UMASS/AMHERST * 31.50bbQ05a5HQ51 I fe*^ -V^I^-IW^^a:;:'^' ^-^^ ~->^:V ^HHHXTw . I-- / ,. A|ii|n' mmmm Vd-^hA. ,:!i!;'tfii .flAr^N^"' '^^^'^'f/i''''^'^^^Aj.. <-' u ^:^H TTRRARY ^fRSf* UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LIBRARY S 96 N43 V.8 1849 O^ /t^„ Date Due ^ Printed in U.S.A. p EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT AMERICAN INSTITUTE, OF THE CITY OF NEW-YORK. Made to the Legislature, February 25, 1850. ALBANY: WEED, PARSONS & Co.. PUBLIC PRINTERS. 1850. OFFICERS AxND COMMITTEES OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE, 1849, '50. TRUSTEES. m JAMES TALLMADGE, President. JOHN D. WARD, ^ JOHN CAMPBELL, yVice-Presidmti. LLVINGSTON LIVINGSTON,) EDWARD T. Backhouse, Treasurer. GEORGE BACON, Corresponding Secretary. HENRY MEIGS, Recording Secretary. ADONIRAM CHANDLER, Superintending AgerU. MANAGERS OF THE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL FAIK. Robert Lovett, Chairman. Joseph Torrey, William Ebbitt, James Van Nonlen, John A. Sitlell, Thomas B. Stillman, Bailey J. Hathaway, Isaac Fryer, George F. Barnard, Henian W. Childs, Alexander Knox, jr., Thomas W. Harvey, Edwin Smith, George Gifford, H. P. Blackman, William C. Arthur, Ralph Hall, Benjamin Aycrigg, John A. Bunting, James R. Smith, Martin E. Thompson, George C. Mann, George R. Jackson, John P. Riilner, Gordon L. Ford. Adoniram Chandler, Ex officio. BOARD or agriculture. Lewis G. Morris, President. Nicholas Wyckoff, } ,,. n -j a R. T. Underhill, \ Vtce.PrtsiderU,. John W. Chambers, Secretary. Philip Schuyler, A. P. Cuming, Thomas Bridgeman, Peter B. Mead, Charles Henry Hall, Robert L. Pell, Robert S. Livingston, Samuel Allen, Thomas Bell, Ambrose Stevens, John G. Bergen, Barnet Johnson, J. Lawrence Smith, Samuel Van Wyck, James Depeystcr, Elijah H. Kimball, Alanson Nash, Thompson C. Munn, Samuel Walker, Peter Pirnie, John O. Choules, Francis Barretto, George Vail, Adoniram Chandler, William Watson, John H. Coles. committee on finance. John Campbell, Geo. F. Barnard, T. B. Stillman, John A. Bunting, Geo. Bacon, Cornelius L. Sidell. Linus W. Sterena, 2^7Jj- IT COMMXTTKX ON COMMERCE. Freeman Hunt, Abraham Bell, Chas. Henry Hall, Luther B. Wyman. George Bacon, COMMITTEE ON MANUFACTURES. Thomas W. Harvey, Henry R. Dunham, R. M. Stratton, Alex. Knox, Jr. Wm. Serrell, COMMITTEE ON ARTS AND SCIENCES. Jas. Renwick, John Randel, Jr., John D. Ward, Jas. J. Mapes, Benj. Aycrigg, Geo. G. Sickles, Jas. R. Chilton, Jas. Bogardus, Horatio Allen, John R. St. John, Chas. W. Copeland, Chas. W. Hackley COMMITTEE ON ADMISSION OF MEMBERS. Alanson Nash, Geo. Giflford, John Campbell, Edward T. Backhouse. Henry Meigs, W COMMITTEE ON CORRESPONDENCE AND THE LIBRARY. John A. Sidell, Jacob C. Parsons, Philip Burrowes, Jacob T. Walden. Bailey J. Hathaway, !>♦ No. 199. IN ASSEMBLY, FEB. 26, 1850. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. New-York, Feb. 26M, 1850. To the Honorable Noble S. Elderkin, Speaker of the House of Assembly^ JVew-York. Sir — I herewith transmit the Annual Report of the Ameridin In- stitute of the city of New- York. Very respectfully, Your obt. servant, ADONIRAM CHANDLER, Superintending Age EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. JVcMJ-YbrA;, Jan. 7, 1850. The Trustees of the American Institute of the city of New- York, herewith present to the New-York State Agricultural Society, a report of their proceedings for the past year, in conformity to the law passed May 5, 1841, which constituted the Institute, the Agricultural Society of the county of New- York. Th€ Annual Transactions of the American Institute cover an ex- tended field, in which our fellow citizens throughout the country, who are engaged in agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and the arts, to a greater or less extent, are interested. It seems, therefore, necessary to embody in this report, every thing of interest, coming within the purview of the Institute, for the general information of all who are engaged in those great pursuits. Agriculture and manufac^ tures are the parents of commerce ; the ingenuity of the mechanic is indispensable to them. How essentially necessary to agriculture is the labor which is applied in originating and perfecting labor-saving machines for its use ; and in improving the numerous implements it has already received from the hands of the artizan. Any attempt to separate these interests, must be injurious, and should at once be dis- countenanced. Let the intercourse of classes, mutually dependant, be as free as air ; the benefits resulting will be great, and as mutual as the intercourse is free. The American Institute, located as it is in the metropolis of the Union, and embracing the great objects contained in its charter, we believe affords greater facilities for observation, enquiry, comparison, and the diffusion of important facts, pertaining to the industrial pursuit! 8 [Assembly of men, than any similar association within our knowledge. It was the pioneer in the great movement of association for disseminating useful information, and practically illustrating the productions of agriculture, manufactures, and the handicraft of the mechanic. Con- nected, as they intimately are and must be, with the every day w^ants of our citizens, it seems to have been demanded. The energies of the mechanic and manufacturer were feeble at the commencement of our operations, compared with the spirit and enterprise which now animate them. Contact with rivals, in every department, has accele- rated the progress of improvement, so that now, their productions stand second to none. 0 Agriculture has received its full share of our labor in endeavors to promote its advancement. Years of toil, before the legislative enact- ment of 1841, will attest the sincerity of our devotion to that interest, , The geological survey of the State originated in a petition from the American Institute for that object ; and for a succession of years the Institute has been petitioning for aid from the Legislature to establish an agricultural school with an experimental farm attached. We re- joice that the Legislature has at length moved in the matter. Al- though the American Institute has been omitted in the measures thus far taken, it has no complaint to make, no fault to find ; satisfied to the full, if the end is attained and the object faithfully accomplished, no matter under whose auspices the work may be done. The disbursements of the Institute in sustaining its operations for the last eight consecutive years, have been over $12,000 per annum ; making a total sum of $96,352.73. Our vouchers show that nearly one-third of this sum, or $30,000, is chargeable to the department of agriculture. The balance to manufactures and the mechanic arts. Such has been its disbursements in defraying all its expenses. The State, under the law of 1841, has refunded $7,600. For which, on behalf of the Institute, we tender our most sincere thanks, and solicit a continuance of this bounty ; confident in the assurance that it will be faithfully, and we trust beneficially, applied. The succeeding pages will bring to the knowledge of our fellow citizens, a somewhat detailed statement of our operations during the No. 199.] 9 past year, in the varied departments which receive our constant care and attention. In manufactures and the mechanics arts, something new is annually looked for. The prolific genius of our countrymen rarely disappoints this expectation. Improved methods for accom- plishing desired objects — perfection of finish — and improved beauty in design, characterize their annual offerings. In the department of agriculture, and tne production of the prime necessaries of life, much that is entirely new, cannot be expected. Increased production, the reclamation of sterile or exhausted soils, and the conversion of mate- rials, heretofore deemed worthless, into profitable manures, have evidently marked its progress. Nevertheless there is a vast amount of labor required to be done, in bringing clearly to the comprehension of practical operators in the soil, the truths which science has already largely developed. It has been charged, and there may be truth in the allegation, that our high seminaries of learning, fostered by the bounty of the State in no stinted measure, have too long neglected the great duty of bringing to the aid of practical operators in the indispensable arts of life, the important discoveries of science. Be this as it may, the spirit of the age is fast removing difficulties. The light of science begins to illuminate the humblest cottage ; from whence it will be reflected with benefits innumerable, and a brilliancy unknown in the cloisters of monastic concealment. It is not an uncommon occurrence, for those who are engaged in gratuitous labor for the public good, to be assailed and misrepresented. We ask our fellow citizens to examine closely before they decide. Every act of the Institute is open to examination. JAMES TALLMADGE,^ JOHN CAMPBELL, JOHN D. WARD, LIV. LIVINGSTON, I Trustees. GEO. BACON, ' H. MEIGS, ; E. T. BACKHOUSE, J 10 [Assembly The following is the financial condition of the American Institute : By the annual report of the Finance Committee, made to the American Institute April 12, 1849, There were invested in stocks of the city of New-York, and money deposited in the Mechanics' Banking Association, at interest, $17,000 00 In the treasury, 1 ,039 53 $18,039 62 The Receipts of the year have been. From members, $1,812 00 " Certificates of awards, 36 00 " Sales of Transactions, 3 25 " Managers of the 22nd annual Fair, 6,000 00 " Treasurer of the State of New-York, under act of May 1841, 950 00 *' Rent of store No. 351 Broadway, to February 1, 1850, 1,333 32 " Rent of room No. 333 Broadway, to February 1, 1850, 260 00 « Interest on bonds, $495 00 " Interest on money in bank, 120 83 615 33 " Donation for library Messrs French & Heiser, . 75 00 $29.] 24 92 Payments. Real Estate. 1849. May 1. Paid on account of purchase of property No. 351 Broadway, ($45,000,) $15,000 00 23. Paid insurance on do, 90 00 Nov. 2. Paid interest on bond and mortgage, $25,000, from May 1 to Nov. 1, 1849, 812 50 Carried forward, $15,902 50 Vo. 199.] 11 Brought forvvanl, $15,902 60 Nov. 10. Paid mortgage of $5,000.00, less difference of interest, $4,431 88 Paid interest to November,.... 152 04 4,583 92 12. Paid assessment, 8 24 Feb. 15. Paid taxes of 1849, 437 78 Repairs and Alterations JVo. 351 Broadway. Carpenters' work, $267 68 Masons'* do 45 93 Painting and sign?, 296 00 New roofing extension of store,, . , 142 75 Iron railing, 27 00 Flagging side-walk and emptying sink,. . , 49 87 Cleaning, whitewashing and glazing, 65 68 Monument to T. B. Wakeman. Two lots in Greenwood Cemetery, $220 00 ' >.n railing, 250 00 Monument, 350 00 Miscellaneous Bills. Salaries and Clerk hire. Salary of superintending Agent, May to November, $500 00 Salary of Recording Secretary to February 14, 1850, 286 24 Salary of Clerk to December 13, 1S49,.. 525 00 Salary of assistant Librarian, 228 25 Services of Messenger, , 98 25 $20,932 44 894 91 820 A* Carried forward, $1 ,637 74 $22,647 36 12 [Assembly Brought forward, $1,637 74 $22,647 35 Expenses of Farmers' Club reporting 12 meetings, $30 00 . Papers for distribution, 27 00 57 00 Insurance on library, 24 00 Books and periodicals for library, 135 25 Newspaper subscriptions, &c., 39 50 Freight on Transactions, &c., 18 51 Expenses of removal, , 53 93 Directory, 2 25 Rent of rooms No. 333 Broadway, '^50 00 Storage of library, &c., 30 00 Croton water and ice, 18 73 Petty cash expenses — postages, subscrip- tion to small papers, advertising, clean- ing, &c., &c., 188 94 2,955 90 $25,603 25 ui Amount of Receipts, $29,124 92 « Payments, 25,603 25 Balance in the treasury Feb. 15, 1850,. $3,521 67 REPORT OF THE MANAGERS OP THE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL FAIR. The Board of Managers of the twenty-second annual Fair of the American Institute, respectfully REPORT : That as usual, extensive public notice was given that the Fair would be open to visitors at Castle Garden, on Tuesday, the second day of October, but in consequence of the inclement weather the opening was postponed until the 3d. The number of entries on the books were, in the Mechanical and Manufacturing Department 2,092, in the Agricultural and Horticultural Department 268, and at the Cattle Show 227, making a total of 2,587. The American Congress of Fruit Growers, according to arrange- ments made the last year, met as before under the auspices of the American Institute, on the morning of the 2d of October. The as- sembly was called to order at 11 o'clock, by the Hon. M. P. Wilder, President. The meeting was held in the large front saloon at Castle Garden, which had been prepared by the Institute for their accommo- dation. The attendance was large, and their proceedings of great in- terest, a full report will be found among the transactions of this year. Since the 21st Fair, the health of Mr. Bridgeman, an old and res- pected friend has been so impaired that he was unable to perform the arduous duties pertaining to the Agricultural and Horticultural Depart- 14 [Assembly ent of our Fair and resigned. We can not in justice to him or to this board suffer his retirement, without expressing regret for the cause, and our thanks to him for unwearied attention and important servicea to the American Institute in the department to which he was attached. That department has been under the charge of Mr. Peter B. Mead whose experience enabled him to carry out its objects efficiently, and with great taste and judgment. The report of Mr. Mead, is hereunto annexed. The Cattle Show was held on the spacious premises on the Fifth Avenue, corner of Twenty-third street — permission was politely given by the corporation of the city to parade the horses on Madison Square opposite. The number of entries were as follows : Horses, 34 Swine, 55 Cattle, 138 Poultry, 48 Sheep, 83 Shepherd Dogs, ... 3 Mules, 4 The Premiums awarded in this department were, 40 Silver Cups, 11 Vols, of Agricultural Books, 23 Silver Medals, $25 in cash. 4 Diplomas, By a rule adopted by the Managers, the premiums could be received in plate or cash. The testing of plows and the plowing and spading matches, were held at Flushing L. I. in connexion with the Queens county Agricul- tural Society. The Premium Committee, whose duties are of the most arduous and responsible kind, have faithfully and judiciously carried out the objects of the Institute. The chairman, Mr. Joseph Torrey, being always at at his post, and with his long experience, his services can hardly be dis- pensed with. No. 199.] 15 The following is a list of premi\iins as awarded : 53 Gold Medals. 1 Gold Medal " Tallmadge Premium." 247 Silver Medals. 64 Silver Cups. 421 Diplomas. $110 Cash and 24 certificates to apprentices and minors. $110 Cash and 6 Bronze Medals. " The Van Schaick Premium." $25 Cash — premium for team of oxen. 152 Volumes of Agricultural Books. The Committee estimates the above premiums to cost three thousand dollars. The Finance Committee of the Fair, of which Mr. William Ebbitt is chairman, have discharged their duties with care and promptness. The following is a condensed statement of the receipts and expend- itures of the Fair ; for details reference may be had to the report of that committee. Receipts. To cash received from sales of tickets at Castle Garden, $18,315 25 " at cattle show, 156 53 " rent of stands, 210 00 sales of lumber, 147 34 $18,829 12 Less, counterfeit money, $12 00 Discount on uncurrent money, 46 89 58 89 Carried forward, $18,770 23 16 [Assembly Brought forward, ' $18,770 23 Expenditures. By Printing and Publication Committee. Printing circulars, invitations, tickets, blanks, handbills, badges, &c. , $414 46 Printing addresses, 261 61 Newspaper advertisements, bill- posting, stationery, &c., 306 19 $982 £6 By Committee of Arrangements. Superintendent, clerks, assistants and la- borers, §769 25 Muslin for tables, flags, &.c., 75 51 Glazing cases, . 18 99 Flag poles, 53 80 Repairs of saloon after Fair, car- penter's work, cleaning and gas fixtures, 59 53 Petty expenditures, 69 00 By Committee on Steam Power, Sfc. Use of engine, . » $100 00 Shafting, repairs of boiler, en- gineer, &c., 360 99 Assistants and laborers, 143 50 Fuel, 115 43 Water for engine, 10 00 Painting roof of machine room, tin leaders, &c., 56 94 By Committee on Light. Gas light, $n86 90 Camphene, 351 00 Oil and candles, 153 54 1,046 08 784 86 Carried forward, $891 44 $2,813 20 $18,770 23 No. 199.] 17 Brought forward, $891 44 $2,813 20 $18,770 23 Loan of chandeliers, 50 00 Lighting, 52 00 Pipes and fixtures, 171 21 1,164 65 By Finance Committee. Ticket sellers and counter, $163 00 Check book, stationery and cash boxes, 17 69 180 69 By Ticket Committee. Ticket receivers and counter, $157 00 Stamping tickets, 10 50 167 50 By Police Committee. Police, day, evening and night watch, 404 76 By Mgricultural and Horticultural Committee. Carpenter's work, erecting sheds, . $323 69 Clerks, laborers, box wood, use of crockery, &c., 492 19 815 88 By Refreshment Comm/ittee. Dinners for managers while detailed on duty, and for guests from a distance,. $525 00 Refreshments, &c., for bands of music, whose services were gra- tuitous, &c., 184 71 709 71 Miscellaneous Bills. Rent of Castle Garden 21 days, at $75 per day, 1,575 00 Lumber and carpenter's work, fitting up saloon, $374 11 Curried forward, $374 11 $7,831 39 $18,770 23 [Assembly, No. 199.] 2 18 J A SSEMBLY Brought fonvard, $374 11 $7,831 39 $18,770 23 Covering bridge, building gas house and fitting up room for Congress of Fruit Growers, 223 00 697 11 Wire for pin machine, 25 00 Band, &c., for N. Y. Volunteers, 60 50 Rent of Tabernacle, and music for anniversary address, 115 00 Expenses of Orator, 38 00 Fireworks, 190 00 Chambermaid, 5 00 By Premium Committee^ (in part.) Gold and silver for medals, $1,177 50 Stamping and cutting medals, ... 204 37 Silver cups, &c., 341 25 Medal cases, 100 00 Printing diplomas, 60 76 Filling up « ^. . 21 80 Agricuhural works, 130 72 Postage, notifying judges, l2 22 Cash instead of cups and medals,. 214 00 " minors' premiums, 1 10 00 " Van Schaick premium, 110 00 2,482 61 Expenses as far as paid, 11,344 61 Which being deducted from the receipts leaves, $7,425 62 Of which has been into the treasury of the American Institute, Nov. 9, 1849, 6,000 00 m Leaving a balance of, $1,425 62 in the Mechanic's Banking Association, to the credit of the Board of Managers of the 22nd Annual Fair, to pay some claims for premiums, printing, &c., not yet completed • when settled the committee will report to the Institute. No. 199. 1 19 The board would state that, \\ith great regret, the resignation of Mr. James Van Norden, the late chairman of the Finance Commit- tee, was accepted ; his unremitting and faithful attention to his duties require and receive the thanks of this board The expenses of the Fair for light, labor, rent, refreshments, &c., have been greater than in previous years, as at no time before has the Fair been kept open so long. In consequence of the rain and in- clement weather during the first weeks of the Fair, it was deemed proper to continue it open until near the end of the fourth week — heretofore it has closed within three weeks. The receipts have been larger than at any previous Fair, and is a strong evidence that the American Institute, its objects and views, are increasing in favor with the public. Let its principles continue to be carried out honestly, fearlessly and impartially, and the community will be with and sustain us. Before closing this report, the Managers feel bound to express their thanks to their friends of the Army and Navy, from whom the Institute has ever received tokens of approbation, kindness and at- tention. We were occasionally furnished by them with excellent bands of music, which contributed largely to the enjoyment of the scene at Castle Garden. During the Fair the following addresses were delivered, and have been printed for distribution : Opening address by the Hon. Henry Meigs. Address by James Madison Crane, Esq. Address on the Patent Laws, by George GifFord, Esq Address on the Philosophy of Manufactures, by Thomas Anti- sell, M. D. Address on the Progress and Improvements that have been made in the Mechanic Arts, by Rev. John Al Burtis. Anniversary address, by Hon. Levi Woodbury, of New Hampshire- Closing address, by the Hon. James Tallmadge, the President of the Institute. ROBERT LOVETT, C?uiirman. J^ew-Yorkj Feb. 14, 1860. LIST OF PREMIUMS AWARDED BY THE MANAGERS OF THE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL FAIR OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE, OCTOBER 1849. AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. THOROUGH BRED MiOOD HORSES. Henry Booth, Morrisania, N. ¥., for the best thorough bred Wood stallion, " Trustee." Silver Cup, $15. Lewis A. Sayre, New-York, for the best thorough bred mare, " Young Lady Lightfoot." Silver Cup, $15. Lewis A. Sayre, New-York, for a yearling filly, "Belle." Diploma. MATCHED, FARM AND SINGLE HORSES. Jackson Nichols, Flushing, L. I,, for the best broodmare. Silver Cup, $10. W, H. Morris, Morrisania, N. Y., for the second best brood mare. Silver Medal. Philip Hornbeck, Ulster Co., N. Y., for the best two year old Mam- brino colt, " Tho's Jefferson." Silver Cup, $8. Eleazar Parmly, New- York, for the best pair of matched horses. Silver Cup, $10. Bathgate Brothers, Morrisania, N, Y., for the best pair of farm horses. Silver Cup, $10. W. H. Van Cott, Harlem, N. Y., for the best single road horse. Silver Medal, [Assemble native stock. Thomas Bell, Morrisania, N. Y., for the best cow. Silver Cup, $10. James Patton, Newburgh, N. Y., for the best heifer calf. Silvei Medal. FULL BRED STOCK. Durhams. Lewis G. Morris, Fordham, N. Y., for the best short horned bull, " Lamartine." Silver Cup, $15. Hugh Nicholson, Tariffville, Conn., for a short horned bull. Silver ^Medal. Lewis G. Morris, Fordham, N. Y., for the best short horned bull calf, " Logan," Silver Medal. Bathgate Brothers, Morrisania, N. Y., for the best short horned cow Silver Cup, $15. Bathgate Brothers, Morrisania, N. Y., for the best short horned heifer, 2 years old. Silver Cup, $8. Lewis G. Morris, Fordham, N. Y., for the best short horned heifer calf. Silver Medal. Devons. S. & L. Hurlbut, Winchester, Conn., for the best Devon bull, « Bloomfield." Silver Cup, $15. Jacob N, Blakeslee, Watertown, Conn , for the second best Devon bull. Silver Medal. Hiram Whitlock North Salem, N. Y., for the best Devon bull calf. Silver Medal. S. & L. Hurlbut, Winchester, Conn., for the best Devon cow. Silver Cup, $15. S. & L Hurlbut, Winchester, Conn., for the best Devon yearling heifer. Silver Cup, $8. S. & L, Hurlbut, Winchester, Conn., for the best Devon heifer calf. Silver Medal. Hereford. Isaac Sherman, Milton, Ulster Co., N. Y., for the best Hereford yearling bull. Silver Cup, $8. N€>. 199.J 23 Ayrshire. Ezra Nye, Clinton-Place, N. Y., for the best Ayrshire bull. Silver Cup, $15. Morgan G. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best Ayrshire cow. Silver Cup, $15. William Watson, Westchester Co., N. Y., for the best Ayrshire heifer. Silver Cup, |8. Morgan G. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best Ayrshire yearling heifer. Silver Medal. Morgan G. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best Ayrshire yearling bull. Silver Cup, |8. Morgan G. Colt, Paterson, N. J,, for the best Ayrshire bull calf. Silver Medal. Aldemey. Roswell L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best Alderney cow. Silver Cup, $15. Roswell L. Colt, Paterson, N. J,, for the best Alderney heifer. Silver Cup, $8. Roswell L Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best Alderney heifer calf. Silver Medal. Roswell L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best Alderney bull. Silver Cup, $15. Roswell L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best Alderney bull calf. Silver Medal. GRADE STOCK. George A. Prevost, Pelham, Westchester Co., N. Y,, for the best grade bull, « Prince Albert," 3 years old. Silver Cup, $10. Isaac P. Smith, Nyack, Rockland Co., N. Y., for the best yearling bull. Silver Medal. Jackson Nicholas, Flushing, L. I., for the best grade bull calf. Silver Medal. James Bathgate, Fordham, Westchester Co., N. Y., for the best grade cow, " Cora." Silver Cup, $15, Cornelius T. Smith, Nyack, Rockland Co., N. Y., for the best grade heifer, " Lizelta." Silver Cup, $'8. James Angus, West Farms, \\'estchester Co., N, Y., for the best grade heifer calf, " Lady Taylor." Silver Medal. 24 [Assembly milking cows. Lewis G. Morris, Fordham, Westchester county, N. Y., for the best cow in milk. Silver cup, $8. Thomas Bell, Morrisania, Westchester county, N. Y., for the second best cow in milk. Silver medal. Lewis G. Morris, Fordham, Westchester county, N. Y., for the third best cow in milk. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. WORKING OXEN. John Fitch, Warden Alms House, New-York, for the best yoke of working oxen, 8 years old. Silver cup, $15. S. & L. Hurlbut, Winchester Conn., for the second best yoke of working oxen, 6 years old. Silver medal. John B. Gedney, White Plains, W^estchester county, N. Y,, for the best team of working oxen, 5 yoke, $26 FAT CATTLE. G. H. Townsend, New-Haven, Conn., for the best pair of fat cattle. Silver cup, $20. Lewis G. Collins, Washington, Dutchess county, N. Y., for the best fat ox. Silver cup, $8. Bathgate Bros., Morrisania, Westchester county, N. Y.,for the best fat heifer. Silver cup, $8. FINE WOOL SHEEP. Seely C. Roe, Chester, Orange county, N. Y., for the best merino buck, " Bonaparte." Silver cup, $8. Cullen Capehart, Merry Hills, N. C, for the second best merino buck, " Vermont Chief." Diploma. Geo. W. Capehart, Merry Hills, N. C, for the best pen of three mernio ewes. Silver cup. $S. Lewis G; Collins, Washington, Dutchess county, N. Y. for the best pen of six merino lambs. Silver medal. LONG WOOL SHEEP. Elias L. Barlow, LaGrange, Dutchess county N. Y., for the best long wool buck. Silver cup, $8. Edward Hallock, Milton, Ulster county, N. Y., for the best pen of three long wool ewes. Silver cup, $8. No. 199.] 26 Elias L. Barlow, LaGrange, Dutchess county, N. Y., for the best pen of three long wool lambs. Silver medal. Elias L, Barlow, LaGrange, Dutchess county, N. Y,, for the best south down buck. Silver cup, $8. Edward Wait, Montgomery, Orange county, N. Y., for the best pen of three south down ewes. Silver cup, $8. Daniel B. Haight, Washington, Dutchess county, N. Y.,for thebe^ pen of three south-down lambs. Silver medal. FAT SHEEP. John Dick, White Plains, Westchester county, N. Y., for the best fat sheep, (long wool.) Silver cup^ $8. Bathgate Bros., Morrisania, Westchester county, N.Y., for the best fat lamb, (middle wool.) Silver cup, $8. SHEPHERD DOG. Bathgate Bros., Morrisania, Westchester county, N. Y., for the best shepherd dog. Farmers' Library. SWINE. W. J. & S. Halden, 9th Avenue and 63d-street, for the best boar, " grass and Lincolnshire breed." Silver cup, $8. Samuel Love, 63d-street, between 6th and 7th Avenues, for the se- cond best boar, " Berkshire." Diploma. Samuel Love, 53d-street, between 6th and 7th Avenues, for the best sow, "Berkshire." Silver cup, $8. William Watson, Westchester county, N. Y., for the second best sow, "Berkshire." Diploma. William Bolmer, Westchester comity, N. Y., for the best shote. Silver medal. Levi W. Trail, Torrington, Conn., for the best lot of pigs. Silver cup, $8. William Watson, Westchester county, N. Y., for a boar, "improved Berkshire." Silver medal. William Stickney, Boston, Mass., for a Suffolk shote. Diploma. POULTRY R. L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best pair of turkeys. Ameri- can Poulterers' Companion, 26 r Assembly R. L. Colt, Fatersorij N. J., for the best pair of Bremen geese. American Poulterers' Companion. R. L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best pair of Muscovy ducks. American Poulterers' Companion. Henry A. Field, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, N. Y., for the best pair of Dorking fowls American Poultry Book. R. L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best pair of common ducks. American Poulterers' Companion. R. L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best pair of capons. American Poultry Book. Wm. Moore, 46th-street, Bloomingdale road, for the best pair of Poland fowls. American Poultry Book. Henry A. Field, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, N. Y., for Dork- ing chickens. Trans. Am, Ins. Wm. -Moore, 46th-street and Bloomingdale road, for Java fowls. Trans. Am. Ins. FIELD CROPS. S. B, Townsend, Astoria, L. I., for a field of corn. Silver cup, $8. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS, Roswell L. Colt, Paterson, N, J., for the best varieties of Indian corn. Silver cup, $8. C, T. Smith, Nyack, N. Y., for the best white corn. Washington's Agricultural Correspondence. Jacob A. Sharp, Orange, N. J., for the best yellow corn. Col- man's European Agriculture. S. W. Jewett, Weybridge, Vt,, for superior corn. Washington's Letters on Agriculture. E. H. Kimball, Flatlands, L. I., for the best wheat. Silver cup, $8. Henry Robinson, Newburgh, N. Y.,for extra fine wheat. Washings- ton's Agricultural Correspondence. George Nesbitt, Hobart, Delaware county, N Y., Alexander Smith, agent, 388 Broadway, for a sample of superior spring wheat. Trans. N. Y. Slate Ag. Soc. E. H. Kimball, Flatlands, L. I., for a sample of superior red wheat. Trans. Am. Ins. No. 199.^ 27 James Weeden, Newtown, L. I., for a sample of good Mediterra- nean wheat. Trans. Am. Ins, Robert L. Pell, Ulster county, N. Y., for the best rye. Silver medal. Henry A. Field, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., for fine rye. Washington's Letters on Agriculture. George Nesbitt, Hobart, Delaware county, N. Y., Alexander Smith, agent, 388 Broadway, for the best oats. Silver medal. Robert L. Pell, Ulster county, N. Y., for rxti-a fine oats. Wash- ington's Agricultural Correspondence. James Weeden, Newtown, L. I., for the best buckwheat. Ool- man's European Agriculture. Robert L. Pell, Ulster county, N. Y., for a sample of fine buck' wheat. Washington's Agricultural Correspondence. James Weeden, Newtown, L. I., for the best sample of Egyptian corn. Allen's American Agriculture. S. B. Townsend Astoria. L. I., for a sample of good corn. Trans. Am. Ins. Jacob P. Giraud, Jr., Bergen, N. J., for varieties of fine corn. Trans. Am. Ins. FLOUR AND MEAL. Hecker & Brother, Croton Mills, New-York, for the best wheat flour. Silver medal. A. Harmon, South Chili, N. Y., N. H. Wolfe, agent, 17 South- street, for superior wheat flour. Colman's European ^Agriculture. J. Lathrop, Leroy-street, Clark & Coleman, agents, 18 South- street, for extra fine wheat flour. Gardner's Farmer's Dictio;iary. Bennett & Varnum, Saratoga county, N. Y., for the best rye flour. Silver medal. Henry A. Field, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., for superior rye flour. Gardner's Farmer's Dictionary. Franks & Stewart, Changewater, N. J., Cornelius Stewart, agent, 64 Dey-street, for the best kiln-dried meal. Silver medal. Hutchinson & Floyd, Cleveland, Ohio, J. M. Hoyt & Sons, agents, 176 Washington-street, for superior steam-dried meal, (by Staflbrds' steam drier.) Silver medal. Hecker & Brothers, Croton Mills, N. Y., for superior farina. Sil ver medal. 