proved the ani- mal to possess an excellent taste, as well as an affectionate disposition. In their native country the average load for a full grown camel is some 800 pounds, with which they perform their long journeys over deserts, with but little food or water. We doubt not with the abundant forage found in all parts of Texas, and a full supply of water generally, the camel will improve in strength and general appearance, and be able to transport larger loads, at a more rapid pace, than in his native country. — Galveston Kcwe. Goodale & Co. Cirrular for April, Cleveland Wool Depot. Dear Sib . — Our receipts for the past month have been confined mosfly to pulled wools with a few medium clips. We think that the fine clips through Ohio and the West are closed out. We quote : Fancy clip at 65 Full blood 55 Three-fourths blood 50 Onerhalf blond 47 One-fourth blood 44 Common 41 These prices for domestic wools are very fully sustained, whilst pulled wools in our market have declined, with less demand. — The city pullers, however, have very small stocks on hand and wc notice a very marked decline in sheep pelts, as some of our pelt buyers have been largely engaged in pur- chasing skunk pelts which during the warm days of March have declined in price. It would, not be surprising if this stron"- de- cliTiing fiivor of this new article of com- merce had some influence in working down the price of sheep pelts. There seems to be an absence of the usual number of Eastern buyers in the field and the cause of the decline in price of sheep pelts may perhaps more properly be attribu- ted to decline in pulled wool. We quote Extra pulled at 50 Super 42 No. 1 37 Contracts for the new clip have been con- fined to certain localities in this State, which have been made at from 37 to Gl cents, not so much according to quality of wools as con- tractor's views. White Beans. Editor of the Farmer : — As one of the crops whicli should be raised in our State, mention may bo made of White Beans. If cultivated with system, and with an understandino; of all the wants required for the sucessfnl growing or this crop, a good yield may be expected. — Beans usually bring a fair price. I have known them sell for $3 a bushel and also for 75 cents a bushel. Prairie the second season after break- ing, is usually good land for beans. It is then light and clean from weeds. — The seed can be drilled in, in rows three feet apart, and about three inches be- tween the plants. They will come up readily, and, Avith the soil I mention, free of weeds, they will require but little care Our lands are all rich enough indeed, they are richer for beans, without man- ure, than is desirable. When the Beans are up four inches, the cultivator should pass between the rows. If there are weeds mmong the beans, they should be wed out. This cultivation should be repeated, perhaps twice. But a farmer can be a judge of the necessity of this. Beans should never be worked when the dew is on the plants or when they are wet with rain. There are many varieties of Beans used for field cultivation. The largo White Kidney, is a strong growing varie- ty, and yields tolerably well. The White Marrowfat or White Crawberry, is a large round bean, yields well, and is the best bean for eating. This bean does not require rich land. The White Navy Bean is smaller, and is a capital field bean. The White Yankee, or Soup Bean, is the smallest variety, and if the season is dry, yields well. If the sea- son be wet, it runs a good deal to vines. Beans should be gathered in dry wea- ther. It is all important to this crop that they be bright and clean for market. This will not be the case unless great care is taken in gathering the beans. — The vines, or holm, should ))e pulled in good Weather, should be dried and kept from dampness until the Beans are threshed out. BEAN HILL. Uniou Fairs. Editor oftlie Farmer : — Why cannot Uniou Fairs, to be gotten up by the Agricultural Societies, of three or four adjoining Counties, be made useful ? It is too late to agitate this subject for the present year, but some thoughts may properly be given to it. A Union Eair in which the counties of Sangamon, Morgan, Macoupin, Menard, Lincoln and Macon, and perhaps some others, could unite, would be a grand affair. The first Fair could be held in Morgan or Sangamon and then could travel all around so as to embrace every county r'^HWfW'S?^ •T-^'j=?iiSiii-«r t^ THE ILLlJ>^OIS FA.KMER. 263 named. It seems to me that the measure •would get up a great interest, second only to that of the State Fair. By another season every county I have named will be on a Railroad, and stock and other articles for Exhibition could be transported to the Union Fair ground by the cars, and visitors could also reach the Fair by Railroad from all the coun- ties. I cannot doubt that the Railroads would find it for their interest to furnish for these fairs the usual facilities they ex- tend to the State Fairs. The arrangements for these fairs would be made by the Agricultural Society of the county where they should be held. They should be at all the expense of preparation, and should be entitled to proceeds — after paying expenses. It would then be the interest of the county having the Fair, to make all due prepar- ation for the Fair, and secure such com- petition and attendance as would do the connty credit, make the fair useful, and furnish the "material aid," so necessary in all such enterprises. " UNION. " For the Illiaois Farmer. Natural History. in S EOT 8 . books, but as MmtPHTSBOlo, Jackion Co. Bl. April 12th, 1859. As the grasshoppers are beginning to make their appearance, I select them as the subject of this article, not in the or- der we find them in the they are appearing this season The insects we commonly call "grass- hoppers'" belong to the families Gryll- idae and Socustidae', of the order Or- thoptera distinguished from each others by the long antennae and exserted ovi- jyositar of the former, while in tha latter family the antennae are shorter than the body and the ovipositar wanting. Fetrix'xB the name of a genius belong- ing to the family Socustidae^ which was established by Labreille, and distinguish ed by the enl-dr ged j^rothorax, which like a horny shield extends back over the entire abdomen, and terminates in a point, and by the small wing covers Avhich are reduced to little scales on the sides of the body. All of our species of this genius are small, none exceeding three fourths of an inch in length while some are less than half an inch long. The determination of the species of this genus is difficult, on account of the dull colors, numerous variations, &c. and to show this I may state that Tat- terstedt described eighteen species, which Charpentier reduced to two. Westwood in his ''Synopsis of British genus" gives three species, Serville in "Hist. Nat. describes Ortlwptres' which is intended to give all known species describes but ten; yet Dr. Harris gives as many as eight species, found in Massachusetts. Following the arrangement of Dr. Harris, we may divide tVis genus into two divisions. 1. Those with the antennae 13 or 14 jointed; ages prominent, protliorax ex- tending beyond the abdomen, nearly llat on the top. 2. Those with the antennae 22 join- ted; angles not prominent, protliorax somewhat heeled. Those of the first division appear to vary in their size and coloring more than those of the second; of these I have discovered this season the following species. ■ T. ornata. Dark ash- colored; with a large white patch on top of the pro- thorax between four small black spots. Length slightly over half an inch. Sometimes white spot varies to pale pur- ple. T. dorsalis. Underside sooty; sides and legs washed with pale streaks; on the protliorax opposite the lateral angles a large rusty-red patch, rest of the protliorax pale ochre-colored. Length half an inch. T.hilineata. Ash- colored; ^^rofAoraa; marked by a double whitish line, aftei uniting into one, and extending from the head to the end of ika protliorax^ widest in front, narrowing to the middle and then expanding, having a dark triangular patch on each side at the lateral angles of the protliorax. Length about two fifths of an inch. T. guadriniaculata. Dark gray above variegated with dark or black spots, four black spots, near the lateral angles two in front and two behind, latter lar- gest; wings in this and all the preceding species, equal to exceed the prothorax. Length less than half an inch. Among the specimens belonging to this first division, which I have found are some varying considerably from either of the above descriptions and yet do not agree with either of Dr. Harris' other species. Some with the back of an entire dull ashy color; others an ashy purple; others variegated with ochre-yellow, grey and black, others with the back almost en- tirely white. All these species and varieties correspond in having the lateral portions oii\xQ protliorax depressed and rough at the neck, also of a muddy greenish color; the back of the protliorax almost flat, marked by an elevated line running lengthwise in the middle, and the protliorax is also slightly elevated at tlie extremity. Dr. Harris says that when young, these are heeled on the back. Belonging to the second division I have found two well marked species also a wide variety of one of the species. T. lateralis. Sides black, eyes black, thorax pale clay-colored, slightly heeled, posterior thighs, face and lower edge of pronoturn pale ochre- colored; wing-cov- ers with a minute elevated silvery spot at the tips, abdomen yclIoAv beneath, wings extend considerably beyond the prothorax, and the prothorax beyond the abdomen, the polpi of a pearly white. — Of this species I have a variety with every part a deep black that in the fore- going is whitish except the face, popi and sides of the prothorax. but exactly agreeing in every other particular. — Length half an inch. , ; The other species does not correspond with any given by Dr. Harris, though very similar in shape and color to the T. parvipennis^ but the thorax extends beyond the abdomen and the wings be- yond the thorax, and it is full tlu-ee- fourths of an inch in length. But as none have appeared yet, and those spe- cimens I saved last season have faded, I will not at present attempt a description. As further proof of the difficulty of distinguishing between varieties and spe- cies, I may add that of the T. hipunetata, one of the most common European spe- cies, Phillippi (Orthop. Berol.) gives no less than thirteen varieties, while of the same Tetterstedt (Orthop. Suec.) anoth- er very common European species, the former author give twelve varieties, and the latter divides it into five species, — This species is very similar, in the des- cription by Servile, to Dr. Harris' T. Sordida, and some of the varieties given come very near his hilineata. These insects are generally found in sandy spots, road- sides, or in places where the weeds or grass are thinly scat- tered over the ground. They do not ap- pear to be very injurious to useful veg- etation, seeming to prefer spots where such plants as the knot-weed grow. — They live over the winter either in the pupa or perfect state, probably the lat- ter, as they appear so soon perfectly de- veloped, and their colors not bo bright as in the latter part of the season. C. T. Note. — By some mistake, the copy of this valuable communication was lost af- ter the proof was taken. We apprehend that it will be found to contain errors ; for Avhich the author is not responsible. — ■■ — ■ «•» Rhubarb Wine. — At a meeting of the Farmer's Club in New York, "Solon Robinson announced that he had a bot- tle of Native Wine that very strongly re- sembled Sherry, which he would offer to the ladies and gentlemen in the beauti- ful silver goblet which *'the friends of progress in Connecticut presented him for telling them they could better grow grapes than corn upon their hard, rocky hillsides." This wine was drank with great satisfaction, and highly praised ; and then he told those who admired its good qualities that it was made from the juice o£ rhubarb (pie plant,) at the rate of 800 gallons per acre in Wisconsin." 1 264: THE ILLIISrOIS FA-I^MEH. iuol5i gmwtw SPFI IVCJFI EL.D, MAY 1, 1859. The Potaloe Crop. The value of the potatoe crop is rarely estimated by our farmers. Witliiu the last fifteen years, the consumption has been greatly increased. It is an accep- table food in all forms in which it is prepared at every meal. It ougJit to be a cheap food ; and if it Trere cheap, it would greatly lessen the expenses of families. A few years ago there seem- ed to be no difficulty in procuring good crops in Central Illinois. They were rarely affected by the rot, and their qual- ity was excellent. The pink eyes and the Irish Greys were the leading varie- ties, and they were of good size and as fine as could be desired. Afterwards other varieties were introduced — such as the Boston Blues, White Neshannocks, Mercers, Peach Blows, Kidneys, Jackson Red Eye, White Mexicans — several of which proved to be good, though the seasons were'unfavorable, and some are yet on probation, promising well. . We do believe that potatoes can yet he made a productive crop in Central Ill- inois. • Probably grounds the second year from the prairie would suit them best, but if old grounds are well managed they can be made to yield : well. The feeding grounds of stock — the use of which may be dispensed with in sum- mer— make valuable grounds for pota- toes. These grounds are usually dry — (they ought to be so) ; they become rich by the deposits of manure — the weeds, except, perhaps, "Jimsons," are mostly destroyed — and when properly plowed and harrowed are light and in the best order. They may be laid off in drills by the plow ; the seed potatoes cut so as not to leave more than two eyes to the piece (one is quite as well) and these pieces planted in the drills six inches apart and covered with the plow. The cultivator plowing through between the rows will destroy most of the weeds, and if they appear in the drills they must be pulled out by hand. We have known good crops raised on such prepared ground, and with very reasonable ex- pense. Many farmers undoubtedly have other systems of raising potatoes, which are successful. The public generally are greatly in- terested in this crop. It is wanted for home consumption. Twenty-live and thirty cents per bu;>hel pays well whcrc- evcr good crops can be had by ordinary culture. AVithin a few of the last years the cities of Central Illinois have been .supplied with this esculent from the Northern part of the State, at a price ranging from seventy-five cents to two dollars per bushel. The amount of consumption in our cities is rarely calculated. For instance in Sangamon county, there is a city which would naturally receive her sup- plies from the County, of 15,000 inhab- itants. Would not the consumption av- erage five bushels to each individual, if they could be had as plentifully as de- sired ? If so, here is a demand, alone, in the city of Springfield, for 75,000 bushels of potatoes ! What a valuable market for the farmers of Sangamon county ? These facts suggest other thoughts. The population of this country is increas- ing more rapidly than farm productions designed for consumption at home. It is a fact well known to every housekeeper that many of the productions of the farm required for the consumption of families, are with difficulty obtained, at fair living prices — we mean prices which families can afford to pay, and which ought to pay producers well. Here, in Spring- field, butter is bringing 35 cents per pound, and quick at that price ; pota- toes §1 40 per bushel ; corn meal $1 cents per bushel ; Hour $3 per hundred pounds ; lard 12-J cents per pound; ap- ples $2 per bushel ; white beans §1 60 cents per bushel ; hams 12 J cents per pound, &c., &c. Look at our fertile lands, our rich pas- tures, and ask why is this ? We know that we shall be told of the bad sea- sons and failure of crops. Then we ask you to visit the farmer — who has a farm of 160 acres — and half of that well improved — who cultivates many sta- ples— has his small dairy — a reasonable number of hogs and other stock — who has ft goad sized potatoe patch, works it well- -who has a reasonable number of acres of corn, one who drains his ground and cultivates well — look over his mead- ows, where he gets a good yield of tim- othy— his acres of Hungarian grass — all these and other crops well cared for — who does not pine and grumble in bad weather, but always has some profitable employment, and you will find even now that such farmers are holding their own and many of them are making money. These crops, these products, are main- ly neglected by those who seek to fill their purses by raising their hundreds of acres of wheat and corn. They are not satisfied with small and handsome gains, and living comfortably and in a plain way, living independently. They want to cultivate large fields, counting by hundreds of acres — looking for large crops and fortunes at once ! How sad- ly arc many disappointed. Their large fields cannot be relied on for crops until they are drained, and they cannot be drained from the profits of the crops raised upon them, without draining, for years, if ever. aa^ : — The Rohin. Notwithstanding the general regard the public have for the Robin, many fruit growers within the last few years have imbibed great prejudices against him, regarding him as of very serious injury to fruits. At a meeting of the Massa- chusetts Horticultural Society, in Janu- ary, 1858, a resolution was offered by E. S. Rand, jr., to the effect that a pe- tition be presented to the State Legisla- ture for the repeal of the laws which prohibit the taking and killing of this bird. 6n the presentation of the reso- lution, an animated discussion took place — the result of which was that a commit- tee was appointed to make a thorough investigation of the habits of the Robin, Prof. Jenks, Chairman. At the last January meeting. Prof. Jenks made his report to the society. — His investigations were very thorough. Beginning with the first week of March, 1858, he obtained and examined speci- mens at least weekly y and most of the time dailu, to December, and during the winter months. The following are the results reported : RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION. First. Early in March, numbers of this bird made their appearance in this vicinity ; but, until the second week in April, only the male birds. Second. The gizzards of those killed in the morning were, as a rule, either entirely empty, or but partially distend- ed with food, ivell macerated ; while those killed in the latter part of the day were as uniformly filled with food fresh- ly taken. Third. From the almost daily exami- nation of their gizzards, from the early part of March to the first of May, not a particle of vegetable matter was found in the gizzard of a single bird. On the contrary, insects in great variety, both as to number and kind, as well as in eve- ry variety of condition as to growth and development, were the sole food. But nine-tenths of the aggregate mass of food thus collected during this period consisted of 07ie kind of larva, which, through the aid of Baron Ostensacken, Secretary of the Russian Legation at Washington, 1 was enabled to identify h '«lj!a5PUflLU jywj J^^ 1U»l!::JU^ KZVFi'.er-f4i,TfjSt:i ,v v.'>?Tjr*>\]V^ THE ILLINOIS F^HMEH. 265 as the Bibio albipennis^ Say, and whose history and hahits, by tlie aid of Dr. Asa Fitch, entomologist of the New York State Agricultural society, I was enabled to make out quite satisfactorily. From one to two hnndred of this lar- va were frequently taken from a single gizzard, all in a fresh, unmacerated con- dition ; and usually, when this larva was found, it was the only food in the stom- ach. To quote from a communication re- ceived from Dr. Fitch, he says, "My at- tention was first directed to this fly some twelve years ago, when I was occupied in investigating the wheat midge. I ob- served it to be so very common in fields of growing wheat that I suspected it of living at the expense of that grain crop ; but on looking around I found it was equally as common everywhere else — resting upon the grass, leaves, and flow- ers in my yard and garden, as well as in meadows, pastures, and forests. * * * * * It comes abroad about the 20th of May, and continues about a fortnight. You will readily recognize it by its commonness, and its white trans- parent wings ; its body being black, clothed with soft white hairs. It is very sluggish, moving around but little, and is easily picked up by the fingers. * * * On page 764 of the London Gardener's Chronicle of the year 1844, is a valuable article of Ruricola, (J. 0. Westwood,) giving a full history of the Bibio Marci, t\\Q European analogue of the one in question. 'It appears these insects (unlike most others of the family Tipulidoe to which they pertain) are most pernicious, the larva feeding upon the roots of plants, sometimes to such an ex- tent as to cause them to wither and die. Ruricola states that the larva of the Mar- ci, and other allied species of Bibio, are frequently sent to him by gardeners, who find them to be mischievous in their strawberry beds, vine borders, flower pots, and other situations where the soil remains undisturbed during the autumn and spring. ' And another writer, Bouche says, 'that his bed of ranunculuses was completely demolished, for several suc- cessive years, by these worms eating the roots.' From these facts every one will perceive that the robin, consuming, as you found it to do, from one to two hun- dred of the Bibio larva daily, during the months of March and April, has proba- bly been ridding our gardens of these vermin every year hitherto; thus ren- dering us an important service, of which we have been wholly unaware. — The larva are gregarious ; living togeth- er in Bwams, and peforating the ground so that it resembles a honeycomb. This is probably caused by the parent fly depositing her whole stock of eggs in one spot, she being too lazy and slothful to wander about and distribute them in different places. Hence the robin on finding one of these worms, knows that there is a host of others at the same place, and thus repairs to that spot, day alter day, and gluts himself with them till the whole colony is exterminated." To this extract I may be allowed to add, that my own observations, during the past year, confirm the conclusions of Dr. Fitch respecting this larva in every particular, having found its colonies in November, and observed the fly in early summer. I may also here introduce an extract from a communication of a lady friend, under date of Oct. 7, 1858. She says: "On speaking of your re- marks concerning the food of the robin, at the Teacher's Association at Bridge- water, in June last, to my father, he told me of a little circumstance which I thought just proved your statement. It was formerly the custom to have a shoot- ing match on election day in May. On such an occasion in North Bridgewater, about the year 1820, a great many birds were killed, so many that a man bought them by the cart-load for the purpose of enriching his land. In consequence, there was a great scarcity of birds in that vicinity, and a great amount of grass land -seemed to be injured, but from what cause no one knew. The grass withered and turned dark—colored, as though it had been burnt, commencing in small tufts and spreading in large circles.'.' It would seem that the insect under consideration would, growing un- disturbed, produce precisely this result. Fourth. During the month of May, the Bibio larva entirely disappeared from the gizzards, but, up to the 21st of June, was replaced by a variety of in- sects or worms only, including spiders, caterpillars, and beetles, of the family of Elateridae, the parents of the well known wire-worms, so destructive to corn and various other seeds when com- mitted to the ground. The earth-worm I found to be a fa- vorite food for the young bird, but spar- ingly employed by the adult for its own use. Fifth. From the date of June 21st, I began to find strawberries, cherries, and pulpy fruit generally, but in a majority of the examinations intermingled Avitli insects, which led me to conclude that they were not fond of an exclusively vegetable diet, but rather adopted it as a dessert, and from the ease of procuring it, particularly during the enervating season of moulting. At this season of the year, I discovered a marked differ- ence in the food of the birds killed near or in the village, and those killed in the country at a distance from gardens and fruit trees, the latter having less of stone fruit and more of insects in their giz- zards, which led me to conclude that the robin is not an extensive forager. Sixth. The mixed diet of the robin seems to continue from the ripening of the strawberries and cherries to October, the vegetable portion consisting, during August and September, in great part of elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) and pokeberries (Phytolacca decandra.) Seventh. l)uriug the month of Octo- ber the vegetable diet is wholly discard- ed, and its place supplied by grasshop- pers and orthopterous insects generally. Eighth. Early in November the robin migrates southward — the few remaining eking out a miserable existence, during the winter months, on bay berries (My- rica cerifera,) privet berries (Ligustrum vulgare,) and juniper berries (Juniperus communis.) Having entered upon this investiga- tion unprejudiced, I have only sought for the facts as observation should de- velop them, and these a^e the results to which I have arrived at no small expen- diture of time and labor. All of which is resnectfully submitted. J. W. P. JENKS, Ch'r. MiDDLEBORO', Mass., March 5, 1859. After this investigation we hope the Robin will again come into general fa- vor. He occasionally, it is true, takes a few of our strawberries and cherries, but he destroys thousands upon thou- sands of insects which are injurious to useful vegetation. We shall not grudge him the small amount of fruit he takes from us, while we know that his habits otherwise are all for the benefit of the Farmer. •«»- Influence of the Moon. — It is stout- ly contended by some that the moon has a great influence upon newly planted crops, making soap, and even it is or- thodox in some parts of New England to believe that pork killed in the increase of the moon will swell in boiling, while if killed when that planet is waning, the pork will shrink while undergoing the culinary preparation. The learned Ja- panese insist that epidemics are more general and fatal during the full moon ■ than at any other period — that less rain and snow fall during the full moon than at any other time, and that more rain and snow fall, and more heavy storms occur in the last quarter of the moon, than at any other given time. They graft their trees, trim their shrubberry and house plants during the decrease of the moon, for they hold that the moon, during its decrease, exercises a health- ful and healing influence upon the incis- ions made upon all animal and vegetable ^ee THE ILLINOIS F^HnVTER. life. The farmers of Japan, however, although they pay great respect to the changes of themoou, depend on making crops by manuring and high cultivation. Their farms are small farms, and they are well tilled. Carrots. "We do not expect that our farmers will readily go into the cultivation of root crops, as food for stock. Some may do it, and find themselves well paid for their labor ; others will regard the work to make the crop as requiring too much labor, and of a kind that does not suit them. Time, however, will work a change in the minds of small farmers. There is no root crop so valuable for stock as carrots ; and there can be grown in large quantities, without a vast expenditure of labor. A light loomy soil, plowed deep, say fifteen inches, with the double Michigan plow, suit them ex- actly. The ground should be rich. — The light Orange and White Belgian are the kinds mostly cultivated. Allen's "Book of the Farm" gives the proper mode of preparing the seed and planting : *'The carrot should be sown in drills, 16 to 20 inches apart, when the ground has become warm and dry. The seed is best prepared by mixing with fine mol-l or poudrette, and stirring it well togeth- er to break off the fine beards ; then sprinkle with water and allow it to re- main in a warm place, and occasionally turn it to produce equal development in the seed. It may remain ten or fifteen days before sowing, and till nearly ready to sprout. It then readily germinates, and does not allow the Aveeds to get the start. The frequent use of the cultiva- tor and entire cleanliness from weeds, are all that is necessary to insure a crop. Two pounds of good seed will sow an acre. Any deficiency of plants may be supplied by transplanting in moist weath- er. Six inches is near enough for the smaller kind to stand, and eight for the larger. They are subject to few diseas- es or enemies, excepting such as can be avoided by judicious selection of soil and careful tillage.'' The ground should be kept clear of "weeds. The yield is sometimes extra- ordinary. From 400 to 600 bushels are a common crop. In New York much larger crops have been raised. In the transactions of the N. Y. State Agricul- tural Society for 1856, is the statement of I. Brodio, in regard to a crop raised by hira. The land hiid been originally a mirey swale. lie underdrained it, and after sowing a crop of corn, he planted it to carrots. The seed was put in with a seed drill. The yield from the meas- ured acre was 1,600 bushels, weighing 60 lbs. to the bushel. The cost of seed, growing the crop, and rent of land, was $49 21. ««« The Vhrbena. — A few years since, we had only two or three varieties of this flower, and they are now counted by hundreds, besides, the new varieties are much more beautiful than the old. They are green house plants, and are kept with great difficulty through the winter in pots in the parlor or sitting room. But such is the extent of their cultivation in the green houses that they can be purchased at such small prices, that it would not pay families to grow them through the winter, to transplant into their gardens, if it was practical. They can be bought at the Green Houses in the season of planting out at a dollar a dozen; and a dozen will embrace a suf- ficient number of varieties to make a handsome display. If you desire to make the Verbenas flower in the finest manner, the Verbena beds must be dug up in the fall, by throwing the soil into high ridges and spreading Over it a coating of wood ashes, and upon these, old and well decomposed stable manure. The larva of worms is thus destroyed and thesoil becomes well pulverized. In the spring the manure must be worked in. The beds should not be made so high as to cause plants to suf- fer from drought. The plants should be strong and planted out as soon as the weather will permit, so that they can get a good start before hot weather comes on. If the ground becomes dry, thor- oughly, water the plants every other evcnino;. -••^ Locusts. — Our advice is not to plant the seeds of the locust in Central Illi- nois. Many of the finest locust groves we have had, have been killed by the borers; and the ground, now full of lo- cust roots, is s ending up shoots that form a thick shrubbery — few trees — a perfect nuisance. Single trees, and even clumps of trees, have yet escaped the ravages of these borers; but where one tree is perfectly healtby, a hundred have boon killed. "Swine's Flesh." The papers have latterly contained many onslaughts on the use of swiue'g flesh for food. It has been charged that the use of it has caused most of the ills which our flesh is heir to. We have always, however, held in much doubt the statements and we are glad to see an article in the Homestead, on the other side of the question. To our mind, it presents strong facts — entitled to great weight. We give it to our readers : "It is very common to hear flippeant girls, would-be delicate women, and would-be very nice young men, who live in cities and stray up here now and then, declaim against pork. Tbey say it is not fit food for the human stomach, and quote Moses to prove it; and they who do not know one other command of the Mosaic law, commend the inspired lawgiver as "a man of sense who knew what he was about" when he told his followers not to cat the flesh of swine, but to hold it in abomination. Pork may be too strong a diet for their weakstomachs and feeble intel- lects, but it is food which nourished the strong frames, iron nerves, stout hearts, and the incorruptible virtue of the heroes who have thus far borne upon their shoulders the ark of our country's safety. Nearly all the gallant men who have served our country in her times of greatest peril were reared on pork. Upon this scorned food were raised our Indian fighters in our country's days of infancy. Pork filled the strong stomachs of such men as John Mason, "the Brave Love- well," and Colonel Benjamin Church ; of Roger Wolcott, Willam Pepperell, and other heroes of the old French war. Upon pork was raised nearly every man of mettle and action who figured in the war of the revolu- tion. Isrel Putnam, Seth Pomcroy, Ethan Allen, Prescott, Stark, Green, Wooster and others, were men who had lived the lives of plain farmers, and the chief of their diet had been pork and rye and Indian bread. — Aud it is a singular coincidence that the only men who disgraced our cause during the war of the revolution, and were either incapable, unsuccessful, or rank traitors, were men who had been bred in cities, who were corrupted by refinements and luxuries, and who probably did not eat pork. Such men were Gen. Cxates, Gen. Charles Lee, Doctor Church of Boston, and that arch- traitor Benedict Arnold, who had been a shop-keeper in New Haven. Now let us see why Closes forbade the use of pork as fuud. I confess that though I have often been foolish enough to allow my temper to be ruf- fled by the silly affectations of some of our city visitors who could not eat pork, yet for a long time I could not silence them by giv- ing any satisfactory reasons why Moses for- bade it. I examined Scott's Commentary, and Henry's Commentary but they did not help me a bit. I tried to talk it up with our minister, but got no light from him. I found in his library however, a book on Jewish antiquities, which gave me a clue to a .solution. There I read some travels in Modern Palestine, and at last falling in with an intelligent missionary who had lived several yeara in Syria, I found out the dif- ..'■■— ;"ril'^,!l,l,J?IJfljp THE ILLINOIS FA.R:MER. 267 fcreace between the Jlesli of swine spoken of by Moses, and the grain fed porZ- of Eu- rope and America. The swine of Syria in the days of Moses, as well as the present day, are not domesticated. They run at large, and are a disgusting looking animal, with no hair or bristles, and their skins scaly and scabby, with blotches and foul running sores. The fat when melted does not become lard, but a turbid oil with a most offensive odor. In that climate nature is profuse in her productions, and rapid in her changes. If animal life is profuse, so is death, and garbage and carrion abound in the daily wanderings of the swine, and the swino feed on it. By persons of wealth the rites of sepulture are as carefully performed as in any country, and the ^cemeteries are protected. But the mass of the people are poor and squalid, and when they die, if they receive any burial, it is but a foot or two of sand that covers them, which offers but a slight impediment to the hogs, dogs, and vul- tures who wrangle over their corpses. The loathsome leper deserted while living, dies when he falls down by the highway, and his remains corrupt even in life, are devoured by the swine in the full ripeness of corrup- tion. The hog was in the days of Moses, and is now in that country the general scav- enger, and his maw was, and is, the tomb of the poor and unfortunates whose remains lie exposed without the gates of the cities. Outside of the walls of Jerusalem is that Pottersfield, which was bought with the thirty pieces of silver paid for our Saviour's blood, and which has ever since been held in execration by all men as accursed ground. — A charnel-house is within its borders. It is called a charnel-house, but is a large open pit into which for centuries past, and to the present day are thrown the bodies, unconfin- ed and unshrouded, of those who can obtain no other burial. This charnel-house, this abominable place, is not protected from the beasts of the field, or the birds of the air. Common decency forbids me to say more. Need any other resons be given why the Israelites abhorred the flesh of swine? — When a hog put flesh upon his bones by picking it off the bones of a diseased Jew, for Jews to turn round and eat the flesh of the hog, would be but one remove from eating their own dead; and therefore it was that a Jew of Syria would suffer death, rather than eat the polluted flesh of swine. In view of these facts it is only strange that any command human or divine was needed upon the subject; but we are told in Isaiah that the Gentiles sometimes eat the flesh of swine. But throughout that country at the present day this meat is abhorred by all men without distinction of nation, sect or caste. Now to call this flesh of Syrian swine by the respectable name of pork, is almost as absurd as It would be to call the flesh of the hyena veal. The meat of the grain-fed hogs, and that only, is what I call pork. The hogs of England and the United States have come down to us from a long line of pure ances- try, and have not a drop of that polluted Syrian blood in their veins, and no more wholesome meat can be eaten than good pork. And a New England farmer without a supply of pork in his cellar, is as sure to become bankrupt as a bank without specie in its vaults. In the neighborhood of our large cities I have seen slaughter-houses where numbers of swine were fed on the animal garbage and offal, and in due time the hogs were killed, sent to market called pork, and somebody eats it. Now I will not say that they who eat it will have scrofula, cancer, tape-worms, or even a colic, but I will only remark that for my own eating I prefer pork fed on corn. Good corn-fed pork, and rye, and Indian meal is now supplying the bone, muscle, and sinew, the brain and the nerve which is to be the strength and virtue of our future history. Strong men are now being reared upon this food, who will fill the places of our giants of old. The dandies and shop-clerks of our cities, can never fill their places. They will be filled from the homes of toil and industry; from the farm and the village school. ''Those who labor in the earth," said Thomas Jeffer- son, '"'are the chosen people of God," and so said the Bible before him. And if in His wisdom another crisis is to arrive in the nation like that of 1776, our heroes will, as they spring up, not from amid the refine- ments of the city, (for in the slim waist of a city belle there is not room enough for a hero,) but from the strong loins of hardy men and women ; they will be the offspring of those who will till the soil, and earn their daily bread by their daily labor ; who live frugal and temperate lives, and the chief of whose food is the fruits and vegetables of their orchards, and gardens, and rye and Indian bread, and 'pork." ■ aas Information Wanted. Editor of the Farmer : — Our lands are generally too wet to plow and it is still raining, and we begin to think seriously of contriving some way to drain our low lands. And as it would probably be of some interest to a great rnany of your readers, we would like to obtain some information through your valuable paper in regard to the ditching done with the under-ground or mole ditcher. Several of us iu this vicinity would like to club together and buy a machine if we were all convinced of the adaptability and durability of the work. J. II. Taylor viLLE, 111.; April 21st. We hope that Mr. Hensley, of Island Grove, or some other gentleman who has operated with the mole plow will answer the above inquiries, through this paper. "Draining lands," tliat is the word with our farmers. It is utter folly to rely on obtaining crops on our flat, wet lands without draining. As a general fact, our springs are not favorable for farm work. If flat lands are in order for early planting or sowing, it is not the rule but the exception. We do not suppose our farmers are able to go into a general system of .un- derdraining with tiles. They may do a good deal with the mole plow; but they can do a good deal more by surface draining. We know of flat lands made comparatively dry by surface draining. The amount of water carried off by sur- face drains, where made of the proper depth and width, is perfectly surprising. It seems to usthatunderdraining, on our prairies, would be entirely inadequate to carry oflT the waters accumulated from heavy and continual rains — such as we have in spring — in any reasonable time. We say to farmers — lessen your farms — drain your lands — cultivate thorough- ly by deep plowing -when practicable — do all work well — and your crops will pay when half culti7ation will be a fail- ure. Soft Maples. — These grow rapidly and make handsome trees. They will bear seeds in five years after planting. The seeds mature in June. The trees can be found on low lands. Gather the seeds when they begin to fall from the trees. Plow up a quarter of an acre of ground. Sow them broadcast, if you like; in drills it would be better. They will come up the present season and grow a foot or more high. In two years they will be large enough to transplant, and they will grow right ahead. A man who lives on a Prairie Farm, in this way can stock his farm with trees in five years that will make a good show and prove a far better investment than fruit trees from Rochester nurseries. The OsAaE Orange. — There is a far greater call for these plants this spring thau ever before. Most of the plants now to be had are two years old. But little seed was planted last year. Those who plant seed this year will reap a harvest next — for we are confident that next year there will not be a sufficient supply of plants to meet the demand. — — **" ■ . < Early Vegetables. — These must not be lost sight of. Early Peas, early Beets, early Horn Carrots, early York Cabbage, the fine kidney Potatoes, early six week Beans, early Turnip, early Radish — mature for the table two or three weeks before the common varieties of these vegetables. <••- Apple Pie Melon.— Who will send us half a dozen reeds of this melon '/ ■"%:■ 268 THE ILLIISTOIS FA.IIM:ER. Experience with the Imphcc. Mr. Taylor, of Loudon county, Virginia, thus gives a synopsis of his experience witli the Iniphee : "Last spring he procured from A. O. IMoore, of Nevr York, four packages ©f Af- rican sugar cane seed, of an ounce each, marked Boomowana, Ncesana, Oomsceaua, Enyana. The Boomowana and Neesana were marked 'early,' and the others 'late.' — They were planted on the 15th and 20th of May, on ground which would have produced forty bushels of corn to the acre, in rows four feet, and in hills two feet apart. The stalks were largef than the sorghum, but not so tall, seldom above eight feet. The heads were more compact, and yielded much more grain. The Boomowana yielded at the rate of 66 bushels per acre, and weighing 51 pounds per bushel. Neesana and Oomseeana yielded at the rate of 50 bushels, of 60 pounds, per acre ; and the Enyana, being on inferior soil, yielded but 36 bushels, of 60 pounds per acre. Some of the seed was ground by him, and produced flour, far su- perior to buckwheat in yield and quality; which mixed with i wheat flour made fine light bread. As a sugar-producing plant it was much superior to the Sorgum, at that place. The juice marked a density of 1,125 to 1,144, or of 16 ° to 18 ° Beaume, and would yield from 29 to 33 per cent, saccharine matter. — He boiled some of the juice and had no trouble in granulating it into cane sugar. — Showing a quality one half better than sugar cane. -«o*- Cutting Fence Tirohcr. A practical farmer in a communica- iton to the Germantotvn (Pa.) Telegraph advances a peculiar theory in regard to the period for cutting timber intended for fences, especially for posts. The prevalent opinion in regard to the best time, is •when the timber is most free from sap, and the very Avorst time is when it contains the most sap. This practical farmer referred to, entertains the verv opposite opinion. On one occasion he cut down some excellent white oak in the month of February and set it out in fence posts, and after this he cut down the same kind of timber in the month of May (when it contained most free sap*) and set it out into posts also. The for- mer posts lasted only iix years; the lat- ter endured twenty-two years. This correspondent also advocates the cutting of timber for rails about the month of May when it contains most sap. He says if timber is cut for rails when tbe sap is running, the bark then strip- ped off, and the rails made immediately, they will last one fourth longer than if cut at any other time and have the bark left on. The inside bark of the wood is the first to decay and rot ; being of a po- rous nature it contains air and water wbich carry the process of decay into the wood. When the bark is peeled oflP, the sap soon dries and prevents decay. All experience goes to prove that the bark should always be peeled from chestnut or other rails in order to render them more durable : this is well known to every far- mer, but it will hardly be conceded that the best time for cutting rail timber is when it contains most free sap. This is a practical question, however, which can only be decided by experiments, and it is one of no small importance, as a vast outlay is caused annually for repair of decayed fences. Health and Hogs. A foolish idea prevails that hog meat is unhealthy. Experience in the army and navy, and the mercantile service, prove that no meat is more healthy than salt pork or bacon. The reason why people arc sick from eating pork is, be- cause they eat too mxich at once. Pork is highly nutritious, and too much is eas- ily and too often eaten. In hot enerva- ting climates much meat of any kind is unhealthy ; mutton among the least so, because the least concentrated. The Americans eat too much meat of all kinds. I rejoice to see fruit, milk, and nuts coming more and more into fashion. I think a small slice of ham with lettuce, "greens," turnips, beans, &c., &c., will never give one the "scrofula,'' nor tape-worm!" nor necessary *'damna- u tion !"- -American Stock Journal. C. M. CLAY. —f To Make Excellent Bread. — Take eight quarts of wheat flour, spread it in your mixing dish, so as to leave a large cavity in the center; pour a suflicient quantity of boiling milk, or water, over two quarts of sifted white corn meal to scald it thoroughly, and let it stand till it is only lukewarm, turn it into the flour, add a teacupfull of good hop yeast and a little warm milk or water ; stir it well, mixing in a portion of the flour, and let it stand ten or twelve hours in a warm place ; knead it well ; make it into loaves which will rise, near the fire, in less than an hour. When baked well, this bread is light, sweet, and nutricious ; quite as good as bread made of potatoe yeast, and it keeps moist longer, besides being a saving of flour. An excellent dish may be made to tempt the ap])etitc so apt to fail at this season of the year, by slicing dried beef very thinly, and giving tlie bits a quick broil over a blaze ; after which immerse them in a gravy of sweet cream, and add a few eggs, boiled soft in clear water, pepper it well^ but the meat is generally sufficiently salt without adding any, and for this reason cream is pref- erable to butter. «•• BSy^A Mr. Field, from St. Louis, was in this city a day or two since en route for Seneca Falls, N. y., where he lias contracted for the con- struction of a steam engine, which is to work a series of spades, the mnchine to be used in cultivating the Illinois prairie lands. Ilis ap- paratus is to be finished early in Juce. 4*, Lima Beans. — Do best in poor ground. They mature earlier and are certain to produce crops. The poles should be six feet high and the tops should be pinched off when they reach that height. Under Draining. This was the subject of discussion at the Farmers' Club, at one of its recent meetings; and, perhaps, at no former time has the sub- ject of under-draining been more fully dis- cussed. The Club had the advantage of the presence of Judge French, of Exeter, New Hampshire, who lately returned from Eng- land, after a thorough investigation of the English methods of under-draining, and who is now engaged in writing a work on this subject. It was generally admitted by all present that thoroughly under-drained land cannot suff"er from drouth; that the mere getting rid of redundant water from the soil is not the greatest benefit of under-drains, but that the airation of the soil is full as im- portant as the absence of redundant water; that soils thoroughly under-drained require less manures; that the chemical changes which are continually going on in the soil occur more rapidly in the absence of redun- dant water, and the occurrence of air through the drain permits the surface of every par- ticle throughout the soil to be reached by atmosphere and motion; the difference in temperature between these particles of the supernatant atmosphere causing a slight condensation, and thus furnishing all the conditions for those changes necessary for the development of the inorganic portions of the soil. In answer to various questions, Judge French remarked as follows: "The best depth of drain, it is thought, is four feet; and that is so, according to my observations, though it depends upon circum- stances. Where tiles are dear, and labor cheap, the less tiles we can use the better. — Drains three feet dee/p, or forty feet apart, arc not so effective as at fve feet deep and ffty feet apart. Tiles, in this country, must be laid below frost and sub-soil plows, and that should be at least three feet deep. No- body contends, now, in England, for less than three feet depth of drains, and those who advocate three feet are called shallow drainers. As a general rule, it costs as much to dig the fourth foot as it does the other three feet. A four-foot drain is opened in England, only one foot wide at the top, and just wide enough to lay the tile at the bottom. I open my drains four inches wide at the bottom, because that is as narrow as I can dig with a pick. The digger must have rof»m for his feet at the bottom, to work with that tool, and our soil is so hard that nothing else will do. As to the size of tiles, I never would use a one-inch tile, because I do not believe it sufficient to carry off the great amount of rain-water that falls in this country, which is u'uch greater than falls in England, and it does not come in that gentle, drizzling way, but with a rush, just as we do many things, and the pipes nmst be large enough to carry it all off. AVe have no sufficient tables, as yet, but we are getting posted up, and from what I have seen, I think we have got to provide against a rain full of forty-five inches a year. Our New England showers are sometimes little deluges. In 1852, we mifW^'^)-^;^- THE ILLIlSrOIS FA-RIMEII. 269 had six inclies iu one hour. Often we have two, three or four inches in twenty four hours. Just before planting, we have a flood of rain, and this must be carried off, and that imme- diately. I have drained some of my land at fifty feet apart, five feet deep. We need, as a general thing, larger tiles in this country than in England, simpli/ localise we have more water to carry off in a short time. As to the water going through the pores of the tile, there is ten times as much goes through the joints as through the pores so that mak- ing them porous is not so very important. — The joints will take in all the water in the ground. I would have my tiles about as well burnt as good wall brick. They are then strong enough, and can be cut, and are not likely to break in the earth. They should be hard enough not to dissolve, and the clay should be compressed enough to make the tile strong enough, without such hard burn- ing as will melt the clay. I prefer collars three inches long, and always would use col- lars on small pipes, because they keep the pipes in line, and I would not use less than one and a half inch tiles. As to the shape of the orifice, if you have a low head, an egg shape, with small end down, is the best, but a round hole generally is good enough. So is a tile that is round on the outside. The difficulty in round tiles, is that tliey are apt to bend in drying, and it is important to have the line of pipes straight. The round tile is the form adopted by the Land-Drain- ing Company, in England — a company of competent men, who work scientifically. — They never use less than one and a half inch pipe, and those always with colors i^ but they prefer two inch tile, without col- lars. As to joining brook drains, I would have a pipe made purposely, and never bring in the side drain at right angles, and always give it a fall into the main pipe. As to silt basins, if you want to inspect your drains, a silt basin may be of use j but simpler things than such silt-basins as are made in the Central Park will answer. A large, strong-made pipe, set up over the drain-pipe, where the branches join, wi enable any one to inspect a drain, to see where the stoppage is. My impression is that two-inch tiles, fifty feet apart, in ditches two hundred yards long, will carry oflF all the water necessary. Pipes should be as smooth as possible. Two-inch pipes are probably more economical than one and a half inch pipes, with coUors, since the col- lars cost, in England, half as much as pipes. But there is some land in which it will not answer to lay pipes of any size, without col- lars, or some substitute. I use pieces of wood, such as the Yankee boot-makers use to Stiffen the bottom of thick boots, which I put under the joints of the tiles, and that effectually keeps one pipe from settling be- low the other." It having been stated that the pick could not be used in making drains below the level of the feet, it was suggested that the lifting sub-soil plow would effectually take the place of the pick ; its line of travel being horizon- tal, it could disintegrate two inches at a time, using the strength of a pair of horses, instead of that of a man, and was in fact a pick, when applied to this purpose. When worked with the chain, and the horse, or oxen walking on either side of the drain, its horizontal position would be maintained, and the earth loosened, so as to be readily thrown out, even in hardpan bottoms. Pratt's Draining Machine was, also, fully described ; and a member stated that he had dug seventy rods per day, three feet deep, with this machine, and that, when deeper drains are required, they are to be finished by hand. Sallsbu y's Drain Tile Machine was fully described. This machine is calculated to induce a more extended use of drain tile. It manipulates the clay, as taken from the bank, without the use of pug-mill, cistern, or other contrivance for the preparations of the clay, the whole being done within the machine itself. The clay is thrown into a hopper, and is passed through a series of rollers, by which it is so thoroughly worked as to render it soft and pliant, even in quite a dry state. It is then forced out through a form making the drain tile, and is so much compressed that the tile does not alter its figure in drying. Its finish is very much better than when made with ordinary tile machines. This machine is now being manufactured as a hand machine, by which two or three thousand tiles may be made per day, with hand power. The process of roll- ing tile, as pursued in England, when half dry, to correct their figure, will be unneces- sary with tiles made with this machine. — Much other interesting matter on the subject of drains was given. — Working farmer. ^ look out for the Tree Pedlars. Mr. Editor: — The tree pedlars will soon be swarming over the land. As soon as they get off their spring stocks and get the money or notes for their trees, they have sold for spring planting, they will beset you for orders for the fall. Where arc the trees that they have sold in Illinois ? Why, if their trees had lived, the Central part of Illinois would now be covered with orchards. Some of the trees they have sold may undoubtedly be found, but not one for a thousand ! irt^ This fact may be'attributed, in part, to bad seasons for fruit trees, but more to the fact that the trees are not suited to our climate. An investigation shows that apple trees which do best in Eastern States, fail here. We do not succeed with apples which are most pop- ular in northern States. A farmer who will set out an orchard of such apple trees as would be recommended in New York, would be sure to spend his time and money for no practical benefit. Even in Illinois there are but few vai-Ietles of apple trees which are approved by all our nurserymen and fruit growers. Varieties that do best in Northern Illinois, succeed but partially in Central Illinois, and fail in the Southern section of the State. Eastern nur- series rarely propagate the varieties which have proved the best here. Hence it is that orchards of eastern trees so often fail. We say to our farmers, if you want varieties suit- ed to our climate, purchase of our uurf?ery- men. They have experience which will be worth dollars to you, and they are acting un- der responsibilities which v.'ill compel thciii to do you justice, even if they had not a higher motive to govern them in their con- duct. You want other fruit trees than apples. — Take their advice in regard to dwarfs, peach- es, cherries and quinces. Leave selections to them as a general thing. They will fur- nish you with varieties likely to be hardy, prolific and excellent. The fruit pedlars sell off a great deal of flower and fruit shrubbery to our farmers, and even go into our cities and obtrude them- selves to find markets. The present spring they have put off thousands of Houghton's Seedling gooseberries, currants, raspberries, and flowering plants at double the ordinary price at our nurseries. The trees and plants do not come up to the specifications in size or appearance, and perhaps in varieties — but what have you to say ? The pedlar has your order, and when trees fruit or blossom, he may be a thousand miles from you. Often you are disposed to resist the swindling bill ; but you cannot effectually do that, for he has made his papers to fit his designs so exactly that you are in a net from which you cannot escape. We say to the readers of the Farmer, that when the fall or spring has come, and you want trees, make out a list of the number you desire, and go to the nurseryman, see the trees yourself, ask his advice, and get what you want, plant them out well, and you will always rejoice that you attended to the busi- ness yourself, and that you did not listen to the pedlar, who has all his lessons by note, and who can say them off to you with the fa- cility of the keeper of a menagerie. This is plain talk — intended for plain people. «» — - — - — - From the Chicago Press and Tribune. Fairbank's Scales. — These scales, in- vented more than thirty years ago, by the Messrs. Fairbanks, of Vermont, and still made there and by them, have been more gen- erally used than all others, and are every where regarded as the lest and really cheapest scales in use. We are told that some other makers, in order to introduce their own scales, make them similar in appearance to Fairbanks', but in appearance only ; and represent that they employ some of Fairbanks' workmen, and sometimes even that theirs are the genu- ine Fairbanks' scales. This shows the high estimate placed upon Fairbanks' scales by the business public, and should put persons de- siring to purchase these on their guard, lest they get a different and inferior article. Fairbanks & Greenleaf, at their extensive scale warehouse, 85 Lake street, have a full assortment of Fairbanks' railroad, hay, coal, grain, cattle, and store scales ; also a very neat, convenient and cheap grain-testing scale, the one recently adopted by the Uoard of Trade as the standard for grading grain coming to this market. They also sell Bos- ton rubber belting and North Wayne Scythes and Axes at Eastern prices. Persons order- ing from Fairbanks & Greenleaf, or any of their authorized agents, will be BUre of get- ting the real Fairbank's scales. It. ' 1*' CoAii Tar Paint. — This can be made as lasting almost as stone, by using this precau- tion : when the paint is put on the wood, put as much blacksmith's coal dust on it, as it will so:\k in. Apples can be preserved fresh until iu 270 THE ILLINOIS F-^HMER. Juno, if you gather them as late as you canj put them into well washed and perfectly dry river sand, and cover well every layer. H. J. Chase, in Peoria county, covers his farm buildings mostly with thatch. Ho uses for thatching a coarse article of grass ho finds in the bottoms of Creeks, which lasts well, is a cheap and effectual covering. The five-tined fork, with handle like a spade, is a very convenient implement to use in the digging of gardens. It does the work better than the spade, and with half the la- bor. Poke is used as a culinary vegetable in Arkansas. The roots are dug up in the fall and planted out like asparagus. The young roots are cut and dressed like asparagus, and aaid to be a delieato dish. Dandalions arc often used, in the East, as early greens. The plants are becoming plentiful in the West — more so than desira- ble. When used for greens, they should be par-boiled well, the water then turned off, more water added, then boiled, and the greens will then be delicate food — besides having some valuable qualities as a spring medicine. <•» Mr. Dunlap's Nursery. This is a new nursery, commenced two years ago, in Champaign county, about three miles south of West Urbanna, immediately on the Western side of the Central Rail road. Mr. Dunlap formerly had a nursery in Cook county, and we believe brought most of his valuable stock from that point. The lands occupied by the nursery are beautifully adapted to that purpose. They rise gently from the Eail Road, and can bo drained without difficulty, if that should be required. Thirty-three acres are now em- braced in the nursery grounds, which are laid out in a very convenient and tasteful manner. He has all tlie variety of fruit and orna- mental trees, and ornamental and fruit shrub- bery, and herbaceous flowering plants, de- sired in this region. His stock of evergreens embraces many thousands of all the hardy and best kinds, and he is increasing this stock rapidly — the increasing demands for evergreens justifying a large expenditure in this department. Of the silver maple, he has ten thousand trees,- a great portion of which are of the right size for transplanting. On i^rairie faruis this tree is valuable for its quick growth, and its beautiful form — mak- ing rapidly protective skirts of timber. It is not subject to disease, is clean, sweet, and does not throw up suckers like the locust — growing quite as fast. Prairie farmers, and the residents of our towns cannot too soon provide themselves where they desire decid- uous ornamental trees — with the silver ma- ples. Mr. D. has the other varieties of or- namental trees — larch, horse chestnut, &c. The apple trees growing in the nursery are such as a good orchardist would select lor transplanting. They are stocky, thrifty, i with low heads, suited to prairie cultivation. His stock of apple trees is very large, aud in the coming fiill he will have many thousands of a suitable size for transplanting. He has all the varieties recommended by the Fruit Growers' Association, for cultivation in Illi- nois, and many other varieties which are sometimes asked for by emigrants from dif- ferent portions of other States. Persons ap- plying to Mr. Dunlap for apple trees, and giving the general selection to him, will be Bupplied with the best trees and the best va- rieties. Of Peaeh trees, he has a large stock of all the choice varieties ; as also of plums, apri- cots, cherries, quinces, and dwarf and stan- dard pears. His dwarf pcare are as handsome trees as we hayc seen. He has a large stock of gooseberries, currants, raspberries and strawberries. His grounds are ornamented with a largo variety of the hardy June Ko- ees, and his hardy pcrpetuals, may be counted by hundreds. It is rarely the case that so great a variety of this latter valuable and popular variety of Roses is found in one enclosure. In a few days more of good weather, the bulbous plants will be in blos- som and make a fine show. Mr. Dunlap took possession of these grounds some two years since. He has made great improvements within that time. He has k most excellent and well arranged barn, good yards, comfortable houses and other buildings, and is still going ahead with his improvements. Tliis nursery is at a convenient point for sending off trees, &c., to different parts of the State . It in about the centre of Illinois, north and south. Lying on the Central road, it is within five miles of the Great Wes- tern at Tolono. Orders were filled while we were at the nursery every day, and sent north and south — so that trees can be had in one or two days after being taken up from the nursery, in any part of the State situated on those roads — a very great object for those who purchase trees. In passing over this large nursery, and noticing its extensive and varied stock of fruit, ornamental trees, shrubbery, &c., we could not but be surprised that our citizens, intelligent farmers, and others, are often in- duced to purchase trees from tree pedlars, which come from a distance — subject to all the casualitics of long passage — put up with- out care — uncertain in size, thrlftiness, or variety — and neglect the fine trees in the nurseries of our responsible nurserymen, ac- customed to our climate, certain to be true to names, and which, taken direct from the nursery, if planted out as they ought to be, are sure to grow well. Where are the mil- lions of apple trees which have been gold in this State by foreign pedlars? We have a schedule of the prices of trees sold at "Dunlap's Nursery," which are twen- ty-five per cent, lower than the prices offor- eign trees, and which, besides, are larger and better. This schedule we shall give here- after. The post office address of the proprietor, Hon. M. L. Dunlap, is ''West Urbana, 111." -«•»- "Cua^e's Hand-books of Knowledge for Praikie Lire." — Thesoaretobo published" in ft scries and are intended to embrace ail sub- jecta connected with Agriculturo and Horticul- ture in the Prairies. The first number is pub. lished;— it is entitled, "The Prairie Fruit Cul- ture: or what to plant and how to cultirato in the West." It contains within a small compasa much practical and useful information on fruit culture. It is well worth the price, 25 cents; and should bo in the bands of every farmer. 4%t — Illinois State Fair. The premium list for the Fair of 1859, is now published, and in the course of distri- bution. Copies can be had at the offices of the Agricultural papers of this State ; of the officers of the State Agricultural Society ; of the officers of the County Agricultural soci- eties, and of S. Francis, Corresponding Sec- retary of the State Agricultural Society, Springfield. The Premium list presents a valuable list of premiums. They exceed sixteen thou- sand dollars. No entry fee is required in any case. This rule of the Society is not de- parted from. From the interest manifested, especially in the region embracing the North half of the State, we are confident the State Fair of 1859, will equal in the number of en- tries, in the attendance, and interest, any State Fair, which has preceded it. The ar- rangement for the operation of the steam plow will be full and perfect, '•» MAGNIFICENT tiaERAtlTY. IMPORTANT TO STOCK RAISERS. We see from notices in the papers that the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical Associ<' ition offer as premiums for their Fourth An- nual Fair, to commence on the 26th day of September next — about $20,000; and that they invite competition from the whole Union. Among others we see that they offer For boflt til orongh bred stallion $1,000 " " romlHter DtAlIion (ia harness) 1,000 " " tboroiigh.brcd bull 1,000 Their premiums to be paid in plate or coin at the option of the successful competitor. JJ^^And HO entry fee required in any de- partment, on stock, machinery, or anything else. >•• Currants and Gooseberries. If you want your currants and gooseber- ries to do their best, you must manure them. Dig in rotten manure about their roots — first cleaning away the grass and weeds. Houghton's Seedling is a capital goose- berry— good enough. White Dutch and Red Dutch are capital cuiTunts — and are quite large when well manured and pruned. — ■ —* Great Sale of Stock. — Mr. Alexander, of Kentucky, will have a sale of stock belong- ing to his world-renowned herd on the first Wednesday of June nest. £^^ Sec adver- tisement. — .«> Valuable Rcceipes. Warts. — Hub them with fresh beef every day until they begin to disappear. I'oR A Sting. — Bind on the place a thick pla.^ter of salt moistened. jyjtyjjS.T*^^^j!g^'iy>y tks poor spring at 10u@112i^c; 600 Bks spring from 115 to 121c; 600 sks club at 122c; iTlsks poor fall at 12U@125c; C9S ski do atl32@ia3c; 135 sks at 136c; 1S2 Bks at 135(g>150c; 205 bUb at 140c; 150 tks at 146c, and 184 ska cboicp red at 150c. COltN— 250 sk8 damaged sold at 70c; 200 sks in the ear at 75c; 5,334 sksmixed and white and yellow at 77@78c; 200 sks choice in the ear at 80c' 200 sks white at 80c; 250 sks yellow delivered, at 80c, and 300 sks cboice white at 82c - OATS— Sales of 47 sks at 53c; 148 sks at COc; 77 sks at 65c; 289 rks at 67c, and 109 sks at 69c. B AIILEY— 172 sks poor spring at 45c, and 192 sks do at 60, including sacks. IIYK— A small lot sold at 90c. PORK- No siilcB of nieiss pork. •JUT MEATS-.Sales 5,000 shoulders and 50 cks hams up the rivcrat 5and7i:. ..-,i> • LACON— 10 cks conn ry clear sides at 10c, and 30 oka country perkhouse shoulders at CJ^c . LARU-50 tC8 prime Bold lO%c. ■WUISKr- 361 bbls in lots sold at 21i^c. -««^ St. X.ouis Cattle Market. — April 30. BEtLETUE DOUSE STOCK TARDS— HANCHESTEB ROAD. BEfiVES— Beef Cattle have been in fair supply for the past week, with cnly a moderate demand, and prices for choice Cattle have a downward tendency, gales were made as follows: 6S bead at $9 35 net. VZ& " 9 25 « 116 head at 9 00 « 99 " 5 00 gross. The above were all good qnalties, iuclnding soms very fine Cattle, with only few ordinary. Butchers have purchased less freely ; good to choice retail at 9 to 10; common to fair, 7/^@83/^ net, with sales of a few extra at 10J^@H, A fine lot cf steerB, containing 85 head, were retailed to butchers for $0,468, or J» fraction over $76 ^i head. There are about 200 bead in the yards unsold. HOGS — The receipts are still large, and sales continue to be matle at low rates. Butchers are paying 6}^@7J/^ net ; shippers pay 5J^@6 — a largo supply left over. iSUEEP — Are selling from $4 to SO 50 ^ head, according to quality. COWS AND CALVES — But lew coming in at present, and ill fair demand, from $25 to $45 $ head, as to quality. St. liouls Horse and Mule Market— April 30. Supplies of over 40 head of horses were received during the week, at the Bazaar Stables, from Iowa and Minnesota, but is net equal to the demand. Prices are tending upnards, and good number one horses and mules caa be sold at an advance on prices obtained for three or four weeks past. A number of large mules are wanted for olty use ; none iu the market. Sales of S3 head of borseB and mules were made during the week at the St. louia Ilorse Bazaar, on Fifth street, between Washington avenue and Green streets, as follows, viz ; Monday, April 25, 12 head sold at private sale for $1,724 50 Tuesday, »« 26,12 " " auc aud pri. ealo 2,0I.S 00 Wednesday" 27, 6 " " at private sale for 902 50 Tliursday « 28, 7 " « " " " 985 00 Friday * •• 29, 34 " " auc. and pri. sale 3,728 50 Saturday " 30, 6 " " at private sale 745 00 83 head for $10,160 50 About 45 head left over; but few good horses in the mar- ket. Kentucky 106 Iowa 420 Connecticut 31 Canada 11 New York Cattle Market. — April 2T. [Abridged from the New York Tribune, April 28 ] TOTAL RECEIPTS OF ALL KISD8 FOE THE WEEK. According to the reports from the several market places in the city, there have been received this week: Beeves. Cows. Veals. Sheep. Swine. Tot'l & L'bs. Total .3 510 179 1.384 2 920 3.633 11.631 Total previous week,2 !<07 226 1.732 3 190 3 016 11.721 Av.pr. w'kla3tyear,3,C80 BEEVES FBOM DIFFEKENT STATES A. M. AUcrton k Co., proprietors of the Washington drove Tarda, Forty fourth street, report the cattle in market from the following states : Now Yo k ....1002 Ohio 608 Periusylvauia .^8 Indi.iua 29 Illinois 794 BEEF CATTLE. Number reported at this market at Forty-fourth street...3056 The prices to-day are quoted as follows : First quality 11@11>/^ Medium 9}^@10i^ Ordin.iry 9 @ Some extra good beeves may be qtioted at 12{g>12}^ The general average of the market at 10 @... It wil. be perceived at a glance that we have materially re- duced the quotations of Isist week, but the tru9 state of the market cannot be fully understood by any one not present. Wo will try to make it as clearly Buderstood as possible. In the first place, we needed a larger Bui)ply this week than last, but did not ned 782 more. Ths alone is sufficient to re- duce price'*. But there were other circumstances. Thoraur ket opened Tuesday with 2,422 cattle in the yards, aud every body having cattle to S'.ll, know very well that these OiJO lu-.d, ou an Albany boat, puch on t!io overslaugh, wiiicb would be in to-diiy in time forsnle, and it was believed that about ISOmoro would come in by cars, making over 3 000 head, many of them heavy bullocks. This knowledge had \ a sort of par.ic influence upon the owners, which buyers ; were not slow in discoveriug, and so all the afternoon. Tues- ' day, it was a sort of game of brag, to see which party would outwit the other, gome of the brokers and Western drovers were shrewd enough to accept the best bids to be had,and let the cattle run, while others held ou, in hopes to-day would be better. A great number of cattle, too, were in the hands of speculators, bought at Buffalo, Albany, Bergen and here, at prices that would not bear the general decline without heavy losses. Such held on ia « sort Of desperation of hope, that this day had not realized. Fortunately, for Illinois drovers, Stock is transported from Chicago now at wonderfully low figures. Regular shipments at $3 50 a head, competing roads offering still lower. TH£ HOG UARKET. There is no material alteration in the Hog market. The arrivals are light, and sales are quoted at 6^@6%Ci IBi'AIRIlANKS' PATENT S C A L E S OP ALL KINDS. Falrbauks • ANNUAL SALB OF SHORT HORNED CATTtE, &c.. Will take place at WOODBURN FARM, WOODFORD COUNTY, KENTUCKY, On the FIRST WEDNESDAY in JUNE, 1859, (Which is the Ist day of the month,) When a number of Soper^or Young Bulls and Heifers will be Sold. ALSO: 7~^ SOME SOUTH DOWN SHEEP, From IMPORTED STOCK. Woodbum Farsi adjoins Spring Station Depot, on the Lexington and Frankfort Railroad, being 15 miles from the former, and 10 miles from the latter place. 49*'Cataloguei will be ready one month previous to the eale, and may be had on application to R. A. ALEXANDFH, or S. W. JOHNSON, Spring Station, Woodford County, Kentucky, mayl 2t I M P H EE^ E ED. ITTE HAVE THIS SEED FOR SALE.— T f Those who have cultivated the Impbee, prefer it to the Sorgho. S. FKANCI;j. SEEDM, ' GARDEN, FIELD AND FLOWER SEEDS in great variety, for sale by. S. FRANCIS. .B6^?eed.s will be sent by express or ma'l, as orilered. dUlifciASWAKE. A LARGE LOT DIRECT FROM THE potteries in England, to be sold at very low prices by aug S. FRANCIS. MEIitONS. SEEDS OF THE FAMOUS JAPAN AP- pie pie melon, at 39 cents per^ drz., by W. II. Gardner, Sublette, Lee Co., lUiuois. farm mchl SEEIFVV HEAT. ''plANADA CLUB." "SCOTCH FIFE." V^ "DUNDEE," &c. Ilelllwell, Brother, Milwaukee. Wis., and B. F. Pixley & Co , Janesville. have received from Canadi West a supply of these Spring Wheats for seed. It is well known that the change of seed produces a large increase of the crop. Applications for this seed can bo made at S. FRANCIS Seed Store, Springfield, who will send orders to msct the wishes of farmers. SEED OATS. Persons desiring seed oats, should apply immediately as above. fiirm mchl URK JAVA AXDLAGUIRA CO- FEE^ ju3t received by L.4.VELY. aprill2 - P CONCERT BILLS RAILROAD BILLS RAILROAD TICKJ5T8 BILLS OF LADINa CUECKS DKAFTS BLANKS OF AW ES^I^S KKCEIPT8 POLICIES BILLHEACP, &D.,& ?. Printed on short notice, and to the credit ^3 Press, which enables us to furnish a better CarA J.^^l^- -'ftxco, and at lower price, than any ofBce in Central lliJeo^Ji, >[^~OrderB from a distance will receive proRitji a#cC(&!3* BAIIiHACHE & BAK£21^ Oct. 12. PBOraCETCBS. MMOMtSE niMjJLS XfEATLT AND PROMPTT EJCECXTTED, [at THE JOURNAt OFFICE. We have just received some beautiful, Cuts. TERMS LIBERAL. marcbIG L UM B EKll P LEASE NOTICE- \ ALL wishing to buy bnilding Lumber or Fencing, either delivered heio or at any point on Railroad, For €ash^ Will save themselves trouble and money by callingon £. R. UIjRICU » CO,^ I We have on hand a very large stock; of thoroughly sea- sened LTMBER, which W3 gcarantek will be offered for cash, at prices which will clearly make it to the interest of ALL, to buy at home. Those wisJdnff to buy on long time, may do better elsewhere, as we are determined to make the proper difference between Cash and Credit prices. Our stock of SniNGLES, LATH, SASH, DOORS, »*., is complete. AliTON JLIME—Iu toarrel or bulk. Received fresh from kilns, daily. PLASTER PARIS, Lest brands. CEMENT, HAIR, ic, Oonstantly on band. All for sale at reduced prioea, FOB CASE ONLY. febll-ly E. R. ULRICH «fe CO. Springfield. 272 THE ILLINOIS FARMER. ILLINOIS MUTUAL FIBE INSUMNCB COMPANY. . .^' ^^ 0*^ •^'^^J'/fS^ CAPITAL UNLIMITED AMP COWSTAJfTLT INCREASING. PRESENT FUND rorthapaymBntof LOSSES BY FIRE $1,000,000 00. PRINClPAIi office: at AliTON, Ilit. THIS COMPANY WAS CHARTERED in 1839, and insures, at a moderate coat, almost every species of property in Illinois against Loss or Damage by Fire. The rates of risk are so arranged that eacu class of property insured will support its own loss. Every one insured l)ecoraeg a member — the Company being an aaauciation of customers — eacli of whom la coucorncd iu insuring his neighbor. The capital augments in exact ratio with the increase of risks; the security for which remains in the hands of the insured; therefore, every member Is the treasurer of his own money until the same ia required for the purpoae of paying loaaea. BOARD 01' "DIRECTORS : rim. Turner, Lyman Trumbull, 11. W. BiUinga, B<(uj. ¥. Long, Samuel Wade, M. G. Atwood, John James, L. Kellenberger, Robert Smith, Henry Lea. Elias Ilibhard, Alfred Dow, F. A.Uoamasn, B. K. Hart, John Atwood. B. I. LONGj Preaident. L; K£LL£:•; X'^!7f^r^i?SHW5SF^^ THE ILLINOIS FARMER. 281 Apples for Illinois. In the fall of 1857, the " Northwestern Fruit Growers' Association" held a meeting at Alton. There was a large number of fruit growers present, and we believe nearly every portion of the State was represented. Their proceedings were highly interesting. Among these were the selections made of different kinds of apples for this State. It will be recollected that this convention was held after the severe winters which destroy- ed many of the varieties of apple trees which before had succeeded well in our orchards. A list of the selections made was published at the time, but it was so ob- viously ineorreet, that we did not copy it into the Farmer. Wo have now before us a true copy; which we give, furnished to the Prairie Farmer, by the Secretary, Hon. M. L. Dunlap. Lilst of Apples. Eecommended hy the Nbrth-wesfern Fruit Grow- ers' Association, at their Meeting at Alton, October, 1857. Eds. Prairie Farmer : — The committee reported a list for Northern Illinois, and AVisconsin, and one for Central Illinois, and one for Egypt. We shall designate them by the letters N, C and E : 1 Early Harvest .- N C E 2 Red June N C E 3 Red ARtrnchan „ E 4 Sweet Bough E 5 Sweet Juno C E 6 Summer Host* „.... C £ 7 American Slimmer Pearmain C E 8 RHinrdell's Sweet N E 9 GoMep Sweet C E 10 Yellow June C 11 Kottick CoUIin N C 12 Dana C 13 flocking N C U FrI I'ine N C E 15 Maiden's Dlnsh N C *i 16 Uhodo Island Green E 17 White llellllower C E 18 Rambo C E 19 Hubliardsou's Nonesuch E 20 BaokinghRm K 21 I'eck's I'leasaiit 0 E 22 Prjor's Ked E 23 Jonathan „ N C 24 Autumn Swuar (sweet) i C £ 25 Duwnlni^'s Paragon C 2(> Funiense N C 27 K->man Stem C 28 Kirly Wliiter Sweet C 29 Ydlow DellH.jwer N C 30 Swaar N C SI Fulton N C 32 Sweet ^■llne^ J. n. Palma, an old resident of this city, and for many years a Mormon Bishop, died at his residence near San- gamon River, on Sunday evening-. ■>%» Jl^^'It seems to be understood that the Chicago and Mississippi Road will remain in the hands of Gov. Matteson for the present. The bond-holders won't take the road and pay the laborers. So it is said. <«• j^="A steam machine for pulverizing the earth has been invented at Cincin- nati. It; is said to do the work better than can be done by any plow. Corn. The past month has been a busy one with farmers. There was a good deal of wet weather in the Central parts of Illinois, and but little low land was planted in corn. The uplands are planted and the corn looks well. The flat lands will yet be planted. We ought to recollect that much of our last year's crop of corn was planted in June, and most of it ripened welL The early varieties — ^white flint, yellow flint, red blaze and King Phillip will ripen well planted in the middle of June. : tt Hungarian Grass Seed is now a scarce article. It cannot be had in Chicago or St. Louis at any price. Many of our farmers were so improvident the past winter as to feed out this seed to their stock. Farmers ! see to it that you provide food for your stock next winter. The Instinct of Toads. — A curious anecdote of the instinct of locality has come to us from a highly veracious quarter. In the town of Franklin, in Venango county, once lived a gentleman who was fond of bees. One mornins: he observed four toads sitting just below the hive. The next day the same toaas were there, grave and solemn as sphy- nxes before an Egyptian temple. One was black; another bright colored; a third blind; a fourth marked in some other distinguished way. Thinking they annoyed the bees, and seeing they pertinaciously preserved their position, day after day, he put them into a bas- ket, carried them across the Alleghany, and left them at the top of a hill. — What was his surprise three weeks after, to find them at their old post, as grave and solemn as ever ! Again he remo- ved them, taking them this time, in a different^^direction; leaving them at a point much further ofi*. In about six weeks, however, they were back fo;- the second time, A neighbor, to whom the incident was told, and who was incred- ulous, next tried to lose them. But in a few weeks the toads were seen, one morning, entering the garden, under the leadership of one of their number, who gave a "cheep, cheep,'' looked back for his suite, and then hopped on, followed by the rest, until he reached his old station under the bee hive, where he gravely took up his old quarters. — PJdladelphia Ledger. Gas Tar for the Peach-Borer. — A correspondent of the American Parmer writes that he has found gas tar a preventa- tive of the ravages of the peach borer. He had previously tried lime, ashes soot, sul- pher, tobacco stalks, and almost every reme- dy recommended ; finally, knowing that the borer deposits its e^^ at various times, from June to October, in the bark of the tree, near the surface of the ground, he cleared away the earth from the body and roots of the tree, to the depth of of a few inches, and as soon the bark was dried suflSciently, it was rubbed with a corn cob until it was smooth. The gas tar was then applied with a paint brush, as low down as the excavation would allow, and for some three or four inches above the surface of the ground. The earth was filled into the holes again, and it was found, the next season, that the trees were perfectly healthy and uninjured by the worm or tar. Four trees were thus treated in 1855 — ^in 1856 all the peach, ap- ricot and plum trees planted ; and of these, the borer was only found in two peach trees, in 1858. Gas tar is naturally very drying, and should be applied with cautiou. In this case it seemed to have been efficient, and not to have been injurious. Still, we think, in the case of young trees especially, a safe op- eration would be, after digging the earth from the stem, to place a ring of strong brown paper around the tree, and smear it with the tar. Princess Clotilde is paid to have •• >• e the purchaser ef the celebrated fa;i belonging to the late Qaeea of Oude- The fin is of white silk, richly embroidered in eneralds and seed pearl: the handle of gold and ivory, s-p!endidly adorned with lubies and eerenteeu large brill- iants of the first water. The announcement, Bf me time pince, that Messrs. Searle and Tattle had been decreed prizes by the Iniferial Institute of France fur astronomical discoveries, has been couflrmfd by letters from Beaumcunt, Secretary Perpet- ual of that learned body. These gentlemen are the first Americr.ns who have Lten award- ed the astionuniical prizes. 286 THE ILLINOIS EA-HIMER. For the Illinou Farmer. Insects, No. 2. HuBPHTSBoRo, Jackson Co., 111., May 23, 1S59. 3Ir. Editor : — The errors in my for- mer communication as published are too numerous to attempt correction, there- fore I will let them pass, hoping this may share a better fate. I will still confine my remarks to the Lociistidaej but before leaving the genus Tetrix, I must state that the specimens I allude to as being distinct from T. parvipenniSj are the females of T. later- alis. The species of this family probably most common are those belonging to the genus Loeusta, Leach ( Oedipoda, Latr,) which may be distinguished from the other very common genus Acri/dium thus. The former has the winfjs longer in proportion to the body, the throat, prosternum smooth, while in the latter it is furnished with a point or process rising up just in front of the anterior legs. It is to the genus Loeusta the celebra- ted locusts of the East belong, hence we may infer the destructive qualities of their congeners. Jj viridifasciata. This is one of our earliest species, often appearing as early as the last of March. It is easily dis- tingui bed by its beautiful green color, wnich prevails almost over the whole in- sect. The wing covers being marked along their upper half by a semi-trans- parent stripe. Wings transparent, pale greenish yellow next their insertion and dusky toward the tips. Thorax keeled above, keel continuous. Antennae and fore legs reddish, and often the under- side of the head and breast is reddish. Length to the end of the wing-covers one inch and a quarter. When young the crested thorax is an important feature in their appearance, causing them to look clumsy notwith- standing their agility in leaping. They delight in spots of young and tender grass, which seems to be their principal food. Their number is consid- erable and their growth rapid, conse- quently they must destroy a large amount of vegetable matter, and that of the most valuable kind. Dr. Harris has united this and some other species into a sub-genus to which he has given the name. Tragocephala, or great headed lo- custs, on account of their heavy antennae and oblique faces. L. Carolina. Is another very com- mon species, long since named and des- cribed by Linnaeus himself (Syst natur.) figured by Stoll (Sauterell, pi. XVIII, fig. G3.) Body a brownish-yollow or rather muddy color. Head same color. Doi'sel keel prominent, sharp, cut across by a transverse impression. Elytra or wing-covers much longer than the body clair near the extremity, ashy bo n marked with dark irregular obscure spots. Wings ample, black except a broad yellow border. Length male 1 inch, female IJ inch, to the end of the body. These prefer road-sides, stubble-fields and spots where the grass and weeds are not too rank and high, but somewhat bare. They may frequently be seen dancing on the wing in the hot sunshine a short distance from the ground. I do not think this species is very in- jurious to useful vegetation, unless it be in the larvae and pupa state. These like all others of this family are hatched in the ground, and appear to come leaping from the egg, being nothing but head and legs when first hatched, and are as active then as when grown, in proportion to their size. I think they are hatched out during the night or early in the morning. And I also think they feed much dur- ing the night, in all stages of their growth, for as soon as dusk comes, and after sunset you may see them taking their position on the leaves of various plants. This will also account in part for our seeing so many plants with their leaves partly eaten, yet so seldom see anything at work at them. Another early species is the — L. infusoata. A smaller species than either of the foregoing, and belonging to Dr. Harris* sub-genus Tragocephala. Dusky brown; thorax keeled; wing- covers anterially tinged with brown, posterior part dusky and spotted; wings transparent, pale watery yellow next the body, dusky on the outer portion; posterior thighs rufous, with two large black spots on the inside; posterior iibiae or shanks rufous with a lighter ring below the knees. Length of male three fourths of an inch. The males of this species are very noisy, leaping often, and accompanying each leap with a rapid succession of crackling sounds, caused (as in all other species of this family) by rubbing the posterior thighs against the wing-covers. This species comes early and continues long, being less choice as to its habita- tion than any other of the genus. Yet I do think it is a very destructive species, because although generally distributed it is not very numerous. Acrydium Americanum. This is our largest and most showy grasshopper, the female measuring to the end of the wing covers 2| inches, and to the end of the body !2|- inches; the male only measur- ing 2^^ inches to the tip of the wing- covers, and 1| to the end of the body. General color yellowish. Head and thorax marked with a yellow stripe along the centre (sometimes wanting in the males), thorax not crested, on each side of the yellow stripe, on the upper side of the thorax is a broad stripe of dark brown; the latter perpendicular portions of the thorax on each side marked with two oblong dark brown spots. Wing- covers marked with a light stripe along the upper edge, the sides at their anter- ior part with dark and light stripes, while the posterior parts are transpar- ent and marked with equal dusky spots. Of this species we have two varieties which seem to be quite distinct, one which comes in the fore part of the season is lighter than the other, and the males less distinctly marked, and the entire coloring in both sexes except the dusky spots, is much lighter and without a reddish tinge. While the other variety makes its appearance about the first of August, is of a much deeper color hav- ing a reddish tinge prevading every part sometimes reaching even a vermillion. The best prevention of the increase of these insects, as I have suggested in another place, is the increase of domes- tic fowls, which, although troublesome to the gardener,- yet destroy a vast num- ber of grasshoppers. Birds should also be protected, as they are the farmer's friends, and he should not envy them the little corn, wheat or fruit they oc- casionally consume, for they will repay it with interest. I think it is all a notion that spiders ever live on vegetable juice, except the injury their nets may do, tender leaves and flowers, I think they do no injury but much good by destroying vast num- bers of insects, especially flies. Clean culture cannot too often be urged upon the farmer; clean the fence rows, take out the stumps, burn the logs and better burn the straw that remains at the opening of Spring. Thus they will be able to keep down vast numbers of these pests with which they are so frequently overrun. C. THOMAS. g^^A good name is abjvo all price. Have you nut found it so, young man; you whose well known virtues have placed you in a position which you occupy with feelings of commenda- ble j.priu; StIOHTS— 26c^bu; TIMOTHYPiiKD— $2J^^bu, HUNGAHIAN GrS'«l-$6 MILLBT— $T; CLOVER— $8(<7;$9 ^ bn; T'OTATOKS— 80@$1 ; HAY— $16^ ton; TALLOW— 9n^ ft; SOAP— bar, eWc^ ft; C A N D LES— 12j^c ^ box; ITCKLED I'OKK-S8i4inOfts, BACON— hams lO^c yi ft; EGGS— 8c@10c ^ doz; LARD-10c@llc%»ft; SUGAR- 8c@10i*ft; COFFEE— 13c@15c ^ ft; MOLASSES— 45c@60c IS eal ; SALT— $1 76|i8,-.k; -ALT— $2 50ftbrl; MACKEREL— 13.