28 [Assembly HOPS. L. S. Mason, Otsego, N. Y., P. Harmon, agent, 66, Dey-street, for the best hops. Cohnan's European Agriculture. S. White, Madison county, N. Y., G. W. Ryckman, Jr., agent, 41 Water street, for a bale of superior hops. Vol. on hops. PRODUCTS OF THE DAIRY. Butter. Thomas Helmes, Goshen, Orange county, N. Y., for the best spe- cimen of butter. Silver cup, $8. John L'Hommedieu, Cortlandt village, Cortlandt county, N. Y., for very excellent butter. Silver medal. Daniel Jessup, Florida, Orange county, N. Y., for a specimen of fine butter. Farmers' Library. James Lewis, Goshen, Orange county, N. Y., for a specimen of good butter. Trans. Am. Ins. Cheese. J. Ellison, Herkimer county. N. Y., for the best specimen of Ame- rican dairy cheese. Silver cup, $8. P. Carter, Lysander, Onondaga county, N. Y., for excellent flavor- ed American dairy cheese. Silver medal. J. Hamlin, 14 Front-street, for fine flavored American dairy cheese. Colman's European Agriculture. W. "W. Dowd, Ashtabula county, Ohio, for good flavored Ameri- can cheese. Washington's Agricultural Correspondence. George Hezlep, Gustavus, Trumbull county, Ohio, Phillips & Aborn, agents, 108 Broad-street, for the best imitation Elnglish dairy cheese. Washington's Letters on Agriculture. Luther Eames, 88 Hicks-street, Brooklyn, L. L, for fine imitation English dairy cheese. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. J. E. Hoyt, Colbrook, Conn., J. Clancy, agent, 14 Front-street, for good imitation English dairy cheese. Trans. Am. Ins. A. E. Austin, Austinburgh, Ashtabula county, Ohio, for a mammoth cheese of good quality, 1,750 lbs Silver cup, $8. No. 199.J 29 WINE. Nicholas Longworth, Cincinnati, Ohio, for the best wine, " spark- ling Catawba." Gold medal. Mrs. Grover, New-Brunswick, N. J., for excellent tomato and wild cherry wine. Diploma. Thompson C. Munn, Orange, N. J., for excellent cider. Diploma. FRUIT. Parsons & Co., Flushing, L. L, for the choicest and greatest variety of fruit. Silver cup, $10. C. H. Earle, Newark, N. J., for the greatest number of choice varieties of apples. Silver cup, $8. Wilson, Thorbum & Teller, Albany, N. Y., for a very fine assort- ment of apples. 6 Nos. Hovey's Fruits. B. Mattison & Brothers, North Bennington, Vt., for several choice varieties of apples. Do\vning's Horticulturist. D. F. Goodrich, Stockbridge, Mass., for a good assortment of ap- ples. Bridgeman's Gardener's Assistant. James O'Donohue, Middle Village, L. I., for the best variety of winter apples. Trans. Am. Ins. W. H. Hughes, Matawan Point, N. J., for the best native grapes. Silver medal. S. T. Jones, New-Brighton, S. I., for very fine varieties of native grapes. 4 Nos. Hovey's Fruits. R. T. Underbill, Croton Point, N. Y., for choice native grapes. Downing's Fruit Trees. W. A. Underbill, Croton Point, N. Y., for choice Isabella grapes. Hoare on the Vine. P. S. Van Rensselaer, Clinton Point, Dutchess county, N. Y., Ed- ward Downing, Gardener, for the best foreign grapes. Silver medal. Nathan Durfee, Fall River, Mass., for very fine varieties of foreign grapes. Four Nos. of Hovey's Fruits. Peck & Roe, Flushing, L. L, for choice foreign grapes. Bridge- man's Gardener's Assistant. Roswell L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for good varieties of foreign grapes. Hoare on the Vine. John Burrow, Fishkill, N. Y., for the best freestone peaches, (seed- lings. ) Downing's Fruit Trees. 30 [ Assembly D. Fairbank, 237 West 14th-street, for the best clingstone peaches, (seedlings.) Bridgeman's Gardener's Assistant. M, C. Morgan, Jersey city, for the best nectarines, (seedlings.) Trans. Am, Ins. M. P. Wilder, Dorchester, Mass., for the choicest variety of pears. Silver cup. Hovey & Co., Cambridge, Mass., for a large variety of choice pears Silver medal. Wilson, Thorburn & Teller, Albany, N. Y., for a fine assortment of pears. Dowaing's Fruit Trees. W. G. Verplanck, Geneva, N. Y., for a superb display of butter- pears. Bridgeman's Gardener's Assistant. William Wright, Newark, N. J., for the best table pears. Cole's Fruit Book. Wilson, Thorburn & Teller, Albany, N. Y., for the best dish of plums. Downing's Fruit Trees. W. G. Verplanck, Geneva, N. Y., for the best assortment of quin- ces. Bridgeman's Gardener's Assistant. John Tonnelle, Bergen, N. J., for excellent quinces. Cole's Fruit Book. Jolm Eltringham, Jersey city, for a good sample of quinces. Thomas' Fruit Culturist. W. J. & E. Smith, Geneva, N. Y., for a superb display of Verga- lieu pears. Farmer's Library. C. H. Raberg, Totawa, N. J., for a large dish of superior Duchesse d'Angouleme pears. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. William Wright, Newark, N. J,, for very fine Marie Louise Bonne de Jersey pears. Hoare on the Vine. Tunis G. Bergen, Narrows, L. L, for a pear of a very fine quality, (represented as a seedling.) Trans. Am. Ins. Joseph Briell, Newark, N. J., for a very fin )uchesse d'Angou- leme pears. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. John Tonnelle, Bergen, N. J., for excellent Duchesse d'Angouleme pears. Trans. Am. Ins. Oliver Slate, Jr., Throg's Neck, N. Y., for very large Hamburgh grapes. Thomas' Fruit Book. John E. Dodge, Dodgeville, Mass., for a very fine display of Ham- burgh grapes. Hovey 's Magazine of Horticulture. No. 199.] 31 A. P. Cumings, William sburgh, L. I., for four ynrieties of quinces and several varieties of foreign and native grapes. Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture. FLOWERS. Charles More 98th-street, 3d Avenue, for the 30 best varieties of named roses. Silver medal. Mateo Donadi, 44th-street, Bloomingdale Road, for a choice dis- play of named roses. Browne's Trees of America. J. M. Thorburn & Co., 15 John-street, for the 24 best varieties of named dahlias. Silver medal. Thomas Dunlap, 635 Broadway, for 24 beautiful blooms of dahlias. Browne's Trees of America. Mateo Donadi, 44th-street, Bloomingdale Road, for 24 choice blooms of dahlias. Downing's Landscape Gardening. William Beekman, 51st-street, for 24 fine blooms of dahlias. The American Flora. J. M. Thorburn & Co., 15 John-street, for the largest and best display of dahlias. Silver cup, $10. William Beekman, 51st-street, for a large and superb display of dahlias. Silver cup, $8. Bernard Kelly, gardener to E. W. Fiske, Gowanus, L. I., for a large and beautiful display of dahhas, frequently renewed. Silver medal. Mateo Donadi, 44th street, Bloomingdale Road, for a superb dis- play of dahlias, frequently renewed. Silver medal. Charles Mor6, 98th-street, 3d Avenue, for a display of choice dahlias, frequently renewed. Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture. J. E. Rauch, Gowanus, L. I., for a very fine display of dahlias, frequently renewed. Parsons' Rose Manual. "Thomas Hogg " Sons, Yorkville, N. Y., for a display of fine dah- lias, frequently renewed. Mrs. Loudon's Flower Garden. Daniel Boll, 50th-street, Bloomingdale Road, for a good display of dahlias, frequently renewed. Bridgeman's Gardener's Assistant. Mateo Donadi, 44th-street, Bloomingdale Road, for the best and greatest variety of roses and cut flowers. Downing's Horticulturist. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. I., for a superb display of roses and cut flowers. American Flora. 32 [Assembly Charles Mor6, 98th-street, for a choice display of roses and cut flowers. Parsons* Rose Manual. Mrs. A. Henderson, Castle Point, Hoboken, N. J., for a fine dis- play of roses and cut flowers. Prince's Manual of Roses. Mrs. A. Henderson, Castle Point, Hoboken, N. J., for a splendid parlour stand of bouquets. Silver medal. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. I., for a superb display of bouquets. Downing's Cottage Residences. Mrs. A. A. Smith, Sidney Place, Brooklyn, L. I., for a choice dis- play of bouquets. Lang's Highland Cottages. Edward Schickler, 50th-street, for the most beautiful bouquet. Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture. Mrs. A. Henderson, Castle Point, Hoboken, N. J., for several large and beautiful bouquets. American Flora. J. & P. Henderson, Jersey City, N. J., for several very fine bou- quets. American Flower Garden Directory. Mrs. Penniman, 33 Sidney Place, Brooklyn, L, I., for several choice bouquets. Prince's Manual of Roses. Mrs. A. Henderson, Castle Point, Hoboken, N. J., for several splendid and tastefully arranged flower baskets. Silver medal. Alfred Bridgeman, Broadway, cor. 18th-street, for a beautiful bas- ket of flowers. Parsons' Rose Manual. Mrs. A. Henderson, Castle Point, Hoboken, N. J., for the best basket of wild flowers, most tastefully arranged, and frequently re- newed. American Flower Garden Directory. Hovey & Co., Cambridge, Mass., for a choice assortment of dahlias. Trans. Am. Ins. A. Henderson, gardener to E. A. Stevens, Hoboken, N. J., for » beautiful display of rustic work. Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture. A. Henderson, Hoboken, N. J., for several varieties of choice pot plants. Trans. Am. Ins. William Russell, Brooklyn, L. I., for a display of very fine Ame- rican rhododendrons. Trans. Am. Ins. Stephen Pettit, 39 Hicks-street, Brooklyn, L. I., for a large and well grown cactus. Bridgeman's Florist's Guide. Charles Mor^;, 98th-street, for several fine specimens of metroside- ros semperflorens, in flower. Trans. Am. Ins. No. 299.] 33 Mrs. A. Henderson J Hoboken, N. J., for several large and beautiful bouquets of wild flowers. Trans. Am. Ins. Miss Sarah S. King, Brooklyn, L. I., for a beautiful vase of artifi- cial flowers. Bridgeman's Florist's Guide. Mrs. R. J. Perkins, Hudson, N. Y., for three stands of artificial flowers. Bridgeman's Florist's Guide. Miss A. Coe, Newark, N. J., for a pretty sign of artificial flowers, " The Fair." Bridgeman's Florist's Guide. Warren Rowell, 149 Madison-street, for a large display of Ameri- can pitcher plants. Trans. Am. Ins. Mrs. Josephine Dayton, Brooklyn, L. I., for several pretty bou- quets. Bridgeman's Florist's Guide. Thomas Hogg & Sons, Yorkville, N. Y., for several good bouquets. Bridgeman's Florist's Guide. J. & C. Love, Harsimus, N. J., for several varieties of choice dahlias, Bridgeman's Florist's Guide. John Eltringham, Jersey City, N. J., for an assortment of good dahlias. Bridgeman's Florist's Guide. H, M. Soule, Harsimus, N. J., for a splendid show of souvenir de la malmaison roses. Bridgeman's Florist's Guide. Mrs. A. Henderson, Hoboken, N. J., for a most magnificent and elaborate floral design. Silver cup, $15. A. Henderson, Hoboken, N. J., for a splendid design of a temple to Washington. Silver cup, $10. Bernard Kelly, gardener to E. W. Fiske, Gowanus, L. I., for a most beautiful pyramidal design. Silver cup, $8. Thomas McMinn, gardener to Henry Wells, Jamaica, L, I,, for a very pretty ornamental design. Mrs. Loudon's Flower Garden. A. Henderson, Hoboken, N. J., for a beautiful design of gateway. American Flora. A. Henderson, Hoboken, N. J., for a beautiful design for a grapery. Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. I., for two magnificent stars of cut roses. Diploma. VEGETABLES. E. H. Kimball, Flatlands, L. I., for the choicest assortment of culinary vegetables. Silver cup, $8. [Assembly, No, 199.] 3 34 [Assembly Roswell L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best and greatest variety of vegetable roots for cattle. Silver cup, $8. John Brill, Harsimus, N, J., for the best long blood beets. Bridge man's Gardener's Assistant. R. K. Delafield, Staten Island, William Reed, gardener, for the best turnip beets. American Agriculturist. W. Hendrickson, Raritan, N. J., for the best m angel- wurtzel beets. Am. Agriculturist. John Fitch, Blackwell's Island, for the best sugar beets. N. Y. Farm. & Mec. Bernard Kelly, gardener to E. W. Fiske, Gowanus, L. I. for the best heads of Cape Broccoli. Bridgeman's Gardener's Assistant. Archibald Henderson, Hoboken, N. J., for the best heads of drum head cabbage. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. A. Henderson, Hoboken, N. J., for the best heads of Savoy cabbage. Trans Am. Ins. Samuel Halden, Bloomingdale, N. Y., for the best carrots for the table. N. Y. Far. and Mec. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. I., B. Kelly, gardener, for the best carrots for cattle. Am. Agriculturist. A. Hendei-son, Hoboken, N. J., for the best roots of white solid celery. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. L, for the best 12 roots of celery. Trans. Am. Ins. Samuel Ruth, cor. 64th-street and 3d Avenue, for the best egg plants. Vol. of the Cultivator. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. I., for the best of white onions. Bridge- man's Gardener's Assistant. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. I., for the best of yellow onions. N. Y. Far. and Mec. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. I., for the best of red onions. Am. Agriculturist. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. I, for the best parsnips for the table. Trans. Am. Ins. A. Henderson, Hoboken, N. J., for the best parsnips for cattle. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. M. R. McGarrity, West Hoboken, N. J., for the best of seedling potatoes. The Farmer's Library. No. 199.] .35 Francis Briell, Astoria, L. I., for the best potatoes for the table. The Monthly Journal of Agriculture. R. K. Delafield, S. I., William Reed, gardener, for superior pota- toes. Bridgeman's Gardener's Assistant. George Weatherspoon, New-Brighton, L. I ,J. Turner, gardener, for the best potatoes for cattle. Vol. of the Cultivato J. D. Arthur, Orange, N. J., for the best cheese pumpkins. N. Y. Far. and Mec. R. L. Colt, Paterson, N. J., for the best cattle pumpkins. Am. Agriculturist. Robert Selkirk, Bethlehem, Albany county, N. Y., for the best and largest pumpkins. Bridgeman's Gardener's Assistant. Henry Brand, Communipaw, N, J., for the best roots of salsify. Trans. Am. Ins. Samuel Halden, Bloomingdale, for the best squashes. Am. Agri- culturist. James McFarlane, English Neighborhood, N. J., for the best and largest squash. Vol. of the Cultivator. D. F. Sargent, Washington Market, for the best tomatoes. Trans. Am. Ins. Bernard Kelly, Gowanus, L. I., for the best white turnips. Bridge- man's Gardener's Assistant. R. K. Delafield, Staten Island, for the best yellow turnips. N. Y. Far. and Mec. J. E. Body, Staten Island, for the best Russia turnips. Vol of the Cultivator. Jacob P. Giraud, Jr., Bergen, N. J., for two crops of potatoes raised on the same ground. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. R. K. Delafield, Staten Island, for choice squashes, (vegetable mar- row.) Trans. Am. Ins. A. Henderson, Hoboken, N. J., for several varieties of vegetable roots for cattle. Trans. Am. Ins. Francis Briell, Astoria, L. I., for Porter squashes and a French pumpkin. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. D. F. Sargent, Washington Market, for choice peppers. Trans. Am. Ins. Andrew Harrison, Bergen Hill, N. J., for extra large pumpkins. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. 36 [Assembly S. W, Carhart, Keyport, N. J., for an extra large pumpkin and other vegetables. Trans. Am. Ins. John Birdsall, Tarrytown, N. Y. for fine pumpkins. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. J. E. Body, Staten Island, for six varieties of culinary vegetables. Trans. Am. Ins. M. R. McGarrity, West Hoboken, N. J., for superior pumpkinis. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES. H. H. Barry, Schoharie county, N. Y., for a superior specimen of honey. Trans. N. "Y. State Ag. Soc. Haines & Kinsey, 212 West-street, for the best can of mustard. Trans. Am. Ins. T. Glover, Fishkill Landing, N. Y., for superior specimens of arti- ficial fruit. Downing's Landscape Gardening. PICKLES. Remington & Co., 191 and 193 Chrystie-street, for the best assort- ment of pickles. Trans. N. Y. State Ag. Soc. AGRICULTUEAL IMPLEMENTS. N. B. Starbuck & Co., Troy, N. Y., for superior workmanship on a plough. Diploma. John Rich & Co., Troy, N. Y., for cast iron beam ploughs, for their cheap and efficient method of construction. Silver medal. Austen G. Fitch, Worcester, Mass., for Bartlett's patent double ploughs, an improvement in the method of combining gangs of ploughs. Diploma. A. B. Allen & Co., 189 Water-street, for a universal cultivator. Diploma. R. Creswell, Scotland, Franklin county, Pa., John Mayher & Co., agents, 195 Front-street, for a two horse curved shovel cultivator and corn planting machine. Silver medal. J. Pierson, Wilmington, Del., John Mayher & Co., agents, 195 Front-street, for a patent wheat drill. Silver medal. H. L. Emery, Albany, N. Y., for a corn and seed planter, or drill barrow. Silver medal. No. 199.] 37 C. H. McCormickj ChicagOj 111., for the Virginia grain reaper, a yaluable machine. Gold medal. D. Harkness, Maine, S. C. Hills & Co., agents, 43 Fulton-street, for a patent grain rake. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Samuel Wilkinson, Rockville, Orange county, N. Y., A. B. Allen & Co., agents, 189 Water-street, for the best grain cradles. Silver medal. Lewis H. Parson, South Middletown, Orange county, N. Y., for the second best grain cradle. Diploma. H. L. Emery, Albany, N. Y., John Mayher & Co., agents, 195 Front-street, for an improved overshot threshing machine and sepa- rator. Silver medal. Ruggles, Nourse & Mason, Worcester, Mass., for the best revolving cylinder knife corn stalk and straw cutter. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. H. W. Bertholf, Warwick, Orange county, N. Y., for a corn stalk cutter. Diploma. William Hovey, Worcester, Mass., for a hay, straw and com stalk cutter. Diploma. H. L. Emery, Albany, N. Y., John Mayher & Co., agents, 195 Front-street, for hay, straw and stalk cutter, with curved knives. Diploma. J. C. Rich, Penfield, N. Y., for a reciprocating knife com stalk cutter. Diploma. H. L. Emery, Albany, John Mayher & Co., agents, 195 Front- street, New-York, for the best churn. Silver medal. William J. Buck, 209 Pearl-street, for a cheese press of new con- struction. Diploma. Lorenzo Smith, Easton, Mass., for a vertical gate of new and novel construction. Silver medal. J. L. Gatchel, Elkton, Maryland, H. L. Emery, agent, Albany, N. Y., for hydraulic lams. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. A. B. Allen & Co., 189 Water-street, for the best reciprocating jieat cutter and sausage stuffing machine. Diploma. John Mayher & Co., 196 Front-street, for best revolving meat cutter. Diploma. 38 [Assembly A. B. Allen & Co., 189 Water-street, for a folding ladder. Di- ploma. William R. Kelsey, Syracuse, N. Y., for fruit pickers, well adapted ^0 the purpose. Diploma. H. L. Emery, Albany, N. Y., for the best ox yoke. Diploma. Drayton Phelps, Granby, Conn., for an ox yoke. Diploma. H. L. Emery, Albany, N. Y., for a dynamometer for testing ploughs. Silver medal. I. T. Grant & Co., Schaghticoke, Rensselaer county, N. Y., for a beautiful fanning mill, for hand or horse power. Silver medal. John Bulson, 104 Goerck-street, for Maxon's spring for agricultural wagons. (A silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Special Premiums. A. B. Allen & Co., 187 Water-street, for a very large and choice collection of farming and garden tools, and instruments well made, embracing nearly all the recent improvements. Gold medal. John Mayher & Co., 195 Front-street, for a large and valuable collection of farming and gardening tools and implements, embracing nearly every variety of gardening and farming implements. Gold medal. TESTING OF PLOUGHS. John Mayher & Co., 197 Water-street, for the plough combining the greatest number of necessary requisites to plough a furrow 16 mches wide and 8 inches deep. Silver cup, $8. B. Myer, Newark, N. J., for the second best do. Silver medal. John Moore, 191 Front-street, for the best plough combining the greatest number of necessary requisites to plough a furrow 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep. Silver cup, $8. John Mayher & Co., 197 Water-street, for the second best do. Silver medal. PLOUGHING MATCH. Ephraim Baker, Union, Essex county, N. J., for the best ploughing. Silver cup, $8. Patrick Whalen, Malta, Saratoga county, N. Y., for the second best ploughing. Silver medal. S. D. Smith, Malta, Saratoga county, N. Y., for the third best ploughing. Diploma. No. 199.J 39 SPADING MATCH. D. McVane. for the best spading of ground, 20 x 10 feet. Silver cup, $8. Joseph P. Lodge, Harlem, N. Y., for the second best spading Silver medal. Alexander McCullum, for the third best spading. Diploma. MANUFACTURING AND MECHANICAL DEPARTMENT. ARCHITECTURAL AND MECHANICAL DRAWING. R. Upjohn, 64 Broadway, for the best architectural draw'mg. Sil- ver medal. Burger & Schultz, for the second best architectural drawing. Di- ploma. Frederick Cook, minor. Novelty Works, for the best mechanical drawing. Silver medal and |5. Henry T. Brown, Brooklyn, L. I., for the second best mechanical drawing. Diploma. Minors' Work. John D. Secor. No. 50 8th Avenue, for drawing of steamships Georgia and Ohio. $5 and a certificate. BATHS. John Mack, 92 Catharine-street, for a bath tub, with heater at- tached, combining economy and utility. Silver medal. John Locke, 47 Ann-street, for a shower bath, with douche, &c. Diploma. BELLS. Andrew Meneely, Troy, N. Y., for a chime of church bells. (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Andrew Meneely, Troy, N. Y., for a plantation bell of superior workmanship. Silver medal. BOOKS, BINDING AND STATIONERY. S. Dodd, Bloomfield, N. J., for book-binders' tools and ornaments. Diploma. J. H. Longbotham & Co., 12 Gold-street, for best book-binderf?' * boards. Silver medal ; 40 [ASSEMBLT J. Parkhurst, Springfield, N, Y., for second best book-binders' boards. Diploma. Cook & Somerville, 48 Ann-street, for the best specimen of book- binding. Silver medal. H. Frenke, 50 ClifF-street, for beautiftj specimens of book-binding. Diploma. J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia, Penn., for handsome speci- mens of book-binding on two bibles. Silver medal. Stanford & Swords, 137 Broadway, for specimens of books and binding, in great variety. Diploma. W. W. Rose, 19 Wall-street, for the best specimen of blank books. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Rich & Loutrel, 61 William-street, for neat and substantial blank books. Diploma. George Burnham, W. W. Rose, agent, 19 Wall-street, for a patent Columbian press and dampening tablet. Diploma. John W. Stickney, Rockville, Conn., Legget Brothers, agents, 301 Pearl-street, for specimens of printing paper. Silver medal. Francis Monroe, Concord, Mass., for the best lead pencils. Silver medal. Minors' Work. Charles Akers and W. H. C. Dodd, Bloomfield, N. J., for beautiful and well executed book-binders' tools. $5 and a certificate. gents' boots and shoes. M. B. Canfield, Orange, N. J., for the best calf skin boots. Silxer medal. David Mundell, 116 Fulton-street, Brooklyn, L. I., for the best patent leather dress boots. Silver medal. M. B. Canfield, Orange, N. J., for the best pair of leather brogans. Diploma. T. Winship & Co., 277 Pearl-street, for patent leather over shoes without seams. Diploma. ladies' boots and shoes. Benjamin Shaw, 73 Canal-street, for a new style of toilet slippers. JDiploma. No. 199.] 41 P. Laboyteaux & Co., 631^ Broadway, for the best ladies' boots and shoes. Silver medal. BRITANNIA WARE. Smith & Feltman, Albany, N. Y., for the best Britannia ware. Gold medal. J. H. Whitlock, Troy, N. Y,, for the best cast and turned Britan- nia ware. Silver medal. BRUSHES. John K. Hoppel, 337 Pearl-street, for the best paint and hair brushes. Silver medal. Steele & Co., 305 Pearl-street, for the best feather brushes. (Sil- ver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Miss S. Green, 117 Grand-street, for a feather brush very neatly' made. Diploma. CABINET WARE. John Needham, cor. Bleecker and Grove-streets, for the best sofk bedstead. Silver medal. A. G, Warren, Norwich, Conn., for the second best sofa bedstead. Diploma. John Colsey, 26 Harrison-street, for the best portable writing desk. Silver medal. William Stoddard, for the second best work box. Diploma. J. Smith, 105 Fulton-street, for extension tables, bureaus and book cases. Diploma. W. B. Lane, 23 Catharme-street, for a dressing case. Diploma. J. Bradley, 317 Pearl-street, for papier machd chairs and table. (Silver medal having been awarded.) Diploma. James H. Cooke, 92 Broadway, for a counting house desk. Di- ploma. Mrs. E, Moxen, Williamsburgh, L. I., for an inlaid work table^ and pearl and shell work. Diploma. Jacob Steurer, 80 19th-street, for cane seats. Diploma. R. H & J. G. Isham, 71 Fulton-street, for best sand paper. (Sil- ver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. G. W. Whitmore, Brooklyn, L, L, for second best sand paper. Diploma. 42 [Assembly Mmors? Work, H. Miller, 104 3d Avenue, for the best inlaid work table. Certi- ficate and $5. CAKES AND CONFECTIONAKY . Benjamin Wilt, 384 Grand-street, for the best plum cake. Di- ploma. J. A. Currier, 191 Greenwich-street, for the second best plum cake. Diploma H. Tateosyan, 57 2d-street, for very superior fig paste. Diploma. Bernard Myers, 83 Hammond-street, for excellent tea biscuit. Di- ploma. Erastus Titus, 283 Washington-street, for the best assortment of soda, wine, and other biscuit. Diploma. Charles J. Harris, Houston, cor. Mercer-street, for a good article of unfermented bread. Diploma. CARPETING AND OIL CLOTH. A. & E. S. Higgins, 62 Broad-street, fc* the best specimens of velvet tapestry carpeting. Gold medal. Peterson & Humphreys, 432 Pearl-street, for Axminster carpeting. Silver medal. G. L. Humphrey, 432 Pearl-street, for a rich chenille rog. TA- ploma. Henry Pettes & Co., Boston, Mass., for Brussels tapestry carpeting. Silver medal. Isaac Clark, 154 Water-street, for a bronze oil cloth piano cover. Diploma. William Lewis, 452 Pearl-street, for oil cloth table covers. Di- ploma. D. Harris, Jr.. Albany, N. Y., for a bronze velvet window shade. Diploma. Young & Jayne, 460 Pearl-street, for 3 ply ingrain carpetmg. Diploma. CARRIAGES AND SLEIGHS. Hedenberg & Littell, Newark, N. J., for the best buggy wagon. Silver medal. No. 199. J 43 John G. Ostrom, Rhinebeck, N. Y., for the best sleigh. Silver medal. Isaac M. Tompkins, 183 Eldridge-street, for a carman cart, very superior workmanship. Silver medal. Downs & Smith, Birmingham, Conn., for very superior stub joints for carriages. Silver medal. Junius Foster & Alfred E. Smith, 93 Maiden-Lane, for the best mode of connecting hubs to axles. Silver medal. John Swenarton, 225 Greenwich-street, for a shifting carriage pole. Diploma. F. Finnimore, Bridgeport, Conn., for a patent blind for coaches. Diploma. David W. Seely, Carlisle, Schoharie county, N. Y., W. R. Tattersall, agent, 22 Avenue D., for patent wagon coupling for bolsters and front axles. Diploma. Joseph Pine, 119 Walker-street, for an ingenious hose carriage. Joseph Pine, 119 Walker-street, for a hook and ladder truck. Di- ploma. Henry J. Kip, Newark, N. J., for a superior farm wagon. Silver medal. CARTING. W. Wedehase, 94 Reade-street, for the best carved frame. Di- ploma. David S. Stewart, 97 Forsyth-street, for the best carving and gild- ing. Diploma. CASTINGS. Hare & Pugh, Eagle Foundry, West-13th street, for the best speci- men of green sand iron castings. Silver medal. Calvin Bacon, 1 13 Division-street, for the second best do. Di- ploma. Leroux & Villot, 83 Duane-street, for the best specimens of bronze castings. Silver medal. Alexander Marshall, 407 and 409 Cherry-street for beautiful speci- men of enamelled ware. Gold medal. Novelty Iron Works, Dry Dock, for a washing engine for a paper mill. Requiring, in the judges' opinion, a much higher talent than any 44 [Assembly other exhibited. One of the firm being a manager, are debarred by the rules from receiving a premium. CLOCKS AND WATCHES. C. Jerome, New-Haven, Conn., for an eight day spring clock. Di- ploma. Frederick Kiddle, 88 Fulton-street, for a marine time piece with lever escapement. Silver medal. CLOTHING. J. H. Croney, 720 Broadway, for the best adults' clothing. Silver medal. J. Vanderbilt, 36 Maiden Lane, for the second best adults' clothing. Diploma. Ellis & Iseltcn, ^39 Broadway, for the best children's clothing. Silver medal. E. M. Pomeroy, Wallingford, Conn., for superior paper and straw button. Silver medal. COMBS AKD MOROCCO, &C. Z. M. Quimby, 303 Broadway, for the best carved shell combs, superior workmanship. Silver medal. N, Moxon, Williamsburgh, L. I., for best tortoise shell and pearl work. Silver medal. J. M. L. Scoville, 101 William-street, for best daguerreotype cases. Diploma. E. Anthony, 206 Broadway , ^ for the second best daguerreotype cases. Diploma. coopers' work Minors* Work. Edward Botliam, 65 Goerck-street, for the best 10 gallon keg. $5 and a certificate. John C. Bissel, 10^ Front-street, for a coffee barrel. $3 and a cer- tificate. Augustus Edmondson,49 Clinton street, for a 20 gallon barrel. $3 tnd a certificate. $io. 199.] 45 COTTON GOODS. New-York Mills, Onedia Co., N. Y., Charles Carville, agent, 17 Broad-street, for the best cotton goods, consisting of sup. water twist, long cloth, ex. fine shirtings and sup. twilled jeans. Gold medal. Warasutta Mills, New-Bedford, Mass., Willard and Wood, agents, 40 Broad-street, for the second best bleached shirtings. Silver medal. Ash Fitch, Fitchville, Conn., Fitch & Co., agents, 43 New-street, for the best heavy sheetings. Silver medal. J. J. Kilton, Coventry, R. I., Lord, Warren, Salter & Co., agents, 44 and 46 Broad-street, for the best brown sheeting. Diploma. Mount Vernon Manufacturing Company, Alexandria, Ma cGregor & Timpson, agents, 47 Broad-street, for a good specimen of brown sheet- ing. Diploma. Robert Rennie, Lodi Print Works, G. Pattison & Co., agents, 43 and 45 Broad-street, for the best cashmere d'Ecosse. Gold medal. Manchester Print Works, Manchester, N. H., Stone &Co., agents, 48 Exchange Place, for the best moussehn de laines and cashmere d'Ecosse — improvement over last year. Silver medal. American Print Works, Fall River, Mass , for handsomely designed and well executed prints. Silver medal. Benjamin Marshall, Troy, N.Y., Charles Carnlle, agent, 17 Broad- street, for specimens of 30 inch ginghams. Diploma. J. McCormick, Lord, Warren, Salter & Co., 44 and 46 Broad- street, for "superior apron checks. Diploma. Daniel Lord, Elktown, Penn., Bramhall & Hastings, agents, 67 Liberty-street, for jacquard diaper. Diploma. R. Garsed & Brothers, MacGregor & Timpson, agents, 47 Broad- street, for the best specimens of ticking. Diploma. Lancaster Quilt Company, Lancaster, Mass., B. F. Seaver, agent, 31 Broad-street, for the best manufactured quilts. Diploma. S. Shepard & Son; Shepard, Wright & Ripley, agents, 37 Pine- street, for the best canton flannel. Silver medal. James Maull, Philadelphia, Penn., R. J. Maull, agent, 114 Wall- street, for the best cotton duck. Silver medal. Benjamin Flanders, 88 South-street, for the second best cotton duck. Diploma. A. Wortendyke, Paterson, N. J., for superior chandlers' wick. Diploma. * 46 (Assembly J. L. & S. Shreve, Mount Holley, N. J., E. M. Townsend, agent, 54 Cedar-street, for superior colored thread. Diploma. CUTLERY . Waterville Manufacturing Company, Waterbury, Conn., for the best pen and pocket cutlery. Gold medal. Pratt, Ropes, Webb & Co., Meriden, Conn., for the best table cutlery. Gold medal. R. Heinisch, Nassau, cor. Fulton-street, for the best tailors' shears. (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. J. Rowe, 16 Platt-street, for the second best tailors' shears. Di- ploma. John C. Nixon & Son, 44 Chatham-street, for carving knives made from Adirondac steel. Diploma. Lamson, Goodnow & Co., 12 Platt-street, for excellent butcher knives. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Minors^ Woi'k. John Wild, 160 Division-street, for superior small cutlery. $5 and Certifica:te. DAGUERREOTYPES . M. B. Brady, 206 Broadway, for the best daguerreotypes. Gold medal. M. A. Root, Philadelphia, Penn., for the second best daguerreo- types. Silver medal. D. E. Gavit, Albany, N. Y., for daguerreotypes. Diploma. DRUGS AND CHEMICALS. Cogswell, Crane & Co., 104 Wall-street, for the best saleratus. Diploma. Browne & Lombard, 117 Front-street, for the second best saleratus. Diploma. Browne & Lombard, 117 Front, for an excellent quality of sup. carb. soda. Silver medal. Joseph E. Hover, Philadelphia, Penn., for the best specimen of black ink. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Francis & Loutrel, 77 Maiden Lane, for the second best specimen of black ink. Diploma. No. ^99.] 47 S, T. Ball & Co., Boston, Mass., Henry Butler, agent, 93 Wall- street, for the best candles. Diploma. Veeder & Whittlesey, 88 Front-street, for the second best candles. Diploma. Mrs. J. E. Barrows, 32 Columbia street, for the best paste black- ing. Diploma. Leland & Beach, 159 Front-street, for the best lard oil. Diploma. O. M. Ballard, 46 Courtlandt-street, for the best hair dye. Di- ploma. James Crumble, 263 Broadway, for the best cologne water. Di- ploma. Pierson & Robertson Newark, N. J., for the best varnish. Di- ploma. Martin Kalbfleisch, Green Point, L. I., for the best specimens of chemical preparations. Silver medal. Samuel Witherell, cor. Front and Fletcher-streets, for the second best specimens of chemical preparations. Diploma. William Blake, 3 Broad-street, for the best fire proof paint. (Sil- ver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Alexander Denniston, 205 Fulton-street, for the best furniture polish. Diploma. F. Ramppen, Brooklyn, L. I., for the best starch. Diploma. Charles Partridge, 3 Cortlandt-street, for the best friction matches, &c. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Walker & Co., 61 Elizabeth-street, for the best mustard. Diploma. H. L. Kendall & Co., Providence, R. I., Steel & Co., agents, 305 Pearl-street, for the best washing soap. Silver medal. Job W. Greene, 11^ Broadway, for washing soap. Diploma. John L. Salisbury, 63 Liberty-street for chemical soap, for remov- ing oil, &c., from silk and woollen. William Ross, John Roach, agent, 79 Nassau-street, for a prepara- tion for cleansing daguerreotype plates. Diploma. Quarterman & Sons, 114 John-street, for a variety of American paints, polish for stoves, gold size, and an improved dryer to mix with paints. Silver medal. J. Cumberland & Brother, Elizabethport, N. J., for metallic oil for machinery. Diploma 48 [Assembly Thomas J. Husband, H. Haviland, agent, 80 Maiden-Lane, for calcined magnesia. Diploma. Delluc & Co., 581 Broadway, specimens of flexible ivory nursing tubes, &c. Diploma. Mf. Eagle Manufacturing Company, Boston Mass., W. A. Beecher, agent, 27 Merchants' Exchange, for specimens of tripoli. Diploma. William Humphreys, Savannah, Geo., Haydock, Corlies & Co., agents, 218 Pearl-street, for a specimen of alcohol from the peel of sour oranges. Diploma. Daniel Smith & Son, for specimen of American paint, black and brown shades. Diploma. Tilden & Co., New-Lebanon, N. Y., for a fine assortment of medi- cinal extracts, powdered herbs, &c. Silver medal. Russell & Stiles, 135 Water-street, for a specimen of extract of logwood for dyeing. Silver medal. William J. Ross, cor. 30th-street and Broadway, for cleaned kid gloves. Diploma. William Burger, 24 Cortland t-street, for a beautiful specimen of crystalized saltpetre. Diploma. Theodore Schwartz, 32 Burling-Slip, for a superior Paris green, of uniform shade and color. Gold medal. Jeffries & White, 146 Troy-street, for refined sulphur. SUver medal. Union White Lead Company, James Howe, agent, 175 Front- street, for pure dry white lead. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. J. W. Kelly, 34 Beekman-street, for lemon sugar. Diploma. J. Ketchum, 60 South-street, for varnish for roofs. Diploma. Johnson & Sloan, 438 Pearl-street, for an excellent specimen of map varnish. Diploma. P. L. Szadeczky, 93 Murray-street, for essence of coffee. Diploma. Thomas Manson, 20 8th Avenue, for vanilla tooth wash. Diploma. Owen Benson, Seneca Falls, N. Y., John Ogden Dey, agent, 2 Wall-street, for compound stove varnish. Diploma. W. R. Dwight, 138 Maiden-Lane, for furniture varnish of excellent quality. Diploma. W. H. Bannister, Newark, N. J., for the best leather preservative. Diploma. No. 199.] 49 C. Pavey, 494 Hudson-street, for oil blacking for softening and renewing harness, carriage tops, &c. (Silver medal having been be- fore awarded.) Diploma. Atkinson & Co., 605 Grand-street, for the best soda water, with ginger and lemon syrups. Diploma. William Eagles, 194 Fulton-street, for the best soda water, with sarsaparilla and raspberry syrup. Diploma. EDGE TOOLS, ETC. W. Stephens & Son, G. DeWitt, agent, 109 John-street, for paper makers' wire. The first successful introduction of the article in this country. Gold medal. Ames Manufacturing Company, Chickapee, Mass., James F. Ames, agent, for swords of elegant workmanship. Gold medal. New-England Iron Company, Providence, R, I., B. H. Green & Son, agents, 94 Wall-street, for wrought iron spikes and nails, made by machinery. Silver medal. New-England Screw Company, Providence, R. I., B. H Green & Son, agents, 94 Wall-street, for gimlet screws Diploma. L. Bolles, East Smithville, Chenango county, N. Y., for edge tools. Silver medal. David Maydole, C. Blevins, agent, 9 Platt-street, for the best cast steel hammers. Silver medal. Sadler & Hoyt, llth-street, between 1st and 2d Avenues, for the second best hammers. Diploma. Henry Nelson, 240 3rd Avenue, for superior machinists' hammers. Diploma. R. Hoe & Co., Gold-street, for a circular saw in frame. Silver medal. P. B. Frayley, Philadelphia, Penn., Alford & Dash, 5 Platt-street, for excellent saws. Diploma. D, J. Canfield, G. W. Andruss, agent, Newark, N. J., for planes and coachmakers' tools. Silver medal. Josiah Wilcox, Portchester, N. Y., for turners' tools. Diploma. Anthony Vittaly, Newark, N. J., for shoemakers' tools. Diploma. J. C. Nixon & Son, 44 Chatham-street, for engravers' tools. Di- ploma. [Assembly, No. 199.] 4 50 [Assembly John Toler, Newark, N. J., for cabinet hardware Diploma. Daniel Houstonj 13 Ridge-street, for a cooper's croze. Diploma. Robert Eastman, Concord, N. H., for a tool for turning grindstones. Diploma. W. H. Blye, De Ruyter, Otsego county, N Y,, J. Loomis, agent, for a patent bevel plane. Diploma. J. Coughty, 291 Bowery, for planes. Diploma. John Leverett, 46 Broad-street, for excellent axes. Diploma. C. W. Boutgen, A. Barclay & Co., agents, Newark, N. J., for patent skates. Diploma. L. Wetmore, 15 Platt-street, for a nest of brass kettles. Silver medal. Duryea & Rhodes, 229 Pearl-street, for cast steel shovels and grain scoops, Diploma. G. Sandford, 43 Gouverneur-street, for a patent auger handle. Diploma. Minors' Work. Joseph Wilcox, Portchester, N. Y., for a pair of tinners' shears. $5 and Certificate. ENGRAVING. Sarony & Major, 117 Fulton-street, for the best lithography. Gold medal. Mayer & Korff, 7 Spruce-street, for lithography engravings, very neat. Silver medal. Frank Leslie, 109 Fulton^street, for the best wood engraving. Sil- ver medal. John W. Orr, 75 Nassau-street, for excellent specimens of wood engraving. Silver medal. William Roberts, 13 Chambers-street, for specimens of wood en- gravings. Diploma. John La Tourrette, New-Orleans, La., for maps of Lomsiana and Mississippi. Silver medal. A. & J. McLees, 170 Broadway, for fine specimens of card engrav- ing. Diploma. Minors^ Work. William H. Van Ingen, 69 Nassau-street, for specimens of wood engravings. Certificate and $5. No. 199.] 51 John Lloyd J 64 Forsyth-street, for engravings on gold watch cases. $5 and Certificate. ^ FINE ARTS. M. G. Lenghi, I8th-street, near 3d Avenue, for the best statuary marble mantle piece. Gold medal. Shuster & Co., 36 Great Jones-street, for the second best statuary marble mantle piece. Silver medal. P. Le Preux, 146 Walker-street, for a composition vase. Silver medal. Thorp & Grenell, 34 Carmine-street, for painting on Hose Carriage, No. 3. Diploma. Marion M. Day, Brooklyn, L. I., for crayon drawings. Diploma. Charles Bullet, Brooklyn, L. I., for a statuette of Mr. Brown. Diploma. William Hickey, 13th-street. for statuary. Diploma. F. Silva, H. Hays & N. P. Beers, 101 East- Broadway, for speci- mens of pen drawing. Diploma to each. Philibert Borrel, 251 Broadway, for cameo likenesses. Silver medal. FIRE ARMS. S. B. Amory, Goshen, N. Y , for the best rifle. Silver medal. M. M. Cass, Utica, N. Y., for a repeating rifle, calculated to fere 26 times at one loading. Silver medal. J. G. Bolen, 104 Broadway, for revolving pistols. Diploma. R. Agar, Brooklyn, L. I., for a miniature rifle. Diploma. Edward Payson, Newark, N. J., for percussion caps. Diploma. FIRE WORKS. Isaac Edge, Jr., Jersey City, N. J., for the best display of fire works. Silver cup, $15. John W. Hadfield, Williamsburgh, L. I., for the second best dis- play of fire works. Silver cup, $8. FISHING TACKLE. J. & J. C, Conroy, 52 Fulton-street, for the best fishing tacikle, rods, reels, &c. Silver medal. 52 [Assembly John J. Brown, 103 Fulton-street, for artificial baits made of gutta percha. Diploma. T. Finnagan, 26 Madison-street, for a great variety of flies for fish- ing. Diploma. FLAX, HEMP AND ITS MANUFACTURES. Henry H. Stevens, Webster, Mass., for a piece of bleached linen sheeting wove by power loom. (Tallmadge premium.) Gold medal. American Hemp Company, Springfield, Illinois, for superior water rotted hemp. Gold medal. Henry Alexander, Mason & Co., Kentucky, MacGregor & Norris, agents, 10 Broadway, for beautiful specimens of fine and coarse dew rotted hemp, (iold medal. GLASS, CHINA AND EARTHENWARE. Brooklyn Flint Glass Company, 30 South William-street, for the best specimens of flint colored, plain and cut glass. Gold medal. Berger & Walter, 39 Maiden-Lane, for second best specimens of flint colored, plain and cut glass. Silver medal. Geo. W. Benson, Troy, N. Y., for the best specimen of Rocking- ham ware. Silver medal. A. E. Smith & Sons, Norwalk, Conn., for specimens of Rocking- ham ware Diplom J. M. Pruden, Elizabethtown, N. J., for specimens of Rockingham ware. Diploma. Woram & Haughwout, 561 and 563 Broadway, for specimens of painting on china. Silver medal. G. W. Wheaton, 30 South William-street, for enamelled glass jars. Diploma. J. D. Myers, 82 Pearl-street, for air tight preserve jars. Diploma. WINDOW GLASS. Bedford Glass Co., Bedford, Clinton county, N. Y., Morgan, Walter & Smith, agents, 48 ClifF-slreet. for specimens of Bedford crown glass. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. GOLD PENS. Spencer, Rendell & Dixon, 170 Broadway, for the best gold pens. Silver medal. No. 199.] 53 GUTTA PEECHA. S. T. Armstrong, 181 Broadway, for isolating telegraph wires with gutta percha. Gold medal. HATS, CAPS, AND MANUFACTURED FURS. John N. Genin, 214 Broadway, for the best moleskin hat. Silver medal. C. Smith. 192 Fulton-street Brooklyn, L. I., for the second best moleskin hat. Diploma. John N. Genin, 214 Broadway, for the best child's fancy hat. Di- ploma. Charles Knox, 128 Fulton-street, for the second best child's fency hat, (white angola.) Diploma. William Moser, 43 Maiden Lane, for the best manufactured furs. Silver medal. J. H. Harley, 34 Maiden Lane, for the second best manufactured furs. Diploma. STRAW HATS, &C. J. Richardson, East Medway, Mass., R. L. Baldwin, agent, 138 Water-street, for extra fine split straw bonnets. Silver medal. Hills & Fisher, 128 Pearl-street, for cactus braid bonnets, very durable and economical. Diploma. J. Parker, 138 Pearl-street, for cactus braid. Diploma. Mrs. S. Kendall, 136 Bowery, for pamela bonnets. Diploma. INDIA RUBBER GOODS. Union India Rubber Co., 19 Nassau-street, for the best general dis- play of India rubber goods, and exhibits some improvements over last year. Gold medal. D. Hodgman,27 Maiden Lane, for the second best general display of India rubber goods. Silver medal. Hayward Rubber Co., Colchester, Conn., for the best India rubber shoes. Silver medal. Newark India Rubber Co., for the second best India rubber shoes. Diploma. S, J. Seely, 11 Park Row, for India rubber life preserving hammocks. Silver medal. 54 [Assembly H. H. Day, 23 Cortlandt-street, for India rubber coats, caps, &c. Diploma. ITOBT TURNINO. F. G. Ford, 90 Fulton-street, for the best ivory turning. Silrcr medal. LAMPS AND CHAITDELIERS. Cornelius & Co., Philadelphia, Penn., Woram & Haughwout, agents, 561 Broadway, for the best gas fixtures, chandeUers and candelabras. Gfiold medal Allcock & Allen, 341 Broadway, for second best chandeliers and candelabras. Silver medal. J. G. Webb & Co., 38 Burling-slip, for tulip and rose gas burners for parlor lamps and chandeliers. Silver medal. R. C. Overton, 12 Allen-street, for patent oil and gas burners, a neat and convenient arrangement for raising or depressing the wick. Diploma. Roberts, Eagles & Co., Newark, N. J., for fine coach lamps. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. F. Quarre, 159 William-street, for neat and ornamental paper lamp shades. Diploma. Endicott & Summer, 106 EUn street, for a miniature solar lamp* Silver medal. Minors' Work. W. Derby, 139 William-street, for a specimen of lacquering. $3 and Certificate. LEATHER. George Kellogg, Winsted, Conn., for superior bark tanned sheep skins, shaved bark tanned, and bark tanned lamb skins. Silver medal. L. Shepard & Son, Norfolk, Conn., for bark tanned sheep skins. Diploma. James Cauthers, 266 Second-street, for superior harness leather. Diploma. Pierson & Berry, Newark, N. J., for russet bridle and skirting leath- er. Diploma. No. 199.] 66 Thomas T. Kelly, 33 Ferry-street, for lace calf skins, superior workmanship. Diploma. Leonard Gallagher & Co., 248 Canal-street, for black morocco skins. Diploma. Adam Smith & Son, 55 Ferry-street, for Turkey morrocco and Tampico colored boot morocco. Diploma. J. H. Bowie & Co. J 30 Ferry-street, for superior leather hose and pipes. Gold medal. T. Cliff Jones, for fine sheep skin mats. Diploma. BANK LOCKS, J. H. Buttervvorth & Co., Dover, N. J., for the best bank locks. Gold medal. LOCKS, DOOK SPRINGS, ETC. Lewis Lillie, Troy, N. Y., for the best store door lock. Silver medal. S. D. Pye, Aquackanock, N. J., for the second best store door lock. Diploma. Chas. A. Dayton, 50 East l8th-street, for patent fly trunk lock. Diploma. Edward Lippincott, 71 Charlton-street, for safe padlock. Diploma. G. W. Day, 146 Wooster-street, for patent fly chest lock. Diploma* A. B. Tafts, 52 White-street, for a double acting hinge and spring. Diploma. Seymour, Bros. & Co., Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., for a self shutting gate hinge. Diploma. C. Reed, Cambridge, Mass., J. Monroe, 101 Wall-street, for a patent hinge and fixture for opening and shutting window blinds with- out raising the sash. Diploma. Ira Glynn, Syracuse, N. Y,, for a patent window lock. Diploma. Nath. Potter, Buffalo, N. Y., for a door holder, (Morris' patent.) Diploma, John Green, 135 Walker-street, for a door spring. Diploma. Baldwin & Many, 34 John-street, for the best porcelain door knobs. Silver medal. Richard Best, 274 Pearl-strect, for the best furniture knobs. Di- ploma. 56 [AssembIjT George H. Swords, 116 Broadway, for a valuable improvement in mounting door knobs. Silver medal. New-England Butt Company, Providence, R. I., A. Pettibone, agent, 19 Platt-street, for the best butt hinges. Silver medal. Blake & Bros- New-Haven, Conn., for the second best butt hinges. Diploma. Curtis, Morgan & Co., West Meriden, Conn., for locks and knobs. Diploma. J. F. Day, 146 Wooster-street, for argillo knobs. Diploma. Seymour, Bros. & Co., Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., for door butts, bolts, &c. Diploma. J. M. McLaughlin, 589 Broadway, for a parautoptic ventilator. Diploma. Mmori Work. Thomas Day, 589 Broadway, for a French window bolt. $6 and Certificate. MACHINERY, MODELS, AND Vtw INVENTIONS. H. Winter, 57th-street, for the best model of an upright steam engine. Diploma. Horace Higby, 349 Broadway, for the second best model of a steam engine. Diploma. Hudson M. G, Wolfe, Brooklyn, L. I., for a miniature steam ea- gine. Diploma. E. G. Covin, 121 West 19th-street, for a model of a steam engine. Diploma. William Kumbel, 33 Ferry-street, for the best patent improved machine stretched leather banding. Gold medal. Rees & Hoyt, 67 and 69 Frankfort-street, for second best leather bands, rivetted. Silver medal. Down, Mynders & Co., Seneca Falls, N. Y., S. M. Giddings, agent, for the best lifting and single acting pumps. Silver medal. Cowing & Co., Seneca Falls, N. Y., for the second best lifting and single acting pumps. Diploma. J. A. Brush & Co., 83 Pike Slip, for the best double acting lift and force pump, hand power. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. No. 199.] 57 G. B. Famam & Co., 31 Fulton-street, for the second best lift and force pump. Diploma. G. P. Strong, Rochester, N. Y., for the best rotary engine. Di- ploma, John C. Howard, Williamsburgh, L. I., for the second best revolv- ing rotary piston engine. Diploma. Ebenezer Barrows, 228 Water-street, for a rotarj' engine . Diploma. Adirondac Steel Manufacturing Company, Jersey City, N. J., Quincy and Delapiere, agents, 81 John-street, for the best American steel. Gold medal. Daniel Adee, 107 Fulton-street, for the second best American steel. Silver medal. Thomas King, West Farms, N. Y., for the best railway washing machine. Diploma. Lyman Mudge, Elizabethtown, N. J., for the second best washing machine. Ricks' patent. Diploma. E. & T. Fairbanks & Co., St. Johnsbury, Vt., Fairbanks & Co., agents, 81 Water-street, for the best platform and counter scales. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. New-York Journeymen Scale Makers' Society, George G. Shep- herd, agent, 145 Maiden-Lane, for the second best platform scalee, cotton beam, &c. Silver medal. S. Wetmore, 15 Platt-street, for a platform Scale. Diploma. E. Harrison, New-Haven, Conn., for the best grist mill. Gold medal. Thomas J. Moody, Bridgeport, Conn., for the second best grist mill. Diploma. Bush & Lobdell, Wilmington, Del., for the best car wheel. Silver medal. Horatio Eames, Falls Village, Conn., for the second best car wheels. Diploma. Davidson, Hark & Woolson, Springfield, Vt., Andrews & Jesup, agents, 70 Pine-street, for the best improved cloth shearing machine with self-acting list guards. Gold medal. L. Wilder & Co., Hoosick Falls, for the second best shearing ma- chine. Diploma. Waring Latting, 278 Broadway, for the best filters, "tubular." Silver medal. Syf" [Assembly W. H. Jennison, 132 Mercer-streel, for the second best filters. Diploma. A. M- Freeland, 78 Man gin-street, for an improred self acting boring, turning, and screw cutting slide lathe. Gold medal. Luther Car)', 98 Forsyth-street, for the best slide lathe, (large size.) Gold medal. Hewes & Phillips, Newark, N. J., for the best engine lathe, (small size.) Silver medal. Walker & Brothers, 147 Ghristie-street, for the second best engine lathe, (large size.) Silver medal. Guilford Manufackiring Company, Guilford, Conn., for a small slide lathe. Diploma. Oliver Snow & Co., Meriden, Conn., for an engine lathe, (medium size.) Silver medal. G. B. Hartson, 58 and 60 Vesey-street, for the best iron plamng machine. Gold medal. Hewes & Phillips, Newark, N. J., for the second best iron planing machine. Diploma. William Burden, Brooklyn, L. I., for a high pressure engine, with an improved cut-off. Silver medal. John D. Haines, 551 Grand-street, for the best improved hydrant. Silver medal. William Gee, 47 Eldridge-street, for the second best hydrant, (self- acting.) Diploma. Paul Stillman, Novelty Works, for the best glass water guage. John Matthews, Sixteenth-street and 1st Avenue, for the second best water guage. Diploma. H. R. Worthington & W. H. Baker, 103 Front-street, for a per- cussion water guage. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. George Faber, Canton, Ohio, J. P. Pirrson, agent, 5 Wall-street, for a magnetic water guage for steam boilers. Siver medal. Alfred Swingles, Galveston, Texas, A. Hunt, manufacturer, Boston, Mass., for the best boring, morticing and tenoning machine. Silver medal. R. Bartlett, West Washmgton, Mass., for the second best mortic- ing and tenoning machine. Diploma. No. 199.] 69 J. R. & A. Inslee, Newark, N. J., for the best upright drill. Sil- ver medal. Walker & Brothers, 147 Christie-street, for the second best upright drill. Diploma. Leonard Smith, Troy, N. Y., for the best improved ventilating smut machine. Gold medal. William P. Springer, Oswego, N. Y., for the second best smut machine. Silver medal. Joseph P. Woodbury, Boston, Mass., for a stationary cutter wood planing machine. Silver medal. E. G. Allen, Boston, Mass., for a patent wood planing machine. Silver medal. Harvey Law, for a planing, tongueing and grooving machine. Silver medal. John Massey,227 Mulberry-street, for a model of grain dryer, ship bread and cracker baker. Diploma. David Dick, Meadville, Penn , manufactured cor. of Washington and Jane-street, N. Y., for a new power press of excellent construc- tion. Gold medal. Joseph Jones, Camden, N. J., for a boring machine for wood. Diploma. A. G, Heckrotte, Cumberland, Md., for attaching and detaching self-acting coup^ng, for rail-road cars. Silver medal. H. R. Worthington & W. H. Baker, 103 Front-street, for an im- proved safety steam pump. (Gold medal having been before award- ed.) Diploma. H. R. Worthington & W. H. Baker, 103 Front-street, for a wrecking and draining pump. Silver medal. John Whitemore & Co., 101 Pearl-street, for a card sticking machine. Gold medal. Judson, De Wolfe & Co., Farlem, N. Y., for a circular saw, arbor and frame. Diploma. J. A. Fay & Co., Keene, N. H., for improved machines for mortic- ing and tenoning hubs. Silver medal. John Mills, 44 Avenue D., for a sausage machine. Diploma. Edward Flagler, 211 Water-street, for blacksmiths,* jewellers' and dentists' portable forges. Silver medal. 60 [Assembly J. A. Fay & Co., Norwich, Conn., for improved power mortising and sash sticking machines. Silver medal. Roys & Wilcox, Berlin, Conn., for a sheet iron and stovepipe fold- ing machine. Diploma. A. W. Metcalf, 63 & 66 Centre- street, for guage, globe and oil cocks, and burnished stop basin cocks. Silver medal Benedict & Ball, Chickapee, Mass., A. F. Decker, agent, 81 John- street, for patent faucets. Diploma. D. H. Butz & Co., 15 Canal-street, for beautiful silver faucets. Diploma. Gerow & McCreary, 336 Stanton-street, for a luring machine for hatters. Diploma. E. Harris, Springfield, Mass., for a tuyere. Diploma W. Snell, Easton, Penn., for a machine for cutting gaiter boots without seams. Diploma. C. Hart, 29 1st Avenue, for a model of a car wheel. Diploma. D. D. Badger & Co., 44 and 46 Duane-street, for a truss floor. Diploma. J. Ball & Co., Reade, cor. Centre-street, for patent indestructible water pipes. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Duncan & West, 4 Liberty Place, for a mangling machine. Di- ploma. A. Griesch, 152 Third-street, for revolving shutters. Diploma. T. Davison, 76 Sixth-street, for a revolving cylinder to illustrate a patent process for salting meat in warm climates. Silver medal. J. A. H. Bell, 149 Maiden Lane, for hair felt for covering boilers. Diploma. Peter Cooper, Trenton Iron Works, N. J , for superior puddled iron, made with anthracite coal. Gold medal. Jesse Urmy, Wilmington, Del., for a self supporting portable end- less chain and railway horse power. Diploma. George Vail, Speedwell, N. J., for a model of a planetary horse power. Diploma. '^ William Stoutenburgh, 114 John-street, for rotary wash tubs. Di- ploma. A. D. Baldwin, 34 John-street, for a model of an improved shutter bar. Silver medal. No. 199.] 61 E. W. Slater, Lansingburgh, N. Y. , for a plan of fence and gate. Diploma. O. Snow & Co., Meriden, Conn., for a hand planing lathe, (small size.) Diploma, W. Ostrander, 25 Hester- street, for a specimen of zinc tubing. Di- ploma. Nathaniel Fenn, 145 6th Avenue, for an ingenious pair of smith's bellows. Silver medal. Samuel Down, 22nd-6treet, for a dry gas meter. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. • Joseph Goldie, 192 Houston-street, for iron vices. Diploma. Blodget & Lerow, Boston, Mass., for a patent sewing machine, very ingenious, (stitches 1 yard per minute.) Silver medal. Matteawan Co., Fishkill, Dutchess county, N. Y., W. B.Leonard, agent, 66 Beaver-street, for a nest of pullies with hangers. Diploma. E. Kellogg & Co., New-Hartford, Conn., Andrews & Jessup, agents, 70 Pine-street, for a patent hard waste picker. Silver medal. Sibley & Barber, Bennington, Vt., for a flock cutting waste dusting machine. Diploma. F. M. Ray, 98 Broadway, for India rubber car springs. (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. J. G. Woodward, Worcester, Mass., for a stand for changing switches. Diploma. Norris, Gregg & Norris, 62 Gold-street, for coils for heaters, steam heater, cluster of steam fittings, pipes, &c. Diploma. Edward L. Yeoman, T. W. & R. King, agents, 136 Nassau-street, for a portable writing machine for the blind. Diploma. R. Hoe & Co., Gold-street, for a card printing press. Diploma. H. Taylor & Co., Troy, N. Y., for wrought iron nuts. Diploma. N. Scho field, Norwich, Conn, for a model of steam geared regii- lator. Diploma. Paul Stillman, Novelty Works, for manometers for locomotives and Mississippi river boats. Silver medal. Reynolds Brothers, 85 Liberty-street, for specimens of safety fuse for blasting and mining. Diploma. William Burdon, Brooklyn, L, I., for a high pressure engine, (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. H. Waters, Birmingham, Conn,, for ratchet drills. Diploma. 62 [Assembly Jas. L. Morris, 3 16th-street, George Vandenhoof, agent, Paterson, N. J., for telegraph switches and segmental railroad trucks. Silver medal. R. Fj Mason, 306 Pearl-street, for very fine flue brushes. Diploma. Wright & Co , Springfield, Mass , for superior workmanship on a wrought iron car axle. Diploma. George Saphen, for a model of a machine for extracting water from cotton. Diploma. J, L. Alcolt, Oriskany Falls, Oneida county, N. Y., for a model of an eccentric and concentric lathe. Diploma. S. W. Bullock, 37 South street, for an improved hand hay press and dry goods hand press. Silver medal. William Kingsley, 38 John street, for a pin machine. Silver medal. John King, Waterford, N. J., for taps and dies. Diploma. M. P. Coons, Lansingburgh, N, Y., for a self-rotating rock drilling machine. Silver medal. S. T. McDougall, 103 Wall street, for a sugar crusher. Diploma. A. S. Marvin, 138^ Water street, for a fire proof safe. Silver medal. Howes, Marvel & Da vol. Fall River, Mass., for a well finished wrought iron speeder flyer. Diploma. Mason H. Ford, New-Haven, Conn., for a patent railroad aimun- ciator. Diploma. J. Rutherford Worster, Baltimore, Md., for a model of an im- proved diving bell. Gold meal. W. Ballard, 7 Eldridge street, for jack screws. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. H. L. B. Lewis, New- York, for railroad coupling joints. Diploma. J. P. Cowing, Seneca Falls, N. Y,, for highly finished patent pumps. Diploma. W. & D. Douglas, Hartford, Conn., Sexton & Webb, agents, 112 South street, for force pumps and hydraulic ram. (Silver medal hav- ing been before awarded.) Diploma. Baron Brothers, 252 Broadway, for a gold-melting furnace. Gold medal. James Smith, West Broadway, for a fire engine, (No. 34.) Silyer medal. No. 199.] 63 P. A. Burdens, manufacturer, W. H, Gray, agent, 258 Water street, for good ship bolts and spikes. Diploma. G. B. Hartson, 58 and 60 Vesey street, for a lathe for face turn- ing screws and gear cutting combined, a superior article. Gold medal. Scranton & Parshley, New-Haven, Conn., for a lathe, (medium size.) Diploma. Billings & Ambrose, Claremont, N. H., and 129 Water street, for Collins' improved scales. Silver medal. G. H. Dodge, Dodgeville, Attleborough, Mass., for an improved cop spinning and winding machine. Gold medal. B. Kreischer, 62 Goerck street, for good specimens of fire brick (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Thomas Godwin, Broadway and Eleventh street, for a throttle valve hose pipe. Diploma. Billings & Ambrose, Claremont, N. H., for an improved mode of fastening hubs on axles. Diploma. Leonard Smith, Troy, N. Y., for a buckwheat scourer. Silver medal. Daniel Burr, for Von Schmidt's centrifugal ship pump. (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. T. F. Secor & Co., foot of Ninth street, E. R., for two low-pres- sure steam engines, on board steamship Ohio, extra finish and well braced. Gold medal. Crane, Harrison & Co., Newark, N. J., for the best horse power for stationary purposes. Silver medal. James Black, New- York, for an ingenious steam and air water wheel. Silver medal. Alfred Hall, Perth Amboy, N. J., for a hand brick machine. Gold medal. Bernard Sheridan, 45 Ann street, for the best embossing press. Gold medal. Morgan Loomis, Worcester, Otsego county, N. Y., for a portable smith's bellows. Diploma. Minors^ Work. Terence Duffy, 218 Elizabeth street, for a model of a steam en- gine. $5 and certificate. Thomas Clough, 10 Amity street, for a miniature steam engiae. $3 and certificate. 64 [Assembly Robert Thompson, Jane, corner Washington street, for the work- manship on Dick's printing press. $10 and certificate. John Ryan, Twenty-sixth street, comer 1st Avenue, for an hy- draulic valve. $3 and certificate. manufacturers' articles, weavers' reeds, shuttles, etc P. V. H. Van Riper, Paterson, N. J., Kennedy & Gelston, agents, 5^ Pine street, for the best bobbins. Silver medal. E. J. Skerritt, Pompton, N. J., Andrews & Jesup, agents, 70 Pine street, for the second best bobbins. Diploma. J. G. Trippe, Trenton, N. J., for weavers' shuttles. Diploma. A. J. Williams, Utica, N. Y., Andrews & Jesup, agents, 70 Pine street, for a patent jointless wire harness. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. J. A. Gowdey & Son, Providence, R. I., Andrews & Jesup, agents, 70 Pine street, for weavers' reeds. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. T. K. Earle & Co., Worcester, Mass., Andrews & Jesup, 70 Pine street, for machine cards. (Silver medal having been before award- ed.) Diploma. mathematical and philosophical instruments. Henry Fitz, 237 Fifth street, for an equatorial telescope. Gold medal. Ransom Cook, Saratoga Springs, N. Y., for an ore separator, a beautiful application of modern science. Gold medal. Gregg & Rupp, 120 Water street, for surveying instruments. Di- ploma. J. Dixon, Jersey City, for superior black lead crucibles. Gold medal. Willard Day, Brooklyn, L. I., for a submarine examiner. Silver medal. James Prentice, 183 Broadway, for mathematical instruments. (Silver medal having been before awarded ) Diploma. NAVAL architecture. B. Buck & Sons, Baltimore, Md., for the best ship model. Silver medal. No. 199. 1 Gb J. W. Griffiths, 66S Fourth street, for the second best ship model. Diploma. D. D. Badger & Co., 44 Duane street, for the best ship' steerer. Reed's patent. (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. J. E. Andrews, Boston, Mass., for the second best ship steerer. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Stillman, Allen & Co., Novelty Iron Works, a galvanized iron surf boat, life boat and coppfer man of war life cutter, deserve particular notice, (Joseph Francis' patent,) one of the firm being a manager, are debarred by the rules from receiving a premium. Chas. Perley, 134 Columbia street, for a ship chain lifter, anchor stopper and side winch. Silver medal. Blacklui & Slittj 23 New street, for a tinned iron buoy. Diploma. E. T. Starr, 13 Cedar street, for an india rubber life boat. Diploma. John T. H. Kings, Staten Island, for a model of steamship. Diploma, W. & T. Scanebly, 67 Varick street, for a model of hfe boat-. Dipibma. A. G. Polhameus, Nyack, N. Y., for an adjustable saddle and winch. Diploma. H. Stanton, U. S. Navy, for an excellent wooden hfe boat, with india rubber buoys to the outside as well as inside. (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. NEEDLE-WORK, EMBROIDERY AND FANCY ARTICLES. Mesdames Palmer & Farr, 459 Broadway, for the best shirts. Silver medal. D. W. Canfield, 2^ Maiden Lane, for the second best shirts. Diploma. Mrs. E. A. McNeill, 72 Bowery, for the best embroidered shirt bosom. Diploma. Mrs. Rebecca Van Houten, 85 Nassau street, for well made shirts and collars, neatly stitched. Diploma. Brodie & Bell, 61 Canal street, for the best mantilla and ladies' velvet sacks, beautifully embroidered. Silver medal. Beekman & Cutter, 66 Canal street, second best mantilla and cloaks. Diploma. Miss Eliza Bateman, 356 Broadway, for best single stitch worsted embroidery. Diploma. fAssembly, No. 199. | 5 66 [Assembly Ann McNespiCj Fiftieth-street, best double stitch worsted em- broidery. Silver medal, Henrietta L. Westerfield, 60 Elm-street, second best single stitch worsted embroidery. Diploma. Miss Ann McNespic, Fiftieth-street, second best double stitch ■worsted embroidery. Diploma. 