@,20c No 1- CODFISU-$5 75iil00fts; APPLES— drud; $2 25f?bu; WoOD-$3 50@$4 ^ cord; COAL— 12c ft bu: W U L«KY— 3t c@35c ^ gal : VINEGAR— 12c ^ gai; BROOMS- $1 50@2 60 « doz; BUTTER- 20c m ft. HIDES— Dry, Ice. HIDES- Green, ej^c; New York Cattle Mai ket— May «5. BEEVES— The supply has decreased S32 head, causing more cmpetitionanioui; buyers, aod thus aiiraucing prices half a cent per lb. The quality was better than any average in II 'ong lime; many wUr^le droves were very suptrior, and Vl@VZ%c per lb was frequently paid for the best Bulectioiis of ordinary Premium s.jid ai high as 13@13i^c, and the averasp cf all sales »a3 equal to He per lb. At Allerton's 2413 hei.d were yarded from the following states :— New York mi, Pennsylvania 74. Ohio 2o8, Illinois CGO, Kentucky 215, Iowa 423, Connecticut 4. Canada 12. and Michigan 74 — The Krie Railroad brou){ht360 htaJ, Hudson 1822, Harlem 8 Camden & Amboy 74. Boats 144. On Tuesday, over ItOO head were sold at Allerton's at the improvement quoted, and to-day (Wednesday) the sales were rather quick, at full ra'.es to the close. The following droves from Illinois were at this market. Wm II. Harris 52; W. W. Pal mer ?.0, L. Talcot 70; A Gil- I'spie 45; SbuesterA Sciplo IR; B. * H Westheimer 71; S.G. \\o'.u'ruf}15;Vail & Cbirk 129; Alex ndor A Caspell 77; AleX' auder i Fitch 60; J. T. Alexander 217; Major Smith 15; QUOTATIONS. The following are the prices at which stock was sold : BEEF CATTLE. Prem. quality, per cwt $12 60(5)13 50 Prime do do 11 50@12 00 Onliuary do do lo 50(ail 00 Common do do 10 00@10 25 Inferior dj do 9 00{a> 9 70 MILOH COWS — Milkmen are almost entirely out of niiir- ket, and the supply tuoug!* small is more than ample f t the demand. Prices are uecliuing- We quote from S2U@65, as to quality. Bei^t quality per head..$50 00@65 00 Good qualities do .. 40 00(a!45 00 Fair qualitiis do .. 30 00@:i6 00 Common qualities do .. 20 00(a;20 00 VEALS — Are quite dull and declining, the quality con- tinues largely composed of young Calves. The salts are made chit-Hy at 4>^(^5^c. Prime qnali'y, per lb Si^aOJ^c. Or linaiy, per lb 3^a5c. SHEEP AND LAMBS— The market is 50a7oc per head lower, owing to a gooi supply and a decre«'.sed coneumption during the warm weather. Carcass mutton is stlling at 8al0c. and for extra llal'.c psr lb; live weight range from 4c to Gc, and on foot trom $3 to $7,50 p'rhead. Lambs com- mand $2 50uf5. Sales by Thos. C. Larkni of 573 head for $2,410 74; by R. H. Hume, 291 for $1,328 C2; by McCarthy, 1 j16 for $3a5 for Lambs, and S3 u0a7 SO fur fcihtep, O'Brian's complete report was not obtainable. Piimequality, per head (extra) $6 50a7 50 Ordiniry, per head 5 OOaO 00 Interior, per bead 2 25a4 60 SWI>E— We noti;;o a more active biisinesi and rather better prices. A lot ol still-fed, average weight 220 lbs, sold for $0.05 per 100 lbs. Corn-fed have sold at ej^a7c, gross. At the Western yards 13,921 bond sold viz : 2482 by Hud^ son road, 14 9 do by Erie do. The KecL-ipts at Hudson River yards were 1927 head. KECiPITUI-iTION OF EECEIPTS. Beef. Milcb, Veal. Shoepand Cattle, Cows, Calves, Lambs, Swine. This week 2032 155 1160 5822 5854 LiiSt Week 3504 221 1420 5287 07j2 Increase Decrease 932 270 633 878 At Bergen, N J., 100 head were sold to butchers for this markit. St. l/ouis Market—May 28, p. m. Although the latest news from the Bri•i^h Breadstuffs markets has been rather favorable, yet no improvement has taken place in ^ew York auH other of our domestic mar- kets. Jn fact, the reverse has been the case, and our market is now HgduU or duller than before the Hurry. We quote as follows: FLOUR — Sales of 100 bags country superfine at 4:3.15:75 citv do at $3.26; 100 bbls extra at S7.50, and 50 bbls double do at $8. WHE.VT— To-day tb ere was an inrreased firmness. nnS reported siles embiaced 6,05u sks iis f\.llows: 2.(x)5 skaclub and sprin-' nt f'om S1.10@l.30; 2124 sks 18 bbU (all at from $1.2fi((^13-<:5i7 sk3tttdo$1.40@1.4^; llOsks musty f.ill ut <;1.18; ilj sks prime at $1.50; and 386 sks prime red and while a! Jl uofu;1.5o. CoK.N — Marlvct tirmi-r; salesof211 sksdama^e.lat 65(??C9c; 1,500 sks mixed and jeUoAat75fe7ai;; 190 cks mixed at fcvii-^f; *°'? sks white and yellow at 82@83c;120 sks mixed white and y^"ow at S4(aj85c; 150 sks white, delivered, at 85c, and 4,200 '*''* private. . ..OATS — Sale- of 725 sks fair at GOc; 356 sks good at 62c, and * 6 skspiimeat 6rc ^ bushel. BARLEY AND RYE — No sales of either, aud prices nomi- nal WHISKY— Sales of 131 bbls at 26c, POTATOE.S — The market has been steady and quiet; sales have emlracpd 12u0 to 1500 bags, and 200 to 300 bbls at Irom 60@80c f >r mixed, according to quality and size of lot, from 87}^@$1 ^ bn for pinkeyes and ueshannocks, and $3@3.10 ^ bbl for Ne-» York mercers. ■;^HIDES — Sales of Flint on Thursday and yesterday at 17c, but to dny the market showed an upward tendency, and sales were at n@Vi)/^c. We quote green salted at 73^.a>8c ^, ft. H.AY — For good and prime there hasbeen a better demand but poor rontinues dull. Sales on Thursday of 122 bales at 75, 80 and 86c; yesterday 24 bales cot: mon at 60c; and to day 3J balei common at 5Uc, aud 26 bales prime at 90c ^ 100 fts St iLouis lilve Stock Market— May 28. BEEF CATTLE— Ha>e been more plenty thi-» week, and tbe market has experienced a decline ei fully IJ.^cflft. Sales were made from 7@9i^c net, as to quality and quantity. Butchers are p;»ying as follows : For good to choice qua4iiie8 9@103.^c 1 ee; ordinary to fair do 7aSJ^c net; inferior and common 2i^a3i^c gross. A large number of Indian Catile wi^re sold from 2J4«f c gross. HOGS— The market vari«d but very little from last week, ei'her in demand or prices. Butch rs pay for good hea.v Hogs 6a7c net. Shippers are paying 4>^a5>^c. A fair supply left nnsoid. SHi-.EP — Have b.>en in good supply for the past week, with rather a dull market, at prices varying from $2tt3 ^ head fur sliearod sheep. GOiVS AND CALVES— A fair supply on 'he market with a moderate demand for good Cows at $3a45 %i head. Common duil at £15a20. «•> New Orleans Cattle Market— May 14, p. m. BEEFC.V'ITLE-The supply of good Western beeves was very limited, and we heard of no sales. The »tock of Texas cattle is ample at $13@25 to $38 fj head. HOGS— A good stock. We quote at 6@6J^c and 7c ^ ft SHEEP— An amply supply at $2@4.50 'a head. MILCH COWS— At $30(»S0 -^ head. VEALCATl'LE— At$6@ll,60 ^ per head. A good sup- net ply FA IR BANKS PATENT S C A L E S OF ALL KINDS. Fairbanks A. ALEXANDER'S FIFTH XV/» ANNUAL SALB OF SHORT HORNED CATTtE, &c.. Will take place at WOODBUKN FARM. WOODFORD COUNTY, KBNTUCKY, On the FIRST WEDNESDAY ia JUNE, 1859, (Which 13 the 1st day of the month,) When a number of Superior Yonng Bulls and Heifers will be Sold. ALSO: SO.HE SOUTH DOWN SHEEP, From IMPORTED STOCK. Woodbnrn Farsi adjoins Spring Station Depot, on the Lexington and Frankfort Railroad, being 15 miles from the fjrmer, asid 10 mile-s from the latter place. *g-Catalogue» will be ready one month previous to the Sale, and ra^iy bo had on application to K. A. ALEXANDFR, or 8. W. JOHNSOa, Spring Station, Woodford County, Kentucky, maj-i jjt ^UljfoiS STATE JOUiii^. MAMMOTH JOB PRINTOI.^ ESTABI.ISHMENT» BOOK-BINDERY, rfc, N. E. Corner Capitol Square, Sprifi? I 'I HI Having perfect«d arraugemeBta, and msdfK j >'-3-"a«., ns to onr extensive ■ • . Job Printing EstablIsliioti.iu» W8 are prepared to execute all kinds of ■ ' - PLjSlXN & DECORATIVE PHIKTHKS' In a etj'le not to be ezcslled by any Printing Office in OenJ >xal IlIiDciB. POSTERS HANDBILLS CIKCULAHS BOOKS PAMPHLETS VISITING CARDS BUSINESS CARDS WEDDING CARDS INVITATION TICKETS BALL TICKETS CONCERT BTLL8 RAILROAD BILLS RAILROAD TICKETS BILLS OF LABIHe CHECKS DRAFTS BLANKS OF iH ^JS:^^ RECEIPTS POLICIES BILLHKADPjfc .&». Printed on short notice, and to the credit oittt ..'^. * '3 C^JRDS—ConipetUion M^i^^iS^ WE have in operation the Celebrated "HBE-Fu^^ *-iXsri Press, which enables us to farnish a better Caid !..,(; 3 ,Z/ilS3) and at lower price, than any office in Central \Yiirf.:^. ^^'Orderi from a dist&ace will receive prcBij^ ctoaifcOi BAir,HACUE & BAKS^SLi Oct. 12. PBOI^BIE^OBa. NEATLY AND PUOMPIY EXECUTED, [AT TBS JOURNAIi OFFICE. ; We have j ust received some beautiful jCuts. TERMS LIBERAL. marchie IMPIIEE SEED. TirE HAVE THIS SEED FOR SALE.— TT Those who have cultivated the Imphee, prefer it to the Sorgho. S. FRANCIS. iSEED!!). GARDEN, FIELD AND FLOWER SEEDS in great variety, for sale by. S. FRANCIS. 49~Seed8 will l>e sent by express or mail, as ordered. Q,UEE>SWARE. LARGE LOT DIRECT FROM THE potteries in England, to be sold at very low prices by S. FitANCIS. A MEtLONS. SEEDS OF THE FAMOUS JAPAN AP^ pie pie melon at 39 cents pir, dcz., by W. H. Gardner, Sublette, Lee Co., Illinois. farm mchl '~, SEED WHEAT, ''pANADA CLUB," "SCOTCH FIFE," yj "DUNDEE," Ac. Helliwell, Brother, Milwaukee, Wis., and B. F. Pi.vley A Co , J:inesTiIle. have received from Canadi West asupply of these Spring Wheats for seed. It is well known that the change of seed produces a large increase of the crop. Applications for this seed can be made at 8. FRANCIS Seed Store, Springfield, who will send orders to meet the wiahcB of farmi-rs. SEED OATS. Persons desiring seed oata, should apply immediately aa above. farm mchl ELiLIOTT'S JW*£ST£:njr fmit BOOM. A NEW ElITION OF THIS WORK, THOEOUaHLT R£TIBED, Embracing all the new and valuable Fruits, with the latest improvemsnts 'n their cu tivatioD, up to January, 1869, especially adapted to the wants of WESTERN FRUIT QROWJSKS. rCU OF EXCELLIIfT ILLUSTBAT10K8, F. R. ELLIOTT, Pomologist, Late of Cleveland, O., nowot St. Lonli. Price $1 25. Sant by mail, poit paid, to any part of the United fctatea, on receipt of price. A. O. MOORE 4 CO., Agricultural Book Publishers "">>• 1 3t UP, Fulton-st., New York. H. O. UIBBARD. ' JAMES K mBBA&D GH. G. & 3. H. HIBBARD, ENERAL COMMISSION AND FOR- wftrdmg merchants. Office, No ISS North Main Street directly cpposjto Bank of the State of JJiss.uri, St. Louis. Missouri. jjj ' 288 THE ILLINOIS F^RIVIEII. ILLINOIS MUTUAL FICE I WRANCB COMPANY. ^^ O^K AJVOy.,, CAPITAL .^^. •.^sx/rv". UNLIMITED AMD COHSTAIITLT INCREASmQ. PRESENT FUND for the p«7mcnt of LOSSES BY FIRE $l,UOU,UUl) uu. PRINCIPAI. OFFICE AT AtTON, 11.1-. THIS COMPANY WAS CHARTERED in 1809, and insures, lit a moderate cost, almost every epeciea of propcrtj in Illiuois against Loss or Darasge by Fire. Tlio rates of risk are so arranged that eacu class of property iustired will support its own loss. Kvery one insured becomes a member — the Company being an association of customers — each of whom is concsrned in insuring his neighbor. The capitiil augmeuts iu exact ratio with the increase of risks; the security ♦or which remains in the hands of the insured; therefore, every raoniber is the treasurer of his own money uutil the same is required for the purpose of paying losses. BOARD 01 '>TRECTORS: Tim. Tumor, Lyman Trnmbull, H. W. BiUinffs, Beuj. F. Long, Samuel Wade, M. G. Atwiiod, John James, L. Kellenberger, Hobert Smith, Henry Lea. EUhs Hibbard, Alfred Dow, V. A. UoOmann, B. K. Hurt, John Atwood. E. F. LONQ, Presidoni. L. KELLESBEEOKBj^Treasurer. M. G. Atwood, Secretary. John Atwood, Ass't Seeretary. John Bl.usdell, Gcn'l Agent. i^^ Application for insurance mny bo made to tho Loca Agents, one or more of whom may be found in every cou»\ty In the State. JAMES L IIILL, Agent. janlO dSmw^y B. F. FOX, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Hardware, I\ ALL ITS VAUIOUS BRANCHKS,nAS NOW IN STOKK one of tho largest and best assortments cf goods inliis lino ever ofTored in this market. Importing many styles of Kng- lish goods direct, and purchasing his American goods of tho manufacturers at tlie lowest (cash) prices, he is enabled to offer merchants and consumers goods at the lowest prices, and on as favorable terms as any house e:»st or west. Uis stock embraces a very large and complete assortment of Agricultural Tools and Implements \ of the latest and most improved kinds and qualities. Heap- ers. Mowers, Straw Cutlers, lledije. I'rimmtrs, S'cklts, Grass and Xruning Html.s, Cradles, Scyllits, Snaths, I'hrks, IlnfS, Shnvds, Scix^ps, Axe.s{».\\ kinds and makes), I'icKs, JUaUucJi:s, lUit Mills, Heed ikparalors and T/ireshiny Mu- ch iiiis. UUSE FURNISHING & BUILDERS WAREfl USE. Large and coiujilete assortment of Z-ocAs, Latdies, ButU, Uin- ges, Screws, Bolts, Jiriids, A'ails. I'JiJMMJJVGS— great viiriety Carpenter's and Builder's Tools I rianfit. Saiax. CUiseJs, Augers, Braces, liitts, Draioing Kiuves, Siuares, Trowels, Bevils, Uatchds, Hammers, AUzcs, llarch and Broad Axes, Borehig Machines, Gould's and HU'ptoe's Morticing Machines, Files, pIo, nutmeg, beach wood, green citron, largo yellow cantaloupe. Water Melon — Mountain sprout, mountain sweet. Long Island, ice cream, black Spanish, citron melons Nasturti- um, Okra, short and long green. Onion — Largo Wetherlield red, early red, Danver's yellow, yellow silver skin, white Portugal. Pepper — Large bull nose, large squash, Spanish, cherry, small cayenne. Peas — Karly Comstocks dwarf, Bishop's long pod, cham- pion of England, dwarf Prus^lau, larga maorrwfat. Prince Albert. PUMi'KlN.— Large yellowficld, parsnip, long sweet. Parhlev. — DoubU curled, Myatt's gariiisliing. UuDBARB. — .Mitchell's early, .Myatt's Victoria, Spinach. Squashes (winter.) — Autumnal marrow, winter crooknec >" lima cocoanut, Hubbard'H winter. ^QUAsnES (summer.; — Early ,crookncck bush, early yel- low bush. Turnip. — Flat Dutch, early six weeks and various varictie«. Tobacco. — Varieties. ToM.vTOE.— Large ied,red cherry, yellow. Sage. — Commou red. Kadisii. — Karly rod turnip, early long red short top, long, salmon, black S[ auisli, Sil-iify (white), scorzoouera. Seeds of various garden lieibrf. Flower Seeds — In great variety — embracing a hundred sort'. Chi.>iese ScQA'i Cane Se.ds — and various other seeds for garden and Held usually found at Seed Storee. UlIL E ir SPLmYS The Double Curved Uprljjltt Steel Mould Itoard l*lu\v. THE PROPllIETOll or THIS SUPERIOR Plow still continues to Bupply.^^ the grfatdemaiid wliicli its merits have created. It« combination of rare ad- vantayieB Las rrcomuieiuifd it to tho agricultural community throughout the State of Illiuois, it is now admitted that it has no equal. The following note is hut one of the many testimonials which have been furuislitd the manufacturer of tho working of his plows. We certify that we have lately nsed the above plows, mann" factured by Mr. Jolin Uhler, and we would state that they are in all respects, sujh rior to any other plows we have ever used. Wo cheerfully recommend them to the public. Win. P. Lawson, Wni. Pollinbargor, J. J. Short, D.iyid Newsom, John W. Beck, Uri'.ili Mann, John Kav.'inaugh, Philemon Stout. Sangamon couuty, Jan 1", ISfjo. From tho peculiar form of Uhler's plows they are not ex- celled by any other now iu use. It scours very bright, sheds otT slubLiles admirably, aed runs light and easy to the team. Tlio lart;"st sized two-JDrse plow of tliis kind, has been used several se.isons successfully in breaking prairie. The limits of a newspaper ndvertiiement will not adiu'l of an accurate description of these plows. To see them is tobe pleased with them. In addition to tho above, tho manufacturer is making wrougliliron upright onea,!iiid two-liorse plows. Also, a superior Prairie Plow, warranted to be equal to any prairie plvw now in use. Any size that may be wanted can be had at short notice. A large number of all si/.cs, kept on hand constantly. MauufactunMlby JOHN UllLEU, Springfield, 111., at who.^o entablishcieut tbene favorite plows can bo had, from a single one to a number unlimited. nuij4-wlv FUUIT AND nit M .V M li N T A L. TK Li liS SmJABISRY, &c. S FRANCIS, SPRIXG FIELD, ILL.. .will receive orders fv)r all dosi-ription cf trees from tU DuP.ine County Xnr-.ri-a. L. KHsworth & Co., proprietors. These trees are well urown. bealtliy, and their genuin.ss is warranto... Orders f)r fall pliuiting can be forwarded to them at any tloie Irom June till NuA<-uiber. Catilouues will be furnished tliose who wi-ih to pnrehase treesiiM I -lirnt bery on appiicitii'U to .Messrs. Francis &l!ar- rcll, :>i.riii-a.'ld. wiioijiJrjE PLoivss. Mauutacturcd \)y Joliu Dere. AS THE SEASON FOR FALL PLOWING is at hand, the subscriber would ask the attention of Farmers and others interested, to his lar^'o and superior stock of Plows of all kinds, now iu use in the West, consist- ing of Three sizes of Improved Clippers, made from the best Cast- steel, and finished in very superior manner; these (lows for case of draft, and perfect plowing, have no equal iu this State. Four sizes and qualities of the common form of old ground plows, made from Cast, Uerman and American Steel, which are equal to any plaw made after this style, Corn Plows of two qualities. Double and single Shovel Plows. Five Tooth Cultivators. Ilitrrow^B, t» o styles, reversablo, adjustable, and Oiddes Double Ilarrow, ()x Yokes of three sizes, finished in the best manner, and a very superior article. Twelve and Fourteen in Extra Breakers, for breaking Prairie or other sod, Willi two and three horses — these are very sujierior breaking plows. Common breakers of every size and styU, on hand, or m.ade to order. Tho Michigan Double Plows. Cf this I am making two sizes for thro) and four horses. This plow is ado[ited to breaking, plowing stubble-land, or sub-soilinj.': and will do auykiuds otplowin^ in the best manner, ^o plow has given SQch general satisfactieu wherever it has been used. It should bo more generally introduced for deep plowing and Bubsoilitig. All orders for plowE either singly or by the dozen will re» ceivo prompt attention Sept., 1S;)S— ti times. JOIIX DKEKR. AiS^ All of said articles can bo had on application to Francis A Barrcll, Springfield. Wes^terii l^and Oif£ice« T. S. MATHER. FOR TUK PURCHASE ANO SAI^JQ OF CITY PRO- pci'ty, Farms and Unimproved l.auds, PAYMENT OB TAXES, ^ Collection of Claims. ; Oovernnient JLands ENTEHed wrru wappasts op cash in ani LAND DISTRICT 12SI ILLlJSOIS. IOWA, MISSOURI, MINNESOTA OH NEBRASKA. tAND WARRANTS BOUGHT AND S01.D. . Office over N. II. lUdgely's Bank, W'est side Public Square, Spriufifield, Ills. B. B. LLOTD, D E ISTTI S T, office ox north fifth street, over J. RAYIlURN'e. SPHIIVrGFIEIilJ, TLL. A DENTAL I'UACTICKOFFIFTKEN YKAHSWARRANTS hiiu in saying that all operations shall be carefully and neatly performed. Ue is in possession of several premi- ums and diplomas awarded by the best institutes for the pro- motion of science and arts in the country. Teeth inserted, from one tooth to full sets, as substantial and handsome aa can be had in any city of tlio United States or Europe. Artificial palate jjlates inserted, supplyinR the want or loss of the palate, velum and would, so as to restore articulation. Refer to Prof. David Gilbert, Pennsylvania College of Med- icine, Philadelphia; Hon. J. S. Ulack, Washington City; Kev. Dr. Ilarkey, Illinois University; Drs. Helm, Hyau and Wal- lace: Messrs. Jacob Loose, J S. Condell, J. II. Gray, Fossel- man, Owen, Corneau &, Dillcr. June", 1S5. Sweet Potat Plaats. TX7E WILL HAVE TllEM IN THE PRO- T f per season, for s.ilo by the hundred or thousand, at fair prices; (See advertisemeutof early Nansemond potatoes) febl S. FKANlIS. EV'CRORKENS. ORDERS MAY BE LEFT WITH S. Francis for Evergreen Trees by the quantity, from tho well known Nursery of Sauiuul EdHurds, Biirtnu county, at the following rates: B.ilsam Firs, American Arbor Vila;, White Pine, Whito Spruce, six to ten inches high, $5 pur hundred aud ^iu pur thousand. Til" same varieties, from the wood*", rollected Iiy Mr. Ed- waads' agents, who take tlioin up in tliebe-t possiide ninnner, seloetiug trees carefully from oi).;n exposures, packing at once in damp moss, at %\b per tliouband aud ly'jy per tcu thousand. American Larch, two years iu the Nnrsery at $10 per 1000. Kuropean Mountain A^h, 0 feet high, $18 per 100; 8 to 10 feet. j23 i)er 100. Neit Pine Strawberry i)laiits at$3 50 per 10C0;and Hybrid Scotch Khubarb at $.1 per ItiO Orders for the articles may bo left with _Jiichl S. FRAN'CIS. Fruit and Orntimi-uliil Trees and Slirubbcry. r|niK SUBSCRIBER WILL RKOEl VE JL oidersfor Fruit, Ornami lital Trees and Shrebbery to be h il fn.ni any NiirsiTy iu this State. Tlif article will come fie-li, in gooil oid'r, will bo true to name, beit-r and lower iliiin the trash ofitn imported from forci.;ii NurR ri.-B. dilI:! S. > IL'iNCIrf. >■ ■ :<•- ^^ YOL. IV. SPRINGFIELD, JULY, 1859. NO. 7. PUBLISHED MONTHLY, BY BAIItra wherries.... v:93 A Time to Make an Impression 203 VuderdraiDing » 294 A Good Prospect for Wheat — — .291 The United States Fair 294 Premiums for Farms, &c 2% A Great Battle — I'rovisious Low 2y6 Cashmere Goats— A New Source of Wealth, Ac 290 llcrticultural Exhibition in Southern Illinois .297 The Microscopic Companion ^ ....a 297 Farmer's Congress at Meadota .„. "97 W bite Ash and Soft Maple „ 297 fiti an berries ■ 297 Premiums for Mowers and Ueapera 298 Kats ~ 208 B;uckberrie8 — ~ 298 Gang I'lows i:9S Millet 2'J*i Twenty-five Dollar Premium 298 Literary Notice., 298 Lute Frosts ~ 2dtord Couuty Agricultural Society .3G0 To Kill Gophers 300 'Press the Retreating Columus," 301 Whitewash 301 Scone Three years ago 301 A I'rfraium for Boys .301' Buckwheat, Turnips, IIungariMU Grass .301 Pheep Killed 3i)l Zante Currants 301 Evergreens 3U2 Care of Young Peach Trees 302 How to Strike Chiua Roses from Cutting- 302 E-xcesslve Eatisg 302 Wheat Harvest 302 Markets 303 PREJniVJfE ESSJMir, BT JOHN RUSSELL, OF RLUrTSOAU. Culture of Rice in Illinois. There is no single product of the soil that sustains so much of human life as rice. It forms wholly or In part, the food of more tlian two-thirds of the human race, for it is made the staple article of sustenance in the densely populated regions of the Eastern hemisphere included within the tropics, and the southern portion of the temperate zone. In China, with its three hundred millions of inhabitants, if in any province of the empire the rice crop is materially injured by inun- dation, or by long continued drought, a fam- ine in that district ensues, and thousands perish. :; '■ Rice is somewhat extensively cultivated in Europe, especially on the islands of the Mediterranean, and in the countries that border upon its shores. It was early intro- duced from Madagascar into the West Indies, and from thence into the United States, where it has long formed a respectable item in the exports of our country. It will readily be conceded that a cereal so widely cultivated, and which performs so important a part in giving food to man, must, undeniably, possess properties that eminent- ly recommend it to so general a use. In the first place, rice forms one of the most healthful diets known. It contains a much larger amount of nutriment in a given quantity, than any other cereal. A handful of rico, which needs no preparation but sim- ply that of boiling, affords the Hindoo and the Chinese asufficiency of wholesome food for twenty-four hours. Another property hard- ly less important, is, that the plant is so easi- ly raised, adapting itself to a great diversity of soil, and like Indian corn, to a wide range of climate. In the Caroliuas, and other southern States, where rice is grown for exportation, it is usually cultivated in low swamps, bor- dering upon a river or a lagoon, where a dike is constructed at a heavy expense, with sluice- ways, to enable the planter, at certain sea- sons, to lay the surface of his rice fields un- der water. Hence, many who have little or no acquaintance with the culture, beyond that single fact, have drawn the conclusion that it can be raised only in swamps which admit of irrigation. This is an error. — There are numerous varieties of rice, many of which yield a bountiful crop on the up- lands. The Chinese, to whom every foot of land is valuable, raise it on the terraces built along the sides of the mountains. Father Martin, a Jesuit missionary who labored for a long series of years in one of the most south- ern provinces of Hindostan, informs us * that in his district more than thirty diflferent varieties are cultivated by the natives. He speaks of one kind that requires nine months from the time of planting to mature for har- vesting; another seven months; another five, and one that requires but three. This was in a region far inland, lying nearly cen- tral between the Ghauts and the coast of Coromandel — a thirsty country, where the inhabitants during the greater portion of the year have no water for agricultural or any other purposes, except that which is collect- ed during the short " season of rains," in artificial reservoirs. And yet, the country was densely populated. Among all classes rice was the most prominent*, and with the poor, almost the sole article of food, for no other production is capable of sustaining so many inhabitants to the square mile. This account, given by Father Martin, is cited to prove that even in India there is raised a yariety of rice that would find abun- dant time to reach maturity in the most northern county of Illinois. The impression that our climate is too cold for the culture of rice, is disproved by the fact that it has been raised by many farmers, in the southern counties of the State, in quantities sufficient for the use of their families, almost from the first settlement of that section. In the cen- *"Lettres Edifiautus et CuriemiM." Tome VIX. a*- . -.'v^ ■'^«'^'!w:;?ra^7K^ 290 •];HE ILLINOIS F^HMER. sus of 1840, rice was included among the agricultural productions ofillinois. We find by the census of 1850, that a considerable quantity was raised in Buchanan county, Missouri, which is in the same latitude as Sangamon, Illinois. A small patch was successfully cultivated the present year, by a friend of mine, in Bluffdale. The seed was obtained from D. B. Tuthill, Esq., of Walbridge, Pulaski county, a gentleman whose enterprise and moral worth do honor to our State. No more seed was procured than was contained in a letter of an ounce weight; for it was the object of my friend merely to test its suc- cessful growth in this county, the present year, and raise seed for the next. The let- ter containing the rice failed to reach hiui till about two weeks later than it should have been planted, yet it ripened in good season, and yielded abundantly. I saw it frequently, in every stage of its growth, and can attest that the experiment was decidedly successful. With proper attention, any farmer in Illi- nois can raise enough for the use of his own family, and that, too, with a trifling amount of labor. Like every other plant of the Nat- ural Order of Graminae, rice has a strong propensity to adapt itself to the climate where it is attempted to be raised. It is probable that in the most northern counties of this State but a small proportion of the first year's planting would fully ripen, if the seed came from a latitude far south. But by planting that which matured, it would adapt itself to the season. Every farmer is famil- iar with the fact that Indian corn, of what- ever variety, soon becomes acclimated. The small dwarf corn, raised in the most norther- ly regions of the Canadas, in three years at- tains at the South, the height of the ordi- nary corn of that region, and requires as long a season to arrive at maturity. As much corn to the acre, on an average, is raised in North America in the latitude of Quebec, as at the equator. At the north, nature econ- omizes the short season allowed her, by ex- pending as little as possible of her energies upon a useless redundancy ofstaUc, but de- votes ihem to perfecting the grain. The same law is manifest in the production of rice. As we advance toward a higher lati- tude, the height of the culm diminishes, without sensibly decreasing the yield of grain. There is a limit beyond which rice, like all other vegetable productions, cannot be successfully grown ; yet it is believed, that if due attention is paid, that limit will not be found in Illinois. A little more than a century ago, when a Frenchman brought to Louisiana from St. Domingo, a few cut- tings of the sugar cane, and planted them in his garden, over which the commercial street of Tchapitoulas, New Orleans, now runs, it was regarded as a vegetable curiosity, with- out the siightcstanticipation that a day would or ever couhl arrive, when the cane of the tropics would be naturalized in Louisiana, and sugar became the great staple produc- tion of that region. This plant, for many years has gradually, by the law of acclima- tion, been extending its culture farther and farther north, and it is difficult to say at what point nature would have pronounced her fiat, ^^ thus fur shalt thou go, and no far- thcry'' had not the Sorgho sncre stepped in- to the arena, and presented our farmers with a valuable substitute. It is not pretended that even upland rice does not require a good share of moisture. — This is also true of all plants of the same Natural Order. Hardly a summer passes in Illinois in which there are not times when from the long absence of rain the corn crop would be sensibly benefitted by artificial ir- rigation. The saying that "rice is fond of wet feet," is applicable, in a greater or less de- gree, to every variety of the plant. But, uo farm in this State can be so destitute of water, that a few square rods of rice cannot, with a triflng amount of labor, be irrigated when irrigation is needful. The quantity of seed required is compara- tively small, for numerous stalks spread out from a single gram, and it should be planted in drills at a sufficient distance from each other to permit the use of a hoe. The average yield to the acre, in the Uni- ted States, asce;t:iiued by actual enquiry in taking the last census, is much greater than the average yield of wheat. From the six- teenth of an acre, if cultivated with the care that may easily be bestowed upon so smalNa piece of ground, it is believed that from fifty to eighty pouiuls of rough rice can safely be expected. This computation is a very mod- erate one, and below the average yield. It should be planted as early in the Spring as the season will admit of sowing tobacco seed, which in this State is usually in March, or early in April. It may be ofTcrod as an objection to its cul- tivation that rice, like barley, is covered with a hard glume or hull, of which it must be di- vested before it can be used for human food, and that the machine by wliicli the large rice planters perform the operation of hulling, is costly. The rice-mill has indeed done for that crop what Whitney's invention has done for that of cotton. In 1840 there were eighty million pounds of rice raised in the United States. In 1850, only ten years la- ter, that crop had risen to two hundred and fifteen millions of pounds. At the latter ' date, there were no less than one hundred and seventy five thousand acres cultivated, and five hundred and fifty-one planters who raised each twenty thousand pounds or up- wards. But, long before the rice-mill was invented, rice was raised in the United States for exportation. It was cleaned of the glume by pounding it, by hand, in large wooden mortars, similar to those which our early set- tlers employed to beat their corn into hom- iny. No one can have traveled extensively in our southern and south-western States without liaving frequently noticed particles of rice cultivated solely for the use of the family. It is raised for the same purpose in not a few of the counties of Kentucky. It is believed that among these small cultiva- tors less than one in a hundred have their rice hulled otherwise than by the wooden mortar. That primitive mode has been, from time immemorial, and still is, used in all the rice-growing regions of the East. For a small crop the mortar is amply sufficient. — We should vote the owner of one of our im- mense wheat fields, decidedly behind the age, who should attempt to harvest his crop with a sickle, instead of a reaper. But if his field consisted only of a half acre, we should think the sickle or the cradle by far the niost convenient instrument. Probably, the method by which, according to Father Bourzes, rice in India is divested of its hull, might be adopted here with great advantage. The rough-rice, before pound- ing, is thrown into water moderately hot, and suffered to remain there for a few minutes, when it is taken out and dried in the sun. — It is then freed from the glume with a very little pounding, and leaves the grains of rice, he says, far less broken than in Europe where this process of macerating it previous to pounding, is not practiced. Some will ask — cuibono — what is the us© of "heing at the trouble" of raising rice, when we have in Illinois, wheat, corn, and other products in abundance for food ? If, to avoid effort, mental and physical, is the great de- sideratum of life, the questioner stops far too short. He should extend his enquiry and ask, why it would not be better for us, like the roving Tartar, to live upon horse flesh and mare's milk ? Horses can be raised with as little labor on the vast plains of the far west, as ou the steppes of Tartary. Why not, like him, when wo need a now suit of clothes, call in the aid of a tailor that works in horse hide, who in a few minutes would fit to the whole person a single garment fresh- ly taken from the back of a three year old colt ? Such a suit could be obtained with very little "trouble," would last for years, do away with the labor now required of us to ■w- THE ILLIISrOIS F^HjMER. 291 earn broadcloth and linen, and save our fam- ilies the trouble of making soap. The subject of food is intimately connec- ted with that of civilization and the onward progress of the human race. The famine in Ireland, caused by the continued disease of the potatoe, has proved a rich blessing to that country. Since the Irish peasant could no longer be fed upon a single and coarse arti- cle of food, both he, and Ireland herself, have made greater progress than they did in the whole century preceding. In the annual Address, delivered at the Fair of the State Agricultural Society, in 1S55, the Orator of the day, with the hand of a master, drew a picture of early times in the west, when many a farmor was content to cultivate but ten acres, raising upon that single field, year after year, an ill-tended crop of corn. The food of his family consis- ted of two articles oul}'- — "bacon and corn- do J gers J' That race, at least in Illlinois, has long since piisscJ away. But should a specimeu of that breathing fossil yet linger upon this side of the Sfi/x, you will find him opposed to any improvement in the fodder of his household. He fir:nly believes that rail- roads, Agricultural Societies, and Free Schools, are ruining our sucker State, every acre of which has already been trebled in value by those institutions. liiiUFFDALE, Green County, 111. Fruit Growing in Oregon. Marion Co., State of Oregon, ] April 25th, A. D. 18.59. | Editor Illinois Fanner : — 3Iay I occupy a space in one of the numbers of your "Far- mer ?" The subject of my remarks may not be immcdiatidji jicrtinent to the science of Pomology in Illinois ; but, to amateurs or Pomologists of our country at large, all in- formation, concerning fruit growingj any- where, is interesting. Many of your Illi- nois readers may one day, be fruit growers in some of the beautiful green valleys of Or- egon. The people of the East-ern and North- ern States supply the European market with excellent green apples, for which they re- ceive remunerating prices. The people of Oregon, must, in like manner, supply the markets of California, Australia, Sandwich Islands, and China, with luscious fruits, pe- culiar to this country. And here I would remark, that the science of Pomology and farmiuf^ must all be learn- ed anew, in this most singular climate and soil. As soon as the Traveller reaches the South Pass, and, like us, turns his face to the East, and with deejj emotion exclaims, "My native land, adieu," he perceives a marked change in the phenomena of na- ture. And, as he advances westward, with the streams wliich flow into the mighty Co- lumbia, ho still perceives the great changes in nature. Arrived in Oregon, he finds a large and diversified countr}'-, interspersed with tall, snow-capped mountains, extended valleys and little hills or huttes, as they are commonly called here. He may have been told that irrigation would have to be resorted to here in raisin;i; fruit trees and siarden ves:- etables. But such is not the case in Oregon. In California, all fruit trees and garden plants must be irrigated to ensui-e any suc- cess in their growth or future life. On all the different soils of Oregon — four in num- ber — apples, peas, plums, gooseberries, cur- rants, cherries, (and in some cases, peaches) can be raised in abundance, and of the very hcf,t quality. A few men, some ten or twelve years ago here, turned their attention to fruit growing. Their trees were partly seed- lings, and partly grafted and budded fruit. They generally planted in pits or holes dug in the ground after the fashion of the East- ern people. They had tolerable success, and their or- chards soon made for their owners little for- tunes; as the apples sold for ten dollars per bushel at home ! Soon experienced men went into the nursery business, and procured genuine sorts from the States; and cor- rected many spurious sorts here, and now fruit 2;rowin;' in Ore^jon has become the bu- siness of this country. The plan of planting trees in pits is abandoned here, and fruit trees are set on the top of well pulverized land, manured and banked up, and general success is the result. The same varieties do not sac- eecd on all of our different soils and locations. Our hill lands are red and are strongly im- pregnated with oxide of iron. Our valley land^ are generally a deep, black, vegetable loom — clay subsoil — moist and very mellow. Our gravel lands are a mixture of gravel, de- composed rock and vegetable mould, and for- ming some of our bottom lands. They are very productive. The soil on the mountains is black, rich and moist, having the growth of the low bottomlands — elder, alder, maple, raspberries, wild currants and wild gooseber- ries ! The climate is variable here accord- ing to the altitude, more than the latitude. During i\\Q excessivclyhard winter, ]\x.st pa.ss- ed here, snow never laid thirty hours on the ground at a time where I live ; which is on a low fertile bottom, ten miles east of the Willamette river, on a mountain stream ; while in from ten to twenty-five miles east of us, and nearer the slopes of the Cascade mountains, snow lay from one to five feet deep from six to twelve weeks, and is yet glistening in the sun, and tlie air even down here is yet chilly! A person can pass in two or three days travel here, from smiling green valleys, ripe fruit and waving grain, to cold frosty nights, gulches with snow from five to one hundred feet deep, and a cold dry- atmosphere ! Hence you can see that fruit will succeed here, commonly grown in the United States from Tennessee to Canada. — The July Bough succeeds here only on our low, warm bottoms. The Winesap, White Winter Pearmain, Esopus Spitzenberg, Yel- low N. Pippin, Blue Pearmain, Fall Pippin, Grravenstein, Tulpehocken, Rambo, Ohio Fa- vorite, Waxcen, llawles' Janet and Fall Queen succeed well on our bottom and hill lands. Northern pears succeed well on the various locations here as far as tried. Our summers here are not very long nor hot; spring and fall, however, blend most delight- fully with our summers here. The Wash- ington, Jefferson, Coes' Golden Drop, White Egg, Smith's Orleans, Green Gage and Co- lumbia Plums succeed here finely. We are sometimes annoyed here with late frosts in the Spring, which injure the fruits and often kill some of the fruit trees. Apple trees bear here at two or three years from the graft, and pears from two to four years ! At present prospects were never better for a fruit crop in Oregon. I have 1800 fruit trees under cultivation. For two years we have eaten of the luscious fruits of our own raising ; and this year we will probably sell enough to pay the first cost of our trees — 8SU0. A thorough knowledge is requisite here, of the chemical analysis of our various soils, in order to ensure permanent success in Pomology. There is a lack of lime in most of our soils here ; and trees, which re- quire limestone soil, will not succeed here, unless supplied with ashes and bone dust. — The Green N. Pippin, Ladies' Sweeting, and Baldwin, as a general thing, fail here. Some varieties succeed well on certain locations and fail on others. But very few varieties succeed well everywhere. I do not know of any orchards planted out here more than 800 feet above the level of the Willamette river. I have no doubt, however, but that certain northern varieties of fruit can be successfully reared on the mountains here, 1800 feet above our low vallies. What is remarkr.ble here is, that our fruits are generally long keA'pcrSj while in California, their late keep- ers pre only fall apples 1 The G. N. Pippin, llawles Janet, Ilomanite, Tulpehocken, Esopus Spitzenburg and Winesap, with proper care, will remain sound and good here, till new apples are fit for use ! Several va- rieties of Pears here will keep well, till the 1st of May. The apples here, as compared with those in the States, are very large, and the quality is the admiration of all who taste them. The same holds true of our pears, plums, gooseberries and cherries. Grapes succeed here admirably, and are becoming quite common in Oregon. The science of Pomology, however, is only in its infancy here ; but yet enough is known to convince all that Oregon is one of the best fruit grow- ing sections in North America, and that the business of fruit growing will always " pay" here. I find the study and practice of Pomology the most pleavsing of any branch of science, to which I have ever turned my attention. I hope that a large accession will be made to our present number of fruit growers in Ore- gon, and that the various experiments going on here in Pomology, ivill receive marked attention. A Fruit Growers' Society is al- ready here, and a monthly paper, called "The Oregon Farmer," is devoted to the interests of fruit growing and farming in Oregon, and is published in Portland in this State. Will you exchange with the Editor of the Oregon Farmer? I have thus run on in a string of rather scattering remarks, in my letter, and those remarks may not be as acceptable to your readers, as I might wish. The heads of my remarks might occupy twenty pages of com- mon writing paper, if well written, and the subjects only glanced at. To my old ac- quaintances in Illinois, who are farmers and 292 THE ILLINOIS F^HMER. fruit growers, I tender my lasting wish for their success and prosperity ; and to you, my much esteemed friend, S. Francis, I send my cordial greetings. DAVID NEW SOM. Wheat! Editor of the Farmer: — I recollect, when three years ago you cautioned our farmers against depending upon a wheat crop, in San- gamon county, that you was often censured. "VVe have tried the crop three times more, and if there has not been a uniform failure, it has come very near to it. I believe that wheat can be raised here under favorable circumstances — when the ground is new — when the land is rolling, so that tbe water can run off — the wheat well put in and the winter and spring favorable. In the last twenty years I have seen many noble fields of wheat in Sangamon ; and I have seen years when farmers have lost the use of their land, lost the use of their labor, and their seed, in endeavoring to raise wheat. This has been so often the case, that it has become a prov erb with me, that a farmer who sows wheat for ten years will usually fail and lose his farm. Now is a good time to think of this mat- ter seriously. We have not had a crop this year. We might have done better had we chosen to prepare the grounds well. It is folly to expect a crop of wheat here, on old ground, unless it is well prepared, the seed put in well and the ground drained. Brother farmers, we must give our atten- tion to other branches of farming. Central Illinois is a stock country, and stock pays all the time. Yours, &;c., K.. C. P. Cfainese Cane for Stock. Mr. Editor : — An attentive examination of several leading agricultural papers last winter and spring, has satisfied me that the Chinese Sugar Cane, sown broadcast, may be mowed at least twice in the season, and the product be used as a most valuable food for stock. I am led to believe that for this pur- pose it will prove a more valuable article for cultivation than Hungarian millet. The land should be well prepared for this crop; ploughed deep and well, and if the Beed is drilled in, it will answer a good pur- pose, and if sowed broadcast it ought to be ploughed in, or harrowed in well, and if the ground is rolled afterwards, the better. When the plant is up three or four feet, it should be cut and dried and put away for winter. In a few weeks there will be anoth- er crop from the same plants, which should be cut and dried and housed in the same way. The Cane, too, may be grown to its full size, cut, placed away in the fall and can be fed to hogs, horses and cattle. If cut up in a straw cutter, it will be better feed. Cattle having no upper teeth, find difficulty in eat- ing the hard stalks. The cane possesses fine fattening qualities. This is the concurring tes- timony of all who have made the experiment of using the cane for fodder. I am aware of the great popularity of the Hungarian grass, but I believe the cane can be made a more profitable article for feeding out to stock. M. DitchiDg. Editor of the Farmer : — I have been one of your patrons for many years, and probably shall continue to be so, as long as I have any use for papers. I recollect, two years ago, you remonstra- ted against farmers of Central Illinois making the raising of wheat their main crop of dependence. You said that the history of the wheat crops in Central Illinois sbowed that it was not a crop to be relied on, and that (I recollect the expression) that "if a man had a farm given to him, with five thousand dol- lars in cash, and was to make the raising of wheat his sole reliance, he would be broken up in fifteen years." We lost two crops before this year, and now we have not half a crop. It seems to me that these failures ought to open our eyes to the necessity of abandoning the raising of wheat as a staple crop, or to some new mode of cultivating wheat. — What is the fact ? Wheat has been raised in Sangamon County for thirty- five years, and at this time our farmers do not understand how to grow wheat with any tolerable certainty of a crop. Does not this appear strange to you ? It does to me. Can we not learn any- thing by failures ? Do we know the cause ? Cannot we ascertain ? Have not enough experiments been made to build a theory of some certainty ? When the early settlers came to this county they made as a general fact (so I learn,) good crops of wheat. They se- lected rolling ground, or dry grounds for their fields, from which water would run off. The land was new. It pos- sessed qualities which even now, newly broken up land, on rolling grounds se- cure, nine times out of ten, good crops of this grain. But our farmers have exhausted those qualities of our virgin soil on rolling lands which make wheat, and these lands will not produce well unless they are well prepared for the crop. A great portion of the country is made up of level lands — subject to being saturated with water and to remain so, summer and winter, as long as we have heavy and unusual rains. These lands cannot be relied on for a crop of wheat in this condition. To put in -wheat up- on them, a farmer runs about the same chance of getting a crop that he would of drawing a high prize in a lottery. — The season may be favorable; it may be unusually dry, so that the wheat will not be drowned ; snow may cover the ground in the winter, so that it will not winter kill; but where these favora- ble circumstances occur once, unfavora- ble circumstances are likely to occur nine times. Hence I regard it as cer- tain, that wheat is not to be a profitable crop for Central Illinois at this time or at any future time, unless under the following condition of things : Ist. That the land shall be throrough- ly drained. Surface draining will an- swer a tolerable purpose, if drains are suflBciently near to carry off" the water promptly as it falls. Better than this, if the land is thoroughly underdrained. 2d. That the ground shall be in good order; fallowed early in summer, so that all the early growth of Aveeds shall be killed and thoroughly rotted be- fore plowing in the fall. The ground to be plowed in the fall and the seed to be well drilled in the ground. 3d. The seed to be the best, and to be entirely free from chess, or the seeds of other noxious plants. This cultiva- tion may secure good wheat in Central Illinois, and without such cultivation, it will ever be an uncertain crop. J. S. F. <•• Ditcbing. 3fr. Editor : — I have tried a little mole ditching on my farm. It works to a charm. I tried it on a piece of land which was wet and cold and swampy, and it is now in fine order as any land any where. I don't pretend to under- stand the philosophy of this thing; but I know it works like a charm upon the land. And this cold land, now the best on my farm by means of the mole ditching, furnishes me with an ample supply of stock water. I want you should wri:e about this plan of ditching and talk about it, and when you come into my neighborhood, come and see me and I will show you the good effects of ditching. I am beginning to lose some of my old fogy notions, and you will, too, if you have any, when you see land where the mole plow has been made to work. JiMTOwN, June 17. R. .«» The Chess (iuestion. 3Ir. Editor : — Some of my brother farmers complain of their wheat turning to chess. On a part of my wheat field I sowed last fall wheat, in which there was no chess, and there I have no chess. In another part of the field, I sowed wheat which I was not particular to clean, and there I have chess. I shall be particular to clean my wheat hereafter. W. ••• The Flora] Exhibition at Decatur. Editor of the Farmer: — I was glad to see you at our first Floral Exhibition in this city. I will venture to say, that for a first eff'ort, it was a very successful one. We were willing to copy from our sister city of Springfield, and to get up on our own account a duplicate of what we deem one of her most interesting insti- tutions. It was the work of a few of our citizens, only contemplated a few days, but they went into the work with a will that accomplished all that you saw. ^^''-^Ki.'" w.^''t«*". -, ; THE ILLINOIS FARMER. 293 I take the fact to be that the love of flowers is born with us. How eagerly will the little girl, even before she can lisp a word, snatch the flower from the hand of her sister or mother, and how her eyes will sparkle at the sight ! As we grow older, and, I may say, as our hearts become filled with other and gross- er objects, we may, in a degree j forget the beauty of flowers, and cease to love them, — but that is hardly probable. We had at our exhibition many of our older citizens, gentlemen and ladies, who seemed to enjoy, with the younger people, the beauty of the scene before them, and we doubt not, went away with the thought that the festival was one which should not hereafter be dis- pensed with. Here the poor and the rich, the aged and the young, met on a common level, and all 8eemed to be hap- py in each other's society. Is not even that a suflicient object once a year to pay for getting up a floral festival ? But there are other objects of impor- tance to be considered in this connec- tion. The exhibition of flowers, where all are gathered to observe and admire, creates a desire to procure the plants, to cultivate them about our dwellings, and to excel in their cultivation and the procuring of fine varieties. No doubt that it is to your Horticultural Society that you are indebted for the fine display of shrubbery in almost every garden in Springfield, and in which some are are found in flower from the opening of spring until the arrival of winter. Did you ever, sir, know a gentleman or lady who loved flowers, who delight- ed in cultivating them, that was not a good neighbor and a good citizen ? Do you see the cottage, poor it may be, but neat, with shrubbery and flowers about it, and not feel that there is taste, intel- ligence and virtue there ? How many gentlemen love home, because it is sur- rounded with these beautifiers, made doubly dearer by the dear hand that as- sists in their cultivation ? I hope that our example will be fol- lowed by other towns. Why do not Bloomington and Jacksonville, and Car- linville and Peoria and other places have these Spring Floral Festivals ? — Cannot get them up ? They can. A few spirited young men and ladies can do the work. From year to year they can enlarge and increase their interest. I hope to see more of these festivals. — They remind us of scenes and incidents of other days and other lands, made lovely by poetic descriptions. They are festivals without alloy, — whore party, religious, -clannish feelings are laid aside, — where we give the hour to the full en- joyment of those beauties from the hand of God which come down to us as they were presented to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. H. Sowing Timothy with Buckwheat. Editor of the Farmer : — Will it not answer agoodpurpose to sow timothy with Buckwheat ? I have a field I wish to put in grass, and I have thought that I might make a crop of Buckwheat and of timothy at the same time. I reason thus. If I sow timothy with Buckwheat when the soil is moist enough to make the seed of both germinate, the Buck- wheat will soon be up high enough to protect the timothy. My fear is, that the Buckwheat, which has a very fast growth, will injure the timothy by too dense a shade. If any one of your readers has experience on this point, I would be glad to hear from him through the pages of the Farmer. . An Enquirer. ■' — ~^' — "*' — ' — ' Strawberries. Mr. Editor : — There are now a great many varieties of Strawberries cultiva- ted, and there is an increasing desire among the people to secure supplies of this luxurious fruit. A little experience has shown that the plant can be easily cultivated, so as to produce large crops. It seems to me to be an important ques- tion now in regard to the best varieties. What we want, is a large, handsome, prolific Strawberry, that is sweet enough to eat with little or no sugar. Many of the varieties are so acid, that to make them palatable, you must use enormous quantities of sugar. Wilson's Albany is a very large, prolific Strawberry, hard, and consequently good to send to mar- ket, but it is very sour. So of other large Strawberries. If some amateur would give a list now of three varieties of sweet Strawberries for home consump- tion, and of as many for market purpo- ses, he would greatly oblige the writer. A Time to Make an Impression. Editor of the Farmer: — -I do not know of a better time than the present to make an impression on the public mind of the value and importance of land draining. Go into the country now — look at the wheat land. What has kill- ed the wheat on this section of your field — three-fourths of it drowned out and the rest too yellow to hope for any good from it? Water, water — it has been overflowed, and soaked in water for months. Wheat can never be made un- der such circumstances, and, in this coun- try, on our flat lands and where we are subject to heavy rains as we are here, — we never can sow our wheat with any reasonable certainty of a crop, unless our lands are drained by surface or blind ditches. This thing is true — eve- ry sensible man knows it is true, and with the fact on his memory that he has lost two crops of wheat on the same kind of land, we will venture to say that some persons will repeat the plowing and sow- ing on the same land, without ditching it, the coming fall. We say this because it has been repeatedly done, and we see no reason why it will not be done again by the same persons! , Well, one thing is a fact, that sucH men do not take Agricultural papers. — They plow and sow as their fathers did before them, and they will be likely to continue to do go. Here people com- plain of " hard times" — ani don't they make them *' hard ?" Don't they, by neglect of common sense, contribute all they can to make themselves poor and the country poor ? I think they do. Central Illinois is not a wheat country. If wheat is made here, the ground should be put m excellent order, should not be subject to be drowned in winter, spring or summer, requiring much care to se- cure a reasonable certainty of a crop. — For any crop, the ground should be well drained, but for this it is absolutely nec- essary. On new, dry prairie, one or two crops can be made — after that the best cultivation is necessary. Central Illinois is a corn country. — Drain your ground well and we can beat the world in crops of corn ; and this corn can be used most profitably in rais- ing stock. Our stock farmers — those who give their attention to the raising of horses, mules, cattle, sheep and hogs — make money. Those who give their time and land to the cultivation of wheat, lose money. They may make a good crop one year, but in the two that fol- low, very likely there will be a failure. I suggest that farmers in central Illi- nois devote less attention to wheat and more to stock ; that they get out of the business of raising wheat just as fast as they possibly can, and give their atten- tion to stock. The hog crop can be raised in the same time required for a wheat crop, and it always pays. A. t*^ Mr. Editor : — How late will it ans- wer to sow Hungarian Grass ? [Answer. — Last year some was sown in the middle of July and yielded a good crop.] What time should Buckwheat be sown? [From the 2d week in July to the first of August.] Is it too late to sow the seed of the Rutabaga? [The seed of the Butabaga should be sown from the 10 th to the 20th of June.] When should the seed of the Manguel Wurtzell be sown? [It will answer to sow it now, but it would have done much better sown six weeks ago.] How much seed of the Sugar Cane 294: THE ILLIISTOIB E^HjMER. should be sowed on an acre for fodder ? [A bushel, if you have a plenty of | seed.] I lloAv lorg -R-ill it do to put off the soav- ing of Millet ? [kSi.'AV it just as soon as you can. If you do not grow seed, you can get an abundance of fodder from it.] Did you over, Mr. Editor, see corn sowed broadcast for a forage crop ? A. [Yes, we have. Sow it now and you will have a fine yield of the best fodder for soiling stock in the months of Au- gust and September when feed is scarce. It is capital food, then, for milch cows.] ••. Uiidenlraiiiiog. Editor of the Farmer : — I beg leave to offer you a few thoughts on the subject sug- gested by the line at the head of this article, which I have had considerable experience in. L'nderdraining will be considered the sheet anchor to western agriculture. Our lands are rich enough, but in a country where it is said that sixteen inches of water can fall in a single month, and not half try, we need special appliances for getting rid of the sur- plus. This excessive wet lies at the bottom of the almost total failure of crops every two or three years, which i^ sure to befall the country. If our lands are drained, and far- mers prepared for wet weather, these things would not be so. Here we have the mole ditchers which is applicable to drain our lauds in the most thorough manner desired, which presses a hole three feet under ground, the size of which is five by six inches, intersect- ing numerous little springs and water seeps, so that no ditch whatever, should be much over one hundred and sixty rods in length, as they, of this length, will intersect enough of water seeps to cause them to run full. — All wet land and sloughs that have from two to three inches fall to the one hundred feet, can be drained to satisfaction. So also can most ponds, without any extra labor or ex- pense whatever, the land around them gen- erally being from a foot to eighteen inches higher than in the center, making a rise to come over with the ditch, notwithstanding it generally drains them to perfection. We had one drained on our fjirm that wps near a tenant house, by which was a well of water, fifteen rods from the ditch that run through the yard. It drained the pond in less than one day's time, and sunk the water in the well some three feet in the same length of time. This ditch was some sixty rods in length, with a great fall to it. Becollect the shorter tlie ditch the sooner the land will be drained by it. Will it pay? Icon- tend that it will pay, even pay a tenant in many cases, that has only the use of the land for one year. There has been many a farm- er this season while plowing, has had to swamp his team through muddy places knee deep, from four to six rods in width, whore once he growed good corn. These are the places where it will pay a tenant the first year to have ditched, making the land equal- ly as dry as the rolling land on either side of it, and growing decidedly the best corn in his field on those muddy places, making Qnough to pay rent and all cost of ditching the first year, leaving a clear saving to him of swnmping and slaving his team through the mud. Where the land is applicable to being ditched by them it mnttcvs but little wheth- er it is done at a cost of twenty-five cents or fifteen cents a rod, as the extra amount of grain grown upon the ditch is most general- ly amply sufilcient to pay the cost of the ditch the first year after it is cut, and every per- son that is acquainted with ditches would rather have them at double the cost we charge for cutting them, than to have an open ditch dug for nothing. For a large scope of wet land where the ditches would require to be of greater length than above stated, 1 would advise digging open ditches deep enough to make connections witli the inolc ditcher, and then all ponds within one hundred rods or more may be drawn in this, provided tliey have the requisite amount of fall. 3Ir. John ]jce, of New Berlin, has a large tract of wet land that he has worked in this way, and used the mole ditcher to considerable ex- tent in cutting in side drains, and he tells me that he has a fine prospect, at this time, ibra good crop of wheat on land that used to be perfect goose ponds. He has had these un- derground ditches cut about one year, and he is so perfectly well satisfied about their durability and adaptableness, that he designs going on to thoroughly drain his land with them. I have not gone into any thorougli drain- age on my farm, but have some 2U00 rods cut in sloughs, hollows and wet places of about two years standing, all of which is do- ing well and running as flush as the day they were cut. I have conversed with gentlemen of undoubted veracity, that say they have seen the ditches that were cut seven years ago equally as good as the day they were cut, and giving entire satisfaction. I suppose Ave have cut some 20,000 rods since we have been engaged in the business, all giving pret- ty general satisfaction, except some few ca- ses, and those being in the manner the work Avas done. Indeed so fully am 1 persuaded oftheir durability, that 1 have an abiding confidence that they will last for ages. Fruit growing Avill never succeed here on Aindrained land ; therefore, every farmer con- teu;])lating setting out an orchard, or plant- ing a grape vine Avould do Avell to have the mole ditcher run every two rods apart, where they contemplate setting their trees. It makes no difference how rolling the land is, it will pay- It seems that the mole ditchers are just the thing that Ave Avaiit, and need, and nui.st have, and they Avill ultimately make the blooming State of Illinois groan under the luxuriant and heavy burdens of crops that they will cause it to produce. If I have not stated facts, let those answer that we have ditched for in the Avestcrn part of k^anganion county. SAMUEL HENSLEY. Berlin, 111., June 10. A Good Prospect for AVheat Editor of /he Farmer : — A few days a':!;o I visited the neighborhood of the farm of Mr. Neil M. Taggart, about four miles south-east of Springfield. I ob- served that every crop on his farm prom- ised Avell ; and I did not discover that it possessed any natural advantages over the farms ot his neighbors, either as a rolling farm, or one more easily drained than tlieirs. Mr. M. Taggart is a Scotchman, brought up a farmer in Scotland, and understands the advantages of draining, and of doing Avork Avhcn it ought to he done. He has-been on his farm here some five years, and has made it pay all the time. He does all his Avork thor- oughly— plows his land deep; tills it Avell and does not suffer his work to drive him when he can possibly help it, but drives his Avork. By thorough and deep ploAving, he has made good crops of corn and Avheat, Avhen his neighbors have par- tially failed in making crops. ^Ilc has capital fields of wheat this season. His land being low, he plowed it into eijihteen feet lands ; so as to leave a deep furrow every eighteen feet for carrying off the water. Late in the fall, in wintci" and in Spring, when heavy rains filled up his drain furrows, he took his shovel and opened them, and the wa- ter ran off. The wheat is nOAv of good height, Avith enough on the ground, and the heads of unusual length. He says that he has made forty-two bushels of wheat from an acre in this country, and his Avheat at this time promises a great- er yield than any he has yet groAvn. — The wheat is of the Avhite blue stem va- riety. There can be no question that this ex- cellent prospect for Avheat is caused by thorough cultivation. A farmer may cheat himself in the cultivation of his land, but he can't cheat his crops. — "Draining'' is the word which ought to be first in every farmer's vocabuIar3\ — Land Avell drained, Avill bring the crops all the time; and that farmer Avho ex- pects to make great crops on the old system oF scratching his land, and let- ting the seed after it is planted, in a good measure, take care of itself, had better give up farming altogether. A. M. C. The rnitcd Slates Fair— Its Interference ATith tlie Stiile Soci'Jy. We have already'' announced that the United States Agricultural Society has determined to hold its next annual fair at Chicago. This, of course, can- not be done Avithout a very manifest interference Avith the Illinois State So- ciety, whose next fair is to be held at Freeport. We doubt not the press and the people of this State generally Avill disapprove of the unfair course which the former society is pursuing. It looks like intrusion for it to have selected Chicago for its shoAV grounds, when our own Slate Society had previously loca- ted its fair at another point so near. — We believe that no fair can be held at THE ILLINOIS F^RIMER. 295 Chicago prior or subsequent to the Freeport fair, tliat will not materially affect the interests and diminish the resources of the State Society — at a time, too, Avhen the most burthensome interests are shouldered by our Society, and which it is struggling to promote, and has liad the enterprise to assume to foster — an enterprise which thus far has led all other similar organizations. We say, at such a time it is especially dis- astrous that such should be the course pursued by the United States Soci- ety. The Prairie Farmer^ in a very well-timed article on this subject, says : "AVhat are the interests that have induced this location ? Have prominent agriculturalists urged it? Have they proffered a welcome to a society that will take much out of their pockets and put little in? Dr. Kennicott, in- formally and unofficiously favored its location here, at the annual meeting, but the Executive Board of the society, of which he is President, has taken no ac- tion in the matter, and the fair is loca- ted without even such an invitation. — Who then are the parties who have invited the United States Society to hold its fair here ? Real estate own- ers, hotel proprietors, stock holders in the city railways, and speculators generally — perhaps it may be said Chi- cago has given the invitation." The jParmer goes on to say: "We have no fault to find with the parties who have sought to subserve their own interests by inducing such location. But we do regard it as high- ly impolitic, that, in spite of the pro- tests of the State Board through its presiding officer, and in spite of the U. S. Society's repeated declarations that it would not hold a fair where it would interfere with a State organi- zation, it should so forget its own dig- nity and position as to come to Chicago uninvited — even by a county organiza- tion. We have but very little respect for this Society with its present charac- teristics We highly respect many of its officers personally. We believe it may be made eminently useful when it confines its labors to its own legiti- mate sphere. We do not propose to fight it, or throw any obstacle in the way of its usefulness, or the success of its exhibition. But our influence and labor shall be directed to make the fair of the State Society a success, and in- duce the people to regard it a home in- stitution— as tlieir institution, and one which it is their duty, and should be their delight to • honor, sustain and and strengthen, so long as its efforts go to promote home interests and accelerate progress." We agree fully with the sentiments entertained by the Prairie Parmer. — That paper although published at Chi- cago, looks at the subject from a fair and judicious point of view, and we doubt not its remarks will meet the appro- bation of the great body of the far^n- ing-and manufacturing community, not only of this part of the State but also of all Northern Illinois. As is well known, our State Fair was located at Freeport at the earnest solicitation of the North, and it is their duty and it ought to bo their determination to frown down the efforts now being made by the hotel keepers and cabmen of Chicago to impair its interests. We have no hos- tility to the United States Agricultural Society, and we should on a proper oc- casion extend to it a cordial welcome to the State, but in its present antagonis- tic position to our own Society, we feel that it is not now doing the fair thing — what indeed, as a conservator of the inter- ests of agriculture it has no right to do. We copy the above from the Illinois State Journal. It meets our views, and we doubt not will be entirely approved of by ninety-nine out of every hundred farmers in this State. The holding of the United State Fair at Chicago, the present year, under all the circumstan- ces of the case, is a wanton and ruthless interference in the wishes of Illinois farm- ers, unjust to our State Agricultural Society, and evinces on the part of the Managers of the U. S. Agricultural So- ciety an entire disregard of the Agri- cultural interests of this State and of State Society, which is laboring in sea- son and out of season, in its appropriate field of duty, to advance the Agricultu- ral interests of our people. If the State Agricultural Societies are thus to be annoyed and injured by the U. S. Soci- ety, the sooner that Society goes out of existence the better. We doubt not but that will be the sentiment of the farmers of Illinois. Premiums for Farms, Farm Crops, Etc. Illinois State AonicuLTURAL Society, ) Office Cor. Sec , Springfipld, Juue 7, 1859. j To THE Farmers of Illinois : — The present season promises to be a favora- ble one. Farms, nurseries, &c., can be put in good order for exhibition, and large crops arc likely to be made. The officers of the State Agricultural Society desire that there shall be many compet- itors for the premiums offered for the best farms, nurseries, groves and field crops. Hence, the re-publication of the following premiums offered, from their premium list, is made, and to which they respectfully invite your attention : FIELD CROPS. Best ten pounds of Sugar maie from Chinese or African Su^ar Cane Gold Medal. Second best - $15 |25 25 25 \h 20 10 10 b 10 Third best - 10 Best gallon of sjrup made from Chinese or Afri- can Sugar Cine 15 Second best > 10 Third best ~ «.. 6 [Ten pounds of sugar and one gallon of symp muPt be de- posit-id by rompelitors for these premiums with the Corres" ^ponding Secre.a.y.] Best crop of Fall Whoat, not less than fire acres „, Best crop of Spring Wheat, not less than 5 acres Best crop of Indian Corn, notices than five acres to be shelled and weighed between the 5th of No- vember and 1st January. ~ Second best Best crop of Rye, not less than five acres Second best Best crop of Buckwhoat, not less than five acres. ... Second best Best CiOp of Field peas not less than half acre Second best Medal. Best crop of White Beans, not less than half acre 10 Second best Medal Best crop of Potatoes, not less than half acre 10 Second best ..m Medal. [^ppclmens of the qaulity of the Potatoes must be exhibit* ed at the Fair.] Best crop of Sweet Pototoei, not less than quarter sere ..„ |I0 Second best Medal. Best crop of Onions, not less than Quarter acre 10 Second bast Medal. Best five acres Fall Barley > 10 Best five acres Spring Barley «„........ 10 Best five acres nemp 10 Best acae of Flax 10 Befit acre of Broom Corn 10 Beeticreof Clover Seed „ m 10 BeBt acre of Timothy seed m.m lO Best acre of Bine Grass seed 10 Best acre of Timothy seed 10 Beet acre of Flax seed ». 10 Bestacre of Castor Beans.. 10 Statementa to be famished by applicants for premiums : let. i^pecimens to be at the Fair (irounds for exhibition, if practicable. '2d. The land shall bemensnredby some competent persoBi who shtll make affidavit of the accuracy of the measurement and quality of the ground. 3d. The applicant and one disinterested person shall make affidavit to the quantity of grain and other products raised on the ground; the kind and condition of soil; theqnantitysnd kind of seed used ; time and mode of planting, and mode of cultivation. 4tli. The grain and seed must bo weighed after being in merchantable condition, and calculation made according to the legal weight per bushel. Potatoes, onions, &c., measured; the weight of hemp or flax when prepared for market. All crops in the above list to be entered with S. Francis, C irresponding Secretary, before the first day of next Decemi her. The premiums to be awarded by the Executive Board, at their meeting in January, 1860. FARMS, NURSERIES, *0. Best improved and highly cultivated Farm, not less thau 500 acres Gold Medal Second best $15 Best improved and highly cultivated Farm, not less than 160 acres ......................n.GoId Medal Second be8t...„ |15 Best improved and highly cultivated Farm, not less than 40 acres .>. Oold Medal Second best $15 Best arranged and economically conducted Dairy Farm « Oold Medal Second best $15 Best improved Farm for all purposes „.Gold Medal Best arranged and economically conducted Prai* rie Farm Oold Medal Second beet $16 Best grove of cultivated limt>er on the prairie....GoId Medal Second best Silv. Medal Best arranged and cultivated Nursery of Frait aud Ornnmental Tre»s, Shrubs and Plants $20 Second best » 10 Best arranged and cultivated Nursery of the va- rious Fruit Trees ~ ........>.. 20 Second best 10 Best arranged and cultivated Nursery ot grafted Apple Trees, from 1 to 4 years old....„ 20 Second bust 10 Best show ot 1 and two year old grafted br budded Apple Trees 10 Second best 6 The committee, in making their award, will be governed by the gen->ral arrangement, cultivation, thrift, pniuinK and training of| trees and shrubs. All competitors are required to furnish the committee, at the time of examination, or be- fore they make their award, a written statoment of the modo of the preparation of the nursery grounds — the manner of cultivation, mode of pruning trees, shrubs and plants in their respective nurseries. Ail persons who desire to compete for the above premiums must communicate their intention to S. Francis, Correspond- ing Secretary, Springfield, III , by letter previous to the let of August, so as to give the Committee full time to examine the farms, ncrseriea and groves to be entered. Awarding Commiltee: Benj.F. Johnson .„... .Urbanm Dr. E. H. Clapp Peoria Ch. H. Rosentiel.- Freeport a. FRANCIS, Cor. Sec'y. -—- j|@°"'We often see in a beautiful field, a clump of bushes, which the ow- ner is too lazy to clear off. Does that look like good farming ? 296 THE ILLIIS^OIS 3h"A.RjS1EII. SPRINGFIEI.D, JUIiir 1, 1859. A Great Battle— Provisions Low. Our people have been calculating on high prices for produce on account of the present war in Europe. The same arri- val which brought us the information of a sanguinary battle in Italy between the Austrian army and the Allied army of French and Sardinians, in which the former lost 26,000 men, and the latter 12,000, — also brought information that provisions were low and markets dull in Europe. Our farmers should recol- lect that a war in Europe, — a local war, as that which now exists is, stimulates the agriculturists of the country to pro- duce large crops. Latterly, crops have been fine in Europe. Europe needs little food from us; and while this fact is presented, she is sending into our country immense cargoes of goods, for which we pay her gold. She does not want our produce to feed her soldiers or her manufacturers; her farmers raise enough food for this purpose; but she wants and will have, in payment, our gold. Her manufacturers are now flour- ishing by her trade with us. That is precisely the present state of things in Europe. What is the condition here? Our manufacturers barely live, — they do not extend their business; many of those who would engage in manufactories are cul- tivating the soil in the east — are produ- cers instead of consumers; and our wes- tern farmers, if they have good crops, cannot reasonably look for good mar- kets. Our people, who talk as though they idolized Henry Clay, turn their backs upon the great principles by which he hoped to secure permanent prosperi- to our farmers, and have sacrificed, to a great extent, their manufacturing interests, which, encouraged by govern- ment, would have secured permanent prosperity to our farming interests — and also to the people of the Eastern States, who would gladly have gone into the work-shops and furnished a market for the products of the West. We have been hoping that the war in Europe would furnish a market for Western produce. Wo are likely to be mistaken. We can at any time secure permanent markets and paying prices for the produce of our farmers, by car- rying out the policy initiated by the fathers of our country, and which has been sacrificed for the purpose of secur- ing the votes of the Slave States, for the advancement of party, in utter dis- regard of the interests of the farmers. Cashmere Goats— 4 New Source of Wealth to ' Illinois Farmers. In 1838, Dr. James B. Davis, of ^outh Carolina, then a resident of Tur- /Icey, and holding an appointment under the Sultan, in the agricultural depart- ment of that government, conceived the idea of taking advantage of his position to secure a few of these valuable goats, for the purpose of introducing them into this country. In pursuance of this pur- pose, with the consent of the Sultan, he penetrated into Cashmere with an armed company, and fortunately secured seven female and two male goats, which he was obliged to remove secretly. His object was, however, discovered by the natives, who pursued him for the purpose of recovering the animals, and t iwas only by the loss of several of his par- ty that he made good his escape, with the goats in his posossion. These goats he introduced into South Carolina, and in a communication to the Patent Office in 1853, he states that the pure bloods had then increased to thirty, while the crosses on the common goats were nu- merous. The products of these puro bloods have since been purchased by a wealthy company in Tennessee, who have been actively engaged in crossing them upon the coraraou goat, for the purpose of making the Cashmere Shawl wool, an article of staple product in this country. It has been ascertained that the wool of the third cross from the full bred and the common goat approximates closely to the finest Cashmere produced in Asia. The wool from the goats already reared by crossing with the common goats, is at present only manufactured m Glas- gow, Scotland, and commands $8 per pound, each goat producing about three pounds and three fleeces during the year. These goats have proved to be entirely hardy in New York, as well as in South Carolina, and the wool of the mixed bloods has been ascertained, by a scien- tific examination, to be nearly equal in finenesss to that of which the imported Cashmere Shawls, of one thousand dol- lars value, are made. The value of the wool, the demand for it, the hardiness of the goats, and the suitability of our climate for their health and propaga- tion, indicate the expediency of continu- ing the crosses of the pure blood upon the common stock of the country as rapidly as possible. For this purpose bucks of fine blood have been introduced into Tennessee, Mississippi and Texas, andB. F. Bristow, Esq., of Jacksonville, Morgan county, has accepted an agency from the owners of the pure bloods, to introduce the stock into Illinois. If the project undertaken by him is seconded by any considerable number of our farmers, their propagation will be a sourceof weal th,and especially so to those who first engage in the business. The Jacksonville Sentinel contains a communication from Mr. Bristow on the subject under notice, in which he refers to the origin of these goats, to the beau- tiful fabric made of their wool, to the peaceable and quiet nature of the ani- mal, to their hardiness, enduring the heat of the burning suns of the South, and the cold blasts of the North, to their thriving well on the coarsest as well as the finest herbage; to their abil- ity to defend themselves from the attacks of dogs; to the rapidity of their prop- agation, the females bringing two kids in five months gestation, and to the fact that four crosses on the common goat of the country will bring the wool nearly up to the standard of full bloods, (an evidence of which Mr. B. can fur- nish in specimens of wool. ) Mr. Bristow is acting for a responsi- ble company, will make contracts in their behalf, and will furnish security for the performance of those contracts. He concludes the communication refer- red to by saving : "My plan of delivery and contract is this : I bind the company in the sum three hundred dollars, to deliver to each one who makes an engagement with me, beginning the 1st day of December next, and ending the Ist day of December 1861, three bucks annually; the first to be 3-4 Cashmere, the second 7-8, and the third 15-16ths ; for which I am to receive, on the delivery of each animal, the sum of one hundred dollars. I will continue to enlighten the public upon the value of this animal by giving ex- tracts from the Patent Ofiice Reports, Washington, and also the opinion of the leading wool growers of the country, all going to show that instead of the culture of this animal being in any way associated with a species of humbuggery, so common to our country, that it is one of the most valuable as well as wonder- ful developments in an important de- partment of agriculture, and promises a richer harvest to those who may engage in it, than any other business in this wonder working age." Farmers desirous of further informa- tion on the subject of these Cashmere Caoats, arc referred to the Patent OflBce THE ILLINOIS FARMER. 297 Report of 1856. Several of these Goats were exhibited at the Illinois State Fair, held at Centralia, last fall, and although there was no premium offered for such animals, their excellence was so marked, and the prospect of adding another branch of wealth to our national industry by their propagation so satis- factory, that the State Society awarded to their owner a liberal premium. Ilorticnllural Eiliibition in Southern Illinois. The Pomological and Horticultural Society of Southern Illinois held their first exhibion at Jonesboro, on the 31st of May and the let of June. It was a very creditable exhibition. The City Hall was provided with tables, which were well covered with fruits and flow- ers, cereals, &c., the products of the season. The strawberries were the great feature of the exhibition. Dr. J. A. Warder exhibited 33 varieties — not for competition. We saw there speci- mens of wheat and rye seven and a half feet high. Mr. Benj. Vancil, of South Pass, contributed specimens of seed cane; native molasses, native flowers, &c., &c., and exhibited a great variety of garden and horticultural tools. Mr. J. A. Car- penter, of South Pass, an agricultural library, gardening tools, microscope, etc. Newhall & Clark, South Pass, nine varieties of strawberries, and a hand- some lot of cucumbers. Robert Gow, Anna, early garden vegetables-tomatoes, nearly ripe. James H. Crane, of Burke- ville, a bundle of ripe May wheat. J. M. Hunter, the "Ashley nurseryman," a great variety of garden andgreen-house plants. The ladies of Jonesboro pre- sented flowers, early fruits, canned peaches, blackberries, etc. Mr. Wil- lard's family exhibited garden vegetables, rare and fine — Wyatt's Victoria Rhubarb, of collossal dimensions. Dr. Condon had present his fine collections in natural history. James Price, of Sandoval, choice perpetual roses and other flowers. Charles Kennicott, of the Egyptian Nurseries, Sandoval, a great variety of roses, delphinums, phlox, and verbennas. Mr. Simons, of Jonesboro,fine specimens of blackberry and currant wines. Wm. Yates, of Tamaroa, Wilson's Albany Strawberry, the largest variety present. Messrs. Lobdell & Davis, Centralia, fine wine, from the currant, and specimens of fine currants and gooseberriea — vari- eties rhubarb. We are unable to give the names of all the contributors. We came away at the close of the first day's exhibition, delighted with all we saw — with the town of Jonesboro — its citizens — and the country — (destined to be the great fruit region of Illinois.) May we be there again in the season of peaches ! On the evening of the first day's ex- hibition, Dr. Warder delivered an address in the Court House "On the Strawberry Question," embracing the history of its cultivation at Cincinnati, and the proper mode of cultivating this luxu- rious fruit, by which every family, hav- ing a small patch of ground, can supply themselves with all that they desire. This address, with the awards at Jones- boro, will be a valuable contribu- tion to the forthcoming volume of the Transactions of the State Agricultural Society. The next exhibition will be hele in Belleville in the month of August. •>•» "The Microscopic Companion." — A popular manual of practical Micro- scopy, designed for those engaged in Microscopic Investigations, Schools, Seminaries, Colleges, etc., and com- prising selections from the best wri- ters on the Microscope, relative to its use, mode of management, preserva- tion of objects, etc., to which is added a glossary of the principal terms used in Microscopic science. By John King, M. D.. Illustrated with 114 cuts. Printed by Robert Clarke & Co., Cincinnati,1859. ^; It is not possible in a brief paragraph to give an idea of the exceeding value of this work. The Microscope opens to our vision, in all the departments of na- ture, new and wonderful creations of beauty and magnificence. It shows us living and well organized life where we would not expect to find it. It is of im- mense value to the physician, the geolo- gist, the mineralogist and the botanist. It enables one to discover the adultera- tions in food, in drugs, pants, oils, milk and other articles of value. To the far- mer, it can be rendered of vast service in the detection of foul seed, of seed affect- ed by minute insects, or fungus or smut. The work is an able elucidation of the principles which enter into the con- struction of the Microscope, and the va- rious uses to which it can be advanta- geously applied. These instruments are now furnished at a small expense in Cincinnati. We recommend this work as embracing information in a depart- ment of knowledge to which few of the people have access. Farmer's Congress at Mendota. — The North- Western Prairie Farmer of June 11, contains the proceedings of a meeting of farmers at Mendota. The names of sixty- two persons are given as delegates — most of them from Lee and neighboring counties. The main objects of the meeting seemed to be to get up an organization among producers so as to control the prices of produce, as well as to reduce the prices of goods to be.purchased by them of merchants; and to collect and publish statistics of the condition of crops, — so as to prevent produce operators from speculating upon the same to the injury of producers. — Several years ago an organization was gotten up in this city for similar purpo- poses; but it lasted only for a short period. The meeting voted to hold a Convention in Freeport during the State Fair. White Ash and Soft Maple. — The seeds of these valuable timber trees are now ripe. They can be gathered as soon as ripe, and sovm in seed beds, where they will come up in a few days, and make good plants for next year's setting. The trees grow rapidly, quite as much so as locusts, and are beautiful in all stages of their growth. Farmers on the prairies will do well to obtain these seeds the present season, and in two years they will have young trees for transplanting into groves and skirts o f timber, for prairie protection, fuel and timber, that will pay a thousand per cent on their cost. Strawberries. — "Rural,'' i^ the Chicago Press and Tribune, says : ''Those who have no spare place for this delicious fruit, can plant among the early corn in the garden; the shade will benefit them, and a season will be gain- ed. Two or three dollars invested in plants will soon make a new bond of union in the family, and the domestic board will be one of interest to the little folks; and even those old curmudgeons who pull up their purse strings when asked for these cheap luxuries by their wives and little ones, can enjoy them exceedingly well when away from home, and they cost them nothing." A friend in the country, on a very small piece of ground, the present sea- son, at very little cost, raised strawber- ries enough for abundant family use, besides selling to the amount of forti/ dollars ! We can supply any demand for plants. 