10 young ladies of Public School, No. 2, Williamsburgh, for worsted embroidery. Diploma. Mrs. Sarah K. White, Canaan, Columbia county, N. Y., handsome piano and table covers. Diploma. Mrs. Thompson, Walker-street, tapestry, double stitch, (Wash- ington.) Diploma. Miss F. Moore, Newtown, L. I., best embroidered slippers. Di- ploma. Mrs. Reisky, 87 Franklin-street, for the best cheneille embroidery done on silk crape and crochet purse. Diploma. Mrs. A. S. Canning, Gill, Mass., for a lamp mat. Diploma. Mrs. Sherman, 2 Union Place, for the best smoking cap. Diploma. Miss D. A. Churchill, 25 Monroe-street, for the best raised worsted work. Diploma, P. E. Goodliff, 49 Twelfth-street, for the best embroidery on hair eloth. Diploma. Mrs. Willis Patten, Franklin House, for a child's zephyr worsted sack. Diploma. Miss Ahce Kennedy, 4 Water-street, Brooklyn, L. L, for an em- broidered scarf. Diploma. Mrs. H. B. Jones, Troy, N. Y., for slippers knit without seams. Diploma. Miss Julia J. Marcet, 84 Orchard-street, for the best frame of silk embroidery. Diploma. M. J. Drummond, 321 Grand-street, for the best regalia. Silver medal. E. Combs, 268 Grand-street, for the second best regalia. Diploma. Mrs. W. Rollings, 191 Spring-street, for the best lady's bonnet. Silver medal. Mrs. Lazarus Isaacs, 59^ Division-street, for the second best lady's bonnet. Diploma. Miss Eliza Maton 3 Amity-street, for the best corsets. Diploma. No. 199.] 67 Miss Magdalene Linherr, 303 Broadway, for the best hair work for jewellers. Silver medal. Broger & Schuss, 439 Broadway, for the second best hair work for jewellers. Diploma. Miss M. F. Unold, 41 Oliver-street, for the best framed hair work. Diploma. Mrs. Emma Ball, Brooklyn, L. I., for a feather tippet, and cuttings in paper, beautifully executed. Diploma. John Raab, 154 Third-street, for the best shell work. Diploma. Charles T. Blake, Brooklyn, L. I., for the best artificial flowers. Diploma. Josepha Earle, Brooklyn, L. I., for flowers made of paper. Di- ploma. Rachel Pearson, 178| Bowery, for the best wax flowers. Diploma. Mrs. L, De Angelica Wilson, 382 Bleecker-street, for the best wax fruit. Diploma. Alexander Purdie, 46 Beekman-street, for the best gimps and frin- ges. Diploma. Mrs. E. H. Penniman, Brooklyn, L. I., for the best silk quilt. Diploma. Mrs. M. Jacobus, Brooklyn, L. I., for the best imitation Marseilles quilt. Diploma. ' Mrs. Hollerman, 94 Fourth Avenue, for the best knit quilt. Di- ploma. Mrs. Sarah Emmons, Deep River, Conn., for the best patchwork quilt. Diploma. Mrs. Sarah Leech, Jersey City, N. J., for a knitted 'quilt. _ Di- ploma. rs. S. A. Robertson, 57 Clinton-street, for a woven quilt. Di- ploma. PAPER HANGINGS, UPHOLSTERY, ETC. J. & T. Jones & Smith, 235 Pearl-street, for the best paper hang- ings. Silver medal. Pratt & Hardenburgh, 159 Pearl-street, for the second best paper hangings. Diploma. W. C. P. Bryce, 35 Thompson-street, for a superior ^ecimen of 68 [Assembly work in hanging and varnishing paper hangings in blocks for^ halls. Diploma. Robert Graves, Brooklyn, L. I., for superior marble paper for halls. Diploma. William Wisdom, Cleveland, Ohio, for beautiful curled horse hair. Diploma. White & Kinsman, Barre, Mass., for self-sustaining curtain hang- ings. Diploma. P. O'Neil, Gothic Hall, Broadway, for the best spring mattress. Diploma. E. E. Van Doren, Philadelphia, Penn., for the second best spring mattress. Diploma. J. W. Miller, 247 Broadway, for the best wmdow shades. Di- ploma. E. E. Van Doren, Philadelphia, Penn., for a corn husk mattress. Diploma. PAPIER MACHE AND JAPANNED V^ORK. Hodson & Foster, 3 Dutch-street, for very superior specimens of papier mach6, (ornamented.) Silver medal. J. Cook, 44 Fulton-street, for very superior specimens of papier mach^, (ornamented.) Silver medal. I PENMANSHIP. A. M'Laurin, New-York, for the best specimen of penmanship. Silver medal. Wm. C. Morrison, Brooklyn, L. I., for the second best specimen of penmanship. Diploma. PERFUMERY. William Johnson, 55 Frankfort-street, for the best shaving and fancy soaps. Silver medal. C. Van Schoonhoven, 73 Liberty-street, for the second best shav- ing and fancy soaps. Diploma. Horace E. Swan, Fall River, Mass., N. R. Lincoln, agent, 81 Water-street, for very superior tooth powder and hair preservative. Diploma. Ely & Co., 71 Chambers-street, for Jenny Lind hair gloss. Di- ploma. No. 199.] 69 PIANO FORTES AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. David I. Van Winkle, 92 West 16th-street, for the best piano forte. Gold medal. James H. GroTesteen, 122 Grand-street, for the second best piano forte. Silver medal. Boardman & Gray, Albany, N. Y., for an attachment to the piano forte, called a " dolce campana." Silver medal. George Hewes, Boston, Mass., for an action for a piano forte, " remarkable for its simplicity." Silver medal. Wm . Hall & Son, 239 Broadway, for the best Diatonic and Boehm flute. Silver medal. James Hanley, 549 Broadway, for a double action harp of elegaiit workmanship. Diploma. M. Sprenger, 145 Centre-street, for excellent violins. Silver medal. ' PLATING. Coombs & Anderton, 85 Mercer-street, for the best silver plating. Silver medal. F. Curtis & Co., Hartford, Conn., for the best galvanic plating. Silver medal. PREPARATIONS OF NATURAL HISTORY. J. G. Bell, 289 Broadway, for a case of preserved birds. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. John Gray, 157 Grand-street, for artificial eyes of birds and animals. Diploma. A Fisher, Brooklyn, L. I., for specimens of marine plants. Di- ploma. W. Humphreys, jr.. Savannah, Geo., for a case of shells. Silver medal. REGATTA. Wm. C. Waring, New- York, winner of the race between 19 feet sail boats. Sea Sei^vrfii"; sr«j Q;iftlr(?r. Silver cup, $10. Edwarri Cody, New- York, for the best rowing with one pair of sculls, in 17 foot boat, " Beauty," Silver cup, $10. 70 [Assembly saddlery, harness and trunks. Owen McFarland, Newark, N. J., for two sets of buggy harness. Silver medal. James Craven, 32 Canal-street, for well finished coach harness. Silver medal. Alonzo Nicholas, Kingston, Ulster county, N. Y., for a draught collar. Diploma. James Russell, 38 Pearl-street, for whips of elegant workmanship. Silver medal. Thomas Fitz Harris, Brooklyn, L. I., for a lady's saddle. Diploma. John Cattach, 86 Broadway, for a trunk of superior workmanship. Silver medal. L. Cantrell, 15 West Broadway, for a lady's trunk and bandbox. Diploma. John Wilson, 135 Bowery, for the best fire cap. Diploma. Jacob L. Smith, 139 Washington-street, for the second best fire cap, Diploma. SIGN PAINTING, &C. Edwards & Son, 163 Canal-street, for the best sign painting. Sil- ver medal. John C. Quaterman, Flushing, L. I., for the second best sign painting, well grained. Diploma. John M. Brown, corner Piatt and Pearl-street, for a manuscript sign. Diploma. H. Goulet, 66 John-street, for the best graining and imitation of wood. Diploma. , James Spencer^ 123 Walker-street, for the second best graining and imitation of wood. Diploma. W. R. Clapperton, 42 Maiden-lane, for the best heraldic painting. Silver medal. B. F. Cragin, 20 Nassau-street, for the best block letters. Silver medal. A. & G. Brandon, 2 Tryon Row, for the second best block letters. Diploma. James Hughes, 71 Fulton-street, for superior sign painting. Silver medal. Erasmus B. Derby, Brooklyn, L. I., for a good specimen of sign painting. Diploma. No. 199. J 71 Minors' Work. George Green, J3rooklyn, L. I., for best sign painting. $5 and Certificate. Gilbert Graham, Third-street, for second best sign painting. $3 and Certificate. RAW AND MANUFACTURED SILK. Raw. John M. Summy, Manheim, Penn., for the best 10 lbs. of reeled silk, the thread remarkably round, uniform and clean. Van Schaick premium of $10, and a bronze medal. Harriet Summy, Lancaster, Penn., for the second best reeled silk and yarn from perforated cocoons. Diploma. John M. Summy, Manheim, Penn., for the best bushel of Paphos peanut cocoons. Van Schaick Premium of $5, and a bronze medal. Harriet Summy, Lancaster, Penn., for the best bushel of small pea- nut cocoons. Van Schaick premium of $5, and a bronze medal. Manufactured. J. W. Gill, Wheeling, Virginia, for the best piece of silk, 27 in. wide and 60 yards in length. Van Schaick Premium $60, and a bronze medal. J. W. Gill, Wheeling, Virginia, for the best silk for handkerchiefsj 25 yards in length. Van Schaick premium $20, and bronze medal. James Millward, Eighth Avenue and Thirty-First-street, for two excellent pieces of satins. Silver medal, John Fox, Sen, Wheeling, Virginia, for the best plaid silk velvets. Van Schaick premium $10, and bronze medal. Julius Hovey, Mansfield, Conn., J. D, Homeston, agent,293 Pearl- street, for the best sewing silk, 12 lbs. Silver medal. Turner & Gurley, 84 William-street, for superior sewing silk. Sil- ver medal. Cleveland & Co., 34 Beaver-street, for handsome specimens of colour- ed and spooled silk. Diploma. C. B. Hatch, 97 William-street, for superior oiled silk. Diploma. C. Court, 27 John-street, for beautiful specimen of silk dyeing. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Herman Schwietering, 34 Cedar-street, for samples of silk button coverings. Diploma. 72 [Assembly silver ware. J. C. L. Moore, 85 Leonard-street, for the best silver ware. Gold medal. Wm. Adams, 38 White-street, for the second best silver ware Silver medal. Minors^ Work. Oscar J. Olmstead, 102 Reade-street, for the best silver cup. $3 and Certificate. David B. Olmstead, 102 Reade-street, for a good specimen of chasing. $5 and Certificate. STOVES, GRATES AND RANGES. Cooking Stoves and Ranges: Jordan L. Mott, 264 Water-street, for the best family range. (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. B. Wands «&, Co., 281 Water-street, for Thatcher's family range. Silver medai. E. Barrows, 228 Water-street, for a family range. Diploma. Phillip Rollhaus, 250 Water-street, for a family range. Diploma. George Pierce & Co., Broadway, for a family range. Silver medal. B. Wands & Co., 211 Water-street, for a large hotel range, (Cobb's patent.) Silver medal. Wm. Wheeler, Troy, N. Y., for a large range stove. Silver medal. Jordan L. Mott, 264 Water-street, for the best wood and coal cooking stove. Silver medal. N. B. Starbuck, Troy, N, Y., for a superior cooking stove. Sil- ver medal. Jordan L. Mott, 264 Water-street, for an agricultural boiler. (Sil- ver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. B. P. Learned, Albany, N. Y., for a cooking stove. Silver medal. Elihu Smith, Albany, N. Y., for a stove steam boiler. Diploma. Anthony Davy & Co., Troy, N. Y., for a summer baker for char- coal or coal. Diploma. Stoves for Warming^ and Hot .flir Furnaces. E. Barrows, 228 Water-street, for the best hot air furnace. (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Culver & Co., 52 Cliff-street, for the second best hot air furnaces. /"Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. No. 199.] 73 E. Waring &Co., Stamford, Conn., for the best portable furnace. Silver medal. F. L. Hedenberg, 79 Division-street, for the second best portable furnace. Diploma. B. P. Learned, Troy, N. Y., for the best parlor stove for wood and coal, and cooking. Silver medal. .John Liddle, 220 Water-street, for the second best parlor stove for coal. Diploma. Anthony Davy, & Co., Troy, N. Y., for the best parlor stove for wood. Silver medal. Anthony Davy & Co., Troy, N. Y., for a Franklin. Diploma. Jordan L. Mott, 264 Water-street, for an improved ventilating radiator for halls and schools, with wood or coal. (Gold medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. L. Wood, 237 W^ater-street, for the best cast iron radiator for par- lors. Silver medal. W. Race & Co., Seneca Falls, N. Y., for the best air tight stove with regulator. Silver medal. Anthony Davy & Co., Troy, N. Y., for a sad iron heater. Diploma SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS. Watt & Patterson, 1 Murray- street, for a spring block truss. Sil- ver medal.. TOBACCO AND ITS MANUFACTURES. George T. Williams, Lynchburg, Va., Henry Ludlam, tobacco agent, 151 Front-street, for the best manufactured chewing tobacco. Silver medal. Jas. Saunders, Lynchburg, Va., for superior chewing tobacco. Diploma. J. & T. Kneil, Westfield, Mass., Holt & Palmer, agents, 223 Front-street, for cigars well made- and of good material. Diploma. WIGS AND TOUPEES. Wm. A. Batchelor, 4 Wall-street, for the best wig. Silver medal. W. L. Clirehugh, 179 Broadway, for tne second best wig. Di- ploma. Mrs. E. Peckham, 7 Chambers-street, for ladies' curls. Diploma. 74 J Assembly WOOLEN GOODS. Dorastus Kellogg, Skaneateles, N. Y., Wolcott & Slade, agents, 13 Broad-street, for the best black broad cloth. Gold medal. Globe Mills, Utica, N. Y., Trimble & Co., agents, 38 Broad-street, for the second best black broad cloth. Silver medal. D. W. Plumb, Derby, Conn., McCurdy, Aldrich & Spencer, agents, 30 Broad-street, for black cloth. Diploma. Burlington Mills Co., Burlington, Vt., for the best black cassi- meres. Gold medal. Seneca Woolen Mills, Seneca Falls, N. Y., Stanton, Barnes & Hamilton, agents, 21 Broad-street, for the second best black cassi- meres. Silver medal. Millville Manufacturing Co., Millville, Mass., Fearing & Hale, agents, 55 Exchange Place, for the best fancy cassimeres. Gold medal. Dorastus Kellogg, Skaneateles, N. Y., Wolcott & Slade, agents, 13 Broad-street, for the second best fancy cassimeres. Silver medal. Jas. Waterhouse, Centreville, Warwick, R. I., McCurdy, Aldrich & Spencer, agents, 30 Broad-street, for fancy cassimeres. Diploma. Bay State Mills, Lawrence, Mass., Wolcott & Slade, agents, 13 Broad-street, for the best woolen long shawls. Gold medal. Dorastus Kellogg, Skaneateles, N. Y., Wolcott & Slade, agents, 13 Broad-street, for the second best woolen long shawls. Silver medal. Monock & Burney, Lexington, G. Patterson & Co., agents, 43 and 45 Broad-street, for superior printed turkeri shawls. Diploma. Duncan & Cunningham, Franklin, Essex county, N. J,, McCurdy, Aldrich & Spencer, agents, 30 Broad-street, for embroidered shawls and embossed piano covers Silver medal. Wm. Duncan & Son, Franklin, Essex county, N. J., Richardson, Watson & Co., agents, 43 Exchange Place, for printed shawls. Di- ploma. Gilbert & Stevens, Ware, Mass., Thomas & Dale, agents, 53 Ex- change Place, for superior white flannels. Silver medal. Nesmith & Co., 50 and 52 Pine-street, for superior blankets. Diploma. Ballard Vale Manufacturing Co., Ballard Vale, Mass., Stone & Co., agents, 48 Exchange Place, for stuff goods. Silver medal. No. 199.] 75 Giles & Son, Providence, R. I., G. R. Sprague & Co., agents, 68 Broad-street, for worsted yarn. Diploma. John Morrow, Paterson, N. J., for paper-makers' endless felt, (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. MISCELLANEOUS. George H. Penfield, 19 Nassau-street, for an improved method of lightering vessels over bars. Diploma . D. Lockwood, 642 Broadway, for a clothes-drying reel. Diploma. Pacific Rock Salt Co., B. Ransom & Co., agents, 100 Wall-street, for superior specimens of salt. Diploma. A. McDonough, Philadelphia, Penn., for an invalid chair. ^Silver medal. Geo. Clayton, 232 6th Avenue, for a bedstead and portable divan. Diploma. P. Proeschel, 108 Greene-street, for three cushions. Diploma. Wm. Stoutenburgh, 114 John-street, for brass and iron wire show cloak, cape and cap stands. Diploma. Josiah Dunham, Boston, Mass., for cotton sash cord. Diploma. W. H.Kemp, 95 Canal-street, for superior gold leaf. Silver medal. H. W. Chamberlin, Pittsfield, Mass., for an improved draughting board. Diploma. , Henry J. Kip, Newark, N. J., for the best horse shoes. Diploma. S. N. Blake, Hudson, N. Y., for the second best sample of horse shoes. Diploma, T. Smith & Co., 77 Fulton-street, for water coolers. Diploma. John Jones, Bristol, Conn., for mops and mop irons. ^Diploma. F. G Richardson, 107 John-street, for wire cloth. Diploma. J. C. Derby, 61 Gold-street, for a painter's jack. Diploma. James D. Mowrey, Norwich, Conn., for a self-acting mirror. Di- ploma. W. E. Rose, 37 Reade-street, for beautiful specimens of gold and silver mounted canes. Silver medal. Charles Stearn, Brooklyn, L. I., for a dentist's press. Diploma. O. Schroder & Co., 26 John-street, for a child's theatre. Diploma, Table & Selchow, 47 Eldridge-street, for hat boxes. Diploma. John A. Ethridge, 166 Reade-street, for milk cans. Diploma. J. Gray, 157 Grand-street, for artificial eyes. Diploma. 76 [Assembly e. & J. Davis, 23 Nassau-street, for zinc weights. Diploma. John Dick, 132 Nassau- street, for patent boot shanks. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. C. W. Ingraham, 53 Franklin-street, for adjustable sliding and spring shanks. Diploma. Joshua Shaw, 142 Nassau-street, for glazier's diamonds. Diploma. J. Johnson, 111 East Eighteenth-street, for gas fittings. Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Calkins & Darrows, 28 Maiden-lane, for umbrellas and parasols. Diploma. John Matthews, Twenty-sixth-street, comer Seventh Avenue, for soda water stand. Diploma. M. B. Bigelow, 185 South-street, for gothic bird cage. Diploma. W. W. Riley, Columbus, Ohio, for a self adjusting buckle. Silver medal. Nathaniel Fenn, 45 Sixth Avenue, for fancy bellows. Silver medal. Miss E. Fenn, 45 Sixth Avenue, for inlaid bellows. Diploma. E. Satterlee, Albany, N. Y., for cast iron mh-ror frame§ highly gilt and burnished. Silver medal. A. D. Fisk, 209 Water-street, for metallic burying cases for pre- serving bodies. Silver medal. Reed & Co., 52 White-street, for specimens of roofing slate. Di- ploma. John Bruce, 24 Platt-street, for copper and steel engravers' plates. (Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Coombs & Anderton, 85 Maiden-Lane, for a copper sash. Diploma. Guilford Manufacturing Company, Guilford, Conn., for cast iron flower pot stands. Diploma. John Byram, Dover, N. J., for a large specimen of iron ore. Di- ploma. M. S. Salters, Newark, N. J., for specimens of wrought iron made with anthracite coal by a new process. Silver medal. Williams & Barton, East Hampton, James M. Weed, agent, 179 » Pearl-street, for a raashn kettle. Diploma. Andreas & Son, 69 Greenwich Avenue, for an improved coal screen. Diploma E. H. L. Kurtz, 291 Bowery, for a baby jumper and swing. Dir ploma. No. 199.] 77 Michael McWeeney, 124 Leonard-street, for a model of a portable parlor green house. Silver medal Homan Hallock, for specimens of oriental type cutting on steel punches. Silver medal. A. Brower & Co., 236 Water-street, for the best candle moulds. (A Silver medal having been before awarded.) Diploma. Farr & Briggs, 30 Rector-street, for the second best candle moulds. Diploma. Minors^ Woj-k. John F. Ward, Jersey City, N. J., for surface plates. $5 and Certificate. Samuel Conely, 29 Chambers-street, for a composition picture frame. $3 and Certificate. J. Irwin, 243 Tenth-street, for a well mounted cane. |3 and Cer- tificate. William Rankin, 361 Greenwich-street, for marble book and stand, $3 and Certificate. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES. REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL COMMITTEE. The committee of arrangements, appointed by the board of agri- culture of the American Institute, to conduct the exhibition of cattle for 1849, submit the following report : The exhibition was held at Corporal Thompson's, known as Madi- son Cottage, corner of 23d-street and 5th Avenue, on the 10th and 11th days of October. The grounds were in good order, of an even surface, and well tufted with grass. The erection of sheds for cattle and horses, pens for sheep and hogs, and accommodations for poultry, were ample and well arranged. The number of entrances were larger than at any previous show, and the animals of a better quality, with the exception of horses, which were not numerous, but some specimens were very fine. We are indebted to His Honor, Mayor Woodhull, for permission to use Madison Square, obtained through our friend James Depeyster, Esq. It was a great convenience, adding much to the liberty of the horned stock, and affording the horses ample room for display and exhibition. The number of visiters was larger on the first day than ever before, the weather being only tolerably good ; the second day was very unfavorable, raining most of the time, which very materially dimin- ished the attendance. A large number of the judges, regularly ap- pointed, were absent, but their places were filled by competent and 80 [Assembly faithful men, who discharged their duly \Yith energy and attention, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, for which we tender them our thanks ; we believe their awards gave general satisfaction. We were honored on the first day by a visit from many distinguished agriculturists, among them the President and Corresponding Secre- tary of the State Agricultural Society. Mr. Thompson, the proprietor of the grounds, afforded us every faciUty in his power. There was several delegated committees from various county Agricultural So- cieties in attendance. The weather throughout was extremely un- favorable ; had it been otherwise, we have reason to believe that the number of entrances would have been greatly augmented. The experience of the year has imparted to your committee infor- mation in regard to details and arrangements which will be useful in the management of future exhibitions, and they would recommend an early meeting of the board of agriculture, where all such facts and suggestions as are useful may more properly be made. Respectfully submitted. L. G. MORRIS, CHAS. HENRY HALL, THOS. BELL, Committee. The awards, according to the decision of the judges, will be found in the list of premiums of the 22d Annual Fair. REPORT ON PLOWING AND SPADING. American Institute, 22d Annual Fair, 1849 J Agreeable to the published programme of the business of the Fair, on the fourth day of October, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. Captain Hoffmire, of the steamer Suffolk, received on board, at the point of the Battery, the committee of the Institute and some of its guests, bound to Flushing, to unite there with the Agricultural Society of Queens county. Long Island. The morning threatened a continuance No. 199.] 81 of a north-east rain slorm, so much so as to prevent many citizens from joining us. The President of the Institute, the Hon. James Tallmadge, and Ex-President John Tyler, with Mr. Gardiner, of Gardiner's Island, Mr. Ogden, of Chicago, the Recording Secretary of the Institute, several managers of the Fair, Hon. David Banks, Alanson Nash, Esq., Hon. William Mitchell, Judge of the Superior Court, Sylvanus Miller, Esq., W. W. White, Esq., city inspector, Martin Ellsworth, Esq., of Windsor, Conn,, I. Black\vell,Esq., Hon. Singleton Mitchill, of Plandome, brother of the Hon. Samuel h. Mitchill, so well known for his enthusiasm in the cause of learning and the arts, — and others. Some members of the great Pomological Convention. A band of nineteen musicians politely ordered on this occasion to the field of action, by Col. Crane, of Governor's Island were on board. On the way to the field, the threatening clouds began to separate, and during the rest of the day, pleasantly shaded the plowmen, the spadesmen, and the company. On arriving at Flush- ing, your committee were placed by order of the Queens county So- ciety, in a large covered vehicle which was drawn by ninety-eight oxen, in pairs, attached to the chains, through Flushing to the field. It was a pleasant sensation to experience the immense power of that team on the way, and the reflection that right ahead moved an hun- dred thousand weight of beef, available at the termination of the agricultural labors of those noble creatures. The rain which had fallen rendered the sod and soil of the field in, excellent condition for the plow and the spade. The arrangements made by the Hon. John A, King, President of the State Agricultural Society, in conjunction with his committee and A. G. Carle, Esq., the Secretary, and our committee were all complete. The plow-lands staked off in parallel rows, contained each one-eighth of an acre. Various plows were in competition, among others a Siarbuck plow, of Troy, one of the same mould as that star of a plow now shining brightly in the Castle Garden. There being a citizen on the field who had filled the Presidential seat of the RepubUc, he was invited to put his hand to the first plow and open the first furrow. With perfect cheerfulness the Ex-Presi- dent, John Tyler, did so, and joined Morris Kelly, Mr. King's plow- FAssemblv. No. 199.1 6 82 [Assembly man, in first putting the share into mother Earth. A time honored practice for the most distinguished citizen to lead in the field of Ag- riculture, much more so tlian in those of battle. For the result of the contest of the plow we refer to the official report of the committee in charge of that service. We next observed with pleasure, in a distant part of the field an oblong square, formed by a triple row of men — some hundreds — which reminded us of those human citadels found by Welhngton at Waterloo, on which the elite of the breast-plated and helmeted cuirassiers of Napoleon broke to pieces like the surges on a rocky coast. We visited the square and being by virtue of office, admitted ■within, we had the pleasure to see that great garden maker, the spade, in the hands of athletic men, doing its capital work. During these operations, the United States army band of music cheered the work with their accurate, sweet, and yet blood-stirring notes from all the chosen instruments of military music. To say that the men who handled the plow and the spade felt the influence of the presence of respectable fellow-citizens, that of the music or that of several fair ladies, who from their carriages, were looking earnestly on, is not saying enough. Find us if you can an honest man who under such a respectful and cordial view does not feel his heart swell with a pure and just pride and his etrong muscles thrill with lawful pleasure Who so indifferent to the approving smiles of his fellow men, but is rendered happier and better by it, but if ladies too look on, his nerves can have no greater tension in the power of his agricultural labors. Take all this assembled multitude away and tell him he will never see another American Institute, or a Queens County Society, or any body else to look at him while he toils, and his spirit is instantly fallen and by continued neglect will fall to the lowest possible point. To bring men to battle, you have always been obliged to dress them gaily and well, to erect plumes on their heads, polished hemlets, to give them bright bayonets and polished swords, to stir them up by all the potent sounds of clarion, drum, and trumpet, in order to make them do their field work well ! And when they have done it well as they did at Waterloo, perhaps it may be said that their bodies and their blood 83 [Assembly were put to no use so profitable as the preparing that field for the re- markably fine crops of wheat which have continued to grow upon it ever since. What is the reason said a European fanner to an agricul- tural chemist that such a field has for almost two centuries produced such fine wheat 1 The chemist on analyzing the soil attributed it to the bone manure furnished by the killed on that spot which must have been a battle field. The committee saw with great pleasure the very beautiful display of vegetables, fruits and flowers in the large tent of an hundred feet diameter. Some of your committee felt an emotion of surprize that this rich collection had been made in a small circle of the west end of Long Island. But upon reflection the surprize vanished. Within sight of that tent the forefathers of the Princes had a fine nursery of good things of the farm and garden, and so long ago, that at the time of the battle of Long Island in 1776, some rank and file of the British ai'my attempted to spoil that nursery of Prince, but to his lasting honor, the British commander placed guards around it and saved it from all injury. Others of great merit have arisen long since in the same circle; among these, the amiable, intelligent and prosperous family of Parsons, remain highly distinguished. A "branch of that family is in the same dwelling where the celebrated founder of the religious sect, the Friends, Fox, was once entertained ; and near this well kept mansion, large trees still stand, beneath whose shade he lectured %is little circle of hearers. By these good citizens, and by the Messrs. Mitchells, whose estates furnished the field of plowing, many of your committee, with the Hon. Mr. Tyler, and' several other distinguished men, were most hospitably entertained. Your committee cannot forbear to add that on this occasion they renewed their impressions of the great value and importance of this noble Island; Being 120 miles in length, a clear sea all around it, its climate is very distinctly milder than our adjacent main land. Acces- sible everywhere, close on the very entrance of our great city, capable by modern science, and by vessels, and by railroads of amending scientifically and perfectly every acre of her land. We believe this No. 199.] 84 Long Island destined, in the life time oi' our young men to become the most lovely residence and garden to be found between the north pole and the equator on our side of the Atlantic. We have our eye, while we say this on tl;ie islands of the south, but we wish to be understood as decidedly prefering about latitude 40° north for the climate, and if interest should prevail over tliis matter of taste, yet we cannot divorce this beautiful but long negected island from our great and growing metropolis, the city of New- York. All which is respectfully sub- mitted to the American Institute by your committee. H. MEIGS, Recording Secretary, and Secretary of the Farmers^ Club, • Oct. 5, 1849. TESTING OF PLOWS. The committee appointed by the American Institute to superintend the examination and testing of plows, report : That on the 3d of October they* met at the village of Flushing, Queens county, and proceeded to Lindon Hill, the elegant residence of Edward E. Mitchell, whose grounds had been selected by the Queens County i\J^ricultural Society for the testing and plowing. We cannot omit expressing our obhgations to Mr. Mitchell, for his attentions and kindness, and the willingness with which he placed his men, teams and implements at our disposal. The Institute instructed us to award premiums for the best and next best plows, combining the greatest number of necessary requi- sites to plow furrows 16 and 12 inches wide by 8 and 6 inches deep, w The committee determined that it would select the person to hold the plows, who should hold all in each class, and that but one team should be used. Thus each plow had the same opportunity of haAing justice done. No. 199.] 85 Of the class of 16 inches wide by 8 deep furrow, the following plows were tested and with this result : Bergen, B. Myer, Newark, N. J., • 525 lbs. Eagle F. John Mayher & Co., New- York,. . . .475 " No. 5. N. Starbuck & Son, Troy, N. Y., 550 « No. 4. John Moore, New-York, 600 " No. 20. do do 650 " No. 9^. B. Myer, Newark, N. J., 500 " Of the second class, the following is the result : Bergen, B. Myer, Newark, N. J., 400 lbs. B. Myer, do do 400 « Eagle D. John Mayher & Co., New- York, 350 « Eagle F. do do do .... 326 " No. 5. Starbuck & Son, Troy, N. Y., 425 " No. 19^. John Moore, New-York, 300 " No. 20. do do 375 " We accordingly recommend the premiums to be awarded as follows: For the plow combining the greatest number of necessary requisites to plow a furrow 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep, To John Mayher & Co., New- York, for the best Eagle F. Silver cup. To B. Myer, Newark, for the second best No. 9^. Silver medal. For the plows of the 12 inches wide and 6 inches deep furrow, To John Moore, New-York, for the best No. 19^. Silver cup. To John Mayher & Co., New- York, for the second best Eagle F. Silver medal. Of the first class, the plows were all held by Mr. William Mitchell, and by Mr. G. G. Weeks of the second class, both exoerienced plowmen. The ground w^as dry and hard, and the plowing Avas difficult. We fency that in every case the dynamometer indicated more resistance than would be found in c^eneral nlowing. 86 I Assembly The committee would respectfully suggest that the Institute make some effort to produce some improvement upon the dynamometer, or a new mode of testing the power necessary to move the plow. Very little reliance can be placed on those now in use. The least diffe- rence in the surface of the land and small obstacles, cause great and constant variations in the index. We believe that the ingenuity of our countrymen, if once turned in this direction, would produce an instrument which would indicate with much minuteness and correct- ness the power necessary in the draft of the plow. By order of the Committee, ALBERT G. CARLL, ChairTuan, Castle Garden, Uh of October, 1849. HORTICULTURAL REPORT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL FAIR OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. In presenting the Report of the Horticultural Department of the Twenty-second Annual Fair, there are many causes for congratula- tion. HoAvever much praise may have been bestowed, and justly too, on former exhibitions, the Twenty- second Annual Fair evinced be- yond all others the most cheering and gratifying evidences of that steady improvement which has characterized the progress of the American Institute since the day of its foundation. It is much to be able to say of any institution, that its progress has been steadily onward. In taking a retrospect of the past, and viewing with a scrutinizing eye the ground that has been gone over with so many toilsome steps, it is a deep gratification to know that our labor has not been in vain. To trespass for a moment on the province of metaphor : it is now some twenty-two years since the American Institute entered into possession of a wild, rugged, and un- cultivated domain, overrun with brambles and pernicious weeds, but still fair to look upon, possessed of great natural beauty, and abound- ing in all the elements of fertility and usefulness. The Institute had tlie foresight and judgment to employ these elements judiciously and perseveringly, in spite of all obstacles. And what is the result 1 Why, after twenty-two years of toil and labor, we behold a scene full of the most interesting associations. We see that wild domain hedged in and smiling with beauty. The brambles and weeds have mosll) disappeared, and in their places we see the grasses, and grains, and fruits, and whatever nourishes and sustains man's body ; and the glorious flowers, that fill his soul with emotions of beauty. The grassy meadows abound with highly-impreved domestic animals ; the 88 [Assembly water of the running streams, in both its dense and rarer forms, lends its mighty force for the propulsion of ingenious and complicated ma- chinery, by which is manufactured myriads of articles for the comfort and use of man : whatever is useful, whatever is ornamental, what- ever is beautiful, may here be seen in a progressive stage of improve- ment, and the busy hum of life and activity falls pleasingly on the ear. This is not altogether metaphor. [n accordance with what is here shadowed forth, I noticed with pleasure, during the last Fair, a marked decrease of those mere trifles which heretofore have seemed to me like so many excrescences. I apprehend that there was not only a larger number of articles on ex- hibition than on former occasions, but also more, of intrinsic value and real utility j more that were new and important ; more marked and decided improvements in machinery, in agricultural implements, and other articles ; and/eirer of those mere gewgaws and catch-traps, which have always struck me as being unworthy of a place in a great exhibition of the products of American ingenuity and skill. In these respects, the Twenty-second Annual Fair must be considered the most commendable that has yet been held, and presents, as before remarked, many causes for congratulation ; and I here take occasion to pay a well-merited compliment to the Board of Managers, whose able and judicious management contributed very materially to bring about this most desirable result. So much for the Fair as a whole. I shall now offer some remarks on the Horticultural Department, the more immediate object of this Report. Where so many things pre- sent themselves, and all with nearly equal claims to notice, it is diffi- cult to decide where or how to begin, or to observe such an order as will bring this Report within reasonable limits. In regard to surface covered, tliis was certainly the largest Horti- cultural exhibition ever got up under the auspices of the American In- stitute ; and in respect to quality, I claim for many articles a decided advantage over any similar articles that have ever been exhibited here before. This is strong language ; but I understand perfectly well the meaning of what I utter, and in the above case I use every word in its strongest and broadest sense. As respects the general disposition No. 199.] 89 ■ and arrangement of the articles, and the effect produced by such ar- rangement, it becomes me not to speak ; and, indeed, it is not neces- sary for me to do so, for the Board of Managers, the members of the Institute, and the public generally, had abundant opportunities to judge , for themselves. In enumerating the different articles, for the sake of brevity I shall only particularly notice those which presented some peculiar excel- lence. Of agricultural productions, the first of all in importance is our great staple product, Indian Corn^ the display of which was very large. I have reason to believe that finer corn has never any where been seen. The Chairman of the Committee of Judges, venerab e alike for his years, his knowledge of the subject, and an experience as wide as the extent of our own broad land, pronounced some speci mens equal to the best he had ever seen ; in fact, all who saw them gave them at once the highest character, and were most eager to pro cure seed of them. Though only a few specimens possessed this high degree of excellence, yet there were many other samples of very fine quality. When we take into consideration the vas1 importance and usefulness of this staple product, the improvement recently effected in it and the lively interest it has awakened in the farmer's mmd should be studiously and perseveringly encouraged and rewarded. We must still continue to give it the first consideration. The tallest specimen on exhibition was nearly thirty feet in height! the next, some twenty four feet, and several others from thirteen to fifteen feet. There were also a few samples of Egyptian Corn on exhibition j but whether this is of sufficient importjince to be much encouraged I con- sider doubtful. Of Wheat there was a large number of samples, several of them be- ing of great excellence. The judges were furnished with a chron- drometer, and went through the interesting process of weighing the various samples ; and as some evidence of their quality, I will just mention that the weight varied from sixty to sixty-five pounds to the bushel. Of the different varieties the Bergen was considered the best, and this character, I believe, it has held since the time of its introduc- tion. • 90 I Assembly Of the various samples of Rye, all were esteemed good, and some of great excellence. The greatest weight w^as sixty-three pounds and a half to the bushel Of Oafs there were several samples of superior quality, weighing from thirty-eight to forty-two pounds to the bushel. The Poland va- riety of this important grain gave the greatest weight per bushel. There were several samples of Buckwheat of fine quality, the grea- test weight bein^fifty pounds to the bushel. The practice of weighing the samples of grain presented for competition is a useful one, and much to be commended, for it puts us in possession of important statistical information. I therefore hope the practice will be continued. In this connection it will be proper to state that there was an ex- ceedingly large quantity of flour and meal, much larger, indeed, than I have ever seen at any preceding Fair. In quality nothing could be finer; two samples were prepared wuth surprising care, and perhaps surpassed any thing of the kind that has ever before been made in this country. There were many other samples of great excellence, and so nearly alike in quality that it was found to be difficult to distinguish any difference between them. I mention this fact in justice to exhibiters, as well as to show the closeness of the competition, and the great care ■which must have been bestowed upon the preparation of these samples of Flour. Of Mealj the display was large, but the quality various. It so happened that the meal that was best dried was not the best in quali- ty ; and the best meal on exhibition was not dried at all. Of the two methods of steam drying and kiln dryings it seems to be admitted that steam drying by Stafford's process, possesses the greatest advan- tages, and accomplishes the purpose most effectually ; and it cannot but be regretted that a process possessing so many merits should have been exhibited on a meal that was considered only second rate in quality. This subject is one of the very first importance, even in a national point of view, and should not for a moment be lost sight of. When we shall have succeeded in discovering some process of thoroughly drying meal, so as to prevent the occurrence of any che- mical change, and at the same time preserve all its nutritive qualities, Ko. 199.] 91 we shall have secured a permanent foreign market for a product vrhich we can raise in vast abundance and in the greatest perfection. It may be that this process has already been discovered ; indeed, it seems to me that it has. Much might and ought to be said on this subject, but my limits will not permit. In addition to flour and corn meal, mention must be made of superior samples of oa^ meal, sampj hominy, grits, farina, &c., got up in beautiful style. I will now proceed to the productions of the Dairy. Of Cheese, the display was exceedingly large ; much larger than at any preced- ing Fair. As regards quality, I venture the remark, that while there was one sample of the best, there were also two or three samples of the worst American Dairy Cheese ever seen at any exhibition of the American Institute ; between these two extremities the quality varied exceedingly. The best sample of American Dairy was well cured, and of exceedingly fine flavor ; the worst was intolerable. I cannot imagine for what purpose it was made ; certainly not to be eaten j perhaps to keep out a certain insect. Of Imitation English Dairy the samples were all good, and some exceedingly fine. One lot, of great excellence, came in near the close of the Fair, and consequently loo late for competition. Among the rest, one Mammoth Cheese, from Austin, Ashtabula county, Ohio, must not be overlooked, if it were possible to overlook a thing of such monstrous size. The weight of this Cheese was seventeen hundred and fifty pounds ! without doubt the largest ever made. The labor of milking, pressing, and curing it must have been immense. Notwithstanding ils great size, it was of good quality, and perhaps only required a little more ripening to make it a first- rate cheese. The display of Butter was rather larger than we usually have, and there was not an indifferent sample on exhibition. All were good, many first-rate, and two at least most exquisitely flavored. It is gratifying to perceive each ye*r some perceptible improvement in the products of our Dairy, and to know that the subject is receiving that attention which its importance demands. 92 (Assembly 1 will next pass to Vegetable Productions^ the display of which was not only immensely large but really first-rate. Owing to their great number, an enumeration cannot here be attempted ; yet there are some things that cannot be overlooked. There were many samples of excellent Potatoes^ both for cattle and the table. In one case two crops in succession were laken from the same ground, which is note- worthy. There were several samples of seedling Potatoes, but, with one exception, they were not remarkable for any great excellence. Of things new, the most striking was an odd-looking Squash, called the Sailor's Delight, said to be fine. Of Beets, both for the table and cattle, the display was large and excellent, and the same may be said of Parsnips and Carrots. Of Onions the display was not large, but one lot was especially fine. The display of Squashes and Pumpkins was immense, from a Mammoth down to a Vegetable Marrow. But how do justice to a long list, comprising, in addition to the above. Celery, Turnips, Salsify, Egg Plants, Peppers, Globe Artichokes, Cab- bages, Green Com, Beans, Tomatoes, Okra, Cucumbers, Watermelons^ Citron Melons, Sweet Potatoes, &c., &c., all excellent of their kind? In Hops, no improvement upon former exhibitions was observable, in respect either of quantity or quality. We must hope better things for the future. I will here simply enumerate some miscellaneous articles, such as superior Mustard, excellent Honey, very choice native Wine, from the Catawba grape, Cider, Annatto, Madder, Hemp, Guano, Fertilizing Powder for plants, &c., &c., of which I have no time to take further notice at present. Of Pickles and Preserves the display was very creditable. The articles of this description were, most of them, excellent, especially the Pickles, which were got up with much taste. I shall next pass to the FrwU. Leaving out of consideration the specimens exhibited at the Congress of Fruit Growers, the display this year, on the whole, was an advance upon preceding exhibitions, nothwithstanding the partial failure of crops in some sections. Of Applesj the show, in point of numbers, did not, perhaps, exceed that No. 199.] 93 of last year, yet the specimens, in many cases, were certainly finer. It is worthy of notice that there were several seedling Apples of great excellence ; one sample was thought to be superior to many old and esteemed varieties. Of Pears, the display was not, perhaps, quite equal to that of last year; yet two exceptions must be made, embrac- ing the Vergouleuse and Duchesse d'Angoulerae, of which there was a magnificent show. There was one sample of seedling Pears of very fine quality ; and it is an interesting fact, worthy of being noted here, that we had several specimens from the original Seckel Pear, which is still standing and in tolerable health. The display of Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines was exceedingly fine ; by far the best we have ever had. It is worthy of remark, that the best Peaches and Nectarmes were seedUngs ; they were of the first quality, being very large and exquisitely flavored. Never before have we had so much seedling fruit of decided merit. Of Quinces the show was good, but not better than has been usual on former occasions. The display of Grapes was exceedingly grand ; something to be noted and remembered. The show of Foreign Grapes was magnifi cent ; I doubt whether a finer has ever been seen. The number of ^'a^ieties was very large, and the various samples were of great ex- cellence. The display of Native Grapes was also large, and of the very first quality. I venture to say that no Isabella or Catawba Grapes ever surpassed them ; one sample of Isabellas was much the finest I have ever seen, in regard to both quality and size. I must not omit to mention, in this connection, a case of Wax Fruitj most beautifully and truthfully executed. ThcvSe wax speci- mens were so like the real fruit that many persons were completely deceived in regard to their true nature ; and, indeed, when some of the wax specimens were placed by the side of the natural fruit rep- resented, it required nice discrimination, even in experienced per- sons, to distinguish between the wax and the natural fruit. There can be but one opinion in regard to the great utiUty of these imita- tions of fruit, and they should be duly encouraged. 94 (Assembly Altogether, the exhibition of Fruit was superb, and a source of great gratification to all who beheld it ; more especially is this true of the large and exceedingly fine display of the luscious Peach and Nectarine, and the imposing show of Grapes, the large and tempting clusters of which were a theme of delighted admiration to every beholder. I shall now take a glance at the Flowers^ those loved objects, over which I so delight to linger. The weather at the opening of the Fair was most unpropitious for the development of these delicate ob- jects, and I was not a little apprehensive that the display would prove to be something of a failure ; but the fury of the storm abated in time to avert so deep a mortification, and the genial rays of the sun brought out the Flowers in all their gorgeous attire. Thus it often happens, that what at first seemed, to our finite vision, only fraught with evil and misfortune, turns out, in the end, to be full of the ut- most beneficence. A wise Providence reigns over all. I have no desire to exaggerate in any particular the character or merits of the exhibition which has just closed ; but I must neverthe- less, in justice to the commendable zeal evinced by the exhibitors, claim for the display of Flowers the high distinction of being, with- out the semblance of exception, by far the greatest that has ever been seen on any one occasion in New-York. I do not mean alone that it was the largest, but also decidedly the best in every sense of the word 3 and I claim for it in some particulars the great merit of being of a higher character than any for exhibition. I have strong hopes that in a very few years our exhibitions of Flowers will reach the high standard already attained by our Boston and Philadelphia friends. Too mu-ch praise cannot be bestowed upon that spirit of emulation which enabled us to keep up a blaze of Floral beauties during the whole four weeks' continuance of the Fair. For this happy result we owe exhibiters a large meed of praise, and I take infinite pleasure in bestowing it. This is about all that they get to reward them for their labor and losses, and I desire that they should receive a full measure of it. The taste for the cultivation of Flowers is no doubt increasing among us, but its progress is painfully slow. This may be attributed in a great measure to a want of sufficient and No. 199.] 95 proper stimulus or encouragement, to want of public spirit, and to another cause far less honorable to human nature. In taking a glance at the exhibition of Flowers, the attention is first attracted by the exceedingly large and grand display of Dahlias j much the finest I have ever seen, and never surpassed even in Phila- delphia. A more beautiful sight than a fine display of Dahlias is rarely to be met with. The bold and symmetrical form, and the great diversity of colors, from the most brilliant to the softest and most delicate tintings, all blending harmoniously together, produce in the mind emotions of lively admiration. Among the Dahlias were some of the most exquisite show flowers I have ever seen, and at the bead of the list I must place, when well grown, VEmpereur de.Moroc. But the Dahlia must give place to the Rose, the -'Queen of Flow- ers," certainly among the first in all the elements of beauty, and en- deared to us by a thousand fond associations. Of this most lovely flower the display was grand and well sustained, embracing all the best varieties, alike beautiful for their form, size, color, and exquisite fragrance. Perhaps there is no single flower more highly and univer- sally esteemed j there are some more brilliant and showy, but there is none which we love like the Rose. The display of Bouquets was magnificent. They were formed of Roses and other choice flowers, and made up with great good taste. A parlor stand of Bouquets, made up by a lady, was particularly beautiful and in excellent taste. A flat Bouquet, made up in the Parisian style, was unique in its way, and much admired. There were numerous others, all very pretty, and several exceedingly large and beautiful. But what shall be said of the Pyramids, and Temples, and Con- servatory Stands, and other Ornamental Designs ? To describe them here would take up too much space ; yet I am strongly tempted to do so. Suffice it to say that no display at all comparable to it was ever before seen in New-York. Many of these designs were got up at great expense by Mrs. A. Henderson, who deserves infinite praise for her taste and ability, not less than for her patience and per- 96 [Assembly severance in decorating them anew with fresh flowers every few days during the continuance of the Fair. One of her designs was the most elaborate and finished that 1 have ever seen, and all exhibited the great elements of proportion, harmony, and unity of conception to such a degree as, to evince no less genius than originality and taste. The special exhibition of Roses and Dahlias on Monday, the 9th, was not quite equal, in one particular, to the splendid show of last year; there were not so many Roses, This was owing, in great measure, to the fact that I had expressed a determination to postpone the exhibition on account of the unpropitious weather. But though there were not so many Roses, they were equally fine, and in this respect have never been surpassed. The display of Dahlias exceeded that of last or any other year, and I hope the same remark may be made with equal truth at every succeeding exhibition. The first pre- mium Dahlias were the most exquisite I ever saw ; the Roses were surpassingly beautiful, and presented a sight which will long be re- membered. If a person were about to make a small but choice col- lection of Roses and Dahlias, I doubt whether the same number of varieties of each of greater beauty could at present any where be found ; and for the benefit of such I append a list of their names. Dahlias. — Prince Albert, Bragg's Star, Triumph de Magdeburg, Toison d'Or, L'Empereur de Moroc, Sunbeam, Mont Blanc, Roi de Pontille, Melanie Adam, Mrs. Shaw Lefevre, Sunset, Florence Dom- bey. Rainbow, Madame Zahler, Victorina, Madame Wachey, Miss Vyse, Richard Cobden, Miss Chaplin, War Eagle, Remembrancer, Victoria Regina, Walter Hilson, Baron Treton. To this list others might be added, but I will only mention Princess Radziwil the most perfectly formed Dahlia I have ever seen. Roses. — Tea. Marguerite, Princess of Mecklenburg, Drummond, Safrano, Frageoletta, Archduchesse Therese Isabelle, Triumphe du Luxembourg, Yellow Tea, More's Lady Warender (a seedling of the exhibiter). lie de Bourbon. Hermosa, Desgaches, Souvenir de la Malmaison, Madame Desprez, Madame Bazenquet, Madame Neumaii or Monthly Cabbage. Hybrid Perpetual. Jollande d'Arragon, Prince Albert, Reine des Perpetuelles. Bengal. Cramoise Superieur or No. 199.] 97 Agi'ippina. JVoisette. General Lamarque. This list also might be extended, but I will just mention the splendid Rose La Reine, I must not forget to call attention to the large and splendid display of Baskets, made up of the choicest flowers of the season, and evinc- ing the most exquisite taste. There were some eight or ten of these baskets, of very large size ; and in regard to arrangement, taste, and general effect, I consider them as being far the most lovely objects in the whole fair (the ladies alone excepted). It was not a display for a day, but the baskets were made up anew repeatedly during the con- tinuance of the fair, and really seemed more beautiful with each re- newal. There were also several baskets of Wild Flowers, very striking and beautiful, and not by any means to be overlooked, particularly in an exhibition specially designed to encourage native productions. It affords me pleasure to say that all these baskets were arranged by the hands of a lady, the same who made sucha splendid display of bouquets and ornamental designs. There were many olher things eminently worthy of being mentioned, such as Passion Flowers, Pansies, Pinks, Phloxes, Verbenas, Heliotropesj Ckrysanthemur)is, Salvias, Ahutilons, Meirosideros, and other beautiful objects, which must be passed by without further notice. I can not, however, help alluding to a splendid bloom of that rare and singular plant, the Aristolochia Braziliensis, presented by Thomas Hogg, Esq., of Yorkville. I must also mention several large and beautiful blooms of the Cereus triangularis, from A. P. Cumings, Esq., of Williams- burgh. [The awards made in the horticultural department, will be found in the list of premiums.] I have thus taken a brief review of the horticultural department, and attempted to give some idea, however imperfect, of its general character. It is well to preserve a truthful record of the general aspect of our Annual Fairs, in order to have some standard by which to measure the progress we make from year to year. This practice, so far as relates to the horticultural department, was first carried out methodically by my esteemed friend and oredecessor, Thomas Bridge* [Assembly, No. 199. \ 7 98 [Assembly marij Esq., who has labored so successfully in the cause of horticul- ture, and to whom the Institute is under many and deep obligations. This standard I have endeavored to furnish, so far as regards those things coming under my immediate supervision. But I have not yet done. There are some other topics which can- not be passed over. I allude particularly to those reckless and un- scrupulous pilferers who " most do congregate " on such occasions. To meet the necessities of the case our police force should be made more efficient, and examples should be made of such as are detected in these detestable practices, no matter what their position in society may be. It is not expected that the evil can be entirely suppressed, but it may be greatly lessened ; its tolerance is not to be thought of. Let us look at the case for a moment. I say it with feelings of deep mortification, that persons in female guise have been seen to take specimens of fruit, flowers, and other objects, slip them under their sliawls with an agility that would do credit to a magician, and walk off as coolly as if another's property had not been surreptitiously taken. Others, who would doubtless like to be considered gentle- men, will filch an apple, a pear, a flower, or other object, with a boldness that is truly surprising, but yet, at the same time, with a degree of slyness which indicates that they are conscious of commit- ting a niggardly act. One person, whose profession and position in society, to say nothing of moral obligation, should have taught him better, was seen, in broad midday, to reach his arm over and help him- gelf to some grapes. The moral powers must be blunted indeed when a person cannot distinguish between meum and tuum, in a case so perfectly transparent. It is absurd in the extreme to attempt an apology for conduct like this. I have to complain of another class of persons scarcely less detesta- ble; those, I mean, who, seemingly for a pure love of mischief, if not something worse, take dehght in removing the labels from the fruit and other articles, in throwing hops and other things in the flour barrels, in displacing every thing they see, and who can not pass by fruit ^yithout giving each specimen a squeeze that would produce speedy decay in objects much less tender than a peach or a pear. These practices are not confined to the horticultural department, but No. 199.] 