298 THE ILLIISroiS FARMER. Premiums for Mowers and Reapers. Illinois State Aorkultubal Socikty, 1 f I>ringfi(l(l, June 11, l>5.t. / TIic Illinois State Agricultural Socie- ty solicit the exhibition for competition and premium at the State Fair, to be held at Freeport on the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th days of September next, reapers and mowers, manufactured in this State or elsewhere. The society offers for the best reaper, taking into consideration its cost, its lasting quali- ties, and the economy with which it can be worked, the society's hirge gold med- al; 2nd best, silver medal. The society also offers for the best mower, taking into consideration its cost; its lasting qualities, and the econ- omy with which it may be worked, the society's large gold medal; 2d best, sil- ver medal. The Awarding Committee in Class F. No. 28, (see premium list for 1859,) will be the Awarding Committee upon Reapers and Mowers, viz : Isaac Evans, Galena; Andrew Devinny, Hampton; Stephen Norton, Danville; N. Smith, Lawn Ridge; David Lawson, Macomb; Elliott Stephenson, Jackson- ville; Bcnj. Miller, Newton; Felix Scott, Chairman Belleville. S. FRANCIS, Cor. Sec. 111. State Ag. Soc. jg^^-The Rat-eating Chinese could make a fat living at this time, in some sections of this State; and the French glove makers (who make kid gloves of rat skins) could find plenty of stock for their business. g@^The blackberry crop promises to be good every where; but in Southern Illinois the fruit can be gathered in the season, by tons. A capital Claret can be made of the juice, sweetened a little Avith sugar — not too much; and which will prove to be a great deal better than that made of sour cider, vinegar, poke berries, and such stuff. >•» Jg;?3^ Jesse Frye, Esq., is now enga- ged in superintending tlie building of his Gans Plows in Detroit. lie says he has made great improvements in thorn — so that one plow will do all kinds of plowing. ••» MiT.LET. — It W'iil answer to sow Mil- let until the middle of the present month, and especially so in^caseyou desire fod- der, and not seed. Twenty-Five I'ollars Premium, The proprietors of the Prairie Farmer offer the above premium to the boy un- der If) years of ago who shall raise the largest number of bushels of Rutabagas or Flat-Turnips on one acre of ground the present season; the cultivation to be entirely by himself; the quantity of ground and amount of crop to be testi- fied to by three responsible individuals. The amount of seed, time of sowing mode of cultivating, and time of harvest- ing to be furnished by the competitor. All reports to be sent in by the 1st of December, when the award and names of competitors will be announced. — Those who intend to compete will please give notice of such intention at once. -••,- Literary Notiee. The Scientific American. — The publishers of this widely circulated and popular illustrated weekly journal of mechanics and science, announce that it will bo enlarged on the first of July, and otherwise greatly improved, con- taining sixteen pages instead of eight, the present size, which will make it the largest and cheapest scientific journal in the world; it is the only journal of its class that has ever succeeded in this country, and maintains a character for authority in all matters of mechanics, science and the arts, which is not excel- led by any other journal published in this country or in Europe. Although the publishers will incur an increased expense of ^8,000 a year by this en- largement, they have determined not to raise the price of subscription, relying upon their friends to indemnify them in this increased expenditure, by a corres- ponding increase of subscribers. Terms ^2 a year, or 10 copies for $15. Spe- cimen copies of the paper with a pamph- let of information to inventors, furnish- ed gratis, by mail, on application to the publishers, Munn k Co., No. 37, Park llow. New York. Late Frosts. — On Friday and Satur- day nights, the 2nd and 3rd of June, there were severe frosts in the north part of the State, which cut down corn and potatoes, and all the tender garden veuctables. AYe think, however, that corn and potatoe crops "will not be seriouslv injured. •«. BucKAVHEAT. — This can be sown as late as August. The middle of this month will do as well. A New Enemy. The first planting in many cornfields in this county, and in the counties near as has been destroyed by rats, which are so numerous that they can hardly be estimated. Thousands have been killed in a single cornfield. Dr. C. B. Ostrander, of Livingston county, soak- ed corn in water impregnated with ar- senic, and scattered it over his corn lands. lie gathered up two wagon loads of his dead enemy, and believed he could collect as many more. Where do these rats come from ? — Prom infor- mation, we are rather of the opinion that they have now left, to a good, de- gree, the cornfields; and that the sec- ond planting will not be disturbed by them. Strawberry Beds. • ''Rural/' in the the Chicago Press and Tribune says : "Now and all of this month is a good time to set out new beds of this deli- cacy. The ground should be rich, fine- ly pulverized, (use no manure;) and plants set before or after a shower, or in the evening, and in that case watered. Rows four feet apart and one foot in the row, where a cultivator can be used most of the season in their culture; next year they will produce a fair crop. Out of over forty sorts that we have tried for family use, we still adhere to "Early Scarlet," "Hudson," and "McAvoy's Superior." The first is of medium size, very early, a good bearer, and of great value to the "Hudson" as a fertilizer, near w'hich it should be planted. The "Hudson" is very valuable for preserv- ing, as it is very firm, and also two weeks later. "McAvoy" is very large and soft, of mild, agreeable flavor, will not bear much handling and consequent- ly unfit for market." The editor has these varieties of straw- berry plants to dispose of «» SoKGHo. — Sorgho seed, sown broad- cast, makes most valuable fodder. It can be used for soiling stock, if desired; and it can also be used for pasturage for horses; and when they have eaten it down, take them from the field and it will soon sprout up again. No good reason can be given why cattle should bo starved in the spring in this country — except it be that farmers are too thoughtless to provide feed for them, when it can be done with little labor. ,^ . Corn. — The northern dent corn will produce good crops here, even if plan- ted at this time. r.<;y;^rsr-^ipii>s^;^)M^?r^.^ THE ILLIZSTOIS FA.R]M:ER. 299 The Time to Tut Timber. The experience of the writer of the following article can be made worth mil- lion? of dollars to the country. We copy from the Jfadison WccJchi Record. Charles IToward is one of the most esti- mable citizens of our State. Mr. Editor. — I am an old man and an inhabitant, for the last thirty years, of your county, and for the benefit of my fellow beings I propose, from time to time, as opportunities cermit to give you a few lines detailing some of my ex- 'periences in ray journey of life. As I intend to say nothing of which "I shall be ashamed or afraid, or which will be offensive to any person, I shall append ray real uame to my communications, in order that my readers may be the bet- ter enabled to place a proper estimate upon what I shall write. I noticed in your issue, of May 14th some remarks relative to the time for cutting fence timber. Now on this sub- ject I shall state a few facts which, if properly appreciated, will save millions of dollars to those who may lose by the unnecessary decay of timber. Those are the facts : When I came to Alton, in 1829, I brought with me a little book called "The Farmer's Guide;" contain- ing a short article on the tinie to cut timber. The author said the proper time was when the sap was up and the tree in full leaf, and gave his reasons for so believing, which were based on actual experience, forced upon him by his father, growing out of the following facts : When he was a boy, of about ten years old, his father cut and prepared in the winter, sills for a new barn, to be built in the ensuing summer; so that they should not have the sap in them, when cut, least according to the notion of all, they would last longer by being cut when the sap was down. When summer came his father commenced to build, his barn, but he discovered that one of his sills had a decayed place in it and he did not like to put it in his barn; neither did he like to cut a new sill while the sap Avas up. After due con- sideration he thought he would rather risk it than the decayed sill, and accord- ingly cut a sill while the sap was up and put it in. Afterwards his father died, leaving the barn to him. Some forty years afterwards he found the other sills very much decayed, so much that it be- came necessary to pull the barn down, when to his surprise the sill which had been cut Avhen the sap was up he found to be sound and hai-d in all parts, while the three sills which had been cut in the winter were in many parts t.oo rotten for fuel. Now I will give my experience on the subject. In the winter ol: 1829 I had a few rails made to fence in a piece of ground, about two miles from Alton, and in 1831 I put them up; and in June of the same year I had a thousand more made to inclose a calf pasture. The workmen said they would not last long if I had them cut in the summer. I re- plied that I would risk it in that small number. And now for the result, and comparative durability of those cut in the winter and those cut in the summer. Those cut in winter were valuless in ten yoars, while those cut in summer are still sound and good, as any person may see by giving me a call, for, although I have moved several times since, I still have some of them, to remind me of old times, they having lasted twenty-eight years, afid perhaps willlast twenty-eight more. Now, Mr. Editor, no man can calcu- late the millions of dollars wdiich may be saved by cutting timber in the sum- mer. I talked to several persons on this subject, but I had not the exper- ience then that I have now, and gave it up on that account. I Was greatly sur- prised when I learned that the Superin- tendents of our old State Railroads bound the contractors to have their tim- bers cut in the winter time, the result of which all know was its decay in a few years. Posts should be set with the butt end of the tree upwards. Salt I proved to be a substance that creates moisture and causes timber to decay near the ground. Hoping, dear sir, that these facts may have their desired effect. I am yours, CHAS. HOWARD. Items Worth Rememherinj. To drive striped bugs from cucumber and squash vines, take an ounce of aloes and put it into a gallon of water, and syringe^tlie plants. Loaves of the elder bush placed about squash vines, it is said, will keep away insects from them. Perhaps so. The experiment is worth trying. Mechi. of England, Insists that thin Seeding is best for rich grounds. Ill Connecticut 1,300 bushels of Ruta Bagas have been grown on an acre of land. A large kettle is said to make a cheap and excellent water trough for stock. Mr. R. Sells, near Clcavelana, has twenty acres of strawberries. Seize a favorable time late in July, just before a shower, if possible, to sow your buckwheat. A bushel of seed ought to sow two acres. Hungarian Grass can be sown until the middle of July. Sugar Mill for Sale. — The Sugar Mill which was gotten up in this city, to demonstrnte the value of the Chinese Cane, for sugar and molasses, will be sold on reasonable terms. It does its work well, and can work up two hun- dred acres of cane if required. See ad- vertisementjOr write to the editor hereof. -«•► The Cashmere Shawl Goat. c- Gallatin, Summer Co., Tenn., June 5,1856. To {lie Editors ofiht Cultivator and Country Gentleman : I have been thinking for some time of calling your attention, and that of the numerous readers of our widely circula- ted agricultural journals, to the recent importations of the Cashmere Shawl Goat, an animal as remarkable for the extreme ficeness of its fleece, as for the enormous prices which it at all times commands in market. The first and only importations to the United States, were made a few years since, from Tur- key in Asia, by Dr. James B. Davis, of Columbia, S. C, w^ho resided some years in the East, and procured them under great difficulties, and at much cost and personal hazard. They have been recently introduced into Tennessee, by Messrs. Williams, Adams & C. an en- terprising firm of public spirited gen- tlemen, at Gallatin, Tenn., and are now on my farm near this place. The Com- pany have a charter of incorporation granted by the last Legislature of the State, which is doing all in its power for the encouragement of the farming interests, having in successful operation, societies under the direct charge of a State Bureau, in the three grand divis- ions of the State, in connection with county societies in most of the large and populous counties. The fact is, Ten- nesse, so long behind hand, in that pub- lic countenance to these interests, is now far ahead of most of the older States in the encouragement and fostering of as- sociations for the advancement of agricul- tural and mechanical arts. Most of our readers are doubtless fa- miliar with the history of the Cashmere Goat, and it is scarcely necessary to speak of the intrinsic value of the wool over that of any other fleeced animal known. The alrao-st fabulous prices at which the shawls have sold, is known to almost every one, often approach- ing thousands of dollars each. One of the chief causes of its high value is the imperishable nature of the goods man- ufactured from the Cashmere wool — surpassing in durability of wear all other articles. The adaptation of the animal to our climate has now been fully tested, while its hardy and lively nature, its habits, and self protection from dogs and other enemies, are qual- ities which highly recommend them. — They can be raised advantageously, and thrive upon weeds and briars, &c., which are rejected by othfir animals. Not the least remarkable is the manner of ffath- w.-'\- ■ -!:.:^'v::''^ r'^'^^^^?ff^"s.«^Jr^^ 800 THE ILLINOIS FA^RMEH. ering the fleece, •which is pulled instead of being sheared. I have recently weighed the fleeces from one, and it turned out three pounds ten owices, (3 lbs. 10 oz.) semi-annually. The entire yield o£ the Company's stock has been engaged in the city of New York, at ^8,50 per lb., from -which point it will be sent +o Paisley in Scotland, for man- ufacturing into the Shawls. I beg leave to enclose a sample of my rais- ing. It may not be out of place in this connection, to remark, that great credit is due to Dr. Davis, of S. C. for the enterprise he exhibited in the introduc- tion of the Goat to this country. He was at the time, in the employ of the Turkish Government at a salary of ^15,000, engaged in experiments upon the growing of cotton in the Sultan's do- minions. He went out upon the re- commendation of President Polk, to whom application was made by the Tur- kish Government, for the services of some competent Southern gentleman, familiar with the cotton culture. While there he determined to procure the Goat from its native wilds. The story of the journey would be too tedious for my brief letter, and I will merely add, that with an expensive outfit at Constantino- ple, a perilous journey for months, and the loss of many men and camels, he succeeded in capturing and carrying of! eleven of the famous animals whose fleeces in the shape of shawls are so highly prized and coveted by the ladies of all civilized notions, and for which prices almost startling have been paid by the wealthy. On his return home Dr. Davis visited London, and exhibited his flock, at the British Museum, attract- ing great attention, an account of which may bo found in the files of the London Times of that date. They were also afterwards exhibited at Paris. After a careful examination of the whole subject, I cannot avoid the con- clusion that the introduction of the ani- mal will constitute an era in manufac- turing, which cannot fail to result in great profits to those engaged in it. — There has not been a single instance up to this date, where the Cashmere Shawl Goat has brought at sale, less than $1,000 each. Rickard Allen. ••» City Horticultural Exhibitions. — Those arc increasing in our State. There were exhibitions the present sea- son at Springfield, Bloomington, Deca- tnr, Galesburg, and Chicago. These exhibitions will undoubtedly advance the taste for Horticulture in all the places where they are held. — -.«» — . The Apple Crop. — The apple crop of Central Illinois will be very light. — Those who have apples will find u good market for them in the fall. Premiums for Mowers and Reapers. The Illinois State Agricultural Socie- ty, offer for the Mowers and Reapers at the State Fair — for the best Gold med- als, and second best, silver medals. -• — ^- Sycamore, June 22, 1859. Sir : — You will please note in your pub- lication that the DeKalb County Agricultu- ral Fair will be held at Sycamore on Thurs- day and Friday, Oct. 6th and 7th, 1859. The Fair grounds contain ten acres of land, enclosed with a board fence, eight feet high, on the banks of the Kishwaukee river. The Executive Committee are making ex- tensive preparations for the accommodation of visitors, and from present appearances they feel confident of having and displaying the largest and best country Fair ever held in the State. The adjoining counties are expected to be present at the Fair and par- ticipate with us. Very respectfully, "W. H. Beavers, Scc'y. -•••- Report on the Experiment to Test the Fossibil- itj of Transmutation of Wheat into Chess. Some two years ago, a gentleman of Bufia- lo, N. Y., offered a premium of §100 to any one who would give evidence satisfactory to a committee to be appointed for the purpose, that he had grown chess on the same stalk and head of wheat, or had found wheat changed into chess, in the natural course of growth. Col. B. P. Johnson, Secretary of the New York State Agricultuaal Society, was requested to make the preliminary ar- rangements, and appoint the committee, who were to make the experiments. According- ly, C. Dewey and L. B. Langworthy, of Rochester, and John J. Thomas, of Union Springs, were requested, and consented to act as said committee. Dr. Samuel Davidson, of Greece, in Mon- roe county, an intelligent and successful far- mer, proposed to establish the required proof of transmutation, provided his directions were followed. The committee agreed on the plan to be pursued, to prevent any mis- take or deception, which was acceded to by Dr. Davidson, who it was further agreed should carry out the same experiment, upon the plan of his own suggestion, upon his own farm, as well as each member of the com- mittee upon their farms. According to the report, it appears that the four went into the experiment in good earnest, subjecting the wheat plants to all the mutilations of freezing and thawing, &c., which are the supposed necessary agents in this mysterious transformation; and yet each Liember reports, that from seed wheat sown, he was unable produce any other return than genuine wheat, with no resemblance or kin- dred to chess. Dr. Davidson, who supposed he had been succes.sful in a previous experiment in pro- ducing chess from wheat, in the present in- stance (as well as each member of the com- mittee) adopted two precautions which were neglected by the Doctor in his former ex- periment. These precautions were : 1st. To boil the earth, in which the wheat was to be sown, in water for two hours, till every seed in it should be destroyed. 2nd. To grow the wheat in pan, so that no seed should send up a stem from the earth below or around it. These experiments not only satisfied the committee, but also Dr. Davidson, who waa sanguine of success, that wheat cannot be transmuted into chess. At the conclusion cf the report, the chair- man of the committee, Mr. C. Dewey, re- marks upon the characteristic differences between chess and wheat as follows : "The head of wheat is short, thick and relatively close-fruited, or, as it is called, close-spiked; but the chess has no like form, but is a long diffuse pannide, the little stems of which bear the small and short separate heads of the seed, rising in clusters at several points along the stem; the small heads bearing a very different number of seeds from the separate spikelets of the wheat head. Add to this the difference between the seeds of wheat and chess, in their composition, mat- ter and value. What a transmutation — the plant not yielding seed after its kind! • We might add to this that there is such a wide distinction in the botanical develop- ment ot the two plants as to render it im- possible for a wheat seed or plant to produce a grain of chess. We hope that this care- fully conducted experiment, carried out by four different persons, in different places, upon the plan laid down by one of the par- ties to the trial will set at rest all further discussion upon the subject. — Valley Far- mer. Met AMOR a, 111. June 25. Secretary of the State Agricultural Society of Illinois: Dear Sir : — The ofiicers of the Woodford County Agricultural Society were duly elected on the 28th of May, and are as follows : President Jesse Hammers; Vice-President John J. Perry; Treasurer John W. Page; Secretary I. J. Marsh. Our Society is in a prosper- ous condition and all are expecting a good time at our fall fair. Any com- munications, books, or other valuables which you may be able to send us will be thankfully received, and rightly ap- preciated. Direct to I. J. Marsh Secretary Woodford County Agricultural Society Metamora Illinois. Respectfully &c. I. J. MARSH, Sec. W. C. A. S. »t Editor of the Farmer : — To Mr. J. R. W. — In your last number. Can the underground pirates viz: the Gopher, be exterminated ? Is there any remedy &c. In reply I send the following dir- ections and will insure him a complete victory over the Gopher. R. arsenous acid gr. ij. Directions. Take a potatoe of the size of an egg make three or four incis- ions and put in the arsenic. Dig down to the Gopher's hole and put in the po- tatoe, and cover up the hole — as many ='\'Vv^'j;-.,-*.7??. Whitewash. — This article, as ordin- arily made, rubs off the walls after it becomes dry, soiling clothes and every- thing coming in contact with it. This may be obviated by slackening the lime in boiling water, stirring it meanwhile and then applying — after dissolving in water — white vitrei (sulphate of zinc) in proportion of four pounds to a barrel of whitewash, making it the consistency of rich milk. The sulphate of zinc will cause the wash to harden, and prevent the lime from rubbing off. A pound of white salt should also be thrown into it. Scene Three Years Ago. "You going to sell your wheat now — as soon as you can thrash it — at the first prices ©ffered?" ^ :{_ -y. :.:'-[: --\-i^ .^ ^ "Yes, I think that is my best policy. The price I think is good — a dollar and a half. And besides, within the next three months the wheat will lose by sweating and drying ten per cent." "Nonsense ! If wheat is worth now a a dollar and a half, it will be worth two dol- lars and more next spring, and you will not have to hurry yourself to have it thrash- ed out." "next spring." " Well, neighbor, have you sold your wheat? "No — do you want to buy some." "Not exactly yet — what is it worth ?" "I am told they are offering one dollar for a first rate article." SEEDING TIME. "Neighbor, have you got any wheat to sell ?" - :■■^;^,. •;..■■-,•:■: "Yes, it has been falling all the while. — I want to sell. I suppose I shall have to give it away." "I want fifty bushels for seeding. When I sold my wheat I anticipated buying INIay wheat for seed. Yours is May wheat, I be- lieve ?" ■■..:■;"/■::-.;■;-■/ "Yes, it is May wheat. What is the price now of wheat? I want to sell or give it away." "I don't want you to give it to me. I will pay the full market price for fifty bu'shr els. which is seventy-five cents." "Beelzebub take me! But you shall have it. I expect it will go down to fifty cents if I holdoD." JB@°'How many cases can be named alike to this ? ■«•- A Premium for Boys.— The proprietors of the Prairie Farmer offer a nremiura of §25, to the boy under sixteen years of age, who shall raise the largest number of bushels of ruta bagas or flat turnips, on one acre of ground, the present season. The conditions are, that the cultivation is to be performed entirely by himself, and the work, amount. &c., certified by three responsible individuals. The amount of seed, time of planting, mode of cultivation, and time of harvesting to be stated by the competitor. Reports to be sent in by December 1st, when the prize will be awarded to the successful competitor. «•> ^ — Bnckwiipat, Tarnips, flungarian Grasi. We want our farmers to have full cellars, full barns, and full purses this year. It will answer to sow Hungarian Grass, Sugar Cane seed, and corn,for making fodder, until the twentieth of this month — weather favor- able. Buckwheat can be sown till the first of August; better, however, to bow it two weeks sooner. Sow turnip seed the middle of this month — so that if the fly cuts off the young plants, you can sow again; if they cut them off the second time, sow again — and sow again if they cut them off' the third time. Don't let the little rascally insects worry you out. Good turnips have been raised from seed sown in the second week of August- Eastern and Ohio farmers make good crops of turnips from seed sown in corn. <«» Sheep Killed. — The Napa (Califor- nia) Reporter says that a gentleman liv- ing near Santa Rosa, discovered, one evening recently, a considerable tumult among his flock of sheep. Going among them to discover the cause, he found a couple of them with their throats cut and dying. Imagining this destruc- tion to be the work of wild animals, he cut them open and secreted a lot of strychnine in their bodies. The next morning he found the poison had done its work. Four panthers, measuring not less than eight feet from tip to tip, were discovered dead in a few rods of where the sheep had been left. Zante Currants.— The Washington Evening Star says ; The Patent Oflice is in receipt of a lengthy and interesting communication from Samuel B. Parsons, an experienc- ed nurseryman, of Flushing, N. Y., who is now traveling in Europe, concerning the Zantc currants. During his tour, he visited the Ionian Islands, and ac- quainted himself with the mode of culti- vation, climatic necessities, and the method of drying and packing this fruit; as well as the diseases incidental to the plants, and the profits arising from its cultivation; of all, which he informs the Patent OflSce in detail. He also urges the importance of attempting the intro- duction of the fruit into this country. — The agricultural department of the Pai- ent Oflice did, however, introduce a great quantity of the vines last year, which were widely distributed in the . ! 302 THE ILLIiN'OIS irA.IljVIEIl. Southern States and in California, and from -wliich the happiest results are anti- cipated. -«^ Evergreens— Sensible. Hon. M. L. Dunlap has been into the the Pineries of Wisconsin, for the pur- pose of procuring Evergreens. He writes to the Chicago Press and Tribune : Manitowoc, Wis., May 21, 1859. We have to-day completed the taking up and packing of G,500 evergreens, mostly of extra size. They have been grown in tlie open ground, and are of fine form. Over two hundred of the pines are from four to eight feet high. Should our experiment succeed in the removal of these larger trees, there will be no longer any excuse for not having every prairie homo embellished with these beautiful conifers. We have been at considerable extra expense in taking them up and packing, and so soon as the matter of success is decided, we shall give the process to the public. — That nineteen-twentieths of all the evergreens, not of nursery growth, that are sold throughout the country, die, is a fact too well known to require any comment ; yet year after year people continue to throw away money in the same direction. Some new aspirant of these worthy geniuses comes forward, "takcniip with care," and two "greens" are again seen — the evergreen and the green purchaser. Gentlemen, why do you not make these gentry set out the trees, and receive pay for those only whicli live ? This would put a stop to this petty swindling, and you would save a large amount of money and vex- ation. Care of \oung Peach Trees. Those persons who planted out peach trees last spring, will find it greatly to their advantage to bestow a little extra labor upon them the first season. It is generally supposed that after a tree is well set it will take care of itself, but this is not the case. A young tree is like a young animal, and needs almost daily to be looked after until it becomes established, when an occasional visit may be sufficient. This is especially the case with the peach, which, though with good care is a vigorous grower, is quite fastidious in some of its habits. As the weather becomes Avarm, if showers are unfrequcnt, give them a pail of wa- ter as often as they need it, which may be three or four times a week. To pre- vent the too rapid evaporation of the water, a mulch of straw a few inches in thickness will be of great advantage. It is very strange that this most useful ap- pliance is not used by all Avho plant trees, yet it is not. On "washing day,'' let the "bill of fare'' be changed, and give them a pail of soap suds. This li- quid manure is very applicable to the peach. It seems to contain in solution and ready for use some important ele- ments of food for this tree. Not one farmer in a hundred uses it, however, for any purpose, unless to make a wet spot for weeds, Avhere it is allowed to run; not even those who read agricultur- al papers, and ought to know better. It is true, it is ready for use at a time when the "men folks" arc generally out, and it would not be right to ask those who do the washing to apply it; but let thorn save it in a b irrel, if nothing better is at hand, till night or next morning, when it should be applied. Young trees ought also to be protected from the bor- er; utlierwise they will certainly ruin them. The egss of this insect are laid in t 0 summer months, On the tender bark, at or near the collar of the tree. When hatched, they eat under the bark, and oFten to a considerable distance along the trunk of the tree, destroyinir the sap-wood, and producing an effusion of sap or gum. Any one who has not noticed their depredations, should dissect a tree which they have destroyed in the part where they work. They will then have an occulai' demonstration of their ravages. The only way to secure pro- tection is to protect the parts from ac- cess to the moth which lays the eggs. A small cone of ashes or lime, about the trunk, is said to be a protective; others have succeeded by winding a band of straw about the titink quite closely. — Perhaps the two combined might be bot ter than eitiier alone. There are proba- bly other methods more or less efi'ectua of which farmers must judge for them selves. What I wish, more particular- ly, is to induce farmers not to neglect using some of the most approved means at the proper time. Another necessity in the care of a young peach tree, is to form a good head. This can only be done by judi- cious pruning; not all at once, but dur- ing the first season's growth. I have, of late, noticed, in several instances, good yearling trees from the nursery row, left to grow unpruned, except the removal of a few of the lower branches. All the side shoots, which grow in the nursery row, should be removed, and new and better ones grown to supply their places. Shorten back the main shoot one-third its length, also. Of the side shoots, which are thrown out in abundance, select three of the best ones for the main branches of the head, and remove the others. Ey a little watching and pinching, occasionally, you can secure a head to your liking. An old adage is : "A stitch in time saves nine." This s;imo principle is equally true of a con- stant watching for any defects which may appear in the development of: our plants, and the application of a remedy before it is too late. — M. L. IIolbuook. IIow to strike China Boscs from Cuttings. Here is something from "Mr. Glasse's Gardening Book," that leaves but little to say on the subject it treats : "In the beginning of September get some pretty ripe shoots. You may know whether they are ripe enough, by the lower leaves coming off easily. Cut the shoots into pieces eight or nine inch- es long. With a sharp knife cut the lower end straight across, below a bud — draw the knife ,/>om the bud, not towards it. Cut the upper end slanting, just above a bud; leave on the two upper- most leaves — pull off all the others. — Take a pot about eight inches deep — put a fe>v crocks in the bottom; over the crocks lay some old shreds, and then an inch of charcoal dust, or silver sand: fill up with one-quarter peat and half loam. With a round stick, make holes through the peat and loam, down to the charcoal. Put in the cuttings so as to leave the two leaves above ground, and press the soil down firmly. Give a watering with rain-water. Then plunge the pot on a mild hot-bed, or set in any Avarm place Avhere it may be kept damp — put a hand glass over, and keep the sun off until the cuttings begin to push. Then give a little air at night, putting the hand glass on again in the day time. They will soon strike roots." '■^Anotlicr loaij. — You may place the pots when filled with cuttings, in a shady border, with or without hand glasses, and they Will strike in time. But the first is the quickest way." — G-ard. Chron. Excessive Eating. — In a letter to Lord Murray, Sydney Smith says : "You are, I hear, attending more to diet than heretofore. If you wish any- thing like happiness in thy fifth of life, you should pay more attention to the amount you eat and drink. Did I ever tell you my calculation about eating and drinking ? Having ascertained the weight of what I did live upon, I found that, between ten and seventeen years of age, I had eaten and drank 44 odd horse Avagon loads of meat, and drank more than Avould have preserved me in life and health. The value of this mass of nourishment is considered to be worth £7,000 sterling. KSsT* The wheat harvest commenced two Avcck since in Southern Illinois. As a general fact, the wheat is gt)od, although there are some poor fiehls. The South- ern Avhcat fields are not as large as those of the North; but the South can always succeed Avith winter Avheat, Aviicn the seed is put in avcU; and the excellence of Southern Illinois Avhcat is undisputed. ?',?=W^.TtK ^TTr^^fS^^^?^ ™ '■' -.ilJajwr??;" THE ILLIlsrOIS F^HIMER. 303 A Wool Opehation. — The Utica N. Y. Eerald says ; T. S. Faxton, Esq., in behalf of the Globe Woolen Mills of Utica, is just starting on a Western tour for the purchase of 250,000 pounds of wool. The quality to be purchased will make the the cost about a hundred thous- and dollars. This indicates confidence in a continued improvement of the wool- en manufacture. A Cure for Sheep-Killing Dogs. — A Southern writer gives the follow- ing : "Select the stoutest and most vicious old ram in your flock, and shear him close; then get a small Manilla rope thirty-five feet long, and tie one end around the dog's neck, and turn them into a ten acre field, well cleared ot stumps, brush and corn stalks, and let them remain two hours, and if that old ram don't knock all the sheep killing propensities out of that dog, why then, as Sam Stonestreet would say, "I hope I may never see chinkapin time again." That dog will never have the courage to look a sheep in the face again.'' «o» ■ •" , Our Beautiful TVild-Flowers — Is amusement our pursuit ? A love of our beautiful wild flowers will afford it in every walk we take. They are in- deed scattered around us in the greatest profusion. Wherever we direct our steps, be it upon the lofty mountains, through deep ravines, in the solitary dell, or over the beautiful meadows, they meet us at eeery turn, and seem, as Rosseau says, to grow beneath our feet, as if to invite us to their contemplation. They are to be seen by every one, — would that I could add they are admired by every one. Those that know nothing of flowers, save their beautiful colors and fragrance cannot posstbly enter into the delight and enthusiasm of the botanist; who, knowing, that the commonest weeds are not beneath his notice, examines them with the greatest assiduity and interest. lie learns their uses, and their connec- tions with others spread over the entire globe. By the study of botany, our minds become stored with the most val- uable information, and at the same time are led to "look through nature up to nature's God.'' — Homestead. gaaaiaifairju»««airfaaa>sii£ai WE have in operation the Celebrated " flF JT-.F^-y^'" u:i Press, which enables ub to furnish a better Cefd J'L" r^'S^-'- end at lower price, than uuy olBcc in Central '.y^y-'i-.. AtS^'Orders from a distaace will receive projM,.' Ctie*JilIviii> BAII.1IACHJE & BAKBIij Oct. 12. Pacnu;rir.i. COMMERCIAL. St. L.ouis Market, June IS, p lu. /s usual, during the heat of gnmmer ani harvest, the produce audgeneial trade of the cily is quiet. Money is' sciirce.an'i Bunkers hiV(3 a bu.-y time I'janinj;; but most de- partments of trade areata standstill until after harvest.! Hreadstuffsas well as provisiona seem to be doll aud aecl n-' ins everywhere. The favorable Wheat and Corn prospects all over the weatcaiise a de' line and dnlluess here in Flour, Wheat and Cnrn. G^ocerie^ aud previsions rather quiet. Groceries somewhat improving, and one firm has sold an av- erage of 100 hlids.of Sugr^rperday since Saturday, with oth- er Groceries as fdlows: 400 hhds. Sugar at 5}-.J@7c; 50 bbls Union Refinery Molasses at 40c per gallon, 50 bbls New Orleans hefinerydo.at41c; 200 kegs do. at 49c, anrt 60 hags fair Coffee at ll%o. From another dealer we gut a sale of 60 bags prime Coffve at 12c, and 00 bbls. Union Mo'asses also at 40c Tie asfgregate sales of the city, from first hands, has been small however. ChIcas:o Marker, Juue 29, p. m. The wheat market opened dull and heavy, and enles wore made at a decliueof 2c on yesterday's pric<'8. lu the after- noon, however, more favorable advices from Buffalo eaused a reaccion, and the mariiet advanced 53/Sc from the lowest point reached on Tbausie To'rtay's transactions foot up about 45.000 I ushels «t 41 22 to 1 £5 for Ko. 1 Uoti; Jl 03 to 1 011^ for No 2 lied; 87}/^ to 93c for standard spring, and 80c for No. 2 Bpricg. Flour was very dull. Coi u opeueU dull and drooping; but an iuiprovenirnt of 2c in Kew York caused an advance of Ic before the close. About 35,000 bu changed bands at OS to 70o afloat for Canal; 68 t) C9c f r No. 1 in store: an 3 €5 to 653^c for No. 2 — the market, closing Very tirm at the outside quotations, i 'ats were in better request, and a ahad.'> firmer. Uyo sold at 90c. High wines q. iet, with limited sales at 25)^ to 2b%c Nothing do ng in I'rovi.^ions. Uides steady at 17 to ITj^c for dry flint. Wool firm. «»i ' St. Louis Live Stock Marljet--June 25. Beef Cattle — The market his been well supplied wi;h all descriptions A few fcniall lots have been shipfed, but there has scarcely been any demand for shipment. 'Ihe best qual ities retail to butchers at S(((,9c nett; fair at 6 to 7J^c Ihere are a great many inferior Indian and Xexag Caitle in the most of which nil as low as $16 to $»5 ^ head. Many Cat- tle too poor for dog-meat are ilaily killed by certain bntch- ors on ace tint of ttieir clieapness. Hogs — f^upply moderate, aud prices from C to 73-^c nett. Sheep — There has been a fair shipping demand, with prices from $1 60 to $3 %i head Supply only moderate. Shipped dnring the week 1200 head. Co' s — Inferior are very dull, and have sold as low as $15. Good are not plenty, and are worth J30®35 %i head. Voal Cattle — Good calvea are worth from $7 to $10, inferior sell lower. [By Telegraph.] New Yolk Mai Iiet"-June 30. Flour steady, clostjd 10@l.^c better; sales 7,000 bbls at $5 80@6 for superfine state ; $5 90^6 30 for extra state; $6 10@6 60 do R. H, ryo flour quiet at $4 00 to 4 75. Wheat dull and heavy Sales 25,000 bu at $1 50 for red western; $1 65 for New Amboy, Ga. Kye and barley dull. Corn S6c for mixed western. ■ Oats better, at 42 to 4Sc per bushel. Pork heavy and dull. Sales of 150 bbls at $16 for new moss, and §12 87 for prime. Beef uncLanged. Beef hams and bacon dull Cut meats drooping. Lard tirm at 11 to llj^c. WhisLy lower. Sales of 100 bbls at 253^0. New York CattSe Market— Juue 29. BEEVES — The heavj' decliueof last week had the effect of checking somewhat ihe suf piles, which are 454 head less, yet the number here — 289:2 — is fuUj' adequate for consump- tion, and prices in cmsequenco are again lower. The quality was not so good as lor some weeeks past, buyers of tha best grades finding it nol very easy to make a good selec ion. The rates were from 8 to lO'/j centSj aud a fsw as high as 11@11J^ cents; average, 9@9i4 cents. The receipts at Allerteu's we're from New York, oou; Ohio, 569; Indiana, is;'; lUinoiB, 865; Kentucky. 6 1; lov.a, 80; Canaia. 17: aud Michigan, 49. The convejai'CiS were Erie r ad, 825; Uud'-: son River, 1,291; Harleiu,23; Hudson Kiver boats. 587. At Bergen, N J , 279head were soil to butcliers, mainly lor tbis market. The sales on Sunday were 57 head. The sellers were Mike Button, Edward Lockmau, and Shuster & Sergio. St. liouls Horse Market— Juue 25. During the past week a moderate supply has been met by . a good demand. At P. Wiles' Baziar Stables, on Fifth-st , between Washington avenue and Green street, the foUuwiug have been th ' sales: Tuesday, June 21st, at auction, 1 draught horse at SI 40; 1 flue buggy do $135; 1 saddle do $115; 1 wagon do $109; 5 common borses from $76 to $90; 12 inferior ann common do from f ;i9 to $73; 1 mule $90; 1 pair small do $181. Friday, June 24, at auction, 1 fine saddle mare at $180; 1 draught horse $149; 1 four year old coll $147: 1 do $119; 2 wagon horses at $114@115: 1 buggy mare $130; 6 common and fair from $75 lo $100; 8 inferior and common from S 07 f> 72; 1 pr groys at $227 50; 1 pair duns $192 50; 1 small mule $10; 1 pair do $147. At private sale during the week, 1 fine boggy horse and 1 brown iraught horse at $200 each; 1 buggy horse at S165; 1 do at $145; 1 pair scrrels at i3-50; 4 wagon hordes at $130 each; 1 saddle horS'^ at $140; 1 pair dun poiiic«, at $265; 2 draught horses at $125 each; 1 taidlo horso at $115; 8 com- mon horses from $75 to $100; 2 do at $55@6o. Thirty '(&11 00 Ordinary do do 9 6<;@ 9 75 Common ^o do 8 tf>@ 9 00 Inferior do do 7 60® 8 00 VE.^LS — The m'»rkt't has not been subject to any fluctua- tif ii; a f teady, nioiierate demand has prevailed at cur quola» tious. Thestock olleriDgafdirassorlmcnt: Prime quali'y, per lb SJ/^Oc. OrJinary, pi^r lb 3J^a6c. MILCH COWS— The sales go on very slowly, and i>ricfs are tio better. Milkmen are not buying, except for urgent wants. Best quality „ per head..*5D 00@70 00 Good qualities _ do .. 40 00(3:45 CO Fair qualities ............do .. 30 00(g)S5 00 Common qualities .........do .. 20 00@25 00 SHEEP AND LAMB^- A fair demand has prevailed, and we make no change in our quotations. Lambs command lor prime fat stock lo@l'.2 cents; dressed and very extra 1.3 cts. Sheep are selling at 4@5 ceniB per IbTir live, and 8@ 10 cts for dres ed. $2 80j ills, together with all the fixtures necessary foi carrying on tlje busiuens. Apply to J AS. CAMPBKLL. SpriBsfield, July 1, 1859. STR^WIVJBERRY rij^lM^TS CAN BE SUPPLIED AT A LOW FIGURE on a'^'plicatiou to julyl,18i;9. S.FRANCIS. TURNIP SEED, IN ANY QUANTITY, AT WHOLESALE and retail, can be obtained at the saed store of Springfii W , July 1. a. FR ANCI \ FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES, &c THE UND'iRSIGNED WILL FURNISH Fruit and OrEamentalTri-es and Shrubbery, of excel- lent varieties, tl^rifty atid fine, ai;d twenty per cent low- er than the peblished prices of the Kochester Kur«erv Orders received. S. JKItANCIS. Springfield, July 1. VAJLUABLE MILL PROPERTY. FOR SALE OR RENT.— THE WELL known 'Harmony Mills" in Jacksonville, Morgan county, Illinois, with adjoining property, viz: 7 J^ acres of land, 4 dwelling houses, good stable, out-houses. &c., will be sold cr rented upon reasonable terms; if sold, a sma:l part cash, the balance in 1, 2, 3. 4 and 6 years. The above mill is 8itu;it(d in an extensive wheat growing country, his an ex- tensive retail trade, and is in first ratf^ running order, cap.i- ble of manufacturing from 75 to 100 bbls. of Flour per day, and with good management will make from $6,000 to eight thousand dollars pur annum. For farther particulars inquire of Wm. T. Hazard, in St. Louis, Mo., or uc the premises. jaut24-d2m W.M. FF.EAUDEXAU. PATENT MEOrciNES, WE ARE THE WHOLESALE AND RE- tail agents for most of tlie popular p-.tcnt ineiiiciues of I ho day, and will sell to the trade at card prices of the pio- priotots, viz : FKTER AXD AGUE REMEDIES, Stephens' Ague Compound, Sappiiigtou's Pills and Wcstsrn Touic. or"'rhe01d stand By " DLAIIU11(E.\ MEDICINES. Jtiyne's Carminative Balsam, Crr.mptin's Balsam. IlamSI™ t-H's Balsam, Bene Plant, Brown's Ess. Ginger, Ford's Tonic f?yrup. Blackberry Syrup, &o. Call at JuuaiC CORXEAU & DILLER'3. ^?. ■:-i:/-'-i 304 THE ILLINOIS FA.I1MER. DUNLAFS NURSERY. 40 ACR£:S IN TREJBS AN1> PJLANTS. IN ESTABLisnma a nursery at this place, we have done ro with a view ofmakiug it m parmniient buiiness We iiiTite the priruange of tho»a who wish to oucouraKe home industry, and have a deuiro to beaatify their grDUudg and fill their orcbardi with sucb plants Hnd rrttitciRare adauted tnonr anil and climate; attb* ■aine tiniu we dinclitim any intvntion to make war on those who purchase of peddlers, or sendeant for their iiipplit'S, we are coiitf^nt to wait, as we lo >k to tbeiio person* to make us a valuable class of customerfi, at no distant day. The wrll cnltirated ground where their drad trees stand will he iu ezrellent cunditiun to do ample Jtiatice to live healthy trees, to which we may point with pleasure. Trees grown in New York, with highly stimulating manures, aadlbeing pratect- ed by enow in the winter, can hardly be expected to stand, unscathed, our changeable climate. It is our pride to give our castome rs satisfaction; this wo intend to do on all occasions, as we can lire by a fair and legitimate business. Apple Trees, 5 to 7 feet high, „ 20 cents each " " " $16 per 100 " " 6 years aid .25ceutieach Dwarf and Standard I'ears :. SO " " " " " Cherry 50 " " Standard Plums 60 " " A General Stock of Evergreens, Ornamcutal Treea aud Plauta. Oatalognos bad on applicatine. Conductors on the Illinois Central Railroad hare directions to leave passengers at the Nursery, 3% miles South of Ur- b'lna, when rmiuosted before leaTiug the last station, when on time, t'armersand tree planters if Central Illinois, will you encourage home industry? M. L. DUNt.\P, West UrJana, P. 0., Champagn Co., 111. July 1, 1859— tr B. F. FOX, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Hardware, IN ALL ITS VARIOUS BRANCIIK8,IIAS NOW IN STORE one of the largest and best assortments cf goods in his line ever offered in this market. Importing many stylos of Kng- lish goods direct, and purchaiiiug liis Ainorioan goods of the nianufucturers at the lowest (caub) prices, he is enabled to offer merchants and consumers goodsut the lowest prices, and on as tiavorablo terms an any house o.ist or west. His stock embraces a very large and complete assortment of Agricultural Tools and Implements ! of the latest and most improved kinds ami qualities. Itf.ap- ers. Mowers, iilraw Cutters, Jledge Trimmers, Sickles, Grass and Jtruning Hooks, Cradles, Scythes, Snatlui, /•hrks, Hoes, S/tovels, Scoops, Axes (a\l kinds and makes), I'icks, Mattocks, lUn MUls, Seed Separators and Threshing Mu- chines. II USE FURNISniNG & BUILDERS WAREH USE. Ijirgo and complete assortment of Locks. Latches, Butts, Hin- ges, Screws, Bolts, Brads, JN'ails. TjRJMMINGS^great variety Carpenter's and Builder's Tools I Phmrs, Saws, Chisels, Augers, Braces, Bitte, Drawing Knives, Squares, Trowels, Bevils, Hatchets, Hummers, Adics, Burch and Broad Axes, Boreing Machines, Gould's and Steptoe't Morticing Machines, Ji'iles, dx. Blacksmith's Tools. Bdlmos, Anvils, Vices, Screw Plates, Tongs, Horse Kails, Horse Slioes, Buttresses, d-c. COOPER'S TOOLS. Fine assartmeut, Knives, Hooks, Planes, oso, J S. Coudell, J, il. Gray, Fossol- man, Owen, Corneau & Diller, JuncT, 185. EVERCiREtlNS^ ORDERS MAY BE LEFT WITH S. Francis for Evergreen Trees by the qnantily, from the well known Nursery of Samuel Edwards, Bureau county, at the following rates : Balsam Firs, American Arbor Vitre, White Pino, White Spruce, six to ten inches high, $.■) per hundred and $ou per tbonranil. The same varieties, from tho woods, collected by Mr. Ed- waads' agents, who take them np in the be^t possible manner, selecting trees carefally from open exposures, packing at once in d.imp moss, at $15 per thousand and $90 pur ten thousand. American Larch, two years in the Nursery at $10 per 1000. European Mountain Ash, 6 feet high, $18 per 100; 8 to 10 feet, $26 per 100. Neit Pine Strawberry plants at $3 60 per 1000; and Hybrid Scotch Khubarb at $.3 per loO- Orders for the articles may be left with mchl S. FIIANCI9. FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES SHUABERY, &.C. S FRANCIS, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. a will receive orders for all de.scription of trees from tLi DuPrtge County Nurseriea, L. Ellsworth & ('o., proprietors. These trees are well grown, health}', and their >?enuiiiess is wnrrantea. Orders fur fall planting can be forwarded to them at any time from June till No.vember. Catalogues will be furnished tliose who wisli to purchase trees and shrubbery on application to Messrs. Francis liBar- rell, Spriugfiold. FA IRRAMK8 PATENT SCALES • OF ALL KINDS. Falrbaiibs & Greenleaf, 3.^ LiKi Strket, Cuicaoo. Sold in Spriugtidl'J, by mayl ly K. B. PEASB. ELHOTT»S l^ESTEMUy fruit BOOK. A NEW EIITION OF THIS WOKK, THOROUOntT EIVISED, Embrscing nil the new and valuable Fruits, with the latest improvem«Dts 'n their cu tivation, up to January, 1859, especirtlly adapted to the wants of WESTERN FRUIT GROWKKS. FULL OF EXCELLSN? ILLUSTRATIONS, by V. R. ELLIOTT, Pomologist, Late of Clevelanil, O.. now of tit. Louis. Price $1 25. Sent by mail, post paid, to any part of the United states, on receipt of price. A. O.MOORE AGO., Agricultural Book Publishers mayl3t 140, Fulton-st., New York. U 0. UIBOAIID. JAMES H HIBBARD H. G. & J. H. HIBBARD, GENERAL COxMMISSION AND FOR- warding merchants. OflSce, No 1.38 North Main Street, directly opposite Bank of tho State of IViisscuri. tit. Louis, Missouri. 4lf UHLER'S PLOWS The Double Curved Uprlglit Steel Muuld Board Plow. THE PROPRIETOR OF TUIS SUPERIOR Plow still continues to supply, the great demand which its merits have created. Its combination of rare ad- vantages has rrcommended it to tho agricultural community throughout the btate of Illinois, it is now admitted that it has no eVERS, STEEL CLIPPER PLOWSB BALCONY RAILING AND FENCING, Cast Irou Frouts, Wiudow Caps and Silla WATER WHEELS, GRIST AND SAW-MILL GEARING, PR AND in IE W EO iy«, OF ALL SIZES. EpaiNonxLD, Iu., June 20. J. BUNN, BANKER, AND DEALER IN EXCHANGE; BANK NOTES AND COIN, EPRINOFIELD, ILLINOIS. -^•t- ;6Sr" Particular attention given to collections, and proceeds promptly remitted at the current rate of exchange. H K R E H 8 TO American Kx. Bank.N. York. I Drexel A Co., Philadelphia. Abra) am Bell's Sous. " I George Smith & Co.; Chicago Uamiltou Bank, Boston. \ L. A. Beuoist & Co., St. Louis. Price, Cenverse k Co., New Orleans. n^ YOL. lY. SPRINGFIELD, AUGUST, 1859. NO. 8. PUBLISHED MOXTULY, - BT' BAIL II ache: n 311 Our Stiito Fair 312 S'r.4w:)errioi ...^ 312 Cheat 3i:j Blackbi'rries .IIS Attoniiiinco at Fa'rs 313 Manny I'rtmlum for Twenty Acres Winter Wheat 311 To the Fiirmeriof Illinois 314 Prcmiwm Crop of Wheat for 1860 31-1 Wheat 314 The Sugar Cauo 314 Timothy Grass 315 Eastern Tree Pedllers 316 Norton's Seedling Grape 317 Hints fjr the Season 317 Worth Recollecting 317 About IhePrjperTimefoCut Timber 317 Valuable Ri-ceipts 317 What is Expected of the F.;rmer 318 Potatoe Bread %\'^ Dejp CuItureaMeans ofWaimiugthe Soil 3is C.)mmuuii;!rtioa 318 Hessian Fly — Uow to trap him 319 It is an old and trite axiom that, "the tiling worth doing at all, is worth doing ttv'//," and this may wcil be applied to the keeping of fowls and other small stock, which j too often, if kept at all, are a pest, nuisance { and positive loss to the farmer, when they i coultl, by a little attention, be made a source { of much pleasure, comfort and profit. It is j our object, in this little essay, to attempt to : sliow how this des-irable object may be attain- i cd. The writer has had many years per- | sonal experience in these matters, and has | always considered that the comfort, both j vvmI and (apparent, of a country residence, I depends much upon the order, variety and taste displayed around the dwelling, cxliibit- ing an index to discover the character of its inmates Most farmers think turkeys, ducks, geese and chickens are things entirely beneath their notice; but we are satisfied, from long practice, it may, under proper management, be made as profitable, according to the amount of capital invested, as any other branch of farming business. We have known the occupants of beautiful farms obli- ged to send to a neighbor for a poultry din- ner, and to the store for all the eggs neces- sary in the culinary department. Of this fact we have had sufficient proof in our vis- its, where we have found a sufficiency of poultry could nut be raised for the use of the family, nutwithstanding large numbers were kepi; but no attention was paid to their con- veniLince, or aceoaimodation. It is true, the poultry come iuore particularly to the car-CL of tiie gooil house wife: but the farmer should furnish means to obtain the best sort, con- venient sheds, or other places to keep them ' in, and not too rigidly guard the corn crib. K. few additional ears of corn will pay com- pound interest, aud the leisure hour in pro- viding them comfort M'ill be far from mis- spent. But, though most farmers keep fowls and raise their own eggs, there are many who have not learned the difference there is in the richness aud flavor of eggs produced by fat and well fed hens and from those birds th;;t have been half. starved throuiih our win- ters. There will be some difference in size. but far more in the quality. The yolk of one would be large, fine colored and of good consistence, and the albumen or white clear and pure; while the contents of the other will be watery and meagre, as though there were not vitality or substance enough in the parent fowl to properly carry oat and com- plete the work which nature had sketched. In order, therefore, to have good eggs, the fowls should be well fed, and also provided, during the months they are unable to come to the ground, with an abundance of lime, oyster shells and fine gravel, that they may be able to grind and prepare their food for digestion. . ' The way in which farmers in sreneral, in this country, manage their poultry, is not the best for them or the fowls. They are allowed to go where they please, to lay and sit at any time they may deem expedient; when the hen comes off with her chickens, she is suffered to ramble about, exposing the young brood to cold and wet, which thins them offrapidly; no suitable accommodations are provided for their roosting places, and they are allowed to find"^ place to roost where they can, probably in some exposed situation in a tree or out-house; no attention is given to feeding theiu; and, under such circumstances, it is not to be wondered at that few or no eggs are produced, that few or no chickens are raised, or that fowls are sickly or unprofitable. When, with so little expense to himself, a farmer may have an abundant supply of eggs and raise one or two hundred chickens, it would seem strange that the poultry business should be so little attended to bv the owners of the soil. Where crops are sown immedi- ately around barns, it may be inconvenient to have fowls run at large, but in many cases fifty to one hundred of these birds may be kept, not only without injury, but with ben- efit. There are generally large quantities of grain scattered in the barn ytsrds and lost unless eaten by fowls; there are myriads of insects, such as flies, bugs, worms, grasshop- pers, &c., which require to have their num- bers diminished by the cock and his follow- ers. If the fowls be suffered to roost out in the tree tops, winter and summer, and made to scratch for a living the best way they can, it could scarcely be expected they should prove thrifty and profitable. Yermin and inclement wcatherwould blight expectations; neither are all locations favorable to raising poultry; there are many situations where r _v 306 TI^E ILLINOIS FA.Ii]MEIl. turkcjs cannot be raised at all, and other lands of a heavy, wet nature where chickens will not thrive. When fowls are confined to a narrow space it requires much pains to supply them with all kinds of food which they collect when running at large, and without care to supply their wants they will not be profitable. — When running as they please, they devour many grubs, eat gravel and various kinds of insects, and many other things which we cannot discriminate, though we look on while they select their food. To render poultry profitable it is essential that great care and circumspection be c-Kcr- cised, not only in the selection of valuable breeds, but in feeding and rearing the young. If remiss in these points, no profit will result from the enterprise — as a general thing he will, to adopt an old adage, "Have his labor for his pains." There is a vast difference in foAvIs, and while some are hardy and profitable, others are weakly, and scarcely pay their way un- der the most favorable circumstances, and the best management possible to bcf-tuw. It is always a judicious plan for the fanner to keep a number of fowls of some kind on his premises, as there is always enough waste or refuse grain to feed them; and beside, they are serviceable in protecting the crops, by destroying the numerous insect depredators, which in the spring and summcrmonths prey so voraciously on the youthful and more ten- der plants. When one is suitably located the krejiing all kinds of fowls — hens, turkeys, geese and ducks — will be found profitable. It will bring many dollars in the course of the year and insure a constant and liberal suj.ply of eggs and poultry for domestic use. In some counsries poultry forms a very important branch of rural economy. In warm climates generally it is used abun- dantly for food, being so readily prepared for the table, while large animals, unless im- mediately used, would become putrid, and spoiled. Roast and boiled chickens, eggs, pancakes, fritters, custards and puddings are not despisable luxuries in a thriving family. Scarcely a meal can be comfortably prepared without the use of eggs; even bread is much improved by beating up a raw egg with tlie water or milk with which it is mixed, and certainly it adds much to its nutriment, as one egg is said to contain as much as one pound of meat. POULTRY HOUSE AND YARD. Many persons commence house keeping. by getting a wife, and then a house. J>ut our advice is, "first procure the cage, tlion the bird." Previous, therefore, to getting a stock of poultry, provide for them a house. This will be found a most necessary arratiL^e- c:ent, as on many occasions it is highly ne- cessary they should be confined, as at plant- ing time, or at some other periods when tluy are particularly destructive; close confine- ment in a room or shed would soon make them sick and interrupt their laying, but a house and yard, on the plan we arc about to describe, would answer every convenience and be found often very advantageous in se- curing the eggs of such fowls as had contrac- ted a habit of laying away from the house and boxes and endanger the loss of the eggs._ If it is desired to confine fowls to a yard for all or a portion of the time, it will be in- dispensable to their health and productive- ness to provide for them suitable accommo- dations. These need not be expensive, but the fixtures should be efficient and complete so as to secure the safety of the fowls. The houses and yards, therelore, must be con- structed according to the purposes of the proprietor. As to fowl houses and other circumstances minute directions are almost impertinent. — The three grand requisites arc eleimruuss, dryness and warmth. Those who winh for anything on a large scale will find plenty of plans and descriptions in the "American Poulterer's Companion," so that if they choose they may lay out as much money in a hen house as would build a comfortable cot- tage. But some people have little choice in the matter — they must take or adapt such conveniences as they find around them. — The fowls themselves are not very fastidious; but one may be sure that the more we attend to the comforts of our domestic animals the more they will reward our trouble. Whatever number of foT^ Is may b.avc been selected for keeping, provi-ion must be made for their comfort and safety. Tliose kept on farms, lead, in many respects, a happy life. They have good and plenty of room, and generally with no lack of food. They wander about the farm yard, the orchard and the lawn, visit the adjoining fields, travel over the pasture, through the lanes, troop about the barn, and enjoy total freedom. — To the advantage of pure air they usually have that of pure water, and the opportunity of varying their diet, by picking up insects and their larva:;c; and a store of pebbles, gravel, old mortcr, and other calcareous mat- ter, which they require, is always at their command. So far they lead a comfortable, apparently happy and natural life; but how are they housed at night r" In many instan- ces, in a proper and well built poultry house, witli porches judiciously arranged, and with boxes lined with straw, for the laying and sitting hens; but often in places utterly un- fitted for them. For instance, numerous Hocks of fowls will be lodged under the roof of some large, open shed, above the cattle, wagons or carts, which receive abundance of their droppings; others take shelter in the barns, stables, cider mills, pig peiis, out- houses, on the waggon, cart, or any other iuq>lements which may be stored there, while not a few may be found roosting on the branches of some favorite tree. This want of order cannot be too strongly condemned, as hens having no proper laying places, sel- ect such situations as chance may oiler them, not unlrequently in obscure places of con- cealment, so that their eggs are devoured by vermin or are lost. This, to say the least, is a slovenly mode of keeping fowls. It oHers a temptation to thieves, and the health of fowls cannot be improved by their being .soaked all night lung in a drenching rain, or having their feet frozen to the branches. Tli( re is no difficulty in accustoming any fowls to regular housing at night. Thos(!who wish to be successful with fowls should have a distinct building, and yard, with a warm aspect, facing the south or east as the morning sun is congenial to them in cold weather. The dryest and warmest soils are best adapted to the successful rear- ing and breeding domestic fowls, especially chickens; and to be attended with the great- est success and least trouble, some expense and great precaution will be required. — Fowls endure severe cold much better than moisture. To unite all the advantages des- irable in a poultry yard, it should be neither wet nor exposed to cold winds. There should, if possible, be running water in the yard, and under cover should be placed ashes and dry sand, where they may indulge in their natural propensity of rolling and basking or bathing themselves. Gravel, broken shells, crushed bone and old lime morter should always be placed within their reach. Having settled all preliminaries, we pro- pose now to give the elevation and ground plan of a very cheap and pretty model of a poultry house, which can be made to accom- modate from twenty-five to one hundred fowls : The posts in front should be twelve feet high; the back posts four feet shorter. This will give a good pitch to the roof, and shed rain readilj'. It may be of shin- gles, of boards, battened, or what is still better, both for warmth and coolness, thatched with straw. The sides and ends covered with boards run ning up and down and the joint.- covered with bat tens; but the bet ter plan is to usi inch and a quar- ter plank, tongu- ed and grooved, i'ucltry nousE. which will secure more warmth. It will be observed that the top of the front wall in- clines backward. This is for the purpose of imparting greater heat, by obtaining more power from the rays of the sun in winter. Deciduous trees should be placed in front, to protect it from the scorching rays of the summer's sun. In the end is a door for en- trance, and a small one for the egress and ingress of the fowls. This door should be three feet from the ground, with steps out- side and inside for the fowls to pass up and down. If there is danger of the fox, skunk, weasle or rats, remove the outside ladder, and make a platform for the fowls to alight on, by hanging the door with hinges at the bottom, and when let down for a platform, let it rest on a bracket. There should be a small window with slat blinds at each end, for ventilation. The internal arrangement is so clearly exhibited in the annexed plans, that a description or explanation is deemed necessary. THE ILLII^TOIS F^K]M:ER. 307 ROOSTIMG FEEDING ROOM S ROOMS S Ml VBUUU 16Ft &Jt Nests. — It is not essential to success that the nests should be on the ground, though we always so construct them for the use of some of our hens, in conformity with the general observation, that hens when left to ^. their own choice usual- ^ Ij do so. But whether ^ on the ground or raised somewhat above it, they should be warm and partially secluded. The hen likes privacy, and if left to follow her own natural instincts, will seek some shrubbery thicket, tuft of grass or rank weeds, ii out of doors, or in the manger of a shed — in short, almost anywhere, if she can escape the gaze of man or animal. To hu- mor this propensity, we propose to lattice the front of tlic nest boxes, with small strips of lath, which not only give them upparant se- crecy, but admit air, so desirable in hot wea- ther. Why we give preference to latticed fronts to close boxes, is by reason of the con- stant circulation of air going on through the interstices. This has much more to do with the comfort of the hens, and the perspective of "counting the chickens before they are hatched," than many people are aware of. — In nine cases out of tea laying and sitting boxes are too hut, dose and dry. Draw a comparison, if you please, between them and a stolen, or if you will, more natural nest, in the open air. Which of the two are no- torious lor producing a numerous liimily of healthy chickens. The style and form of the nest boxes must be determined by the size and kind of iowls for whicli they are designed. If for large A.siatic fowls, the boxes must be made low and easy of access, so that the hens will not be obliged to fly up to got into them. The boxes al.*7 ->! y» — "vr^rwiiin 311 THE ILI.ljSrOIS FARMER. In 1795, the price was quoted in assig- nats. In 1801, there AVas a great failure of the crops, and wheat rose to 37f. in Paris, or ^2,60 per bushel. The corn law government charged a powerful house to make great purcha- ses abroad, and in 60 days 317 ships arrived with 4,000,000 bushels of wheat. These arrivals, by quieting alarm, check- ed speculation, and the prices fell. The averages in France, during the war, were were as follows : ir« c 14,26, or per bush $0,80 1796-1800 1801-1805 180b-1810 1811-1815 1816-1820 1841-1845 1846-1847 73 95 1,16 1,46 1,17 1,80 13,25 16,36 22:48 26,10 19.76 24,71 Thus, in the years of war with Srance, wheat was cheaper than in times of peace, and for the obvious reason, that, under ordinary circumstances, France produces a surplus to export, which cannot be done in time of war. For the same reason, England, which never produces enough for her own wants, is generally embarassed in time of war, if the crops are deficient. With the seas open to each power, there is for the present no prospect of an eflFective rise in grain. — U. S. Economht. —9>~ The Corn Crop. Mr, Editor : — I thought I would, ■with your liberty, just ask farmers to look at their growing corn crops, and see if there is any difference in the ap- pearance of crops on deep plowed and shallow plowed land — on land well drain- ed and on land not drained. I saw specimens of the different modes of cultivation as I came to town, and I think it will be well if we take note of the matter. Some of us will probably live to plant corn another year, and if "We cannot learn anything by experience, we shall be likely to live very useless lives. The more I see of crops now, the stronger I am impressed Avith the doc- trines put forth by the Farmer^ that we shall need the use of the best agricultu- ral skill to secure constant and large crops even on the best soils of Illinois. This can be done, and will be done; but it Avill require industry and judgment to do it. N. Mr. Editor : — lit your issue for June our friend "Rural," of West Urbana, says that the Keswick Codling, Fa- meusc, Fulton and Whitney's Russet, were unanimously recommended for general culture, at the Horticultural meeting at Bloomington, and the only ones out of several hundred named that stood the test. There is certainly some mistake here, t is a fact I think, that four varieties 07ily were recommended at the Bloom- ington meeting, and one of those varie- ties Avas the Wine Sap. I Avas present at the Bloomington meeting and pre- sented the Wine Sap as my favorite. I Avas gratified that it passed unanimous- ly. I make this statement lest some might be led into error, and the repu- tation of that best of winter apples, the Wine Sap, suffer by being found in a secondary position. The Alton meet- ing also recommended it for general cul- tivation in the State. Rural, of Macoupin Co. WooDBURN, June 8, 1859. ■»••- The "Manny Premium" for 1860. Editor of the Farmer : — I am glad to see the notice of the State Society published in the papers, that the "Man- ny Premium'' — (Manny's Mower and Reaper)^ — is to be given for a crop of Avheat to be raised in 1860. Now, brethren farmers, Avho shall have that premium ? He that gets that Dremium, Avill not only get a valuable one, but it will be highly honorable to him. It will be the result of good cul- ture, commenced now and continued un- til the wheat is ready for the reaper. No common cultivation will secure that premium. The land must be favor- able in the first place — it must be work- ed well — the variety of wheat must be the best — the land must be drained — the crop must be taken care of when on t' e ground, and when it is cut and threshed. I hope that there Avill be many com- petitors. Let us now see the best that the South can do with her best land and best cultivation— let us see Avhat the Centre can do on her rolling and rich lands; and let us see Avhat the North can do, on her best lands, with the superior working and tillage that Arvill be given to it. This is a premium offered under cir- cumstances and conditions worthy of the efforts of the best farmers of our State. Where shall that premium go ? I hope to hear a favorable account from the Cextrk. ■••■ tp* ■*=' ^.?' ■ ■-«?i-»i*;^?f]B'^a^^^t4;«y^'^- ■, ■ 312 TIIID II.T.I:N^0IS P^^^HjVTER. SPRINGFIELD, AlICiUST 1, I85». Our Mate Fair. This, as our readers are ■well aware, cominenccs at Freeport on the bt\\ Sep- tember, continuing five days. The exec- utive committee of the State Agricultural Society have made arrangements with the Rail Road Companies, so that per- sons can pass to and from the Fair at half price, and that articles to be exhib- ited at the Fair, will be carried there and returned free of cost. We are anxious that the people of Illinois shall patronize their State Fair. The State Agricultural Society is an in- stitution of their own, got up and hith- erto sustained by them, and has been of vast use io introducing stock into the State, in bringinrj into notice the best agricultural implements, and, in a word, in stimulating improved systems of agri- culture and Horticulture, which have been productive of the best results- The processes of agriculture have more rap- idly advanced in this State within the last six years than in twice that period of time before. This progressive spirit is still extending, and we trust that ere long the great natural advantiages of this State will reach the highest point of improvement by means and causes now in existence — the spirit of inquiry among our farmers, sustained and en- couraged by our State and County Ag ricultural and Horticultural Societies — our agricultural papers and political pa- pers partially devoted to agriculture — our rising Normal School and its ad- juncts, the thousands of free schools of our State. The prospects of our State attaining the highest position as an agricultural State, with a population able and desi- rous to make her all which the most en- thusiastic and patriotic desire to see, in other respects, are, indeed, flattering. Our people are only required to press on in the support of the institutions we have named, and in securing the advan- tages arising from them, and the re- sult will be most certain. One of these institutions now calls upon our citizens to lend a helping hand — and the more so, as the more help she receives the more means she will possess to make herself useful — The ntimatc relations between the State Agiicultural Society and the County Agricultural Societies, justifies the former in anticipatinii; large and energetic as- sistance from the county societies. The arran;;ements for the fair are such that visitors need not be at great expense in visitin^^ tlie Fair. Ample food will be found on the Fair grounds, and lodgings in the city will be furnish- ed at cheap rates. Persons disiposed to camp out in companies can do so, adjacent to the grounds, on a beautiful site selected for that purpose. There was a triumphant exhibition of the Society in Southern Illinois last fall. Southern Illinois nobly came to the fair, in regiments, companies, pla- toons, in couples and singles. She promised to do this, and she did do it. She was liberally sustained by the Cen- tre and North. We anticipate even a a more triumphant exhibition in the North. The counties there are more densely populate! — the people there have more extensive farms — are more conver- sant with the advantages of agricultural societies, societies having existed lon- ger in the northern counties — and be- sides, the pledge is out by northern men, that the North will be at the fair. We shall be disappointed, taking the ambition of the people of the north into consideration — the very large and dense population of the counties within a hun- dred miles of the State Fair — its loca- tion near the densely populated portions of Wisconsin and Iowa, we say that we shall be disappointed if it does not prove to be the best fair ever held in this State. Come, farmers of Illinois, and bring your wives and sons and daughters with you, to the State Fair. They have no- bly sustained you in the toils of the season — give them a pleasant and use- ful respite from their labors. Let them see at the fair the glorious exhibitions of the wealth, the genius, and the en- terprise of our State. This comming- ling of the North and the South and the Centre, at our State Fair, is as useful as it is one of the most grand features of our exhibition. Come, again we say, to our State Fair. You will return invigorated in health and spirits; your just pride as citizens of Illinois \\ill be elevated, and as farmers you will feel that your mis- sion is the noblest accorded to man. Come I Come ! Strawberries. There is an increasing disposition among our farmers to add to their healthful fruits, an ample supply of strawberries. These can be secured with a little labor and attention. A few hours' work will give the farmer bushels every year. It is evidence of an unthrifty or careless farmer if it can be said of him that he does not culti- vate fruits — apples, peaches, grapes, gooseberries, currants, raspberries, black berries and strawberries. We know of one farmer, near us, who transplanted the roots of the common black cap raspberry into his garden, and this year gathered bushels of the finest berries, improved from their original size, and better flavored than any of the foreign varieties. All the small fruits make certain crops with us, and produce plen- tifully. None pay more liberally, how- ever, for the care bestowed on the plants, than the strawbery. Of the strawberry, there are many varieties. Some prefer one variety, and another a different variety. Wm. R. Prince, of the Linnacan Nurseries, Flush- ing, N. Y., who has had as much ex- perience as any other man in the Uni- ted States, in their cultivation, thus gave his opinion in regard to the selec- tion of varieties at the meeting of the farmers, in New Y'^ork city, on the 20th of June last : "The great point in culture is econo- my and its results, and the true tost of the strawberry is farm culture, with or without cutting off the runners. Now, gentlemen, I hold myself responsible, in the fullest sense, for all I assert, and I call upon Mr. Huntsman, chairman of your committee, to correct me if I make any mistakes. The following varieties I consider the best for field culture, where the plants are alloAved to cover the entire ground, without further labor, thereby saving extra expense and producing much great- er crops, as the whole of the ground is occupied. All are pistillates : Scarlet Magnate — the heaviest of all strawberries. Diadem — splendid ecarlet, produces double the crop of Wilson's Albany. — Mr. Martimut^Bergcn of New Jersey stated that he did not deem it possible lor so great a crop of fruit to grow on ■-i>:^^T?>wi^.n^jfri^*5j^f^'«FS?™»^ ■ THE ILLINOIS FA^RJNIER. 313 a given space of ground as he saw grow- ing of this kind. Elypse — early, bright scarlet, on up- right stalks, clean and beautiful. Minerva — very estimable in quality, produces more than t\Yice AVilson's Al- bany. Imperial Scarlet — large, bright scar- let, firm for market, upright stalks. Perfumed Pine — seedling of Burr's Pine, obtuse cone, very large, bright scarlet, sweet, juicy, high flavor, plant vigorous, very productive, combines more valuable qualities than any other berry. Ilovey — qualities well known. Malvina — same qualities as Hovey, but more productive, brighter color, better flavor, and one week earlier. Globose Scarlcc — large, rounded, very productive. Florence — very large, conical, splen- did scarlet, fine flavor, vigorous, very productive, valuable. Prince's Globose — a late variety, very large, scarlet, moderate flavor, very productive and vigorous, ripens twelve days after the general crop, and therefore valuable as a late market fruit. The following are the six best Stara- inate varieties for field culture, in stools with the runners cut oJ0f, thus entailing, howerer, additional expense, besides leaving much of the ground unoccu- pied; Scarlet Prize — very large, fine flavor, bright scarlet, productive. Wilson's Albany — qualities well known. Sirius — monstrous size, light orange scarlet, splendid. Barry's extra — fine flavor, light scar- let. Primate — each flower produces a fruit, bright crimson, moderate flavor, showy for market. Montrose — very large, splendid, pro- ductive, estimable. Varieties preferable for families, be- ing of finest flavor — Le Baron, Ladies' Pine, McAvoy's Superior, Sirius, Loug- worth's Prolific, Ward's Favorite, Glo- bose Swainstono,Fragrant Scarlet, Hook- er, Imperial Crimson, Minerva, Scarlet Prize, Perfumed Pine. Cheat. The Oregon farmer contains several articles in reference to the vexed ques- tion— "Does wheat turn to cheat.'' — In one of those articles it is stated that the subject, several years since, Was settled in this county — tufts of "wheat having been found and exhibited on •ndiich there was growing wheat and cheat. We have known cases where roots of wheat, in which were embraced the foliage, stalks and seed of cheat, were triumphantly shown, and which on dissection, were found to contain roots of cheat, separate and distinct from wheat. Some fifteen years age we were authorized to oflFer a reward for a plant from the roots of which should be found growing cheat and wheat. The subject excited at the time great interest. W^e have no doubt that much diligence was used to obtain the plant for which the reward was offered. Finally, one was brought from Christian countv, and the fortunate discoverer claimed the reward. As we were interested in the matter — and as we Avished that there should be a just and correct solution, Col. Wm. F. El- kin, a well known citizen and farmer, then sheriff, and now residing in this city, was called in and the plant put in- to his hands for dissection. With the utmost care he dissected it and found that there were two distinct plants pres- ent, one of cheat and the other of wheat. Every man present (and there Were several,) concurred in this opinion. We think that the impression of our friend, the wri.er in the Oregon Farmer, was based on the rumor that the plant from Christian county (which rumor was in circulation before the examination) had solved the problem, and which was differently solved subsequent- ly by examination. Our impressions are strong and decided, that wheat does not turn to cheat — and that cheat comes comes from the seed of cheat. Let farmers thoroughly purify their wheat when sown, from cheat, and we appre- hend they will not be troubled with it.^ Mr. J. Johnson, of Senoca coun- ty, New York, a distinguished and ex- tensive farmer, says that he has had no cheat on his farm for twenty yen rs -six years, and for the reason that he has not sowed it. Blackberries. These are a very popular wild fruit of Illinois. But the wild crop is uncer- tain. A lonfir droucrht at the season of their maturing will dry up the fruit, make it small, sour and disagreeable. — Can we not have this fruit, in the sea- son, always in perfection ? This question can be easily consider- ed. The blackberry blossoms late, and is not injured by frosts. The fiuit, as a general fact always sets thick. Persons who have gathered wild blackberries have often noticed that the largest, fairest, sweetest, best, are usu- ally found growing in the shade. Some- times bushes can can be found on which the sun never shines, and these will be loaded with the richest fruit. These facts furnish useful instruction for the cultivation of the blackberry. Mark the plants of good varieties in the summer as they show fruit. In the fall dig them up. Plant them in your garden or orchard in hills four feet apart, and forget not this important rule — plant them so that but little if any sun will shine upon them, and in rich, loamy earth. The second year the plants will bo loaded with fruit; and you can go out with a basket when the fruit is ripe, and can gather in a few minutes, fresh and fair specimens, for making pies or puddings; and with more time, you can gather enough to can for winter. And in winter canned, they retain their full and rich flavor. Who will do this thing? Who will add to to the pleasures of a farm life by adding this to their best fruits? «•» . — _ ■ Attendance at Fairs. Attendance at Fairs should be made useful. This can always be done. To attend a Fair and hurry through the different departments without investigat- ing the use and value of the articles ex- hibited, may be amusing, but will be of little service. Let a man go to the Fair, examine the horses, mules, cattle, hogs, sheep, fruits, vegetables, cereals, agricultural implements, &c., &e., until he caji get a definite idea of them, can fix their appearance and value upon his mind, and investigate and understand their advantages over the stock and ce- reals and implements, ttc, to which he is accustomed, and thus give his mind food for thought and reflection. Goino- to Fairs under such circumstances, will be a benefit to every man who aims at obtaining information which will be use- ful to him. There is much of humbuw in all branches of business; but the in- telligent farmer, with a right use of his faculties, can separate the useful from that which is of no value. Much prof^ress has in latter years been made in Ajiri- culture. That farmer who will not ac- knowledge this fact, is behind the times. There arc few farmers of this description, i-yirT^T^ 314= THE ILLIiS^OlS F^I^MER anu it is an obvious truth that the young farmers of the present day are given to investigation, and are using mind With as much advantage as muscle, in carrying on successful farming. We venture to say, that witli right views, no young farmer — or old farmer — can attend our State or County Fairs, and not find himself richly rcumnerated for the time and money spent on such occasions. •'Manny Premium" fi»r Twenty Acres Win- ter What, ihe Growth of le*6l). Office or Con. Sko. Ill State An. SnnvTT. 1 Spriiisflfld, July I'J, IfcS'J. J To the Farmers of Illinois. Fur the purpo e of stimulating the enterpris- ing faroiera of Illinnis, to produce, by proper and iinprove'l cultivation, large crops of 'theat, from year to year regul.n-ly, upon a givei. qaantity of land, Messrs. Tulcott, Emerson & Co., of Rockford. have donated to the State Agricultural Society a "Manny's Combined lleaper an' Mo'ver" — to be made in the best possible manner. In order that this magnificent premium may be productive of the must gojd, it is oflfercd for the bfSt crop of winter wheat, to ba grown 0:1 twenty acrtsof land in Illinois, and to be har- vested iu 18G0. The object of publishing this notice at this early period is tOMtiuiulate the investigation by our farmers, accompanied by experimenta, of the best course of culture to secure good crop-*, if popsiole irrespective of the sens'tns being what are commonly called favorable, or not. It is not de.sired to award tlii.s premium on who- ever chances to have the be^t fidd, by acci- dent, but to encourage investigation?, to try tiie effect of frequent plowings of the land— ol deop^ub-a>il pl)vving— of alternating crors — of surface draining — of underdraiuing~of thor- ough harrovvir.g — uf bro.idjast and drill s )\v- in^ — oi rolliog the ground aiter tjowing. It is desired also to exjieriment with the different kill-is of wheit, now nuinorou^ — and the beno- tit>j of ofiOii changing the -eed. Ill a word, the object of thi< pretniuin in io induce thorough eultivation, and secure a basis on which a system of cultivali )n can be iiiaug- uraied by v^hioh go.id crups ol wiicat can gen- erally bo secured by a tlior.iugh system ol cul- tivation. l'rogres^sive farmerd will appreciate tlu mo- tives of Mo.-srd. Talcott, £mer-on &, Co., i.' au'horizing the Slat-* S^ ciety to award ihit< premium; and, we are eontident tliey will t ike such measures to secure the rich prize as wili be of vaht Wt^netit hi reaiier to the iurmers ol Illinois, a'.d to the interests of the S^ate, do pending upon their sue-ress. S Fhancis, Cor l5e>'. Ill State Ag. Society fiS^It is linped that every paper in Illinois, agricultural y)'ditical and religious wili speed- ily publish the above notice. ■ — ••• To the Farmers of l>lin secure the read- inji of brief, practical papers, on the liest meth- od for the manufacture of the cane into syrup and sugar, from men qualified to give infor- mation. Premium Crop of Whrat for ISfiO. Wc invite attention to the notice of a pre- mium (Mannys' Reaper) for the best twenty acres of winter AVhcat to be harvested in 18G0. The premium lias been olTercd thus early to secure the best cultivation of a crop of wheat for the premium. Hitherto the premiums have been ottered after the seed was in the jrround, and probably not a field was sown with the special design, to obtain by improved cultivation, a great crop. There is now ample time to secure, by good culti- vation, a premium crop of wheat. If a farmer believes he can make a crop by half plowing bis ground once; by sowing shrunk wheat broadcast over his cround filled with weeds; half harrowing it in; leav- ing the ground so that water will stand in the furrows and on the low places all winter and spring — and perhaps not sow his wheat till October; he will jro on in that old mode of cultivation; for such a farmer jirobably never takes an agricultural paper, and has an entire contempt for book farming. Such farming will be likely to produce just such crops as we have seen this year — weeds and cheat. A premium crop cannot be made by such fanninir. But if a flirmer will commence now and give his land a thorough deep plowing, (he should bare done it before;) — if he will plow it the second time, harrow it well, drill in his seed in season; roll the ground after seed- ing; see to it that the ditches are all right — that the w^ater does ' not stand upon the ground — the prospect will be fair for a good crop, and that the JMauiiy premium may, in time, be his. Nothing can be expected in the way of securing the Manny I'rcmiuiu by slovenly culture. Every success may be expected from thorough cultivation. We anticipate an exciting coiuputition for the "Manny I'rcmiuiii." \\'\\■^i county will take it t AVe know tliat cllort.s will bo made to obtain it in Sangamon and Morgan. Wheat. The wheat crop in this section of the State is of good (juality, but lacks in([uantity. A good deal of it was winter-killed and much of it was thin on the ground. There were some excellent fields. New and drained ground, if sowed early, generally yielded well. We regret to say that in our opinion the prices of wheat will be low. The crops are good throughout Europe, and in this country there will be a surplus of wheat, for which the foreign demand will be next to nothincr. Nor do we think there is any chance for high prices within the next twelve months — unless all Europe shall be engaged in War. We have looked for an advance in wheat in consequence ofthc present European War, But trade has proved tliat Europe does not want the wheat of our farmers or their beef or pork in any quantities. Europe wants our gold; and she is carrying it ofi" in large amounts. She is crowding upon us her manufactured goods — a good portion of the value of which is made up of wheat and oth- er provisions, the product of European farms; and our people, farmers as well as others, when they purchase foreign goods, purchase European breadstufis and provisions, which make a part of their cost. Europe as wc have said, does not want the produce of our farms, for the produce of her looms, forges and mines; she only wants our gold. Last week 91,500,000 of gold was shipped to England, and a steady current of gold has been flowing out of our country to Europe, to pay for foreign goods, for the last six months. AVhat a blessingit would be toour farmers and the business of this countrv, if we had a market for our produce within our owu country ? IIow can the farmers of the West anticipate high or even fair prices lor pro- duce while the present state of our foreign trade continues ? -•••- The Sugar Cane. There has been a good deal of Sugar Cane planted about this count}^ — not in large fields, but in small patches. The Cane is likely to be very fine, good size and rich in juice. Well, it is about time now to make some arrangements for working it up into Sugar and Molas- ses. Do not wait to do this until there is no time to make the necessary prep- arations. A few farmers should unite and get mills and boilers. These wi 1 last many years and Molasses can be made that will not cost the farmer 25 cents per gallon. We have no mills or boilers for sale, but can procure such for those who de- sire them. ■ L'"->'^%ij;>w»g,^y»-3»«t^j!»'S!^^4^y Fatmcr. Eastern Tree Pcilillcrs. Messrs. Editors : — As guardians of the interests of the western Tavmcrs, I have been somewhat surprised to see tliat that have not, through the Valley Far- 7ner, taken more pains to caution them against purchasing trees and plants from Eastern tree peddlers, who are now traveling over the West, and particularly our own State, in great numbers. With a carpet bag in their hand, containing two or three extra garments, and some beautifully colored plates of fruits and a nurseryman's catalogue (no one knows how obtained), they travel from house to house, l)oring every farmer, urging him to buy, even when he tells them he wants none of their trees. These peddlers possess wonderful assur- ance and press their suit till nearly ki.ked oui of doors. Their consciences are very pliable, and they arc ready to guarantee that evei'y tree they sell will produce just as fine fruit as their engrav- ings represent. They tell the farmers that no where else can they procure as fine trees or as fine fru't as of them. — They say that trees rai^^ed in New York arc far .superior to Western raised trees — that the climate is much better than this to raise trees in, and tliat they had better improve this opportunity tt) buy good trees and fruit. They run down Western nurseries and Western nurser}'^- men, and make Eastern nurseries the very paragons of perfection. The plates of fruit they have are very beau- tiful and attract admiration, for they have been beautifully and highly paint- ed for the express purpose of gulling the people. The making of these plates is made a very profitable business in Yan- keedom, for swarms of tree peddlers, like the locusts of Egypt, go out from the East annually to ycuur and scourge the country. As before said, they force themselves into private houses, get their meals, stay over night frequently where they are not wanted, pretend to possess great knowledge of fruits, when in reality most of them know nothing about them. By hard work, constant traveling, great importuning, telling large tales, making great prouiises, showing beauti- ful pictures, they manage to sell a great many trees and conse([uently make a great deal of money. One thing is cer- tain, every sale they make, they get double what they have to give for it at the East and sometimes treble. Where they receive such large profits they can afford to press their claims with great strength and eloquence. They are making fortunes, and I state what 1 Jcnow — out of hard working farmers. - Who are these agents ? Arc they sent out by reliable, responsible Eas- tern nurserymen? Many of them pre- tend they are, but when the truth is ascertained they are disowned and de- nied by their i)retended employers- — They are generally s^^/f-constituted agents, and too frequently get their trees of such parties at the East, as can- not sell them there, because their char- acters are too well known. Wherever they can get them the cheapest, the most of them will buy. If there is a lot of old accumulated rubbish, the trees ped- dler is sure to get it, because it is cheap. If some particular variety has accumu- lated, and is not saleable on account of its ascertained inferioritv, it is sure to travel westward, and be labeled some- times iinder different names, and the trick will not be discovered until the tree comes into bearing, which, in too many instances, will never be the case. i The refuse of Eastern nurseries is gen- I crally what is sold by these same tree '\ peddlers. The Eastern nurserymen won't deny this themselv<^s. They can't sell this refuse stufi' at the East, and it must come west, and in this manner our Western farmers are duped and swindled in the mo.