99 are common to the whole fair j neither have they been more preva- lent this year than on former occasions; but I have done with their de- testable authors for the present. If these remarks should meet their eyes, I hope they may have the effect of mantling their cheeks with the blush of shame for conduct so reprehensible, and induce a resolution of amendment for the future. A few words on one other topic before I conclude. The opinion has been expressed by some that the Agricultural Department of the In- stitute receives more than its due share of encouragement. Nothing can be further from the truth ; and I wish to state my conviction that it by no means receives the encouragement it deserves, and which its best interests imperatively demand. I doubt whether its real impor- tance is fully understood by many of our members; certain I am that its true position and character have been assigned to it by compara- tively few. It seems to be generally regarded as a thing of secondary importance, and by some would be placed entirely in the back-ground. But, m brief, the fact is, it has been mainly instrumental in making the Institute what it is : it is its right arm, the key-stone which sup- ports the whole superstructure. Pray, where would be your arts, and sciences, and manufactares, and commerce, without agriculture 1 Echo answers, where ? Agriculture is at the very foundation of these, and of every thing else merely human, for society could not subsist a day without it in its present organization. Yet, in the face of these facts, we hear complaints that the agricultural department receives an undue share of encouragement ! Nothing can be more unfounded either in fact or reason. If its expenses are heavy, so are its receipts large ic proportion. I regret very much that such sentiments are entertained by any ; their general prevalence among the members of the Institute is much to be deprecated. I would have each department receive due and proper encouragement ; but it must be recollected that the majority of articles exhibited in the horticultural department, and that alone, are of a peculiarly perishable nature, must be frequently renewed, and are a complete loss to the owner. Take, for example, flowers, which must be renewed every other day for a period of three or four weeks. It is known to me that the expenses of some of the exhibiters have 100 [Assembly not been less than two or three hundred dollars, including in this sum the value of the articles exhibited, and which are an entire loss. The most that is carried away for all this is a cup worth $]0 ; whereas in other departments the successful competitor carries off not only his cup or his gold medal, but his articles are as good as when they entered the fair. He has been a gainer in every sense of the word, and a loser in none. How very different with the exhibiter of flowers! I would not make this a matter of dollars and cents ; and I am happy to know that exhibiters themselves entertain no sordid motives on this subject, but they very justly expect a fair standard of awards j some- thing more nearly approaching an equivalent for the efforts made and the sacrifices endured. People may talk of glory and notoriety ag .they please ; something besides these is necessary in the case under consideration ; and even of these airy things a man will not be satisfied with less than his full share. I must here state in all candor, that when the just claims of exhibi- ters have been laid before the Institute, they have been promptly and honorably met : I know of but one solitary exception of delay, and that was not altogether without cause. But this is not the point : we must meet the case hereafter in preparing our premium list. We must make a forward movement, not only to keep pace with the progress of taste and improvement, but also to give a higher tone and character to our future exhibitions ; and somewhat, too, on the score of self- preservation. For this object, there is no time so propitious as th? present. I have been induced to indulge in these remarks in order to show that, so far from receiving undue encouragement, the agricultural de- partment, alike from its importance and its intimate connection with the best interests of society, is eminently worthy and justly entitled to the very first consideration. Its expenses are only seemingly great ; for by its striking and pre-eminent attractions it has produced a much larger income than all other departments together. There are other topics of interest which I had intended to touch upon, but this report has reached such a length that I must pass them by. In conclusion,! must .add my sincere wish that the future course of the Institute may be onward, ever onward, like some mighty river, No. 199.J 101 bearing on its bosom the countless blessings of those peaceful and en- nobling pursuits which it is its cherished object to promote. All of which is respectfully submitted. ^ PETER B. MEAD, Superintendent of the Horticultural Department. J\rew-Yorkj December, 1849. REPORT ON MR. S. B. TOWNSEND'S FIELD OP CORN. The committee appointed to examine the field of com of Mr. S. B. Townsend, of Astoria, L. I., submit the following report : On arriving at Astoria, the committee, after the usual ceremonies of an introduction, proceeded at once to the discharge of their duty. It would require mifth time and space to recount all of interest which came under their observation ; they will therefore confine their report mostly to the field of corn which they were appointed especially to examine. Mr. Townsend informed the committee that he had 16 acres in corn, divided into two fields, one containing 11, the other 5 acres j but as they were alike in all respects, they will for the sake of con- venience, be denominated oee. The committee devoted their atten- tion, in the first place, to the variety, size, and quahty of the corn. It is the ten-rowed flint variety, from seed grown by Mr. T., for 4 or 5 years past, and selected with great care, which is more necessary than is generally supposed, to prevent it from deteriorating. When in the midst of the field, the committee seemed as if in a forest con- siderably past its infancy, and had to bring their \ision to a very acute angle with the zenith in order to see the "top gallants" ^vaving above their heads. On measuring some of the tallest stalks, they were found to be about 13 feet in height, and none seemed less than 7. Some of the ears were found to be 14 inches in length. The grains were large, well filled, and compactly set. In some cases there were 4 and 5 stalks in a hill, but mostly 2 and 3. These in a great mea- sure, had each two large and well formed ears ; some had three equally large • and in a few instances, as many as four. The com- mittee obserTed very few indications of gmut. Altogether, it is a su- 102 [Assembly perior piece of corn, and the committee do not hesitate to pronounce it, in the mass, better than any piece of corn which they saw by the way, several of which they stopped to examine. But, as will appear presently, Mr. T's corn is chiefly remarkable for the economical principles upon which it has been grown, and the consequent large profit which it will bring the owner. In addition to these 16 acres, Mr. T. has three more drilled in very thick for fodder. About half of these three acres was manured with prepared peat, the other not ; in other respects, they received the same treatment. But the differ- ence between the two was most striking. The part manured exceeded the other at least one half in size ; and while it was evidently rich in sap, and presented a vigorous, healthy appearance, with many well-filled ears of corn, the other was somewdiat imbrowned, com- paratively dry, and quite destitute of ears. If an argument were needed to show that the farmer is richly remunerated by proper tillage and a judicious application of manure, the present would furnish a strong one. The soil on which this corn is growing is a sandy loam, quite friable. In preparing the ground, the sod was plowed under some seven or eight inches, a little deeper than many farmers are in the habit of plowing ; and there can be no doubt that twelve inches would have given still more striking results, especially as the surface soil is not far from ten inches in depth. The seed was selected with great care, being taken only from stalks bearing two or more well- grown ears, from which the largest grains in the middle were se- lected, the rest being fed to the stock. The hills were planted suf- ficiently far apart to admit of the operation of the cultivator freely, and manure liberally applied. The following incident will give a pretty good idea of Mr. Townsend's manner of using the cultivator. " How many hocings did you give this corn ?" " Only one." "Ah ! then I suppose you used the cultivator pretty freely ?" " Oh, yes," said the old gentlemen, " we kept it going?'' This reply is full of meaning, and was uttered with a deep earnestness, of which it is difficult to give a proper conception on paper. We commend these words to the serious consideration of every farmer who would hope for a large return for his labor. A few words as to the manual labor bestowed upon this corn ; and here it is necessary to mention that Mr. Townsend has about eleven acres of Mercer potatoes, of superior quality and abundant yield. Here we have 19 acres of corn, and No. 199. 1 103 11 of potatoes, making m all 30 acres. In preparing these 30 acres, Mr. T. employed two men and a boy. This small amount of hired labor is worthy of being noted, as having a direct bearing upon the cost and profits of the crops. These two men and the boy were em- ployed two weeks in planting the corn and potatoes, and 16 days in. hoeing, Mr. Townsend himself rendering little or no assistance. After this the boy, with one horse, " kept the cultivator going," and this, without doubt, kept the corn " going."' The result cannot be otherwise than gratifying. What the yield per acre will be, can onlj be " guessed" at ; but as Mr. Townsend has promised to furnish the Institute with the necessary statistics, this yankce feat may be dis- pensed with. The committee do not assert that this is the best field of corn that they have ever seen ; enough has been said, howerer, to show that the crop will be a very profitable one. What struck them particularly was the small cost of its production ; and it may be added that Mr. T. observes the same rigid system of economy in all his farming operations, and gets well remunerated. To place this in a clearer light, a few remarks are appendeded in regard to Mr. T's method of preparing his peat manure ; indeed, his process of making manure is the distinguishing feature of his farm ; he has in fact, a veri- table manure manufactory, and material enough to keep his " opera- tors" busy for a century. On the farm are many acres of humus or peat, of as fine quality as eyes ever beheld. It was 17 years before Mr. Townsend discovered this treasure ; for treasure it will prove to any farmer who is so fortunate as to possess it, and w^ho, at the same time, knows how to appreciate its value. It is believed that the ma- jority of farmers have a little "placer" here and there, but mostly- unknown, or, if known, not considered to contain any " precious ore.'* Our farmers, on this particular subject, have much to learn ; it is very gratifying to be able to add, that some of them have taken the sub- ject up in good earnest. Much might be said here if the limits of this report permitted. Suflfice it that Mr. Townsend has a just appreciation of the value of his " placer," and works it to some pur- pose. Very briefly, he digs out this peat (so called) and throws it up in heaps to drain off the surplus moisture. When sufficiently dry, it is carted to the manure " manufactory," or, in other words, the pig pen, which is divided into four compartments, containing f'-oia. 104 [Assembly four to six pigs each, A thich layer of peat is put on the floor of the pen, with straw, corn stalks, and other rubbish, where it remains till it is thoroughly worked up and saturated with urine, when it is thrown over into the barn-yard, by the side of which the pen is built. When the first layer of peat is removed, it is immediately succeeded by another, and so on indefinitely. But Mr. T. is an economist in the strictest sense of the word ; nothing about his farm is permitted to be wasted 3 every thing susceptible of being converted into manure is sure to find its way to the pig pen. In addition to this, the floors of his stable are taken up, the earth dug out two or three feet in depth and then filled up with peat. There it remains during the winter, absorbing the urine from the cows and horses, and in the spring is dug out and thrown into the barn-yard. It can readily be imagined how rich it is in ammonia. On most farms a saving like this is seldom effected. During heavy rains, there wiW be more or less washings from the barn-yard ; but these are " headed off"." At the bottom of the yard a place is hollowed out and filled with peat, which absorbs much liquid manure that would otherwise be lost. This is removed when necessary, and replaced with fresh peat. As before remarked, every thing susceptible of being converted into manure finds its way at least to the barn-yard. The peat, and all the rest of these substances, (including a little lime), according to their destined application, are mixed with the manure from the stable, and frequently turned ; and it can well be imagined that a valuable, powerful, yet cheap fertiliz- ing mass is thus produced. This is the kind of manure applied to the corn under consideration, and it is undoubtedly the very best that can be used for this and root crops, even on chemical principles. It may be thought that the committee have gone somewhat out of their way in giving these details, but Mr. Townsend's process of preparing manure was too interesting to be passed over in silence ; indeed, it may be said to have an important and direct bearing on the value of his crop of corn. Mr. T. furnished the committee with many inter- esting details in regard to the profits of his farm, all tending to illus- trate a beautiful system of economy, attended with the most grati- fying results; but these do not come within the province of this report, already extended to a greater length than was intended. No. 199.] 105 These items may form a subject of remark on a future occasion. In conclusionj the committee would remark, that they consider Mr. Townsend entitled to the premium a^varded for field crops All of which is respectfully submitted, PETER B. MEAD, R. HALL. October 1, 1849. REPORT OF A SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE MANUFACTURE OF SAL^RATUS, BY MESSRS. BROWNE AND LOMBARD, BROOKLYN, N. Y. American Institute, JVov. 18, 1849. The committee appointed by the Trustees to examine and report on the manufacture of salaeratus, as it is called, by Browne and Lom- bard of Brooklyn, respectfully report : That on the thirteenth of November, inst., they repaired to the manufactory where the work was in full operation. The grinding of the crude soda, in order to render the absorption of carbonic acid more easy, is done by steam power. The powdered ash is then spread in oblong shallow wooden trays, to the depth of about two inches; which trays^e placed in air-tight vaulted brick chambers, of the dimensions of about twelve feet by eight feet. Into each of these chambers, (of which there are ten,) in this factory, (eight being in operation during our visit,) two pipes enter ; one from a furnace burning anthracite coal in a passage out side of the vault, the carbonic acid arising from the combustion of which, is thus thrown into the vault in large quantity ; the other is a steam pipe led off from the boiler of the steam engine, used for grinding as above stated. The trays are laid in the vault, one above the other, being kept about three inches apart by slips of wood, and the whole chamber so filled as to allow only a central passage for workmen. When the chambers are thus filled, the furnaces are lighted and the steam pipes turned on. The cham- bers become gradually filled with steam and carbonic acid, no exit being allowed, the vault being air tight. With the assistance of the steam, the alkali takes up an additional quantity of carbonic acid, and 106 [Assembly in ten days the chambers are opened and emptied ; the contents of the trays are now caked, and require to be ground over before it is fit for market. The committee was present when one of these chambers was open- ed, and a great quantity of carbonic acid gas came out of it ; a man went into the chamber — Mr. Browne, one of the proprietors, went in also ; so that it appeared to the committee that the manufacture, as there conducted, was not detrimental to health, as was exemplified by the appearance of the men, and aided by complete ventilation. We were assured by Mr. Browne that the ten chambers, when in full work, turned out in twelve days one hundred and sixty thousand pounds weight. The capability of making so large a quantity in such a factory, appeared to your committee one of the advantages of this process. The article produced appears to be much more pure than that made in the ordinary manner. The alkali as prepared in this way, is more constant in its composition, containing always the same quantity of carbonic acid in every sample; the reason of which is, that the carbonic acid driven into the chambers from the furnaces upon the ground soda in the trays, has a tendency to unite with it, which union is further promoted by the moistening of the soda by the steam from the pipes above mentioned ; as the carbonic acid con- tinues to be driven into the chambers, it enters still more into the soda until the full point of saturation is obtained, then no» further use existing for the acid, it accumulates in the chambers until it%ver- balances the draught, returns through the furnace and extinguishes the fire. It may be important to add that the process of manufacture pur- sued by Mr. Browne, becomes important in its department, inasmuch as by his plan it is capable of being indefinitely extended, so that the supply may fully equal the demand of consumption and commerce ; whereas, by the former process the quantity produced must neces- sarily be limited to that which the distilleries were capable of pro- liucing by the carbonic gas given out in the process of fermentation. Your committee, in concluding, express a hope that the time is not far distant when the manufacture of crude soda ash will become a No. 199.] 107 staple branch of trade: which it is probable, could be lucratively carried on, considering the low price of common salt, the facility aflbrded by authracite fuel, and the low price of oil of vitriol. The introduction of the manufactures of crude carbonate of soda would be the com- mencement of the establishment in this country of a national trade, perhaps only second, at some future time, to that of cotton and iron. Your committee, in consideration of the improvement in the mode of manufacture of Salseratus and Carbonate of Soda, the facility of ex- tension, and 'unusual purity of material obtained, as conducted by Messrs. Browne and Lombard, recommend that some special mark of merit be awarded to these manufacturers. THOMAS ANTISELL, M. D., DAVID DICK, H. MEIGS, Committee. LETTER FROM CHARLES HENRY HALL, ESQ. On the production of Barilla. Harlem, November 21 y 1849. Hon. Henry Meigs, Rec. Secretary American Institute : Dear Sir, — In reply to your inquiry relative to the article known in commerce by the name of Barilla, I would state, that during my residence in Spain, it came under my cognizance in trade ; having shipped quantities ©f it under orders from England, in which country, (as well as elsewhere,) it is used in making of hard soap, the finest glass, and for bleaching, in preference to any other " carbonate of soda?^ This article is produced from the plani called '■^Glasswort^^ in England, and '■'■Salscla-sativa^'' in Spain. The plant grows in many countries, and there are said to be as many as eighteen sorts of it, under the name of "ICa/i," but the best sort is the '■'• Salsola^^ above named, grown in Spain as well as in the south of France, on land impregnated with salt j and salt marshes are cultivated for a crop of the article. The Spaniards also cultivate several of the species, as most of the sorts may be indifferently used for tlie making of pot ash; 108 Assembly but the best is made from the salsola, at AJicant, Carthagena, and other places on the borders of the Mediterranean Sea. At the above places, as well as at Marseilles in France, I made inquiry relalive to the culture of the plant, incineration of it, in order to produce soda^ and generally the practices attending it until ready for transportation in commerce. The ground is prepared as for a crop of wheat, on dry salt ponds, or on salt marshes, and the seed sown early in the spring ; and in those warm countries, the plants soon spring up, and in about three months will become fit to cut down for use and dried in the manner of hay,' and then tied up in bundles preparatory to burning in pits. The pits are dug in the ground about four feet square, :\iu[ three and a Iralf feet deep. In these pits are placed wood in billets, and set on fire, and partially covered over in order to keep in the heat, and make the pit a sort of kiln or furnace ; when sufficiently hot, the bundles of kali are put one upon another on the fire and burned something like the manner of conducting a coal pit j the barilla then flows out and runs down to the bottom of the pit, until a large quantity may be formed into a solid mass ; when cold, the arti- cle is drilled and broken out in large masses, from fifty to an hundred pounds in weight, or more, (and the less broken the better,) as when more broken, the air sooner causes decomposition and loss of weight. The barilla is of a bluish grey color, and has the caustic taste of pot ash. Matts are prepared, made of a grass called Esparta, in which the commodity is put, after weighing, and made ready for transpor- tation. Relative to the culture of this plant, I would further remark, that in its native state, it is of humble growth, of about a foot in height, but in land well tilled, it rises more than double that measure. Like wheat, it is sown broadcast, and pains taken to have good tillage, and prevent weeds causing failure. It was said that the plants made to stand a foot asunder, by hoeing would reward the cost of labor- In France, the following singular fact was stated to me : That on the sea board, it was the practice to prepare the land in all respects as for wheat, and sow that grain and salsola together, in order to guard against failure ; as in the event of a very dry season the wheat would not succeed on the salt land, and in its stead, the salsola No. 199.] 109 would flourish and produce a fine crop ; on the other hand, if a wet season prevailed, then the wheat would flourish by reason of the salt being washed out, or sunk deeply into the earth ; and thus the farmer was sure of a crop of the one or the other article. The best seed is to-be obtained from Alicant in Murcia, where there is great cultiva- tion of salsola, the whole region of land being impregnated with salt, and there are many salt ponds in the vicinity, which causes the crop to be a sure one, there being no rain there during the summer season, which is not the case in France. Barilla is an article of great com- merce in Spain, Sicily and TenerifFe, and from those places alone are shipped yearly to England, France, and the United States many thousands of tons, for the making of glass, hard soap and for use ia other purposes. To England, there is shipped yearly from Spain, Sicily and Teneriffie probably more than 200,000 cwt. of the article of Barilla, and to Marseilles, and to the United States, also, very large quantities. Barilla seed can be procured of the best quality at Alicant, as there the genial climate brings it to perfect maturity. In this country, the plant would, in my opinion, mature and produce an abundant crop on our salt marshes any where south of New-England, as it arrives at maturity in the same space of time as spring wheat, and were it in- troduced, our country would become independent of other countries of one more article of necessity in our manufacturing establishments. I have the honor to be, dear sir, Yours most respectfully, CHAS. HENRY HALL. MR. HELME'S METHOD OF MAKING BUTTEK. The first p'emium for Butter was awarded to Mr. Thomas Helme^wko makes the foUomng st'atement of the method jiursued by him: We have kept during the past season seventeen cows, from which have been made 2,414 lbs. of butter, (not including that used by the family, consistmg of eight persons.) The cows are fed about two quarts of grain per day besides the usual quantity of hay after comicg 110 [Assembly in in* the spring, until they are turned to grass. The milk is strained into clean pans, and jfi allowed to stand until it gets thick or loppered. The milk and cream is then churned together j the churn is filled about half full of mill*with the addition of a quantity of cold water before churning ; in cold weather, warm water is put in. When the churning is finished, which generally occupies about two hours, there is then more cold water applied to raise and cool the butter. The butter is then taken out and washed, after which the water is thrown off. It is then salted and placed in a cool situation, where it is al- lowed to stand about eight hours. It is then worked over and re- placed until the next morning, when it is carefully worked over and packed away. Particular attention in regard to cleanliness throughout all the various operations. THOMAS HELME. Wallkillj Orange county, jY. Y. MR. D. JESUP'S METHOD OF MAKING BUTTER. Goshen, Dec. 16, 1849. Managers of the Twenty-second Annual Fair : Gentlemen, — In compliance with the requisitions of the law, I make this statement in regard to butter : We keep fourteen cows, the milk of which, from the first of April to Dec. 1, furnished us with 2,152 pounds of butter. We have two chums, which hold about 40 gallons each, and use them both once a day. We use sheep to do our churning, which takes about one hour. We use cold water in abundance ; before starting the churn, we put in the water according to the heat of the day. When it comes out of the churn, we wash all the milk out that we possibly can, and set it in a cool place for about three hours ; then we work it again, and by using cold water, wash it thoroughly. In this way we wash it three times, and then let it stand till next morning, when it is packed in pails for market. We feed our cows on good hay alone, clover mixed with timothy. Repectfully yours, &c., DANIEL JESUP. No. 199.] Ill DORKING FOWLS. The Dorking fowls which I exhibited at the late Fair of the Ame- rican Institute, and for which premiums were awarded, were from the stock imported from England by Mr. A. B. Allen. These fowls are large, but yet, there are other breeds which are larger, at the same time, however, much coarser in their flesh, and only larger in their long necks, large thighs and broad rumps. The shape of pure Dork- ings is as perfect as could be wished, short necks, broad, projecting breasts, short legs, and peculiarly narrow in their posterior parts. When grown, they resemble very much the partridge, and when only one-third grown, the quail. The flesh is very delicate, and on that account, and also from their shape, aptitude to fatten, and size, are highly esteemed abroad as a Capon fowl. From the success I have had this year, 1 think them as good layers and as hardy as any other breed. There is one peculiarity about these fowls, they are disposed to have five toes on each foot. This is not a positive evidence of their purity, for I have seen one imported directly from Dorking, which had only four toes, and many of my best fowls have only that number. I have observed, also, that when this is crossed with com- mon breeds, that the progeny are even more inclined to have five toes, and the fifth toe is often very prominent. It is only necessary to mention this fact, because those who wish to possess this breed, are often imposed upon by those who sell any fowl with five toes as a Dorking. One well acquainted with this breed, would not look par- ticularly at the toes, but select Dorkings from their general style and appearance. Another peculiarity is their white skin, and fat, and white legs. This with some would be considered an objection, as they do not look so yellow when dressed ; but no poultry browns nicer, or appears better when boiled; indeed, I am informed that it is esteem- ed as a valuable quality in England. As I never had as many of these fowls as I needed to stock my farm, I have been subjected to much trouble to preserve the breed. I kept only Dorkmg cocks, but it was inconvenient to watch the nests of the hens to get the Dorking eggs. I have visited many poultry yards where different breeds were raised, for the purpose of learning the best mode of separating fowl^, but I never saw any that I could sufficiently approve of to adopt. 112 [Assembly Last spring I erected a good sized poultry bouse in aAvarm situation; proper roosts were made, and boxes for the hens to lay in. The ground floor was covered with muck, straw, &c., for them to scratch in, and to absorb the gases emanating from their manure. Two glass windows were put in, facing the south, and there was in one' corner an enclosure, filled with ashes, lime and sand, for them to pick and roll in. I had this house, its nests and roosts, whitewashed, and fur- nished wdth a door, which I kept locked. I supplied them with fresh water, and as much grain as they would eat daily ; also some scraps, from which fat had been pressed at a soap manufactory. In this manner I was certain of their eggs, for I kept only my choice fowls in this house, and they were always confined except on pleasant af- ternoon?, when I would let them out to roam over the fields for a few hours, securing them every evening, after I had examined the roosts to see that no intruder was present. A few days since I sent several pair of these chickens to market, about six months old j they weighed nine pounds and a half a pair. They had not had- any ex- tra feed, only what they could pick up around the farm. HENRY A FIELD. Poughkeepsie, December 17, 1849. CULTIVATION OF RYE. In compliance with your request, I furnish a statement respecting the rye flour for which a premium was awarded by the American Institute at their late Fair. I cannot write anything that is unusual as regards the mode of cultivation. The seed was a variety of wliitc rye raised by farmers in this vicinity, the flour from which , when care- fully ground, makes bread almost as white as common wheat flour. Indeed ihi' iiour which I exhibited, makes whiter bread than some wheat flour we recently had ground from southern wheat. A neigh- boring miili I informed rac that he furnished a baker with some flour made of this variety of rye, who, when he sent his order for another supply J requested it should be ground darker, as some of his customers objected to the bread on account of its light color, believing it was made of mixed flour. Upon a portion of the field, upon which this No. 199.] 113 rye grew, I made an improvement which I think worthy of relating. There was about half an acre of ground which was covered with large bogs, weeds, and coarse grass, which had never been tilled, besides the contiguous land was kept so cold and wet, that the crops raised upon it were very uncertain. To improve this, I commenced draining it by plowing several furrows in the situation of the required drain, then instead of throwing the earth on each side of it as usual, a cart was backed up, and the contents of the ditch were shovelled in it and dumped on the higher land. After the drain was sunk low enough, two blind ditches were constructed at right angles with the main ditch and filled with small stones. The ground was then plowed, and such of ihe bogs as were not covered were hauled off to be burn- ed when dry. The edges of the ditch were then plowed and oblite- rated by scraping them with a scraper, which gave enough soil to fill up the surrounding irregularities. This was done some weeks previous to the usual time of preparing the field for a fall crop. When the whole field was plowed, this portion was laid off in lands about twenty paces broad, and back-furrowed. I was much gratified with the result of my improvement, for I had a fine crop of rye, and the grass seed has taken very well, and I had about seventy loads of good manure from the ditch deposited upon land that required it very much, the effects of which were perceptible also upon the first crop. HENRY A. FIELD. Poughkeepsie^ December llthj 1849. SEED CORN OF MR. SHARP. Statement of Mr. Sharp in relation to the seed cam raised by him., for which the premium was awarded for the best 40 ears of ydl&w com. To THE Board of Managers : Gentlemen — The corn raised by me, for which I was awarded a premium at the late Fair, was selected from a ten acre lot containing 1500 young peach trees, which were set out by me two years ago. The previous year the field was in corn. It was plowed in the month of November last, and a handful of poudrette made by the Lodi Manu- facturing Co. was applied to the hill at the time of planting. At the f Assembly, No. 199.1 8 114 [Assembly second hoeing in a portion of the lot which I judged to be poorer than the rest, I apphed a second dressing. No other manure was used by me upon this lot besides the poudrette this year and the year before. I consider the crop this year to be as good, if not better than that of last year. The quantity of poudrette used was 150 bushels on this lot ; it cost me $37.50, besides the cartage nine miles to my farm. I reside in the town of North Orange, Essex co., N. J. The yield of corn upon the ten acres will not be less in my opinion than 90 bushels of ears to the acre. This soil is a sandy loam. JACOB A. SHARP. Otiongej JV. J.f JVovember, 1849. PREMIUM BUCK BONAPARTE. Bonaparte. The best fine wooled btcck exhibited at the Fair of tht American Institute, Oct. 11, 1849; the property of Seely C. jRo<, Esq. J Chester, Orange county, JV*. J. The annexed cut represents Mr. Roe's prize buck Bonaparte, which received the first premium for fine wool ; a silver cup. It was bred by S. W. Jew^ett, Esq., of Weybridge, Vt., from a pure bred merino ewe, which has sheared in five annual fleeces thirty and a half pounds of wool, well washed upon the back^ Bonaparte was got by Napoleon j the property of S. W. JeAvett and A. L Bingham. Napoleon was bred by John A. Taintor of Conn., from a ram and ewe imported by him from France in 1846. Napoleon's first fleece, clipped in May, 1848, at fourteen and a half months growth, was 22| pounds ; and his second fleece, cut in June, 1849, at thirteen months growth, was 23^ pounds. The aggregate was awarded a silver. cup, for the best pen of fine-wooled ewes ; and a diploma, for the second best fine- woo led buck. These sheep were bred and forwarded by S. W. Jewett, Esq., of Vermont, got by his premium buck Fortune. They are distinguished for yielding very heavy fleeces of fine wool ; the ewes annually yield over five pounds, and the raras over ten, of well cleansed wool. They are also noted for being very docile and hardy, possessing very strong constitutions, and able to thrive upon vei-y scanty keep. The ewes are good nurses, and the lambs are easily reared, because they drop strong and are protected from cold and wet by a thick covering or coat in i. of soft hair and fur, which in a few months is shed, and replaced by a thick pelt of rich, soft, oily wool, remarkably compact, covering the whole body ; a natural clothing, sure to protect them in severe weather. This breed of sheep are also distinguished for having loose, heavy, folded skins, particularly about the neck, in the form of a ruffle, giv- ing them a bold and lofty appearance, with some folds upon thie ribs, and a wide-set tail at the rump. In the Patent Office Report for 1847, may be found an able letter from Charles L. Fleischman, Esq., accompanied with cuts representing the best breeds of sheep in Ger- many. On page 268, Mr. Fleischman says : " Twenty years ago, bucks with a smooth, tight skin, which had extremely fine wool, were considered the best ; but their fleeces were light in weight, and had a tendency to run into twist. The German Merino wool grower had to come back to the original form of rams, with a loose skin, many folds and heavy fleeces, and since then they have succeeded in uniting^ 116 [Assembly with a great quantity of wool, a high degree of fineness. Tkis kind of heavy folded animals^ rams and ewes^ are now considered the best for breeding and wool bearing.^'' " The Spaniards kill all those lambs which are born with few folds and fine short hair, or almost naked; because experience has taught them that the offspring of such animals bear a fine wool, but produce oy degrees animals with flabby, light fleeces, which gradually lose the folds, and become thinner and thinner in the fleece; and are con- sequently less advantageous to the wool grower than those sheep which are produced from lambs with plenty of folds, and a thick cover of fine, soft hair." ALDERNEYS. COMMUNICATION FROM. R. L. COLT, ESQ. Paterson, JV. /., December 4, 1849. A. Chandler, American Institute. Dear Sir — I am entirely satisfied that the Alderney stock raised in this country does not deteriorate ; on the contrary, the calves I have raised from imported cows are larger, and give more milk than the imported stock, and as rich in quality. And so I can say of the Ayrshires, both of which grade of cattle I have imported, and both I think are increased in size, if not in all the qualities belonging to their individual breed, and certainly they have not fallen off in their milking qualities. I would strongly recommend to your Institute that you import samples of the best plows, harrows, drill machines, and, in short, a sample of all the best agricultural implements of England ; let them be exhibited to our mechanics, and we may be sure that they will im- prove upon them. Then import all the best samples of wheat, rye, oats, and seeds of roots, and distribute them to our farmers with this condition, that the recipients return two for one, for future distribu- tion. No. 199.] 117 Above all, (1ra"w up a petition to Congress that they give to each State or Territory a township or more of land, which shall go to the oldest college in said State or Territory, for the purpose of connecting therewith an agricultural department, where Agriculture shall be taught practically and theoretically. We want to get rid of our public lands, and I know of no way in which this can be done to so great advan- tage, as in fostering and protecting agricultural institutions. With regard, truly yours, ROSWELL L. COLT. ADVANTAGES OF MUCK IN AGRICULTURE. Communicated to the American Institute, by R. L. Pell, Ee^. All soils are chiefly composed of three substances, viz : lime, alumina and silica. Lime is met ^vith in several forms in all coun- tries ; such as chalk, shell and stone ; silica in the form of silicious sand ; silicious gravel, and among clay as fine sand ; alumina usual- ly in the form of clay, and these are supposed to be formed by de- tritions worn from rocks, and incorporated with organic matter ; pro- ducing the different varieties of soil known as sandy, gravelly and clayey ; the last, forming when unenriched, the most unprofitable soil to the farmer ; yielding inconsiderable crops, after difficult tillage, and that of a valueless quality. The sandy soils differ from the clay, inasmuch as there is but little tenacity in them ; and they require manures and other additions to consolidate them ; thus preventing excessive evaporation of all their moisture. With the proper means for improving a sandy soil, I much prefer it to a clay j as it is warmer and brings crops to maturity rapidly. Gravelly soils are apt to be more barren than either clay or sand, on account of the large amount of undecomposed rocky substances contained in them . They are naturally barren because of their silicious character, and are commonly known as hungry soils. Muck, or peat, when properly prepared, is one of the best additions that can possibly be used for all these soils. It contains an abimdant supply of decay- ed vegetable matter, which, when judiciously applied, must produce 118 [Abskbiblt a high state of fertility, as the substances composing it decay. When plowed into the soils, it likewise forms a capital absorbent ; and the benefits to the land are gradual, particularly when apphed lo a cal- careous or porous soil. It prevents the liquid manures, if any are made use of, from sinking too deep. The farmer must not, however, expect rapid results after an application of muck, unless he uses arti- ficial means to expedite its effects, it naturally decays very slowly. I would recommend several modes of preparing it for agricultural purposes. 1. After it is taken from the swamps, if jcequired for use the same season, it should be piled about four feet high, and then allowed to drain off its surplus water, about one third its weight, — after which it may be mixed with one quarter of its weight of barn-yard manure. Heat is immediately generated by the manure, and the whole soon becomes more valuable for agricultural purposes, than an equal quan- tity of farm-yard manure. 2. The hquid may be taken from the farm-yard, and sprinkled copiously over a heap of partially dried muck. It will cause heat and fermentation, and thus soon prepare a heap of fine fertiliang manure, fit for any crop ; or the muck maybe placed in the barn-yard, and its effect will be to prevent the escape of carbonic acid gas, and other enriching matters, which hourly evaporate from the heap, and are lost to the farmer. 3. Farmers living on the sea shore may. prepare an exceedingly valuable manure, containing all the necessary saline substances re quired by growing crops, simply by applying say one cart load of sea- weed to four cart loads of muck. The sea-weed will decay most rapidly, and thus cause the whole mass to become a very great fertilizer, particularly to a potato crop. 4. Unslacked lime, say 1 bushel to 10 bushels of muck, will cause almost spontaneous fermentation, and in a very short time convert the mass into a uniform manure, admirable as atop dressing for wheat or grass. In England, rape dust has been used extensively as a de- composer of muck. The feruxentalion is so rapid that m six weeks Ho. 199.] 119 a 'well-fermented manure has been formed, and used advantageouslj on a turnip crop. Notwithstanding so yaluable a fertilizer can be formed from peat or muck in its natural state, it may be called an adventitious soil, not capable of growing any crop, either cereal or leguminous. It is antiseptic and inimical to the growth of plants used by man ; instead of accelerating their growth, it changes them into matters analogous to itself, owing chiefly to the humid situations in which it is usually found. During the excessive drought of last summer a piece of land that heretofore had been covered with water, became dry, and after harvest I set eight men and three teams to work, with a view of ex- tracting a quantity of muck for agricultural purposes, and during two months, drew out and piled four thousand ox-cart loads, in large square piles, four feet high. At the surface it was fibrous and black as ink for a depth of thirteen inches, and looked like a mass of well-rotted barn yard manure. I had it analized, and it proved to be precisely the same in composition, not differing from an analysis of manure made by Springle, and I truly believe it was much more valuable, inasmuch, when once placed in the soil it will last for many years. Lower down, it became of a blackish color for the depth of twenty inches, and was partially decayed ; lower still, for about twenty inches in depth, it was of a brow^nish grey color, and filled with vege- table fibres and decayed leaves, stems of trees, &c. Still lower, for the depth of six feel, it was of a deep brown color, containing decay- ed stumps of large trees, still retaining their forms entire, limbs and stems, together with a mixture of leaves. After having dried a quan- tity of the first named, or surface muck, I undertook to manure an acre, about one thousand feet distant from the pile, in order to dis- cern how cheaply a proper coat could be put on land, and the differ- ence between it and stable manure at 4s. a load. I drew upon one acre 222 ox cart-loads, which covered the ground f.iirly, at a cost, including its extraction from the swamp, of $31.08, or 14 cents per load. Fifty-two wagon loads of stable manure might have been put on at the same price. The farmer, therefore, has to calculate which he would prefer, the lasting benefits of 222 loads of muck, or fif\y-two loads of manure. 120 [Assembly I must confess that had I supposed it would have cost me $31.08 to manure an acre of land with muck, I would have purchased the manure in preference. A farmer desirous of obtaining muck, who has none on his farm, may, if he possess a small stream of running water, dam it, and thus produce a marshy spot, in which acquatic plants, such as rushes, mosses, &c., will immediately spring up, grow to a large size and die. New shoots will grow from the roots the ensuing year, and in their turn decay, thus in a few years a large quantity of vegetable matter will accumulate a thick bed of valuable muck. In England the lowest layers of muck are formed in water, of aquatic plants, the second layer of mosses, and the top layer of heath. In Terra del Fuego, the whole face of the level country is overgrown by two species of plants known as the Jlstelia plumia or rush, and Donatia magellmicia or Saxifrages^ which decay together and form fine beds of peat. In the Falkland Islands all the herbage, grass, &c., covering the whole country, decay and turn to muck. Such soil, when well drained, lor^^ened and thoroughly broken up by good tillage, so that the air can gain access to the dead matter, will yield almost any vegetable production. The muck absorbs and re- tains for the use of plants not only water, but air, adequate to the use of the roots requiring the same. The vegetable substances contained in it are also advantageous and necessary to the growing plants, affording organic, and inorganic compounds, which minister to their successful growth, and add physical constitution, chemical properties, and agricultural capacity to the soil, enabling it to yield a profitable crop to the husbandman. There should be in the soil, to render it productive and capable of yielding large crops, at least 50 per cent of organic matter, and there is frequently 70 per cent in our western lands, enabling them to yield 40 bushels of wheat to the acre. I would not be understood to say organic matter alone, even if there be 70 per cent, is sufficient to impart great fertility to a soil, as there must likewise be dead inorganic matter, to sustain vegetable luxuriance. Well decomposed black muck usually contains both these requisites in proper proportions and likewise possesses the power of absorbing rapidly, warmth from the rays of the sun. Muck per- forms for the soil four distmct and very important functions : No. 199.1 121 1st. It yields to the growing plant inorganic and organic supplies of food as it grows, and is prepared to receive and elaborate it in itg system, through the medium of its roots and spongioles. 2d. It sustains, supports and affords a safe hold for its roots, giv- ing them strength to uphold the stem, and enable it to withstand the gales to which it is constantly exposed. 3d. It absorbs hydrogen, ammonia, carbonic acid gas, water in its pure state, heat, and the direct rays of the sun. 4th. Chemically speaking, it elaborates by the aid of air and water, all the chemical changes in the growing plant ; prepares and makes ready the necessary food to be taken up by its roots to. sustain and bring it to maturity and full perfection. The scientific farmer may, by the application of muck, and a few chemical substances in addition, grow any crop upon his land, and, I was going to say, any quantity^ but I will say any reasonable quan- tity of either grass or grain. He can a|ter the character of a soil only yielding the fine finger vine, to such an extent by draining, sub soil plowing, and adding sand, marl, clay or muck, as to induce it to yield a luxuriant and abundant crop of any description of plant, and all this can be done at trifling expense, provided he will, in, the first place, either analize, or employ a chemist to do it for him, a small portion of his sub and surface soil. Thus he will became master of the con- stitution and chemical requirements of his land, and be enabled, at small cost, by the application of the proper ingredient to attain his object, whatever it may be. By nature, all soils, wherever situated, are each adapted to the peculiar kind of plant naturally growing upon them, and likewise to different varieties of cereal grains ; for example, rye will grow and flourish to a certain extent upon pure sand, and is the only cereal grain that will. Soil in which clay predominates, is generally considered the best adapted to wheat. A loam soil, consisting of sand and clay, for barley; a sandy loam for oats. Oats will also do well in a soil in which sand predominates to a very great extent. Soils indicate to the farmer when they are 122 [Assembly in a proper state to receive his labors, by the growth of the dandelion and white clover. Where they grow, the cereals ^Yili flourish. In Switzerland, marl beds are mdicated by the growth of coltsfoot, and butter-bur. The couch-grass is seldom seen on land containing an abundance of lime J but the poppy abounds in such soil. Muck lands grow peculiar kind of grapes suited to their nature, when first laid down. Muck, when burnt, yields an ash which may be used advantageously on any crop. It consists of gypsum, sihca, alumina, oxide of iron, oxide of manganese, lime, magnesia, potash, soda, sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, chlor'me, carbonic acid, and charred turf. These ashes are placed upon the land at the rate of two tons to the acre. They are put upon flax, peas, potatoes, and clover, with good effect. Farmers should use the following means to render thair farms fit for agricultural productions : 1st. They should alter the constituent parts of their soils by the addition of ingredients which they are found to require, or the sub- traction of substances they may contain a superabundance of. 2d. If their lands be too wet they may drain them, and if too dry may irrigate them, thus their relation with respect to moisture or dry- ness is changed. 3d. They may change their texture by thorough sub-soil plowing, and deep tillage, together with a proper application of muck, and they might reduce the woody fibre of muck when dried, to dust, boiled thoroughly in water, until all its soluble matters arc extracted, dried in an oven, and ground in a mill, so as to yield a meal that can scarcely be distinguished from flour, either in taste or smell, and if ■well fermented with yeast and baked, may be eaten as bread, or if boiled will produce a jelly — or by an application of vitriol and water in proper proportions, together with a little iodine will make starch, to which may be added sulphuric acid and chalk to form gum — and the gum by an addition of lime and sulphuric acid may be changed THE "ENDICOTT" PEAR TREE, Near Salem, Mass. Face p. 1S3. No, 199.] 123 into sugar, and the sugar by an application of nitric acid, may be con- verted into oxidic acid. So much for chemistry. We are indebted to this science more than all others, for extending our knowledge beyond the most sanguine expectations of man. It has enlightened us concerning the properties of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon, in their relations to vegetable life, the combina- tion of organic and inorganic elements, that minister to the growth of plants, the constitution of the atmosphere, the evaporation of water, and its influence upon the growth of vegetation, the structure of plans, the properties of the root, the functions of the leaf and bark, the mutual transformation of fibre, starch, gum, sugar, the vegetable acid, the chemical changes that take place during germination of seeds, th£ forroation of the leaves, the expansion of flowers, and ripening of the fruit. Through its wonderful agency we are destined ere long to na-vigate the ocean without fuel, to warm our houses without coal or wood, to light our cities without cost, and perhaps drive our plows without horse, and enrich our lands without muck. COMMUNICATIONS TO THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE IN KEFEKENCE TO THE ENDIOOTT PEAR TREE. Salemy September 6, 1849. HEHray Meigs, Esq. Dear Sir — Your favor of the 20th of August was duly received, and I should have replied before now, but being very busy has pre- vented. I have copied from the appendix to the address delivered before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society by Wm. Lincoln, in 1837, some inUrc^ting matter in regard to the Endicott Pear Tree; I also e^u.lose a copy of a sketch of the tree prefixed to Prof. Russell's ac- count. I beg leave, however, to say that Plymouth, and not Salem, as seems to be stated in the first paragraph, is the oldest town in New- 124 [Assembly England ; Salem being the second. I may mention, also, that the tree is slill in the possession of Gov. Endicott's descendants, and will undoubtedly continue to be cherished and protected. I visited the tree in 1846, in August or September, and my obser- vations agree with the descriptions quoted. It had made some new shoots on the ends of the limbs, and had some fruit on, but not much. I ought to mention that that was not a good pear year. The fence erected in 1823, according to the following account, remained there then. The land around it was in grass, if I remember right. I have grafts of it growing in my own grounds, from which I have cut a few buds, which I have the pleasure to enclose herewith. It is a very thrifty, strong, upright grower with me. I have had fruit on my grafts in years past, but this year the pear crop is wholly cut off, and the Endicott along with the rest. The fruit is roundish, flattened ; skin thick ; color dark green ; rough, and with considerable russet. Ripe in September and October. In regard to quality, whatever the antiquary may say of it, the pomologist cannot but pronounce it third-rate. I am, yours, respectfully, ROBERT MANNIMG. THE ENDICOTT PEAR TREE. Tradition connects the planting of the Endicott Pear Tree and the foundation of Salem, with' the same date, 1628, Historical evidence readers it certain that the existence of the tree could not have been so early as the origin of the first town of Massachusetts. The late reverend and learned Doct, Wm. Bently, " desirous," in his own words, " to honor the man who, above all others, deserved the name of the Father of New-England," addressed three letters to President John Adams, in relation to the antiquity of the survivor of the orchard of Governor John Endicott. These manuscripts are pre- served in the archives of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and have been kindly communicated by Rev. Doct. Thaddeus M. Harris. No. 19*»-| 125 Duct. Beiitly, in his letter dated October 10, 1809, writes thus : '' The tree Is near the site of the first mansion of the Governor, and the land and tree always have been and now (1809) are, the property of his direct heirs, being in the possession of Mr. John Endicott, nearly fourecore years of age, and of the sixth generation. To as- certain its age, near it stood a dial, which was fixed upon a pedestal, which, the Governor said, bore the age of the tree. That dial has been for years in my possession. It is in copper, square, horizontal, three inches, a very fair impression, and in the highest order. It was marked William Boyer, London, clockmaker, fecit, I. 1630, £., the initials of the Governor's name." As collateral testimony of the age of the tree, a reference is made to a letter from the company in England to Governor Endicott, April 17, 1629, printed in Hazzardh Collections, vol. 1, page 262, in which is written : " As for fruit stores and kernels, the time of the year fits not to send them now ; so we purpose to do it per next." The infer- ence is made, that this intention was executed, and that the seed, from which sprang the venerable tree, was sown in the spring of 1630. It is very improbable that the first fruits of New-England were reared from seeds originally strewn on our soil. The emigrants were well informed, by their own experience as cultivators, of the accele- ratmg operation of the process of transporting ; and they could not avoid understanding that its application would aid the formation of orchards on the fields of the New World, as it had done on those of the eastern continent. The early maturity of the Winthrop Pippin, shows that the trees of the Governor of Massachusetts must have been imported from the nurseries of Europe, and gives solid ground for conclusion, that Endicott would have availed himself of the same means of anticipating the slow course of vegetation, by bringing to his plantation trees of such advanced age as to bestow immediate productions, instead of waiting through a quarter of a century, until seeds yielded their increase. One circumstance conflicts with the traditions of the era when the pear tree was first fixed, on the site it occupies. The farm where it Stands, situated in that part of the ancient territory of Salem, now 126 [Assembly Danvers, was not granted to John Endicott until July 3, 1632. It is improbable that the excellent Governor would have commenced (he cultivation, before he had obtained the legal right of possession of the land. A year, at least, must have gone by, before the forest could have been cleared away, and the soil prepared for the reception of an orchard. The tree could not well have been set before 1633 or 1634. As the apple trees of Winthrop were in bearing as early as 1638, it is probable that they had priority in their planting, to the pears of Endicott. In 1796 Doct. Bently visited the Endicott farm, and gives the fol- lowing description of the oldest living fruit tree in Massachusetts, " It now bears the name of the Endicott Pear, but in the family the Sugar Pear. This is the tree which stood not far behind the dial, and has its age reported from it. It is in front of the site of the house, and rises in three trunks from the ground, and is considerably high. It is much decayed within, at the bottom, which gives it the appear- ance of three trunks; but the branches at the top are sound." I^ost interesting descriptions of the present condition of the aged tree have been procured by the kind attention of the Rev. Dr. John Brazer, of Salem. The first accoxmt has been furnished by the lineal descendants of Governor Endicott, the second is communicated by Professor Lewis Russell. " Account of the present condition of tke Endicott Pear TVec.^' " This ' Old Pear Tree' is situated on the southern side of a gentle slope of land, and sheltered by it, in some measure, from the piercing north winds, in what was once the garden of Governor Endicott. The surrounding soil is a light loam, with a substratum of clay. Its appearance at this time, is rather dwarfish, being only 18 feet high, and 55 feet in circumference of its branches. The trunk ex- hibits all the marks of extreme old age, being entirely hollow, and mostly open on the south side, with just sufficient bark to convey sap to its branches. It is seven feet four inches in circumference near the roots, and is divided into three parts, two of which are connected to No. 199.] 127 the height of 18 inches, the other is entirely distinct, from the ground up-wards. There is no bark only on the outside of these divisions until they reach the height of seven or eight feet, where they are completely encircled with it, and form distinct limbs, with numerous lateral branches, all of which appear in a perfectly sound and healthy state. Two suckers have sprung up from the roots, one on the north east, and the other on the south west side, each 10 or 12 feet in length; and I presume it is known that this tree has never been grafted, but is natural fruit." No doubt the dilapidated condition of the trunk is owing in a mea- sure to the want of care during the most part of the two first centuries of its existence, being situated in an open field, without any protec- tion, and often browsed by cattle and injured by storms. This patriarch within the last forty years has often suffered from easterly and southerly gales. In October, 1804, it was nearly prostrated, be- ing shorn of all its branches, and its trunk split and divided in the manner before spoken of. In the heavy gale of September, 1815, it was again doomed to a similar fate; almost all its limbs at that time were either split or broken, and it appeared doubtful for some time, if it would ever recover; but such was the wonderful tenacity of life that it rose again, phoenix like as it were, from its very ashes. At this time the soil was loosened about its roots, and for the first time probably since its introduction into this country ; there was a large quantity of manure around it. About the year 1823 it was protected by a fence, to prevent the cattle from injuring it. It continues to produce fruit yearly, and the average quantity for several years past has been about two bushels." With proper care and attention, this tree may yet continue many years, and will serve to remind us, by its own trials, strength, vigor and durability, of the enterprize, hardships, perseverance, and imtiring aeal of our ancestors in the first settlement of this our cherished land; and may we be permitted to encourage the hope that it may prove the precursor of the durability of our present free and liberal institu- tions." « Solent, Jfovember, 1837." 128 [AsSEMBLt •' The Endicott Pear Tree^ The Endicott pear tree is evidently of great age. Its main trunu; is entirely hollow, and much shattered. About a foot from the ground it divides into two distinct stems, which although mere shells, yet have produced exceedingly strong limbs. The actual thickness of live wood on the main branch, which faces the west, does not exceed six implies. The eastern branch is much sounder, and supports the greater part of the spray, which denoted the power of producing an abundance of fruit. Proceeding from the root are two suckers, of nearly the same size, one on the eastern, and the other on the western side of the tree, and which are not more than 15 or 20 years old. No perceptible difference can be discovered between them and the tree itself, by comparing the wood. This seems to denote the fact of the tree being a seedling variety. Indeed, its rude character seems to denote a native of the soil. If imported by Governor Endicott, which is according to family traditions, it must have been a seedling variety, and not grafted, none of the usual appearances of a grafted tree being visible." " Its general form is low and spreading, about twenty feet high, and nearly the sarfie in extent of branches. The circumference of the stem near the ground is seven feet five inches." THE 'ALPACCAS OF BOLIVIA. Legation or the United States in Bolivia, > Cobija^ May 1st, lSi9. ) T. B. Wakeman, Esq.: Sir — On the 1 0th of December last, I received in Chuguisaca a letter from Mr. L. T. Brown, requesting, in behalf of the "American " Institute of Agriculture and the Arts," such information as I might be able to give it concerning the " practicability of introducing into the United States, and there domesticating the Alpaccas of Bolivia j" and this information he desired me to communicate to your address, as Secretary of the Institute. No. 399.] 129 I should have compUed wilh his request at' an earlier period, had I not hoped that the return of tranquility in Bolivia would enable me to procure, from pubUc and private sources, the means to do so in a manner corresponding, in some good measure, to your wishes. But the revolutionary state in which I found the country on my arrival here, and which can hardly be said to have had any cessation up to the present time, exhibits even now so little prospect of an early conclusion, that I think it proper to delay no longer a reply to the letter of Mr. Brown. The "Alpacca " is one of four animals to which the Spaniards in South America gave the general name of " Carneros de la tierra^'^ sheep of the country, in distinction from those which they introduced themselves. Of these the " Llama " is the most useful, and the "Vicuna" the most beautiful. The former is somewhat larger than a stag, of various colors, with a long neck, a well shaped head, which it carries proudly erect, and a tread as majestic as that of royalty. Of its long and coarse wool, the Indians make clothing ; its flesh serves them frequently for food ; and from its services as a beast of burden they, many of them, gain a livelihood. The usual burden for a " Llama," is three arrobas, 75 lbs., and it seldom travels more than fifteen miles a day ; but it can go by paths which are impassable even for mules, and requires no other sustenance for 24 hours than a few pounds of straw. It has been proposed to cross the Llama with the stronger and fleeter camel of the old world, and such an experiment might be attended with valuable results. The "Vicuna" is much smaller than the "Llama," a little taller perhaps than a common English sheep, but with not so large a body. It has a long, slender neck, and its head, which it carries high, and a little projecting, attracts attention both for its delicate shape and its brilliant eyes. Its color is usually a ligjit tawny brown, with white belly and legs ; and it has a short, thick fine wool. The " Vicufias'" are still quite numerous in the higher parts of Peru and Bolivia ; but from the difficulty of domesticating them, they have heretofore only supplied their wool to commerce at the expense of their lives. [Assembly, No. 199.] 