^t outrajieous man- I ner. There may be some honest ex- j ceptions to this, but not one case in one hundred. If farmers want to buy trees in the East, let them send their d:ER. adding say two quarts of water to prevent it from burning in the kettle. Tlie pulp is then put into a bag and the juice readily separates from it. Some prefer this mode of extracting the juice. llhubarb is said to afford a greater quan- tity of juice than any other plant, and it is also considered a better quality than any but grape juice to make domestic wine. The process is simple and has this to recommend it; moreover, it is said by those who have tested the merits of rhubarb wine, that it is equal to American sherry. Dried Rliubarh. A capital article for pies can be had by taking ott" the skin of the stalks, cutting them into pieces about an inch audahalf long and drying them. They dry best if these pieces are strung on strings, in the manner in which apples arc often dried. Labor Savmr/ Soap. To each pound of common hard soap, add from one half to three-quarters of an ounce of common borax, with one quart of water. Put the water in any convenient vessel on the stove, add the borax, somewhat pulverized, and then put in the soap cut up in thin pieces. Keep them hot, but not boiling, for two or three hours, or until the whole is well dissolved, and then set it aside to cool, when a solid luass will be formed. If the vessel is pet upon a wav\n stone at night, the operation will be completed in the morning, though we think it better to stir the mass just be fore it is cooled. The night before washing rub the clothes where most soiled, with the soap, and soak ifi water till morning. The boiling and washing to be performed in the usual manner, but it will be found the labor of rubbing is diminished three-fourths. — This preparation is adapted to all kinds of iubrics, colored or unculorcd, including flannels, and is thought to increase their whiteness. Wliiit is Expectrd of the Farmer. The great problem which our farmers are called uporv to solve, is this : How to produce large crops at a fair profit, and at the same time increase the fertili- ty of the soil. A farmer's best capital is the productiveness of his farm. The process, now we hopo fast disappearing from practice in New England, of "skin- ning the land," is like paying compound interest on the money one loans; where- as, so treating the soil as to add to its productive power, is putting money into a bank that never breaks, never repudi- ates, and not only pays its interest promptly, but adds every year to its principal. •'A farm," says Beeclicr, "is a vast manufactory. Instead of buildings and machinery, you are to carry on manufac- turing operations through the agency of the soil. No laboratory turns out a greater variety of products; none re- quires for its highest success more knowledge, skill, and business tact. If a chemist were obliged to evolve his var- ious products in such a way as at the same time to build his houses, create his furnaces and implements, his task would be like the farmer's; who, while niisiiig crops, is also bringing up the condition of his ground, and fitting it for its best functions.'' The brief statement of conditions like these, is evidence sufficient to show that the farmer who hopes to perform success- fully all that is here indicated, must add to a native common-sense and a ready practical talent, all the best scientific processes of the times. He must avail himself of the experience of the past, and the wisdom of the present. He must search for information in the channels where it flows. He must be a patient seeker after informaticn, also, in those points wherein others' experience, by reason of different circumstances, slips over him. From all these sources he must be able rapidly to educe general laws from particular instances, and fit the same to his own practice in a variety of circumstances as various as the points of the compass. If he does all this and puts money in his pocket, and fertility into his soil at the same time, he is the model farmer of the age, and just the kind. The Ilomestaad is striving to make such farmers. But it is onlv the Avide-awake men who ever become such farmerb; it is on- ly they who aspire to become such. But we want to say to all farmers' boys who mav chance to read this, that farming carried on in the way we have here indi- cated, will give scope and employment to all their powers to an extent no other profession can. Let it be your ambition to be a good farmer, and then work for it as men woik to be ministers, or law- yers, or merchants, and no career has so many possibilities of a true and a happy life as may be included within the scope of yours. — The Homestead. Pctatoe Bread. To make good yeast, take a handful of hops, put them in two quarts of boiling water, let them boil a few minutes, strain in Hour enough to make a thick batter, stir it frequently till it is cooled ofl', then put in yeast enough to raise it. The oftener you stir it the lighter it gets ter, let it rise till it is light, then knead it up and mould in loaves. Do not get it stiff, when it is light brown, and you will have good, light and wholesom bread. — Ohio Ciiltitmtor. -•»- Take some twenty small potatoes wash them clean and boil them soft, put them in a ])ail or jar, mash t'.iem fine, then put in as much warm and cold water as will make five or six loaves with the mashed potatoes, a pint of the above yeast, stir well together, be careful not to scald it when you put in the yeast, let it stand till next morning, and you will see how nicjit has raised and how the froth has come on the top. Have your flour ready and warm (this should set in the evening before you bake), then warm your rising, keep stirring it till warm enough, strain through a ! seive on your Hour, stir till a thick bat- Dccp Culture a Means of Warming tlic Soil. A correspondent of the 3Iark Lane Express furnishes an able article upon this subject, from which we make the following extract : "We all know that heat and moisture are the two elements of decomposition and rapid growth, as shown in tropical countries. Deep and loose cultivation tends to this result. Possibly the action of light may also be important. One cause of the rapid growth of market- garden vegetation, is depth of cultivation combined with the subterranean heat of the decomposing manure; and wherever there is heat, moisture is attracted. — The nece.-sity for a more perf«>ct cultiva- tion is obvious; even on a fallow you may pick up small, hard knobs of clods, which on breaking into fragments, ex- hibit a little treasure of unexnlored and unavailed of territory, confirming the great Jethko Tull's principle ofinfin- itessimability in cultivation. I have great faith in the us« of Cr^skill's clod- crusher in very dry wearfier, for the breading of obstinate clods.'' Editor of the Farmer : — I am get- ting to be an old man and am anxious to let my light shine before men. The main point in forming is the point of the plow, perhaps. And the next thing of most importance is strength — force of power; but, as the Bible says, "Wisdom is profitable to direct." The economy of human life requires knowl- edge, prudence, judgment. When lask a man to take an agricultural paper, he says he knows now a heap more than he can practice, but I think they might know a little more without damage. Do they all know what crops are best to put on their ground ? Some crops are as sure to grow as weeds are; as Millet and Hungarian Grass, and beets and artichokes are sure crops with me; so is broom-corn; but because they are sure, shall we cultivate nothing also ? Shall we plant a hedge ? and how thick ? and when shall we cut it ? and how much? Shall we try any experiments with cane or rice, or berries of any kind? Will it be necessary to make any improvements in our old modes of practice to keep up with the progress of the age ? Do we wish our sons to be any wiser than wo are, or would we have them go through life in the same tracks ? Would we dress this beautiful prairie land with all the useful plants and fruitful trees that it is capable of producing, or shall we sufi"(!rittoproducethe troublesome James- town, May weeds and cucklc burr ? — r^'Ti^sSSSSEW!"!?^ THE iLLiisrois f^i^m:er. 319 These questious and many more that might be added, are of much importance and of course, are of much interest to thinking men — and who would not be a a thinker, and a free thinker too. Who is too old to learn ? I am r.ot, and the acquisition of new ideas is ever a pleas- ure to me, provided thej seem to be use- ful ones. G, "—^ Hessian Fly — How To Trap Him. — A writer in the Valley Farmer says he has found the following practice to suc- ceed well : About the middle of Au- gust sow a strip of wheat adjoining where you intend to put your crop — say one or two acres. About the middle of Sep- tember sow your field. "When that has come up and shows cleverly, plow under the first sown; turn it under well. Your fly is headed and your crop is safe. — Will you try it ? If you will, you wil^ want to find out the wrtter. COMMr E(:;iAL. gprUif-lielU Market— J uJy 26 WirKAT-7:'c(S;fl OOtSI.u; FUlUK— Ji-faife 60 '^ brl; COUN— CO.-^liu; eriirct-; Ci>KN MKAI^SI lOi^Jbu; OATS— SOc^bn ; noiiH; BUANS— 1 ii£@$l 5U^, bu; BRAN— 10c fibii; SHOKTS— iBC fi, bu; TIMOTHYs'd- KoiK- in mrkt ( BACnN -8iJUI,AS.-ES— 45 @t;uclf» g»I SALT— $1 75 ^Nk; -ALT— $2 d" ft brl; MAOKKKKI,— 12 (gilScNol; liUXGA -;lANGr S'd-$4fe$6;;CUDbl?li-$5 76 %) lOOft.i; MILLUr— None: CLOVKIt— $8to{9 -^5 h\v. rOTATORS— Ntw, GUgSOc; HAY— $8%^tou; TALLOW— 9ef) ft; SOAl'— bar, eUcT^ft; CANDLE S— 1 2)^0 f ■ I lox : PICKLLD ["K-£8(aiW^ 100 BACON— liaiiis 10c ^1 ft; CUICKENS— $1 254*1 50; AIM'LKS— diiid.sy flbu; WdOU— $3 5(i@i,4 ^ cord; COAI-— 12cftl.ii: W U [ S K Y— 2 8((( 35c f? gal ; VIXKGAK— 2IJC ^g«l; liRoOMS— $1 fto@2 60 ^doz; liUT I KK— 15jx,fg 2< c ^ ft IIU)KS— Dry, bet, 15®16c. U 11) KS— Green, 7c: VPPLES— green; Jl OO; Saliit L,uuls IMdi-ket— July 20. p. m. A steady falling niin to-day prevented busiiit'hs and intiT- feiireil with diierations in eeiieral articles. Li,ilit ^^ceipI8, bowever, had much to du with tircuinscribinK tra-it-actions. Wheat, ou such acC'Uiit, ailvauce^(ai0 75 for prime. Whisky firm at 21J^c. Chicago Market— July 26, p. m There was a better feeling both in Wheiit ami Corn today, under a dema'd by short sellers Whoit dvauced l(^;'c on, Spring j^ralcs. Wintir W h. at, liowever; was rather dull and be ivy. About 24,000 bu.Oiels ofall kinds changed bands at 93i^c for No 1 Ked on track; 87c for No 2 Red on track; 95c for N'o 2 White on track; 03(<r8rry few in market. 7 head of medium and common sold as foJIov.s: 1 single mule $110; 1 pair do $240; 1 jiair do Fmall j^22.i. Market closed with 25 to HO head of horses lelt over. St, I.ouis L,iTe Stock Market—July 23, p. m. Th'^re is no change in prices since our last quotation. But fawgotd Cattle in the market. Those offering are prin- cipally grass fc'd, »cd of iuf'rlr quality. Good fat Steers etail at 7c net ; fat Cows nt 5c gri ss : common from $18 to $28 ^ head. Indian and Texas Cattle, that have been crowding tlie market for the past month, are mo tly gold, and driven to the country for feeding; those ottering are generally of inferior quaMy, and elling fiom $15 to $22*^ head. I !-II?"EP — A fair demand for good one'', et from $2 to $3 ^ j head ; common from $1 to $1 50 ^ head ; but few left o\er unsi Id. UdG.-' — flood fat ones, for butcher's use, 8c net; for ship- ping do. from tij^ to 7c net. COWS A.ND CAVK.S— Large fineCnvs, for (shipping South, are gelli g from $C5to$40^ Lead ; cominuu to ordinal y from $15 to $20 ^ head. New York Cattle Market — July 20. BEEVES — The market lias d'clineii over h Of ;< cent per ft. ou our previou.s quotations, imd at the leduction I'Utchers h ive not been di>p si d to buy freely. The con-umpti n has been ci nsideraldy effected by tl e large uiiinberi fpeiple that are spending the euminer away Irom thifGiiy. at tiiisseison. The warm weather hus helped to decrease the uetnaud. Un- der such caufes with a large supply for cwo weeks it ia not strange that the very best cattle should sell for l(i@Ki!-: c per ft., atid the HVer"geofallr-aIesbeiow9c. Keitbei is^t strange tba- butchers should forg t to i-hare their advtutagesof cheap beef with Ihn actual c in.snmcr, «.« it b.-is long b-eii a constitutional peculiarity with mo-t butchers to ina-e their large profits on the sudden fluctuations of the cattle market The rereipts ac Allerton's were 3.070 hea-1, via New York 402; Uhio 1013:Iudinna244;lllinois850; Kentucky v3(); Iowa 143; New .Jers-y 13. .Missouri 74: Catiada 62 Michig.in 39 by the following CJinveyaiices :— By the Erie Koid 1018; Hnds.ju do 1507; Harlani do 14; Camden and Ambiy 75; Ilud. son river b lats 40ti. At Berg'-n, New Jersey, 83G were sold to butchers for this market. The quality was generally far; some v« Tj- superior were on sale. Sunday Sales — It was ai^uouuced at A. M. Allerton & Co') Yards this morning, that the Sunday trade would henceforth he discontinued. And it was iiut mated that Browning's Ynrds would also be closod hereafter on Sun- day The proprftor* have taken this sep, they assert, themselve.". It is said they wiKhed to anticipate any action in reference to it by the City authorities. BEEF CATTLE. Prem. quality, per cwt $— @ Prime do do , 10 00@10 50 Ordinary do do ., 9 7n@tO 25 Common do do 8 td® 9 50 Inferior do do 6 00@ 8 00 MlLOn GOWS— Have been dull, particularly f.ir poor qualities. Prime ara in moderate detaaud for pri-.ate use. — We quote : Best quality per head...*50 OOffi 00 00 "" Good qualities do .. 40 00(a45 feO Fair qualities do .. 30 00(;i;"5 00 Common qualities do .. 20 00@25 00 VEAL CALVES — The lusineRs is very moderate, and prices are lower; sales at 3]/,&6l4c' A fine calf, we ghing 345 lbs , only 11 weeks old. raised by J Perry, of W'are Co., N Y , sold for $13 — lees than 4c ixjr lb., and a very g. od cilf. We quote : Prime quali'y, per lb ....>.... 534a6'/^c. Oraiuary, per lb 33^a5e. RECAPITDLATrojf OF EECriPTS.. Beef. Milch Veal. fh<»epand Cattle, Cows. Calves. Lambs Swine. This day 3254 195 838 11 555 2630 Last week 3.i57 171 !^^67 10,496 2160 Increase Decreasi' 303 24 1959 462 19 ■CLLMT.L tlUJtP. IJVVSV^^IM Hlooming-ton J^^ursery^ BLOOMINGTON, ILLIXOIS. Eighty Acres Fruit and Ornamental Ti ees. Onn NAMED SORTS TULIPS, ALSO ''^^^ 'Vyilyacin ths.Crocus.and a general aswrtm:nt of Bulb? a d Flower Roots for Fall and Springs jilanting. Nursery stock. FIvergrcens. G.eenh use^vv, and Garden plants — all at wholesale and retail at ^ lowest cash rates. i^^For particulars see Catalogues or address suhKcribr. F. K. PLKEXIX. Blcomington, 111 , August 1, 1859. Wheat Drills. B RE AKINGlNsi PLOWS. BROAD CAST .•i'-WJiKe. For sale by S- FE.A.NCIS. augl WESTtUN TREKS F o n T Si B w m S T ^ . .-., AT THE -..■■■ 2 WOOUBURN NURSERY : PERSONS WISHING TO PURCHASE their Fruit Trees, Shade Trees, or fhrublery; will find it to tboir advantage to order at the above' named Nursery We havo for sale Thirty Thonsand of 5 to 7 feet ' bi.:h, choiv'e Appe frees, of some tifty apprt)vcd variell'S, for Western cultuio ; which "we cun with confidence i tier to the public. We aUoJoffera good assortment of I'eaches, P. ars, (Dwarf and Standard.) Clierrien, I'lums. Quinces, Go.jseberries Cur- ran;s. lia.j berries, Lawtou Ulackbcrry, Strawbenies, Khu< barb, or Pie Plant, &c. 3.000 S1LV'ER-L.EAVED MAPLE. Than which a handsome Shade Tren c«nnot be found — They are eiaht to teu 'eel I igh, of thriity growth, and to be had f >r teu dollare a hundred. t;3_We will Sell the iib > e named Trees and Plants as rea sonable as they car be had at any respectable Nursery — dig- t nctly labeled, and carefully packed and delivered at the Kiirseiy. or at the I'aiUoad l»ep,it. WV- desire and ^hAll I'lm to conduct our bininess. in all respects, sattifacorily to Ih se who favor us with their pat- rouat;e We are per niauently engaged in the business and intend to make it to the iuterest of our trtendi to call oo us. JuNATIlAN UUGGINS. Woodburn, Maci upin Couuty, llliuois. Augl rOUKTH ANiSUAL FAlii OF THB ST. LOUIS AGRICILTURAL AND MECH.iXICAL ASSOCIATION. '. To commence Sejitanber 26. 1859, and continue SIX DAIS. $20,000 to toe glvcu in Premiums. AMONG OTHERS ARE THE ST. LOUIS Prizes viz : No. 1. For the best thorough-bred Bull $1,000 No 2. For best KoadstT Stallion, in harness l.OtO No. 3. Kor best thorough-bred Stallion 1,000 Arraugetnent.s have been tuade for the luost brilliant es« hibition ever wimehsed in this country. The gri)ands emi rt -e .50 acres of land, csvered T^ith blu« grass, ornamented with forest tr. e« nd evergreens, winding avenues, and nine I eautifnl fountains The Amphitheatre, much the largmmo~e who |>urohH8(' of peddli r». or 8fii(lfa- amide jnstieo to live healthy tiers, to whicli «o may point with p o ■mire. Treeti grow-i in New Y'Tk, with highly ntiinnlatiiig manure!*, and lieing protect- ed by snow in the wiote , can hardly be expected to stand, nn.sc'iithed, our changeable cliniato. It i-< our pride to give nr customers S'ltiHfai-tion; thin we intend to do on all occ'isions, as we c.n live hy a fair and legitimate bnaine.ss. Apple Trees, 5 to 7 feet high, 20 cents each " " " •' $16 per 100 '• " 6 years old •J.'iceutaeach Dwarf and Standard I'e^trs ^ 50 " " " '• " Cherry 5') " " Standard Plums 50 «' " A General Stock of Evergreens Oruameutal Trees and Plants. Catalojrnos had on njiplicatioe Ciiuducturson the Illinois Central Railroad have directions to leave passengers at the Nnrsery, 3]/^ miles tf my biisiiK^ss, 1 am enabled to u.\tund to B.addlers ami carriage- makers unusual faiilities, being. supplied direct from the iiianiifarliiiers. Uoods in this linecome to me at extraordinary low prices. .My stock emhraces all varieties: Buchleji, f'irrel.i, Orntiimnts, Jituif.ute.i, lli)igs. Snuffles, Bills, Panclu'.s, W'ehtiing. S!/- Adjusting and Dennison Trees, Sad- dler's Sill:, Shoe., Three-Cord and Fitting 'Jhre.ul. €arria:?c Triiuiiiing^§. Brass and Silver Plated, Screw Front Bands ami Plated Screw Front Mail Jiiinds, Coach Hamlles. Curtain Frames, Turned Collars, Patent and Knamelled Le.athee, Knamelled Muslin, Duel: arid Prill, Unliher CUilh, Carria\^e. Bovts, Deer and t'nrled Hair, Patent Leather and liuliOer Belting, Hemp and Hublxr pacl:iiig. tr%. Orders promptly filled and forwarded. May 1st, 1607. B. F, FOX Fruit and Ornamental Trees and Shrubbery. rilllK S U li .S V, R I H K R WILL HKCKl VK ' I oiders for Kruit. Oiimiii' nt.il Trees and Shriibhery to b.- In 1 Iri.rii n'ly Nursi-ry in t'lis .»• true to name, heit r and ; lowerthan the trash of;eu imiurted from fori ii;n NiMs"rie». ' mchl S. iUANCIS. I MniiKiactured by Jubn Dcre. AS THE SEASON FOR FALL FLOWING is at hand, the subscriber would ask the attention of Farmers anil others interested, to his lari-e and superior stock of Plows of all kinds, now in use in the West, consist- ing of Three sizes of Improved Clippers, made from the best Cast- steel, and llui.shed in very superior manner; these , lows for east- of draft, and jjcrfect plowing, Lave no equal iu this State. Four sizes and (jualities of the common form of old ground jdowrt. marie from Cast, Oerman ami American Steel, which aree<|nal to any plaw tii^ide after this stylo, (;orn I'lows oftwo iiualitles. Double iind sinjile t-iiovul i'lows. Five Tooth Cultivators. Hirrow-, tvio style:*, roversable, adjusstable, and Giddes Double Harrow, Ox Yokes ofthree sizes, finished in the best manner, and a very superior article Twelve and Fourteen in Kxtra Breakers, for breaking Prairie or other sod, with two and three horses — these are Very i^uperior breaking [ilows. Common breakers of everj' size and styltt, on band, or made to order. The Michi»;an Double Plows. Cf this I atn making two sizes for thiei and lour horses. This plow is adopted to breaking, plowing stnhhle-land. or sub soiling: and will do anykinds ot plow in;: in the best manner. No plow has giveu such general satisfactien wherever it has been used. It should be more generally introduced for deep plowing and subsoilii.g. All order.s for plowE either singly or by the dozen will re- ceive prompt attention Sept , 1S.)8— ti times. JOHN UKERK. 4ld~ All of said articles can be had on application to Francis & Uarrell, Spriugfiuld. Western Liand Office. T. Sy~MATliEll. FOR TUC PURCHASR AND SALC OF CITY PRO- perty. Farms and Unimproved Liauds, PAl'MSiXT Of TAA'ES,^ Collection ofClaimt. _ Ooverunient Eiamts EXTEIfED WITJI WAU BANTS Olt CASir IX ANT LAND D1STBI..T IN ILLINOIS, IOWA, MISSOURI, MINNESOTA OK NEB It ASK A. LiAND WARRANTS BOUGHT AND SO]LD, OfiBcoovor N. 11. lUdgely's Rank, West side Public Square, Sprintfield. Ills. B. B. LLOYD, D E jST T I S T , OFFICE ox NORTH FIFTH 8TRKET, OVKB J. R.WIiURN'a. SPIlJiNGFIE3L», ILI.. ADKNTA I. I'l! .ACTICK ( )F Fl KTKKN YK AltS W A RR ANTS him in saying that all operations shall bo carefully and neatly performi'd. He is in possession of Several premi- ums and diplomas awarded by the best institutes for the pro- motion of science and arts in the country. Teeth inserted, from one tooth to full sets, as substantial and handsome aa can be liail in any city of the United Mates or Europe. Artificial palate plates inserted, supplying the want or loss of the palate, velum and would, so as to restore artirulation. Refer to Prof. David Gilbert, Pennsylvania College of Med- icine. Philailelphia: Hon.. I. S. Black, AVasliini;ton City; Kev. Dr. Harkey, Illinois Univer.sity; Drs. Helm, Ryan and Wal- lace: Messrs. J:icob Lro-e. .1 S. Condell, J. U. Gray, FoRsel- man, Owen, Corneau & Diller, .luneT, ISo. K^VCUCiRlilFNS. ORDERS MAY BE LEFT WITH S. Francis fir Kver^reeu Trees hy the (juantity, from the well known Nursi-ry of Samuel Edwards, Itureau county, at the following rales : Bilsam Kirs, American Arbor Vitic, White Pine, White Sprui:e, six to tea inches high, $5 per hundred and $:15 per thousand The same varieties, from the woods, collected by Mr. Ed- waails' a^eiits, who take them up in the best possible manner, seleclinj; trees carefully Irom vpen exposnres, i)acking at once in ilimp nioss, at $ld per thouband and i^'JU per ten thiiusand. Aiuericiin Larch, two years in the Nnrsery at $10 per IMOIJ. Knri pean Meiiulain Ash, 0 feet high, $18 prr lOU; 8 to 10 feet, -^6 |)er lUO. Neit Pine Strawherry plants at $3 60 per lOCO; and Hybrid Scotch Rhubarb at $". jicr 100. Orders for the articles may be left with mchl 8. FRANCI.'^^ FRUIT AND ORVAMENTAIi TREES SlIUAUERY, &c. S FRANCIS, SPRINGFIELD, ILL . «will receive orders for .all description of trees from tLc Oil I'.iKo County Nurseriea. L Kllsworth & Co , propiietors. Tlle^e trees are well L'rowii, healthy, and their ^'ciiiiiness is w:irriifite... Orders f^r I'mII pliititiiit; c:tn l>e forwjirdcd to them at any time troiii .liine till \o.\ember. Cataln;iiies will he I'm nisli.ed tho.-o who wish to purchase trees a .il sluuliery uu application to Messrs. Francis itc Bar- reil, f!pril);;tield. | F A JR tt A N K S PATENT SCALES (IF Abb KINDS. Fairbanks .lanuwy, lS.')y, especially adapted to the wants of WESTERN FRUIT GROWERS. FULL OF EXCELLENT ILLDSTKATIOSS, F. R. ELLIOTT, Pomologist, Late of Cleveland, O.. nowo'. St. Louis. Price $1 a*. Sent by mail, post paid, to any part of the United btatea, on receipt of (irice. A.O. .VloOliE & CO., Agricultural Uook Publishers mayl 3t Uu, Fulton-st., New York. H. O. UIBUARD. JAMES H HIBOARD H. G. & J. 11. niBBAKD, GENERAL COM.VIISSION AND FOR- wardiii)- merchants. Office, No i;<8 North Main Street, directly opposite Bank of the State of Miss.uri, St. Louis, .Missouri. i of an accurate description of these plows. To see them is tobe pleased with them. In addition to the above, the manufactnrer is making wrought iron upright ones, and two-horse plows. Also, a superior Prairie Plow, warranted tobe equal to any prairie pl.'W now in use. Any size that may be wanted can be had at short notice. A large number of all sizes, kept on hand constantly. Manufactured hy JOHN UHLER, Springfield, 111., at whose ORtablishnient these favorite plows can be had, from a single one to a number unlimited. aua-i-wlT J. C. LAMB llAXUfACTDRER 0» STEAM ENC;iNES AND MACHINERY OF ALL KINDS. CASTINGS OF IPON OR BRASS.^O HORSE Pv.)WEKS, STEEL CLirPER PLOWS" BALCONY HAILING AND FENCING, CaEt Iron Fronts, Window Caps aud Sills WATER WHEELS, CRIST AND SAW-MILL OEARIJiG, F* Il^l 1 IS B E rEOH^S, OF ALL SJXES. Spa.iNOFixLi>, III., June '2ii. J. EUNN, BANKER, AND DEALER IN EXCHANGE; ItANK NOTSS AND COIN, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS. j6C3" Particular attention given to collections, and proceeds promptly rcinitf d i.t the current rate of exchange. «3» It K 11 E K S T i; AiiKTinn I'x. Tiauk.N. Vork. I Drexel A d , PMIadelpliia. Abrslam 1! -ll's S lis " I Geori;*' .-inilli <>—< 333 Wl>i«1tJr(..~- :.... ; 324 Oalls and Wonode on Horses »^.... ...^....324 The Squhsh Bug ...-..^;..;„w......~ -. ....325 Bowing Graig Seed on Buckwhent On>ai))d 325 Trial of Mole Plows ..- 326 Balky Horses 828 BomosricatiiiD of Wild Aniuaals 3'J6 Tlie TiniM 327 Strawberry Culture „....327 I'arly Cprn 327 Sowing Timothy ~ 327 The Times— The Causes 327 The Wheat Crop - _ 329 Farmers' Club 329 Items 330 Cut Worms aofi Corn Qrnbs 330 ' 'ashin^tou's Habits as a Farmer 330 i.ook fnr breakers 331 Sugar Mills „..331 The Alanthns tree >. 331 Plums „ 331 When Is the tims to sow timothy. _^ 331 Cultivation of wheat ^31 Miikine butter 532 Domestic matters 332 A prairie farm 333 Specific for bugs on vines 333 Something for cattls dealers 334 Rye — Its value „..' ~H UnJordrainlng 3^4 Recipes 334 Wheat inspection 3:>6 Markets - 335 ON THE EMBELLISHMENT OF A COUNTRY HOME. Bt Miss. Fsancis E. Willuii), of JanesTille, irisccnsin. [first PREMIUM.] Were this itgfe less utilitarian, this ar- ticle need never have been written, and its subject would have been already brought from the ideal world, with which every man has communings, to the real world, in which every man labors or ought to labor. Had our subject recei- ved far more attention at a far earlier day, not so many of the youth of our land had left their homes for adventure and, we must add, in too many cases, for failure. Not so many hearthstones had been left desolate — not so many Rachels had been mourning for their children; for, on looking back from effect to cause, we see, in many instances, un- attractive homes and rayless firesides as the perhaps unsuspected but no less real cause of this ..rfortunate desertion on the one hand, and this lonely regret on the other. ' \ ; Make home a pleasant place, and your children will not leave it. You yourself will live longer, faster, better. Your old age will be brighter, and you will ever feel the impetus for good thus given. This needs no proving. Your heart said "yes" as jqu saale these thoughts your own. '" A ii ■■••'-/• -• ; Now, if this is a matter of such im- portance, it behooves every one to think and act upon the subject. To some sug- gestions on this point, and upon the ways and means by which so desirable an end is attainable, this article shall he de- voted. The senses, of sight, hearing and smelling, to reduce our ideas to first principles, are addressed, and are to be pleased or otherwise, in the surround- ings of a home. To make the effect pleasurable, the eye must be furnished with a view of grounds, tastefully laid out; buildings of harmonious proportions .^ > 322 « ^ adcs c^ fo] 4 THE ili.i:n^ois F^I^nSIER. and colors; various sliadcs ^ foliage, furnished by different kinds of trees; flowers, "with such hues and tints as blend softly with surrounding objects, and, all combining, to give a tranquilizing effect to the beholder. This, surely, in part, constitutes embellishment. With respect to the sense of hearing — whether the ear is pleased or other- wise — depends upon the character of the establishment one is approach- ing. If hogs grunt from beneath the win- dows, cows make music from the garden sheep bleat from the roadside or cocks crow from the ridge-pole, manifestly these sounds would not be sonorous, un- der the circumstances, however interest- ing they might be in their proper places. So of the third sense. If the air is re- dolent of "reminders" of one's proxim- ity to the stable or pig sty, in that de- partment, evidently, the hand of embel- lishment has never worked its magic wonders. Our aim is to show how those effects which are undesirable may be avoided, and those which are pleasing may be se- cured. First, the embellishments of a country home, as regards sight. These occupy the widest range. Of these are the pleasures afforded by a garden, taste- fully laid out, a fine lawn and a well planned suite of buildings. If you would have a beautiful home, surround it by trees. Sprinkle, not sparingly either, evergreens around your buildings; so shall your surroundings be always life-looking, nor shall winter des- troy the charm of your grounds, nor shall your eye rest only upon leafless branches, contmually saying as the cold north wind sways them to and fro, that the "time of the sear and yellow leaf has come;" but an evergreen shall speak of life, of hope, of spring time and give a thrill of joy even in winter. Then plant trees, and do not forget to plant, here and there, an emblem of perpetual life. Of this variety of trees, we have found the balsam, pine and tirbor vitae, to flourish best in our climate. Of oth- er trees, oaks, maples, poplars, locusts, chestnuts and the mountain ash, are suf- ficient, though the more additions time and money will enable one to make to our list the better. Vines we consider indispensable. — There is no danger of injuring the Walls of a house by covering them thus. It is a mistaken idea. \Vith our sunny cli- mate, they are rather a protection than otherwise. We have succeeded be^t with honeysuckles, grapevines and Virginia creepers. They are hardier and more readily obtained than the tender and more "fancy'' varieties. Of shrubs — snowballs, syringas, lilacs, upright honeysuckles and roses. Of bulbs — tulips, peonies and lillies, are easily tended, and are real orna- ments. We pre-suppose that farmers cannot devote a great share of time to the culture of these "extras." Have an- nuals, if you can afford sufficient time for their cultivation, and what farmer's wife will not endeavor to ? This department of adorning should not be undervalued. Many farmers, we arc aware, regard trees and flowers as of very little value; but, in reality, they are of so much importance, that tlieir ab- sence cannot be compensated for by any amount of additional effort which may be bestowed upon any other branch of embellishment. Of the fence surrounding one's grounds, we believe, as a general rule, a pailing fence, painted white — the chosen color of Now England — is preferable. — Plant trees promiscuously outside your fence, and white seen through green and shining upon green, forms a most agree- able contrast. Plave either gates or stiles tor entrance Avays. For fastenings to gates, we have never seen a more simple contrivance than that made by driving a post firmly into the ground, attaching to it a chain, with a weight of some sort in the middle and fastening the other end of the cliain to the gate. The annoyance so often met with of gates left open, and animals disturbing the grounds, is thus avoided. Gravel walks seem to give more gen- eral satisfaction than any other. As it is an axiom that a curved line is more beautiful and harmonious than any other curved walks are preferable to straight ones. Thus the appraach to the house becomes a continued unfolding to new sights and pleasant surprises. One does not take in the whole plan at a glance. As he advances up the path, (endeavor to have your grounds slope road-ward) unexpected pleasures meet him at every step. Here is a rustic seat, there a little arbor, beyond a tiny grove — the home of robins and orioles; then a tree taller than its fellows claims attention, till fin;illy the house is reached — the heart of the home is seen — the nest so charmingly surrounded. We think there are few farmers on our broad prairies who cannot alVord at least four acres for a lawn, garden, &c. Have, then, a fine, closely shaven lawn. In it arrange your trees, shrubs, &c. Make one rule : in this timberless country never cut down a tree uaneces sarily. If its shape is ugly, it may, by judicious "trimming,'' be remedied to a great degree, and, aside from utilitarian views, it is treason to banish those hardy aborigines, the oak, poplar and their fel- lows, from their lawful, long-possessed domains. There is no danger of havn g too many trees; this is almost an impos- sibility. D • not trim trees far alcove the ground, if at all. A tree trimmed to the shape of a lady's opened parasol, is a most pitiable and distorted object. Carriage drives are a great conven- ience, both on account of their beauty and utility. A well located drive is given in the accompanying plan of grounds. An arbor or tAvo in one's garden is a great addition. They are easily made — the more rustic the better. Branches of trees with the bark on, a table made of rough branches covered with a rough board, seats around the sides, vines growing over the exterior — that is all, cheaply made, but a life luxury. A rustic seat, made of moss — sofa-like, but better than a sofa — at the foot of a tree, and a few rude chairs, made from those same rough branches, would be an addi- tion— at least the tired farmer would think so, wo surmise, when resting thus under the shadow of his own vine and fir tree, after a day of toil. We have now reached the house. — Ours "faces'' eastward, and we often congratulate ourself that it does. It makes the sitting room cool and pleasant in the afternoon, and the kitchen cool and pleasant in the morning, when the work is going on and sunshine would an- noy us. AVe always liked verandas, with vines over them, grape vines too, if we were permitted the suggestion. Fire places we always cling to. They make home homelier in one sense — less so in another. A large, dry cellar and well ventilated apartments are indispensible to both healt and happiness. We believe story and a half houses are preferable for the country. A high, mansion-looking house suggests to the mind a town or city, a thought, which in suph a connection, is extremely out of place. W^e consider stone to be the best material for a house, that is if you in- tend to build one which shall stand as an example for posterity — that you are wil- ling to have stand. If your house is of stone it will need no painting, if of wood some neutral color is desirable when the house is larsre, but if it is small and em- bowered among trees, white gives a charming effect. Further than we have we will not pen- etrate into the interior arrangements, more than to say, have your furniture, cozy, comfortable common. Adopt the last half of the motto of a certain gen- tleman of the world, who said, "When I build a house for show, I build it for show; when I build one for comfort I build it for comfort." Passing to the barn, we shall hope to find thin<<;s arranged for convenience. — Add to this "a place for every thing, and every thing in its place,'' and an obser- ' -!- For tlio Tlliuois Farmer. THE SaUASH BUG. MuRPUvsBDRo, Jackson Co., Aug. 2. Kind reader, although too late to be of service to you this season, yet if you do as I hope you do, viz : preserve all your agricul- tural papers, what I write now to you may be of service to you next season. Before we begin to tell anything about the operations of this too familiar acquaint- ance, let us take his daguerreotype that all may know him. lie varies in length from five eighths to seven eighths ofan inch, and is about one fourth of an inch broad; like all other true insects has six feet, and two antennal or horns; his horns are four jointed; joints nearly C(jual in length; first joint, next the head somewhat enlarged and bowed, tlie last joint a little the shortest and also a little enlarged; the whole lenirth of the horn is about half the length of the insect. From the front part of his head protrudes a snout that lies, when not in use, close along the under side of his body and reaches a little be- yond his middle legs; by turning up this snout or beak and looking at the under side you will see it is composed of four joints, the first joint next the head, being the largest and the same length as the second, the third joint the shortest, Over the first joint reaching nearly the middle ot the second is a narrow tapering lip that protects the hair- like instruments that woi'k inside of this beak or snout, and by means of which the insect punctures vegetables and sucks out their juices. The feet are three jointed, the middle joint being very small, the last joiiit is furnished with two hooks. The head is quite small, being about one fifth as broad as the body; it is about as long as it is broad, has two black and three yellowish stripes on top. Has two dark eyes, situated one on each edge of the head about the middle; back of the eyes on top of the head in the edge of each black stripe may be seen a little round smooth pimple — these are eyelets or ocelli. Going back from the head, the next piece is called the thorax, tliis widens in the shape of a triangle, having its back part ele- vated and rounded; it is of a yellowish color but so thickly punctured with dusky spots as to give it a mottled dubky appearance, the lateral edges are bordered with a yellow stripe. Behind this we fiud a regular triangular piece in the centre of the back, hardly half as wide as the piece in front, this piece is a little darker that the preceding; and Ls call- ed the scutel or scutellum. On each side of the scutel and reaching beyond it, is a semicircular piece of similar appearance to the thorax and scutel; but by raising this with a pin we find it is part of the wing, the latter half of which is much thinner, of a dusky color appearing black when they lie lapped over each other. This part of the wing is called the membrane and has a num- ber of nerves or veins runniu"; lengthwise across it. If we pull aside these wings, we shall fiud beneath them two other very thin transparent wings, of a purple color, deeper toward the tips and fading next their inser- tion. These wings lie in the hollow or scoop- ed portion of the abdomen, which has its sides sharp and elevated, while in the mid- dle it is hollow or boat-shaped, being keeled beneath. The edges of the abdomen are marked with alternate yellow and dusky stripes. The whole underside of the insect is ofan ochre yellow, dotted over with dusky spots. Now I think we have his picture so exact tliat we will know him, especially when I add that if handled roughly he gives out a strong odor similar to that of a pear, only too strong to be pleasant. About the latter part of June or as soon as squash vines begin to run they make their appearance, housing themselves on the un- derside of the Ici-vves, where they make love to each othsr, and having completed their courtship, pair. 8oon after this the female deposits on tlie leaves a number of greenish- yellow eggs, these are generally laid during the night, in patches on the underside of the leaves, to which they are fastened by a gum- my substance. These eggs are about the shape of well-raised biscuits, and a little longer than clover seed. These eggs soon hatch, producing pale ash colored insects, shorter and more round- ed in proportion than the perfect insect — with large antennae. As soon as they are hatched they begin their attack upon the vine, inserting their beak into it and sucking out the juices, thus causing it to languish and finally die. At this time they live in communities, which causes their attack to be more injurious; leaf after leaif fading and wrinkling from the loss of sap or moisture. And as pair after pair of the parent insects from time to time de- posit their eggs upon the same plant, the in- jury is thus lengthened out until the work of destruction is complete. When they have obtained their full size and eomjjleted their transformation from the little wingless bug to the perfect insects and have finished their work for the season, which is generally about October, they retire to places of concealment beneath logs, under fences, &c., where they house up for the winter. The best remedy that I know of to prevent the injury occasioned by these bugs is to kill them at the time they are pairing and before they deposit their eggs. Watch the vines carefully late of an evening, and early in the morning, and as soon as you find any knock them off the vine or pick them off and kill them. If you wait until the young ones have made their appearance your vines will be likely to die for you can do but little to drive them away, and it is hardly possible to kill them. But if you have been so unfortu- nate a.s to wait until this late hour get some unslacked lime, sift some of the finest out of it, and in the morning while the dew is on the plants sprinkle this dry lime over them, if it kills the vines, it will do no more than the bugs will do, and some times it will save them; if this does not succeed you may next try a decoction of aloes; and if this fails cut up your vines and burn them. The scientific name of this insect is Cor- eus tn'sfis, (De. Geer,) it has received va- rious names from different authors — thus by Gmelin it was named c.moestus,hy Fabricius c. RuQ'ator,hjSaj C ordinatus. It belongs to the order IIkmitera. There is another bug very similar in ap- pearance to this and much the same size; but it is a little lighter color, the hind thighs somewhat enlarged and bowed, and the ab- domen is flatter and not so much keeled be- low as the one we have been describing. C. Thomas. Sowing Grass Seed on Bnckwhcat Ground. Eilitor Farmer: — I noticed in the last Fanner the inquiry whether it would an- swer to sow timothy on buckwheat ground ? I have often done this with success. When the buckwheat is cut, it leaves the ground in first rate order, clean and light. Then sow your seed. If the crop was cut with a sythe or cradle, or reaper, you are left a guide to sow the grass seed. You need not harrow after the seed is sown. I can recommend this plan — having often tried it. W -FF. 326 THE Ii:.LI]N^OIS F-^I^IVIEII. TriRl of Mole Plows. There has been a trial of Mole Plows in Madison county, Ohio. We did not know there was another Mole-Plow in use but that common here, until we came across the re- port which follows. There were four mole plows on trial; so that persons who desire to use an instrument of this kind can use their own judgement in the selection, and perhaps not pay an enormous amount of money for the privilege of use it. REPORT ON MOLE PLOWS. There being great uniformity in the ope- ration and draft of the plows, the committee found it impossible to take the working qual- ities as a basis of the award, and therefore took into account cost, adjustability and the shape of the mole. The adjustability of the Witherow plow being very convenient in operation, and so graduated that the operator can fix at all times the precise depth, by means of a graduated scale, together with the cost of the plow, determined the com- mittee to award it the first premium. The mole of this plow is an angular void, six and a half inches high, five in horizontal diame- ter, running down to a flat base of about two inches. The mole might be considerably improved in form. The Defeubaugh machine is adjusted with regard to depth by a windlass, attached in the rear of the cutter or coulter, by which a change of eighteen inches may be made in the depth of the ditch, but the operator has no means of knowing precisely at what depth he is cutting. The form of the mole is that of an ellipse, with a flat base, from the center of which proceeds a sharp fin, downwards an inch or more. Upon the whole, the mole is rather better than that of the Witherow plow. The Bales plow is not without merit. The adjustability is more difiicult than in either of the preceding ones, whilst the mole is certainly the most objectionable. The mole is seven inches in perpendicular diameter, and five in horizontal. It is well known that a small quantity of flowing water requires a very limited channel. The mole of this plow presents the same sized channel to a small, that it does to a large, quantity of water. When water has a wider channel than absolutely necessary, it forms a zigzag course, and deposits whatever foreign matter such as sand, roots of vegetables, etc., it may bring with it, at the curves it has made in its course, and in a short time comparatively fills up from this cause. But if the channel is so constructed that a small quantity of water has a very narrow channel, and % larger quantity of water a wider channel, the prob- ability is that the channel will be kept clear a much longer period than where a uniformly wide channel is prepared for all stages of water. Although the Cole & Wall plow is defect- ive in qeing readily adjusted to difi'erent depths, yet, in the opinion of the chairman of the committee, the mole was certainly the best shaped of any presented for competition. Its form is void, and has a fin four inches in depth, extending from the base downwards; this fin is about half an inch thick, and makes a deep incision in the earth, in the bottom of the drain, thus making a very narrow channel for the water, when at a low stage. When operating two moles are attached; the first one measure four by five inches, whilst the second is five by eight inches. It is claimed that the second mole, being a short distance behind the first one; and being three more inches in perpendicular diameter, completely closes the incision made by the coulter, and thus prevents the drain from filling by substances falling in from above more eflectually than the others. On account of the superiority of the mole, the committee awarded to this plow the second premium. The Marquis, or Illinois Mole-Plow, is one among the earliest patent in this country. It is efiective to inadjustability to different depths, and the shape of the mole was, by the committee, considered to be not superior in form to the Bales plow, although evident- ly more simple in structure, yet objectiona- ble because it makes a drain with a flat bot- tom of five inches in width. Each plow was furnished with one hundred feet of two inch cable, and each drained or ditched at about the depth of three feet, or forty inches. The length of drain which each is capable of making per day, is about the same. The character of the land on which the trial was made, may be said to consist of a stiff" clay subsoil, and a rather stiff, loamy clay soil. With a good team, any one of these teams can ditch from seventy five to one hundred rods per day, in the kind of soil in which the trial was made. The committee desire to be distinctly un- derstood, that they do not consider these mole plows to be of any considerable utility, in any other than level, or very slightly un- dulating clay lands. For sandy loams, or very undulating lands, they cannot commend them. In such lands, the only method of securing the advantages of uuderdraining is to employ drain pipe tiles. BALEY HORSE— BALKY MASTER. A farmer of an irascible temper came into possession of a very fine animal, of most do- cile disposition. When the farmer purchas- ed him he was highly pleased with his bar- gain. For some weeks the animal worked admirably, but as the owner became accus- tomed to the brute, his irritable temper would display itself, and occasionally in his anger he would punish him severely for the most trifling fault. In a few months the the animal became irritable also, balky, and at times quite unruly. The farmer, who could not see how much injury he wa.s doing himself, continued his brutality. The result was as might have been expected — a really valuable brute was spoiled. He became ner- vous and dangerous. The farmer was in despair, he would have been glad could he have found a purchaser for him at a third or fourth what he gave for him. A neighbor of the farmer, who saw how he had maltreat- ed the beast, offered to accept him at the owner's terms, which were not hard. Now mark the end. The new proprietor was a man of kind but firm disposition. He at once commenced treating the animal as if he could be reached by reason. The horse experiencinga difl'ereuce between his present and former treatments, soon recovered his temper,. lie ceased to fear and tremble at every one who approached him, and in less time than it took to spoil him, he was brought back to his original docile disposition. Ills former owner learned for the first time that more lalor can be gotten out of any animal by kindness than by brutality. But wheth- er it mended his irritable disposition or not we are unable to say. — American Stojk Journal. -—- Domestication of Wild Animals, One of the most interesting sights in the city of Philadelphia, is the grey squirrels in their public squares or parks. One can see these beautiful animals there, at almost any time of the day, but in the early morning they are out in largest numbers. They are so tame, that they do not run even from strangers, but will come and eat nuts and other food from the hand. Thus the good people of that city have a much better op- portunity to study the character and habits of this animal, than those who live in the country, and only see them in the woods, where they are to wild to wait for observa- tion. They run all about among the grass, dig at the roots, of which they eat, and of the tender stalks. Young kittens are not more playful and frisky, than these well fed squir- rels, chasing one another over the lawn, or from tree to tree. They are the delight of the children, who love to fill their pockets with peanuts, to make the acquaintance of the squirrels. The only means adopted to keep the squir- rels contented in this artificial life, is to fur- nish them with houses and food, as nearly as possible like what they would choose for them- selves in their natural state, to guard them frotn enemies. In the woods we find them placing their young in the hollows of trees, to which there is access by one hole only, that it may easily be defended. The Phila- delphiaus have put up rough boxes, of wood in the forks of the trees, and they are regu- larly supplied with food, when they cannot cater for themselves. Here they multiply much more rapidly than in the forest, as they have plenty of good houses, and abundant food, and no enemies to disturb them. We think this a beautiful hint for our ru- ral improvers, who wish to beautify their grounds with animal as well as with vegeta- ble life. It is entirely practicable to people a grove near a dwelling with these squirrels or with other animals whose wants are as easily met. The grey squirrel is the most beautiful species of this tribe of animals, is companionable, and sprightly and if well fed would not be troublesome, to the orchards or corn fields. They are useful even after death, their skins making a valuable fur, and their flesh a savory stew, or hot pie, that an epicure need not despise. They could be made as profitable for this end alone, as the pigeon or the rabbit. They are more capa- ble of taking care of themselves, and with suitable provision for their wants, they could be as easily kept within proper limits. Such a grove, peopled with squirrels and birds where no dog was to bark, and no gun to be fired, would be an attraction to the children of the household, never to be for- irotten. It would instruct them in natural history, cultivate their esthetic tastes, an jfKi'^e'eri^sT^' . THE ILLINOIS FA-RMEH. 327 enlarge their hearts toward all that is good and beautiful in the world. It would form a bond of attraction to the old homestead, quite as strong as potatoc patches, and corn fields. The trouble in many cases would be gmall as the groves are already grown, and the fingers of the boys are itching to make the boxes, and put them up, shall they have the privile ge The Times. Editor of the Farmer : It is very certain that the country is in great pecuniary diffi- culty, and I would be glad to see the ques- tion discussed — llow it came into this situa- and how arc the people to get out of it? Now, my ftpinton is, that one great cause for our present difficulties arose from good crops of wheat, and high prices during the Russian war. These high prices begat ex- travagance in various ways. It induced persons who had small farms, and were doing well to increase their farms and to buy farms, blieving that if they were clearing 820 on each acre of their wheat, they would make at the same rate if the farm fields, were quadrupled in size. They bought lands, hired labor, lived high in their families, (I mean they lived a good many on the grocery and provis- ion stores, and dealt liberally in dry goods,) bent on improving, lost their crops, lost their credit, and many of them their farms. But how arc we to get out of our difficul- culties ? AVho can tell ! We have some wheat to sell — beef and pork are falling, the great staples of the country will not bring their cost. "What can be done ? We know of no step but by selling our pooduce for the price we can get for it. If any portion of it is sent to Europe, it must be sold by our farmers very low — lower than than they can affiard to raise it. We must go to work and work hard, we must live on the food we raise, we must wear our old clothes; we must sell off portions of our farms; all the stock we can; and we must pay every cent we can; — and we must be content to do so for years to come. But, will times for farmers never be better? The prospect is, indeed, a bad one. The importation of foreign goods will keep break- ing down our manufacturers in the cast, and the operators there will go to work and raise their bread on their sterile lands or they will come west, and here add to the amount of produce for which we get so poor a market. I see but two ways to change the present and perspective condition of things. One is to reduce the price of labor to the condition it is in Europe, so that our farmers can com- pete with European farmers in their own markets. Our people, however, do not like the idea of working for 10, 15 and 20 cents per day. That don't suit the American peo- ple. 'J'hat don't please the foreign born cit- izens, who came here to benefit their condi- tion. But that is one of the ways in which, after the country has been convulsed and broken up, a state of things can be brought al)OUt by which we can compete with Euro- pean farmers. There is another remedy, but politicians .nterfere here to prevent its being carried Ufcet. It is governmental protection to ^'nable our people to manufacture goods to meet the wants of the country — thus keep- ing our money at home — giving employ- ment to our people, and furnishing a hoiiie market for the produce of our farms. I believe that one of these two systems must be adopted or years must pass before we shall have any permanent relief. W. Strawberry Culture. The following practical article on this subject was prepared by a correspondent of the Connecticut Homestead: There is, yet, a good deal of mystery and doubt in the minds of manv, in regard to the successful cultivation of the strawberry. Some of the theories put forth on this sub- ject involve it in still greater obscurity. One for instance, tells us that the ground should be trenched two or three feet deep, and well filled with manure. Another object to all kinds of animal manure recommending ashes and leaf mold; and a third lays great stress on the efficacy of tan bark. Now, instead of trenching the ground two and a half feet deep, at an expense of $500 an acre, as a man recently did not a hundred miles from New Haven, or ran-sacking the forests for leaf-mold, the best and simplest way is to prepai'e the ground as we do for any other hoed crop, corn, we will say, ap- plying any kind of animal manures which are at hand, and using any kind of land that will give good crops of corn. GARDEN CLLTURE. For garden culture, August is the best time to start abed. Our plan is to plow or fork in manure euough to get seventy or eighty bushels of corn to the acre. After harrowing and making mellow, we mark off into rows two feet apart, and set the plants one foot apart in the row. If the weather is hot and dry, they are watered and perhaps shaded. The plants are kept well hoed in the fall, and stimulated with soap-suds or liquid manure, and if attended to will make runners, and form beds or belts a foot wide by winter. They are then mulched with straw, and if it is not blown ofi" they will need no mora attention until after picking. They are then cleaned out, and kept free from runners until fall. We then give them a top-dressing of manure, and mulch as be- fore. The next season, after bearing, it is gen- erally best to fork up the alleys and part of the beds, leaving a narrow belt of plants to fill up with runners. After these are set the belt of old plants are forked under, and this used as an alley. If pistillate plants are used, we set one fifth of staminate to fertilize them, commen- cinir with a staminate on the outside then five rows of pistilate, then a staminate, and so on. Field Culture. For field culture, or where we cultivate by the acre, our method is somewhat different. In this case the plants are set in April. — Green-sward will do for this, if carefully turn- ed under, and the top made mellow. But we prefer land that has been used under a hoed crop the 3'ear previous. We manure and plow under the same as for garden cul- ture, harrow and roll it, and then mark off into rows four feet apart; wo set the plants from eighteen inches to three foet apart in the row; three feet is near enough for the strongest growers, while the less ram{)ant varieties will need to be set nearer, the object being to get the beds well filled with plants, and at the same time avoid the necessity of thinning out. We keep them clean with the cultivator and hoe until July. After that the hoe only is used — letting them form beds three f^t wide. Should the soil be gravelly, or of such a nature that it will not hold manure, a good plan is to manure it just enough in the spring to ensure a good gtowth of plants, reserving the remainder for a top-dressing in the fall. This is an excel- lent protection from the frosts of winter, and the spring rains will carry the soluble parts to the roots of the plants, at the very time they most need it. For field culture, we never get two crops in succession on the same piece of land. We think it cheaper to start a new plat than to clean and take care of the old one. When plants are set in the spring, the fruit stems should be cut ofi" if we wish to have them make runners. Early Corn. 3Ir. Editor : — I recollect that last spring, in view of the scarcity of corn, that you recommended the plantintj ot early corn, so as to promise food early in the fall for fattening and feeding stock. Some days since (14th August,) I passed the farm of Mr. Howlet, a few miles North of Springfield, and North of Sangamon river, where I found a large field of eight-rowed yellow northern plant, and also another large field of King Phillip corn, perfectly hard and ripe; and what most agreeable and aston- ishing to me was, that the yellow flint corn had produced, as estimated by the neighbors, eighty-five bushels, and the King Phillip one hundred and twenty- five bushels of corn to the acre. The crops are wonderful, indeed; and Mr. Howlet has at this -time ample supplies of corn for feeding and fattening stock. He intended to have a lot of the corn ground into the meal at once. Here is a practical illustration of the benefits of sometimes going out of the old beaten taack in farming. The Yellow Flint and King Phillip corn, used for seed by Mr. Hawlet was grown in this country the previous sea- son. These varieties now are thorough- ly acclimated, and all farmers who desire an early crop for fall feeding, or to take oflT the land for seeding down to wheat or grasses, can hereafter procure seed from Mr. Howlet. A. -«»• §,owing Timoihy. Mr. Editor: — I am satisfied that wo do not cultivate the grasses as we ought to in this country. They furnish a very cer- tain crop, and with little labor. I have neglected my own interest in not extending my meadows. I desire to do this, and I ask farmers who have had experience in raising timothy, what is the best time to sow the seed so as to be sure of-a crop. Among your readers I have no dor.bt that many can \ answer this inquiry, and much oblige, F. Q 328 THE ILLINOIS FARMER. ®lte §Uinai^ farmer, SPRINCJFIEtD, SEPTEVBER 1, 1859. The Times—The Causes. It is said, that, "to know the disease, is ha f its cure.'' To understand the causes which have brought distress upon the country — paralizing industry, embar- rassing merchants, and breaking up many farmers, — may, to some extent, lead to a remedy for the evils we are thus suffering. We believe that one serious cause of difficulty in the farming interest — and all other interests are connected with its welfare, was the high price of wheat during the War between Russia on one side, and France and England, on the other, a few years since; connected ynih this fact, was the excellent crops of wheat the same years. The high prices obtained for wheat and the abundance of wheat, in the time adverted to, stimula- ted the purchase of large tracts of land, on credit, and hiring large amounts of help, and all this mostly on credit. The same state of things stimulated extrava- gance in household economy. Every thing the farmer or his wife or his daugh- ter, or boys, fancied was purchased at stores on a years' credit — expecting the same good crops and high prices, which would enable the farmers to pay for these goods. We know that the wheat crop has failed for two years to a great extent — the farmers are unable to pay their debts constantly accumulating — unable or unwilling to go back to the old system of domestic economy, which had formerly made the farmers of our country prosperous and wealthy. Let us go into this matter more par- ticularly. A few years ago the farmers' wives in this county scarcely ever camo to town and did not bring butter, lard, egga, domestic cloths and other domestic articles, sufficient to pay for their gro- ceries and dry goods. It is well known that ten years ago the general merchants of Springfield were able to ship to New- Orleans, butter enough to supply them- selves with stocks of groceries. There were houses here that received hundreds of pounds of butter every week day, bo- sides other domestic articles of great value. What is the condition now of this trade ? Not a quarter butter enough is brought into thia^^ywn for sale to supply the inhabitants ! To a prudent and economical and industrious farmer, the domestic demand for butter in Spring- field, might be made a source of wealth. Yet all our cows and rich pastures, and grasses, and distress among our farmers, does not induce them to give attention to this matter. They have cows in abundance; they are not milked, but are allowed to run with their calves. We used to see large quantities of cheese brought into this market from Sanga- mon County; but who sees a Sangamon cheese now ? Farmers wives when they came to town with their pots of butter^ and their cheese, and chickens and other articles, purchased "spun cotton," and indigo and madder for coloring; but what merchant hears an inquiry for these ar- ticles now ? You do occasionally hear an inquiry for cotton for working collars or other "gimcracks,'' which will employ the time of the mother or dausihter for days, and be worth nothing after it is done. And the young women will on visiting town, see the women of the town dressed up in fancy style, expanded by crinoline, and they must imitate this tomfoolery. And their purchases show that they do it; and these purchases are not paid for by their own worthy labor in making butter and cheese and domes- tic cloths, but they must be paid for — if paid for at all — by the father out of the miserable sales of his wheat, or the sales of his hogs and cattle — or, perhans never paid for until the Sherifi" goes to the farm and carries out the collection law. The young men, too, are at fault in this matter. Formerly they were mainly clothed by the cloths made by their mothers and sisters, — made up at home. Now, their wardrobes cost about as much as those of the young men of the city, We notice, too, a great dislike among our young farmers and others to bring common produce to Springfield, and sell the same in the streets. Within the last three years thousands of bushels of potatoes, have been imported into this county from the North — and thousands upon thousands of dollars have been sent out ol the county to pay for them. Can we not raise potatoes in this county? Or is the business of too little impor- tance to those who wish to raise their hundred acres of wheat, and who think it beneath their aspirations to diversify their crops ? We have been told of farmers who have large stocks of horses, which they keep from year to year, and which are not wanted for working on their farms, eating out their substance, and these are kept because they cannot be sold at fancy prices; — at the same time the farmer is borrowing money to keep along, — when, if he would sell off his stock, he would have money to lend. The citizens of this city are supplied with large quantities of butter and cheese from the northern part of the State, Wisconsin, New York and Ohio. Our provision stores cannot obtain their supplies from Sangamon County. San- gamon County does not half supply the demand for Butter. We do not see a Sangamon Cheese now. We repeat here what we have said elsewhere. We have an abundance of cows, abundance of food for cows, abundance of help, to make butter and cheese, (we say, this, because this has been done before, ) our farmers are suffering for means which they could realize from making butter -end cheese — and yet, they not only fail to supply the market, but even some of them come into town to purchase Butter ! Shame ! shame ! We cannot speak of this want of domestic economy by any other words. Sangamon County could now, with pro- per effort, furnish our market with dou- ble the amount of the products of the dairy that she did ten years ago. Why is this not .done ? Ask yourselves, far- mers; you can answer this question. — Have you fallen upon some better way to pay your store bills and raise money ? We ought to say that there are some farmers who have continued to practice domestic economy — who live principally on the product of their farms — and who under all the disadvantages of the season and the times, have made and continue to make money — live comfortably and independent. But we tell you that the habits and practices and extravagance of the city, can-ied into the country, will ever produce suffering and mortifica- tion. The farm«>rs who have looked to wheat as a means to pay their debts, are again disappointed by the half failure of the crop and low prices. The prices paid for wheat will not pay what it has cost; and we frankly say that we do not see any reason for a material advance in the ^jSS^jrijJTirf:-' THE ILLIjSTOIS FARMER. 329 prices. Our impression is that it had better be sold and the money applied to the payment of debts. The interest on indebtedness and the loss of wheat will be more than equal the rise in the price. Live economically and correct the errors of the past as fast as you can. Our merchants are again laying in stocks of goods. These stocks are small; because heavy stocks now thrown upon the country, will injure themselves and you. Buy lightly, and only when you cannot possibly get along without goods. The people of the country have commit- ted grave errors. These errors will with the utmost difficulty be repaired. — "God helps those that help themselves." Retrieve your errors, if possible. Do not repeat them. Let the foreign mer- chants hold on to their goods. Get along without them. Wear your old clothes. You have generally enough for two years. You are learning a les- son— and merchants are learning a les- son— and merchants are learning a les- son, that will be a lasting benefit to the country. The Wheat Crop. Our farmers have been much disap- pointed in the yield of their w^eat. — Fields where it was confidently expended the yield would prove to be 35 bushels per acre, not more tjian twelve bushels were obtained. The deficit was caused, as is supposed, by frost, when the wheat was in blossom. The same disappoint- ment is experienced by the farmers in all the counties about us. When estimates are therefore made of large amounts of Wheat in Central Illinois, they are entirely illusory. Our wheat crop is a very small one, though excellent in quality. In other portiouo of the State, North and South, th^ wheat has yielded well. In Indiana it is not an average crop; and the same fact may be stated in re- gard to Ohio. Taking the whole United States, the yield is not an average one. Still wheat rates very low. Nor do we see any prospect of a material rise in the price. In Europe the crops are good. Europe does not want our wheat in large quantities unless she has bad crops — unless it is sold here at very low prices. It is said that in New York these low prices are touched, and wheat can be sent to Liverpool in small quantities. We hope enough will go to cause an advance in prices here; but doubt wheth- er this will be the case. Fanner's Clnh-fflceling in Springfield July 16. Mr. H. in the Chair: — The subject of draining by the Mole Plow was intro- duced. Mr. H. said he had some exper- ience in the effects of underdraining by the use of the Mole Plow. This season he had been able to plant corn, which was now looking well on a piece of his farm which last year — being a sort of basin — could not be plowed with cattle. Indeed, his cattle came near miringin^ passing over it. It is now as good and dry ground as any portion ofhis farm. He said that farmers, on perceiving the good effects of draining, were liable to run into extremes. Some of them belie- ved that under ground drains could be made a mile long. He thought this a grave error. His plan was to cut an open and deep ditch through the ground to be drained, and run his mole plow from these ditches, latterly, to the dis- tarC3 of twenty rods. Do this and make the latteral underground drains four rods apart, and even less, and your land will be well and thoroughly drained. On the piece he had referred to, the drains cost twenty cents a rod and the crop this year would pay for all the draining and the work in making the crop. Mr. H. said his idea was to under- drain all lands that had a clay subsoil. IE they were dry and water did not pass through the drains, the air would, which would greatly benefit the land and increase the crop. Land with a gravelly subsoil, or with a sandy subsoil, could not be drained by the use of the mole plow. His experience would recommend farmers to reduce the size of their farms, underdrain their land and cultivate thoroughly. Mr. N. said that when he went on to his farm, he found that there was a bear- ing orchard upon it — located on level land. It was gradually dying out. — Many trees died after the hard winters, and there were no healthy trees left. He had planted out a new orchard on high rolling land, which was somewhat protected and was doing well. He was convinced that only by thor- ough cultivation, the farmers would suc- ceed in raising good crops. He had ex- cellent soil, but a rotation of rops was the best means he knew of to succeed in alway obtaining tVem. Plow deep, and put the seed of the weeds where they will not trouble you until your crops get a start. Farmers can cheat themselves by slight- ly cultivating the land, but they cannot cheat the land. If our flat lands cannot be drained we had better put them down to grass and make prairie of them again. Mr. L. said that more hedge plants had been put out this year than in any previous year in Illinois. Some persons had failed in making good hedges by their own bad management of them; but though their cultivation was so well understood now that there could be no failure. Men who had experimented with hedges, were now satisfied and intended to surround their farms with them. ^ By putting the ground in good order, getting good plants, and putting them in the ground well, there could be no failure. Several old fogies within his acquaintance, who had until this season, believed in rails for a fence, had within the last three months set out 20,000 hedge plants each. : ': Mr. F. spoke of dwarf pears for crops. He had known one man set out several hundred. Some few of them bore the first year, some the second, but most of them are now dead. He did not believe they would succeed here without the highest scientific cultivation. Our black soils certainly do not suit them. The soils on high grounds are better, and if thoroughly underdrained there might be promise of success. Professor 'Turner, has dwarf trees, on drained high land, which do tolerably well. His experience satisfied him that if we are to have fruit here, it is by very careful cultivation of the trees. - Adjourned. —— 5®=" Mr. E. WoodrufFof this neiglibor- hood has had good success in sowing timothy on buck wheat ground, after the buckwheat is taken oflf. He does not harrow the seed in. The ground is always in first rate order after a crop of buckwheat. ••• B^„ The crop of corn promises to be abundant; and as stock hogs are coming into demand at S3 50 per hundred, corn ought to be worth about 25 cents for fcedinsr. 330 THE ILLINOIS F^HMEH. Items. Tawke's Steam Plow is to be exhibi- ted in New York on the 21st of Septem- ber; and to make experiments in ptow- ing. Timothy Seed does well if sowed, the present month. We know farmers who intend to prepare ground purposely for seeding down with timothy. Thorough cultivation pays well with this grass. Orchards can be planted out in the fall to advantage, if the ground is dry, rollinf; — so much so that the roots of his trees will not stand in water in the win- ter. Apple trees three years old are of a good size. They should-not remain out of ground but a few days, if pos- sible, though well packed. This fact should induce our farmers to purchase trees from the Illinois Nurseries. Strawberry grounds can be laid out and planted this month. If the fall season is favorable after setting out, they will bear some next season. The year after they will produce a full crop. Among the best strawberries are the Early Scarlet, the Hudson, M'Avoy's Superior, and Hooker and Wilson's Seedlings. The latter is a very produc- tive sort, large and beautiful, but very acid. Boys should now be selecting articles for exhibition at the County Fairs. — Have they not fine specimens of corn, potatoes, fruit, melons — calves and colts ? Take such to the fair, boys. Save your seed corn. Go into your fields and select the earliest, largest and best ears. Select from the different var- ieties you have planted. Few farmers now plant only one kind. There were some varieties ripe enough to feed at the commencement of last month — an object with some who had no old corn. Don't expect to make good crops of wheat without you prepare your ground and put in the seed well, — and more es- pecially if you sow your wheat on old ground. The plan of half plowing your land, half harrowing it, sowing the seed broadcast, and leaving the ground in a condition to be covered by water next winSer — ivontpay. It would be well to recollect that grounds for spring wheat, oats and spring barley, ought to be plowed well in the fall. Next spring plow it shallow early, and put in your seed, and you Avill be very likely to have good crops. Is'nt it a' fact the present season, that the earliest planted corn is the best ? A report from the office of the Society of the Farmer's College in Iowa, states, that the best crops of corn raised in Iowa last season were from grounds tvliich had been plowed very deejpy — say ten to twelve inches ! Potatoes are very fine in this section of the State, but the yield is small to the acre, not more than seventy-five bushels. —'- Cut Worms and Corn Grubs. — Doubtless salt is the best remedy for this nuisance. Horace Greely (in a letter which we find in the Working Farmer, with a note by the editor, advising lime and salt mixture — by which we under- stand quick lime slacked with a strong lime — instead of salt alone — we doubt its being any better) advises its use. — Salt alone we have used with 'first rate' results — sixteen bnshels to the acre broadcast and harrowed in before plant- ing. It is valuable as manure as a weed destroying agvnt, and as thoroughly dis- agreeable and in considerable measure destructive to cut worms, and grubs. Mr. Greely writes thus : "Mr. Charles Bctts, in the OJdo Far- mer^ of this date, says there is no remedy for the cut worm in green sward corn, but killing the vernnn separately, — a tedious and repulsive operation — that "it is worse than a waste of time to ap- ply any nostrums, however strongly ad- vised and recommended.'' I hold a dif- ferent opinion, and ask your readers, who may this year be troubled with cut worms, to give the "nostrums'* each a fair trial. Mine is as follows : Tiie moment you perceive that the cut worm is at work in your young corn, ride to the nearest point at which salt can be had, (fine, I should prefer, but a dirty, refuse article will do as well as the clean- est and dearest, ) and with this salt, sow your corn field lightly, avoidmg the ten- der corn blades, so far as practicable. Treat half you field in this way, the resi- due as Mr. Betts advises, and await the result. If the salted corn should seem burnt at the ends of the leavos, never mind that — the corn will be good not- withstanding. When you come to hoe if you find any wire-worms in the salted corn, give your corn field another mod- erate sprinkling with salt. Charge the cost of the salt and sowings respectively to the land covered by it; and the cost of the worm killing to the other piece, in like manner. If you find some stalks killed by the salt, when you come to hoe the first time, replace them by replanting. Measure the product of the two fields, separately, at or after harvest, if the salted portion does not yield more and better corn than the other, say I was mistaken, and that Mr. Betts understands killiniT wire-worms better than Yours, ever, Harace Greeley. — Neiv York. Washington's Habits as a Farmer. — Washington was an early riser — often be- fore day -break in winter when the nientj tons to the acre from the yards and stables for any spring crop that may occupy the land. — Besides this the decaying roots and blades tend greatly to improve the me- chanical texture of the soil, rcndcrinii the subsequent cultivation more easy and thorough. Ilye is an fixcellent crop to succeed hemp, jind whether following hemp or corn, after affording a good pasturage, a good crop of grain may be secured, if the land is not wanted for spring plant- ing. If our farmers would make the exper- iment of always sowing rye after their corn, when other winter grain is not to be sown, and mark the benefits upon the succeeding spring crops, to say nothing of the value of the pusturage, we think they would never be willing to let their fields lie naked another winter. get some one who can. Flat, or nearly level land, requires more care in mak- ing drains, than that which is rolling. No farmer can, in this, copy another, as every farm differs in many features from all others. Some require more and deeper drains than others, and with some, the springs issue from the tops of the hills, and in others at the bottom. This depends on the peculiar geological features of the country. Drain tiles may now be had easily, in many places in this State, and at reasonable rates. They are far superior to all other mate- rial for this purpose. Be sure, in lay- ing tile, that they are laid without any depression, where the water will be sure to repose its sediment, finally filling up the drain. Roots of trees or vines, planted near such drains, are also very apt to enter and choke up. They should always be laid deeper than the frost can reach, during the most severe seasons. Many American farmers err in making their drains too shallow. Don't be afraid that they are too deep. We have never heard of any such. When tile draining was first begun in Great Britain, the drains were dug from one foot to eighteen inches deep ; but at the present time, two feet six inches, is common, and even three or four feet. Don't think that because your soil is a stiff clay, the water will not reach the drain, if sunk deep. Did you ever dig clay that was not wet, at every depth, during spring? The size of your main drain depends on the amount of water that is required to pass through it; but it should not be larger than necessary. Two inch tile is generally used for the branches, but when placed near each other, an inch and a half is large enough; but in every case, the size and number of drains should be sufiicient to carry off surface water thoroughly and rapidly. — Ohio Farmer. UA'DERMAIMNG. Underdrains may now be made, and they should always be put in with ref- erence tt) a general system, for the whole farm. It is best to survey the ground for this purpose, and if you cannot do it, ReguIatlo:is for tlie Inspection of New ll'Iuter and Spriii^f Wheat. The following pr«-arabli) and Kesolutions werp adopted by tlie Board ofDirrctorB of the Board of Trade of the City of Chic igo at a meetiog rooeutly held at tlieir roonis : Whereas, Theqaality of the Dowcrop cf wheat surpaSBes that ofany ef the past ten years, and whureaH the new crop of Sprii g wheat is more uniform iu its character than heretofore; therefore if csoh'*-/, By the Directors of the Board of tra'leof theCity of Chicago, That tho grades of wheat bo re-established ai follow b: No 1 White Wheat — Theberrytobe plump, well cletned, and free from other grains. No 2 White Wheat — To be sonnd but too dirty for Nol Nol Ked Whk t — The berry to be plump, well cleaned, and free from other grains. No 2 Red Whsat — To be sonnd, buttoodirfyfor No 1. KejectedWihter Wheat— Unsound and unmerchantable wheat, and to weigh 45 lb to themeasurfd bushel, Nol Spring Wheat — The. berry to be well cleaned, free from ether grains, and to weiith 5S fts to the measured bushel. No 2 Spkino Wheat— To be sound Spring Whtat, but too dirty for No land to weigh 52 lbs to the measured bunhel, K EJECTED SpniKQ WHEAT— Ml uDHOuiid, uumercliantabl« b'prlng Wheat, and must weigh 45 Iba to the measarcd bushel. Hcsnlved, That the abore grades take effect on and after the 16th inst. SETH CATLIN, Sec. .•. B@" The early May wheat seems to have done better in Central Illinois the present season than any other variety. Information from our farmers on this subject would be of great value. THE ILLINOIS F^I^IMER. 335 Fairbanks' Standard Scalss.— It is no small and unmeaninj^ term to apply to tha Fairbanks Scales the term of "Standard," since they have earned and won it throuj^h the Messrs. Fair- banks' thirty years of expfrience in «calo man- ufacture. A standard they are to the mnnufac- tiirer, as all can attest, who have been brought into communication with rival scale makers and venders. "As good as Fairbanks'," "just the same as Fairbanks'," "prpcisely v hat the Fairbanks' claim," are phrases familiar t > many ears, as our readers will bear us witness. To be thus referred t« by your rivals is no small praise. "Imitation is the sincerest flattery," and we make the nppliciition not invidiously, but only so far as the mrkers of other scales may ohooso to render it of force by their own assertions. There is a fuller and more wide significance in the term 'Standard' when it goes out into the world of buyers and sellers, and sees how im- plicitly the 'weigh' of the Fairbanks' scale is accepted as the weigh of truth' and accuracy. The farmer who weighs bis beeves or his pro- duce on his Fiiirbanks' scale at home accepts never, uncontested, any orrections in his fig- ures from warehouse men and city dealers who may use other scales, and if the contestants fail to agree, away they go to Fairbanks" scales to set the matter right. — Chi. Piessand Trib. COMMEECIAL. Sprluglield Market— Ausust 30. W II E A T— 70c@ 80c -^ bu; FLOUR— $:4{fet4 60 %i brl; COUN— eOc^ba; scarce; CORN M KA L,— 80c to $1 ^ bu; OATS— 25c(a30c f.bu; BKANS— aoc^Jl '^ bu; BRAN— 10c f^tm; SI10KT.-<— loc %«bu; BACON-Bhic-J. i2i^c ^ lb KGGS-6@'8cfidoz; LARD- 12c ^fc; SDOAR— 8c@10f^tt); COFFEE- 13c@loc fi lb; M0LAS3EP— 46c@60c^ gal SALT— $1 75^s.-.i£; ^'ALT— $1 Oulbbrl; TIMOTHY s'D-^fl 60tol 75; MACKEREL— 12. @13c No 1; HUNGAUIAN Or S'd— none MILLET-None; CLOVKR— $6 50@7 ^, bu; POTATOKi— New, 40(g,50c; IIAV— $8%» ton; TALLOW— 9c fi lb; SOAP— bar, 4 to 6c %> lb; CANDLES— 12i^c^, box; PICKLED I"K-$S(&,10^ TOO, BACON— bams 12 tolScf),Ib; CUlCKliNS— $1 60@.i;l 75; CODflPn— $5 75 fi 100 lbs ; APPLES- dried; $3 ^bu; WOOD -$3@$4 00 ^ cord; COAL— ]2clbbu: W H I8KY— 27@30c ^ gal ; VINEGAR— 10c fSgttl; BROOMS- $1 .'i0fe2 60 '^(doz; BUTTER- 16i/2(s,2Cc ^ ft>. HIDES— Dry, best, 14@16o. HID KS— Green, 6c; APPLES— green; 4Cfe75c; -••* Chfcagfo Market~Au^. 29, p. m The receipts of wheat to-day showed 8 falliDg off of about 18,000 bu^ibuls. This fact, coupled with an active sLipping demand, caused tbe market to open lirui, and Hdva-ncp^@lc before tbo close. Upwards of Ui.OlO bubh.')8 of all grades changed bauds, at $1 OS for No. 1 white on track; 92c tor No. 1 red on track; T6(ai7Gc for No. 2 red in store; 6(jc for rejected ro^c lor No. 1 tpiiug; Hud GC3/^(a.71c for No. 2. Fpring clueiui; quiet ut 73c lorKo. l,aDd 70c fur No. 2 spring. M'inttr grades were quiet aud inHttive. Flour was active anil steady. About I'OO bbls changed bands at $3 75@ 4 00 for good to choice epring extras; $2 G2J^2 for fine spring; aud $5 37^ for a email lot of eztra choice white winter co-'n d cliucd Ic. About 40,C00 bushels changed hands at 59@6iJj/^c for caual afloat; 59c for No. 1 in store; 57c for No. 2 — closing dull aud weak, (lats were in fair demaud and steady at previous prices. About 2o,000 bush were a Id at 2t 3^@26s^c for No. 1 afloat, and 25c for No. 1 iu store. Kye quiet at 64c in store. -••»" Saint L.oul!« Market— August 29. p. m. Wheat, which seems to have had rather a capricious conrKe of late, maintained that character a^aiu to^dny, iu- asmucb as prices went up about five cents per buthel on nearly all qualities. The very moderate amount of 5,(>C0 bags, received since neon Saturday, is chargeable with the iniprov«nient. The market moved buoyantly also up to 'Change cone In flour there was a heavier inquiry, and while a sale or two of city siipeifine was quoted at the price previously paid, four or five ihous-and barniU, chiefly extras, went, bought for future delivery, at prices not made public. Oats improved a little, through light deliveries and lower freights. In corn, whisky, tobacco and hemp, no chaLge at all was observed. 'C* ^ St. Louis Live Stock Market — Aug. 27. Bellevne Btusf, Manchester Hoad, Market is overstocked wilh light and inferior cattle, and sell ing at very low rates Irom $lC'(g 20 per head; good fat cows will briLg from }22@27 per bead. '' Best class of steers sell slowly from C@6J^ but few at the latter figure. t-heep — A fair supply on the market, pood sheep are ready Fale, at $2 60^3 per he&d; common to fair $1 2u@I 75 per hea t. Hogs — Aroscarce, but slop fed hogs on the markct,aDd Uiug from 'li%iy2C. Cows and Calves — There is but little inquiry owing to the o uthern market baiug overstocked, there being but few selling at over $30 per head — common to fair frem $15@ 25 do. St. L.oult Ilurse Market— August S"**. Supplies of horses havo been Oinewhat larger the past week; but mules co itinue scarce, about 40 head, mostly horses, purchased in this market, have been 8hipp?d south. The demand has been good and prices about the same as last week. 81 head were sold at auction and private sale, and 42 head were left over. New York Cattle Market— August 24. BEKVE8 — The market has advanced this week on the good and prime grades of Cattle '%©'%<: 'f, ft. in addition to a full allowance of weight in the owners favor, The quality was better than for two months past, yet the dfmand being for the better grades the supply of the class of stock was still inadequate. We quote at 6@103^c, a few at 11c, and also some few at 6c, At Bergen, N. J. 1086 head were sold at rather better rates than were realiz d here. This place seems to be increasing in favor with the Butcher as well as the Drover. The accommodations are generally satisfactory. The rec ipts have been: — From New Yoik 620 heal, Penn- sylvania 42, Ohio 559, Indiana 527 Illinois 701, Kentucky 500, Inwa 25, aud Michigan 16. The conveyances were : — By Erie Road 1420, llu sou 842, Ilarlem, 194. and Hudson Boats 434. The attendance at the Washington Drove Yards was good all day, and before leaving all the stock will doubtless be sold. QUOTATIOHS. The following are the prices at which etosk was sold : BEEF CATTLK. Prem. quality,, per cwt « $10 50@ — — Prime do do 11 OOicyOO 00 Ordinary do do 0 76(^10 25 Ceromon do do 8 50@ 9 50 Inferior do do 6 00® 8 00 MILCH COWS— The business is conflned tc small sales to milkmen at our annexed quotations. The suppply is am pie. Best quality per head..J;60 00@60 0« Good qualities „....do .. 40 00(^45 60 Fair qualities do .. 30 00@S5 00 Common qualities do .. 20 00@25 00 VEALS — The market has been fairly active a*. 4J^@7c. — The supply is larger. Included in the leceiptg. not indicated by our tables, were a confidersble quantity of carcass Veal, from various points on the Hudson River, brought in every morning by barges and steamboats. sheep and Lambs — The receipts are ample, yet the demand for good Sheep is active ai.d prices are no lowir. Some few poor quality remain unsaleable. Lambs are doing well. — The receipts contiuue liberal. At Browning's, 3,fl93 head were from New York i^tate; 1,372 from New Jersey; 130 from Pennxylvi-nia, and 397 from Canada, Sales by J. C. I.arkin of 1.387 head for $4,656 48; b? Thomas C. I.arkin, 2.421 lor $7,547 35; by k. H. Hume, 1,559 for |4.817 47; and by McCar- thy, 97S head at $2 50@$4 each. Sales also by McGraw and O'Brien of 2,28 .• head for $7,081 67. We quote : Prime quality, per head, (extra) $4 50@7 00 Ordinary, per head 3 50(2(4 00 Inferior, per head -. 1 50(^3 00 SWINK — The market has suddenly tnken an upward ten- dency, and prices are J4@% °^ * '"*''' higher, caused by A failing off in the supply, and the heavy rise in the price of Ue8S and Prime Pork. Attho Western yards I434headwere received. At the Hudsi'U River 801 head. We quote prices at 5J/^@6c gross, for prime Went ;rn coin ftd; store hugs are scarce aud nominal. BECBIPTB AT WESTEEK T.\BDS : By Hndsrn River Road— Van Brunt k Watrons, 449; N Bloss, 1G3;0 Wells, 287; H Hogeboom.115; Tcrrv & Pendall, 103; Smith & Brown, 92; A Keed, 112— total, 1321. By Krie Road, via Bergen — J Postlew^aite. 113. RATS A MOST NOVEL STRATAGEM FOR TA- king Fats by wh lesalo, w ithout poison or trapt 1 Ships, MillB,Barus, Stables, Groceries, Worksteads, Houses, cleared at oue sveep Any person can, b> this simpl i arrangement, clear the entire premises of evejy Kat, how- ?rver numerous they may be. fent free y tht- return of post for One Dollar, by JOHN CAILCOTT, Jr , sepl fit EMP 72 f ultun-st., Brooklyn, h. I. Uuut's Sugar Caue Mill and Boiler. THIS MILL IS JUST THE ARTICLE wanted by farmert; a cheap, strong, simple and effective horrizontal Sugar Cane Mill. The boilers which can bsjiad with the mill, are of these sizes and X'rio-s: No 1, 22 gal- lons, $6; No 2, 30 gallons, $7: No 3, 45 gallons, $8; No 4, 60 gallons, $9, The large bills, giving size", prices £c. can bo seen in the office of S. Francis, who Is autlioriied to sell the 55ill8 and Boilers. We refer applicants to him for further informa- tion. HUNT, BRAUNEK AOO. septl-lt Louisville, Ky. Blooming ton J\ ursery^ BLOOMINGTON, - ILLINOIS. Eighty Acres Fruit and Ornameutal Trees. Onn NAMED SORTS TULIPS, ALSO /^v/v/Hyacinth8,Crocu«,and a general assortment of Bulbs 1 nd Fkwer Botta for Fall and tpriug^ I'lautiug. Nursery stock, Evergroets. G.eenh(use^ and garden plants — all at wholesale and retail at lowest cash lates. iQ^For particulars see Catalogues or address subscriber. F. K. PU(ENIX. Bloomington, HI., August 1, 1859. FOUllTH ANNUAL FAIR OF THE - ■ ST. LOUIS AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL ASSOCIATION. To commence September 26, 1859, and continue SIX DAYS. $20,000 to be given Iu Premiums, A MONO OTHERS ARE THE ST. LOUIS Prizes viz : No. 1. For the best thorough-bred Boll $1,000 No 2. For best RoadstT Stallion, iu haruesB„ 1.000 No. 3. For best thoroufih-bred Stallion 1,000 Arrangements have been made for the most brilliaBt ex« hibitloD ever witne'-sed iu this country. The grounds enitra-e 50 acres of land, cavered rrith bine grass, ornamented with forest tn es-'ud evergreens, winding avenues, and nine beautiful fountains The Amphitbeatre, much the largest in tfan United States will seat 12.000 jiersons. and sholtef hs many as 36.000. '1 her* are also Floral. Fine Art, and Mechanical Halls, and a 8pac« iocis building with steam power attached ag 4c. "PLAIN AND PLEASANT TALK ABOUT FRUITS, FLOWERS AND FARMING," written by HENRY WARD BEECH iiK, who to bis alp.eadt benownei> bcpdta> HON / 8 A Pbeacher, Orator and author, must .xow be added 5 hat of a Practical Farmer and Oardjikr— fob such he is AND BAB BEEN. 1 VoLUME, I'RIUE $l.:25. FOB SALE BT ALL B00E8ELLEB8 AND Agents, ok bent by Mail, pgst-paio, on BECEIFI OP THE I'RICE, BY DERBY & JACKSOHr, August 1 — It Publishers, New Tork. FUUirAKD OKNAMGNTAL. iKfelE:^. SHRUBBERY AND FV'ERGREEN TREES, with a general assortment of Nurt>ery articles for sale at the Pleasant Ridge Nursery, Arispe, Bu- reau, cov.nty. 111 , Very Aldrich, proprietor. I have a few thouaand 6 year, 15.000 five year, 30,000 three year, 50,000 two year, and 100,0l..0 one year old apple trews, at Wholesale or retail. Pear, Cherry, Plum, Peach, Cur- rants, GoOf'cberri.'S, Rasp) erries, lilackberries, fc'tiavi ber- ries, &c. Our stock of JKvergreens is larpe, and very flne specimens: the N, Y. Pippin. Wegner, and Red .^eekiiofor- ther, are the most hardy in the li-it, of wbic i I havo a k^^oI supply, also of the Tompkins county Kinj;. Catalogues B'lit free. P. O. addresp, Tifkilwa 111. l^Vieat Drills, BREAKINGING PLOWS, BROADCAST SOWERS. For sale by S- FRANCIS. augl _j WESTERN TREES FOR TUB n^ JE S T , _ .'■ AT THE ■ ,.-:-. WOODBURN KURSERYI PERSONS WISHING TO PURCHASE their Fruit Trees, Shade Trees, or Shrubbery; ^m^ will find it to their advantage to order at the above ^^V named Nursery ^^^ We have for sale Thirty Thousand of 5 to 7 feet high, choice App'e Trees, of some fifty approved varieties, for Western culture ; which wo can with coDlldeuce cfler to the public. We also offer a good assortment of Peaches, Pears, (Dwarf aud Standard.) Cheiriea, Plums, Quinces, Gooseberries. Cur- lantg. Rax I berries, I.awtou Jilack berry, Scrawberi ies, Rhu> barb, or Pie Plant, ic. 3.000 SlLVER-r.EAVED MAPtE. Thnn which a handsome Shade Tree cannot be found. — They are eight to ten feet Ugh, of thrilty growth, and to be had for ten dollars a hundred. i8c5=,We will sell the abo e named Trees and Plants as res Bonable as they cat be had at any respectable Nursery — dig. t uctly labeled, and carefully packed and delivered at Iho Nurseiy, or at the Railroad Depot. Wo desire and shall aim to conduct our businosa, iu all respects, satisfactorily to those who favor us with their pat- ronafje. We are permanently engaged in the business, and intend to make it to the interest of our friends to call on us. JONATHAN HUGGINS. Woodburn, Macoupin County, Illinois. Augl 336 THE ILLINOIS FA.Ii:]MEIl. DUNLAFS NUKSEKY. 40 ACRES IN TREES ANI> PL.ANTS. IN ESTABLISHING A NURSERY AT this place, we have done fo with a view ofmnkiiig it s permanpnt buainess. We invite tlie prtronagn of tlioaa who wish to oncouraco home induttry, and have a dcHire to beautify their grounds and fill thirlr orchardu with bucIj plants and Irnitganarp adniited to our soil and climate; at I he same time we disclaim any intention to make war on thoHO who purchase of peddlers, or send eaiit for their supplies, wo are cont 'Ut to wrk, «ith highly stimulating manures, and heing protect- ed by snow in the wiuto. , can hardly be expected to stand, unscathed, our changeable clituata. It is our pride to give • ur cDstomi>rs satisfaction; this wo intend to do on all occisions, as wo can live by a fair and legitimate business. Apple Trees, 5 to 7 feet high, ,..2U cents each " *' " " •» flCperlOO " "/I 6 years aid..., 'i.") cents each Dwarf ana Standard Pears 50 " " " " " Cherry f.O " «' Standard Plums 50 «' " A Geueral Stock of RTer$:reens Oniamcutal Trees aud Flauts. Catalogues had on applicatioo. Conductors on the Illinois Central Railroad have directions to leave pansengers at the Nnreery, 3)^ miles South of Ur- bana, when res8, I am enabled to extend to saddlers and carriage makers unusual facilities, beingsupplied direct IVoui tlie manufacturers, tioods in this line come tome at extraordinary low prices. Mystock embraces all varieties: Buckles, Ferrets, Ornaments, Rosejttes, Rings. Sna_ffles, Hilts, Panchc„<, Wchhing, Self-Adjusting and Vcnnison Trees, Sad- dler's Silk, Shoe, Three-Cord and Pitting Thread. CarriA^e Triiuinings. Brasf and Silver J'lated, Screw Front llamls and Plated Screw Front Mail Hands, Coach Handles, Curtain Frames, Turned Collars, Patent and EmimeUed Leather, Enamelled Muslin, Ditck and Drill, Rubber Clnlh, (iirriagt Hows, Deer and Curled Hair, J'atent LeaUier and Rubber Helling, Hemp and Rubbir packitig. 11%. Orders promptly filled and forwarded. May 1st, 1857. B. F. FOX Fruit and Ornamental Trees and Shrubbery. q^lIE S U B S C R I B E R WILL RKOEl VE J. oidersfor Fruit, Ornamental Trees and Shrnbliery to be had from any Nursery in this State. The article will come fresh, in good ord. r, will bo true to name, belt r aud lowerthan the trash often imported from foreign Nurseries - nichl g. FKAXCId. JflOIjUVE M'ljOirS. niaiiulactured by John Uere. AS THE SEASON FOR FALL PLOWING is at baud, the subscriber wonid ask the attention of Farmers and others interested, to his larire and superior stock of Plows of all kinds, now in use iu the West, consist- ing of Three sizes of Improved Clippers, made from the best Cast- steel, and llnished in very superior manner; these ilows for ease of draft, aud perfect plowing, have no equal in this State. Four sizes and qualities of the common form of old ground plows, made from Oast, tlerman and American Steel, which aree<|ual to any plaw niaile after this style, Coru Plows oftwii (jualities. Double and single Shovel Plows. Five Tooth Cultivators. Ilnrrowf. two styles, reversable, adjustable, and Qiddes Double Harrow. Ox Yokes of thro« sizes, tinisbed iu the best manuor, and a very superior article Twelve and t'ourteeu in Extra Hreakors, for breaking Prairie or other sod, with two and three horses — those are very superior breaking plows. Comui'Ui breakers of every size and style, on hand, or made to order. The Michigan Double Plows. Cf this I am making two sizes for thre) and four horses. This jdow is adopted to breaking;, plowing stubble-laud, or sub-soiling: aud will do anykinds of plowing in the best manner. No plow has given such general satisfaclien wherever it has been vsed. It should bo more generally introduced for deep plowing aud subsoilii.g. All orders for plows either singly or by the dozen will re- ceive prompt nttentioti. Sept., lS;>(i— 6 times. JOHN DEERK. JKS' All of said articles can be bad ou application to Francis & iiarroll, Springfield. Wessitern Liand Office. T. S. MATH EH. rOK TUK PURCHASE AND SALE OF CITY PRO- pcrty, Farms and Unimproved liauds, rAVMEjVT Of TA^ES,^ Collection of Claim. ; Government JLands ENTERED WITH WARRANTS OR CASH IN ANT LAND DISTRICT IN ILLINOIS, IOWA, MISSOURI, MINNESOTA OR NEBRASKA. LAND WARRANTS BOUGHT AND SOLD. ^Office over N. II. Rldgely's Bank, West side Public Square, riiiringfleld. Ills. B. B. LLOYD, D E nSTTI S T, OFFICE O.V !«ORTn FIFTH STREET, OVER J. R.WBURN'B. SPRKNGFX£X.I>, XLX.. A DKNTAL PRACTICE OF FIFTEEN YKAItS WARRANTS him in saying that all operations shall be carefully and neatly performed, lie is in possession of several premi- ums and diplomas awarded by the best institutes for the pro- motion of science and arts in the country. Teeth insiTted, from one tooth to full sots, as sub.otantial and haudsoine as can be had in any city of the United States or Europe. Artificial palate plates inserted, sujiplying the want or loss of the palate, velum and would, so as to restore articulation. Refer to Prof. David Oilbert, Pennsylvania College of Med- icine, Philadelphia; lion. J. S. Black, Washineton City; Rev. Dr. Ilarkey, Illinois University; Drs. Helm, Ryan and Wal- lace: Messrs. Jacob I.i'ose, J S. Condell, J. U. Uray, Foesel- man, Q^ven, Corneau k Diller. June*, ISo. EVERGREENS. ORDERS MAY CB LEFT WITH S. Francis for Kvergreen Trees by the quantity, from the well kuown Nursery of Samuel Edwards, Bureau county, at the following rates : Balsam Kirs, American Arbor Vifss, White Pine, White Spruce, si.\ to ten inches high, $5 per hundred and }!\b per thousand. The same varieties, from the woods, collected by Mr. Kd- waads' agents, who take them up in the be«t possible manner, selecting trees carefully from 'jpeu exposures, packing at once in ilamp moss, at $15 per thousand and $9U per ten thousand. American Larch, two years in the Nursery at $10 per 1000. Eurrpean Mountain Ash, 6 feet high, $18 per 100; 8 to 10 feet, yZb per 100. Neit Pino Strawberry plants at $3 60 per 1000; and Hybrid Scotch Rhubarb at $.'! per 100. Orders for the articles may be left with mchl 3. FRANCIS. FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES SIIUABERY, January, lSi)9, eipecially adapted to the wants of WESTERN FUUIX GROWERS. rULL OF EXCELLENT ILLU8TBATION8, li. by F. R. ELLIOTT, Pomologist, Late of Cleveland, 0.. now of St. Louis. Price $1 25. Sont by mail, post paid, to any part of the United btatei, on receipt of price. A.O. MOOKE&CO., Agricultural Book Publishers maylSt 1-iO, Fulton-st., New York. B a. niBBARD. JAHES li UISUABO H. G. dc J. H. HIBBAKD, GENERAL COMMISSION AND FOR- warding merchants. OflBce, No 138 North Main Street, directly opposite Bauk of the State of Misscuri. St. Louis, Missouri. dtf UHLER'S PLOWS The Double Curved Uprlglit Steel Mould Board Plow. THE PROPRIETOR OF THIS SUPERIOR Plow still continues to supply, the great demand which its merits have created. Its combination of rare ad- vantages has recommended it to the agricultural community throughout the State of Illinois, is now admitted that it has no equal. The following note is but one of the many testimonials which have been furnished the manufacturer of the working of his plows. Wecertify that we have lately used the above plows, manu* factured by Mr. John Uhler, and we would state that they are in all respects, superior to any other plows wo have erer used. We cheerfully recommend them to the public. Wm. P. LawBon, Wm. Poffinbargcr, J. J. Short, Dayid Newsom, John W. Beck, Uriah Mann, John Kavanaugh, Philemon Stont. Sangamon county, Jan 1", 1855. From the poculior form of Uhler's plows they are not ex- celled by any other now in use. It scours very bright, sheds off stubbles admirably, and runs light and easy to the team. The largest sized two-horse plow of this kind, has been used several seasons successfully in breaking prairie. The limits of a newspaper advertisement will not admit of an accurate description of these plows. To see them is tobe pleased with them. In addition to the above, the manufacturer ia making wrought iron upright ones, and two-horse plows. Also, a superior Prairie Plow, warranted to be equal to any prairie plow now in use. Any size that may be wanted can be had at short notice. A large number of all sizes, kept on hand constantly. Manufactured by JOHN UIILER, Springtield, 111., at whose establishment these favorite plows can be had, from a single one to a number unlimited. auf-l-wlT J. C. LAMB MAMtTFACTURKR OF STEAM ENGINES AND MACHINERY OF ALL KINDS. CASTINGS OF IFON OR BRASS,^ HORSE Pv)WERS, STEEL CLIPPER PLOWSB BALCONY RAILING AND FENCING, Cact Irou Fronts, Window Caps aud Sills WATER WHEELS, GRIST AND SAW-MILL &EABIi\0, AND P RJiint E PEOIVS. OF ALL SIZES. SpaixovuLS, lLi», June 2ii. J. BUNN, BANKER, AND DEALER IN EXCHANGE; BANK NOTES AND COIN, SPRINOFIELD, ILLINOIS. 4S~ Particular attention given to collections, and proceed promptly remitted at the current rate of exchange. «•» REREUS TO American Kx. Rank.N. York. Abrn! ,1.11 Bell's Sons. " Hamilton Dank, Dostnn. Price, Converse & Drexel A Co., Philadelphia. George Smith A Co.; Cliicafro. 1.1. A. Denoist A Co., St. Louis, Co. New Orleans. w «r- 02 ^^:^^ YOL. lY. SPRINGFIELD, OCTOBER, 1859. NO. 10. PUBLISHED MONTHLY, ^ BY BAILHACHE & BAKER. JOURNAL OFFICB,...„ SPRINGFIELD, ILL S. FRANCIS. Editor. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. One copy, one year, in advance ~~.. fX 00 Five copies, " " ~ 3 75 Ten " and one to the person getting np club ... 7 5o fifteen copies and over, 62^^ cents each, andoae to person getting up club. CABU RATIB OF AOVJCBTUIKO : One dollar per eqnare often lines, each insertion. ESSAY ON THE CULTURE OF ORCHARDS. CONTENTS. Essay on the culture of orcbards 337 Sugar and evaporators 339 The steam plow 310 Proposed experiments in wbeat..n.... ■ 342 Planting Orchards 342 Cold winter Is coming..... 342 The potatoe crop c42 The corn crop • 342 The next wheat crop .343 Fairs, (communication) 343 The Fairbauk's standard scales 343 The state fair 344 The United States Fair ~ 344 Fotatoos 344 Let us look at home 345 Chinese sugar cane ~ 345 More humbugging 345 Sugar mills - 34^ Short norn Durhams 346 SaDgamon county Fair 346 Dcvons, Herefords, and Durhams...... 346 Timothy seed 346 The National Fair — Award of PremiomB--The steam Plow 346 Cotswold sheep 347 Osage Grange on bottoms 347 Wool 347 Barey taming a vicioas Horse 347 Cooking food for swine 347 Training Oxen : ..337 Summer care of Colts 348 Camels for plantation work -.. 348 How to fatten Chickens 348 Chapter on the sugarcane .> .....348 Proceedings of Bond couoty Agricultural Society.........349 Protection to farms 350 Seeding Timothy Meadows 360 Markets 351 Bt C. R. Overman. Among all the objects that constitute the charm of rural life, the orchard stands pre-eminent. It is the most cherished spot on the farm — -the treasure house in which is garnered nature's choicest offering to her dependent child- ren. To the young and guileless it is a hallowed retreat, where, perhaps, ft)r the first time, the spontaneous gush of grat- itude to the Bountiful Giver may Tiave thrilled the soul. The generous impulses there formed in the heart of a child will go with him through life. Should his lot in after life be cast among strangers, in a far oflF land, how often will memory revert to the cherished scenes of his "life's morning march,'' and fancy re- paint vivid pictures of "The orchard, the meadow, the deep tangled wildwood, And every loved ^pot that my infancy knew." But around the orchard will his memory most love to linger, for it was there he reveled in all the fullness of joy. There the quintescence of beauty gladdened his eye, and the perfection of aroma delight- ed his palate. What wonder, then, he paid such sincere yet unconscious devo- tion at Pomona's shrine ! Parents, plant orchards, if only to instill into the hearts of your offspring a deeper love of home, to centralize their affections, to counteract the nomadic spirit of the age. Convince them by argument at once potential and pleasing that "there is no place like home.'' In a word, to all you can to make their home attractive, and be assured that they will be less inclined to wander from the paternal roof in quest of forbidden joys. Without extending the preface, we proceed to offer a few practical thoughts on the location, planting and culture of orchards, presuming that additional in- formation on Buch subjects may be ac- ceptable to the public mind: In treating of the orchard in general, we would be understood as referring to the apple as the essential element ef the orchard, proper. Though other fruits fruits are sometimes reckoned "in," the apple is acknowledged monarch, and of him we treat. In locating an orchard, the first object — and a most important one — ^is to select an eligible situation. An elevated or rolling situation is greatly to be prefer- red, and if the aspect is northern, all the better ; but as such a site is not always to be obtained, yot a level or less propi- tious one may be rendered nearly -equiv- alent by thorough underdraining and subsoiling. Indeed, this system of pre- paring orchard ground, whether high or low, cannot be too strongly recommend- ed, for, though it need upon high ground is not so absolute as upon low, yet all situations, high and low, will be greatly benefited by it. It is worthy of remark that the best natural situations for orch- ards to be found in our country are in the "barrens" and the timber, on the clayey ridges and gravelly slopes. On such localities we have generally found the hardiest and most productive orchard trees. The proprietor should select the most eligible spot on his premises for the orchard, and what it lacks by nature he must endeavor to make up by art. Whether the ground be underdrained or not, the deep plowing or subsoiling should in no case be dispensed with. Perhaps the most effectual way to do this is as follows : Use two strong teams ; with the first a No. 6, old ground plow, set to run deep as it can be drawn ; with the second team use a No. 5, corn plow, set also to run deep ; follow with it in the furrow made by the first team at a brisk walk, and you will throw up the subsoil and deposit it upon the surface, jn this way we have sometimes trench plowed near twenty inches deep ; but it requires stout teams, and bright, scour- ing plows. The fall previous to plant- ing is the time to do this, but if it has been neglected, it is better to do it in the spring than omit it altogether, for no opportunity for i;horoughly subsoil- ing the orchard ground is ever after- wards expected to occur. Another me- thod of subsoiling is to break up the sub- soil as deeply as possible, and let it lie >^ i -^Pv^ 338 THE ILLIIN^OIS FARMER. •without turning it up. For this purpose the Michigan double or subsoil plow is used. The ground being thus thorough- ly prepared, let it lie so till time to set the trees. Since the severe winters we deem it unsafe to recommend planting in the fall. Though the fall season is the better time*to procure your trees, they should be buried till spring ; but in case they have been procured in spring, (and it should be early,) the first thing to be done after unpacking is to exam- ine the roots, and if in good order, cut ofl* smoothly with a sharp knife, from the under side all the roots that have been bruised or mangled in taking up ; also, shorten, in the same manner, all the long and straggling roots to eight or ten inches. Next, have a hole in the ground a foot deep, filled with mortar or grout, made of equal parts cowdung and clay, into which plunge the roots, so as to give each one a coating of the mortar. Dig a trench, in which place the trees, in a sloping position, with the tops to the north ; cover the roots se- curely; and let them so remjin till the Duds begin to burst into leaf. In this position the sap will flow more readily and the leaves put forth earlier than if they had been planted at once in the upright position ; and there is a material advantage in having the trees started before setting, provided they are care- fully handled in the removal. Trees not exceeding three years old are considered safer to remove than those that are older. They should be thrifty, well grown, stocky, with low heads and sufficient roots. The proper time for planting will be indicated by the buds bursting and showing the poinis of the leaf half an inch long or so. The ground may then be harrowed smooth. In the next place it must be squared exactly, if you would have the rows range in every direction. Procure as many stakes as you have trees to set —straight corn stalks or hazle rods three feet long. If your ground is square, by carefully measuring you can set the stakes so they will range perfect- ly. The proper distance apart is about thirty fees, or about fifty trees on an acre. The planting is very much facili- tated by the use of a very simple con- trivance, called an index board, or "re- place.'' Take a strip of board, say six feet long, five inches wide and one inch thick, saw a notch in each end and one about the middle, on the edge, and it is made. By its use one can plant alone, without an assistant to hold up the tree or sight. Procure two or three dozen pegs, six or eight inches long, lay the board down by the side of the stake so it will fit into the middle notch, then stick a peg down in each notch at the ends, raise the board and proceed as be- fore, till you have pegged a row or two of stakes. With the spade mark out the size of the hole around the stake as its centre. The hole may be three feet wide and some eighteen inches deep. In digging the hole the subsoil or under clay should be thrown aside. Fill the hole, partially, with rich top soil and tread it firmly, to keep the tree from af- terwards settling down. Put down the board again and fit it on the pegs, set the tree in the middle notoli, let the top incline a little to the southwest. Spread out the roots in their natural position, let them be but an inch or two deeper than they stood in the nursery, with the fingers compress upon the rich, moist soil around and amongst all the roots, fill up with rich mold to the top and tread it firm around the tree. Finish the planting by using the under soil or clay to make a mound around the tree, three or four inches high, and grade it down to the edge of the border. By following out these simple rules your planting will be done on "scientific prin- ciples.'' If the weather should be dry after planting, water thoroughly once, and cover the border around the tree with old straw or litter two or three inches deep. This will keep in the moisture and keep down the weeds at the same time. So soon as the sap begins to flow free- ly, shorten all the leading brunches and shoots, by cutting back at least half the previous season's growth. With careful cultivation there is not, perhaps, a mure favorable crop amongst small trees the first year than corn, as it affords them about the requisite shelter from the fierce sun and the strong winds. The corn should not be planted nearer to the trees than four feet, and it is better to cut it up in the fall for feed in order to get the stalks off the ground. The in- sects that require watching, even the first year, are the leaf roller, the aphis, the slug worm, the various tribes of cat- erpillars, and occasionally the tobacco worm. As most persons are familiar with all these and their various capaci- ties for mischief, it is deemed unneces- sary to describe them here, but we would exhort the tree planter to keep a sharp look-out for them and promptly destroy or remove them from the tree. The trees, if not mulched, must have clean culture, but will not need a touch of the knife the the first season. Before win- ter sets in a small, sharp mound of leached ashes or soil should be raised around each t-ree, say six or eight inches high. This will brace the tree some- what and prevent the tree from harbor- ing at the root. A few strong weeds or split corn stalks, two and a-half feet long, stuck in the ground around the tree and tied at the top will keep both mice and rabbits from gnawing the bark. A coating of long manure, three or four inches deep, will protect the roots from the severity of the winter and enrich the ground. This should be removed in the spring, also the mound from the root. So soon as the bud begins to burst wash the trunk and main branches with strong lye, applied with soap suds every two weeks till midsummer. This practice continued through subsequent years will more effectually ward off the apple borer than any other method we have yet tried. A very good plan is to give the trees an annual coating of soft soap, diluted witli water. It should be put on before the leaves appear in the spring. For the second, third and fourth years it is better to plant the ground with potatoes, vines, or some other low running crop. Cultivate tho- roughly till midsummer, but do not stir the ground later. The great secret of success in raising HARDY TREES is to push them forward as early and as fast as possible for the first half season and to check them up in the latter part, to permit the trees to horden up their wood and buds and pre- pare for Avinter. This is more effectually done by sowing oats thickly around the tree about the middle of August, but if not carefull}' removed before winter it will harbor the mice. The second sum- mer a little attention should be paid to the training and forming of the head, but the knife should be used with discre- tion. Often more injury results from injudicious pruning than from any other barbarity, excpt the sowing of small grain or timothy seed among the trees. The adoption of the latter course will insure success, if you wish to murder your orclicvrd by inches, especially if applied before the trees are ten years old. Cut while the branches are small and the vigor of the tree will not be sensibly checked. Take out the limbs that are likely to cross and thin out the clusters, train the top into a low, spread- ing, well balanced head, with an open centre. A very little trimming each year will be required to form the head into the required shape, without the ne- cessity of cutting out a branch of over half an inch in diameter ; but if a larger one should be taken off the wound should be covered with a coat of graft- ing wax or white lead paint. The " ground suckers'' should be taken close, as often as they appear. The side shoots may bo shortened, but should not be cut off close till the tree has acquired a steady, tapering trunk. In close trimming make a smooth cut, outside of the ring or swell at the base of the shoot or branch and parallel with it. In a prairie orchard, especially, the lower limbs should not exceed three feet from the ground, on an average; some should be lower, and some may be higher, ac- cording to the character of their growth. P5«"fKF»^T:^- '/'.>*.'••". THE ILLIISrOIS FA.Il]\£EIl. . 339 With low, spreading heads the trees are much less affected by the winds and by the severity of the winter ; besides, they bear better crops and finer fruit, and the fruit is much more accessible. No need of running the plow under the tree or close to it. If low trained its shade as a fertilizer, with the requisite mulch- ing, belter than frequent stirring of the soil. Very thrifty young orchards are generally tardy in commencing to bear. In such cases we have successfully brought the trees into a bearing condi- tion by seeding the orchard down to clo- ver, but care is necessary to keep the ground free from the sods for four or five feet around the trees, either by mulching or stirring the surface. As the trees grow older, the tendency to rough, scaly bark and moss increases. These should both be scraped off when- ever they appear. Even old orchards require a aeep stirring up at least once in two or three years. It is a good plan to sow buckwheat in the orchard, and in the fall turn in the hogs to devour the grain and fallen fruit. Enough grain will be left on the ground to seed it another year, and the straw will keep the ground loose and moist. If the ground becomes exhausted it must be well ma- nured all over. Feed your trees, and they will feed you. The most dreadful enemy of the apple orchard is the borer. In his case, as in most others, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Look sharp for him in May and June, wash frequently with soap suds, &c., put leached ashes and old lime around the tree, and you need not be much troubled with him ; but if he once gets in he must be cut out, or he will cut himself out, and nerhaps carry the life of the tree with him. SUGAR AND EVAPORATORS. : Report of the Committee at Freeport Pair. The undersigned, appointed, together with Gen. Wm. Duane Wilson, of Iowa, a special committee to examine and de- cide upon the relative merits of mills for grinding and expressing the juice from the Sorghum or Chinese Sugar Cane, and also of evaporators for reducing that juice to molasses or sugar, would report: That there were on exhibition and ex- amined by us, six differently constructed mills, of which three were horizontal, two perpendicular and one had rollers revolving around a cone. Of the first class there were those exhibited by Weber & Co., Clark & Co., and Mr. Newcomb. Of the second «fere those of Douglas Bros, and Gates & Co. The sixth mill was that of Hunt, Brawner & Co. They were all mills to be operated by one horse. Your committee submit- ted these mills to the same tests — the only ones which, under the circumstan- ces, could conveniently be applied. We took a quantity of well ripened cane, grown in Southern Illinois, and out of the same pile weighed 150 lbs. to each mill. We required this to be ground, and measured the juice, noted the exact time of grinding, and, without having a dynamometer or counting the number of revolutions, observed with as much par- ticularity as possible the speed of the horse and the amount of draft. The following were the results : Douglas Bro's mill; time, 15J^ minuteB; quantity of juice, 7% {^bIIodb; speed, Blow; diaft heavy. Gates & Cu.'b mill; time, 8 minutes; qnantity of Juice, 8^ gallouB and 1 pint; speed, fast; draft, heavy. Hunt, Brawn er ft Cn.'a mill; time, 7 minutes; quantity of juice, S^-^ galloDi and 1 pint; speed, moderately fast; draft, moderately liuavv- Newconib's mill; time, 8 miDutas; quantity of juice, 4^ gallons; speed, moderately fast; draft, irregular and hard on the hand. Weber A Oo.'a mill; time, 8 miuntes; quantity of juice, 8 gallons: epeed, fa^t; draft, heavy. Clark A Co.'s mill; time, 7 minutes; quantity of juice, 8^ gallons; speed, moderately fikt; draft, moderately heary. It will thus be seen that so far as time and quantity of juice expressed are con- cerned. Hunt, Brawner & Co.'s mill stands first. Gates & Co.'s expressed exactly the same quantity of juice, but took a little longer time. Clark & Co.'s occupied the same time, but got out one pint less juice. Weber & Co.'s took a little more time than Clark & Co.'s, and got out less juice, by half a gallon, than the latter. Douglas Bro's occupied a good deal more time than any, and ex- pressed less juice than all the others, excepting Mr. Newcomb 's, which fell so far short of the others in that particular, that we could give it no further consid- eration. We will say that the horse used by Douglas Bros, was not as strong or active as those used by the others, which may in part account for so much greater length of time occupied by their mill. They were all crowded beyond the capacity of ordinary working. The exhihibitor of Newcomb's mill claimed, that owing to some defect in the partic- ular one exhibited, it had not done what his mills could do. ^ There is no material difference in tbe principle upon which the mills of Doug» las Bros., Gates & Co., Weber & Co., and Clark & Co.'s mills operate. All have three rollers, revolving either in a horizontal or perpendicular position; the former have more gearing. Doug- las Bros, claim for their's an improve- ment in the manner of feeding, by which the cane is put through an upright plate, perforated with holes ; and their's is more regular. Gates & Co. have at- tached to their's a graduated hopper, for which they claim — and perhaps truly — the same result. Hunt, Brawner & Co.'s machine is entirely different from any of the others in construction, and we are inclined to think that thereby is secured for it some advantages over its competitors. It is keyed up by means of a single screw ; an India rubber spring placed between two washers causes it to admit of yielding to any sudden resist- ance, and thus lessening the liability of the castings breaking ; and, because there is no shaft overhead, it is fed more conveniently. We therefore recom- mend that a first premium be given to Hunt, Brawner & Co.'s mill; and, tak- ing all tilings into consideration— sim- plicity of construction, strength and ca- pacity— we believe that Gates & Co.'s mill is somewhat superior to the balance of the mills, and recommend that a sec- ond premium be awarded to it. There were four evaporators upon the ground, and a model of the fifth. Two were exhibited by Gates & Co., one by Cook & Co., and one by L. P. Harris. The model was exhibited by Mr. Bulk- ley. When we examined these, Gates & Co.'s were the only ones who had a sufficient quantity of pure juice to give us a complete practical exemplification of the working of their evaporators. Cook & Co. had some juice which had been used before and mixed with water, out of which they could not make mo- lasses. The other exhibitor had none, but indicated to us the principles of his evaporator by means of water. Gates & Co.'s evaporators, though ar- ranged on different principles — the one being a long pan placed over a furnace, the other having, in addition, hot air flues passing through the pan, and thus requiring a much less quantity of fuel — seem both to require that a separate vessel should be used for what is called the *' defecating process," that is, for bringing the juice to a boil and skim- ming off the scum which then rises to the top. Gates & Co.'s evaporators are placed over brick furnaces, and are thus fixed and nermanent. In these two particulars Coek & Co.'s has the advan- tage. The whole process is commenced and completed in their one evaporator. The newly expressed juice is allowed to fl-ow in at one end in a constant stream, and the molasses is carried off at the other, and no intermediate handling is required. The scum separates from the juice and is easily removed, and will not follow the juice as it flows towards the place where it is finally drawn off. It is also portable, the furnace being of sheet iron, and is exceedingly simple in its entire construction. The evaporator of Mr. Harris made something upon the same principle, but without possessing any real advantages over that of Cook & Co.'s, that we could see, is more complicated in the arrangement of its evaporating pan and furnace. The model exhibited by Mr. Bulkley is of an evaporator, which may possess some advantages in the way of cheap- ness to the farmer — at least, that is claimed for it — but we could not decide upon its merits, not having it tested in any way. We therefore recommend that a first , ■-•■^ .•■-■■ ■■:^,v^'-^.'wy*>^^^-!?* 340 THE ILLINOIS F^HiMER. premium be awarded to the evaporator of Cook & Co. The undersigned regret that, before they had completed their examination, Gen. "Wilson was taken ill, and they have not had the benefit of his know- ledge, judgment and experience in mak- ing up their award. Respectfully submitted. Sheridan P. Read, W. G. COFFLJT. «• THE STEAM PI^OW. To the Hon. Committee of the Illinois State Agricultural Society. Gentlemen: — The undersigned, a com- mittee" of machinists appointed to test, practically, the plowing engines which might compete for an award offered by society, and called upon subsequently to reply to certain inquiries, respectfully report that there Was but one offered for trial which comes within the provisions of the resolution. This was invented and patented by Joseph W. Fawkes of Pennsylvania. To form a complete conception of this steam plow, let the committee recall the appearance of a small sized tender of a locomotive engine, let about half the forward portion of the sides and tank be removed. We now have something which resembles the body of Fawkes machine. In the middle of the forward portion of the platform stands the up- right boiler, which is about six and one half feet high and four feet in diameter. The fire box dashpit being of course be- low the level of the platform, and the fire door opening forward. The boiler contains two thousand and twenty-eight inch and a half tubes, which computed together with the fire box, gives three hundred and seventy-five feet of fire surface. Steam may be got up in fifteen minutes, although twice that time is usually necessary. The fuel may be either bituminous coal or wood. The cylinders are horizontal, nine inches in diameter and fifteen inch stroke, and are placed one on each side of the boiler. The pistons communicate motion, not to side wheels, but to a drum or roller six feet in diameter and six feet long, which, as the sides of the platform overhang its ends, is comparatively out of sight. The drum is placed about midway be- tween the front and back of the machine, before it depends the fire box and over and behind it is the tank; so that when the boiler and tank are full they nearly counter-balance each other on the axles of the driving drum. This drum is composed of two iron heads or spiders and an intermediate one to these, thick narrow planks cut like staves, and fitting closely, are bolted and form the periphery. The adhesion is therefore produced by a surface of wood six feet Ions, which never becomes polished, and the bearing of which is always across the grain. There is no slipping. The machine is started and stopped instantly^ and ex- cept when propelling itself a consider- able distance on tu-rnpike or paved roads, the wear and tear is slight. This substitution of the driving roller for the ordinary side wheels wonderfully in- creases traction and prevents sloughing in wet or yielding soil, while moderate irregularities of surface scarcely effect the onward march of the plow. An- other great advantage is gained by the greasing of the drum; each connecting rod communicates motion to a pinion, which turns easily but without shake on the just mentioned. The pinion inter- locko with a cog wheel, which by a pinion on its axis imparts motion to the cog wheel bolted to the drum. The whole being so proportioned that six strokes of the piston cause one revolu- tion of the drum. No increase of power and of control over the move- ments of the machine are thus secured. In front of the fire box is a short tapering bow of sheet iron, which serves as a seat for the fireman and a recep- tical for fuel. The bow is supported by a body-bolt on a truck composed of two iron guide wheels three and one- half feet in diameter and fifteen inches broad. The truck moves freely, like the front wheels of a chaise, and is control- ed by a steering wheel in charge of the engineer, so that the whole machine is turned as readily and as short as a farm wagon. The engine is of thirty horse power. The entire length of the machine is about fifteen feet. Its weight with water and fuel ten tons, and cost including donkey engine and pump, about four thousand dollars. By this pump Avator may be drawn from a well or creek, and the tank filled or water forced from the tank to the boiler. The tank holds twelve barrels, sufficient for three hours running. The^ plows, eight in number, are attached to one frame which is suspended by chains passing over groved pullies in two beams projecting from the rear of the engine. These chains communicate to a windlass in charge of the fireman in front, by which the gang of plows may be raised or lowered at pleasure, and the frame of plows is drawn by other chains which are attached to the underside of the frame of the engine. In answer to the several questions proposed by your board touching the capacity and practicability of the engine for farm purposes, we find upon trial and examination as follows: 1. The Weight, ten tons, as reported by Mr. Fawkes. 2. The fuel consumed in one hour was one hundred and seventy pounds, or two bushels and ten pounds of inferior coal, with one eighth part of a cord of wood, evaporating about one hundred and fifty gallons of water, and plowing one acre in twelve minutes, which in- cludes turning. The wood was most of linn and considerably decayed, and would have been rejected upon steam- boats. 3. The amount of traction on dif- ferent grades of land would be a matter difficult to determine with the facilities in the hands of the committee. We had the engine run up the various grades of the fair grounds, passing into a gulley with the plows swinging in the rear, which struck in one bank as the main roller was raising the other, which overpowed the engine, but upon detach- ing the plows the machine moved out without the least difficulty. Upon measurement the grade was found to be one foot vertical to four on the horizontal line. Steam by the indicator was mark- ed at only 62 ° , 100 '^ being his ordin- ary pressure. 4th. The friction produced by the pressure against the shoulders of the axles instead of being fair on the jour- nals, (which are of less size) may pos- sibly make a slight waste of power in running across inclined planes. The wear and tear would be the same as with any other steam engine used for loco- motion. The engine can safely be run across an inclined plane of 30 deg. be- cause of its great breadth of base — six feet; the principal part of the boiler, the heavy fire-box and a great portion of the machinery being below the centre. 5th. We have previously stated that an acre could be plowed in two minutes, but an examination of the following computations will demonstrate its actual performance : A strip of land 246 yards long and twenty feet wide was plowed in four minutes, and the headland of fifty feet was crossed one in twenty-sev- en seconds the other in thirty — the plows being elevated and lowered to and from the ground in the time. 6th. No steam engine in existence should be intrusted to inexperienced persons. This one is as simple as any one we have ever examined — is strong and substantial. It is a locomotive high-pressure engine in construction, arranged for reversing at will, and was repeatedly advanced and reversed a few inches at a time, with perfect ease, and in a few seconds. The skill requisite to manage the machine should be acquired in a month by any intelligent American farmer, and your committee, in view of the certainty of the employment of ' steam for farm purposes, would strongly recommend that the farmers of Illinois should give especial attention, in the education of their sons, to the principles of mechanics and the practical manage- ment of steam engines. THE ILLIlsrOIS FARMER. 341 7th. The fuel furnished by the society by your committee was of such inferior quality as to hardly enable us to demon- strate fully the steam -generating capa- bility of the boiler. But, by referring to the amount of its fire surface, (375 square feet, ) it will be seen by practical men that, with the advantage of an ex- haust to create artificial draft, it is fully competent, with ordinary fuel, to generate continu6usly abundant steam for its work. In weight of coal and wood on board, and of passengers, it carried, throughout the entire experiments, as much as would represent the weight of an entire days' supply of fuel. It would carry water for a three hours' run. 8th. As a stationary engine, her pow- er was tested at Royer Hall, where, after jacking up her rear end so that the main drum turned clear of the ground, by applying the power direct to the drum or roller, 120 revolutions of it were obtained per minute. By passing the belt of a fifty foot line of shafting over the drum, the engine propelled one eight horse thrasher, one corn and cob mill at work, at the rate of twenty-five bushels per hour, two small iron corn mills, grinding six bushels per hour, one wood-moulding machine, one resaw- ing circular saw, of two feet diameter, and a smut machine of high speed — all simultaneously, and with only ten pounds of steam. From experience with circu- lar saws, we estimate it as capable of running two of the largest size at one time. It is perfectly competent to go into the timber, haul logs where the or- dinary log wagons would be employed, and in one hour be jacked up and fur- nished power to saw those of large size. 9th. The fire box, being within four- teen inches of the ground, the machine would run, without injury, through water twelve inches deep. It was run by us over ground where by hand pressure a lath was forced downward fifteen inches; and, on examination, we were of the im- pression that the actual compaction of the surface by the machine was not more than one inch. Horses crossing this slough sank to their fetlocks; but as with the engine the actual surface press- ing upon the ground is at all times six square feet, the ability to sustain weight is much greater than with the wagon and team, where the weight rests on narrow bases. The four wagon wheels present a surface width of seven inches in all ; but the engine, with its drum and guide wheels, a surface of 102 inches. The weight of the engine is ten tons ; that of wagon load of grain one ton and a-half, or something more than one-sixth as much. But the engine, with a drum six feet in diameter and guide wheels three and a-half feet m diameter, gives a much greater proportional contact with the ground, and its load is proportionably less liable to mireing in sloughs. 10th, The difi'erence of power between running the engine on plank or hard road and common prairie would be great, but that between running on ordinary ground and ground so soft that the drum would sink, we havie no means of knowing. It is evident, however, from the explanation in the preceding answer, that ground in such condition that a drum six feet in diameter and six feet long would sink to that depth would be entirely unfit to plow, and could not be even crossed by horses. Having thus in detail answered the interrogatories propounded to us by the Executive Committee, we desire to make some general remarks with reference to the practicability of employing steam for plowing and other farm purposes. The experiments with Fawkes' steam plowing engine have demonstrated to our satisfaction that it is practicable, and that in a few years a large portion of the labor now performed by animal power- on the farm will be expedited by steam, especially in prairie countries, and on well improved farms, where but few stones or other obstructions exist. The engine here exhibited is intended only for large operations, being capable of breaking twenty-five to forty acres per day, but we see no reason why its siie may not be reduced very considera- bly, (say to one-fourth) and still suc- cessfully compete with animal power. A skilled engineer sent to witness this trial by the largest machinest in Ohio, has reported favorably to his employer, and a contract has already been made by him with Mr. Fawkes to build a small engine for his farm of three hundred acres. We estimate the cost of plowing by it from the following very liberal data : Died Pir Diem, OneTonof Coal $5 00 Ou« Cord ofWood 3 00 Labor of three mea, Kngineer $2, Fireman $1, Aesis- tant $1 4 00 Oiltc ;. 1 00 lirdiutirj Wear and Tear „ 2 00 Interest, 10 yer sent, ou $4,000 112 Total , $1612 With the most liberal allowance for hauling water and coal, one mile, for stopages, and turnings, the Machine should plow 25 acres per day. At pres- ent contract prices of $2 50 per acre for prairie breaking, this would cost $6250. While by the above estimate it is seen that Fawkes' plows for 62J cents per acre. Your Committee regret, that accidents to the other competitors before reaching the ground- should have prevented a test of the comparative merits of the several plans already adopted, and about to be offered to the public. The interest man- ifested in the progress of this trial, not only by the visitors upon the show ground, but by the public at large, will no doubt stimulate, other agricultir al bodies to follow the example so nobly set by the Illinois State Agricultural Society, and thus ample opportunity will be afforded for fair competition. Your Committee, in view of the result of their experiments, unanimously re- commend that the first prize of three thousand dollars, be awarded to Joseph W. Fawkes, Christiana, Lancaster Coun- ty, Pennsylvania, for his Steam Plow. All of which is respectfully submitted. Signed, ISAA.C A. HEDGES, Cincinnati. P. W GATES, Chicago. H. B. LATTA, Cincinnati. SUPPLEllENTAKY REPORT. .. After the foregoing report was closed the undersigned (in the absence of the other members of the Committee who had left for home) accompanied the ex- ecutive committee to witness a further trial of Mr. Fawkes' Engine. It was attached to the plows and set at work in prairie sod, alongside of the former plow- ing, and after proceeding eighteen yards some of the connexions between the plows and the engine gave way when it was discovered that the former were set for plowing stubble ground and were run- ning 6^ inches deep, causing a resistance that was sufficient to part the connexions at i point where a wooden pin is used for the express purpose of yielding in case of emergency, that no damage might be suffered by the plows. After this was adjusted and the plows raised to the usual depth per prairie sod the engine proceeded some rods and leav- ing the prairie, and while crossing the part stubble, and part tame grass sod, a dashing shower passed over, wetting the surface of the ground, (which was alrea- dy moist from the heavy rain the night before. ) This caused the main roller to slip, and Mr. Fawkes having removed the spuds provided for being projected through the drum to prevent slipping in such cases, Mr. Fawkes nailed some strips on the drum as substitutes, which served well until reaching the sod on an inclined surface where the strips, from their temprary adjustment soon came off, and lodging under the machine caus- ed it to slide some few inches from the line. Mr. F. then raised the plows and remarked that he preferred not to at- tempt further trial without the projectile- referred to. It is well known to all acs quainted with the use of the reaper and mower that on a slipping surface, the driving wheels will fail to perform their revolutions, even with their ribed surfa- ces. In conclusion the above incidents" do not materially lessen the value of the improvement in my estimation. Respectfully submitted Saturday evening. ISAAC A. HEDGES. 34:2 THE ILLIISrOIS EiS.l^nMER. Proposed Experiments in l^lieat. Editor of the Farmer: — I am not a farmer, but take a great interest in the success of the wheat crop. I have heard many farmers say that the lightness of our soil is sometimes fatal to the wheat ; the frost heaving the ground and making it porous and light, so that the roots freeze dry, and thus kill it. If this is so, deep plowing cannot be of any use to this plant. Indeed, the harder and more compact the soil the better it is for it. Is this the reason why wheat succeeds on compact clay soil ? I would suggest two experiments. The first is to clear the weeds from the ground and plow it as shallow as possi- ble, and then drill in the wheat with Emmerts' drill. The second is, if the land is clean, to drill in the wheat with Emmerts' drill, without plowing. I am not a farmer, as I have said; and perhaps in our weedy country clean grounds cannot be had for these experi- ments. I wish to see it tested whether the lightness of our soil has not a good deal to do with the winter killing of wheat, and whether the soil, not disturb- ed, would protect wheat from the dan- ger of being winter killed. Emmerts' drill is a comparatively new machine. The drills are opened by rolling cutters ; the seed is dropped into them and properly covered. It has the merit of doing good work even when the ground is filled with weeds. It can also drill in seed into ground which has not been plowed. A. Planting Orciiards. Editor of the Farmer : — I must confess that in writing under this caption, that I feel myself some of the discouragements which beset most of our fruit growers. — Within the few last years, many young or- chards have been seriously injured, and many old ones have been nearly destroyed by some cause — probably the unfavorable seasons. — We have learned some things in regard to the planting of orchards, which may be use- ful to us. Our orchards on the black soils of our level lands are dying off. In every case where they have to stand with their feet in water for six or nine months in a year, tliey are perishing. Lands which formerly were tolerably dry, with our rainy seasons, have become too wet for apple trees. If we liave planted orchards on such lands, we cannot bo too quick in putting out trees on higher lands. Let me then suggest, that if high grounds are selected, where the soil is tolerably good, which is thoroughly drained, apple trees can be planted out with a fair prospect that the trees will flourish and bear fruit well. I would choose if I could a northern slope, and even if there is timber on the South and West, it will be all the better for the trees. I noticed in the last Farmer a statement that in precisely such a location on the North side of Buffalo Heart Grrove, peach trees have not been killed within the last few years, and tliat they regularly bear fruit, as they have the present season. This fact is full of in- terest to fruit growers. Apple trees can be set out to advantage in the fall, if the land is snitable. They will then be ready to push out in the spring, o.ud make a good growth the next season. But on no account set out your trees in the flat lands in the fall, where their feet will stand in the water the present season, unless you design to kill them. There is a general feeling among our far- mers at this time to purchase trees for plant- ing out, from the nurserymen of our State. Such are our railroad facilities, that they need not be out of the ground three days, before they are deposited in any locality — a great advantage over trees brought from a long distance; besides they are more thrifty than Foreign trees and are accustomed to our soils and climate. P. C. R. "Cold Winter is Coming." JJr. Editor : — We should not forget the last fall and winter. Every man who has a family — every house-keeper and even every bachelor ought not to forget it. While I am writing tbj':^ ^he aspects out of doors remind me of the rams and mud and destruction of the roads, that absolutely prevented the haul- ing of wood and produce to the town from the country, for some six or eight months I Was it not so ? ' Who can say that the same state of things is not to be repeated the com- ing fall months and winter. Our seasons are changing. They have changed. Every old settler knows it, — and what is to come, they don't know? Laborers, mechanics, house-keepers, far- mers— be prepared for the coming winter. — Within three months the asking price for coal may be twenty cents a bushel, and wood eight dollars a cord. Farmers may be in want of the comforts to be found in our stores and can't have theiu because they cannot bring them to market. I say then to the town people, lay in your supplies — and to the country people bring your produce to market soon as you can and when it bears fair prices. If you owe debts recollect that the time will come for paying sure as death I The merchant cannot wait forever. You had better sell your produce and pay your debts while you can; for if the coming winter should be like the last, you cannot in the rainy months get your produce to market. The little rain we have already had is making the roads almost impassable. I close as I began, with the caution : "cold winter is coming. J. C. F. The Potatoe Crop. Our correspondot below is right in saying that the potatoe crop in the North, is well nigh a failure. The crop is better in the Central and Southern counties, than in the North. Indeed it is abundant in Southern Illinois, and of the best quality — an unusual state of things. Mr. Editor : — You have said a good deal in you paper about the neglect of our farmers to raise a sufficient supply of potatoes to meet our home wants. In past years they could probably do better than they did, but the failure, to a great extent, must be charged to the season. They had then good crops in the North; and they supplied us, and took from US a good deal of money. There has been a change about this year. We have good po- tatoes and the North have miserable ones. We must now harvest our potatoes and save all we can. It was my object in writing this little piece to caution our farmers not to let their potatoes remain too long in the ground. If they are ripe, dig them at once. Two years ago and I believe last year thousands of bushels were frozen in the ground, which if they had been dug in time would have brought a dollar a bushel in Springfield. — Very often we have a wet time in October and November, when it is not possible to dig them. See to it then. Take time by the forelock, you that have potatoes. Take them to town and sell them, a.«i long as you can get a good price for them, and put the rest up where floods and frosts will not hurt them, I love a potatoe, Mr. Editor. There is something very honest and rich in the coun- tenance of a good sized potatoe, when he lies on a plate, well boiled, with his natural coat upon him, with some cracks in his skin, which opens to your excited sight the rich, white, mealy substance within. Sometimes I have thought that there might be some mistake in the account of Grandmother Eve tempting the first man with an apple — and that it might have been a well cooked Boston Blue Potatoe. But I don't pretend to be certain about it. The French, it is said, think so, and to carry out the idea they call the potatoe "Pomme Terre," But farmers, I close by saying to you : Learn wisdom from the past, and save your potatoes. SoLANUM 'Tuberosum. -«•• The Corn Crop. Editor of the Farmer: — I was up at Fairport last week and regretted to see that nine-tenths of the corn crop had been killed by the frost. The wheat in that part of the State had n)ade a toler- able crop, and the oats did very well; but the grass was light and now the whole crop of corn fodder with the corn is very nigh cut off. These are sad times for farmers. Every where in the north should the farmers make efibrts to save all sorts of forage for their stock. They should go into the prairies before the frosts have dried up the grasses and before the fire gets in before them, and cut and save all the grass they can — for it will be wanted before spring. The short stnck of forage is manifest on the southero shore of Lake Erie and even down to Buffalo. Prairie hay is now being shipped to Buffalo and other places on the lakes and the demand ex- ceeds the supply. Thousands and thou- sands of tons of grass which will be worth gold in Chicago, now wasting on the lines of the central railroads. So long as it can be saved the mower should be kept at work and the horse rake fol- low the mower. With a day's sun it will be dry enough to stack. There will be corn in central Illinois, •...|. THE ILLIISrOIS FA.RMEII. 343 commencing near LaSalle, and in south- ern Illinois there will be a heavy crop. But our northern farmers -will not be able to purchase your corn but sparingly. They have felt the loss of crops and poor prices as you have felt and are feeling here. They have been buying British beef and wheat and potatoes in the cloths which come from British looms, while they cannot sell their beef and wheat and potatoes for what they cost them. It is well, however, that there is corn in the State. We shall be able to spare some. With the balance we can feed ourselves and fatten our cattle and hogs. We have always supposed that central Illinois could do well when she had a good crop of corn. That would be the case now, but for that load of debt, which weighs us down to the earth. But we have still hope. Live on the produce of your farms. Have your clothes patched and make them wear a year longer. So soon as can fall back into that state of home industry and domestic economy, from which in an evil hour you departed. Keep a few sheep, as of old. Make all the butter you can. Raise all the chickens you can. Raise all the pigs you can. Make your garden do something for you. Live close, but comfortable — and thank Grod things are no worse. * —t- The next Wheat Crop. Mr. Editor of the Farmer: — The time has again come and is passing for putting in the seed for another crop of wheat. Many will keep on trying to raise wheat, though they have failed to raise a satisfactory crop for the last three years. Some few have noticed the apparent causes of failure and will do all they can to avoid them. If they have sown foul seed, mixed with chess and the seeds of weeds, they will en- deavor to make their wheat clean. A magnifying glass will often show cheat where you do not expect to find it; and every seed of cheat, if the season is not unusually favorable to wheat, will be sure to germinate. A rank growth of wheat may keep it down, but a weak growth will surely give it a chance to grow and spread itself. If your wheat has failed because the ground was not properly prepared, you will try to prepare it better. If there are weeds growing on the ground you are to plow, and these are not covered well, and, indeed, if they are, they will have a tendency to make the ground light, and in the winter and spring, wheat on such ground, will be likely to winterkill. The seed ought to be drilled in in such ground, and then the ground should be rolled. The great fault of our soil in winter, when not covered or saturated with water, is its lightness. Common drills will not work in such weedy ground; but the new rolling- cutter drill comes to your relief in this case. It will work in the weediest ground and work well. It is made on Rock River, and is an implement that ought to be generally known; for it will drill in all the grains in lands where the cojnmon drill cannot work. If you lost your wheat last year by the grounds being saturated or flooded with water, your duty is as plain as can be; you must drain your lands* you must plow your grounds in small lands; you must make deep furrows to carry off the water; you must do it! You must not put off this as men sometimes do re- pentance, until the evil day comes! It is of very little use to sow wheat on wet land. This has been done a good deal in this section heretofore. There are ten chances that you will lose your crop to one that you will make a good one on such grounds. Get such lands into meadows as soon as possible. In the east red top succeeds well on such grounds; but there seems to be a preju- dice against it among gome of our farm- ers. It is not yet too late to sow timothy on wheat lands, if you will do it. W. «•» To the Editor of the Illinois Farmer : — Our State and other Fairs are pleasant gath- erings, and doubtless very useful, altogeth- er sucla a stimulant as Agriculture requires, and without which the interest would lan- guish. But there are defects in their inter- nal organization that diminish their useful- ness and will ultimately impair their popu- larity, we mean the defective committee of arrangements for awarding Preminms. The committees appointed on the Horse, Cattle, Sheep and Swine departments if they neglect to attend, can be filled by competitors, men on the spot generally at little notice, as these are popular and evidently esteemed honora- ry, but when we come to the implements, the mechanics, the fine arts, household &c., there is a sad falling away of committee men, and an equally sad ability to supply their places, so much so that many important arti- cles are frequently passed over without any notice at all. An invention that may have cost wearisome and anxious months is neg- lected altogether or slurred over by some flippant committee man appointed at the eleventh hour, who, to begin with, knows nothing of the matter in liand, has no sym- pathy or interest in it, cannot be expected to have, has his mind doubtless fixed upon his route home, and speedy escape from the grounds when his hour is passed. If then the stock department at our Fairs will take care of itself should not extra attention by the Executive Board be given to these neg- lected departments, especially thatofmechan- ics and the miscellaneous supplement connec- ted therewith, frequently requiring the best knowledge of the existing condition and prospective wants of agriculture. To get the original appointed committee men to serve would it not be as well to pay them — this seeius a sordid view — but nevertheless it has great force, and would not be bad policy as appears to us for it is indulging a liberality in the house of its friends that would more than compensate for any amounts paid ont. We deem it the rankest ingratitude and neg- lect that one of our fellow citizens in the least of his efforts to ameliorate the condition of labor, should find himself at the mercy of a chance committee or no committee at all to recorder investigate what he has done. Theles noted exhibitions are those that require cer- tainly a corresponding share of the Society's solicitude, and if they do not get it will in the end fall from beneath it its best support. We think the Miscellaneous Department of each Class might be simplefied, might be brought under one committee, instead of half a dozen to confuse and bewilder the whole examination, and let it be a strong and good one, invested with considerable discretionary power to settle then and there whatever may come before them. The quantity of matter accumulating at our Fairs in the Mechanical and Implement Department, is completely overwhelming, and we looked upon Dr. Kyle the Superintendent under this head at both the State and National Fairs, as the most of a Martyr we had met with for a long time, and all in consequence of the weak manner by which he was sustained by the committees. B. From the Cbtjago PresB and T. ibune: The Fairbanks Standard Scales. — Both in the State Fair at Freeport, and at the National Fair in this city, the Fairbank Standard Scales maintained their prestige won in over a quarter of a century of exper- ience, and bore away all the prizes where they were competitors. Messrs. Fairbanks & (Jreenleaf, from their establishment in Bureh's building, on the corner of Lake street and Wabash avenue, gave to their de- partment at these Fairs an attraction whieh drew crowds of visitors, curious to look through the multiform list of weighing ap- pliances, from railroad track scales to the letter balances, all the product of the cele- brated St. Johnsbury Works and their branch New York manufactory. In all cases they won the blue ribbon and medals to match, and after tests, applied much more rigidly and intelligently than has become too com- mon in these exhibitions. There is one point in this which all man- ufacturers, of every grade, will do well to profit by. It is the wisdom of the Messrs. Fairbanks in ''keeping up their standard." There has been with them no such thing as falling back on a reputation already made. Every scale must bear the identical accuracy of its predecessor, and not palm off seeming merits on the strength of credit previously gained. Manufacturers are too prone to lower their mark wlien success has given them the temptation to indolence and inat- tention. For thi.s reason blue ribbons and first premiums follow asuccess of twenty-five years, mean something more than an empty formality, to-wit : that the skill which won still guards a splendid reputation. «•» — ■ fn a late letter to the London Times, Mr. James A. Lockwood says that the raising of the sunken fleet at Sehastopol was proceeding saoces3fully; about fourteen ships only re- mf^ined to be ra'sed. That portion of the fleet Bunk at the entrance of the harbor will b« blown up. 344: THE ILLINOIS Fi^RlSIEIl. SPRINGFIELD, OCTOBER 1, 1859, ""-'■ The State Fair. The State Fair was held at Frecport m the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th of Sep- tember, ult. It was a successful fair — it was emphatically a Farmer's and Mechanic's Fair. Other industrial in- terests were well represented, but those named were largely in the ascendant. The list of premiums awarded has been already given in most of the papers. In pamphlet form, it will be sent to ev- ery individual to whom a premium was awarded. We have said that the fair was a suc- cess. There were at Freeport the finest herds of cattle to be found any where in the United States. Central Illinois carried off" a large portion of the premi- ums. The herds of J. N. Brown and J. D. Smith of Sangamon county; of S. Dunlap and J. P. Henderson, of Mor- gan county ; J. H. Speer and J. C. Bone, of Menard county, and J. M, Hill, of Cass county, (counties around us) were conspicuous. There were other fine cattle present. In the Horse Depart- ment there were many entries and some fine horses. The Sheep Department was well-filled. A larger number of Hogs were present than at any former exhibition. Of Poultry, there were many varieties, but we saw nothing in this class that was extraordinary. In the Department of Farm Products there were many noble speciilaens of Vegeta- bles, Corn and Wheat. The wheat was the finest we have seen. Many speci- mens of farm products, came from Egypt. In fact "Egypt" was nobly represented. The articles from thence in the various departments were conspic- uous features of the Pair. The Butter and Cheese in this Department showed that there was no other necessity of go- ing out of the State for these articles than arises from the neglect of our farm- ers to improve the advantages oflfered by our State to prosecute the business of the Dairy. The Horticultural Depart- ment was most nobly got up and sus- tained. We never noticed a more beautiful and extensive arbor than was arranged by the Superintendent of this Department. The very large hall was dressed with evergreens and flowers most artistically. The Central Pyramid of Pot Plants, in flower, was most beautiful — the contribution of the President. Cut flowers were everywhere; and a finer collection of fruit than we supposed could be gathered in this State the pres- ent year. The Department of Mechan- ical Articles, which included machinery of every kind, and embracing Agricul- tural Implements, was more extensive than was ever witnessed at a previous fair. It was a wonderful collection, evincing in the most striking manner the enterprise and genius of our coun- trymen, applied for the benefit of the laboring masses. In the Hall for Tex- tile Fabrics, there was a good show. The articles were arranged in the best manner, and there were many beautiful specimens of the handiwork of our fair countrywomen. There was a fair 6ollec- tion of Paintings and other 'articles in the Art Hall. The Plowing Match was an exciting one. Good plowing was done. In this contest the successful competitor may well be proud. Fawkes' Steam Plow was on hand, as also the Steam Digger of Glover & Van Doren, from Chicago. The steam plow was a conspicuous object, and it moved about the grounds in the style and dig- nity of a mammoth — plowing at times, and at others, using its power to move machinery. On Saturday, fixed for a final trial, some of the machinery failed, and the trial was continued at Chicago. In the evenings of the fair, interesting discussions were held in the Society's large tent, which were well attended. These were a feature of the fair. The Camping Grounds were another distinguishing feature of the Freeport Fair. They lay between the Fair Grounds and the city. It is said that more than 2,000 people were encamped upon these grounds. The great tents from Winnebago and Carroll counties were there. There were numerous other fine convenient tents. The Winnebago tent is a long and high one, capable of accommodating four hundred persons. The Carroll county tent is circular, and when we visited it was well inhabited, in groups, by farmers and farmers' wives and children, from Carroll county. It presented an interesting and pleasant scene, which we shall not soon forget. Why should not every county Agricul- tural Society have its great tent for such occasions ? When we recollect our late disastrous seasons, and the present dry and frosty summer and fall in the north, and the general pecuniary distress among our farmers, we may well rejoice in the suc- cess of the Great Northwestern State Fair. ^ i We can only thus give a general notice of the fair from general observation, obtainedjin some brief moments, when other duties did not press upon the at- tention of the writer. We were grati- fied with the success of the fair ; with the acquaintances we made in the north- west section of the State; with the marked moral character of the great gathering of the people ; and with the courteous, hospitable and generous treatment accorded not only to the masses gathered at Freeport, but to the officers of the State Agricultural Socie- ty, by the citizens of Freeport. The committee, representing its citizens, in their intercourse with the officers of the society, acted with a promptness and liberality that will ever command our respect. -••.- The United States' Fair. We made a few brief visits to the fair grounds of the United States* Fair. We saw there most of the stock that was at Freeport, and some considerable addi- tions. The Mechanical Department, embracing agricultural implements, was very extensive. Indeed, all the Depart- ments were well filled. The fair was a decided success. Vast numbers of peo- ple were present. The city population were there, and the cars from every sec- tion brought immense numbers of visi- tors. The crowd, indeed, was so great that it was difficult to examine the arti- cles exhibition. As at Freepoi-t, the Durham stock of Central Illinois came in for a large por- tion of the premiums. And the same herds that were conspicuous at Freeport, held their position at the Chicago Fair. We do not marvel that the stock of J. N. Brown, Esq. is destined for the St. Louis Fair. This herd, ranking among the best of which our country can boast, will be among the conquerors there. .•* Potatoes are now worth 40 cents per bushel in this market. At that price this is a paying crop. X. ^r?!'^^- , - . s-r';o»5!«-KT't5^^g|5^(;^7Brf F??wip?^s!rT^^ THE ILLINOIS FARMER. 345 Let ns Look at Home! Yes, brother farmers, laborers and mechanics, let us look at home a little. How much of our present suffering, from our pecuniary concerns, arises from our neglect of household economy? "We fear much of it. In the last Farmer we gave our views on that subject. We see that the article has been copied into many of the news- papers of our State, showing that our views are held by many others. But the question is, what is to be done now? If we are in debt, let us sell all we can for money, even at a sacrifice, and pay our debts. If we have produce don't wait for better prices. They are not likely to come; and if they should come, still it would be better for you to sacrifice something, pay your merchant, so that he may pay others. The very clothes some of you wear, and the food that you have eaten long since, belonged to others, whose very homes are to be sacrificed because you do not pay them their dues. There is a moral principle about this thing, too, that is worth some- thing to the conscientious. If you have the means to pay, and don't pay, what is your condition "in the eyes of Him with whom you have to do?'* That is not all we must do. We must economize. We can live at one half the expense it has usually cost us. Per- haps, at one quarter the expense. Study economy at home. Save all you can. And more than this — farmers would do well to consider whether they .are more happier now than when their cloths were made in their families — than when they made and brought butter and cheese to market — and woolen socks and linseys and janes. A farm should be held to be an independent government, as far as it can be — and every article of common necessity should be manufactured at home, if possible. This used to be the creed of farmers — and did it not pay? Did you not get along better when you practised it? What is your condition under the system of free trade that you have been following for the last three years? Free trade has injured you at home, and has injured us a nation. While we are suffering the present pecuniary pressure — while our crops will not pay the cost of production — we are buvingthe pork and wheat ami potatoes of English farmers, which make a part of the cost of getting up their dry goods and other articles imported here. Let our families try the protective tariff at home — "taboo" the gimcracks of foreign manufactures — live on their own productions; witness the effects of this home policy, and then they can appre- ciate the value of the principle applied to our nation. We are aware that it is not a very good policy for a preacher to scold the steady church-goers in order to reach those of his flock who stay away from church. The readers of the ^armer^ we hope, are not affected by the pecunia- ry distress general in the country — that they have been cautious and prudent through the last three years. If so, we shall rejoice with them, but we are appre- hensive that this has not been universal- ly the case; and our remarks are made In all kindness, with the view of doing good. Chinese Sngar Caae. We have no doubt that the sugar cane will become a staple crop in Illinois ; but it will be a work of time. This cane can Jbe made to pay well — better than corn or wheat now does ; but to do this we must have experience and knowledge of the proper manner, and proper ma- chinery for working it up. We can ea- sily, with simple apparatus satisfy our- selves of the rich qualities of its juice, and we can make a palatable article of syrup ; but we must have with knowledge and experience, good mills and evapora- tors to insure success. The experiments of Mr. Lovering, last year, near Phila- delphia, were altogether successful, ma- king superior syrup and sugar, and in quantities to pay. In our own State, in many localities, there was not as much seed planted last spring as in the spring previous, growing out, as we suppose, of the fact, that imperious necessity re- quired the farmer's attention to ordinary crops. In the northern part of the State, we regret to say, that much of the cane was injured by the frosts on the 4th and 5th. The cane, however, is a hardier plant than corn, and much of it is still maturing and will make syrup. At the recent State Fair there were many mills and evaporators on exhibi- tion. Cane was brought from near Pa- na, to give them a trial. This was done by a competent committee, and their re- port, to be found in this paper, will show the reader the results of their investiga- tions. Mr. Hedges (of the firm of Hedges, Free & Co., Cincinnati,) informs us that he has sold the present season, and is selling a large number of evaporators. The cultivation of the sugar cane seems to be rapidly increasing in some sections of the West. «»• * Moro " flumbuggery." Last spring we exposed the humbug- gery attempted to be practised on our farmers, and which was to some extent on those who did not take agricultural papers, in the vile swindle of selling the seed of the Hungarian Millet for ''Hon- ey Blade Grass." There are men, now, who, as we have said before, are open- ing their eyes in wonder at the discov- ery that their Honey Blade Grass turns out to be Hungarian Millet ! Marvelous discovery to be sure ! The same party who got up the Hun- garian Grass swindle (and which they so successfully practised on that class of farmers who affect to consider themselves too wise to read agricultural papers,) are again attempting to impose on the public. They have got up a medicine for trees — fruit and other trees. They call it "Tyler's Tree Permeating Powder." They say an application of this powder kills bugs and insects on fruit and other fruit trees, shrubbery and plants. An incision is to be made in the tree and the powder is to be put into it. The originator of this humbug proposes to send powder enough for thirty trees for one dollar. Professor Johnson has analyzed this powder. It is nothing but calomel. It may physic and kill the trees and shrubs, and the fruit if any is yielded, may, physic chil- dren ; but the whole is an arrant hum- bug, by which no sensible man should be swindled. Sugar Mill. — A large sugar mill has been erected near Pana, by A. Folsom, Esq., formerly a West India sugar plan- ter, at an expense, as we are told, of many thousand dollars. We hope he will have everything in order — cane, wood, mill and experienced workmen — to make the enterprise profitable — in which case he will do much for himself and his country. K -J ■4. % 34:6 THE ILLIISrOIS F^^mVlEH. Short Iloru Durham Stock. The palm of excellence for this vari- ety of stock has been awarded to Cen- tral Illinois. There are specimens of good stock of this breed in other parts of the State, but here it can be found of all ages, and at prices which will enable farmers who desire specimens to pur- chase. A reference to the premiums awarded at the late State and National Fairs will show where this stock can be found. >a. Sangamon Couney Fair. — This Fair commenced on the 4th day of October and continue four days. The commit- tees are making ample arrangements on the fair grounds, and the manifestations are that the fair will be the best ever held in Sangamon. The "victorious herds of Sangamon,'' victorious at Free- port, Chicago and St. Louis, will be there, and we trust that the stock which took the premiums of the diflferent fairs at Frceport, Chicago and St. Louis; Morgan and Cass, will be on hand. There will bs a great show of Iiorses, and the other departments will be well- sustained. We trust that our people "will gene- rally visit the fair, and furnish articles for exhibition, and that the young men of the country will be on hand with their wagons and carriages to carry the people of the city to and from the fair grounds at fair prices, which can be made to them a profitable business. <•• g@°" There were Devons, Ilerefords and Durhams at Freeport. Others may fancy Ilerefords in preference to Dur- hams, but we are not with them. They may be fine cattle for beef, but we did not discover why they should be thought to compete with Durhams. The Devons are unquestionably beautiful cattle, and the north is 'the proper place for them. We saw an Alderney at the Chicago Fair, and a more homely ani- mal of the cattle tribe, it has not been our lot to witness. She was a more homely animal than any southern scrub we ever saw ; but the Alderneys are good milkers — their milk is said to be two-thirds cream. They are capital pet cows. <•> Timothy Seed. — Central Illinois can grow timothy to any extent. This grass is well known as excellent food for stock and as yielding food in suflBcient quanti- ties to make it a very profitable crop. Many of our farmers, the present fall have realized handsome snms from their timothy seed. Ir yields about five or six bushels to the acre, and finds a ready market at St. Louis at $2 a $2 20 per bushel. The National Fair — Award of Premiums— The Steum Plow Again. Chicago, September IT. From the official list we select tue fol lowing awards to citizens of Sangamon and adjoining counties : Best Durham herd — James N. Brown, Sangamon county, 111. Second do. — ^J. II. Spear, Petersburg, Menard county, 111. Best herd, not full blood — A. G. Carle, Urbana, 111. Best herd fat cattle — J. C. Bone, Sangamon county, 111. Diplomas of Honor were awarded to James N. Brown, of Belin, Illinois, for the best herd of cattle, imported or native. To same for finest herd of all classes, imported by himself. To J. D. Smith, of Berlin, Illinois, for the best American herd of all classes bred by himself. To Jame3 N. Brown, for the finest American animal of any class bred by himself, awarded to the Durham cow "Tulip." And to J. D. Smith, of Berlin, Illi- nois, for the second best American herd. Best grade cow, three years and up- ward— ''Gaudy," A. G. Carle, Urbana, 111. Second do. — "Fancy," same ownerr Best fat bullock, five years and ove. — R C. Calif, Monticello, 111. Best do., three years and under five — J. H. Spears, Petersburg, 111. Best fat cow, five years and over — J. P. Henderson, Jacksonville, 111. Best thorough bred stallion, four years old and upward — "Young Barnton,'' H. Jacoby & Co., Springfield, 111. Best heavy draft stallion, three y^ars and under four — "Perfection," S. Flem- in.ir, Effingham, 111. Second do. — " Napoleon Bonaparte, L. Dillon, Armington, 111. Best one year and under two — " Mes- senger," W. Kirk, Dickson, 111. Second do. — " Ande Benton,'' Garah Dillon, Armington, 111. Best heavy draft mare, four years and upward — Garah Dillon, Armington, Ar- mington, 111. Second do. — A. D. Griffin, Clinton- ville, III. Best three years and under four — L. Dillon, Armington, 111. Second do. — H. Dash, Bloomington, 111. Best one year and under two — Austin Richards, Downer's Grove, 111. Second do. — L. Dillon, Armington, 111. The second premium for saddle horses was awarded to Gen. John Cook, Spring- field. From this exhibit it will appear that Central Illinois, and particularly Sanga- mon county, has no reason to complain of the awards. It is currently reported that Sangamon county alone has taken more premiums at this fair than any one State, exclusive of Illinois. The handsomest *' sell" of the week came off yesterday, when four or five thousand people were tricked out of a dollar each, under the supposition that they were to see a trot at the Garden City Course between Flora Temple and Princess for $2,000. It is true that the horses were there — that they went around the course— that Flora as usual came out ahead, but there was no trial of speed or show of one, nor was there a purse of $2,000 put up. These two nags travel around the country — trot for an ideal purse, and divide the admittance money. The trot yesterday was as transparent a humbug as any side show at the fair, where a three-legged calf or a woolly horse are the attractions, and the owners of these horses should be ashamed of be- ing parties to such an imposition upon the public. The report that they would contest for a citizens' purse of ^1,000 on the fair grounds this afternoon was not of course fulfilled. There was, however, a splendid show of horses, and some excel- lent trotting. After repeated trials of Fawkes' Steam Plow before the Executive Com- mittee of the State Agricultural Society, they were unable to agree upon the award, and a compromise was finally effected, by which Mr. Fawkes is to be paid $500 in addition to the $1,000 al- ready paid him. There was an irrecon- cilable division in the minds of the mem- bers of the committee upon the merits of this implement — one party contending that the mventor should be rewarded for his skill and genius by the allowance of the entire amount offered as a premium, and the other asserting that the plow is radically deficient and impracticable for the purposes designed, and for whic THE ILLINOIS F^IIM:EII. 847 the premium of $3,000 was offered. They therefore wisely compromised the matter by giving him $1,500, which, it is to be hoped, will prove a auffieient sum to encourage the inventor in the prose ciition of his labors, until he shall be able to present a machine that will fulfill •the wants of our farmers. So mote it be. «•» Cotswold Sheep. Col. J. W. Wiire, of Virginia, writing on the question, *' Are Sheep or Hogs the most profitable Animal to Fatten V to the Genesee Farmer, says: "Of all sheep, I prefer the Cotswold, from experience. They mature early, are large, hardy, and take on fat easy. During the summer and fall that they are one year old, (not fed on grain,) no mutton can be more delicately flavored, juicy and tender. Over two years old, many muttons are better, as they then tallow too heavily for the appe- tite; but the butcher will then give almost any price for them ; and what prudent man wishes to keep muttons to four years old, when he can sell them at one year old at much better prices than any other sheep at four ? I have rarely, if ever, sold my mut- tons of this breed, the fall after one year old, under $10 each, and have sold older ones much higher; and never sold them at the same age under §8 each, without having fed grain at all ; and the fleece amply pays the keep. Can any breed of hogs show such cZeay profit and in so short a time ? and they have no wool to pay the cost of keep ? «•> Osage Orange oa Bottoms. Editor of the Farmer : I desire to ask a few questions of the cultivators of the Osage Orange on the bottoms of our rivers and creeks, where, perhaps once a year the ground is flood- ed for a short time ? If there is among them one who has such experience, he would confer a great favor on others be- side myself to give his experience in the Illinois Farmer : Generally, the soil on the bottoms of our creeks and rivers is of a character, porous and rapidly becoming dry, when not covered with water. The soil con- tains a larger portion of mud than the upland, and is quick, warm and strong. !No one can doubt but such soil will rap- idly grow the Osage Orange. The question simply is, can the Osage orange be covered or partially with water in the floods of May without injury. I have no idea that the Osage Orange can be grown advantageously on land where the roots always stand in the wa- ter. The proposition I present is, I re- peat of an entirely different character from this. Bottom lands are dry eleven months out of the twelve, always. A. W. from New Mexico. It is of a very I coarse grade, and cost something like 7 | and 10 cents, per lb. New Mexico can j be made a great country for sheep — when the Indian robbers are driven off". -«€»- "Wool. — Large quantities of wool are being brought to St. Joseph's, Mo., Rarey Taming a Vicions Borse. He entered the ring, neighing fear- fully, snorting and rushing sometimes at and sometimes away from the professor. Now he pawed the ground with impa- tience, and then flung out a hind hoof with a force which suggested to standers by the expediency of keeping at a civil distance. His case was a perfect lesson and was listened to with intense interest. Mr. Rarey at first approached his in- tractable pupil slowly, gently, but with- out fear, lecturing as he went along, and explaining the course of " gentle- ness," by means of which his proud spirit was soon to be brought to a state of submission. His left hand was on the strap, which peeped unobtrusively from his coat pocket, and his right — ex- tended in the most conciliatory manner, in. readiness for the prelirainai'y caress. Cruiser the second looked puzzled, then frigntened, reared as if he meditated a sudden visit to the reserved seats, and then stood perfectly motionless. The master's eye was upon him, and his own quailed under the mesmeric influence. In a few seconds Mr. Rarey was at his shoulder, the strap was on his fore leg, and the lesson commenced. The struggle that followed was probably as exciting and extraordinary an exhibition as was ever witnessed in a public thea- tre. There was no sham, no stage trick, no spell, no phiUer; it was a regular stand up fight between the horse and the man, between strength directed by cour- age, and mere brute force having only its sheer bone and muscle to depend on. Sometimes the maddened animal reared, and seemed as if about to crush the pro- fessor ; sometimes he sank prone upon his crippled fore leg, with head stretched out, blew up columns of sawdust by the violent respiration from the nostrils. Then he would make another desperate effort to rise, but only to be followed by another and more helpless prostration. He sweated, he panted, he quivered, his skin rose and fell in waves under the strong agony, and his haunches were marked with deep corrugations as he re- peated his frantic attempts to break his, to him, mysterious bonds. But it was of no avail. The tamer all through clung so close to him as to seem a part of himself. He never got excited, never lost temper, never missed a single oppor- tunity of describing to the audience what he was doing, and why he did it. His gripe and pressure were as slow, regular, gradual, but as inexorable as fate, until, at last, the poor animal sur- rendered at discretion, stretched himself at length upon the arena, and seemed to experience an exquisite sensation of re- lief as the reward of his entire and un- conditional submission. The panting now gradually ceased, the muscles all became relaxed, and the limbs lay help- less in the professor's hands, as he knocked the hoofs together or placed them successively on his own head, to show how perfect was his confidence in the subjection of the horse. After a few minutes rest the straps were taken off" and the pupil allowed to rise, when it was curious to observe that at first he kept his fore legs contracted, under the impression that the terrible ligatures Still remained in their places. When he had completely recovered his equilibrium Mr. Rarey mounted upon his back, and rode him slowly out of the ring, amid loud and general applause.- — London JVews. '■ . . '-■-:"- ' — «•• — — ■ Cooking Food for Swine. A Kentucky farmer has been making experiments in feeding several lots of hogs, changing them from raw to cook- ed, and from ground to unground food. The results of these several trials are communicated to the New York Tribune, from which we give the general estimate. One bushel of dry corn made five pounds and ten ounces cf live pork. One bushel of boiled corn made fourteen pounds and seven ounces of pork. One bushel of ground corn, boiled, made in one instance sixteen pounds seven ounces, in another nearly eighteen pounds of pork. Estimating corn at ninety cents a bushel and pork at eight cents a lb., we have as the result of one bushel of dry corn, 45 cents worth of pork ; of one bushel of boiled corn, ^1 15 worth of pork, and of one bushel of ground corn boiled, §1 36 worth of pork. ««. — ■ Training Oxen. The following sensible remarks upon this important, but neglected branch of farm operations, is furnished to the Neic England Farmer, by Charles A. Hubbard, of Con. cord, Mass. It is better to have a good team than a poor one, and a good team de- pends upon good management aud careful usage : A. word on training oxen. I have found that by far the best time to train steers is when they are calves, say the first winter. Oxen that are trained when quite young, are much more pliable and obedient, and this adds much to tlieir value. Steers that run until they are three or four years old, are dangerous animals to encounter. They are always running away with the cart or sled, whenever there is a chance for them, and often serious injury is the result. I would not recommend working steers hard, while young, as it prevents their growth ; I there is a difi'erence between working thoiu ' and merely tiainiiig them. I liave observed that very little attention is paid by our far- 34:8 THE ILLINOIS F^HIMER. mers to train their steers to back, but as they become able to draw a considerable load forward, they are often unuiurcifully beaten on the head and face, because they will not back a cart or sled with as large a load as they can draw forward, forgetting that much pains has been taken to teach them to draw forward, but none to teach them to push backward. To remedy the occasion of this thumping, as soon as I have taught my steers to be handy, as it is called, and to draw forward, I place them on a cart where the land is a little descending; in this situation they will soon learn to back it. Then I place them on level land and exer- cise tbem. Then I teach them to back a cart up land that is a little rising, the cart having no load in as yet. When I have taught them to stand up to the tongue as they otrght, and back an empty cart, I next cither put a small load in the cait, or take them to where the land rises faster, which answers the same purpose ; thus in a few days they can be taught to back well, and to know how to do it, which, by a little use af- terward, they never forget. This may ap- pear of little consequence to some, but when it is remembered how frequently we want to back a load, when wo are at work with our cattle, and how convenient it is to have our cattle back well, why" should we not teach them for the time when we want them thus to lay out their strength ? Besides, it often saves blows and vexation, which is consider- able when one is in a hurry. I never con- sidered a pair of oxen well broke until they would back with case any reasonable load, and I would give a very considerable sum more for a yoke thus trained. Sdiiimer Care of Colts. The following practical hints on this sub- ject we copy from the Genesee Farmer : Mares with foals by their sides are always better kept in pasture, even if they are worked occasionally, and it is desirable, where they are to be worked, that they should be accustomed to leave their foals in the pasture while they are at work, allowing the foal to get to them only at noon, and aflcr working hours. It is well to give the mare a feed of oats daily for a short time previous to weaning the foal. Let it be giv- en to her in such a manner that the foal can be induced to partake of it, that the feed may be continued to him when weaned, as it is then essential to compensate him for the loss of the milk of his dam. If the colt is expected to turn out a superior animal, and the mare is not wanted to work, it will be conducive to that end that he should be al- lowed to run' with the dam till he is a year old, before weaning, and then have a drink of new milk, fresh from the cow, given to him daily during the ensuing season. Two year olds are by no means to be so much cared for. Give them good pasture, plenty of room and water, and they are sure, if healthy, to grow, and become fat. If inten- ded for sale at tlie end of the season, they may be pushed forward still more by a feed of oats given daily. Young colts kept at grass should bo placed at pasture cither among cattle or sheep, but not older horses, as they love to graze those precise spots not well relished by other stock, hnd from their playfulness they are apt to get kicked or bitten. *•*- Camels for Plantation Work. It will be remembered that the United States Government has made two importa- tions of camels, to be used as beasts of bur- den over our great western plains. This enterprise seems to have proved successful, and the animals every way adapted to the labors they were purchased to perform. These experiments on Government account have led to private enterprise in the same line. Mr. J. A. Machado, of Texas, having imported and safely landed ninety-two at Galveston, twelve of these have been shipped to New Orleans, with the view of their in- troduction to plantation labor, packing cotton bales, &c., in Louisiana. Mr. Machado is ready to prove that for all purposes of labor and drought, one camel is equal to four mules ; that he is more do- cile ; that ho requires less food, less care, lives to a much greater ago than the mule, and besides is a breeding animal, which the mule is not. One of these animals weighs eighteen hundred pounds, and measures eight and a half feet in height. Any of the full grown ones are capable of bearing bur- dens of fifteen or sixteen hundred pounds , they kneel at the word of command and easily rise with this load on their backs. Saddles are constructed -for them, upon which three or four persons can ride com- fortably. As pack animals across the mountains and plains, for the transportation of the mails and similar uses, we have no doubt the camel will be found admirably adapted, until the further progress of improvements more in accordance with the spirit of the age are completed, but for plantation use, on land of the character of that Louisiana, we hardly believe they will be made to supercede the means now employed. lai How to Fatten Chickens. We make the following extracts from an article in the London Cottage Gardener, and commend them to our readers : It is hopeless to attempt to fatten them while they are at liberty. They must be put in a proper coop ; and this, like most other poultry appurtenances, need not be expensive. To fatten twelve fowls, a coop may be three feet long, eighteen inches high, and eighteen inches deep, made entire- ly of bars ; no part of it solid, neither top, sides nor bottom. Discretion must bo used according to the size of the chickens put up. They do not want room ; indeed, the closer they are the better; provided they can all stand up at the same time. Care must be taken to put up such as have been accustom- ed to be together, or they will fight. If one is quarrelsome, it is better to remove it at once; as, like other bad examples, it soon finds imitators. A diseased chicken should not be put up. The food should be ground oats, and may either be put in a trough, or on a flat board running along the front of the coop. It may be mixed with water or milk ; the latter is best. It should be well slaked, forming a pulp as loose as can be, provided it does not run off the board. They must be well fed three or four times per day, the first time aa soon after daybreak as may be possible or convenient, and then at intervals of four hours. Each meal should be as much and no more than they can eat up clean. When they have done feeding, the board should be wiped and some gravel may be spread. It causes them to feed and thrive. After a fortnight of this treatment jou will have good fat fowls. If, however, there are but four or six to be fatted, they must not have as much room as though there were twelve. Nothing is easier than to allot them the proper space; as it is only necessa- ry to have two or three pieces of wood to pass between the bars and form a partition. This may also serve when fowls are up at different degrees of fatness. This requires attention, or fowls will not keep fat and healthy. As soon as the fowl is sufficiently fatted it must be killed; otherwise it will still get fat, but it will lose flesh. If fowls are intended for market, of «purse they are, or may be, all fatted at once ; but if for home consvmption, it is best to put them up at such intervals aa will best suit the time when they will be required for table. When the time arrives for killing, whether they are meant for the market or otherwise, they should be fasted, without food or water for twelve or fifteen hours. This enables them to be kept for some time after being killed, even in hot weather. CHAPTER ON THE SUGAR CANE. As it will soon be time for the manufac- turing of the sugar cane, and inasmuch as there are a great many questions asked, re- lative to the time, the process, the kind of materials, &c. ; and as there is also a great many speculative theories on the subject, we will offer a few suggestions, principally from practical experience. In the fii-st place, after the crop is raised, it is necessary to make the proper arrange- ments with the right kind of machinery, buildings, wood, &c., so as to be ready to cammence operation as soon as the cane will answer. What would you think of the farmer, who, when he ought to be plowing his land, sowing and planting his seed, if you would find him running about the coun- try, hunting up an extra horse, harness, feed, seed, plows, and other? implements You would say at once, such a man is a poor cal- culator. You would find him out of patience, and when harvest came, out of a crop — con- sequently out of money, and probably out of credit. We might apply the above to the man who has, at this date, made no prepa- rations for harvesting his sugar cane. To commence, we would say, liave you got a good supply of seasoned wood on hand ? Have you suitable buildings or sheds for machi- nery, and to store away your cane, &c. Have you barrels and other vessels, for holding your juice, molasses, vine- gar, &c. ? Have yon engaged your mill for crushing, your boiling apparatus, and the necessary accompaniments ? Do you know when is the best time to commence cutting your cane ? Do you know how to grind, boil, clear it, &c. ? Now, if you will bear ^ -n5?K.'TJ^^t'95W)By- .^. THE ILLINOIS FARMER. 349 with us, we will treat briefly upon these dif- ferent points. First, after the crop is growing, have a good store of fine-split, seasoned wood. Have suitable buildings to keep your machinery and cane out of storms, while you are manu- facturing. Secure a good mill, boiling ap- paratus, and all the necessary fixtures. — Some may say, it will not pay for all this paraphernalia for one crop, and may be that a small one. Such objections are in one sense true ; but does the farmer expect to be paid, the first year, when he buys a thresh- ing machine, mowing machine, wheat drill, &c. ? We will say, the first year many will not ; bat, in the end, with proper care of such implements, he will be amply remu- nerated. As it is to those we think will want to make the proper preparations we are giving some instructions, we would say, as- certain about the amount of molasses you wish to make each day, before you purchase your machinery ; for it should be distinctly understood, that, in order to make a good article, the grinding or crushing, and the evaporating or boiling, should all go on at the same time. Consequently, you want a mill and boiler, that will work one as fast as the other ; for, if the juice stands without being boiled and skimmed, in warm weather, it will sour in less than ten hours. For in- stance, if you have machinery capable of evaporating only one barrel of molasses per day, it is not necessary to buy a mill to crush two barrels per day, and vice versa. The difierent manufactories of machinery have each their manner of displaying their arti- cles to the public. You can obtain a good mill, with three iron rollers, of one horse power, suitable for grinding juice, for from 30 to 40 gallons of molasses per day, of ten or twelve hours, at from $50 to $60 ; and one that will make 40 to 60 gallons per day, from $60, $80 to $100. Much is said, now- a-days, about the boiling apparatus. Some say the old fashioned iron kettle will do ; others, a sheet-iron pan, in a furnace ; oth- ers, a cast-iron pan ; others, galvanized iron or copper, &c. j some say stationary ; others, on rockers, &c. We have ascertained that those who have made the best article of mo- lasses have used machinery that made it in the shortest space of time ; or they have generally used long, shallow pans, of copper or galvanized iron, divided in sections, so that when the juice is running in at one end, the molasses is running out at the other. — These kinds of evaporators are usually sold from $35 to $75. Then,' in order to be suc- cessful, you want cane knives, strainers, skim- mers, dippers, syrup gauges, &c. All things being ready, the next question is, the most suitable time of commencement, the proper mode of management, &c. Many have an idea that the cane must be worked up at a certain time, which is altogether a mistake. A man may have several acres, and need not be in a sweat about it, if he will commence in time, and take it coolly. The beet article can be made about the time the seed matures. But, should you have a large amount to work up, commence as soon as the cane has about got its growth, not waiting for the seed to be ripe, as a good article of molasses can be made from the green cane. But there is a culminating point in the de- velopment of the sugar in the cane. The season for sugar making is when most of the seeds are ripe, and some experimenters even say that it is the best for the cane, providing it is ripe, to be bitten by several frosts. One thing we are certain of, that frost does not prevent the ripe cane from making molasses, or from gi;anulating. It is also ascertained that hard freezing does not injure ripe cane; but that it canses the saccharine mattor to separate more freely from the impurities of the juice, providing it is worked up imme- diately after the thaw. Yet we would rec- ommend, after the cane or seed is ripe, for it to be worked up as soon as convenient, as frequent freezing and thawing sours the juice in the cane. If you commence when the cane is green, have it cut and stripped from otie to two days before working it up ; then, and even in all cases, the juice should be taken immediately from the mill to the boiler. Should heavy frosts come before the seed ripens, cut off the cane close to the ground as soon as possible, and let it lay on the ground from twenty-four to thirty-six hours; then haul it in, and put it under shelter. If you have not shelter sufficient, put it in good sized shocks, well secured, and continue working at the green cane until all is worked up, leaving that which may be ripe to the last ; that is, as said before, in case the frost bites the cane before it is ripe, you need not let the frost scare you, relative to your ripe cane. Some prefer topping and blading in the field, then cutting it up ; others prefer cutting it off at the ground, and after it has cured a day or two, then strip, &c. For our part, we prefer the latter, particularly if we have boys to do the work, and the cane is tall. But in either case, after it is stripped, if you have not suitable buildings to put it in, put it in good sized piles, say a cord or more in a place, and cover it up well with straw, &c., to keep the Cane from freezing and thawing. In grinding, have your cane handy to the mill, and we prefer placing the top in first. Have a coarse sack or strainer of some kind, between the mill and the vessel that re- ceives the juice. Then have a sectifying tub or barrel, for the juice to run from into the boiler or evaporator, about one-third full or more of gravel, straw and charcoal ; in that barrel put your clarifiers, (if you use any.") We have seen a good article of molasses and sugar made without any clarifier, and we have used lime, eggs, saleratus, milk, ley and cold syrup, but prefer the eggs and saleratus to any of the rest ; unless the juice should be sour, we then prefer a little lime ; but we find milk to be the poorest clarifier of any. Now, to sum the whole matter up, have your wood; machinery, barrrls, &c., ready, and in good order. Commence as soon as the cane will do. Drive the whole work steadily along. Toke the juice right from the mill to the boiler. Keep a steady, brisk fire. Let none of the syrup scorch. Occa- sionally wash off all your machinery,, and if properly attended to you can make it pay. An excellent urticle of vinegar can be made, by boiling about two gallons of juice into one. In a former article, we stated that the seeds blades, and the bagasse, or cane, from the mill, and the scum mixed, with other swill, was profitoble to feed to stock. We|still say so, other opinion g to the con- trary notwithstanding ; and we also say that we believe that an acre of the Sorghum cane will make as much, if not more pork, than an acre of corn, from the same kind of ground. Let the doubting Thonas measure off a piece of com, and a piece of Sorghum, of the same size, with the same kind of hogs for each lot, and we feel free to prophecy in favor of the Sorghum. — A. H. Wrenn, Mt. Grilead, 0. — Ohio Farmer. . Carltle, m., Sept. 22, 1859. S. Francis, Esq. — By and in con- formity of one of the articles of our ag- ricultural and mechanical association, I (as Corresponding Secretary,) am re- quired to report to you, yearly, of our acts and doings and other matters of in- terest to the producing classes. The ofiScers for 1859, are: President — G. W. Richardson. Vice-Presidents — Posey Maddux, William Colier, G. W.. Entrakin. Corresponding Secretary — 0. B. Nichols. Recording Secretary — Z. Casl. Treasurer — E. C. Dew. We had the best exhibition last fall we have ever had at any fair. Every- thing directly or indirectly connected with agricultural or the mechanical arts are in a prosperous condition. Last fall was favorable for getting in wheat in time, although there was a great deal put in after the first of October, which I am satisfied is too late for this section of the country. All the red May wheat that was put in with the drill and got in in September, yielded a good crop and a number one article of grain. I think the crop more than an average one for this county, price at Carlyle 85 cents. Our spring was wet and cold, and the consequence was there was a large breadth of the corn crop put in after the middle of May — all put in pre- vious to that is now out of the way of frost — and the present indications are that we shall have more corn this year than we have ever had since I have fived in the county, twenty-two years. We had a very long drouth, commenc- ing on the 3d of July and ending on the 21st. After the showers commenced they appeared to be rather partial, which had the effect to check the growth of our late corn and also to make our oat crop a little too light by the measure. I do not consider oats certain, unless got in very early, (hence the necessity of fall plowing.) Our oats were a fair average crop, price at Carlyle 28 cents. Corn 50 cents, but I am of the opinion (of the old lady by her butter,) that it will have to come down to the old price, say about 12 or 16 cents. Potatoes as a general thing are fine, both Irish and sweet, they command about the same price. I am satisfied that to insure a certain crop of Irish potatoes in this section of the country, it is necessary to plow in the 350 THE ILLIIS"OIS F^HjVIER. fall, and I am not certain but it would be a good plan to plant in the fall. I intend to try it. All other vegetables are abundant and a drug in the market. We are nearly done seeding. The people are waking up to the importance ol! early sowing, and with the earliest variety of grain they can get, and drill it in at that. Our prospects are fine for a good fair, which commences on the 11th of October. The farmers appear awake to their real interest in the matter. I regretted very much that circum- stances were such that I could not be at the State Fair, but I have learned that the people of Marion and St. Clair were there, so that the Egyptians were not without representatives. Yours truly, O. B. NICHOLS, Cor. Sec'y. S. Francis, Cor. Sec. St. Ag. Suc'y. Protection to Farms. When I saw the prairie land for the fi*rst time, it struck me very forcibly, and I have often thought of it since, how much more comfortable the inhabitants might be if they would plant hedges or wide belts of trees to screen them from cold winter winds, and also be a protec- tion to their crops, especially fruit. If each owner of one or two hundred acres of land would plant their boundaries or division lines with belts of trees, say from twenty to one hundred feet Wide, they would find it to their advantage and comfort. Besides the protection, the trees would in a few years, when large enough to thin out, be valuable for firewood or tim- ber. An objector might say, "It would be very expensive to procure and plant such wide belts of trees." To such I would reply, that many kinds, one year old (which is large enough,) could be imported very cheap from the English and French nurseries by the 1,000, such as elms, ash, maples, beech, birch, lin- din, larch, alder, &c. Agents in New York city would order them on applica- tion. The ground should be plowed a year previous to planting, and well worked through the summer, with or without a crop, as most convenient. The following spring put in plants from three to six feet apart; those which make largest growth, such as elms, &c., plant on the back line, and so on with the different sizes, so as to have the lowest growing kind inside or front; the last or inside row it would be well to plant with ever- greens, say Norway spruce, because it is a faster grower than evergreens gener- ally, and small plants can be obtained cheap. Osage orange, locust, and chestnut, being fast growers, would be desirable to mix with the above named kinds. Another plan would be to procure seeds of any of the fast growing kinds of trees, grow them in the garden one year, and then transplant them in the belts or screens. But there would be failures and disappointments, and it might not prove as cheap and satisfacto- ry as to import them. But the quickest mode of obtaining a screen for protection would be to pro- cure cuttings of some of the free and strong growing varieties of the willow, such as Salixtriandra, S. Bevdridgi, S. Purpurda, etc., which grows from forty to sixty and seventy feet high, and very rapidly, too, in a deep, moist soil, and very suitable, no doubt, to much of the prairie land. This, however, would not be so valuable for general purposes, when grown, as elm, maple, etc.; but would make its growth in about half the time. For profit and quick growth combin- ed, there is nothing probably equal to the common yellow locust (Robina Pseudacacia;) it will not only make a fine belt for protection in a short time, but for fencing posts and durable tim- ber nothing equals it; and it has always commanded a high price; and I think a portion of the western prairies might be planted with it, as a profitable invest- ment. It is said there are two kinds, one durable and the other not; but I know ot' only one kind. It is possible, if grown on deep, rich, mucky soils, the tintlber would be coarse grained, spongy, and not as durable. — Chas. Dotvning. «•» Seeding Timotby Meadows. In sowing timothy seed in the spring with oats or other small grain, according to the usual practice in the West, a good " stand " is attended with much uncertainty. Our springs, just at the period when the young grass stands most in need of a moist earth, arc frequently hot and dry and extremely apt to burn out the young tin^othy plants, before they can become sufficiently rooted to contend against the overpowering force of the grain crop. The two last springs, it is true, liave been exceptions to this state of things ; but, most generally, the crop of grass is entirely starved out and overshad- owed by the grain, or so much injured that the ground is but half set with grass, leaving it liable to be choked up with wefts, at the expense of the little that has escaped the drying, burning influence of the previous weather. We have frequently taken occasion to set forth the advantages of sowing timothy in the fall, unattended with any other crop. With a favorable fall, and the work of pre- paring the ground in a proper and thorough manner, there is much greater certainty of securing a stand; and when sown at this time, too, the grass will most generally so completely occupy the ground that it will more thoroughly exclude the weeds, and <*whitc top" to which our fields are so liable. Seed sown in the full will most generally yield at least two-thirds of a full crop of hay he succeeding summer ; whereas, if sown in the spring, nothing is made until the follow- ing spring, even under the most favorable circumstances. Timothy has a small seed, and the young plant is extremely frail and delicate, and requires the most thorough preparation of the soil, which can only be secured by repeated plowing, rolling and harrowing. If the ground receives a suffi- cient wetting, the seed should be sowo early in September, in order that the young plants may become well-rooted before freezing weather sets in. The cool weather of the fall season is much better suited to the na- ture of this species of grass, than the scorch- ing weather of spring and summer. The graas, when established, chiefly perfects its entire growth during the entire spring, and before the heat of summer overtakes it. The hay crop in the West is a very im- portant one, and the meridian of the Ohio Valley, where so much is grown for the markets of the Southern cities, lies almost upon the extreme Southern verge of the line capable of growing it, and hence the greater care is required in preparing the land, and in securing a suitable time for sowing the seed. In the South and West we labor un- der an additional disadvantage in seeding meadows. Timothy and clover are about the only crops that can be grown from which hay is made, but in the cooler and moister climate of the North, a variety of grasses, mixed, may be sown together, which greatly increases the chances of success. In order to produce a good crop of timo- thy, land must also be rich as well as thor- oughly prepared. If it is not rich, it should be made so by the liberal application of a dressing of manure. This alone will secure a good set of grass, whereas, if the seed is sown on a worn and exhausted soil, it might prove a failure. Next to well prepared land, a good supply of new seed should be sown. It is poor economy to sow a scanty supply of seed. One bushel to six acres is as little as should ever be sown. In addition to this some prefer to add a pint of clover seed to each acre sown. " FAMII.IAR QUOTATIONS. 'Not one word, dying, he could wieh to blot.' It stands thus in the original : — 'Not one immortal, one corrupted thought. One line which, dyinn, lie cuuld wish to blot.' Lord Littliton. — Prol. to Thomson's Coriolanus. 'To err is human, to forgive divine.' Vo'PK.—rEisay on Crilicitm, 'The pofidious edge of battle.' Milton. — Paradise Lost, 'God made the country and man made tba town.' CowPER;— 37i« Task. 'No pent up Utica contracts your powers, But the whole boundlfps continent is yours.* J. M. Sewalu— jBpifcs/tte to Cato. 'And thereby bauga a tale.' .' EizaVEAKK.—Js Tou Like It. 'And man the hermit, sighed, till woman smiled.' Campbell.— Pfea«rT^i^;:rr^<^i^.:^r'«v*::^:^ ., ~f^ 'S^ T^^r^~ -???lr THE ILLINOIS FA.Il]MEIl. 351 'Music line charms to soothe a ravage breast.' CosoREVE.— T/ie Mourning Bride. •Man wants but little here below. Nor wants that little long.' OoLDaMiTH — Edwin and Angdina. 'Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined.' Pope.— J/woi Essay. •Throw physic to the dogs.' Cb\espeabe. — Macb$th. •Cans't thou not minister to a mind diseased?' lb. 'My way of life is fallen into the eere, the yellow leaf.' 2b. 'I'll make aeauranee double sure.,' 'b. •Shouldered his crutch and showed how fields were won.' OoLBaMiiH. — Deserted FjKage. ♦Domestic happiness, the only bliss 01 Paridiso that has survived the fall.' CovpBR.— !%« Task. •For winter lingering chills the lap of May.' Goldsmith. — The T^avderl 'Let who fliay mako the laws of a people, al- low me to write their ballads, and I'll guide them at my w 11.' BxE Fbiuf Pidset. •Rolled darklingdown the torrent of bis late * De. JoByaoy.— Vanity of Human Wiihet. •The man forget not, though i rags he lies, And know the mortal through a crown's dis- guise.' Aeek.sice. — Epistle to Cario. 'Whatever is, is right.' Pope. — Essay on Man. •The proper study of mankind is man.' ib. 'Man never is, but always to be, bleet.' lb. 'Pleased with a rattle, tickled with a straw.' Ib. •And to party gave up what was meant fur mankind. Goldsmith. — Retaliation. 'Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage.' JoHWSoN. — Vanity of Human nisJieM. *A little learning is a d. The vc-iy large arrivals have produced general depression. Drover* were very aiix« ions to realize, snl cffered to meet butchers at the reduction quoted, but found only a moderate reeponse. In fact, the low rates of last we«k induced Inyers to supply themselves ahead, expecting that higher rates would likely be estab— lithed this week, and coosequ ntly their wsnts sre now very moderate, and they do not feel disposed to make any hasty bargains. We quote the average of all sales at 7^@8c, the top price 9J^c, and some interior selling at 43^@6c. One or two extra well fed steers brought 10c. The number at Aller- ton's this week was 4001 from tlio follow in^ Slates: — New Y^ork. 1098; Ohio, X084; Indiuni, 334; Illinois, 822; Canada, 166; Michigan, 118; Kentucky, 258; Pennsylvania. T6; Vir- ginia, 165 The conveyances were: — Erie railroad, 1692; Hudson River do, 1169; Harlem do, 170; boats, 665; en foot, 160. QDOTATICItS. The following are the prices at which stock, was sold: beef CATTLE. Prem. quality, per cwt.., Prime do do Ordinary do do Cummon do do Inferior do do -. ..•.—..•none. 9 60@10 £0 .,.. 8 50® 9 00 6 60(g> 8 00 4 60@ 6 00 Milch Cows — More has been done, mainly to milkmen, and prices have not changed. Sales at $26@60. We quote. Best quality „ per head.450 G0(Si60 00 Good qualities do .. 40 0U®45 00 Fair qualities. „ do .. 30 00@?o 00 Common qualities do .. 20 00(§25 00 Teals — The t ade has continued moderate, and for prime quality full rates are paid; poor stock is not wanted; sales at 4J^@7}^c. We quote : Prime quality, per 9> 6^@7^c Ordinary, per D)„_ 4J^(g>5e Sheep and Lambs — Have not declined; some sales of poor have beep made from $2 50 donn to $1 30 per head. Good to prime command |3@5 50. Store sheep are wanted and scarce Now Yoik state is largely represented in the rea ceipts this week. Sales by Thos C Larkin of 1121 bead for $3,736 63; by R H Hnme 2347 head for $7,101; by McCarthy, 496 head for $5 40 per head; by M'Graw & O'Brien 2805 head for 19,186 6 , Included in M'Qraw's sales were 13 head for $17 87. and 60 head lor $300. At Browning's the receipts were 4330 from New York, 249 New Jersey, 202 Ohio and 200 Michigan. At O'Brien's 2965 head were from New York, and 194 from Michigan. We qnote : Prime quality, per head, (extra) $4 60@5 50 Ordinary, per head „ 3 60@4 00 Inferior, per head 1 3u@3 00 Swiue — At Hudson River yards 2,433 head have been yard- ed, «nd at Western yards, 2,923. Prices have been heavy. We quote prime corn fed at 5%@6i/gc gross, and still fed at 6%@6c. KECAPITULATION OF BBCEIPIS. Beef Milch Veal Sheep and Cattle. Cows. Calves. Lambs. Swine This day 4,417 145 860 14,318 5,366 Last week 3,875 135 640 16.145 8.260 10 310 Increase 342 Decrease 1,827 2,904 j The following droves from Illinois were at this market : A R Becket, 59; John T Alexander, 233; Haring & Co, 64; Qillet A Toffey, 62; J Showl, 34; R S Hamilton, 25; A'an Brunt A Watrons, 64; Davis A Stewart, 52; U Conckle, 93; Thomas H Brown, 32; Akxonder A Cassell, 51; Alexander & Fitch, 112. Especial Notice to* Farmers and OTHERS. Osage Orange Giants. THE SUBSCRIBER WILL FURNISH Osage Orange, of good size for tritnsplanting into Hedge Rows, in any quantity, at very low prices, either the present fall ar next spring. Apple Trees, - ■ ■". Pear Trees, .'.■-■-■.. -■ . ' Cherry Trees, #ear Trees, Plum Trees," Peach Trees, Ornamental Trees, » of every kind Ai,SO, Trait and Ornamental Shrubbery, Bmbracing Gooeeberries and CurrantSt Eoees, bpireas. Honeysuckles, Grape Vines— Isaliella, Catawka, Nkttve, BU1.BS AND TUBERS. Pidilias. .■ . Hytcinths, Orocns, Tulips, Narclasea, ■■;■,■; Lilllei. ; We repeat, that many of these articles, grown by myseli^ and trees grown in Illinois Nnrieries, will be sold at the loweot possible figures. 8 i'RANClS. oct6 I'or Sale, 40,000 Standard Apple Trees, 5 to 7 feet, 200,000 Osage Omnge Plants, 1 and 2 years. 200,000 Apple Seedlings, 1 year, (un- ss-rted.) Peach Pear, Cherry, Grape, Pie Plant, Ac. Very Cheap at wholesale or retail, at the Mclieftn connty Nnrsery, Bloomington, Illinois. COLMAN & DRAKE. ■VSJteiTi good Salesmen Wanted. oct6 2t "FRIHt^AN D^ ORNAM eStaITTR EES7~ SHRUBBERY AND EVERGREEN TREES, with a general assortment of Nnrt>ery artfcles fur sale at (he Pleasant Ridge Nursery, Arispe. Bu- reau, county. Ill , Very Aldrich, proprietor. I have a few thousand 6 year, 15 000 five year, 30,000 three year, 60,000 two year, and 100,000 one year old apple irees, at wiiolesale or retail. Pear, Cherry, Plum, Peach, Cur- rants, Gooseberries. Raspberries, Blackberries, fctrai* ber- ries, &c. Our stock of Evergreens is large, and very flue specimens: the N.Y. Pippin. Wegner, and Bed Seekni'fur> ther, are the most hardy in the lis-t, of wbic \ 1 have a good suppl}'., also of the Tompkins county King. Catalogues seut free. P. 0. address, Tiskilwa III. BREAKINGING PLOWS, BROADCAST SOWERS. For sale by S- FRANCIS. angl WESTERN TREES JF O n TJUJE W* JE » T f ■■> AT, THE ^^ ::--\ WOODBURN NURSERY! PERSONS WISHING TO PURCHASE their Fruit Trees, Shade Trees, or Shrubbery; ^^^ will find it to their advantage to order at the above ^^m named Nursery. ^^T We have for sals Thirty Thonsand of 5 to 7 feet high, choice Apple Trees, of some fifty approved varieties, for Western culture ; which we can with confidence ofl^cr to the public. We also offer a good assortment of Peaches, Pears, (Dwarf and Standard.) Cherries, Plums, Quinces, Gooseberries, Cur- rants, Rai] berries, lAWton Blackberry, Strawberi ies, Khu'^ barb, or Pie Plant, Ac. 3.000 S11.VER.L,EAVED MAPI^E. Th n which a handsome Shade Tree cannot be found.— They are eight to ten feet I igh, of thritty growth, and to be had for ten idoUare a hundred. ^Ig^We will sell the abo- e named Trees and Plants as rea sonable as they can be had at any respectable Nursery— die. t nctly labeled, and carefully packed and dollvered at the Ncrsei y, or at the Railroad Depot. Wo desire and shall aim to condnct onr business, in all respects, satisfactorily to those who favor ns with their pat* ronage. We are permanently engaged in the business, and intend to make it to the interest of our friends to call on ua. JONATHAN HOGGINS. Woodbnrn, Macoupin County, Illinois. Angl BloomtngtoH wVur sery, BLOOMINGTON, - - - - - - ILLINOIS. Eighty Acres Frnlt and Ornameutal Ti ees. Onn NAMED SORTS TULIPS, ALSO /C/ V-/ \J Hyacin ths,CrocuB,aud a general assortment of Bulbs t nd Flower Roots for Fall aiid bpring^ planting. Nursery stock, Evergreens, Gieenhuuse*' and gtirden plants — all at wholesale and retail at lowest cash rates. 49-For particulars see Catalogues or address subscriber. F. K. PUffiNlX BloomingtonlU.jAngust 1,1859, '"T^-yi:-- 4:52 THE ILLINOIS FA-HIMER. DUNLAFS NURSERY. 40 ACRES IN TREES AND PL.ANTS. IN ESTABLISHING A NURSERY AT? this place, we hnve dune po with a view of making it a (Jbrmniirnt buainesg. We Invite the prironago of those whu wisli to oncourHxe tiome induttry, and Itave u d«nire to bt*Hutit'y tlieir grouuds and fill thoir orchard* \(lth Ruch plantB und trnitsaHare adauted to our soil and climate; at the game time we disclaim any intention to malte war on those who purchase of peddlers, or send east for their supplies, we are content to wait, as we lo-. f Central Illinois, will you encourage home industry? M. L. DUNliAP, West UrLiiina, P. 0., Champagn Co., 111. July 1, 1859— tf. B. F. FOX, Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Hardware, IN ALL ITS VARIOUS BRANCHES, HAS NOW IN STORE one of the largest and best assortments cf goods in his line ever offered in thii market. Importing many styles of Kug- lish goods direct, and purchasing his American goods of the manufacturers at the lowest (cash) prices, he is enabled to offer merchiints and consumers goods at the lowest prices, and on as favorable terms as an^house e.ist or west. His stock embraces a very large and complete assortment of Agricultural Tools and Implements ! of the latest and most improved kinds and qualities. Beap- ers, Mowers, Straw Cutters, Hedge Trimmers, Siclcles, Grass and Aruning Hooks, Cradles, Scythes, Snaths, Ibrks, Hoes, S/tovels, Scoops, Axes (a,\l kinds and makes), Vickt, Mattocks, Ihn Mills, Setd Separators and Threshing Ma- chines. KU&E FURNISHING & BUILDERS WAREH USE. Large and complete assortment of iocts, Latches, Butts, Hin- ges, Screws, Bolts, Brads, Nails. TKIMMWGS— great variety Carpenter's and Builder's Tools ! Planes, Saws, Chisds, Augers, Braces, Bitts, Drawing Kinves, Sr/tiares, Trowds, Bevils, Hat/i}tels, Hammers, Adzes, Burch and Broad Axes, Boreing Machines, GouUTt and Steptoe's Morticing Machines, Piles, <£c. Blacksmith's Tools* Bellows, Anvils, Vioes, Screw Plates, Tongs, Horse Nad, Horse Shoes, Buttresses, <£c. COOPER'S TOOLS. Fine assortment. Knives, Hooks, Planes, E ISTTI S T, OFFICE oy NORin FIFTH STREET, OVER J. EAyBOB.'H's. SPR!NGFI£XJ[>, ILX.. ADENTALl'RACTICEOFFIFTEENYEAKSWARRANTS him in saying that all operations shall be carefully and neatly performed. He is in possession of several premi- ums and diplomas awarded by the best institutes for the pro- motion of science and arts in the country. Teeth inserted, from one tooth to full sets, as substantial and handsome as can be had in any city of the United States or Europe. Artificial palate plates inserted, supplying the want or loss of the palate, velum and would, so as to restore articulation. Refer to Prof. David Gilbert, Pennsylvania College of Med- icine, Philadelphia; Hon. J. S. Black, Washington City; Rev. Dr. Ilarkuy, Illinois University ; Drs. Helm, Ryan and Wal- lace: Messrs. Jacob Loose, J S. Condell, J. U. Gray, Foesel- man, Owen, Corncau & Diller, June7, 1S6. EVERGREENS^ ORDERS MAY BE LEFT WITH S. Francis for Evergreen Trees by the qnantity, from the well kaowu Nursery of Samuel Edwards, Bureau county, at the following rates: Bdlsam Fira, American Arbor Vitoe, White Pine, White Spruce, six to ten inches high, $5 per hundred and $3d per thousand. The same varieties, from the woods, collected by Mr. Ed- waads' agents, who take them up in the best possible manner, selecting trees carefully from open exposures, packing at once in damp moss, at $15 per thousand and $90 per ten thousand. American Larch, two years in the Nursery at $10 per 1000. European .Mountain Ash, 6 feet high, $18 per 100; 8 to 10 feet, i26 per 100. Neik Pine .''trawberry plants at$3 60 per lOCO; and Hybrid Scotch Rhubarb at $3 per 100. Orders for the articles may be left with mchl 8. FRANCI9. FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAIi TREES SHUABERY, &c. S FRANCIS, SPRINGFIELD, ILL., «will receive orders for all description of trees from tl.i DuPago County Nnrseriea, L. Ellsworth & Co., proprietors. These trees are well grown, healthy, and their genuiness is warrantee. Orders for fall planting can be forwarded to them at any time trora June till NoAember. Catalogues will be furnished those who wish to purchase trees aud shnjbory on application to Messrs. Francis diBar- rell, Springfield. FA IR B A N K S PATENT SCALES OP ALL K1ND«I. Fairbanks A Greenleaf, S.*) Lake Street, Chicago. Sold in Fpringfield, by mayl ly B. B. PEASE. EI.i:.10TT»S WESTERJV frnit BOOM. A NEW EDITION OF THIS WORK, THOROCOHLT SETISEO, Embracing all the new and valuable Fruits, with the latest improvements *n their cu tivation, up to January, 1859, especially adapted to the wants of WESTERN FRUIT UR0WKB8. rULL OF SXCELLEKT ILLUSTBATIORS, by F. R. ELLIOTT, Pomologist, Late of Cleveland, 0., now of St. Louis. Price $1 25. Sent by mail, post paid, to any part of the United States, on receipt of price. A.O. MOOKE&CO., Agricultural Book Publishers maylSt 140, Fulton-st., New York. H. O. BIBBARD. JAMES H HIBOABO H. G. tSK J. H. HIBBAKU, GENERAL COMMISSION AND FOR- warding merchants. Office, No 138 North Main Street, directly opposite Bank of the State of lUissauri. St. Louis, Missouri. dtf UHLER'S PLOWS The Double Curved Uprign Steel Mould Board Plow. THE PROPRIETOR OF THIS SUPERIOR Plow still continues to supply* the great demand which its merits have created. Its combination of rare ad- vantages has recommended it to the agricultural community throughout the State of Illinois, it is now admitted that it has no equal. The following note is but one of the many testimonials which have been furnished the manufacturer of the working of his plows. We certify that we have lately used the above plows, mann* factured by Mr. John Uhler, and we would state that they are in all respects, superior to any other plows we have ever used. We cheerfully recommend them to the public. Wm. P. Lawson, Wm. Poflinbarger, . J. J. Short, 0ayid Newsom, John W. Beck, Uriah Mann, John Kavanaugh, Philemon Stont. Sangamon county, Jan 1", 1855. PSFrom the peculiar form of Uhler's plows they are not ex- celled by any other now in use. It scours very bright, sheds off stubbles admirably, aiid runs light and easy to the team. The largest sized two-horse plow of this kind, has been nsed several seasons successfully in breaking prairie. The limits of a newspaper advertisement will not admit of an accurate description of these plows. To see them is tobe pleased with them. In addition to the above, the manufacturer is making wrought irou upright ones, and two-horse plows. Also, a superior Prairie I'low, warranted to be equal to any prairie plow now in use. Any size that may be wanted can l>e had at short notice. A large number of all sizes, kept on band constantly. Manufactured by JOHNUIILER, Springfield, HI., at whose eRtablishment these favorite plows can be had, from a single one to a number unlimited. aug4-wly jTc. lamb ~~~ MAMXrVACTimSR OP STEAM ENGINES AND MACHINERY OF ALL KINDS. CASTINGS OF IFON OR BRASS, HORSE Pv>WEnS, STEEL CLIPPER PLOWS! BALCONY RAILING AND FENCING, Cae Iron Frous, Window Caps aud Sills WATER WHEELS, GRIST AND SAW-MILL REARING, IF RJiMRME J»J/01f«, OF ALL SIZES. SPBiNonsLD, luu, June 20. J. BUNN, BANKER, AND DEALER IN EXCHANGE; BANK NOTES AND COIN, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS. Particular attention given to collections, and proceed promptly remitted at the current rate of exchange. «>» RERERS TO American Ex. Bank.N. York. I Drexel t Co., Philadelphia. Abraham Bell's Sons. " I George Smith & Co.; Chicago llomiltun Bank, Boston. | L. A. Benoist k Co , St. Lon Price, Ccnrerso & Co. New Orleans. VOL. IV. SPRINGFIELD, NOVEMBER, 1859. NO. IL PUBLISHED MONTHLY; 1 Agriculture, as connrcted with Schools, Col- BT BATEHACUEidk BAKER. JOURNAL OFFICE SPRINGFIELD, ILL *•* S. FRANCIS. Editor. <«*- — — — ^ TERMS OF SDBSCRIPTION. One copy, one year, in advance ~-~ $1 00 Five copies, " " 3 75 Ten " and ODA to the person getting np club 7 6o Fifteen copies and over. 6'.i^ cents each, andone to person gutting up club. CASH B&TM OF ADTCRTISINO : One dollar per squHra of ten lines, each insertion. CONTENTS. AgricuUaro, as connected with Schools, Colleges, and Pnb- lie Institutions 353 Health and what promotes it 356 The C uuty Fair „^ 357 Orchards „ 357 The Aut inin „ „ ............. ...367 Fa'l Plowing 357 Winter Schooling 357 Seed Corn „ , 358 The American Chestnut 358 The Hog 359 Wash ington Coanty Fair 359 Southern Iliiaois , 359 Agricultural Periodicals for Pren-inms 369 Fall Busiuess ., 360 Fall Work 360 Q apes _^ 360 Bull Times 360 Have farmers fears that their stock and feed will be short 360 Awarding Committees 360 Sorfrho >^yrup 300 Fill Plowing I 350 Root Pits .?. .......360 See to your Gardens 360 Western Agriculture.. „ 361 Old Times „ „ 361 The best Bull , „....362 Eggs in Winter ...362 American Horses in England „„.„ K62 Hercaotile Business ...362 Potatoes 362 Jesse Frye'i Gang Plow 362 Biickwheit hb Food .....862 Horses Stolen 363 The Tomb of Rachel „....„ 363 Beni-fits of Agricultural Fairs 363 How tley predict weather at the Smithsonian In8titnte....361 Cost of Raising Wheat 364 Dressing for Kooat Fowls 364 The Illinois Farmer 364 To Remove Freckles 364 How a Chick is Hatched 365 ToCaok Cariots ^Ro Lice on Fowls 505 The best Mode of Preserving £ggs 365 The Market for Grain „ 355 Gotta Percha „ ..566 Insects as s-^en in the Mic-oscope 366 Linseed Cake for Heifers ^ 3^g Barrels for Fruit SPB Dahlia Roots 3o6 leges, and Public Institutions. %. Bt Aliz. M Oow, President of the Dixon Instltnte. It has been well remarked, that the chief object of our schools, should be, not BO much to acquire a definite amount of positive knowledge as to learn the art of learning, and acquire the disposition arid the taste to do so. Failing to per- ceive this truth in education, many are prone to press upon the pupils of our schools a long and varied programme of positive studies, to be mastered abso- lutely within the few years of school life. The effort seems to be, to crowd facts, stubborn facts, into the mind, un- til the "passive recipient" may be cal- led a "walking encyclopedia of useless knowledge,'' knowing a 'little of every- thing and but little of anything.'' The study of books too often excludes the cultivation of those faculties which make us acquainted with things about us, so thatniany of the so called educated pass from the schools seeing, hearing and knowing nothing, by observation, of the grand, glorious world around. A Ben. Franklin and a Hugh Miller read their earliest and best lessons from the leaves of nature, unfolded from the trees or bound in solid folios among the rocky shelves. They gathered many facts, as the result of their thinking, while scores gather facts without thinking at all. They are the best educated who study men and things, as well as books, and thus gain, by their own observation and reflection, what otherwise they would never acquire. The observing, reflect- ing mind, engaged in any occupation, is more successful than that which unhes- itacingly follows a dull routine and a ven- erable precedent. In no profession is there so wide a field for observation, ex- periment and discovery as the field of the farmer. Great as our discoveries have been in-^agricultural science — ad- mirable as are our improvements in the machinery of husbandry — enthusiastic as many are who devote themselves to the plow and the pruning knife, it must not be supposed that we witness even "the beginning of the end.'' Greater achievements are to be accomplished — greater wonders wrought; and the mass of agriculturists are yet to learn that they are members of a scientific pro- fession. If so, how are these things to be accomplished? Our children will have to answer this question. The American mind and energy are admirably delineated in the description of that character of characters, the "Yankee boy:'' "Thus, by hiHgentns and bis Jack-knife driven, Ere long he'll solve you any problem (riven; Make any gim-crack — musical or mute— A plow, a coach, f n organ or a flute; Make anything, in short, for sea or shore, From a child's rattle to a eeventy>.foar. Hake it. »iii(i n Aye; when he undertake* it. He'll make the thing, atui the madiine that maket iti" Our prairie corn will, probably, be surer than our crop of geniuses, but we may have strong, vigorous, intelligent men and women, if we cultivate them. What share, then, shall our schools have in this development of our youth, in or- der to develop the great agricultural in- terests of our Statu? The successful agriculturist is he who possesses, among other things, an ardent love for the beautiful in nature. He must be a man of close, accurate ob- servation; must be a man oE practical neatness and order, in all his operations; punctual and regular in all his duties and gentle and humane in his feelings and actions. Can these qualities, so desirable in the education of every man, and so essential to the agriculturist, be imparted in our schools? Every child may be taught, or, rather, be directed and encouraged to teach it- self, to see, hear, feel, and thus know thtj world around it, and to love it for the curious, the beautiful and the true which it contains. To this end, the school house and its surroundings should be ar- rang d with special reference to neatness and taste. The esthetic element of our nature is capable of the highest develop- ment, affording the purest pleasure and the cheapest gratification. The perfec- tion of art is but the imitation of na- ture's works, and he is the true artist who seeks beauty, harmony and grace at the original sources. The poetry of the soul should receive its earliest im- f'- :::•• ..■ •r -f^5S^-»>^^"s-' 354 TIIli: ILLIISrOIS FA^RMEH. pulses from the primary school. { "Every one should plant a tree," Said one who knew, not only for the materi- al gain produced by its growth, but, also, the moral effects of such a labor. Who has planted and nurtured a tree that has not himself improved by the association? It is a new object of love, and our sympathies in being grown with its growth and strengthen with its in- creasing vigor. When can we form such friendships with the world of beauty as when tho faculties are expanding and our love becking new objects for its earnest embrace':' Where shall that ex- pansion take place — that real education — better than at school? Let the teacher plant a tree and kind memories will cling to him in many young hearts through the influence of its association. Let the pupil plant a tree. It is an epoch in his life — a starting point of his usefulness, to which he will revert with pleasure long after he has ceased to enjoy its shade. Trees, flowers and shrubs should be an inseparable inci- dent of school yard beauty. The con- templation of the impressible hours of childhood must be beneficial; for "Some •' Bis lose all thiDgB l>ut the luve of beanty, And by tbat love they are re.Ieemiible." Habits of close observation are es- sential to the agriculturist. Earth, air and sky present curious and wonderful phenomena to the accurate observer. The fall of an apple, the swinging of a chandelier, the sore hands of a milk- maid, gave celebrity to the names of Newton, Gallileo and Jenner, and con- tributed to the world's science invaluable truths. Little things, to observing and reflecting minds, often lead the way to grand discoveries. To the naturalist, the familiar forms of vegetation, of animal life and of in- organized matter are known, and his quick eye detects new forms and features whenever they are met. He traces the relations of things and his conclusions are the results of mature de- liberation ^nd sober judgment. Such a man is always willing to be a learner, and docs not hesitate to contribute his share of knowledge to the common stock. Such, to a great extent, should cveiy agriculturist be. But how direct such observations at school? Every school can have a magnifying glass and a microscope. Every boy and girl can learn to use them in discovering the myriad forms of beauty and fitness, found, where, to ignorant uncultivated minds, they would never be supposed to exist. A bee's sting, a snake's fang, a spider's web, an insect's eye, a sprig of moss, a human hair are a few of the ten thousand objects that fill us with wonder and admiration. If such means are af- forded for acquiring knowledge, child- ren will need no stimulus to avail them- selves of it. The food, habits and modes of reproduction of the various insect pests may thus be brought under inspection, and experiments be made for their destruction or prevention. In this direction there is great opportunity for investigation. Who shall tell us the cause and cure of the potato rot? Many experiments have been made and are now making for this end. Some have arrived at conclusions, but the di- versity of opinion yet, on these subjects, shows that the investigations and experiments must not be relinquished, as the object is not generally supposed to be attained. The chinch bug, the weevil, the fly, the tree borers, grass- hoppers and locusts should be familiar acquaintances in the schoolroom. The interest attaching to these forms of in- sect life, at times so destructive to the labors and hopes of the husbandman- would make them subjects of observa- tion, and thus demonstrate the advant- age of "agriculture as connected with schools." Another means of inciting the powers of observation in children is the forma- tion of a school cabinet of curious and interesting things, by the contributions of the pupils themselves. Such a col- lection might not be of very great value intrinsically, but its chief excellence Avould be in the inducement it would offer for increased zeal in the observa- tion of things which otherwise might escape their notice. Collections of minerals, fossils and shells might be made. Bees, bugs, butterflies and other varieties of insects, with reptiles of dif- ferent kinds, could easily be secured and arranged. A simple collection of flowers or the arrangement of leav..'S ac- cording to size, shape and formation, Avould add much to the benefit of the whole. A little vial of chloroform would be sufficient to capture and kill a multitude of insects and reptiles scien- tifically, which doubtless would be much more agreeable to them than if taken and preserved the old way. Neatness and order constitute two of the prominent peculiarities of the model farm, and the farm itself, in these par- ticulars, is but the embodiment of the model farmer's cultivated mind. The teacher can impart these qualities by the systematic arrangement of every- thing in his domain. He should "have a place for everything," and be very careful to "have everything in its place.'' Cleanliness and tidiness should be exhibited in every apartment and de- partment in and about. In this Way, also, can agriculture find a valuable auxiliary in its connection with the schools. Habits of punctuality and regularity should distinguish the agriculturist in an especial manner. "Time and tide wait for no man,'' and, failing to learn the value of this sentiment, many a man has lost his crop and his credit by his neglect to "make hay during sunshine." The duties of the farm, the garden and the orchard are chiefly of the kind that demand constant and regular attention. Plowing, sowing and reaping, planting, pruning and budding must be done, each in its season. To take advantage of the seasons in order to facilitate agricul- tural operations, requires some meteoro- logical knowledge. To acquire this, time, systematic observation and reflec- tion are necessary. As punctuality and regularity are essential in the proper management of a school, perhaps agri- culture may derive something valuable from the connection in this respect. If each school be furnished with a thermometer, barometer and a vane, to say nothing of a more extended assort- ment of instruments, the habit of punc- tual and regular observation and regis- tration might be acquired which, aside from the knowledge obtained by forming a meteorological table, would be» invalu- able. Habits thus acquired would never be lost, for the tastes thus formed would be a constant stimulus for the ac- quisition of new food for mental diges- tion. Habits of observation cultivate gentle and humane dispositions. We are told that a "merciful man is merciful to his beast," and in no class do we see a greater physical, to say nothing of the moral advantage of cultivating a loving disposition towards all living things than among those who till the ground. The agriculturist, especially, should cherish the humane sentiment, for no one has his patience more severely tried than he, and to no one does kindness and forbear- ance bring so rich a reward; for those who treat their hirelings xind their cattle with consideration are more than repaid by the additional labor performed, and also in the improved character and ap- pearance of the animal themselves. Domestic animals frequently reflect the character of their masters, und, other things being equal, he is the most suc- cessful farmer whose stock is gentle and kind, and is thus easily managed. These, it is true, are not the far-famed "humanities'' of the schools; neverthe- less the schools may contribute much to inculcate them. No child will injure that in which he takes pleasure. Do the birds build in the trees in the school house yard? If they do not, they ought to, and a group of curious children should be instructed to observe their instincts, to notice their habits and to love their songs. Love begets confidence — even birds know this; and the sweet influence of such society is worth volumes on benevolence. By cultivating a taste for such compan- SpTSS^^rr-: THE ILLII^^OIS FARMER. 355 ions the perceptive faculties are awaken- ed, and much knowledge is gained. Many of the birds may be studied in this way — their seasons of migration, their haunts, their notes, their food, their nests, their seasons of incubation and the number and character of their young. The American propensity to destroy the feathered tribes for the mere love of killing, must be curbed, or ag- riculture must pay an exorbitant price for the sport. Nor is this destruction confined to those who furnish our tables. Anything having life is a suitable and desirable "mark" for the murderous aim. Already, in some sections, the cruel, useless and wholesale destruction of insectivorous birds is beirinnincj to be severely felt by the agriculturist, and unless the evil is restrained by the culti- vation of better feelings, the equilibri- um established by the Creator will be disturbed, and the increase of fpMS'stifer- ou3 insects and noxious vejietcrtion, in- definitely multiplied, n^ay teach a severe but salutary lesson. Besides the birds there are many animals which, without reason or reflection, are unhesitatingly destroyed. Though occasionally laying a tribute upon the field or the stack yard, they are man's best friends, and should be treated with the consideration their merits demand. But can children acquire this taste and affection for trees and flowers, beasts and birds at school? Surely they can. We have seen five hundred children and youth pass, several times a day, within reach of a number of bird's nests, built in the shrubbery of the school house yard. Though the subjects of every day's admiration, the birds built, brood- ed and went their way, "with no one to molest them or make them afraid." Would such have been the case unless each of the five hundred had been im- bued with the sentiment of affection to- wards the confiding little songsters? Again, we have seen a half domesticated gray squirrel live, during a whole win- ter, in the same school building as above, and the frequent visits paid to the various? recitation rooms was evi- dence of the mutual esteem and confi- dence established between him and those who generally might be reckoned his most unrelenting foes. Was not that school rendered better by such associa- tions? and would not the formation of Buch habits of thought and action be in- valuable to any one, and particularly the agriculturist? If, then, the cultivation of the taste for the beautiful, the development of a love of nature's works and the forma- tion of habits of close, accurate obser- vation, of practical neatness and order, of punctuality and regularity, of gentle- ness and humanity are essential to the agriculturist, and can be acquired as we have suggested, then we may claim that there mav be a connection between afjri- culture and the schools. But, can agricultural knowledge be acquired in the schools without the formalities of the text book and the reci- tation? Can we crowd on another branch of book knowledge to the already overburdened, teeminir catalojiues of our schools? We think not. If fine tastes and correct useful habits of thought and aetion can be acquired in the schools, with the knowledge incidentally obtain- ed by the observations derived from such acquisition, the schools will have laid a permanent foundation for future studies, and this is all the most sanguine should expect. Our schools are not specifically {Agricultural, and, therefore, not calcu- lated for the prosecution of agricultural science, further than we have designated. One or two agricultural papers, intro- duced into a school, under the circum- stances of training we have indicated, would do more towards improving the taste and stimulating the desire for practical knowledge than the most in- genious or elaborate textbook. The papers would be read for the love of the subjects they treat of, and children thus taught to prize such current information would not likely be without such com- panionship when grown to manhood. Cannot the academies and colleges do something more definite and direct than simply giving their students a love for natural beauty, and stimulating them to gratify the passion thus bestowed? If they do this they do much, and we fear they can do no more. Already the "curriculum'' of many of our higher schools contains more subjects of study than can be accomplished properly by even the best af the intellectual racers in their training. Rivalry and false ideas of advancement have led many to supp&se that in these latter days of lightning speed and railroad locomotion, there must be a corresponding rapidity in the acquisition of sciences and their applications. No wonder that such ideas should be the subject of satire: "Sep ProerfBS flv o'er Kdusaf inn's conrso! Not far famed Derby owns a fleeter horse; On rarelir.prvvemeut's '-Bhort and easy" road, IIow swift her flight to r/>»rnin;;'8 West abodel In other times — 'twas many years as50 — The scholar's Ciiurse was toilsome, ro'igh and alow— The fair humanities were fought in t9«rs. And came, the trophy of 1hI>oi ions ynrs- Now, I.«»rnin)f's shrinn each ii11»> yonfh miy seelt, And speniiing tli-re a rhiliiiig and ft wee''', (Atlightest c at of Rtiidy, cash and lUDtTM.) Come D'.ck, like Rum-^r, with ahundrtd tengnes!" 'Tis true, in the application of some of the principles of chemistry, some- thing may be done, in the higher schools, to entertain and instruct students con- corning the vegetative forces in nature, the constituents ot growth, both animal and vegetable, the qualities of soils and perhaps their analysis, the rotation of crops and kindred topics. This may be done, to some extent, and, as far as it goes, may be for the advantage of agricultural interests; but, where there is little or no love for nature and no taste for such pursuits, the abstract facts will be of little value. So, also, with botany. If it be studied to gratify a taste for flowers and to acquire a prac- tical knowledge of the varieties and values of vegetable life, it will be of essential service; if, however, it be con- ned over as part of the collegiate course, to secure the diploma, but little save a smattering of the terms will be the re- sult. It must not be expected that good taste, quick perception, accurate obser- vation, neatness, punctuality, regular- ity, gentleness and humanity are in- digenous qualities, found in every school room. They are exotics, and it is not every school master that possesses that tact and skill, as a nursery man, to transplant and develop them in situa- tions where they were never grown be- fore. 'Tis trite as it is true, that "Jnst as the twigia bent the tree's inclined." Who, then, shall bend the "twigs" that will indicate the connection of ag- riculture with the schools. The teacher, for such a work, must not be a mere school keeper: he must possess these qualities if he would im- part them, and, in addition, be intelli- gent, energetic, enthusia-stic and perse- vering. In short, he must be a pro- fessional teacher — one who labors to make his work live in the minds and hearts of his pupils long after he has left the stage of action. Nor is it es- sential that he should possess a high degree of agricultural education, al- though the more varied his attainments the more useful he would be. Sympa- thizing with his pupils and directing their investigations, he would be a learn- er as well as a teacher. Versatility and tact would accomplish much without text books- A mere school keeper could do nothing with them. The State Normal University can do much for agriculture, through the in- strumentality of her graduating teach- ers. If they have their attention turn- ed to this mode of governing and dis- ciplining their schools, as we have no doubt they will, they will find it not only immeasurably to their own ad- vantage, but also directly profitable to their schools and the communities in which they are engaged. The recent establishment of the society for advanc- ing the study of natural history and the cabinet, commenced in this institution, are an earnest of the value of the sub- ject in the minds of those who direct its operations, and lead us to hope that much will be done "agriculture, as con-^ nected with schools and colleges.'' But the great want, for the dissem- ination of the principles of agricultural science in all its branches and in all its 356 THE ILLIIN^OIS FA.RMER. details, is an Agricultural University. Comparatively few of the thousands engaged in the various departments of terra— culture could reap, directly, the advantage of such a school, but every one who did would go forth as an en- thusiastic teacher, who would every- where find apt and willing pupils, ready to seize on every new idea which would enhance the value of their land, the proddctiveiiess of their soil and the ex- cellence of their stock. Other pens can treat of this subject better than ours. May we soon witness its consumma- tion! Health and Wbat Promotes It. Dr. Frank Hamilton, in an address 00 hygiene, to the graduates of the Buf- falo Medical College, discusses the sub- ject of health and the causes which pro- mote or injure it. We make a few ex tracts: STOVES AND FURNACES. Within a few years the air-tight stove has been substituted for the iron dogs, and for the first time since men have began to live in houses we have no "fire- places." The shrine of the Lares has been removed, and our houses have been literally pillaged — robbed of the domes- tic hearth, toward which so many asso- ciations has been poured, and which in all ages have been regarded as the sym- bol of home with all its social comforts. Not content with this, these enemies to our race have still more lately taken away the stoves, which, destitute of the essence, still occupied the places, and served to remind us at least of the anci- ent fireplaces; and instead they have built for us iron furnaces — ^tnas — un- der ground, so that now what of the oxygen we are not able to consume and convert into carbonic acid, is vitiated by impure gas escaping from its hidden chambers, by invisible particles of coal dust, and by other impurities which clog up the air cells, and close the avenues of .life, or stick along the parched fauces as if reluctant to convey their poisons to the lungs. Stoves have no doubt abridged the sum of human life, but by these subter- ranean iron furnaces we are cut short in the middle. It is an error to suppose that hot-air furnaces can ever be so con- structed or managed, at least in private houses, as not in any degree to prove detrimental to health. We wish we could persuade ourselves that this is not so, for it is certainly very agreeable in a climate like ours to enjoy throughout all the rooms and passages of the house warm and uniform temperature; but it is just this even warmth which is one of the sources of mischief. The inmates are so little acoujstomed to the cold within doors, and become so morbidly sensitive, that they shudder at the idea of going out, and if they ever do ven- ture into the air, the frost enters into their open pores, and they hasten back to their shelter, chilled, exhausted and discouraged. They are no better able to endure the storms of winter than a plant reared in a hot-house. It was the venerable Bede, I think, who said: "VVhen men lived in houses of willow, they were of oak, but when they lived in houses of oak thcv were of willow.'' HORSEBACK EXERCISE. My friend, a well known and very dis- tinguished doctor of divinity, believes that I also ride a hobby, since I will pre- scribe no medicine for him but a horse; and I frankly confess that he has good reason for his belief. It is part of the speaker's creed that all religious congre- gations should build a barn, and buy a horse with a sa others, were on exhibition. There were many en- tries of horses, and taken together there were not many valuable animals. The hog and sheep departments were well filled. The ladies department was fine; and the farm product department was never before so well sustained. On the whole, there was a grand exhibition. The people were there. The receipts were more than $2,000. The premiums paid over $1,300 dollars. Some faults may be noticed in this fair. The premiums, in my opinion, are not properly distributed. A per- cent should be taken from the stock and added to the departments in which arti- cles from the ladies are entered. Their premiums, in some cases, are too little and too fevv. We cannot get along at our fairs without the countenance and support 'of the ladies. The observer cannot fail to notice the amount of "miscellaneous" articles en- tered at our fairs. While speaking of these, it must be presumed that the so- ciety offers as many premiums as they are able to pay, and that they cannot pay discretionary premiums. It would break it up. Hence I would make a suggestion. Persons should examine the premium lists and bring articles to the fairs for which premiums are offer- ed. That is the way and the only way to get premiums. Let this be remem- bered for the coming year. I think our premium list should be re- vised, 80 as to give encouragement alike to all interests. SANGAMON. Orchards. Editor of the Farmer: — ^There has always been a question, whether or- chards planted out in the fall would do as well or better than planted out in the spring. \j nAer favorable circumstances I think it the better policy to plant out the trees in the tall. The "favorable circumstances'' are these: The ground should be rolling and dry. It should be well prepared, by being plowed at least twelve inches deep. The trees should be taken from the nursery. The trees sboiild be two or three years old. They should be planted out well, the roots spread out, and every fibre possi- ble be preserved when planted. A small mound should be thrown around to prevent the trees from being shaken and the roots made loose in win- ter. ; To preserve them from rabbits, corn- stalks can be tied about them — five will be enough — they should rise from the ground a foot or more. Nothing should be put about the trees to harbor mice. In the spring take the mound of earth and cornstalks away. / Encourage the trees to form low heads, that they may shade the bodies from exposure to the southwest sun. I have seen trees so planted as to lean to the southwest, with apparent ad- vantage. The best grounds for orchards are our high oak or sandy barrens. Plow deep furrows to carry off the water. If there is timber on the south and west of grounds selected for orchard, it is well; if not plant trees for protec- tion. In all cases get trees from Illinois nurseries. These rules, if followed, I think will secure good orchards. MILAM. .«• '. The Autumn. Editor of the Farmer: — As a general fact, we have most beautiful autumns in this country. Our springs and winters are not usually pleasant; our summers are hot — but our falls are beautiful. It is now the 13th of October while I am writing. The sky is beautifully clear; the weather is just what one would like for comfort; the roads are as fine as can be; and fall work can now be done most satisfactorily and rapidly. Indeed we have a glorious fall season. Let us improve the leisure time we have now in clearing up about our dwellings; beautifying our yards; in planting out orchards; in plowing for spring crops; in seeing to our schools; in gathering our crops — and in other preparations for making ourselves com- fortable through the winter months — to make them pleasant, which without care now, will be most dreary. A COUNTRYMAN. Winter Schooling. Editor of the Farmer: — The season has come for taking up winter schools. Many of our boys and girls who have worked hard in sumoier, will attend school this winter. I hope good te.ichers will be employ- ed— men and women who love to teach and see that the children under their care improve. But these teachers should have the support and confidence of parents. They should not unnecessarily find fault with them. Make the child- ren understand that the teachers are do- ing the best thing possible for them, and adopt measures to enable children and to induce them to give all their minds to study and require them to study branches of education which will be useful to them. Before they learn much else, let them learn to spell, to read and write, and get a knowledge of geography. These are, in my opinion, the founda- tions of all good and useful education. To put children on other studies before they have a knowledge of these, is wasting precious time. Grammar, also, Fall Plowing Editor of the Farmer: — I have seen articles in your paper recommending fall plowing The weather and the condition of the land is now suitable for this work, and if the ground is moder- ately rolling, there is evidence sufficient to satisfy me that it will pay. The work should be done well. Ground can be plowed in the fall to be sown in barley, spring wheat and oats early in the spring. We lose more of these crops from late sowing than any other cause. Plow your land in the fall for these crops; plow well, and plow furrows to run off the water in winter. Do this now and you will much lighten your spring work and at the same time be more sure of making crops. Such is the experi- ence I have seen recorded in many cases. I 358 THE ILLINOIS FA^I^MER. in my opinion, ought to be taught in lectures, and by familiar lectures child- ren can be made to understand it in one-tenth of the time required to be spent in committing the long and dry de- tails found in grammar books. I have known many young men who have at- tended school a great while, "almost know a good deal,'' from the diversity of their studies, without knowing much in reality. Children should be taught the value of knowledge in books; they should realize that they contain the results of study and investigation of talented men, of celebrated minds, are to be found in those books, opened for their informa- tion. What an opportunity for their in- struction? What fields of information in every branch of science is opened to them? The education which they can obtain in our schools is the key to un- lock the gates of these ample fields. Mr. Editor, if I could speak to the children now in our common schools, I would say to them from the stand point of near fifty years which I have attain- ed—^'Your time is precious; the hours that you are now in school are more val- uable to you than words can describe; every moment that yon give your min !s to your books and your studies, will tell on your future lives; not only on your lives, but on those who will be associated with you. Give, therefore, your whole minds to your studies this winter. Let not the frivolities of youth intervene between you and your books; and here- after you will rejoice that you have done so. J. S. Seed Corn. Editor of the Farmer: — I have been benefitted by the remarks in your paper heretofore on the necessity of saving seed corn in the fall. For two years I have had no trouble with my seed corn; and I think I improve and forward the crop by selecting ears that have ripened early in the season. I would say to my brother farmers, if you have not saved your seed corn, do it now. And if you are not satisfied with the variety you cultivated, seek the liberty of selecting seed from your neighbor's eld, where the corn suits yon better. I believe it will be found best for us to have early and late corn. We want early corn for feeding out early to hogs and to stock. There are many varie- ties of early corn in the country, and it will not be difficult to make a selection of a variety that matures early tnd yields well. A little time given to this matter now, will save much difiicult^ and vexation in the spring. Farmers now must take such a course in farming as to secure crops all the time. This can bo done, and must be done if we are to get along prosperous- 1 ly. Yours, 7V. B. The Ainericflii Chestnut. In answer to an inquiry on the cul- ture of the chestnut, we give the follow- ing from the North Western Farmer, communicated to that paper by Mr. James Weed, of Muscatine, Iowa: "Convinced of the great utility of this tree for our north-western climate, we propose to offer a few suggestions rela- tive to its culture and the inducements it presents to cultivators. To begin with the seeds; these should be gathered fresh from the trees and immediately packed for transportation in such manner as not to heat or become dry. If to be two or three weeks in reaching their destination, we would pack in dry sand, or peihaps slightly damp swamp moss would answer equally as well and not so heavy; but if only two or three days, simply put up in small boxes or casks, containing from one-fourth to one-half bushel, not so close as to prevent a suitable ventilation, would probably answer as well as any mode. When received, they should be immediately mixed with six or eight times tlieir bulk of sand, rather dry than moist, in boxes, and the boxes placed in a cool dry cellar, or they may be sunk to their tops in the earth, on a dry ridge, where they Avill not be likely to become too much saturated with standing water, and thus exposed to the action of v\'inter frosts; but this is not so essential to the chestnut as to the seeds of stone fruits, such as the peach, plum, &c. If kept in the cellar, care should be taken to keep them sufficiently cool to prevent their sprouting too much before the ground is in suitable condition to plant. The planting should be don« as early in the season as practicable, and if for nur- sery culture, the rows should not be less than four feet apart, and the nuts placed from eight to twelve inches apart in the row, and about one inch deep. After planting, if the earth is drawn up with the hands into a high ridge, it ■will not smother the young plants, and will facilitate their coming up if the soil is stiff and inclined to bake. With us, when in good condition, chestnuts have grown readily and with as little difficulty aa coin. Tiiey should be carefully hoed as soon as they appear above ground, and with the use of the plow, cultivator and hoe, the soil should be kept well stiricd and free from weeds the first sum- mer; and the first winter the trees should be kei)t well mulcliei. with leaves or man- ure to prevent their being thrown out of the ground by frost. Their after treat- ment will consist in clean culture and Jadicious pruning to raise the head by "degrees to its required height. Choice varieties may be propagated by grafting as readily as the apple. Spanish chest- nuts would perhaps be very desirable, but Ave have found them too lender for this cliniate. Transplanting the chestnut success- fully has generally been regarded as a difficult matter, and our early experience tended to corroborate this opinion. We have observed that after removal, the trees usually put out leaves readily, and continue to show prominent signs of living until the heat and drouth of sum- mer supervenes, when they become withered and die. In the spring of 1857 we planted a row half a mile long, twenty feet apart, requiring one hundred and twenty-two trees. These Were twice head in the early part of the sea- son, and when the first drouth of sum- mer commenced, they were thoroughly mulched with the refuse hay from a stack yard; and of the whole number of trees but eight died, thirty-eight sprout- ed from the root, and seventy-six suc- ceeded perfectly. We have come to re- gard good culture and a thorough mulch- ing after removal, as essential to suc- cess. The chestnut will probably grow well on moist western soils; it certainly does well on the clay soil of our oak lauds, and will grow freely on such as arc slightly sandy, and we see no good reason why they will not grow as well on our broad prairies, where trees of this character arc very much needed. Among our native ornamental trees the chestnut holds a high rank. The oak and elm are justly admired for their grandeur and gracefulness, but these are cliiefly characteristics which belong to their maturity, while the chestnut far surpasses them while young in its fine form, clean smooth stem, broad, green and glossy foliage, and in its light yel- low flowers, all combining to give it an air of lovely simplicity and spriglitli- ncss, scarcely equalled by any other of our deciduous trees. Nor are its open- ing burrs in autumn an unattractive feature. As a timber tree, its reproductive quality constitutes its most remarkable characteristic. When a chestnut grove is cut off during winter, numerous young shoots spring up from the stumps, and these form trees suitable for fencing and framing timber in the shortest time in which trees can attain to those sizes; and will continue to produce a crop of tim- ber as often as cut off. For its fruit the chestnut is unques- tionably at the head of all the nut-bear- ing species. The prices at which the nuts have hitherto been sold in this mar- ket, ($8 to $12 per bushel,) is suffici- ent evidence of the high estimation in which they are held as a luxury. We are informed that" the price has advan. cod in the Ncav England States, from •{.; _. THE ILLIl^OIS FA^RMER. 359 two to four dollars per bushel as an average since railroads have afforded facilities for sending them to those parts of the country where they are not pro- duced; and it is not unlikely that sim- ilar causes will continue to increase the demand for many years to come. The Hog— Its History, etc. All the varieties of this animal originated in the Wild Boar; which is considerad the root of the domestic hog. It is found in most of the temperate regions of Europe, Aisa and Africa, In England snd Scotland, a few centuries since, the Wild Boar chase was a sport in great repute with the nobles. Shakespeare describes it with graphic accuracy. And if in those countries men are now better em- ployed, the sport has now become obsolete. It is still practiced in India, and in those dis- tricts of Europe in which the animal still maintains his hold. He is now common in the extensive forests of France, Germany, Prussia and Hungary, as well as in Spain and some other countries. The hog is the only domestic animal, seem- ingly of no use to man when alive, and was therefore, as may be presumed, designed for food. The Jews, however, the Egyptians and other inhabitants of warm counrries, and all the Mahometans at present, reject the use of pork for food. The Greeks gave great com- mendation to the flesh of swine, and their Athleta! were fed with it. The Romans considered it one of their delicacies. No proper experiments have been made in re- gard to alkaline tendency ; but as it is of a gelatinous and succulent nature, it is proba- bly less so than many others. Upon the whole it appears to be a very valuable untri- ment. The hog does not appear to have been in- digenous to our country ; but was taken hither by the early voyagers from the Old Woild ; each bringing them from their own country ; and in the Eastern States espe- cially, it is said a few of the breeds still re- tain traces of the old English character. From its nature and habits, the hog was the most useful and profitable of all animals bred by the early settlers. It was their surest resource during the first years of toil and hardship. It arrived earlier to maturity, re- quired less care, sought out, for the most part, its own food, was the least subject to accidents and diseases in a new situation, and therefore, best repaid any portion of at- tention bestowed on the breeding ond rear- ing it. Until within a few years, very little atten- tion has been paid to the breeds of our farm stock J and hogs being considered an inferior species of domestic animals, have been the last to engage the attention of the farmer ; and even at the present day in many dis- tricts of our country, the old unprofitable kinds of this on imal continue to prevail. In- deed, systematic breeding with a view to improve the form and value of the animal, may be said to have hardly commenced among us, the improvements which are per- ceptible, being rather the fruits of European than American skill. A common error in this country has been to regard more the size of the animal, than its symmetry or good points — to estimate a breed according to the great weight which it could be made to attain — rather than the profit with which it would be fitted to the hands of the butcher — the most material point to the farmer. But experience is teach- ing us a new lesson on this head. Butchers now judge of an animal according to the good points, or most valuable meat, which it car- ries. Breeders have learned to prefer those which with a given quantity of food, will lay on the mest meat. And the consumer has learned too, that meat that shows the most solid fat, is neither the most healthy, the most savory, nor the most economical. It is the due admixture of fat and lean, or the prevalence of what it termed fat-lean — such as is seen in the Devonshire ox and the South Down sheep — that gives the greatest value to the butcher's meat. We are perfectly satisfied from long ex- perience, that the best and most profitable swine for the farmer, is that breed which will nearly mature at eight to twelve months old, and then weigh, when well fatted and dressed from 250 to 300 pounds. A pig that has to be wintered and kept till sixteen or eighteen months old before fatted, rarely pays for itself at the ordinary price of pork ; and the average weight of these, in the United States, even at a year and a half old, we do not believe exceeds 300 pounds. In order to get pigs to weigh well, they must come early. February in the South- ern, March in the Middle, and April in the Northern States, are the best months, to drop pigs. Feed them from start, all they will eat, and they will be ready to kill in November and December ; and thus you will dispense with wintering any except those reserved for breeding. Few animals yield less waste matter, after being dressed for market, than the pig ; every part is useful, as a sailor would say; from stem to stern ; the head for baking, the tail for roasting. Every part is made palat- able and useful — feet, face and shanks are admired, when properly "soused" and cooked. The rich and the poor alike admire a meal from portions of the loin ; the intestines make excellent envelopes for sausage meat ; the bristles a brush for purposes ''too nu- merous to mention." The pig is a short- lived but useful animal, and "works his own passage" tlirough life by mixing muck and making manure for his owner. At death he invariably goes squealing out of his pen into "lard, and pork, and bacon," and is soon off on a voyage at sea in pursuit of a whale. We never liked the long-legged, slab-si- ded, lop-eared, razor-backed grunters, except for the race-eourse, for the reason that they eat too much food to keep them in "good working order." For porkers, give us the short-legged, small-boned, small-headed, round bodied, quiet, contented, hearty pig, with sufficient good sense to know when he has eat enough and when to go and lay down to be rubbed or curried ; and withal, a hog with a remarkably good disposition — in short a hog ; such an one as is figured at the head of this article — a real Suffolk- The Suffolk is a hearty, quiet and thrifty breed ; they grow rapidly, are docile, con- tented and good looking. They are well formed, campact, short-legged, hardly ani- mals, equal in point of valne_^to the best. In our cities and villages an immense amount of pork is consumed in a fresh state, and for this purpose small hogs are much better adapted than large ones. They should be small boned, not over fat, but meaty, plump, fine grained pigs, weighing when dressed, from fifty to a hundred pounds. It is of great consequence, also, that they should be varieties which give good flavored, or well tasted meat. There is a vast differ- ence in swine in this respect, though some persons will not acknowledge it. For the above purpose, the Sufiblk is undoubtedly the hog. C. N. Bement. Washington County Fair. Ashley, Illinois, Oct., 16, 1859. It was my fortune to be here at the Fair of the Washington County Agricultural So- ciety. The exhibition embrased the usual articles seen at the fairs. The fair and at- tendance were good. I shall not attemhtto give particulars. Southern Illinois in a few years will not be behind any portion of the State, for agricultural improvements. The most important staple I saw — at least it struck me as being so, was the specimens of corn on exhibition, belonging to C. B. Ma- son, a farmer living in the vicinity of this place. He has christened it the "Douglas Corn." The specimens are collossal, the ears measuring from 12 to 15 inches in length; there are 12 rows of kernels on each ear, counting 50 larf Illinois. — A letter from Crawford County, of the 10th ult., says : "We had no frost here until the 6th, and 7th inst. Consequently the corn crop's have matured well, and potatoes are good, where the potato-bug did not destroy them. We have had a fine fall for putting in small grain and there is a large quantity of wheat and rye sown, and it looks very fine. Win- ter feed for stock, is quite plenty, but the price of grain and live stock is so low, that there will be more than the usual quantity of stock wintered on the Wabash the coming winter. Money matters are tight and like to remain so, for last year we had nothing to sell and got in debt, and now we have a sur- plus.s, we can get nothing for it. This county fair for this county goes off this week, after which we may report to you again. Yours, S. Park. Agricultural Periodicals for Pre- miums.— This new practice of Agricultural Societies, seems to meet with general appro- bation. We hope the practice will be greatly extended the coming year. A small effort on the part of farmers, or their boys or girls, will secure them a capital fund of read- ing for the year. Fayette County has set a noble example. \ p 360 THE ILLIIS^OIS EA-KIMEII. SPRINGFIE:£,0, NOVEIMBBR 1, 1859. Fall Basiness. A good deal of wheat has been shipped ofiF, and much yet remains. We see no pros- pect of materially improved prices. The crop is light in all Central Illinois. A good many beef cattle are going for- warb, at low prices. The prospect is that cattle will not be high this winter. Stocks of hogs are moving to Chicago. We would not learn the prices paid for them. 5ic nett is paid for hogs in Cincinnati ; a tolerable good price. We do not believe that the crop of hogs is great, but while this is so, it is well known that much old pork is yet on hand. The crop of corn in Central Illinois, is amply sufficient to fatten well, all fine hogs ana cattle, designed for market. Fall Work. Seeding and much other farm work is over for the season. There is however, still much to do. Are our farmers prepared for win- ter ? Have they done their full plowing ? Have they provided shelter and comfort for their cattle. Have they secured their veg- etables from frost ? Have they selected their seed corn ? Are their fences in condition to prevent cattle from going into their orch- ards and gardens. Have they made arrange- ments for wood ? Are their houses in proper order to secure the inmates from the indem- nities of winter ? Are the children and other members of the family provided with shoes and clothing for cold weather. Have they good schools, and is the school house in a condition to be comfortable, with good sup- plies of wood ? Have families newspapers and other reading for the long evenings of winter ? Are all selling their crops, and making every efiFort to pay debts, with a de- termination to make no new ones ? Here are important questions, and every farmer ought to be able to answer them. ■<«•*. Grapes. A few years ago' we had only two kinds of grapes that were deemed valuable for gen- eral cultivation, the Catawba and Isabella. Cultivators have been hybridzing and produ- cing new varieties, until the list of Ameri- can grapes is extended to some dozens, many of them of great excellence. At the late fair in Chicago, more than a dozen most superb varieties were exhibited. The Diana, Con- cord, Hartford Prolific, Clinton, Delaware, Union Village and several new seedlings from near Cincinnati. We tested the Del- aware, and it could not possibly be impro- ved. Some grape growers insist that it is an European grape ; the Traminer ; but if it is the plant has become so well acclimated as to produce fine crops with open culture on American soil. The plants cost a good deal, some $2 or $3 ; but the other grape plants we have named, can be bought at most of the nurseries at fair prices. In a few years there will be scarcely found a garden or farm in this country, destitute of grape vines. They are easily cared for, and yield much valuable fruit. We know an in- dividual in this city, who from some young vines, (and who loved money better than he loved his excellent Isabellas,) sold eight dollars worth of fruit — and at half the usual prices. -••»- Dull Times. Merchants complain that business is dull. How can it be otlierwise, when farmers have little to buy with, and when they have been sufficiently scorched not to go upon trust, if they would. Had the same economy been practised for the last three years, the country would not be in the condition that it now is. We counsel economy, as far as possible. Live on the products of your farm. Have Farmers Fears that Iheir Stoek and Feed y^iW be Short ? This should be thought of in time. There are ways for making a small amount of feed for stock go far. We repeat, this should be thouglit of in time. The commencement of saving should be at the ctmimoncement of feeding. Corn and grains fed to stock, will go one third further, if ground, than if not ground ! Think of that. You can thus save or add to your means essentially for keeping your stock by griuuing your grain. Again, you can make your fodder, your hay aud straw, go much further by cutting than by feeding it without cutting. Have your cuttiug^ boxes in order ? The old fashioned one can be made to work well, and will cost you but little. ««» . Awarding Committees. These are essential to the carrying on of fairs. It is all important that members un- derstand their duties. These do not extend further in awarding premiums than the pre- miums ofiered ; when they are about award- ing premiums they should see what premi- ums they are authorised to give, and they should award no more, and thus save exhib- itors and officers of societies, great vexation. «*» SoRoiio Syrup. — Mr. Goltra, at his Sugar Mill, near Lincoln, is turning off forty gallons of excellent syrup, per day. He in- tends to go into the business largely, next year. Fall Plowing. The ground was never in better order for plowing. Why are not the plows going for spting crops — spring wheat, flax, spring bar- ley, oats and corn! Why not take time by the forelock ? Why should we see the boys and men sunning themselves by the stable, barn, house, when such an opportunity for bene- fiting themselves is presented ? D«./n't we know that nine times out of ten, we have much weather in spring unfavorable for plowing ? Don't all know that plowing in the fall, kills many weeds, many insects, and secures the ground in better order for spring sowing and planting, than it can possibly be when water follows the plow in the furrow ? We repeat, perhaps for the twentieth time, that the best crops of spring wheat and oats have been made from ground plowed in the fall. "Root Pits." Many farmers have not cellars, in which to save roots — beets, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, &c. They are compelled to put them in pits, for winter use. When this is required, the open field is the best place for a Root Pit. They need ventilation. A warm spot is sub- ject to too great and sudden changes, and in such places as the north side ot a building or piece of woods, the cold penetrates deeper than there is any need of. Dig a trench two feet deep, and four feet wide, throwing the earth equally on each side. Then fill in the roots — beets, carrots, or potatoes or cabbages. Fill to the surface of the ground, then pile them up as steep as they will lie. The an- gle of the two sides at the ridge should be a right angle. Cover them with two or three inches ol straw, and then throw the earth on, and spat it down hard with the shovel. Ouce in eight feet an opening shuuld be made in the ri .go, a haniiful or two of straw lo( sened up an.j pulled out ; a stake stuck in anu some long straw bound upon it so as to slied rain. ••» See to yuur Gardens. Now is the time to set out rose, goose- berry and currant plants, as well as all flowering shrubbery which starts early in the spring. Lawton Blackberries and Raspberriess hould now be planted out ; also strawberries, pie plants, flow- ering bulbs, Peonias and Lillies. You have more leisure to attend to these things now than you will have in the spring. On a very small space of ground you can raise all the small plants you need ; you can raise pie plant suflScient for all your wants — and besides have flowering shrubbery and Herbaceous flowering plants, to make your gardens beautiful — to attend to which will re- quire but little labor. J^ '.'rwy-:-:^ m^^f<. j«5'^-''-'^v? y^- :^:3m ■. THE ILLINOIS F^RMEH. 363 cattle. It is of a totally different fam- ily of plants from the cereals, and will flourish on sandy hill-sides which are barren for other grain. It is probably the most easily cultivated and the cheap- est bread grain the world. It is exten- sively cultivated in Belgium, and some parts of France, where it forms the basis of food for the inhabitants. Though its properties are very different from wheat, it is nevertheless, quite as rich in all important compounds, and in extremely cold weather it is more sub- stantial than wheat. It is, however, less digestible, and apt to disagree with Weak stomachs, or persons unaccustomed to it. By analysis, buckwheat is second to wheat in gluten, but deficient in starch. By the addition of one-fourth quantity of oat or Indian meal to buck- wheat flour, the bread is very much improved. —*~ Horses Stolen. Scarcely a week passes that we do not hear of horses stolen in this state. The thieves have their affairs well arranged — so well, that few horses are recovered. We call attention to the following circular, as proposing one means to find stolen horses. It may not in all cases prove successfu), but it would strike us as likely to be of essential service. We see that the Illinois Journal already contains notices of horses stolen. The papers containing these notices are found in every country town and leading village in the state, in less than a week. Persons who know of horses or mules about the country under suspicious circumstances, would do well to examnie the columns of the Illinois Journal. They might serve the owner by securing for him his stolen horses, and serve themselves by pocketing the reward offered for them. To the Farmers and others in Illinois who Icetp Horses : Within the last few months valuable horses have been stolen in different parts of this State. This has been managed so adroitly that every effort to recover them has failed. It is certain that there are located in most of our Counties men who are associated with Horse thieves, and who play into their hands. It is believed that these men point out the valuable horses, and suggest the mode of taking them. The horses are driven to their depots, iind ultimately into remote parts of our State, and other States. The evil is a great one. No valuable horse is safe from the horse thief. Our people arc subject to great losses. CAN ANY THING BE DONE TO ARREST THIS EVIL ? In answer to this question the undersigned would say that a plan has been repeatedly suggest- ed to him, and Avhich, properly carried out, promises to be of valuable service. No man doubts that our present estray law is an excellent one. Under the pro- visions of that law we are enabled to find most of our estray stock. Can we not, under a similar plan, find our Sto- len Horses ? The paper which publishes the estray notices is sent to every County Court clerk in the State, and he is required to file it for examination. It is manifest that a man who has his horse stolen, by giving a description and sending it to the publisher of the estray paper, can have the information sent to every coun- ty in the State within one week from the time the theft was made. Should a suspicious horse be seen, there are men enough who will take the description, go to the clerk's office, and see if he is not of stolen horses. A stolen horse would thus be likely to be taken up in any part of the State. These descriptions of sto- len horses could all be arranged under the head of "Horse Stolen.'' Shefife and Constables might readily possess information which would enable then* to arrest horse thieves and their stolen property. The cost of publishing such notice should only be one dollar, to be sent with the notice. This would be nothing to the time and money wasted in useless search. The plan for recovering stolen horses is practical, and likely to be successful. We recommend it to the owners of horses in Illinois, It has been urged upon me by gentlemen whom I respect, to issue a circular embracing these views. In obedience to their wishes, and my own judgment, I have done so. The same measures can be used in relation to stolen mules. Horses and mules taken from thieves may also be advertised in the same man- ner, and thus be restored to their own- ers. I have made inquiries of Messrs. Bailhache & Baker to ascertain if they will publish notices of stolen horses at one dollar each for two week, under a proper head, in the weekly State Journ- al, Avhich by law is required to be sent to every county clerk in the State. — They answer that they will do this. Such publication need take patronage from no local publisher of a newspaper in the State ; and I feel confident that their regard for the farmers and the public generally, who are suffering from professional horse thieves, will induce them to copy this circular, and give the plan suggested their entire concurrence. S. FRANCIS, Cor. Sec. 111. Slate Ag. Societv. having indeed The Tomb of Rachel. — The Hon. James Brooks, senior editor of the New York Express, writes to that journal from the Holy Land, as follows : — L'pon my return to Bethlehem I rode by the tomb of Rachel — a small building with a whitened dome, and having with- in it a high, oblong monument, built of brick and stuccoed over. The spot is wild and solitary — and not a tree spread its shades Avhere rests the beautiful mother of Israel. Christian, Jew and Moslem all agree that this is just the spot where Rachel was buried, and all unite in honoring it. The Turks arc anxious that their ashes may rest near hers, and hence their bodies have been strewn under tombs all around the sim- ple tomb of Rachel. The sweet domes- tic virtues of the wife have won their love and admiration, as the tomb of Absalom, near the brook of Kedron, their detestation ; upon the latter they throw a stone, to mark their horror of the dis- obedient son. while around the former, they wish, when they die, their bodies may be interred. Nor is this wonderful. The wife, worth fourteen years of service as shepherd, must have been a wife worth The whole life of Rachel is, , one of the most touching in Bib- lical history. The sweet shepherdess has left her mark upon the memory of man, as well as her tomb. The tribute to her is the tribute to a good wife, and Infidel, Jew and Christian all combine to pay it. The great women of the earth — ^^the Zenobias and the Cleopatras— have died, been buried, and their very place of burial been forgotten ; but to this day stands over the grave of Rachel, not the pillar Jacob set up, but a modern monu- ment in its place, around which pilgrims from every land under the sun gather, in respect and reverence for the faithful wife and good mother in Israel. 4«» Benefits of Agricaitural Fairs. The principle of association — the practice of bringing men together bent on the same general object, pursuing the same general end, uniting their intellectual and their phy- ical efforts to that purpose, is a great im- provement in the present age. And it has become essential to the best interests of the farmers of the Commonwealth, that these annual fairs .should be established, and that they should be universally attended. From the nieetln 12 00 Si-nd, 37 )/^ buiihelHHt25ceHtti „ W8 75 HarvtBtiug aud putting iu sbucliH U7 50 $192 75 Cost of threshing and getting to market, 18 cents per bushel. With wheat selling at 75 cents per bushel, it would require 13^ bushels to the acre to pay expenses. Dressing for Roast Fowls. — Spread pieces of stale but tender wheaten bread liberally with butter, and season rather high with salt and pepper, working them into the butter; then dip the bread in wine, and use it in as large pieces as is convenient to stuff the bird. The delici- ous flavor which the wine gives is very penetrating, and it gives the fowl a ricli gamey character, which is very pleasant. The Illinois Farmer. We shall soon enter upon the 5th volume of the Illinois Farmer. We are anxious to greatly extend the subscription of this paper. This can be done by a small effort on the part of those who are now subscribers. We ask them to make this effort. We believe that in doing this they will subserve the in- terest of our great agricultural community as well as our own. No farmer ought to be without an agricultural periodical. The price of ours is so low, that every farmer can have it. Will farmers, to save the sum of 75 cents, deprive their families of an agri- cultural periodical ? The produce of a sin- gle fowl, will pay for it. We give below a prospectus issued two months since. We ask our readers to ex- amine it, and to do what they can to receive subscriptions. They will lay us under obli- gations in doing so. The main object the editor of this paper has in bestowing his labor upon it, is to advance the interests of the profession with the success of which he is identified. TUB ILLINOIS FARMER On the first of January, 1860, The Illinois Farmer will have been published four years. In presenting the pros- pectus for the fifth volume, we will say- that it will be continued in its present form, be published on the first of each month, and will, as formerly, be devoted to the interests of the farmers of Illi- nois, aiming to treat all matters which come under its notice in a plan and com- prehensive manner, so as to be entirely understood by all its readers. The ex- perience of the past will enable us to improve The Farmer ', and we trust will also render it worthy of the continued patronage of the farmers of our State. The Farmer, being published butonce a month, does not come into competition | with other Agricultural publications of ■ Illinois ; and the same facts requires that it be exclusively occupied with I matters pertaining to Agriculture and Domestic Ec>jnom3\ The small price of the publication will enable every farmer to procure it, and no farmer, at this day, can afford to carry on liis business without one or more of the Agricultural Papers. In clubs or packages it is sent to sub- scribers at a very low price, and but little above its cost. With a very little effort our friends can get up large pack- ages in most neighborhoods and can in this manner be essential service to them and to us. Latterly, the Illinois Farmer has been extensively awarded as premiums AT COUNTY FAIRS. We suggcst to officcrs of Agricultural Societies the more ex- tensive use of Agricultural Papers for this purpose. It is obvious that this disposition of them (scattering them, perhaps, where they will not otherwise go,) will be of more real service to the pe*^ pie as premiums, than any other which may be awarded them. The sub- ject is worthy of the serious considera- tion of those gentlemen who do the labor of the County Agricultural Societies. — The price of the Illinois Farmer, in large numbers, is so low as to make this suggestion of importance to Agricultural Societies, also, as a pecuniary measure. We invite our agricultural friends throughout the State to interest them- selves for us in behalf of our next vol- ume ; and we promise on our part to do our best to promote an interest to which our life is devoted. As heretofore The Farmer will be un- der the editorial control of S. Francis, Esq., Corresponding Secretary of the State Agricultural Society, and being published at Springfield, the center of the State, is well adapted for general circulation and usefulness. Each number contains forty- eight columns of reading matter, including the market reports, etc. It is printed with clear type on fine white paper, and will make a neat volume for binding. TERMS: 0u«i copy one year in alvauce $1 00 Five cupiee " •• 3 75 Ten '• " " 7 50 [And one to the person K^ttiu^ up the < lub.j Fiftf>-n copii'S and over, i'i]/^ cts. each, and uuti to tlie perBou gc-tti k up the club. Cc uuiy Agricultural iucietiea supplied at 62)^ ctg. per copy. Specimen copies furnished on appli- cation. Address : The Illinois Farmer, Spring^eld Illinois. '— — — Boiling Potatoes. — The Irish method of boiling potatoes, for obvious reasons, ought to be as good as any. Here is the practice adopted by many of that ilk, and not a few besides: Clean wash the potatoes and leave the skin on; then bring the water to a boil and throw them in. As soon as boiled soft enough for a fork to be easily through them, dash some cold water into the pot, let the potatoes remain two minutes, and then pour off the water. This done, half remove the pot lid, and let the pota- toes remain over a slow fire till the steam is evaporated; then peel and set them on the table in an open dish. Po- tatoes of a good kind thus cooked, will always be sweet, dry and mealy. A covered dish is bad for potatoes, as it keeps the steam in, and makes them soft and watery. «•• To Remove Freckles. — The best prep- aration to remove freckles, which are so common at this season, is a teaspoonful of cold, sour milk, and a small quantity of scra- ped horse ra^lish. Let it stand from nine to twelve hours, then use it to wash the parts affected two or three times a day. An- other mixture of a h.ilfa drachm of ammonia, two drachms of lavender water, and half a pP^^.- ,-^V'^VK^f^ ^'^^' -:: ;» J", -^^^^r'^p^g THE ILLINOIS FA.R1MEII. 365 pint of distilled water. Use it with a sponge two or three times a day. A still simpler composition is a quarter of a drachm of bo- rax, half a drachm of sugar, and one ounce of lemon juice. Mix and let it stand for a few days, and then rub it on occasionally. •• How a Chick is Hatched. In conversation with Judge Butler, of Norwulk, a few days since, he explained the operation of the hatching process, which is so beautiful and philosophical, that as we have never seen it explained in books, we repeat it to our readers. The chick within the egg breathes through the shell; in the silky mem- brane lining of the shell the blood circu- lates, and is thus brought in contact with outer air. The head of the chick is in a position as if it had been brought round under the wing and over on the back — a little one side of course — in such a position that the least muscular exertion will press the beak against the shell, and about in the middle, and when any vio- lent struggle is made, it will break a little hole in the shell. Now this little movement of the head, perhapa an eighth of an inch forward, turns the chick in the shell so that when the head is drawn back into its normal position, it is brought against another portion of the shell. The next struggle breaks a a fresh hole, and so on, each struggle making a new opening in the shell. These struggles, as the chick gains strength from breathing the fresh air, become more frequent. Finally, in the course of half a day perhaps, as it goes on turning itself in its shell, the little blood vessels which originally formed a connection between the chick and the lining membrane of the shell, are drawn so tight as to prevent circula- tion, or are twisted off, ard when holes have been punctured and the shell crack- ed about two-thirds around, the shell falls apart and the young chanticleer steps ont into a new world. Occasionally the lining membrane of the egg is so tough that the shell parts from it, and leaves it unbroken, except in the little holes described, and so if not seen in time the chick dies; a pair of scissors will effect a liberation. It is dangerous to attempt to take a chick from the egg before it has, as will be evinced by the cracked shell, turned itself nearly or quite two- thirds round; < otherwise the blood vessels spoken of will be broken, and the chick either bleed to death or be long in recovering. The whole process may be watched if the egg be kept warm in the hand, and observed as its struggles call attention to it. This will not interfere with read- ing or writing, and is instructive and in- teresting.— Homestead. To Cook till very tender; cut them in cross pieces, put them in a sauce-pan with a teacup of cream, a small piece of butter, salt and a little cayenne pepper, and send to the table hot. —>- Carrots. — Boil carrots lice on Fowls. A subscriber wishes to be informed how to exterminate the vermin that frequently in- fect hens and hen roosts, and &c. Preven- tion when practicable is always better than cure. Strict cleanliness about the roosts and nests, will always prevent hens from becom- ing lousy. The droppings under the hens should be removed frequently, the nests of- ten renewed, and air-slacked lime and ashes scattered around the floors and roosts. Boxes of dry ashes and lime sheuld always be kept under or over where the fowls can have con- stant access to them, that they may wallow in at pleasure. With these precautions fowls that are free from vermin will never be infested. But where they have become lojsy the roosts should he thoroughly swept and cleaned, the straw and litter from the nests entirely Removed, and the wood work and roost poles of the house whitewashed with fresh slacked lime, into which a quan- tity of sulphur or tobacco has been mixed. A day or two before this operation the fowls should be fed with coarse cornmeal wet with milk or water into which a quantity of sul- phur has been mixed. Feed with this sev- eral days, it may then be omitted for a few days, and repeated again at intervals of three or four drys, and continued in this way until all the nits have hatched, when the insects will drop off and leave the fowls. Thorough cleanliness after this will generally extermi- nate them. Fowls are always poor and un- thrifty, and setting hens are seldom success- ful in hatching their eggs when annoyed with vermin ; a little care is all that is necessary to prevent it. «» The best Mode of Preserving Eggs — Remarkable Preservation of Vi- tality IN Eggs. — The most simple and successful method of preserving eggs for fall and winter use is to employ a pint of lime and a pint of salt, mixed with a bucket of water, and after packing the eggs in ajar or keg, with the small end downwards, in successive layers, then carefully turn in the mixture until the eggs are covered. In our travels in Kentucky we stop- ped at a place where probably the larg- est number of fowls are kept in the State, and we were shown some small chickens that were hatched from eggs that were packed in August (1858,) and preserved according to the above directions. Six of the eggs thus pre- served were marked and placed under a hen, together with eight fresh laid ones. Every egg but one hatched, which was one of the marked ones. The fact was so remarkable that it led to doubts in the minds of some of the family, wheth- er there must not have been some mis- take in the matter, when the female, who had the chickens in charge, and who had raised the present season about one thousand, repeated the trial, taking eight eggs from the same keg near the lower tier, and placed them under a hen with no other eggs : in due time five of these eggs hatched out strong and heal- thy chickens ; a sixth egg was thrown out of the nest and was broken, when it was discovered that it contained a live chick. Thus it will be seen that eggs by this method can not only be preserv- ed from eight to nine months perfectlj fresh, but that the living principle can be retained and the eggs Latched. These eggs were put into a keg or half barrel and headed up so as to be nearly or quite air tight, and then placed in a cool cellar, where they remained all winter. The fresh, natural appearance of the eggs, when broken to be cooked, le-l to the idea of testing their vitalitj bj an effort to hatch them. ." ■ ■ — «•*— . ' Tbe Market for Grain. The United States Economist has a very in- teresting article under the abuve beading, from which we extract the following : The return to high duties on grain in France has beeo regarded as an abnegation ot the free trade system that the Emperor was eupposed to favor The Corn lawa were euspended in 1849, and during ten years the trade bae beea comparatively free, but the crops have nut been good. Last winter, after the crops of 1858 had beeti ascertained to be aburidaot, the Emperor resolved on the Italian campaign, and as the protectiotiiscs had clamored f i r a restoration of duties, and it was important to conciiiaie all parties on the eve of a war, the duties were restored, but this time— when the orupe are good — they are virtually inoperative. The duties, however, are bjth import and export. — 'ibe frontier departments are divided into four classes, wliich are, in turn, for commerce, divi- ded into sections, and every gectioo has certain towns, designated 88 regulating markets. In all thi se markets the autfa rities publish moDth- Ij the average price of every kind of grain, and the duty, b>>(h fur ex., ortation and import tation, is proportioned to this average, with the fixed purpose of preventing expjrtation, except when grain is plenty, and shutting out imports except whan it is scarce, the export duty rifiing faster than the price of gram, and the import duty rising as grain declines. The effect has been to stjp the milling trade in the Northern departments whence flturwas sent to England in competition with American fluur. The superior nkill, or other causes, enabled the French millers to take ordinary qualities of English Wheat, and produce a superior Flour, that found a large marke in England. Thii trade will now pr>b:ibly underj^o some modifi- cition The result of the harvest in Great Britain this year is that the quantity in Eng- land. Scotland ard Wales is a full averag'e. — The yield in France is said to be less than ]a^t season. Germany and Russia have fair aver- aire cmps. The question then is, what will England want? To solve this question, we have only to compare what she has required for the last few years as shown by official re- ports. HIPOETS INTO GRXAT BRnAra. Other Total Wheat. Floor. grain. all grain. Qra. Cwt. Qrs Qrg. 4.915,430 4,621.586 3 937,275 10 173,136 -3 431-2a7 3 646 605 3,43 ,46a 7.»00,£44 .2.667.702 1,904,224 3,067.047 6.278,313 4.073.833 3.970.100 4,132.78 9,3;J9 428 .3.437.957 2,178148 6,108 895 9.16U.1K9 18^8 4.41.119 3,8..6..27 6,877,702 11.27'i 262 1859-7 mon«b8...2,580,681 2,623,091 .......„.„.; In the fiice of tailing prices in England, thg 18.53....... 1804 1855 1X56 1867 366 the: illijstois f^^rjnier. imports have continued lar^e, mosily fro n Frjince, while the quiiritity of old wheat in the hnnds of Eoji^lish f;irmcrH in the Insc week \r. August is put at 24,000 000 bushels. The im- ports into Grs'it Crituiu during fbe tir^^t 7 months of t in yenr wore 1,029,788 bueh-ls wheat, nnd 2.409,870 bbls flour from Frnnco, and only 3,228 bushels wheat, and 24,863 bbl- floor from the United States, showing that France and the United States have changed positions since last year, w^en t'.ie Umtod States sent to England 392,831 buHdels wheat and 1.338 792 bbie fl mr, and Frnnco only 498,958 bushels wheat nnd 173,031 bMs tluur. The importations from Franco, h wover, have been Irtrge lately, under the anticipation of the operation of the tariff in Septeoi'^er. The powitiou of affairs iu England is about as follows : First, Full avenigo crops in quantity. Second, Full average spring crops, beans, bar- ley, oats, etc. Third. On hand 3,000,000 quar- ters whnat. Fourth, Usual stock in warehou-ic. Fifth, Nine years' average of wheat, 54.^ 5d ^i qr. Sixth, Since January, average of whoiit. 43d 5d '^ qr. Sevo/ith, pirescnt priiio of wheat, 44^ Id fi qr. It follows, that the English sup- ply is such that she will require little from France. The croi 8 rf the oiintinont now, be- eides France, are good, ani 5,000,000 quartert^ may be obtained for the coming; y^ar, without aid from the United States, notwithstanding the low prices of transportation. The abun- dance of food is a good augury for the gonera! improvament of the commercial interest^ of the world, if it is not directly propitious for the food sellers. ••• Gutta Pcrclia. In its crude state, Gutta Percha has no resemblance whatever to India Kubber, nor are its cheuiical or mechanical properties the same, nor does the tree from which it is tak- en belong to the same family of trees, or grow in the same soil; yet, frota the fact that it can be dissolved, and wrought into water-proof wares, many, not informed upon the subject, have inclined to the belief that the two materials are identically, or very nearly the same. But nothing could be more erroneous, as may be seen by the fol- lowing comparisons : Gutta Percha is produced from the Ison- andra or Gutta tree ; is a sap of a brownish color which, when exposed to the air, soon solidifies, and forms the Gutta Percha of commerce. It is a fibrous material, much resembling the inner coat of white oak bark, is extremely tenacious, and without elastic- ity or much flexibility ; may be melted and cooled any number of times without injury for further manufacture ; is not injured by coming iu contact with grease or other fatty substances ; resists the action of sulphuric, muriatic, and nearly every other acid ; is a non-conductor of electricity, as well as heat and cold. When exposed to boiling water it contracts and becomes soft like dough, when it may be moulded into any desirable shape, which it will retain when cool ; has an exceedingly fine oily grain, and is not an absorbent, but a perfect repellant of water. India Ilubbcr, or Caoutchouc, is produced from a milk white sap, taken chiefly from the Soephoca Cahuca tree, W'hich soon coag- ulates, when the whey is pressed out, or dried off by heat — the residue is the India llubber of commerce. It is of a soft gum- my nature, not very tenacious and astonish- ingly elastic. ^\hen reduced to a liquid by heat it appears like tar, and is unfit for fur- ther manufacture. By coming in contact with grease or other fatty substances it is soon decomposed, and ruined for further use. If brought in contact with sulphuric, muri- atic, and other acids it soon chars it. It is a conductor of heatj cold and electricity ; exposed to the action of boiling water does loose its elastic properties, increases in bulk and cannot be moulded; is not a perfect repellant of water, but more or less absorb- ent. The term " vulcanized " is applied to fabrics of Gutta Percha or India Rubber, which have been cured or tanned, by sub- mitting them to a high degree or artificial heat; the object being to change the nature of the gum so it will not afterwards be afi'ect- ( d by heat and cold. Gutta Percha is vulcanized for the pur- pose of giving it elasticity and pliability, and is entirely free from unpleasant odor; will not decompose and become sticky under any circumstances. AVhcn exposed to fric- tion it wears away dry; is still a nonconduct- or, and by vulcanization is not injured in its incompjirable repellant properties. India llubber is vulcanized to reduce its elasticity, and give it more firmness than is natural to the crude material. Our readers are referred to the advertise- ment of the Gutta Percha Manufacturing Company. •••^ — ■ Inskcts as Sken in the Microscope. — Tbe wi)igs of insects are very interesting objects, both to look at unassisted, and with the microscope. The wings of the horse fly are found to be covered with minute stiff short hairs; tl;c black net- work of lines that we see in them are elastic honey tubes, over which the membrane is stretched like the silk of an umbrella over its ribs. Bees have a very curious mode of strengthening their flight, in the shape of hooks and correspond- ing doublings on the edges of their wings, su that when they are flying these are kept expanded by even extra aids to the elastic ribs and tightened membrane. Who would have thought of a bee hooking and eyein"' himself out in that manner ! All sorts of theories have held ground successively, re- specting the feet of flies. First they were suckers, and they walked by means of ex- haustion and atmospheric pressure; then they were grappling irons, and they hooked thomgelves to microscopic inequalities by means of invisible hooks; then they were glue-pots and exuded a natural gum, which gummed the insect at every step ; now we believe they are assumed to be all three : claws, or spines, to hook ; pads, or cushions, to preserve them from abrasion (these pads were the original suckers ;) hairlets as suck- ing disks, that exude a certain moisture. All these hypotheses are found to be true, as always happens in cases when truth un- rolls itself in sections. The scales on the wings of insects are a world in themselves. The little bristle tail which leaves a thick dust on your finger, though touched ever so lightly, loaves in that dust a mass of metallic scales of all shapes. Oval, heart-shaped, round, elliptic, long and narrow, shovel-shaped, they lie un- der the microscope like a collection of fairy toys, ail made out of gems. The sugar-louse has oval or shovel-shaped scales, set on to a stalk and arranged like a fan : the five plume moth of the summer meadow has them willow-leaved in shape, sometimes singly pointed, but generally noticed with two, three or four notches ; the six-spot buruet moth has them lustrous but opaque ; the blue butterfly, shaped like a battledore; the huff-tipped moth has large scales like a fan , the magnificent emperor has them tri- angular; while some have them fringed, some pear-shaped, and others corrugated, but all overlapping each other, or tiled. The diamond beetle is the most splendid fellow of the lot. He has a row of precious stones in his flat transparent scales that irradiate the whole field with their gleaming glory. Those precious stones are set on to broad bands of black velvet, velvet and jewels alternating in stripes in the most regal and enchanting man- ner. Few objects are so beautiful as the scales of the diamond beetle, with their royal richness and burning glory. ■ ■'** Preserving Squashes. — It is presumed that the squashes have been gathered ere this, and put in a cool, dry place, where they have the heat of the sun during the day, and are protected from frost at night. When freezing weather approaches they should be removed to a room having a dry atmosphere, and at a temperate warmth. A room above the kitchen is not a bad place in most in- stances. Great care should be observed in handling, as a very slight injury inflicted may cause the speedy decay of the whole fruit. There is no conceivable reason why every farmer in the country should not enjoy the luxury of superior squash pies during the whole winter, ani, if he raises enough, they may grace his^ table in March or April. A proper regard of these precautions will M'ithout doubt secure so desirable an end. Linseed Cake for Heifers before Calving. — C. S. Flint, in his new and val- uable work. Milch cows and Dairy Farming, says that heifers fed with a little linseed cake, in addition to their other fodder, for three months before calving, acquire a larger development of the milk vessels, and yield more milk afterward than others fed as usu- al. He thinks cotton-seed cake would ans- wer equally as well. <•» Barrels for Fruit. — Everything in contact with fruit should be clean and sweet, and the vessel in which it is placed should be dry and tight. Old flour barrels should not be used unless well washed and dried, as the particles of flour will mould and im- part to the fruit an unpleasant odor and flavor. Old lime barrels, it is said, are ex- cellent for this purpose — the lime absorbing the vapor and gases. If this is so, a little fresh slacked linie scattered on the bottom, sides and top of the barrel, would be bene- ficial. ' .•• Preserving Dahlia Koots. — Take up the roots on a dry day, after the tops have been killed by frost. Let them remain ex- posed to the sun and air till quite dry. All the soil should be taken ofT them. When quite dry, put them on a shelf in the cellar; or in a box or barrel of dry sand. The name of the variety should be written on a wooden label, and attached to the root with wire. •:T^^r?y^^i^iiTr' '-ifig^-T v---^.: THE ILLINOIS FA.IIMER. 367 COMMtlKJlAL. S»prliigfiel«l Market— Cct. 20. WHK 4T- 75c(a 90c -^, bu; FLUUli— $4®*! 00 ^ brl; COUN—New, 25c -f, bu; CORN M K A L— 50c ?, bu; OATS— 25c(£30c iibu; BEANS— {1®! 26 ^bu; BRAN— 10c ^t^bu; SIIORTS— li)C i* bu; TIMOTHY s'D— Jl 60tol 75; IIUNOAHIAN Gr S'd-none. MIl.LEf— Nine; CLOVKK— $fi oOCcCiT "f* bu; r OTATOKt^- NfW, 3U(3!40c; HAY— J;6@$8 ^ ton; TALLOW— 8J^fe9c 5pJb; SOAP— bar, 4 to 6c ii lb; CANDLKS— l^J^cftbox: PICKLKD l"K-f8@10 ¥* TOO , BACON— baniB 12 to 18c f, K); CniCKKNS— $1 50@j;l 75; BUCKVVUEAT— 5JC ^ bn; BACON -8irU-fc i2>^c ^, R) KQa.>;-8^10cfidoz; LARU-12c^,tt>; ^UQAR— 8c(g)10f*fi); COFFEE— 13c@15c fi R); MOLASSK?— 45c@60c^ gal SALT— $1 75^t*.-k; -ALT— $1 90 ft brl; M ACKERRL— 12, @13c No 1; COL FISH— $6 50 ^ 100 fts ; APPLES— dried; $v! fOfibu; W(iOD-$3@f4 I'O ^ cord; COAL— 12c ft) hn: Wlll.-KY— 27@'30c ^gal; VlNEGAl;— 10c figal; URdOMS— tl fi(i@2 60 ^ doz; BL'T I Eh— 16^2^2'. c %< ft IIlbES— Dry, be-t. 10(n'12c. HIDES— Green, 5(a!6^^c; APPLKS— green; 4( /dTo"; FEATUKUs- 35@40c ^ft; -«•»- WEEKLY REVIEW OF ST. LOUIS MARKET—GOT. 22. Receipt* of wh^at this week hHVe averaged over 10,000 B»cka a day; 62,667 sackR, or 125,384 bueheli this week. There has been no material cbaogt- in pries of thii stap-e, cumuiin spring to choice club selling at 80@S8c, and common to e&tra choice fall ranging all the way up to $1 12 ^;1 15. The market has been moderately firm, with large or »mall supply. The flour trade has been email thi^ week, under adt'cUn «g New ttrli ans market; no ruuud lota have bcc ■- reported, except 6C0 bblsciiy superfine oc Ihursday at $4 40,deliTer»d: this was offered ye8terd»y for a larger and choice lot. Corn has been in light supply; new beiDg dull at 3S(gj48c,andold ftt76(a,95c. Oats rece'pts were large thefi.-ft of tlie week, citU'-ing asliglit decline; but, with lig^bter rew ccipts since the pr ce has recovered— 46@49c. larleyhas bean in go d demand, particubuly the bttter qualitieH, at the same rates of la-t week — ;5@70cf r i-pring,HIid 76@80c for fall. Rye has improved also, choice sellldg at 78c- Whisky opened at ad>5Clineto26i-.oD Monday, 26c on Wednesday, and down to24V2C ^esteiday and today. Uay sales have been small, at 65^79c for common to cho'ce; vory grod at 7-(S;76c Tbe hide market has leen dull at 14c tor dry flint, and 7 for green salted Provi-'ions have sold in but small quantities — afawi rdersformesspo kat$14 25; a fewsalesof shoulders looce and packed at 8c, and loose clear sides at 11-^c, and packed at 12c; ribbed sides 10c, and lard U^c Groceries are dull, though improving, with storks of Bou.e 2 000 hhds sugar now in Istaud 21 bands, which cells at 6J/^@7c — a lot tf choice refined, 8> Id to day ut7c.aud8ome fully fair at C%. Coffee ranges from 12 to 12)^0 Rice 6i<^c. MoJasseB dull— 30 to 42c. O. A. salt $1 30 to gl 35. HN CHICAGO MAKKET— OCT. 24. The wheat market today was murh excited and buoyant, with an advance of 5@0c on spring gradis, but closed weak, with a downward tendency ^t the opening buyers were paying fe7@87J/^c fur No 2 spring, when the Anglo axon was telegraphed with Liverpool dates to the 12th, after which iho mat ket became buoyant and r«-ach( d 90o for No 2 and 92c for No I. But when the New Yolk news wn received with an advance of 15@20c in flour, quite an exciti'ment took place, during which 9oc was paid for No 2 Btd 95c for No I. — Later iatelljgoiice fiOHi Nt'W York, however, was not ho fa- vcrable, and iho market felt back to 91c for No 2 and 93o for No 1, at which ic closes quiet. There wag a good f^niiHud for winter grades, but the supply ia very limited and but few sales took place. Thero were increased offerings of Club wheat, and the market was more active — Home lots being sold as high as 98(a)$l . The day'n transactions foot up ab ut 100,000 tmsh- els, atJlU for No. 1 white: 100@I.S0 for No. lred:93@ 94c for No. 2 rvd: 93®f 1 00 f jr Clnb and extra Club: S9\^-m 95o for No. 1 spring; b7@93o for No 2 spring: and 86@86c fur njected. Flour wai uioro ac'ive, Kud also advanced 10 @12J/;Jc on spriiie trades. Upward!* ol 3.0U0 barrels cljangcd haudriat $4 40@4 62}/^ for fair to olioice Ki)ilug extra^;; 3 8('@ 3.S7^ Jr. r spring sup r; and $4 30(a5.2.T for w^nterextraf. New corn was iu better demaud and advauced 3@' NEW YORK CATTIE MARKET— OCT. 26. Bf^cf Ca^le — V. ith continued moderate receipts the demand wai m^re active, and prices of nearly all kind.s advanced J/^c ft lb The off.-rings were of a good average quality, and butclin ers bought freely, both yesterday and to-day. at the enhanced rates. ThTe were on sale at Allerion's 2,800 head and at all the yards 6.088 head, against 4,148 lastwtek, fchowingado- creasn of about 1000 head to which the advance may be at>* tributed. Nearly all of th« bent ufferings were take-i on Tuesday at from 9J/^@I0J^c it which holders were firm today Atihe Bergen Hill )ards tnero were sold on Monday 1,.3G0 head, mntiing a total ol4.9.'>3 head. The following States were represented in the stock at Allerton's: New York 1,378; Pennsylvania 33; Ohio 778; Illinois 268; Kentucky 106; New Jersey JO; .Michigan 131; Canada 35. U will be sees that the number fiom Illinois is unusually small, occasioned by the withdrawal of the Alexander's from the market. QCoTATinss. The following are the prices at which stock was sold : BSJkF CATTLE. Firs' quality, ^, 100 fts $10 00@10 50 Ordinary to good 8 f.0@ 9 75 Common 7 50ra' 8 25 Inferior 6 5o@ 7 00 Milch Cows. — A good demand prevailed for all milch cowa of a desirable quality, and the offerings were clearei off at re- munerative prices . Veal Calves —The market has presen ted a moderately lively aspect during the entire p eek; aiid all the marketable offer- ings have found ready sate at full previous prices. There were quite a number of extia veals on sale whch brought fully 7c ^ ft. and iu some instances even higher prices. The bHik of the sales are at 5J^c@6}^c, however, and only the best bring higher than the latter pr'ce Sheep and Lambs — Notwithstanding thereceipts continue he'ivy, the d> maud continues nnnsualiy active, and prices paid during the week show asligtt improvement prevailing over those on last Wednesday though we do not changeour quotations. .Swine — A fair demand picvniled, and last week's prices were fully sustained. The receipts are 5,140 bead, against about 6,000 head l8ist week, and prices have langod from b]/^ to 6}^c, the latter for corn fed. KECAPITnLATION. The total receipts of all stock at a. I the yards for the week and last week, were as follows: Beeves. Cows Calvo". Sli'p * L This week 3 053 195 586 15,615 Last week 4,143 V22 805 18,(356 Tk» following droves from 11 inoii wpre at this market: J Packer 69, Beach & Bray 18, W Florence TO, Capt Vail 17, O Ellis 64, Woodruff & Dudley. «•• THE POliK TRADK. The hoB market has grown i-uddei.ly inanirante and dull at Loui->ville- All offers at $4fi hundred gross have beet.' withdrawn, and buyers are to miike no more contracts at that figure. Sellers, howevet, have offered none at Iowa er rates. In Cincinnati there is also little disposition to invest at present prices iu odvaiiro of the season. A sale cf 21 0 Iliad, howe er, was made at $5 50 for delivery on the 15th of No- vember. The Commercial ea.vs of th» provisiouK: There is probably a little better tone In the provision market, and holders are less willing to sell at the last quo- fed figures tor bacoq, though buyers say that plenty may be had There were reporud sales of 'MO bbis mes.f pork last evening at $13 50. and .'lOObbls at $13 7ft; lOOOhhds b%- cou sides at 9»/^- Wc leard also of a sales of 200 hhds bacon Sides at 9J^ The ludianapolis Jovrral < f Thursday says: Contracts for bogs have been made in J.onsiville at $3 grOPS. Th» sanie prices prevail at Lafayette and Tincennes. There i.i but little dispcsition on the part of holders to sell ut these figures, as the indications ehow a not very large surplus of pork in the county. The only hog rals ing S'ate showing an increase in ijumbers is Kentucky, while the crop in Illinois, 'ndiana and Ohio will not be to large as it was in 1858 The season for pack ng will open about the middle of November. The rates offered in this cit for hogs are about the same as the figures we have given for otiier paces. Great Me auction to Cluhs, AMERICAN A 8URE CURE FOB Strains, Cuts, Old Sores, Pain*, Rheumatism, White Swell" iugs, Milk Leg, Sore Breasts, Colic, Diarrhea*, Dysentery, Cholera, Cholera Morbus, or any pain inwardly. In these cases it has never been known to fail. If :•.■ ■ applied in time will cure felons. Ato will cnre Strains or Bruises on IIorseB. Wind Galls, En- largement of the Limbs, Sweeney, Fi^ituia, Kod if taken in time, will cure Pole Evil. Given internal- ly for the Botts \. or Colic. ; ' . BTJBSCKIBE WOW FOR THE ILLINOIS STATE JOURNAL A reliable vevspaper and a faithful advoeate of Ecpvbli- canprinciplr^puhlsh'id at .-pri.,fffield, lUinois, by Bailhache | benies, Lawton Blackberry, Strawberiies, Rbn> barb, or Pie flantj Ac. 3.000 SILVER-LEAVED MAPLE. Th n which a handsome Shade Tree cannot be found. — They arc eii^htto te!» teet I igb, ofthrilty growth, and to be had for ten dollars a hundred. tJf^We will Sell the «bo e named Trees and Plants as rea Bonable as they can be had at any respectable Nursery — dis- t nctly labeled, and carefully packed and delivered at the Nurseiy, or at the Railroad De|>ot. Wu desire aud shall aim to conduct onr business, in all respects, satisfactorily to those who favor us with their pat- ronage. We are permauf Dtly engaged in the business, and intend to make it to the interest of our friends to call on us.. JONATHAN HUOGINS. Woodburn, Macoupin County, Hlinois. Augl Mor Sale. 40.000 Standard Apple Trees, 6 to 7 feet, HOb.OOO OsageOrange PJanta, I and 2 years. 2iX»,000 Appl'Peedlings, 1 jear, (uti- is^rted,) Peach Pear. Cherry, Grape, Pie Plant. &c. Very Cheap at wholesale or reull, at the McLean connty Nursery, Bluominglon, lllinoiB. COLMAN 4 DRAKE. ti3B,Ten good Salesmen Wanted. oct6-2t Wheat nrills. BREAKINGING PLOWS. BROADCAST SOWERe. for sale by augl S- FRANCIS. 3G8 THE ILLINOIS F^HMER. DUNLAFS NURSERY. 40 ACRES IN TREES AN1> P1.ANTS. IN ESTABLISHING A NURSERY AT this pUce, we Imve done -o with a view ofmnking it a pernmnent buainesa We invite the prironage of thoB» who wish to I'ncvarngo home inc'mtry, aud hnvo » linslre to boantify their grounds and fill their orchard* with 8ucb plantH iind I'rnitsnH are adapted t uur Hoiland cliniiite; at the snme tim» we disol'tim any intention to miike war on thofie who j>nrrh»8»' of peddlers, or send ea-it for their anpplien, we art cent nt to wait, as we lo k to these personn to make in a valiiabiB clana of i utitomerH, at no distant day. The well cul'i"atud ground where their dead trees stand will lie in excellent condition to do ample Jastice to live healthy trees, to which we may point with p o isiire. Trees grow-i in New Y'lrk, «ith highly stimulating mannres, and heing protect- ed by snow in the winte. , can hardly he expected to Btand, unscathed, our changeable climate. It i-" our pride to give ' ur costomers satisfaction; this we intend to do on all occasions, as we can live by a fair and legitimate business. Apple Trees, 5 to 7 feet high, 20centReach " » " " " $16 per 100 " " 6 years old .26centseach Dwarf and Standard I'eHrs 50 " " " '• •• Cherry 50 « " Standard Plums 50 " " A General Stock of Evergreens Ornamental Trees and Plants. Catalogues had on applicati'ie. Conductors on the Illinois Central Railroad have directions to Irave pa-isengers at the Nursery, 3^ miles 8outh of Ur- b'tua, when re>|iiested before leaving the last station, when on time. Farmers and tre« planters ' f Central Illinois, will you encourage home industry? M. L. DUNliAP, Wtst Urjana, P. 0., Champagn Co., III. July 1, :859— tf. B. F. FOX, Wbolesale and Retail Dealer iu Hardware, IN ALL ITS VARIOUS BRANCHES, HAS NOW IN STOKE one of the larxest and liest assortments rf goods in liin lino ever oflTcred in this market. Importing many styk's of Kng- lish goo; h-«d from any Nursery in this State, the article will comefresh, in good ordi r, will be true to name, beft r and lowt-r than the trash often imported from foreign Nnraeries. mchl S. FRANCIS. Mauutactured by John Oere. S THE SEASON FOR FALL PLOWING ie at hand, the lubscriber would ask the attention of Farmers and others interested, to his larcu and superior stuck of Plows of all kinds, now in use in the West, consist- ing of Three «i/.e8of Improved Clippers, made from the best Cast- steel, and tinidhed in very superior manner; these , lows for rase of draft, and perfect plowing, have no equal in this State. Four sizos and<|nalitieR of the common form of old ground plows, made from Cast, Qerman and American Steel, which are equal to any plaw made after this style, Corn I'lows of two i|ualities. Double and xiiiKle Shovel I'lowB. Five Tooth Cultivators. U.trrowf, two styles, reveriiable, adjustable, and Qiddes Double Harrow. Ox Yokes of three sizes, finished in the best manner, and a very superior article Twelve and Fourteen in Kxtra Breakers, for breaking Prairie or other sod, with two and three horses — these are very superior breaking plows. Common breakers of every size and style, on hand, or made to order. The Michigan Double Plows. Of this I am making two sizes for thre > and four horses. This plow is adopted to breakio);. plowing stubble-land, or tiul>BuiliU(;: aud will do any kinds ol plowinx in the best manner. No plow has given such general satisfactien wherever it has been used, it should be more generally introduced for deep plowing and subsoilitg. All orders for plows either singly or by the dozen will re- ceive prompt atleiition Sept , 18.>8— 6 times. JOHN DEBRK. ig- All of said articles can be had on application to Francis k Uarrell, Springfield. Weisiterii l.and Office, T. ^Tmather. rOB TUS PURCHASE AND SAL-E OF CITY PRO- perty. Farms and Unimproved Liands, PAYMEXT OF TAA'EStJ, Collection ofClains. . Govcrntnent Ijands ENTERED WITH WAJiRAATS OB CASH IN ANT LAND DISTRICT IN ILLINOIS, IOWA, MISSOURI, MINNE'iOTA OB NEBRASKA. LAND WARRANTS BOUGHT AND SOLD. ^Office over N. 11. Ridgely's Bank, West side l^ublic Square^ iipringiield, Ills. B. B. LLOYD, D nn :]sr T I s T , OFFICE ox .NORTH FIFTH STREET, OVER J. RATDURVb. SPRXNGFI£LX>, TLTu, A DENTAL I'H.\CT1CK0KF1FTKEN YEAHSWARRANTS him in saying that all operations shall be carefully and neatly performed. He is in possession ot several premi- ums and diplomas awarded by the best institutes for the pro- motion of science and arts in the country. Teeth inserted, from one tooth to full sets, as substantial and handsome as can be had in any city of the United Mutes or Europe. Artificial palate plates inserted, supplying the want or loss of the palate, velum and would, so as to restore articulation. Refer to Prof. David Gilbert, Pennsylvania College of Med- icine, Philadelphia; Hon. J. S. Black, WashiuKton City; Rev. Dr. Harkoy, Illinois University; Drs. Helm, Kyan and Wal- lace: Messrs. Jacob Loose, J S. Condell, J. H. Gray, Fossel- man, Owen, Corneuu & Diller. JuneT, 1^5. EVGKGKtlFNS. ORDERS MAY BE LEFT WITH S. Francis for Evergreen Trees by the quantity, from the well known Nursery of Samuel Edwards, Bureau county, at the following ra'es : Balsam Firs, American Arbor VitSB, White Pine. White Sprure, six to ten iuches high, $5 per hundred aud $35 per thousand. The same variPties. from the woods, collected by Mr. Kd- waads' agents, who take them up in tbebeit possible manner, selecting trees carefully from •..|»eu exposures, packing at once in damp moss, at $15 per thousand aud $90 per ten thousand. Aiuerican Larch, two years In the Nursery at $10 per 1(100. KuH'pean .Mi nn tain Ahh, 6 feet high, |18 per lUU; 8 to 10 feet, r.i5 perlUO. Neifc Pine Strawberry plants at|3 60 per 1000; and Hybrid Scotch Rhubarb at $3 per UK) Orders for the articles may be left with mchl 8. FRANCIS. FRUIT AND ORNAIWENTAIi TREES SIIUABERY, &c. S FRANCIS, SPRINGFIELD, ILL. • will receive orders for all description of trees from tLi. DuPage County Xurseriea, L. Ellsworth & Co , proprietors. Tlieito trees are well Krown, healthy, and their genuimss is wiirranio.. Orders fir fall planting can be forwarded to tbeni at any time troni June till No.\emlH'r. CatnloKues will be furuisbed thotie who wish to purchase trees ajil shru<'raith, Henry I.ea. Ellas Hi bbard, F. A. Hoflmann, B. K. Hart, B. L. Kellexbekou, Treasurer. M. G. Atwood, P-icretary. John Atwood, Ass't Secretary. JoHX Blaisdsll, Gen'l A Kent. 49~ Application for insurance may lie made to tho Loca Agents, one or more of whom may l>e found in every county in tb« Htate. JAMES L HILL, Agent. janlO d3mw[y J. C. LAMB MAMUFACTURER OP STEAM ENCilNES AND MACHINERY OF ALL KINDS. CASTINGS OF IPON OR BRASS, HORSE PvlVTERS, STEEL CLIPPER PL0WS2 BALCONY RAILING AND FENCING, CaE Iron Frous, Wiudow Caps aud Sllla WATER WHEELS, GRIST AND SAW-IBILL GEARING, AND P RJilRM E rijOlVS, OF ALL SIZES. gpaiNaniU), Iu., June iu. J. BUNN, BANKER, AND DEALER IN EXCHANGE; BANK NDTiiS AND COIN, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS. <•• 49* Particular attention given to collections, and proceed promptly remitted at the current rate of exchange. R E R E K S To American Rx. Rank.N. York. . Drexel 4 Co , Philadelphia. Abrijl am Bell's Son* " 1 Ueorjie Smith & Co.; Chicago Hamilton Bank, lioston. ) L A. Beuoi et A Co., St. Lou Price, Converse & Co. New Orleans. A- / '■.^^' '.r^- 7 ■^: "^.(^f^l V; VOL. lY. SPRINGFIELD, DECEMBER, 1859. NO. 12. PUBLISHED MONTHLY, BT BAITHACliE « BAKER. JOURNAL OFFICE SPRINQFIELD, ILL <•» S. FRANCIS, Editor. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. One copy, one year, in advance ..m... .$1 00 Five copies, " " „ 3 75 Ten " and one to the person getting op clnb 7 5o Fifteen copibs and over 62^ cents each, andone to person getting up club. CABB BITES or ADVIRTIelNO : One dollar per sqaare of ten lines, each insertion. CONTENTS. Hedging „ _ „369 Sweet PotatoePie 373 ^DQlftD inOBl IrQiiB****** .,.••, ■•■••■••••■••■•••••••^••••••••••••■■•••••••■dTS Shiftless Tricks...... 374 Fall Plowing 374 Fowls _ .^376 Dot Cross Bans i 376 Heaves in Horses .j. ., 375 The last Farmer of the year ., „ 376 December 376 Fall Plowing 377 The Donble Michigan Plow as a Prairie Brealier 377 Orchard and Qarden 378 The Year 1859. > 378 The November Edition of the Farmer 379 Fawkes' Steam Plow 379 Annnal Meeting ef the Stat« Horticultural Society 379 Pratt's Ditcher ...........379 To the Farmers of Illinois .........379 Fairbank's Scales 379 Planting Bnlbs ,i^^^ 379 A.Dont Corn. ■■■•■•••*••■•■■••••••■••••*••«••• ■••■•■■•••••••«»«%«ii»«»«»«*««««JooU Raising Cattle on the Prairies '.i.. 380 Seed Saving .... — 3S1 Chester county Breed of Hogs .- .381 How io Detect Imperfect vision or Blindness in Hor8e8...3S2 Milk which does not yield Butter.....t,». 882 Propagation of the lilackberry .....> „.383 Markets. ., 383 ADVERTISEMENTS. A limited number of advertisements (of suit- able character) will be received. There is no better medium of commuDicatiDg with the agri- cultural classes than by putting an advertise- ment in uur oulumns. This is essentially the Farmers' paper, and is ciioulated extensively among the farms and nureeries of Central and Southern Illinois. a®"Letter8 on business tbould be directed to ''Publishers Illinois Farmer, Springfield, Illi- nois. HEDGING. ■ -^^^^^^^ ■-: This is an increasingly important sub- ject. No more doubt exists in regard to the excellence and durability of the Osage Orange as a Hedge Plant; and that it can bo grown into a good hedge — a per- fect protection against stock — is certain. The winter is the time for farmers to make calculations for the future. Farms must be fenced, — a vast deal of the cap- ital expended in farming is used in fenc- ing the land. How shall that be done in the cheapest and best manner? These are questions very properly to be con- sidered by farmers at this^ season of the year. ;/ f -.; // We again refer to Sedging. The fol- lowing article says about all that can be said on the subject. It is long — partic- ular— demonstrates the advantages of Hedge fences, and the proper mode of cultivating them. Let a farmer be guid- ed by this essay in growing hedge, and he has nothing to fear. ' ON HEDGE FENCE". Bt C. R. OVERKAJC, ^/'resident of tht State HoirUaiUurdl tociety, INTRODUCTION. ■; In making a prairie farm, it will be readily admitted that the most important item, and the one involving the heaviest outlay, is the erection of a secure and permanent fence, without which no man can be completely "lord of his own soil." The history of fencing is coeval with that of agriculture, the oldest of the ■arts. :■ . ;■; Anciently, men built cities, and sur- rounded them with huge fences or walls, to guard them against the ferocity of their neighbors; the most stupendous of which were the walls of Babylon, sixty miles in circuit, eighty-seven feet thick, and over three hundred feet high. Pow- erful nations have even been known to build fences on a vast scale, for the same purpose; for example, the Chinese wall, built to prevent the incursions of the Tartars, fifteen hundred miles long, twenty-four feet high, and of great thickness. Its cost must have been in- calculable, and yet, though it has with- stood the storms of two thousand years, this *'fence" did not prove eflfectual against the unruly Tartars. The races of mankind have so far progressed in peace and good order as to render such expensive fencing no longer necessary. On the other hand, the domestic ani- mals, 80 essential to the welfare of civil- ized man, require the same restraint they were subject to in the primitive ages of the world. And so, to the end of time, will the noble horse, the gentle kine, the flocks and herds, concomi- tants of civilization, require to be fenced in or out. We shall never consent to be without them, though their presence pre-supposes the perpetual necessity of fences to restrain them. Since then, it is settled that we must have fences, is becomes an important query to all con- cerned, what kind of fence will be the most expedient? In solving this ques- tion, tLree items are generally consider- ed: Ist — the availability of material. — 2d — the cost of construction, and 3d — the efficiency and permanence of the fence. Timber, stone and iron have been most commonly employed for the pur- pose in our country, but the first, in a great variety of forms, composes, per- haps, over nine-tenths of «4 the fences in the Union. So, in nearly all agricultural coun- tries, wooden fences are generally used, until that material becomes too scarce or too valuable for such uses, when recourse must be had to some other means. It appears that England was the first coun- try to adopt the expedient of live fenc- ing., and in no other part of the globe have hedges been brought to greater perfection. From time immemorial they have constituted the charm of the rural districts of England, where they form, not only the most effective and secure fences, but impart to the landscape a richness of finish which nothing else can equal. There they take great pride in their hedges, and bestow upon them v.* 370 THTi: ILLIIs3"OIS F^VRMEK. great labor and puins to keep thein in perfect sluip and condition. Long time must elapse before we can expect to see our go-ahead people exercise so much care and patience, merely to give a pleas- ing effect to the appearance of their hedges. For the present at least, we shall expect to see thera influenced only by considerations of utility and economy, in which view alone it is, the writer's aim to present the claims of live fencing, as an enterprise eminently adapted to our country, while at the same time it takes rank as a first class necessity. To be convinced that the non- inclosure systcn\ (advocated by a few,) will never obtain in a country like ours, we have only to take a glance at our rural population, with its great diversity of tests, senti- ments and conditions. Tlie fence, though an expensive item of husbandry, is indispensable; it there- fore behooves us to thoroughly canvass the various modes, and adopt the one that proves the most efficacious, the most complete aud durable barrier, while, at the same time, it involves the least cost in its construction and perpetuity. This ■\ve claim for the live fence; 1st — be- cause when properly made it forms the most complete and impassible barrier against all stock. 2d — the average cost of rearing the hedge, especially on the prairies, will bo. found to be far less than that of any sufficient wooden fence. 3d — the completed hedge will improve for years, and its benefit will insure to future generations, whilst the fence of dead wood in any form, is steadily de- caying and subject to prostration by the wind and destruction by fire, and at the best reqciires renewing every few years. The annual trimming of the former will prove a TOUch lighter tax than the con- stant repairs required by the latter. We can of course form but a vague estimate of the adv-antage to our whole country which might result from the general adoption of this plan of live fencing. The aggregate cost of the fences in any well settled prairie township, even would astonish any one not accustomed to think of it. One of the shrewdest calculators, (Dr. Pennington, of Sterling, ) has shown that if all the arable lands of Illi- nois, or say two-thirds of the State, were fenced into fields of convenient size, at the ordinary or average cost, it would require the enormous sum of ^140,000,- 000 ! Now, it is our settled conviction that at least one-half of this immense sum might be sa-ved in the first cost, by the adoption of the hedging system, while the saving in a scries of years would be incalculable. Nature has given us a soil of unsur- passed richne^js, and every condition necessary to growth of fences upon it. She has also furnished us with a material exactly suited to the purpose. Though thousands have failed with the Madura, I iVoni exDcrience and want of proper care, not a single instance has occurred within the writer's knowledge, in which a fail- ure has been the result of a fair trial. On the other band, many have suc- ceeded, and are now enjoying the secu- rity, satisfaction and delight resulting from their judicious efforts. "With them hedging is in high favor. Many testi- monials from such persons might be pro- duced to corroborate our assertions, but we will select only one, an extract from a letter of Mr. Henry J. Chase, one of the best practical uholesale farmers in the State. An inspection of his own extensive farm, os well as those belonging to Jubi- lee College, which he also superintends, convinces one that he does nothing "by halves." In fact he is just such a farm- er as Illinois has reason to be proud of. Robin's Nest, Oct. 13th, 1857. Dear Sir: — I am better pleased this year with the looks of our hedges than ever. There are hundreds of miles in this neighborhood that are not perfect fences. I have yet to see the first plant that has been winter-killed, that was over two years old, while winter before last killed over one hundred seeding ap- ple trees in tne old orchard planted by Prince, thirty years since. There is a great deal of hedge in this neighborhood that two years ago I thought would never make a fence, it had been so much neg- lected and was so lull of gaps. This spring it was "plashed" and is now a perfect fence. As to the cost, any farm- er can calculate it for himself. After paying for the plants and setting, it will cost just the same as a row of potatoes, and this labor is required only two years, the third year only one plowing in June, and the hedge is ready to lay by. The best fence I have seen is that that has had the least trimming. I have now some twenty miles completed and turned out, which is entirely stock proof. Yours, very truly, Henry J. Chase." By the above it will he seen that to Mr. C, at least, the hedging has not proved a "humbug," nor will it prove so to any one (favorably situated,) who will pursue the same straight-forward course, and simply do things right. There is no reason why any farmer in Illinois may not succeed by the same rule and with the same certainty as Mr. Chase, provided his land is dry enough for ordinary tillage. All that is requir- ed is a knowledge of cultivation, (which is extremely simple.) and a resolute will to carry it out. There are now few in- telligent farmers who will not readily admit that a good hedge may be made of the Madura, and that It is every way calculated to supply the gieat defect of our country. But the question is heard in every quarter, "How are we to get our fences made ? Wo have so much on hand that i*^ we undertake to hedge we shall be apt to neglect it and fail, as many have already done. We have no further confidence in the 'hedge specula- tors' since they have overrun the coun- try, made a 'botch' of the whole affair, and generally 'fizzled out.' '' &c., &c. We would sujjffest to the farmers, that if they cannot employ men m whom they can rely to make their hedges, that they go at this important undertaking them- selves, in earnest. To be content to farm less for the time being, or if need be hire a good reliable hand, and make it his business to attend to the setting and cultivation of the hedges in the prop- er season, under your own supervision. The following directions and remarks are deduced from long experience and close observation, and the writer has en- deavored to make them so plain and explicit that no one who follows them strictly need fail in the attempt. He- solve to ^^ivin" if you commence, for in no other undertaking is a failure so despicable and sickening as in this. THE VARIOUS HEDGE PLANTS. Besides the Madura, or Osage Orange, there are a number of tree shrubs, which have been successfully used for hedges, a few of which we will notice here. The Virginia Thorn is perfectly hardy, bears cutting well, grows thick, and by plashing it forms a sufficiently strong and close hedge, easily shorn and highly ornamental, but it requires long time, and care and practice to perfect it. The Buck Thorn is very hardy. It grows faster than the above, and vath many stems when cropped, but it is near- ly destitute of thorns and spines. Or- namental hedges are formed of the Priv- et, and some other shrubs, but for this purpose nothing is so charming as a row of well clipped evergreens, though only adapted to gardens, lawns, &c. The varieties most suitable are the Jied and White Oeda7's, the Siberian Arhorvitce, the Ifemlock, the JSTorway Sjjruce, &c. For the farm and field hedge, (of which it is our present purpose to treat,) there is probably no plant in the vegetable kingdom better adapted to our purpose than the Madura; to. it, therefore, will the details of the following pages exclu- sively apply. THE SEED, PREPARATION, &C The seed of the Madura, as almost every one knows, is brought from Texas, where the tree grows Avild. It is some- times damaged in the process of getting it out, and sometimes in transportation, and if not thoroughly dry when stored in bulk it is liable to heat and destroy the germ. Good seed, on being cut or broken, appear bright, lively and crisp. I.- _:aWJ»J«l^*!Wj9J«jiWl'4W;«iH53«^ THE ILLINOIS FA.RMER. 371 with minute sparkles in the sunlight. Unsound seed is e.isily detected by the dull, lifeless appearance of the gem. — The usual method of preparing the seed for vesetatlno; is to soak it in warm wat- er, and expose it to hard freezing a few times, after which, it must be kept moist and cool till the time of planting arrives. Another and a more effectual way is to soak the seed in running water, or in a pond or body of water some three or four weeks previous to p'anting, Avhen it may be taken out and dried sufficient for dril- ling, and planted at once. HEED PLANTING AND CULTIVATION OF THE PLANTS. The ground for the seed bed should be rich and well handled. New ground on which one crop of wheat lias been raised may be considered best. If the peed are to be planted by hand, a strong line, a garden rake, a drill rake with two teeth will be needed. The teeth of the latter should be made of steel and pol- ished, about three inches in width, and tapering or rounding at the end. Stretch and set the line, next rake the border smooth and fine, then by drawing the drill rake by the line you make two fur- rows at once, a foot apart, rather wide and shallow, about two inches deep, in which sow the seed regularly, about twen- ty-five seed to the foot. Before the seed has time to dry cover them two inches deep, with fine mellow soil. A space two feet wide should be left between the double rows, and if the ground should be weedy, three feet, to admit a cultiva- tor to pass between them. In field culture of plants the seed are put in with a common wheat drill, about a bushel and a pock to the acre. Should beating rains cause the ground to brake before the seed come through it is well to break the crust. Mice, striped squir- rels and other vermin are fond of the seed, and where they abound, they are very troublesome, as they continue to dig it up and devour it, even after the plants are up. Prairie chickens are also very fond of the lobe leaves, which they crop off soon after the plants come up. Sometimes beating rains, with wind, will prostrate the plants while they are small. When that is the case, they should be raised up and slightly braced. In the cultivation it is necessary to keep the groun i loose and free from weeds. This is done chiefly by hoeing and hand-weed- ing. If the plants are too thick in places it is well to thin out the small ones about midsummer, as the most particular point in plant culture is evenness in size — neither too large nor too small. TAKING UP AND HANDLING THE PLANTS. Plants of the Madura should grow sufficiently large in one season to set in hedges, if everything is favorable. It is generally safer to take up the plants in the fall and secure them for winter. Af- ter the frost has killed the leaves, the tops may be mowed cff at a uniform height of about six inches, and the tops raked up and removed. The roots strike down very deep and require to bo cut off some six or eight inches below the surface. This is done with a subsoil cutter — a plow without the mould-board, made for the purpose. It is drawn by a strong team, and may be regulated to any depth. If kept sharp it cuts the roots off smooth and leaves the plants standing in the row, but easy to pull up and sort at the same time. The plants may be tied up in bundles of one or two hundred, with bass bark or tough willow shoots. The roots must not be exposed to the frostj nor long to the drying sun- shine. KEEPING THE PLANT-^ THROUGH VTINTKR. A sure methoo of keeping the plants in perfect order through the winter is to bury them below the frost, on ground that is rolling enough to drain off the water, which, if permitted to stand about the plants, may cause them to sour and be spoiled. They may also be kept per- fectly sound by packing closely in a good, dry cellar and covering very slight- ly with earth, sawdust or old sacking, to keep the frost out and the moisture in — sprinkle when necessary. It is most important that the plants be kept in per- fect order. If left out through the win- ter they are liable to be injured or spoiled. ASSORTING AND PREPARING THE PLANTS. The first and most important requisite in hedge culture is the equal and uni- form grotvth of the plants. To insure this it is necessary that they should be assorted into classes, with reference to their size and vigor. This requires the exercise of care and judgment, and it may be done on taking out the plants in early spring., or after the freezing weath- er is over. Keep each class of plants separate, cut off the unsound or bruised ends of the roots to where the bark and wood is fresh and not discolored. Six inches of good sound root is sufficient. The next operation is to prepare -i grout or mortar, by mixing equal parts of cow-dung and clay, well beaten to- gether, and made thin enough to admit the roots, into which they are to dipped, a handful at a time, so that all may be well coated with it. Next dig a slop- ing trench, into which place the plants ■Straight, with the roots even and the tops above the surface, sift in fine dirt among the roots, and cover two inches deeper than the top of the roots; tread the ground firm abo t the plants, and if the weather be dry sprinkle them twice a week. In this condition let them re- main a few weeks, or till vegetation com- mences, when they will be ready to set in the hedge row. Plants and trees thus trenched will start earlier than if set at once, and if carefully handled will be more certain to grow. PKEPARATiON or THE ORnuVD. : Clear off a strip ten or twelve feet in width, in the middle of which the hedge row is to be set. Plant a tall stake at each end, and by these range stakes along the line. Plow the strip deep, throwing outward, finishing with a deep, straight furrow, in the line of the stakes. This plowing is better to be done in the fall previous, in order to secure the ad- vantage of amelioration by the action of the frost, but if this has been neglected it should be done as early as possible in the spring. If the land is rolling, with sharp or long slopes, it will be necessary to make bars or dams at short intervals, with side cuts or furrows to turn out the water in case of heavy r^'ns, thus prevent washing in the furrow, this condition the ground may lie near the time for planting. If the ground is cloddy, harrow it lightly, then throw the sides together by '-back furrowing;'' by this means you will form a deep, rich, mellow border, which is very essen- tial. ' When the bed is finished it is to be a few inches higher than the common level, and it should be allowed to settle a few daj^s, otherwise (unless the plants are set very deep) the ground will re- cede from the plants in settling, and show the yellow roots, as in too shallow plant- and In till ing- -a fatal error. TRANSPLAKTIKfl. When the buds have expanded and the leaves are half an inch long, we con- sider the plants in the best condition for settling. It a moist time can be chosen, it is the most favorable. Various meth- ods of planting are practiced, and it matters little by what means or with what implements it is done, so it is well done. The most essential points in hedge setting may be reduced to four, viz: To PLANT DEEP, TO PLANT FIRM, TO PLANT CLOSE, AND TO PLANT STRAIGHT. The most "scientific" mode of plant- ing is done with a steel transplanting trowel, polished and kept perfectly bright. It is, however, a laborious and careful operation, requiring the border to be well raked, and the operator to work upon his knees, besides there is moredangerof not planting deep enough, if planted in the upright position. We therefore deem it safer to recommend planting with the "hedge spade,*' as it is now more generally used for that pur- pose than any other implement. To be right it should be made with a longer, narrower and more taperiug blade, (which must be well polished,) and rath- er longer handle than the common spade. The stakes having been reset, the hedge line must be well stretched and set in exact range. It should be a li.ht, strong cord, and for convenience, about ten rods long. The line is kept steady r'vP'v 372 THE ILLIISrOIS FA^KMER. by sticking by tlie side of it several small stakes -with hitches cut into them in -which the line is passed. This meth- od of planting requires a man to handle the spade and a boy to set in the plants and the two, if expert, may set half a mile in a day. If the -weather be dry the plants should be grouted a second time, or they may be carried in a basket and covered -with moist sawdust to keep them from the air. When all is ready the spade is thrust down by the side of the line, at an angle of about forty-five degrees, and at least twelve inches deep, it is slightly pushed for-ward by -which motion an opening is formed underneath, in -which the plant is to be run down nearly its whole length, and held there till the spade is mih- drawn. The spade is again put down, forward, at the proper distance and the operation repeated to the end. Work- ing in this way the operator will tread and impact the loose soil above each plant, which is essentially necessary. In regard to distance apart we cannot too strongly recommend close planting. — Our firm conviction is that more failures have resulted from too wide planting than from any other mistake in hedge culture. In no case would we advise any one to set wider than four inches apart. We have yet to see the first hedge with too much "stock'' in it, or the plants set too close. No danger of over crowd- ing them, besides if they are set close there will be no n^ed of replanting when only one in a place fails. The plants should be critically examined before setting, and not a single one of doubtful vigor, or soundness should be put in the hedge row; yet, as there may be occa- sion for replanting, it should be attended to the first season. For this purpose some of the largest and best plants should be kept back in the trench with which to replace carefully any that may fail to start, say by the middle of June. In this case it will be necessary to cut or pinch oflF most of the ne>r growth and reset when the weather is damp and the ground is moist. Should a dry season ensue, and these replants fail to grow, their places must be filled the next spring with strong vigorous plants, as it will be useless to replant after that time. If you succeed in starting a full and vigor- ous row, there is little fear that you will fail in your endeavor to make a live fence. CCLTITATION OF IHK HEDGE H'' V. The management of the cultivation is extremely simple and needs little expla- nation. It requires only the same at- tention as a nursery row, and but little more than a well worked row of corn or potatoes. Our method is to use the cul- tivator or the No. 5 plow, as soon as the grass and weeds appear, first throw- ing the dirt lightly to the row, and next time from it, for a few times the first half of the season, and using the hoe to clean out between the plants when nec- essary. If the plowing is nicely done, but little hoeing will be required. The second and third year the ground should be stirred early, but at no time later in the growing season than midsummer; but late in autumn of the first and sec- ond year the row should be ridged or earthed up as high as practicable, to pro- tect the roots from the severity of the winter, and in low or damp ground the plants must be mulched before hilling up. At the final plowing the third sum- mer, some three or four furrows should be thrown from each side to the hedge row, forming a slight ridge about it, then rnn the harrow over it till it is a smooth and regular grade, never to be after- wards disturbed by the plow. The clipping and shaping of the hedge will next claim our attention. Since the publication of the first edi- tion of our little booklet we have been induced to change our opinion in regard to the time and frequency of the clip- ping operation. The first object of clipping is to thicken the base, and the natural inference was that this must be begun at the early age of one year, and kept up without intermission till the ob- ject was attained. Subsequent experi- ence has convinced us that we have clip- ped too early and too much; that though the plant will bear any amount of cut- ting and still live, yet the severe torture, (applied before it has acquired strong roots,) weakens and retards the growth, and sets it back too much. Though by early cutting the base will be thickened with small side branches, yet it is found that they are not of a permanent char- acter. It is found to be the true theory to thicken the row at first by close plant- ing, and to cultivate well for two sea- sons before cutting at all, to get as strong roots as possible without refer- ence to the shape of the top. Then at the proper time the second spring after planting, just before the buds put forth, clear away the ridge of dirt down level with the ground, and with a strong shrub scythe cut all off smooth to the surface. Be sure to cut below all the buds on the stem, and if into the yellow root, no matter. The effect will be to send up numerous forced shoots all around the stump, which being of equal size and vigor will be equally durable. These numerous shoots, spreading in all direc- tions, will completely fill the row with substantial material; whereas, if in the first cutting one or more buds are left, these buds put forth shoots stronger than those of the forced growth, and the latter will finally dwindle and per- isb, and the bottom instead of thickening will grow thinner, and the object sought in cutting will fail. It is quite as nec- essary to lay the right kind of a founda- tion for a hedge as for a house; without this, the one will be as likely to succeed as the other. If the growth is vigorous and rapid the hedge should be cut the second time, about the last of June, (not later,) from four to six inches above the ground. In the following spring it may be cut higher or lower according to its thick- ness, say from eighteen inches to two feet high. In the latter part of June of the same year it may be clipped in its final form, which should be pyramidal, shortenins the side branches somewhat, but leaving a wide base and tapering to the top. If well grown, at the end of the fourth season the hedge will be thick and strong enough to turn out, when, m its security and effectiveness, it will yield the farmer a revenue of delight, and amply repay him for all his labor and pains in its construction. It may be well here to give a few of the reasons why the pyramidal form of the hedge is preferred. First. — The general direction of veg- etation is well known to be upward. Second. — One of the principal requi- sites of a hedge is a thick base, a condi- tion which depends entirely upon the number, strength and vitality of the side branches near the ground. Third. — It is plain that if the hedge is allowed to follow its natural tendency and force numerous strong and gross shoots at the top, the result will be a shaded, starved and sickly growth at the bottom, consequently the lower branches will perish and fall off, and the hedge will grow thin. But, if on the other hand we cut the top more and the bot- tom less we shall be more likely to pro- ^^^^--^ :■', THE ILLINOIS FA-HMER. 373 mote an equilibrium of vigor in all the parts. The theory then is to trim with a wide base and bring the top of the hedge to a point. The dimension of the finished hedge should be four feet wide at the base and five feet high. ANNUAL PRUNING, AFTER TREATMBNT, *C. After the hedge is completed, the only requirement to restore its beauty, increase its thickness, and enhance its durability, is an annual shearing of its superfluous growth. If this is done by hand perhaps it would bo easier and better done twice a year, until its vigorous growth can be checked by ar- tificial means — say late in the fall, or early in the spring, and in June. A convenient implement for the purpose is the "slasher,'' the blade of w^hich is made of well tempered steel, about two feet long; the outer end is curved, some- what like a sickle, the lower end ter- minates in a socket, into which a light pole is fitted, for a handle. The blade may be an inch and a half wide, and three-eighths of an inch thick on the back. \Vith the "slasher" kept per- fectly sharp, it is comparatively an easy job to trim a hedge, as it is done with an oblique, upward stroke, one side at a time. For the benefit of those who have a large amount of heages to shear, we take pleasure in informing them that a complete horse power machine for the purpose has been invented and patented by Mr. Samuel Bradbury, of Griggsville, Pike county, Illinois. On exhibition at the fairs, last fall, its ca- pability for doing the business with certainty and dispatch was satisfactorily demonstrated. As the hedges grow older they will grow slower, and, con- sequently, require less clipping. Af- ter they Lave become sufficiently scrong the exuberant growth may be safely checked by running a sharp cutter, or coulter, a foot deep, on each side, as close as a horse can walk. By thus cutting or pruning the side roots, the hedge may be dwarfed, without injury, and the task of shearing much light- ened. This may be done in August, and only once in about three or four years. A complete hedge should present the appearance of a green wall when in leaf, frbm the ground to the peak. As its principal use is to turn all domestic animals, it should be strong enough for that purpose, independent of its armature of thorns, and it should be so dense and thick as to render it diflaicult to see through it when the leaves are on. It also subserves an im- portant purpose in breaking the force of the bleak, prairie winds in winter, and some ex- tensive stock raisers are growing hedges without cropping at all, for the double pur- pose of a fence and a wind-break. In bedg- ing a stock-farm we would recommend that the plants be set so close as to need no crop- ping. A good hedge is also a complete bar- rier against the blowing of seeds and grasses from one field or farm to another, at all sea- sons. Though we claim no merit for the Madura on the score of ornamental hedg- ing, on account of the coarseness of its growth, yet a man of taste will make a beautiful thing of it, and thereby improve his own taste, and promote the love of order, neatness and method in all his operations, and as a consequence it will strengthen his love of home; hence the importance of keep- ing it in proper order. TREATMENT OF OLD, IMPERFECT HEDGE ;•■■ -ROWS. ,. Many of these ragged and neglected specimens which, in their present condition, promise nothing but a nuisance, may yet be reclaimed (if not too badly missing) by judicious management. Lose no time, but cut them down in early spring even with the surface, except a sufficient number at one end to fill the vacancies in the balance of the row; cut these at the height of two feet, clear the row of grass, sods, &c., and set in the replants with great care and with good roots; cultivate thoroughly, clip as before directed, except the replants, which must not be disturbed under two years after setting. Strong hedges that have been set too wide may be successfully thickened by "plashing.'' This IB done by cutting the plants two-thirds off, near the ground, bending down at an angle of about 45 ° , and interweaving them around stakes set in the row for that pur- pose, at about three feet apart. The side branches should be trimmed off before plash- ing. SUGGESTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS. We would suggest that after the hedge is completed the border on each side should be thickly seeded down to white clover, a com- plete sward of which will prevent its wash ing, keep out the weeds, and somewhat check the vigor A'ithout growing up to inter- fere with the body of the hedge, while, at the same time, it will give it a beautiful lawn-like appearance. A hedge should never be planted under the shade of trees or too near a fence, as in such situations it will never do any good. It is also useless to set hedges on low, wet or spouty soils, without first throwing up a ridge some eight or ten feet wide, and high enough to keep the roots out of the water, otherwise the plants will be invariably heaved out by the frost the first and second winter. In such situations it is also very necessary to mulch the young hedge row with rotted straw, hay or litter before winter sets in. Indeed, we cannot too strongly re- commend mulching for all young hedge rows. No stock must be allowed to have access to the hedge row, especially in the growing season, till it is two or three years old, after which, but little damage need be apprehended from their depredations. Go- phers, where they abound are sometimes quite troublesome; with their sharp teeth they will cut off the roots of the hedge plants, as well as orchard trees and shrub- bery at almost any age. As the gopher is the only thing that preys upon the hedge to any extent, he should, by all means, be ex- terminated, and every farmer may do this without much trouble, if he will set himself about it rightly. lie is easily taken by set- ting a small steel trap in his underground track, a little below the bottom of it and alightly covering it; or he may be readily poisoned by inserting a little strychnine into a small potato and dropping it into his track, near the last hill he has cast up. He will be very apt to find it, and as sure to eat it, and verlM^"castup his final account." - "iSENERAL REMARKS. It is now sixteen years since we com- menced the enterprise of live fencing on the prairies, during which time we have labored constantly and assiduously in the cause. As we anticipated, the obstacles, the difficulties and the discouragements to be met and overcome have been neither few nor slight. Indeed, such have been their nature and extent that but for our firm conviction of its final and triumphant success we should have abandoned the enterprise in despair. To particularize a few of the leading draw- backs to its uniform success, we may men- tion— 1st — ^the general lack of experience and judgment in the outset. 2d — the disheart- ening effect of a series of untoward seasons, and 3d — the prevailing disposition of west- ern farmers to neglect such important inter- ests as their hedges, orchards and gardens. Interests that demand, imperatively, a cer- tain amount of care and attention, upon which condition they promise the most ample reward, but without it nothing save disappointment. ' This last, alone, has proven a more fruit- ful source of failure than all other causes put together. But in the first stages of the en- terprise such results were to be expected, and probably a greater proportion have suc- ceeded than we could have reasonably hoped for. Enough good hedges are already made to confirm us in the faith that this mode of fencing is destined to prevail in all our vast prairie regions; that by its agency, bound- less wastes will ere long be brought into suc- cessful cultivation, and finally that it will add untold millions to the wealth of the great northwest. Impressed with these convictions we know of nothing we would rather do than to shed light on this important subject, to give it a proper direction, and to incite an ambition in every one who is so fortunate as to pos- sess a prairie farm to obtain the right kind of information, to go at it understandingly and resolutely, to do all things right and well, and we will guarantee a satisfactory result. • . :• ' «•»- Sweet Potato Pie. — Boil the potatoes very soft, then peel and mash them. To every quarter of a pound, put one quart of milk, three tablespoonfuls of butter, four beaten eggs, together with sugar and net- meg to the taste. It is improved by a glass of wine. ■'■■..,. ^ . .. Indian Meal Puffs. — Into one quart of boiling milk, stir eight tablespoonfuls of meal, and four spoonfuls of sugar. Boil five minutes, stirring constantly. When cool, add six well-beaten eggs. Bake in buttered cups half an hour. Try them with a little butter and maple molasses, and see if they are not good. '? *•* Vj. V*---^^ 374 THE II.Li:^roiS F^RMEK. Shiftlrss Tricks. To let the cattle fodder themselves at the stticks; they pull out and trample more than they eat They cat till the ed;;e of appetite is gone, and then daint- ily pick the choice parts; the residue, being coarse and refuse, they will not afterwards touch. f' To sell half a stack of hay and leave the lower half open to rain and snow. In feeding out, a hay knife should be used on the stack; in selling, either dis- pose of the whole, or remove that which is left to a shed or barn. It is a shiftless trick to lie about stores and groceries, arguing with men that you have no titne, in a new coun- try, for nice farming — for making good fences; for smooth meadows without a stump; for draining wet patches which disfigure fine fields. To raise your own frogs in your own yard; to permit, year after year, a dirty, stinking, mantled puddle to stand be- fore your fence in the street. To plant orchards, and allow your cattle to eat the trees up. When gnaw- ed down, to save your money, by trying to nurse the stubs into good trees, in- stead of getting fresh ones from the nursery. To allow an orchard to have blank spaces, where trees have died, and when the living trees begin to bear, to wake up and put young whips in the vacant spots. It is very shiftless to build your barnyard so that every rain will drain it; to build your privy and dig your wtll close together; to build a privy of more than seven feet square — some shiftless folks have it of the size of the whole yard; to set it in the most expos- ed spot on the premises; to set it at the very far end of the garden, for the pleasure of traversing mud-puddles and labyrinths of wet weeds in rainy days. It is a dirty trick to make bread with- out washing one's hands after cleaning fish or chickens; to use an apron for a handkerchief; to use a veteran handker- chief just from the wars for an apron; to use milk-pans alternately for wash-bowls and milk. To wash dishes and baby linen in the same tub, either alternately or altogether; to chew snuff while you are cooking, for sometimes food will chance to be too highly spiced. We have a distinct but unutterable remem- brance of a cud of tobacco in a dish of hashed pork — but it was before we^were niarried! A lady of our acquaintance, at a board- ing house, excited some feara among her friends, by foaming at the mouth of mad- ness. In eating a hash (made, doubt- less, of every scrap from the table, not consumed the day before,) she found herself blessed with a mouthful of hard soap, which only lathered t'^e more, the more !?ho washed ftt it. It is filthy thing to comb one's hair in a small kitchen in the intervals of cooking the breakfast; to use the bread trough for a cradle — a thing which we have undoubt- edly seen; to put trunks, boxes, baskets, with sundry other utensils, under the bed where you keep the cake for company; we have seen a dexterous housewife whip the bed-spread aside, and bring forth not what we feared, but a loaf-cake! It is a dirty trick to wash children's eyes in the pudding dish; not that the sore eyes, but subsequent puddings, will not be benefitted; to wipe dishes and spoons on a hand towel; to wrap warm bread in a dirty table-cloth; to make and mould bread on a table innocent of washing for weeks; to use dirty table- cloths for sheets, a practice of which we have had experimental knowledge, once at least in our lives. The standing,plea of all slatterns and slovens is, that "ev''r3'body must eat a peck of dirt before they die," A peck? that would be a mercy, a mere mouthful, in comparison of the cooked cart-loads of dirt which are to be eaten in steam- boats, canal-boats, taverns, mansions, huts and hovels. It is a filthy trick to use tobacco at all; and it puts an end to all our affect- ed squeamishness at the Chinese taste, in eating rats, cats, and bird's nests. It 13 a filthy trick to let the exquisite juice of tobacco trickle down the corn- ers of one's mouth; or lie in splashes on one's coat, or bosom; to squirt the juice all over a clean fioor, or upon a carpet, or baptismally to sprinkle a proud pair of andirons, the refulgent glory of the much-scouring housewife. It is a vile economy to lay up for re- mastication a half-chewed cud; to pocket a half-smoked cigar; and finally to be- drench one's self with tobacco juice, or so be-smoke one's clothes that a man can be scented as far off as a whale-ship can be smelt at sea. It is a shiftless trick to snuff a candle with your fingers, or your wife's best scissors, to throw the snuff on the carpet or on the polished floor, and then to ex- tinguish it by treading on it! To borroAv a choice book; to read it "with unwashed hands, that have been used in the charcoal bin, and finally to return it daubed on every leaf with nose- blood spots, tobacco spatter, and dirty finger-marks — this is a vile trick! It is not altogether cleanly to use one's knife to scrape boots, to cut havness, to skin cats, to cut tobacco, and then to pare apples Avhich other people are to eat. It is an unthrifty trick to bring in eggs from the barn in one's coat pocket, and then to sit down on them. It is a filthy trick to borrow of, or lend for others' use, a tooth-brush, or a tooth -pick; to pick one's teeth at table with a fork, or a jack-knife; to put your hat upon the dinner table among the dishe;^; to spit generously into the fire, or at it, whil^the hearth is covered with food set to warm; for sometimes a man hits what he don't aim at. It is an unmannerly trick to neglect the scraper outside the door, but to be scrupulous in cleaning your feet after you get inside, on the carpet, rug, or andirons; to bring your drenched um- brella into the entry, where a black pud- dle may leave to the housewife melan- choly evidence that you have been there. It is soul-trying for a neat dairy-wo- man to see her "man" watering the horse out of her milk- bucket; or filter- ing horse-medicine through her milk- strainer; or feeding his hogs with her water-pail; or, after barn work, to set the well-bucket outside the curb and wash his hands out of it. — H. W. Beeeher. Fall Plowing. Two active workmen (we but repeat the saying) may be secured by any farmer for the winter at comparatively small expense. Fermentation and frost, if his fields are plowed in autumn, will be busy with their culture through the inclement months, preparing food for plants and fitting the soil for their growth. Decomposition and disintegra- tion are more or less active from fall to spring, and most soils, if properly plow- ed in autumn, are benefitted by the agents thus set at work. Let us offer some thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of autumn cultivation, together with some directions for per- forming the work. 1. Low lands, such as are usually most benefitted by fall plowing, are generally in their best condition for the operation at this season of the year. Very often they are too Avet to plow in spring until the season for seeding is far advanced, and the product is lessened by the delay, as Avell as the soil injured by working when too wet — becoming baked and lumpy, and requiring several years' time to recover its usual state. Heavy clays, especially, must be plowed when just right as to moisture, or they may almost as well remain without till- age. Heavy loams are often in the best condition for plowing in the fall, and can be sown or planted more seasona- bly, and with better results, if this oper- ation is performed than if neglected. 2. Teams are generally in better condition for plowing in autumn; more inured to labor, and in less pressing de- mand for other employment on the farm. In spring a veriety of work presses upon the ."ittention of the farmer, which must be done as rapidly as possible, and it is W^p^'.^"55ri'^^ THE ILLIZSrOIS F^RMEI^. 375 well to "lighten the load" as far as may be by foiethougbt and precaution. 3. Stiff, heavy soils, plowed in au- tumn, besides being in good condition for the work, undergo by the action of water anl frost, a more thorough disin- tegration— clays, with proper provision for surface drainage, are pulverized and crumbled; heavy loams and hardpan lands are acted upon in like manner, and with like beneficial results to the soil and succeeding crop. 4. Heavy and coarse sward land is better mellowed and subdued when the inverted sod is exposed to the action of the winter weather. Turned over late in the season, all vegetation ceases, the grass roots are frozen out, and many Weeds share the sa-nie fate, in spring we find the land bare. and mellow, ready with a thorough harrowing for any ap- propriate crop. The surviving weeds are less likely to sprout than if tamed under in spring, and the turf is better prepared by its more advanced state of decay, for feeding the products which follow. 5. Though late fall plowing may have littl? time for fermentation or the decomposition of the vegetable matter buried by the plow; this decay still goes on to some extent, and by the time the growing crop needs it, usually arrives at the proper stage to supply its necessi- ties. But the frost works with a will, and under proper conditions produces a mechanical amelioration of the soil scarcely possible under any other pro- cess. 6. Fall plowing disturb the quarters arranged by various insects for passing the winter in the soil, thus destroying large numbers of these pests with their eggs and lara?, Tliis is a minor ad- vantage, but one worthy of considera- tion, especially on lands infested with the larse of the May-bug or the wire worm. The principal objections to fall plow- ing are the following: 1. Tlie loss of ihat fresh, friable condition of soil, readily permeable to air and moisture, and the consolidation of the soil by long exposure to changing and stormy weather. This on light lands is a serious objection to autumn plowing. The same is true of any soil not provided with sufficient drainage to prevent water from standing for any time on or near the surface. 2. Another disadvantage is the loss of vegetable matter, and of its gases while decaying. The latter is but a small loss if the plowing is done late in the fall, but often on hill-sides, a large part of the soluble and floating organic matter is washed away by the heavy rains of winter and early spring-time. The soil is also consolidated by the same influences. Heavy swards thus situated would sustain less injury than light swards or stubble lands. And lastly, a few hints on the manner of performing the work: 1. Do it thoroughly and in a work- manlike manner. 2. If the soil is at all liable to standing water in the winter, it should be plowed in narrow lands, and the water- furrows carefully cleared and free out- lets provided, so that all surface mois- ture may at once drain away. Unless this is attended to, it is of little use to plow low lands in the fall. If covered with^water until spring, the frost has no mellowing effect, and very little decom- position takes place — the soil is only hardened by its exposure. 3. In fall plowing, the furrows should be deep and narrow, so as to ex- pose as much surface as possible to the action of the frost, and it matters little how rough the work may be, provided the whole surface be inverted by the plow. :'.;■■■■ ;■ In conclusion, we would ao;ain uro;e the importance of preparing before win- ter sets in, as far as may be, for another year. We hear the complaint very fre- quently that the late seeding has injured one or more of our spring crops, and that the most successful growth has been made upon lands plowed in the fall. Spring 2>lowed land can also be given more attention, with the lessened de- mand upon the team and time, and all branches of farming feel the influence of the workmen who so cheaply and faith- fully assist in forwarding the labors of the farm. -JO- Fowls— food, &c. When fowls are confined to a narrow space they require much care and atten- tion to supply them with all kinds of food which they collect when running at large; and without care to Supply their Avants, they will not be profitable. When running at large, as they please, they devour many insects, eat gravel, lime and various kinds of herbage, seeds of various kinds, and many other things which we cannot discriminate, though we look on while they select their food. In winter, when fowls have less ac- cess to the ground, or when they are confined in small enclosures, they have less opportunity to select the mineral substances which they require. Hence an artificial supply becomes necessary. How shall this be given? By placing the articles within their reach, so that they may take voluntarily just the quantity to which they are prompted by nature. Place old lime-mortar, bones, oyster or clam shells, broken fine, where the fowls can readilv pick them up. It has been ascertained ihat if you mix with their food a sufficient quantity of egg shells, broken bone.?, oyster shells, and effete lime, which they eat greedily when so mixed, thoy will lay twice or thrice as many eggs as before. A well fed fowl is disposed to lay a vast number of eggs, but cannot do so without the materials for the shells, however nourishing in other respects her food may be; indeed, a fowl fed on food and water, free from carbonate of lime, and not finding any in the soil, or in the shape of mortar, which they often eat on the walls, would lay no eggs at all, with the best will in the world. A letter was read a few years ago be- fore the British Association, from M. Sace, of Neufchattel, Switzerland, on account of some experiments in the feeding of fowls. He states, first, that fowls to which a portion of chalk is given with their food, lay eggs the shells of which are remarkable for their por- celain whiteness. By substituting for chalk a calcareous earth, rich in oxide of iron, the shells- become of an orange red color. Secondly, he informs us that some hens fed upon barley alone would not lay well, and they will tear off each other's feathers. He then mixed with the barley some feathers chopped, which they eat eagerly and digested freely. By adding milk to their food they began to lay, and ceased plucking out each other's feathers. He concludes that this proceeding arose from the desire of the hens for azote food. An idea prevails with many, that any sort of grain, even if a little dam- aged, will do for poultry, but this is a grand mistake. A friend of the writer once came very near losing his whole flock of valuable fowls from feeding them with damaged corn, which has been heated. Those who feed largely know bettor, and invariably make it a rule to feed none but the best. Eggs, if at any time are a luxury, it is in winter, and whatever promotes their production is of interest to the majority of our readers. — C.N. JBement, Sjrringside. Hot Cross Buns. — Rub four ounces of butter into two pounds of flour, four ounces of sugar, and one ounce and a half of spice, consisting of ground all- spice, cinnamon and mace, mixed toge- ther; put a spoonful or two of cream into a cup of yeast, add as much milk as will make the above into a light paste, and set it by the fire to rise. They will bake quick on tins. When half done press the form of a cross with a tin mould in the center. Heaves in Horses. — It is said in a re- cent number of an agricultural paper, that a quart of a decoction of smart-weed, given ever}' day to a heavey horse will cure hi in. We doubt it, but there caa be no harm in trying it. : ■^.; . . ;, ,, ., 376 THE ILLINOIS FA.Il]MEIl. SPRINGFlEIiD, D£|;E:MJBE:R I, 1859. Tiie last Farmer of the Tear. We are now arranging matter for the last number of the Illinois Farmer for 1859. Four years have we prepared the matter for this paper. We have aimed to be of service to the farmers of Illinois. How we have succeeded is best known to our readers. The present year has been one of great trials to our agricultural brethren. On its commencement there were bright hopes that it would be a year of good crops and of good prices, that would enable them to pay their just debts, and provide means for their future comfort, so that they might go on their way re- joicing. But the seasons have not justi- fied our hopes. Our grain crops are short; there is not one-third of the crop anticipated, and the price of wheat is lower than its cost. In the northern parts of the State, corn has turned out poorly, while in others it is a two-thirds crop. Oats are light. Potatoes in the north are poor; in the south and centre, good. Grass has given a fair yield in the centre of the State. Take all crops together, the crop season has been a bad one. But "We should not despair. Good cultivation would have made good crops in most cases where there have been fail- ures. In wet seasons, corn, wheat, or other grain, will not grow in water or in soil filled with water — mud, we mean. It is the business of the farmer to pre- pare his land so that it shall at all times be in a condition to grow his crops. He must ditch and underdrain as his ability and ground requires. It is not difficult to ascertain what grounds require ditch- ing. The farmers' good sense can dis- cover -what ditching is required by the cast of his eye — if he will cast his eye for that piirpose. Last year we saw fields sown with wheat where the ground was saturated with water for months. The wheat dead. We see now the same grounds in wheat, and no attempt has been made by plowing furrows or other- wise to run ofif the water. It is said "a burnt child dreads the fire." In this case, a burnt man runs into the fire! We believe that the great want of success in making crops in this State, is attributable to the neglect of draining our lands. A farmer can, if he chooses and has an ordinary farm, raise crops all the time. We venture to say that in this county of Sangamon there have been raised the past season, tolerable crops of wheat and good crops of corn, where, with the ordinary culture, the ground would have yielded neither. Therefore it is not saying too much to affirm, that with proper cultivation of the land, and by ditching and draining, we can always make fair crops. We have some other suggestions to make. Let the coming year be marked by industry and economy. Let the small farmers see to it that they have plenty of stock hogs the coming winter and take care of them, so as to make fine pork hogs the coming fall. Hogs always pay fair prices, and what should hinder small farmers, or farmers culti- vating their hundred and sixty acres of land, from having next fall one hundred fat hogs for sale? Can't they do it? Has it not always been a better business than raising wheat? The hog crop is quickly turned — in fact, when your hogs are fat, you can sell them at any season of the year, and always, be it summer, or spring, or early in the fall, at high prices. We venture to say to small farmers, who desire to turn their stock into cash once a year, that there is no stock for this purpose equal to hogs. There should be a new system of household economy inaugurated. We should look back to what farmers and farmers' families did in this and other counties of Illinois, fifteen years ago. Then our farmers' wives and daughters never were more pround that when they came to market with their butter, and cheese and lard and chickens, flannels, jeans, linseys and socks and stockings. In this county, butter was a great ar- ticle of export, and the farmers' wives paid for their store goods in the ar- ticles produced in their families. The girls and matrons were as lovely then in their calicoes and lawns as they are in their silks and satins now. The men were aa respectable in their jeans as they are now in their broadcloths — many of which are not yet paid for. Families wore as healthy then when their drink at their meals was milk and water, as they are now when they guzzle down strong coffee three times a day. In these past times, it was their pride and interest to live off of the product of their farms, and we have often sat at a well furnished table when we were told that all we saw before us was raised upon the farm except the pepper and salt! The habit our farmers have got into, of living upon articles brought from provision stores, would break down, with present prices and present crops, the best farmers in the world. It is a good time for thinking now on these things. "Why should not farmers in the neighborhoods get together these long evenings and talk over the subjects to which we have referred, and others of deep interest connected with their welfare? We sometimes talk very plainly, and it may seem to some abruptly, but we really wish to do the public good service. By pointing out evils, others may avoid them. By sug- gesting new measures of improvement and economy, some may be benefitted. We do not pretend to say that farmers have been more improvident than others, — beCaUse we are sure that many in our cities who are gor- geously attired, and who seem to say by their efiForts to appear in expensive and fash- ionable dress, "look at me," like the snail, carry almost every thing they possess upon their backs! But we must close. The next Farmlr will begin a new year. We want to send our Farmer to all our old and to many new subscribers. Will our old subscribers assist us? Will they get us new lists? Will they lay us under further obligations to them? Will they spend a little time in our behalf? Every agricultural sheet issued in this State, will do good. Our farmers, to keep up with the times, must make progress, and thus they cannot do without the agricultural paper. Then, we ask everybody to give us a lift! ««■ Dpeember. Then came the autnbiii, all in yellow clad, Al though be jnyed iii pl<>nteous store. Laden with fruits that made bim langb, fnll glad That h« had banished hunger, which to-fore Had by the belly oft him piDctaed sore; Upon bis head a wreath that was enr lad With ears of com of e'ery sort, he bore, And in his hand a sicklu he did bold, To reap the ripened fruit the which the earth bad yold. iS!p«tic«r'i Fairy Quern. It is for autumn, that the winter frost has crumbled down the soil, and disin- tegrated the rocks; it is for autumn that the vernal showers moistened the glebe and called the sleeping plants from their hybernation. It was to fill the Decem- ber barns with grain and forage, and the cellars with vegetables and fruits, that the summer sun glowed with its ardent heat — it was for this that the sun- THE ILLIN^OIS F-^RMiER. 377 browned brow of the farmer was mois- tened by the sweat of labor, that when winter called for the summer stores, that December could give response, and show in her keeping the necessities and luxu- ries that should make winter one of the pleasant seasons of the year. The planting is over, the cultivator and the hoe are resting in masterly in- activity, the grain and vegetables are harvested and naught but the tassellated corn waves its banner to the autumn wind, and reflects back the faint glare of the December sun from the golden ears. The plow is still busy turning under the russet remnants of the summer's growth, and preparing for the new year that will Boon be ushered in, when the frost king will assert his sway and march down our prairie glades and through the leafless forests, bridging the streams with chrya- tal ice — crumbling down yonder ledge, solidifying the clays and preparing them to yield their elements of fertility. How much of the labors of the year is garnered up in December? How much of the future will depend upon its in- tegrity, how much of squalid want will it relieve, and how many peons of praise will go up for him who has paid tribute to this month and bent down at its shrine? December, the richest month of the year, crowned with glories of the ripened harvest, the great steward of winter, of which Cowper has well said — "I crown thee King of iutimata delights Fireside enjoymeuts, home born happioesi And all ibHcotnfurtB uf the lowly roof Of UDdisturbed retirement, and the hours Of long unioterrupled evenluga knows " The busy season is over, the long social evenings are at hand — the prairie fires are lapping up the russett setting of the landscape and exposing its chared surface to the rude blast of the north. The winds of winter may rave and roar, the snow and sleet may pour down in eddying drifts, but the farmer's fireside should present a picture of contentment and be all aglow with happiness; but if his stock is browsing on the frosted corn, or seeking a precarious living among the russett leaves that autunan has left in her whirling eddies, his peace of mind will be of short duration, and the bleak winds of winter should re- mind him that December is no longer his steward; that he has neglected to provide the stores against the winter's want, and must suffer the penalty thac follow close after the shiftless farmer. De- cember too has the holydays in her keeping, when the farmer should have everything in order, that he and his family should have its uninterrupted en- joyment. And last, though not least, December is the time to make up clubs for, and to renew the subscription to the Illinois Farmer, so that you can profit by its useful teachings. Rural. FAIL PLOWING. Fall plowing in this and the south part of the State, has been too much neglected, and it is high time that our farmers give this subject their attention. For corn we believe fall plowing is sel- dom resorted to. Let us take the farm of John Do-well, and see how he man- ages to produce such large crops, and obtain such large dividends from that little patch of a farm of his. Eighty acres, just the one eighth of a section. In the first place the road takes off one acre, the building grounds and yard two acres, the garden three acres, the orch- ard four acres. Twenty acres are fenc- ed off for meadow, twenty acres for pas- ture, twenty for corn and potatoes, and ten for wheat. We will see what he is now doing with the several fields. The five acres of potato ground has been trench plowed a foot deep, and will be sowed to spring wheat, five acres of the adjoining corn field has been husked on the hill, and the stalks are being turned to the bottom of the trench fur- row a foot deep. On this he will also sow spring wheat, making up his ten acres.^ On this deep plowing he can sow very early, say first of March, and on account of the thorough draining the crop will grown rapidly and be out of the way, of chinch bug, and run little risk of rust; twenty to thirty-five bush- els to the acre is what our friend John averages annually. John has plowed the wheat stubble; but here he has pur- sued a different plan by just covering up the stubble say three inches deep. John says that by plowing eight inches in the spring he will have this rotton stubble and all the seed of weeds buried out of the way; he will then plant it with corn and roll it. He intends to plant five acres of potatoes, and for this purpose he is trench plowing and turning under the corn stalks the same as for wheat; the remainder of the corn is cut up and put in shock. This he will not have time to haul off until it freezes up and then it will be too late for plowing; but as it is clean of weeds he has no par- ticular regret, as he intends to plant it to corn. His orchard is still young and he crops it with corn. The ground was plowed a foot deep before planting it out, and hence the roots run deep and out of the way of the plow. He plows this in the fall about eight inches deep, spreads on manure during the winter and plows it in shallow in the spring and plants it to corn. His trees have made a rapid growth, and now produce quite a crop of fruit. Most of his success and especi- ally his large crops are due to fall plow- ing. John's system of rotation is also interesting, but we must attend to that when we have more leisure. E.DKAL. The DonMe Michigan Plow as a Prairie Breaker. The last of February and first of March we broke up seven acres of prairie with one of these plows. The small plow was run one inch deep, turning the soil over like a scroll, upon which the lower plow turned two inches of the turf and soil; this after a few days would fall to pieces, as the roots of course were dead. We have never seen June breaking in so fine order as this spring breaking. We broke up about the middle of June three acres with a common break- ing plow, and it will require a dollars worth of extra team work to put this in as good order as the spring breaking. Should we have heavy rain so as to make the turf sofl and yielding, we shall break up more in this way this month, and at any time during the winter when the frost is out enough to break, we shall put our idle teams to work. We have done with summer breaking, and hereafter the Double Michigan Plow is our breaker until something better shall turn up. To the new settler, and those having prairie to break, we commend this new use of this plow, which as a deep tiller has made little progress, but as a breaker is of no small value. Late in the fall and early in the spring, when no other plowing can be done, this plow can be run at a great ad- vantage. Three horses will break one and a half to two acres per day, thus making a great saving, at the same time the land is in better condition. This breaking can be harrowed the first of May and planted and cultivated like old land. Some of the most eminent agriculturists of this and other States have examined the breaking on our farm, and pronounce it a complete success. We hope others will give it a trial this month, or early in the spring. Rural. 378 TIIIi: ILLI^S^OIS I^^I^CMEri. Orelmrd and Gnrdrii. WORK IN THE OBCHARD. Trees planted in autumn in well pre- pared soil will make a third more growth than if planted in spring. The reason of this, is, that the ends of the roots cut with the spade or broken, heal over and prevent loss of sap, which occurs in spring, the ground be- comes settled around them, and from the first swelling of the bud they go forward without interruption. All trees planted in the fall should be banked up at the time, with earth to hold them to their place, so as not to be thrown out with the frost or swayed over with the wind while the ground is saturated with a heavy rain. In the second place the heads should be thinned out (not cut back,) and not allow the tree to grow too bushy on the start. We have decided aversion to spring pruning, for several reasons, which can be summond up as follows: A loss of sap, which runs down and discolors the bark, the cut branch de- cays and does not heal over dry and and sound. If we must prune in spring, we like to use grafting wax or white lead in oil to cover the wounded part. . See that no grass or weeds are al- lowed about the trunks of your trees, if you do not like to have them gridled by mice. Mice never injure a tree standing on a clean cultivated surface. Pieces of corn stalks, boards or old newspapers should be tied about trees liable to the attacks of rabbits. The fall plowing of orchards is of great value in the killing of insects, the driving out of mice, nor will rabbits be so liable to visit the trees when there is no hiding places for them. White-washing, trees in the fall has a most beneficial effect to ward off the sun's rays when the tree has lost its foilage, and to ameliorate the sudden changes of winter. This wash will have bleach- ed out by spring, when a clean green bark will be the rusult. In short, the planting and pruning of the orchard should be attended to at this season, and not left over among the thousand duties that spring, every busy spring brings in her train. Plum trees that have lost their fruit by that arrant marrauder the Cureulio, should be re- moved to the chicken yard, that neutral ground between the house and barn. Cherry trees, by all means, should be planted at this season. The May Cherry and English Morello, are the two most reliable varieties for general purposes. We always set trees as late as the weather will permit, and in many cases have broken up a thick crust of frost for the purpose of plant- ing, and have uniformly been successful. THE GARDEN. It is time to save the cabbage and turnips If you have not laid out your garden, now is the time. You will need two or three acres, this should be protected from March winds, a couple of rows of peach trees around the out- side will do this and furnish you fruit besides. You may think this a large garden, but you should recollect that the garden is to be the most profitable part of the farm. In it, you want beds of strawberries, rows of currants, goose- berries, blackberries, raspberries, rhu- barb and asparagus. You must have space for the vegetables usually planted in beds, and then space for the vjnes, and considerable space for early pota- toes, early corn, early beans and early cabbage. All these and more you want, and if you want them cheaply and cer- tainly, you must loss no time in laying off the ground; trench plow it a foot deep, so that the autumn rain can bury the amonia into the soil, and that the winter irost will prepaaa it for spring planting. Set out the peach trees at once, so that you will have tinje to plant garden seeds in spring. Put your strawberry beds and rows of small Iruits across one end, so that they can all be worked with a horse. This will save you a large amount of labor. Before spring we will show you how to plant and cultivate your vegetables with less than half the usual labor, In the winter a liberal supply of well rotted manure should be hauled on the garden to be plowed under before planting. THE YARD. Do not neglect to set out shade and fruit trees in the yard, you will have no time in the spring to do it, besides it is better done now, if you did not attend to it last month. Away up north it is too late for this work in ordinary seasons, but here in Central and Southern Illinois, we have the open ground, with comparatively little work to do. If you do not wish to go to the nursery after shade trees, you will find elm, linn, so/t mapie, buttonwood, buckeye, ash and some of the oaks, val- uable trees for this purpose Among these should be set cherries, pears, Siberian crab apples, babary, snowballs, honeysuckles, syringas, mountain ash, evergreens, etc., that your house grounds will have a cheerful look, not only in summer, but in winter also. It is these living, moving, Avhispering mon- uments that draw the family circle in closer bonds of affection, and when^he homestead is left far behind, the thoughts of these will send memory back to the distant loved ones. Rural. The Year 185!). The year about to close has been one of deep interest to all. The hard times had full possession at its advent and has held on with a pretty strong grip. The expectation that the year's crops would improve the con- dition of things, has to some extent been re- alized. Early in the spring the winter wheat crop gave poor promise, but on the whole it is as good as the spring stand could well warrant. Farmers who sow chess or sow on land already filled with this pernici- ous weed have no reason to complain. When the stand of wheat is good and the growth thrifty, chess makes no impression, but when the stand is thin from any cause, the chess plants swell out to wonderful proportion. — For planting corn the season was rather wet, and what with poor seed, the rats and other vermin to prey upon the young plants, it was a difficult matter to obtain a good stand, but our farmers persevered nobly, and the result is a good average crop throughout the State. Some of the northern counties suffer- ed by frost, but the great cornfields of central Illinois have made good the defect. In the center and south part of the State the potato crop is unusually good, and the same may be said of the giirden vegetables, though in some eases cabbage excepted. This in- creased attention to the garden is highly encouraging, and we shall hear loss of bil- ious and other fevers in consequence. The fruit crop has been light. Our farmers and villagers should pay more attention to the small fruits, such as strawberries, currants, gooseberries, raspberries and blackberries; not forgetting those valuable plants, the rhubarb and asparagus. But little hemp, flax, castor herns, tobacco or el ecse have THE ILLIjSrOIS F^Il]MER. 379 been sent to trarket. This is wrong as all of these staples can be grown at a good prof- it, and would find a ready market. Our people have been economical in their expenditures, industrious, and have a fair surplus to send to market, and which bears a good price, and they cannot well help looking forward with strong hopes that witb another favorable year they will again be on the high road to prosperity. The land speculators must wait the last turn inthe wheel of fortune, as the last act in the drama of hard times will come to them. ; ' RuRAii. The New Editor of the Farmer. Our readers will perceive by the accompa- nying prospectus (on a supplemental sheet,) that Hon. M. L. Dunlap has been engaged as the future editor of the Farmer, to sup- f ply the place left vacant by the departure of ,| S. Francis, Esq., for the distant shores of .."the Pacific. /? Mr. Dunlap is better known to the reading public as the author of numberless articles signed "Kural,' which have appeared from time to time in the newspapers of Chicago. We are glad that we^have been able to se- cure the services of a gentleman so compe- tent to fill this important post; and wc are sure our readers will be equally well pleased This number of the paper was made up in part by the retiring editor and in part by his successor. The January number will go to press about the 20th of December. We intend making some improvements during the coming year, and they will be governed in a great measure by the support that is extended to the paper. As heretofore, it will continue to be identified with the people, and entirely free from the dictation of clique or party. It is thus thrown upon the Farm- ers, for support, as their own advocate, and we doubt not they will give it a cordial wel- come. The Publisuers. Springfield, Nov. 26, 1859. -—h- Annnal Meeting ot the Illinois State Horticul- tural Society— Its Objects and who will at- tend. The annual meeting of this society is to come off at Bloomington on Tuesday, Wed- nesday, Thursday and Friday, the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th of January next. It had been proposed to hold it earlier, but for sufficient reasons, it was deemed best to de- fer the gathering until that time. The meeting is for the benefit of the fruit growers and gardeners of the State. The nurseryman as such will not be expected to figure largely in it. What the Society want to know is what trees to plant, where to plant them, how to plant them, how and when to prune them in the orchard, and lastly what to do with the fruit to prepare it for the market. The garden and house grounds should also receive the attention of the meeting. Dr. Warder of Cincinnati, and other prominent hortieulturalists are expected. Every orchardist should make it a point to be on hand; in fact no such per- sons can afford to be absent. -«•»- To tlic Farmers of Illinois. We now ask your aid in the circulation of the Illinois Farmer. With pur new arrangements we shall be able to give you a home paper, invaluable in your vocation, edited by one of your number, who has long and ably wielded the pen in behalf of prairie farming. To the farmer, the orchardist and the gprdener he will be of great service, from his practical knowledge of our soil, climate and productions. Will you help roll up a list of subscribers and of contribu- tors, for we want both. Show the paper to your neighbor and ask him to subscribe. We send this number to many who are not subscribers, all of whom we shall hope to add to our list. —- Pratt's Ditcher. This machine was on the ground with Fawks' steam plow, having been entered for the S500 award offered by the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad Company for the best machine for open drains. It promises to be useful. Wc hope to be able to give a good account of it in our next issue. Fawlics' Steam Plow. At this writing, Nov. 25th, this plow is on our farm undergoing important alterations in the arrangement of the gang of plows. On Tuesday last the trial was commenced, but in consequence of the breaking of a wheel, it was partially suspended, half of the gang (4 plows) was taken off and two and a half acres of prairie sod turned over. The en- gine appears to have sufficient power to drive the whole gang, and steam can le kept up for almost any distance with good fuel. The real difficulty is now how. to arrange the plows to good advantage, numerous attempts have been made to run plows in gangs, but thus far without much success. As gener- ally arranged the friction is very great, as Fawkes is now turnin2; his inventive energies to the solution of this important problem we may reasonably hope that the difficulties will be oversome. The trial will be resumed from day to day- — weather permitting — until a thorough trial will be had. The plow will not be at Gentralia and Bloomington as ad- vertised, but should the weather prove fa- vorable may get out, otherwise it will be j housed wiiere it is. Next month we shall ' present a full account of its doings. :■ ■..;-^-. ^S .. -/-Rural. Pianling Bnlbs. The present is the proper season for plant- ing out bulbs of hyacinths, tulips, narcissus, crocus and neai^ly all the hardy varieties of bulbous flower roots. The best soil for all such is a sandy loam, well drained and richly manured with well rotted cow dung; each bulb should be surrounded with about one inch of sand; this keeps the bulb from rot- ting". If the soil is not good, it is better to dig it out to the depth of a foot or more, and fill in with good soil. Leaf mold, if dry, is good; but it must be mixed with a fair pro- portion of sandy loam. In selecting bulbs, the clean bright skinned ones should be pre- ferred. When spotted or molded, they are in a bad condition, and seldom do well. Hyacinths and tulip bulbs should be planted about eight inches apart, and four inches deep. A covering of leaves or manure should be spread over the bed for protection during winter, removing it in early spring. The bed should be kept clear of weeds, but great care must be taken that the young leaves and fiower buds are not injured; for if this is the case, the blossoming will be sure to be inferior. A good collection of these bulbs is oflea difficult to obtain; and our seed stores too often have no great variety. From the Chicago i'rean aud Tribune. The Fairbanks Standard Scales. — Both in the State Fair at Freeport, and at the National Fair in this city, the Fairbanks Standard Scales maintained their prestige won in over a quarter of a century of ex- perience, and bore away all the prizes where they were competitors. Messrs. Fairbanks & Greenleaf, from their establisliment in Burch's building, on the corner of Lake Street and Wabash avenue, gave to their department at these Fairs an attraction which drew crowds of visitors, curious to look through the multiform list of weigh- ing appliances, from railroad track scales to the letter balances, all the product of the celebrated St Johnsburj Works and their branch New York manufactory. In all cases they won the blue ribbon and medals to match, and after tests, applied much more rigidly and intelligently than has become too common in these exhibitions. There is one point in this which all manu- facturers, of every grade, will do well to profit by. It is the wisdom of the Messrs. Fairbanks in ''keeping up their standard." There has been with them no such thing as falling back on a reputation already made. Every scale must bear the identical accur- acy of its predecessor, and not palm off seeming merits on the strength of credit previously gained. Manufacturers are too prone to lower their mark T\'hen success has given them the temptation to indolence and inattention. For this reason blue ribbons and first premiums following a success of twenty-five years, mean something more than an empty formality, to-wit: that the skill which won still guards a splendid repu- tation. ««> _ Green Gage Jam. — Hub ripe green gages through a coarse hair sieve, put the pulp into a preserving-pan along with an equal weight of lump sugar, pounded and sifted. Boil the whole to a proper thickness aud put it into pots, v 380 THE ILLINOIS FA-RIMEII. About Corn. Mr. Editor: — What becomes of the corn crop? According to the last cen- sus the corn crop of the United States, in the aggregate amounted to about 600,- 000,000 bushels annually. How and in what manner is such a vast amount of grain consumed profitably for the pro- ducer? Of the crop of 1850, about 4,500,000 bushels were exported, and more than 11,000,000 bushels were con- sumed in the manufacture of spirituous liquors. The balance were used at home, as food for man and beast. Since that time, the amount consumed in the manufacture of alcohol and highwines must have largely increased to keep pace with the growing demand for alcohol in the manufacture of burning fluid, &c. It is certainly a funny doctrine, promulgated by some individuals at the present day, that we should gj on in- creasing our grain products, until we can afford, rather than get nothing for it, to compete with European labor and European crops and prices at their own doors. Illinois farmers, you have doubtless learned ere this that machinery does not lessen the cost of the products of the soil — it only enables you to secure a larger amount thereof. Shall we, then, go on in the strife of competition in the European markets, against serf and plebian labor, until we and our children are sunk to their or a lower level; or shall we unite in asking and providing a home market? We now import fifty bushel of corn for every one we export. A fact! Every ton of railroad or other iron, every yard of cloth, every pound of tea, comes charged not only with its half dozen profits as merchandise and trans- portation, but the food eaten by its pro- ducers,— they and their cattle — while producing it. What are the facts, then? Simply these — that this year, 1859, disguised as manufactured mer- chandise, the United States are actually importing food for her farmers, whose cribs are full, and labor to her mechan- ics who are idle. Let us, farmers, join Pennsylvania in asking a tarifi* to pro- tect our manufactures, our products, our labor, or we shall be forced to com- pete with European labor in its worst forms — buying back the very corn we send them with two freights added. The fact is becoming daily more ap- parent that we can much more than supply ourselves with food. Prices have always been low except when there has been a great European demand from war or scarcity, or when the emigration into the midst of producers has furnished temporary consumers enough to absorb the surplus, and furnish a mai-ket. But emigration of producers soon swells the stream of production instead of con- sumption. We must find a market for surplus at home or abroad. We are not writing a political article, but we do think it high time the farmers opened their eyes to the fact that they, as pro- ducers, set the wheels of trade in motion by furnishing merchandise. Traders will never work this reform — they fatten at any price — the farmer must look to his own corn. — W. H. Gardner, JLm- 6oy, 111., August 5th, 1859. «» From the American Stock Journal. Raising Cattle on the Prairies. The adaptation of the prairies to the production of stock cannot be question- ed. And where the attention of the ag- riculturalists is devoted exclusively to this branch of husbandry, the range for summer pasturage and the gathering of winter supplies is unlimited. As we propose offering a few observations on this subject for the readers of the Stock Journal, it will be necessary first to ex- amine the present condition of the stock- growing interest. In connection with other farm man- agement, the keeping of cattle is follow- ed quite exclusively, but in few cases with any system calculated to improve the character of the stock. The early settlers were poor, coming from differ- ent States, each with a cow, or two, of such excellence as they chanced to pos- sess; and this laid the foundation of the breed which now predominates. These cows were bred to such males as chanced to be running at large on the prairie, consequently the owner had no hand in the improvement of his stock — it being trusted to luck and a favorable cli- mate. This course, at first the only one, from necessitv, has been since followed from habit, until it is a rare circum- stance for the farmer to be able to point to the bull to which his cows are bred. The result may be imagined — a regular course of amalgamation and deteriora- tion has been going on — the New Eng- land red, with the long horned animals of the South, and the offspring of these with the muley, or perchance an ani- mal with a sprinkling of Durham or Devon. Efforts have been made, with parti- al success in some loclities, to confine the males at home, which would enable those who wished to improve their stock. Under these circumstances, however favorable our climate, and improving improved animals, it will be seen at once that we can effect but little. These are some of the dilHculties attending the breeding of cattle. We offer a few suggestions on the following topics: first, care in the selec- tion of animals for breeding; second, feed and feeding; third, shelter and^gen- eral management. We cannot at once replace our pres- ent herds by the purchase of very supe- rior animals — hence we have to be con- tent with improving such as we have. A bree^ of cattle may be improved by care aud judgment in choice of parents, and after-care and feeding. The choice of a male depends upon what is to be required of the offspring, and in no case would we be willing to allow an unmatur- ed, round, meaty, long-legged, low and narrow nipped animal to be used, but high and wide hipped, short, flat, lean legged animals, with a good countenance, and clean, nice head. The breeding of cows for the dairy is an entirely different business, and one in which the cow is the type to be prop- agated. To breed good milkers, you should make a trial of all your best cows — those likely to breed after themselves — and in this way you can very much improve your dairy animals. We have little faith in a poor cow for milk bring- ing year after year an offspring proving a good milker, for this has not been the result of our observation, though we have seen cows, which produced offspring equal or superior to themselves, and their offspring the same and so on. It is a fact that the dairy cow can be im- proved as well as any other class of an- imals. Do not breed from your heifers too young. Theirown growth and the chang- as of the climate are all they should provide against, until the third winter or spring, if you would have them bring and mature an offspring superior to them- selves. Do not use a young male. The best cattle breeders of England never use a male in getting improved stock until he is full ripe, or has reached the age of from four to five years. Owing to males generally running at large here, and early becoming vicious, we know of only one bull in this county over four years old. Let good judgment be exercised in the selection of animals, and any breed can be improved, provided the care and keeping to which they are subjected are such as are adapted to their wants. We would never recommend any farm- er who has not resolved to care well for his stock, to purchase any already im- proved animals, for their posterity will deteriorate to an equality with the na- tives, as readily as a hitherto well-kept farm in the hands of a sloven. In fact, the herds of the West to-day are just what the care of their owner has made them. In Texas, with a superior cli- mate, they are long-legged and mon- strous horned — in other States they of- ten fall behind the dogs in breeding and keeping. In most northern States, where the climate is less favorable, they are a shade better, because receiving a little better care. How common it is to observe the marked difference in the stock of two THE ILLIlSrOIS FA.RMER. 881 men — the result of management in breed- ing and perhaps at no greater expense in one than the other, yet making a differ- ence of one-third in the market value of the animals. How fully these facts prove that care of animals has very much to do with the improvement of the breed. By care we mean the choice of parents, the keeping of the herd during gesta- tion, and of the offspring for the first few years. We do not believe it possi- ble to keep any of the thorough breeds up to their present excellence by the care given in the Texas herds. The best animals are only produced upon certain farms in England possessing cer- tain peculiarities of soil, excellence of herbage, &c., which are not common even in the cultivated fields of Britain. Hence we lay it down as a rule not to be forgotten, that the keeping of the animal must fully equal all its wants, if improvement is to be the result. The human race has not improved except when temperate, well fed, and regular in exercise, diet and sleep, neither will our cattle improve, when ill housed and ill fed. Artel. Lee County, III., Sept. 1856. Chester County Breed of Hogs. Isaac Darlington, an experienced farmer of Chester county. Pa., sends to the Village Record, the following ac- count of this famous breed of hogs: "As you have requested my xiews on the origin of the Chester county breed of hogs, I send you these opinions as the best that I am able to give. As far back as I can recollect, between thirty and forty years, the pigs were what we would now call indifferent — hardly any two farmers had pigs that looked alike. Some run very much to short ears and legs; others were diminutive in size; while others again filled up the interme- diate places. While this state of things existed the Berkshires were introduced; a square built round body, but lacking depth over the shoulder, and withal' a black pig, Chester county had set her eye on a white pig — and a white pig she must and would have. Accordingly, some or the older farmers began to pav more attention to the old stock; they hunted the best they could find to cross their stock with, and the change for the better was soon a marked one — better feed was given and more of it, which was a great help to his better develop- ment. The great rapidity with which the pig reproduces his stock, still kept the change in every one's recollection. The shape and color were the great changes perceptible; while you would find a great diversity in the skin — some thick and hard, while others of the same lot would be thin and pliable ; better shelter was given them, and the thick skin has generally given way for a thin. And the similarity is now so great, that if you go to a farmer and view his pigs, you may tade as a sample of all the dif- ferent lots in the neighborhood that have the same care. She characteristics of this breed as we may find it, are per- fectly white hair, thin skin, square build, small head, a fair proportioned snout, deep sides, allowing large quarters, and great depth over the shoulders, small ears standing erect while young, but drooping after six or seven months. The weight varies according to his keep — if well kept he will average a pound a day for nearly two years if not longer. They may be made to exceed this, and it has been done, bat not genera[ly — nor do we always reach it, as all do not feed alike. They have been made to weigh over nine hundred, but I do not recollect their age. There was great care taken to keep from breeding in-and-in, in per- fecting this breed, which has long been known to have a deteriorating effect. We consider the above name justly given and justly deserved, and so satisfied are we that the above is the true origin of the above bree, that we consider we have a fair sample of the above breed on hand — although we do not recollect of having changed our stock but once for the last twenty-six years. By continu- ally crossing with our neighbors, we consider we have the same stock. -«► SEED SAVING. V The seeds of cucumber, melon, etc. are better at any rate, when four or five years old than when fresh; and we have well authenticated instances of seeds retaining their vitality much longer than this. There is no fixed period during which seeds will keep. There is no reason to suppose that they would loose their vitality in any assignable number of years if the proper conditions were observed. De Candolle says that M. Gerardin raised kidney beans, obtained from Tournefort's herbarium, which were at least a hundred years old; but beans left to the chances of the atmos- phere are not good the second year, and hardly worth planting in the third. Pro- fessor Lindley raised raspberry plants from seed not less than sixteen or seven- teen hundred years old. Multitudes of other instances might be given. In re- ply to the first question, it may, then, be said, that the length of time through which seeds will keep depends upon the method of preserving them. We do not suppose it to be essential to inclose apple, pear, and quince seeds in earth for the purpose of preserving their vitality during a single winter. But if exposed to the air, the rind be- comes so hard and rigid as to make germination very difficult frcm mere me- chanical reasons. The moisture of the soil keeps the covering in a tender state, and it is easily ruptured by the expan- sion of the seed. ^ • ; . :, ■ The shell of peach, plum, and other stone-fruit seeds would form, if left to dry and harden, a yet more hopeless prison. If kept for two years, the most stone-fruit pips, it is to be presumed, would not germinate. Some, however, would have vigor enough to grow even then. We have forgotten who it was, but believe it to have been a reliable per- son recently mentioned the fact, that a peach or apricot stone was for several years kept as a child's plaything; but upon being planted, grew, and is now a healthy tree. Such cases are, however, rare. The intercourse between Great Britain and her distant colonies, and the various expeditions fiitted out from her shores for purposes of botanical research and for the acquisition of new plants from dis- tant regions, have made the subject of seed saving at sea a matter of much ex- periment. In general, the conditions of preserva- tion are three: a low temperature, dry ness, and exclusion of air. But it often happens, that all these cannot be had, and then a choice must be made between them. Heat and moisture will either germinate the seed or corrupt them. In long voyages, and in warm regions, mois- ture contained in the seed, if in a close bottle, is sufficient to destroy the seed. Glass bottles have therefore been reject- ed. Seeds for long voyages, or for long preservation, are thoroughly ripened and thoroughly dried; but dried without rais- ing the temperature of the air, as this would impair their vitality. They are then wrapped in coarse paper, and put, loosely, in a coarse canvas bag, and hung up in a cool airy place. In this way seeds will be as nearly secure from heat and moisture — their two worst enemies — as may be. It is probable that some seeds have but a short period of vitality under any circumstances of preservar- tion. Seeds containing much oil, are pecuriarly liable to spoil. Lindley sug- gests that the oil becomes rancid. The preservation of seeds from one season to another, for home use, is not difficult, and may be described in three sentences: ripen them well, dry them thoroughly, and keep them aired and cool. ;■,■.- ' ■'■".■".■.- Some seeds retain their power of germination to an astonishing length of time, as will appear from facts stated by Professor Lindley: • "Not to speak of the doubtful instan- ces of seeds taken from the Pyramids having germinated, melons have been known to grow at the age of 40 years, kidney beans at 100, sensitive-plant at 60, rye at 40; and there are now grow- ing, in the garden of the Horticultural ..^r.. -;• '^■■: S^^' y!^'rpl!^£!(^-^Jt 382 THE ILLIISJ^OIS F^R]MER. Society; raspberry plants raised from seeds 1600 or 1700 years old." But in selecting seeds, fresh ones should be had if possible. Where, how- ever, the vegetable is cultivated fur the sake of its flower, or its fruits, it is some- times better to select old seed. Thus balsamincs (the touch-me-not) and the cucumber, squash and melon tribe do better on seeds three or four years old; for fresh seeds produce plants whose growth will be too luxuriant for produc- ing fruit; whereas from old seed, the plants have less vigor of growth but a great tendency to fruit well. We insert a table, exhibiting the years which different seeds will retain their vitality : Ye»rs.[ Year*. Aaparngns 4 or 13j ^fa^JoraIn 4 Balm 2 (Melon S or 10 Basil \ or 3 Bean') 1 or '2 Bents 8 or 10 Biiratfe 2 Cabbage 6 or 8 Carrot I or 7 Poa. ....'. '2 or 3 Cflery 6 or 8 Pumpkin 8 or 10 ( orn 2 or 3 Poi'Ptr 5 or 6 CriBn 2 i Raildish fi or 8 Onctiraber 8 or 10! Rno 3 Vtimtarl 3 or 4 VaRrnrtiiim 2 or 3 Onion 3 ParBlov 5 or 6 Parsnip 1 Caraway 4 Kennel 5 Oarlic 3 L.'ek 3 or 4 Ruta Baga 4 Sal-sify 2 «avory 3 or 4 Spjnai!« 3 or 4 Lfittnce 3 or 4:*qii»8h 8 or 0 Mangol Wurtzel 8or 1(1 Turnip 3 or 4 How to Detect Imperfect Yision or BlindiiPf^s in Horses. The novice in horse-flesh may have good grounds for suspicion as to the ex- istence of imperfect vision or blindness when the horse moves his ears in a con- stant and rapid motion, directing them in quick succession to every quarter from whence the least sound proceeds. His action is lofty and faltering, and he lifts his feet and replaces them on tlie ground as if stepping over some obstacle, when there is actually nothing to impede his progression. But. notwithstanding that these symptoms would be suflicicnt to creat'^ suspicion, there are other causes (besides imperfect vision) by wliich the same, or similar symptoms, would ap- pear in horses. For instance, if a horse with the most perfect pair of eyes were led from a dark stable into the blaz- ing sunshine, the sudden contraction of the pupil of his eye would render it im- possible, for a few moments, for him to see but very indistinctly ; hence would arise the same symptoms of uncertainty in his movements, until the pupil becomes steady after the sudden contraction. — The dilation and contraction of the pu- pil of the horse's eye furnishes the prin- , cipal means of ascertaining whether the blindness exists in one eye or both, as the pupil varies in size, according to the dcfrrec of light which is brought to bear upon it. In a dark stable the pupil if expanded, so that a greater portion of ilght falls upon the corner ; but if the horse be led to the door of the stable, the pupil will contract, so as to exclude more light than could be endured, and if suddenly exposed to the sun, the aper- ture will be all but closed ; therefore the novice should carefully notice these va- riations in the pupil, whether they con- tract or expand equally by the increase and decrease of the light — which he may readily preceive by advancing the horse's head to the open door or window of the stable, and backing him again into the darkness, until he is satisfied as to the perfection or imperfection of the horse's vision. But if the horse should be ex- amined in the open air, the novice should first notice whether both pupils are of exactly the same size. After this he should carefully place his hand, so as not to alarm the horse, over each eye, to shade of the light, and hold it there for a short time, noticing tiie extent to which the pupil dilates, then passing his hand over the other eye, and ascertain whether it also dilates to the same extent, and if he should still be uncertain, let him place both hands in the position of shades over both the eyes of the horse, and ho will at once perceive (if his own vision be good) whether they are perfect, and if not, which of the two are imper- fect. I would suggest to all owners of horses the importance of admitting plenty of light and pure air into their stables ; for I am satisfied that nothing tends more to injure the eyes of a horse and impair his vision than dark or badly-ventilated stables. Every man who keeps horses for the purpose of assirstinghim in earn- ing his livelihood would be neglecting a very important portion of his business, by inattention to lighting, draining, and ventillation of his stables, to say noth- ing of his imperative duty to treat his horses in the manner they so richly de- serve. I maintain that horses are as deserting of pure dwellings as the best of God's creatures. The eff'orts of our Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the activity of its officers, is suffi- cient evidence of their philanthropy ; put I have never known a conviction for shutting up a horse, and half smother- ing him in the rank, pestiferous amos- phere of a non-drained or ventilated sta- ble, and still this will be admitted by all men, possessed of common sense, to be gross cruelty In every town and village in the Uni- ted Kingdom may be found stables with- out drainage, and even at this season of the year, with very little, if any ventil- ation. I have at various places in my travels, frequently been present at the opening of those badly-ventilated dwell- ings for horses, the first thing in the morning, as I have no doubt some of my read^*rs have also ; therefore they will agree with me in saying that the atmos- phere is sufficient to stitle many a mnn, ' and quite sullicient of itself toengcniler a variety of diseases among the miserable occupants. There are thousands of stables in which the door is the only aperture for the ingress of pure air; and even this is, in most instances closed, both when the horse is at rest, as at work or exer- cise ; thus he has, while in the stable, or rather, horse oven, to breath the same air over and over again, inhaling the ammonia which is constantly rising from the interstices of the irregular pavement, or mud floor, and this is not only a con- stant cause of misery to the horse, but by acting most injuriously on his eyes, entails a serious loss to his owner, by decreasing his value. There are a few respectable builders, now-a-days, who do not understand the erection of well-ventilatcd stables ; but where owners of horses cannot afford to have their old stables rebuilt, they might, at least, break out windows to admit light and air, and also, at a trifling ex- pense, drain the floors ; and thus, by keeping the air cool and sweet, they would, to a certain extent, neutralize the effects which a stifling and impure atmosphere will sooner or later entail up- on their horses. — London Review. «•• Milk wliich docs not Yield Butter, and llie Means to Remedy It. - The author calls the attention of those who are chiefly interested in such cases, in which theoe is no disease of the mammary gland nor loss of milk, but a want of oleaginous matters in the fluid. In the causes of this deficiency of butter-making quality, he con- cludes that there are two principal ones, viz: idiosyncrasy and alimentation ; but there is another which cannot be so easily defined, and which occurs in animals that are well kept, and whose milk has beeu previously rich in butter. It is these that the remedy is principally directed. The remedy consists in giving the animal two ounces of the sul- phuret of antimony, with thaee ounces ot coriander seeds, powdered and well mixed. This is to be given as a soft bolus, and fol- lowed by a draught corauosed of half a pint of vinegar, a pint of water, and a handful of common salt, for three successive mornings, no an empty stomach. This remedy, according to the author, rarely fails, and the milk produced some days after its exhibition is fround to be richer in cream. The first churning yicldi^ a larger quantity of butter, but the second and third are still more satisfactory in their results. A letter from a farmer states that he had fourteen cows in full milk, from which he obtained very little butter, and that of a bad ■quality. Guided by the statements of M. l)encubourg, which had appeared in the An iialcs Vctcrinaries, lie had seperately tested the milk of his cows, and found that the bad quality of it Was owing to one cow only, and that the milk of the others yielded good and abundant butter. It was, therefore, clearly established that the loss he had so long sus- tained was attributed to thiscow only. He at once administered the remedy recommen- ded by M. Beueubourg, which effectep a cure .ft'^i'7?x>ir' ., ■■' ..W. THE ILLIISrOIS F^RjVIEH. 383 COMM^ K(J1AL. Springfield Mark.et~NiV. 26. KLOUR— $D 60 %* bri C(»UN_New, 30(:^ bu; CORN M KA I.— 5i)c ^ bu; OATS— 26c(a30c $bn; LEANS— $I@1 26 ^bn; BRAN— 10c ^bn; SHORTS— IPC ^bu; TI \IOTHY s'B— $1 75; HUNGAHIAN Gr 8'd-none. MILLET— None; CLOViSR— $6 60@7 ^ bu; rOTATOfcP— New, 30@40c; HAY- $6@$S fi ton: TALLOW— 8J^f»9,; f) B); SOAP— liar. 4 tn ec -^ ft; CAN DLE?— 12i^( ^ box: PICKLKD I"K-$S^10^ TOO, BACtiN— bams 12iol:tef!lb; Cr?ICKKN8— $1 aSQfl 60; BUCKWUEAT— 4uc ^ bu; KGOt- -10@il2c fi doz; LAUU-12c%'.ft; SUU A K— 8c(a; 1 0 'p ID; COFFEE- 13c(a),15of lb; M0LAS3K?— 45c@60c^ gal SALT— $1 76f*»r.k; "ALT— $1 75R)brl; M ACKKREL— 12c@13c No 1; CODFISH- $6 60 ^100 fta ; APPLES— dried; $1 60 ^bu; WOOD-f3(a*4 00 ^ cord; COAL— lie ft) bn: WHISKY— 27@30c ^gal; VINEGAR— lOc tigal; BRiiOMS— $1 ft0@2 50 fSdoz; BCT 1 ER— 2i @'26c ^ ft) IlIbES— Dry, ben, 10@12c. HIDES- Green, 6c; APPLES— green; 7fi@$l FEATUERt— 3u@40c fSft; -«» THE nOG TRADE. The wet and nnfavorable weather of the pa^tweek has had the effect of delaying operations in the packing business It will be obserTed by out quotations that hogs are declining in all the principal packing points. We heard t f a sale yerterday to a city packer of 1,000 head to average 225 lbs, Ht $5 net. This figure cannot at present be obtained, as the hog product is too low to justify the pack* ers in paying such prices, and tbey will hold off until an advance in the product takes place We quote the uffuring price Btfady at $4 50 net.forhrgs aver*ging 200 fits. Thursday's New York Tribune says: Xhe few shnrp, frosty nights of the past v, eek have had a tendency to sharpen the ap; etit" of poi k eater**; atany rate, to quicken the propei siiies of buy< rs, and tbey have cum u forward iu such uumbers that the bog merchants took courx age and advan-ed their rates. The following are the pre- sent quotntions; Best corn fed bogu 6c lb gioss; second best, 5%@5%r; distillery hogs. 5i the prevailing tigures for lots averaging 190 to 201 ft Th demand, however, wa^ not act- ive The mnjority of p;«ck rs have not quite made up their minds to pay these prices. The receipts were nh )ut 6,00o heail. In prnvinioos there was not mi.-cli done. Green hinis moved off pretty fr. ely at 7^^Ca,i8c. New lard is quiet at 9% @9%c. .Mefs pork is firm f.t .-1* for i Id. N -w nold for Feb- n.ary at $14 6o Cld bacon is lirm at l'^@9]4, for shoulders anil sides Mondny's Missouri Democrat says : St. Louis packers are rea New York, and $1 40 to Bos on. The flour market has been inactive, txcept on Thursday, when some 6,0(!0 barrels sold 2,( 00 barrels of it city superfine, for 1st Jiii.Uiry, at 5, at which it is at prese t held. The wheat markt t has been pre'ty well supplied, and prices have ruled steady, thou;,h daily a littl.' easier to the bnyer, ptr- tirularly at th" close. SaleH rau.-e betw en 95c and ! 13c. Corn bai been in lialit supply and inactive, until to-day, when it '8 beKinuing to arrive more freely and the maiket shows aibclineof 2(gi.3c-; sales of white at Sue. and yellow at 65c. Oats has hei.l its price to the close. 45igi48c. Barley has been dull at *6@65c for fall, and GOc for prime spring. Kye remaiiieil steady at60@63c. Or eery stocks have run down lararely; the gloomy ac- conuti of sugar crops in the south, aff.-ct pricos there a id here, an 1 the demand is jtood here, with little supply. To- day, 20 hhds fair sold at 7>^e, and 77 hh 's good fair at 7V^o. Some 400 bags of coffee, received from New York, sold at 12'4c. but more ran hardly In- had under 12V$c Some new id iiitation molasses sold at 4111 ; a id aa it s- Us at 42- in New ^^rleans, but little profit is mide New rioo is6c "r^lb. Salt is not in much demand: som 2.0OO sold to-day at $1 40O 1 60 for G. A., according to quality; lu'k'i Island is 7i.i@ 00c Nothing was done in hem", lead or tobacco, to-day. and but little diirngthe «eek. Last sa eg of Galena lead $5 V.'O, ard of prime hemp fl 10 No tobacco of consequ'uce ar riving Ilay is in fair demand at 78(a:86c Whiskj'has fluctuated but little, closing dull at a slight decline — 2.c for cash. ^ — i— — ^ «»» ..CHICAGO MARKET— NOV. 23. p. m. This llgfat receipts of wheat this morning caused anadrance of 1 to 2c on sprinz grades this moaning, with a very quiet market, closing firm at 66]^v for No 2 and 88^c for No 1.— Winter wheat in better demand. New corn in good shipping demand at a decline of 2 to 3c; cl0!>ing quiet at 43c for No 1. Old corn steady with a better demand. Flour quiet and unchanged Oats quiet but firm at 30 to 30i^c for No 1. Nothing doing in Rye or Barley — Lake freigLts q ■ let. Ilisbwiuesa si ade easiel. Dressej hogs fccarce and sales mainly in retail lots. By Telegraph. NEW VORK CATTLE MAEKKT, NOV. 23. Ca*tle - Beef advanced }^c f^ ft owing to decreased re« ceipts. Prices i anged from 6@10J^c, averaging about 8c ^ ft Peceipts 3,200. head Sheep and Lambi — Advanced 26c ^ bead. Market active. Receipts 13 6U0 carcasses Swiue — Declined }^c f* ft. Receipts 11,500, being an In- crease of 5,000 over last week. Prices range rom 6@5%c. ST. LOUIS HORSE AND MULE MARKET— NOV. 19. Theolferings have not b- en as large during th" past week as they wer- the we-k previous, the ru-h of common stock into market havinti: in a degree sub-iided, on ncconnt of low prices 'I heie has been no further decline, and. in fact, the sale^of yesterday indicated that pries were a shade more favorable for Sellers. Buyers for the a utherii mark.:t8 have b;^en present during the past few days, and are now here, but have not yet made any purcha-e. Private sales bring the week of 1 pair black match horses at $400; 1 span Work bor-es at 280; a span do at (2i0; 1 span do at illrt; 1 fine uare at $175; 1 large dr*iught horse at $15o; 1 draught horse at $125; 1 buggy do at 125; 1 mare at f 110; 1 span hmall do at- $15>); 2 diaught horses at $80 each; I span mules at 276; 1 email mule at $40. Left over in stable 45 head. V * «T.LOUrs LIVE STOCK MARKET— NOV. 17. CATTLE — The market coutinu-s overstocked with cattle. Coraniun cattle are selling at miserably low rates, say . 5i® 2J/^c gross; no.je but smooth steers for fee iug purposes wi 1 bring the latter figure: good fat steers wdl bring from 5@5J^ c net, with alight demand forshippiug, owing to the present hifih rates ot freight. SHEEP — * fiir supply on the maiket, with a light de< mand aud prices in favor of pnrchtsers. say $1 50® $ 3 ^ b< ai lor common to gnod; extra will sell for a high.r figure. U iGS — A fair demand with a light supply on the m-.rket; good lom weigbiug o^er 200 ft net, viU briag 6^c net; under 200 ft, 4J^®6c net; n ne leTt over unsold.. . r ; NEW YORK CATTLE MARKET.— NOT. 16. General Remaiiks on he Market. — We have to report the continued influx of «u over-supply of beef c-itt le, or cattle brought here to be sold for beef, if anybody will buy them assucb. Pome puicliMSes were jnje today and last week at $Ui@812, and from that up to $25 ^ bead, by parties who must be connected with the glue factories, for certainly no one could think of i:ettiug salable betf utfrom between the skin and bone« of some of the live carcasses < ffered and ac- tu illv sold in the cattle yards. There may be some tun in sendinK a '•< rove" of beasts to market and sellirg them for $10 aud Maying $13 exoen-ies, but we cannot nee it. Aside from these, however, there were many fair animals offered to day, though none worthy to be ranked as piemium bullocks. An unusual number of country buyers chanced to come in. which helped to keep up prices to about laiit w ek's figures and clear out the yards, with the exceptioti of about 200. which Were unsod at sundown. An advance in poik alfo helpedcut thecattle market somcv hat Milch cow , though arriving in modei ate numbers, are so slow of sale that they cau la-dly be quoted as sellint; at any price Sheep and lambs have come in quite largely, I ut there hts been a briik demand and though the receipts hav ex- ceeded those of la-it week over S.dOO, a small advance in price was obtained tc^-dav for the better grad>-8. The yardsate un- usually well cleared out.consideriuKtbe abund lut supply of iieaily 15.C00 .*ve ineluding 1,100 sold at Berga.., came iiitomarketby the followit^groutes: By Eriehailroad. 2,214; by Hudson River Railroad, 1471; by river barges, 7,'0; by Harlem Uailroa'l, 280. by Camden and Amboy Railroad, 191; aud on foe t, 150. Tlieie se-nis t-i be i general satisfaction among drovers with the treatment of thems Ives and stock on all the rai road routes, which we are gla i to make a no:e of. The following droves from Illinois were at this market: OeorgH W. Funk. III. 80; R. Haywood, III, 100; Ihomae Lott, 0..36; Getirge Saj;e. 11) . 61: Gillet * T odwin. III .38. Pfices. — Taking the average of the fntire trao'-actionf of this week's i- arket, to day aud yesterday included, the rang10 .C : -' 9]^®\0 Medium quality „... 8 @ 81^ 8 (VtSj^ Poor quality .6*^7 .. ' 6J^@7 Poorest quality .4 ® 6)4 j-" * &^\4 General gelling prices 7 @ 8>^ 7 @8J^ Average of all sales 7J^@— 7J4®— It will be seen, that with a single exception, we have not changed the selling rates for two weeks past. There is a wide range in theprices— all the way from 4c tf^ lOc fi lb. Very few sold at 10c: most buyers conceded that their best beef would cost them oiily 9c®9}^c in the carcass, allowing the h de, head fat and ro'igh tallow for the expense of purchas ng ind killing. There was but a light busi' ess at Albany for ea'tern mat kets, only about (00 head No cattle are left over at that point this week, so far as we could learn. To Printers — We have for sale, low for caih, a cylinder printing machine, Northrup's patent, in good order. A good Washington pres', imperial size, will be taken in part paya ment, if desired. This machine is rigged for turning by hand or Btram. The type on which the JonBlTAi. is now printed, tocher with the column atd dash rules, will be for sale when onr new dress arrives. Also several fonts of job type, about half worn. dlwtf Maoistkates' Blakes — We have just printed a qnantity o new blank forms for the use of magistrates, which together with the ' est forms of blank deeds, bonds, mortgages, etc., are offered for sale at our Counting Room on first floor, d&wtf ^ ■■ Eugene Kt. Crross^ / ATTORNEY AT LAW, SPRINGFIELD, ILL Correspoudeuce SolicfUd. ' Refers TO — Ool M. Bray man, Springfield; Hon. Julius Manning, Peoria. , decl ly ATTUE OLD ESTABLISHED l^UMBER YAKD OF . ON VS. LOL'IS, ALT' N AND CQICAGO RAILKOAD.) - ay be toHiid an EXTENSIVE and WELL ££L£CrEO PINE LUMBERll BOUGHT at low figures, aad offered for sale at a small dvance on cost, , , 1, Vy^, ly^, 2 and 3 inch, clear Saginaw Lumt>er — dry " " " 2d do do do do 12, 14, 16 and 18 foot Gang Sawed Boards COM.WON BOARDS SHEETINCh 4, 6, and 8 inch Clear strips 10 aud 12 inch do boards ASH POPLAR AND PINE FLOORISG-i- ! . Dressed and Rough PINE and POPLAR WKATnERBOARDING— - i^caiitUiig, Joist aud Timbers-* . All lengths, sizes and shapes 1.., 14 aud 16 foot FENCING, PANNEL BOARDS, Ac, Ac. ' Several brands ot A No. 1 SHINGLES— (Sold at $3 50 to $i 50,) Xhat we can warran , The best f IiATB, 8A8BL V--;...-' ■>-. -^ -DOORS, k ■ ■' ;» ; BLINDS. FRESH AI^TON JLl ME Now York PLASTER PARIS, ■ ^ nOVEY S STUCCO, ^: ■ ' • N. Y. and His., CEBiKNT, HAIE, WHITE SAND, Altou Coal &c> ALL of best quality, and for »«le at lowest prices. *' Lumber or Lluje delivered at any point on Railroad, t.t low figures. We request the pleasure of showing our stock, and giving onr prices to those who wish to buy. Very Respectfully. Majl8-dwGm E. U. ULRICH & CO Springfield. ETALIC AND PORCELAINE PUFF Boxes, also a fine nsBoitment of fancy Soaps, aud Vren -h Pomatums, and liair Oils altr-iys on hand, at nov3 COnSEAU 4 DILLEB'S. 384 THE ILLINOIS FA-HMEK. ; IS lUG C1.UB9. We are mak'ng arrangements to giro the Journal an entire new suit of t;pe^, rules, etc. This change will take place at theclcBe of the year. The flrstniimterofonr Week- ly for 1800 will be ptiblished on Wednesday, January 4th •nd printed with new and beautiful type made expressly for oar nae. A large outlay of money it required iu order to make this improvement, and althouKh unr print is uow as good as the average, und better than a great many of our coDtemporarifS,yet we feeljostifiediu the expenditure by the liberal patronage that we have received. A few words in relation to the i nst and future may not be out of place here We have l.ibored incesnantly dnrinK the yeiir about t • close, for the edification of our readors.nnd have spared no expense to place before tbem the latest and most reliable intelligeDce on all tubjects of interest within the scope of our design. unr t>e4t efforts have Ilk'-wise been put forth f >r the ad« vancement of the principles of the only conservativ.', free labor and free soil party in the Union. Within the past four years this party has grown from a pigmy to a giant, and next year will witness the peaceful transfer of the reins of government to Its keeping for .he Presidential term The claims of Illinois must not be cverloiiked. In the coming contest Illinois will b > the great battle ground. The bogus Democracy still cling to thU State with teuHcity, and nau ht but the united voice and exertions of freemen can wreit her irom their grasp. Friends, we propose to aid the people in thir strufgls with the ofBcfvholders, to the extent of our abilities, and oHr Abili- ties niuat benieasurfd in n dt^gree by the amount of support extended to 08. Almostevery settlement can send us a club cf ten. fifteen or twenty Hubscribers, at the low rates for which we are now sending the paper There in no more powerful modt) of, digiteminating correct principles than through the medium of the newspxper. Its influence is silent and almost imperceptible, bnt it is constant and effec- tive. Among ths attractions for the ensuing year, in addition to our already large cori a of contributors, we shall present an occasional article from the pen of '-Rural;" alxo, a regular letter from Washington City, from the pen of one wht, is familiar with Illinois politics, and who possesses nnusua facilities for (.btainingreliablmews. A nnmbsr of persons have already set about making n(> clubs in their own settlements One man handed in twenty-, two names a few dxyg aito. Suppose each subscriber would get only on^ new Hut>8criber, the result won Id be an increase of thousands ofrea^Ierg. Tbr price is so low thit we cannot afford to employ Hgnnta to canvnss.for us and we mu4t rely on the friends of the paper to make a little exertion to widen Its circle of readers and influence. Now is the time. Hnn« dreds of persons are ab^at to ceaxe taking K:aste''n papers and substitute others, and many of them will Join a club for the JuuaNAL at the asking. Willour friends see to this ? The reduced rates to clubs are subjuincd. . Great Meduction to Clubs. SUBSCRIBE NOW FOH THE ILLINOIS STATE JOURNAL A rdiahle newspape • and a faithful advocate nf Republi- can principles— published at ^priiigfitld, Illinois, by BaWiache d- Baker The season for formiEg < lubs is at hand, and in order to enable our friends to compete with the agents of fi«stern put>- lications, we have determined to offer the Weekly Journal at the following low rates, for the nest sixty days : TKRHB TO CLUBd — CASH IN ADVANOC. Six copies for one year $7 60 Ten " " 12 00 Ffteen " " 16 60 Twenty •* " 20 00 Thirty " " - 80 00 All persons sending clubs of ten, fifteen and twenty sub- Bcril'ers a the above rates, will be entitled to an extra copy free; and all persons sending clubs of thirty suVscribers, shall receive two extra copies of the paper free, or a copy of Oodey's Lady's Pook for 1860, if i referred. We hrpeour friends will respond lib-rally iu view of the above reduction f rates. Each paper will be addressed to the pfrson for whom it is intended, and will be forwarded to any dteireU post ofPce ^S-Clfrgysaen and teachers supplied at$l a vear. 49*'Money inclosed in registered letters sent at our risk. Address BAILHAOHB A BAKKRl , novl. ^pringfiod, IU B. B. LLOYD, D E ISTTI S T, OrriCE ON NORTH FIFTH STREET, OVER J. RATnURVS. SPRXNGFI£XJ>, XLL. ADENTAIil'RACTICEOl'FIFTEENYEAKSWARRANTS him in saying that all operations shall be carefully and neatly performed. He is in possession of several premi- ums and diplomas awarded by the best institutes for the pro- motion of science and arts in the country. Teeth inserted, from one tooth to full sets, as substantial and handsome as can be had m any city of the United t'tutes or Europe. Artificial palate plates iuserted, supplying the want or loss of the palate, velum and would, so as to restoro articulation. Ilofer to Prof. David Qilbort, Pennsylvania College of Med- Ici no, Philadelphia; Hon. J. S. Black, Washiugtou City; Rev. Dr. Ilarkoy, Illinois University ; Dm. Helm, Kyan and Wal- lace : Messrs. Jacob Loose, J 8. Condull, J. II. Qray, I'oseel- man, Owen, Cornetiu k Dillor. JunoT, 1S5. FA IR BANKS PATENT SCALES OF ALL KINDS. Fairbanks & Greenleaf, 35 Laki Street, CatCAOO. Sold in Springfield, by mayl ly B. B. PEASE. IIIISOIS MDTCAl PIISE Wmm COMPANY. .4 ,OS«.*.V»,, CAPITAI. **-• - *-*•"■ UNLIMITED AMD coaiTAimT INCREASING. PRESENT FUND for the payment of LOSSES BY FIRE $1,000. UUU 00. PRINcFfaI. office at AI.TON, IL.I-. THIS COMPANY WAS CHARTERED in 1839, and insures, at a moderate cost, almost every species of property in Illinois against Loss or Damage by Fire, 'i he rates of risk are so arranged that eacu class of property insured will support its own loss. Every one Insured becomes a member— the Company being an association of customers— each of whom is concerned iu insuring his neighbor. The capital augments in exact ratio with the increase of risks; the security 'or which remains in tho hands of the insured; therefore, every member is the treasurer of his own money until the same is required for the purpose of paying losses. BOARD 01 '^TRKOTORS : H. W. Bniings, M. O. Atwood, Robert Smith, Alfred Dow, John Atwood. '. LONG, Presidenc. rim. Turner, Lyman Trdmbnll, BenJ. F. Long, Samuel Wade, John James, L. Kellenberger, Henry l.ea. Elias Uibbard, F. A. Uofimann, B. K. Hart, B. ] L; KsuxMBixaui, Treasurer. ■ * M. Q. Atwood, Secretary. John Atwood, Ass't Secretary. John BlAiSDitT., Gen'l Agent. 4i^ Application for insurance may be made to the Loca Agent*, one or more of whom may be found in every county in tba State. JAMES L UILL, Agent. JanlOdSmwiy Western liand Office, T. ^MATHER. rOR THC PURCHASE AND SAI.E OP CITY PRO- perty, Farms and UiiimproTed JLauds, PAVMEKT OI TAJTES, ^ Collection of Claims. . Government Elands ENTERED WITH WARRANTS OR CASIT IN ANT LAND DISTRICT IN ILLINOIS, IOWA, MISSOURI, 31INN&S0TA OR NEBRASKA. I.AND WARRANTS BOUGHT AND SOI^D. ' Office over N. H. Ridgely's Bank, West side Public Square, Springfield. Ills. WESTFRN TREES FOR TUB W m S T . AT THE WOODBURN NURSERY I PERSONS WISHING TO PURCHASE their Fruit Trees, Shade Trees, or Shrubt'ery; will find it to their advantage to order at the above named Nursery We have fur sale Thirty Thonsand of 6 to 7 feet high, choice Apple Trees, of some fifty approved varieties, for Western cultuio; which vte can with confidence ufi'er to the public. We also oflTora good assortment of Peaches, Pears, (Dwarf and Standard,) Ctioiries. I'lums, Quinces, (looseberries. Cur- rants. ie iu excellent condition to do ample Justice to live healthy trees, to which we may point with pleasure. Trees grown in New York, with highly stimulating manures, and being protect- ed by snow in the wintei , can hardly be expected to stand, unscathed, our changeable climate. It is onr pride to give ( ur customers siitlsfaction; this wo intend to do on all occasions, as we can live by a fair and legitimate business. Apple Trees, 6 to 7 feet high, 20cent8each " '< «' " " $16 per 100 " " 6 years old .2¢8eacb Dwarf and Standard Pears 60 " " " " " Cherry .- .60 " " Standard Plums 60 " « A General Stock of Ever^reeus Ornamental Trees and Plants. Catalogues had on applicatiue. Conductors on the Illinois Central Railroad have directions to leave pysengers at the Nursery, 3^ miles 8onth of Dr- bana, when reijuested t>efore leaving the last station, when on time. Farmers and tree planters < f Central Illinois, will yon encourage home industry? M. L. DUNLAP, West Ur'uana, P. C, Champagu Co., 111. July 1. 1859— tf B, F. FOX, YYbolesale and Retail Dealer iu Hardware, IN ALL ITS VARIOUS BRANCHES, HAS NOW IN STORE one of the largest and beat assortments cf goods in his line ever offered in this market. Importing many styles of Eng- lish goods direct, and purchasing his American goods of the manufacturers at the lowest (cash) prices, he is enabled to olTer merchants and consumers goodsat the lowest prices, and on as favorable terms as any house east or west. Ilia stock embraces a very large and complete assortment of Agricultural Tools and Implements ! of the latest and most improved kinds and qualities. Reap- ers, Mowers, Straw Cutlers, Hedge Trimmers, Sickles, Grass and 1 runing Hooks, Cradles, Scythes, Snaths, Fbrks, Hoes, Shovels, Scoops, Axes(a.\\ kinds and makes), Picks, Mattocks, FUn Mills, Seed Separators and Tlireshing Ma- chines. HU&E FURNISHIIVG & BUILDERS WAREH USE. Large and complete assortment of Locks, Latches, Butts, Hin- ges, Screws, Bolts. Brads, Nails. TRIMMINGS— great variety Carpenter^s and Builder's Tools ! Planes, Saws, Chisels, Augers, Braces, Bitts, Drawing Kmves, Squares, Trowels, Bevils, Hatchets, Hammers, Adzes, Burch and Broad Axes, Boreing Machines, Gould's and Steptoe't Morticing Machines, Files, dx. Blacksmith's Tools. Bellows, AnvUs, Vices, Screw Plates, Tongs, Horse Nails, Horse Slwes, Buttresses, dx:. COOPER'S TOOLS. Fine assortment. Knives. Hooks. Phinfs, dc ClJTIiERY. A very largo stock and assortment of Wostenholm's Butch- er's and othei's, Table, Pocket, Pen, Butcher and Shoe Knives, Razors, Shears, Cissors, Carvers, d-c. Great variety. GUNS, PISTOtS, Gun Trimmingsand Mountit>gs,singUand doiMebarrelled En- glish and German Rifles, Pistols of great variety, together with a general assortm'iut of goods usually kept in a Ilardware store. 8 A-WS Every variety, mill, cross cut and circular, from three inches to sixty inclusive, furnished at manufacturers prices. Saddlery Hardware and Carriage Trimmings. In this branch of my busineas, I am enabled to extend to saddlers and carriage makers unusual facilities, beingsupplied direct from the manufacturers. Goods in this line come tome at extraordin.iry low prices. My stock embraces all varieties: Buckles, Ferrets, Ornaments, Roseates, Rings, Snaffles, Bitts, Punches, Webbing, Self -Ad justing and Dtnnison Trees, Sad- dler's Siilc, Shoe, Three-Cord and Pitting Thread. Carriage Triinmings. rass and Silver PI 9 ted, Screto Front Bands and Plated Screw ront Mail Bands, Coach Handles, Curtain Frames, Turned ollar s, Patent and EnameUed Leather, Enamelled Muslin, Duck and Drill, Rubber CZolh, Carriage Bows, Deer and Curled Hair, I'utent Leatlier and Rubber Belting, Ilemp andRubbir packiiig. t^, Orders promptly filled and forwarded. May 1st, 1857. B. P. FOX Bioonttngton J\"u rsery. BLOOMINGT. N, ILLINOIS. Eighty Acres Frnit and Ornamental Ti ees. i){\{\ NAMED SORTS TULIPS, ALSO '^v/vyHyacinths,Crocus,andagpnerala8«ortment of Bulbs I nd Fli.wer Itoita for Fall and t'priog< rlantiug. Nursery stock, Evergrwiis, G.eenhi-ngo' and garden plants — all at %%'holeeHle and retail at lowest cash rates. 4i^For particulars see Catalogues or address subscriber. F. K. PUtENIX. BloomingtonlU., August 1, 1859. ^\\ r