9 130 [Assembly The ''Guanacos" are less frequently encountered in Bolivia than either of the other animals mentioned. I have seen them in only a single instance while going from " La Paz " -to " Oruro," and then not near enough to observe them well. Like the " Vicuiia" they prefer the rudest antl coldest portions of the Cordilleras, where they feed on a species of wiry grass, called '■'■'HeechooP Their color is dark browH; and they have a fine and valuable wool, but they have never been domesticated. The '' Alpacca " or " Paco," larger than either the " Guanaco" or the " Vicuna," but smaller than the " Llama," is chiefly to be found in the higher regions of Peru. Its wool is principally export-ed from '■^ Islaj," the port of " Arequipa," and in smaller quantities from " Arica," the port of " Tacua," and of a part of the northern Boli- via. In either of these ports the animal itself can be procured without much difficulty, but at considerable cost. There is an ex- isting law in Peru, however, which prohibits its exportation, and to obtain the Alpaccas, therefore, from that Republic, special permission would have to be obtained from its authorities in Lima, through the intervention, which I doubt not could be effectual, of our minister there. But the Alpaccas are also to be found in Bolivia. In travel- ing from Tacua to La Paz, by the elevated route of Tacora and Chulluncayani, I saw these animals several times, feeding in small numbers not far from the road ; but though I have since visited Oruro, Chuguisaca, and Potosi, and have journeyed from the latter place to Cobija, I have not met a single Alpacca on the whole route. They exist, however, to a limited extent, in the department of Potosi, and could be purchased, I am informed, so as to be placed on shipboard from the port of Cobija. Their exportation from Bolivia is not pro- hibited by law. The cost of an " Alpacca" in the neighborhood of its residence, is very inconsiderable, from three to five dollars ; but they live a long distance from the coast, and their transportion or journey to the sen, is both troublesome and expensive. I am assured, however, by the manager of the commercial house of Artola & Co., here, that an order for a few of these animals might be readily filled in Cobija, at a price not exceeding ten dollars each. No. 199,1 131 But a greater difficulty presents itself in their conveyance from the Pacifir coast to the United States. To Europe their conveyance has usually been attempted by the way of Cape Horn, but the experi- ments by this route have not resulted favorably. It is only a few years ago that a large cargo of them, some three or four hundred, I believe, Avere embarked for England from the port of Islay, after much expense in procuring them, and much trouble, also, in pro^'iding them with the necessary accommodations and nourishment on ship- board ; but nearly all of them died during the voyage out, and scarcely any of the remainder survived long enough after their arri- val to make any adequate return for the difficulty and cost of their importation. Another route which has been at least once attempted, is the overland route by Buenos Ayres. In 1804, more than a hun- dred of the Peruvian sheep (comprising representatives from each of the four species) were collected by the Governor of La Paz, in obe- dience to a royal order, to be placed in the garden of the Empress Josephine, at Alalmaison. They arrived in Buenos Ayres from Up- per Peru in the following year, where they were detained by the existing hostilities between England and Spain, but were carefully provided for and kept together, so as, if possible, to produce new varieties of the animal by crossing the different species. In the taking of Buenos Ayers by the English, they were taken with it, and during the attack of Gen. Whitelocke, in 1806, some of them were shot and others dispersed. In 1808 they were once more collected, (what remained of them) and were sent by the Viceroy Linier to Cadiz, from whence, doubtless, they were dispatched to their original desti- nation. Of the number, however, which had been ordered from La Paz in 1804, only thirty-six were embarked in 1808 ; and of these, twenty- five died on their passage across the Atlantic, and two others upon their arrival at Cadiz ; leaving only nine tkat arrived in safety. In crossing the ocean, according to the author, (D. Nicholas de Pi^rola) from whence I gather this narrative, they were fed with po- tatoes, maize, straw, and bran ; but the potatoes failed before their arrival, and they became so much constipated as to require laxatives. Among the nine which reached Cadiz safely, there were three Al- paccas, three Alpa-Vicuiias, (the mixed offspring of Alpaccas and Vicunas,) two Vicurias, and one Llama in conception by an Alpacca. 132 [Assembly It may be interesting to mention here that the domestication of the Viiuiiasj which, for all useful purposes had previously failed, even when attempted by the indefatigable efforts of the Jesuit fathers, was accomplished a few years ago by the persevering labor of a Peruvian Priest, named Pablo Carrera, who has also succeeded in crossing them with the Alpaccas, and thus producing, in numbers which pro- mise to perpetuate it, the valuable variety above referred to, of Alpa- Vicunas. These results have been received in Peru with no little enthusiasm, and in August, 1846, the Government of that Republic testified its regard for their author, by ordering his portrait for the Lima Museum, and promoting him from his old diocese to the better one of Cuzco. " From his success," says the " Ateneo Americano" of Lima, " the wool of these animals, (the Vicufias) the finest and most valuable known, will no longer be obtained by the barbarous method of the savage, who cuts down the tree for the sake of its fruit, but will be gathered periodically, without injury to the animal; while at the same time it will be of superior beauty, and susceptible of every variety of color. Our uncultivated solitudes, where are now seen only a few wandering flocks, which fly from the presence of man, will present themselves in the future, if this discovefy shall be fos- tered as it deserves, covered with sheep of the country, mingling harmoniously with those of foreign origin, and producing fleeces of enhanced beauty and increased value." Prior to the wars which ended in South American independence, the remittances and travel from Upper Peru to the old world were almost wholly by Buenos Ayres and the Atlantic. They have now, however, taken a new direction, and usually cross the Isthmus from Panama to Chagres. But I have never heard of any attempt to convey the Peruvian sheep by this route, either to England or to the continent of Europe. Such an experiment has probably been prevented from a fear of the heat along the Pacific coast to Panama, and the bad climate and diflficult travelling of the isthmus, connected, perhaps, with a probability of greater expense in transporting the animals by this route, than would be necessary to take them by Cape Horn. Yet, with the improvements which are likely to be effected on the isthmus, and the increased communication between our country and Chagres, the Panama route will, in my opinion, •offer greater No. 199.] 133 facilities tor the accomplishments of your object than any other. la a good season, and with great care, shearing them before their em- barkation, providing good accommodations for them on board the steamers, taking with them for their sustenance a sufficient supply of the Alfelfa of the country, and allowing them to remain as short a time as possible in the wretched atmosphere of the isthmus, I think a purchaser of a small number of the Alpaccas might fairly expect to land them safely in New York, at a cost not exceeding seventy-five dollars each. Once arrived in the United States, I have great confi- dence that they might be raised with success. Some of them, I am told, have been found to thrive in Scotland, and there is no reason to doubt a similar result upon the hills of New England and in the pastures of upper New York. The cold in these states is often quite as severe as they ever have to endure in Bolivia, and the heat no greater than I have experienced at midday, even in the depart- ments of Potosi and La Paz. Their greater change would be from an atmosphere extremely dry to one comparatively very humid, from the peculiar grass of their Andes homes to the richer nourishment of our pastures in summer and our folds in winter, and from elevations of more than four thousand yards above the sea to a country which rises from the ocean only a few hundred feet. These difficulties however can all, in ray judgment, be surmounted; and the experi- ment of introducing the Alpacca to the United States, is, at all events, worthy of a persevering trial. Larger than any of our sheep, bearing heavier fleeces, affording much finer wool, and with no greater lia- bility, so far as I can learn, to disease, whoever shall secure their domestication among us, may well be regarded as a benefactor to our agriculture. Without, however, trespassing further upon your time, I trust you will find in this imperfect reply to the letter of Mr. Brown, if not the exact information which you desire, at least some evidence of my disposition to comply with his request, and of my sincere wish to render any service in my power to the agriculture of the Unifted States. I am, Sir, Very respectfully, % Your ob't serv't, k^-vm.. ^ \ JOHN APPLETON. 134 [Assembly SUCCESSFUL CULTIVATION OF TEA IN THE U. STATES. Golden Grove, Tea Plantation, ) Greenville, S. C, Dec, 1849. \ Henry Meigs, Esq. Rec. Sec. Am. Institute : Dear Sir — In compliance wltb your request, I intimated my inten- tion of communicating some particulars relative to the present state of tea cultivation. My tea plants, planted out last December, after passing through the ordinary trial of tra;)sportation, change of climate, soil, cold and heat, drought, inundation and cultivation, became naturalized. The plant now testifies for itsel/, by its vigorous growth in branch and stem, bud, blossom and foliage, to the entire satisfaction of the cultivator, and by the tardy and somewhat reluctant acknowl- edgments, by multitudes who have seen the plant, of the complete success of the experiment. The gradual development of the plant was curious and interesting. When I arrived at the tea garden from New York on the first of April last, there was not a single leaf to be seen, and the wise and knowing ones of Greenville considered the plantation as doomed to an ignominious end. But they were not aware that I learned, upon enquiry, before a single plant was set out a year ago, that the frost here never penetrates the ground more than three inches during its greatest severity, and guided by that fact I had taken the precaution to place the roots of all the plants below the freezing point. I was sorry to see that the plants during my absence in New York, had been most provokingly neglected, and no protec- tion whatever provided in case of severe frost, as I had particularly directed. But my confidence was not shaken, because I well knew that if the root survived, the branches and foliage would in due time appear. I was not mistaken. On the seventh of April the first sprout appeared above the ground, and the leaf buds began to break. I hailed them as the olive leaf in the beak of the dove, indicating the subsiding waters of trouble and the renovating of tea vegetation. The roots had suffered by heat in transportation and packing, and un- doubtedly were checked in their growth by weakness and cold. The growth of the plant was consequently slow, necessarily so. under the influence of a chilling, cold, and backward spring, but the sprouts and No. 199.] 135 foliage continued to advance in grow'th. In May, one plant, twenty inches in height and circumference, withstood, unprotected, all the severe frost of February, and is coming out this month (May) in numerous buds. It shows conclusively the strength, vigor and hardi- hood of the plant uninjured by the heat in packing, and the rigor of tlie winter. On the 20lh Sept. the first tea bud came into full blossom. Ths number of plants and of buds blooming beautifully and daily increasing. The blossoms still continue to develop and probably Avill until spring. On the 20th Dec. I had sixteen plants in full blossom, and as they drop off in aboutfour days, other plants take the place of those that have finished blossoming, and we see a pleasing union of winter and spring all giving promise of a harvest of seed next autumn, when the blossoms of this year mature their fruit. The climate, soil, and general aspect of the garden, although not such as I would wish, owing to the haste in which I, an entire stranger, with the cases of tea plant in my hand, was obliged to take up, the land still agrees wonderfully with the plants, and leaves no room to doubt that future plants, the arrival of some of which I expect next month, planted out in a more genial soil, more favorable aspect, and a climato equally salubrious, will find a domicil, at least equally agreeable and propitious to their growth. My expectations are fully realized so far, and I feel that I have abundant reason to be deeply thankful to the Great Author of vegetation for the signal blessing upon the undertaking. My plantation at Golden Grove is now under cultivation, and designed to receive the plants and seeds ©f this spring's importation. Yours truly, JUNIUS SMITH. .-.. -inf 136 Assembly THE GRASSES OF THE UNITED STATES. By Judge Van Wtck, of the Farmers' Club of the American Institute. American Grasses. We say American because we mean to ex- amine those which are indigenous or generally so considered to our country. Although some of these whose character and uses we may look into, may not be natives or their nativeism may be questioned, yet they have been so long cultivated among us and their usefulness so well established, their character and habits so congenial with our various soils and climates, and all this proved by many years of suc- cessful cultivation, we conceive we shall not stray much to style them natives or American. It is not meant to call the grasses here noticed by their botanic names, but to call them only by the names they are generally called and known. It is intended also to use scientific terms as rarely as possible, should brevity or convenience, which is sometimes the case, induce a use of them such use will generally be accompanied with a definition. The botanic names of the grasses can be found in most scientific works, including the leading periodicals of the day that treat on the subject. The importance of the grass plant to the farmer is greater than any which he cultivates, and he derives more benefit from it, and all indi- rectly, for it is not his food, than any other plant. The grasses, too, enrich land when properly covering it ; they are the best coat of ma- nure for it, a considerable portion of them if only tolerably good, and even if used as pasture, fall or are trodden down and decay, and mix with the earth, and assist in making up what is called the mould or surface soil, the bed or matrix of the whole vegetable kingdom. This bed, or the greater portion of it, whether it consists of the manure of the barn-yard and the homestead generally, and carried out and spread upon it, or of the plants that grow upon it and fall down and decompose and rot where they grow, form what is called the putres- cent or organic manure of the "soil. No plant can germinate and grow healthily and mature perfectly without it, and a considerable portion of it too. They are called putrescent because they are sub- ject to perish and decay, and organic' because they are the remains of organized substances, animal and vegetable, that once possessed No. 199. 1 137 life, and, in some shape ov other, are almost the only food of plants. Besides, the roots of grasses aid in pulverizing the soil ; some of them penetrate deep into the earth and render it loose and friable, and make it not only a richer but a softer and deeper bed for plants of every kind. Without grass (it is meant here good grass) the farm would be of little worth, it would not produce good grain of any kind, if it could not produce rich and plentiful crops of grass. A large stock could not be kept upon it, for there would be nothing, or very little, to sup- port them ; hay, straw, litter for the barn-yard, reduced comparatively to nothing. A great source of manure is here cut off; then comes the produce of the dairy, milk, butter, and cheese, the fat animals for market, lambs, calves, sheep, wool, fat beef, all derive their existence and profitable condition more or less directly from grass. We will give here an estimate of the value to the nation of two articles of the farm, and derived, i'c may be said, directly from grass, hay, and butter. The Patent Office reports for 1848, estimate the hay of that year at nearly $150,000,000 ; and the butter here put down is from, another source, probably equally reliable, at $72,800,000. From the estimate of these tAvo items, an opinion may be fornjed of the im- mense value of all others derived from the same source. It may be said that land, if it possesses the necessary mineral ingredients, and happily located in other respects, wtll of itself produce the natural grasses which will grow luxuriantly upon it, and afford food for ani- mals. So it will, and some of these of the best kind. This is not the case, though, with land that has been long tilled and badly tilled, and a good deal naturally not of the best kind ; every thing carried off, and nothing or very little put upon it in return. This is the case with much of the land of the Atlantic States, and such a system in time must necessarily exhaust and impoverish it ; and it is only to be recruited and restored by proper cultivation of the best grasses that will grow upon it, and the system of pasturage. The best scientific wiiiers upon Agriculture, both ancient and modern, and those best acquainted with it in theory and practice, all agree that old, exhaust- ed, worn out lands, cannot in any other way be recruited and restored so quick, cheap and effectually, as they can by a judicious pursuit of this system. Lands in good condition can be preserved so longer ] 3S I Assembly by it, and such a state, it may almost be said, made perpetual. The alluvial lands of the west, its rich bottoms and prairies, may in time be exhausted, or a great portion of them may, and all certaialy rendered much less productive by bad tillage, and carrying all off and putting nothing on in return. A rich sward or thick turf, too, protects the earth from the sun in summer, which exhales from these naked lands the little moisture and fertility they have left ; from heavy, drenching rains which cut unsightly chasms in them, and otherwise deface and injure their surface ; and from the frosts in winter which heave out the roots of the few sickly, straggling plants remaining, and they perish for want of warmth and support from kindred social plants. Thus the barrenness of land so managed is complete, and will continue, unless the system of culture is changed ; and the change to renovate its fertility can be made in no other way so cheap and eflectual, as by throwing over it a rich, close carpet of grass. This will not only protect it from variations of the seasons, but the manure derived from decayed herbage vind pasturage, would secure and continue the renovation. Some opinion may be formed of its importance from the estimate here given of two articles, the hay and "butter of the nation ; and these, with most other agricultural products, owe not only their existence, but their quantity and quality, to good grass. In fine, it would not be extravagant to say, this important plant, if cultivated properly, and made to thrive as well as it is sus- ceptible of being made even on tolerable land, is worth as much as ill the other products of the farm together. How to perform this jultivation, to accomplish this thrift in the best way, it will here be Attempted to show. First, remember that grass generally has many, and a few kinds of it all the main chemical ingredients of the grain plant ; it is supposed they were originally the same plant, and known and called by the same name. To this day, in science all are called grasses ; by way of distinction, though, the grain is termed the cereal grass, being cultivated for its seed, producing a richer food for ani- mals than mere grass ; it is longer in growing generally, and of course consumes more and stronger nourishment in maturing. Cereal is from CereSy the name of the heathen goddess of fruits and harvests. The earth, then, en which they are to be grown, should be put and kept in as fine state for the one as the other, with this difference, that the grain requiring more time and more food from the soil to No. 199.] 139 mature, should have the first benefit of its virgin richness. This it usually has, for the practice with most good farmers is to prepare the land well for grain before planting it; to see first, that it possesses the three essential mineral ingredients, silica, or sand ; alumine, or clay ; lime, or calcareous earth ; in some shape, all in due proportion. Then the manure scraped from the barn yard, homestead and farm, every thing in the shape of decayed animal and vegetable matter, all properly preserved, mixed and composted, and applied at the right time and manner. Then the tilling, plowing, harrowing, and if con- venient, rolling ; plowed and manured deep, destroy all weeds, and even grass, at this period ; let them aid the manure ; pulverising, deepening, cleaning and enriching the bed, are the great objects j constantly keeping in view that all this preparation is not for the grain crop alone, but for the grass, by far the most important, which is to succeed it. If the latter does as well as it can be made to do, it is to aid materially in producing several grain crops, and many other articles very profitable to the farmer. Timothy and clover are the grass seeds generally used for permanent pasture ; whatever kind is used, should be of the purest, soundest, and best of its kind, and especially free from foul seed. These are to be sown after the win- ter grains, wheat and rye j it is usual to sow timothy in autumn, and clover in the spring. "Whenever sown they should be sown separately, not mixed, and at different times. Some farmers sow their grass seeds in the spring with their oats ; this is not safe, the grass seeds are apt to miss ; the oats, if they are large and heavy, as they some times are, choke and smother the grass when it comes up, and it perishes. Although some times the grass seeds take, grow, and do very well when sown with oats. The grass seeds, whether from economy or whatever cause, are generally sown too thin ; it is a great mistake ; like most other seeds, it must be expected some of* these will not come up, they will miss ; and when they do come up they should come up thick, stand close, to protect and support each other, and provide against many accidents, and possibly a total failuse or near it. This would be a much greater damage than a few dollars more laid out in an additional quantity of seed ; more than a peck of timothy and a half a bushel of clover seed to the acre ; and a few good farmers are kno^vn to use more to great advantage. The sooner this 140 ( Assembly close carpet of grass, composeil of the purest materials, can be spread over the land, the more durable it will be, and the sooner the farmer will reap his reward and the longer enjoy it, and be remunerated in the end ten fold, for the additional money expended in seed. Gyp- sum or plaster is applied with advantage to grass in various stages of it ; as a top-dressing it stimulates, and in most cases increases much its growth. Lime, too, applied in the same way, not only stimulates but sweetens it, and stock eat it more freely and with a better relish; it neutralizes also the acidity of surface soils, prevents mosses and other useless, pernicious plants of most kinds, from infesting soils, and kills insects in their worm state, and protects plants from them in their winged state. A little salt is good sometimes, applied with ihe lime or gypsum, or by itself. These ingredients besides other benefits all absorb and retain mois- ture more or less for the use of plants, and they aid in droughts. Judgment is to be exercised in the use of them, and especially salt, as very little of this serves. The bestdependance for the farmer after all from severe droughts and short crops from any cause, is a bed of earth possessing all the necessary mineral ingredients, with a good surface mould of rich vegetable remains properly compounded, mixed and pulverized by good and deep plowing. Such a bed or matrix will attract, absorb and retain for the use of plants more moisture than anythnig else, besides possessing all the ^ther requisites in the shape of food. Bone earth or phosphate of lime is an important ingredient of soils; a portion of it is necessary for most plants, and especially the nutritious grasses on which animals principally live, it is the bone forming clement. Young animals require more than others. In this stage the bone and muscle form and grow, harden and acquire strength, which of course strengthens the whole frame; flesh and fat are laid on, and these cannot grow healthily unless they have a good foundation to rest upon. Providence has wisely ordered in this, as in many of the beneficent operations of nature, that the cow in her secretions of ' milk should absorb more of the bone earth from her system than any similar animal. It has been found by analysis that milk contains considerably more of this ingredient than any substances discharged from her body through other channels, of course her manure cannot contain so much ; a great portion of it has passed off in another direc- No. 199.] 141 tion. The milk or a good deal of it is made into butter and cheese, and all or uiost of these generally carried off tlie farm and sold. In consequence the grass does not get its usual supply of this essential article, it fails, and all the other products from it, including hay, fail in due proportion. This has been found to have actually happened in practice. A few years since many dairy farms in Cheshire, and other districts in the vicinity of London, gradually declined in produce; those who occupied them could not tell the cause, they thought they manured as high as ever and a little higher, all would not do. These occupants were advised to employ a competent chemist to analyse the soils of a few farms ; it was done, and they were found deficient in bone earth. The article was immediately procured and applied, and the lands in due time restored to their former value. It is more expensive at first than ordinary manure, but a little of it serves; it is durable too, and its iiifluence is felt for years. A great evil to be avoided by the farmer in the culture of grass is, never to let his stock be too heavy for his pasture, or his means generally of keeping them in the best condition both summer and winter. The greatest judg- ment must be exercised in proportioning the one to the other ; if the farmer errs, let it be on the right side : let his grass be too heavy for his stock, let the former be more than the latter can consume. Here he cannot suffer ; the surplus grass falls down, decays and makes manure ; the roots are not so liable to injury. The grass is much better the ensuing year, the cattle are in belter condition in the spring, they have not been stinted or pinched for hay and feed during the winter, the grass has not been fed close in the fall, nor is it necessary to put them on it so early in the spring. Let the heaviness of a far- mer's stock show in their appearance and flesh rather than in numbers. All will ultimately show more loeight by this system: the cattle, grass, hay, grain and the farmer's pocket. After showing the best luannei of cultivating the grasses generally, it is proposed to look into the character and habits of some of the principal ones individually. First, Timothy Grass: This, it is pietty well settled and generally believed is a native of our country, although a few Englishmen have questioned it. It is one of the most valuable of our grasses, especially for the northern and middle states. It does not grow well south of North Carolina, and here perhaps not as well 142 [x\sSEMBLY ns farther north. It grows well to the west, particularly in the north western states, but if is not quite so great a favorite here as in the northern Atlantic states. This may be owing in part to the high value they set upon some of the native western grasses, and one in particular called the Kentucky Blue Grass ; they consider it (timothy) coarser, harder and drier than some others, and that cattle will not eat^so freely, nor will they do so well on it either as pasture or forage as a few other kinds. This is the opinion also of some northern and English farmers. It is believed this is owing in a great degree to the erroneous impression of some — they are few though, compared with the whole number, and it is thought, are diminishing every year — of the proper time of cutting timothy grass for hay. It is contended that it should be cut late, after the seed is formed, or hard or ripe ; that much of its weight and nutriment is lost, perhaps more than half, by being cut early j that cattle will not thrive on it so well, and especially horses ; that this is the case with some other of our grasses, but more with timothy than any other ; that the after math is not so profitable ; that the young grass will not grow up so rapidly nor so rich. This it is thought is directly at war not only with the character of the grasses so called, but with the cereals or grain producing plants. The proper time it is thought for cutting the grasses of our country, is when they are in full flower, (timothy excepted) ; at this period, the juices are more generally diffused throughout the whole plant, the stem leaves and branches, than at any other. These juices constitute the nutriment of the grass plant for animals ; they are in greater quantity and richer in quality, a very small portion of them only have passed up into the head or culmen to form the flower ; they are more con- centrated, have more of the elements of saccharine or sugar, mucilage and starch, which give all the value to the grass plant as feed. The more of the natural juices preserved in grass when cured for hay, the more nutriment the latter contains, and the more animals relish it. When a considerable portion of this, and probably the greatest, passes from the stem to the culmen to form and harden the seed and mature the plant, the lower parts are dry, sapless, and contain considerable woody fibre and very little nutriment. Experience has shown that stock of no kind relish it, and if they eat it, it cannot nor does it keep them in so good condition. This too accords not only with theory and reason in the case, but practice. Four out of five of our No. 199.] 14 best agricultural periodicals, and the same proportion of our best practical fanners, say that the season of flowering is the best time to cut the grasses for hay, and some of them do not even except timothy. If reason and general practice establish the time or best time, it would seem in this case the season of flowering is that time. This error of late cutting, if it is one, and it is here thought it is, has arisen, it is believed in a great measure, from an analysis of all the best grasses grown in England, made some yenrs ago by Mr. George Sinclan, at VVoburn Abbey, under the patronage of the late Duke of Bedford, The results of liis experiments were, that all the grasses, and he ex- amined a great many, with a few exceptions contained more nutri- ment if cut after the seeds were ripe, and timothy more than twice as much, than if cut in the flower. This analysis was sanctioned and endorsed by the late Sir H. Davy, one of the greatest agricultural chemists of his day, and it is thcught.he gave his name and sanction without testing its correctness by his own experiments ; he took it for granted to be correct. This is inferred from his own writings, when speaking on the subject, and no other true inference, it is here thought, can be drawn from what he says. If such is the fact, he gave his sanction no doubt on the high opinion he had of Mr. Sin- clair's reputation and knowledge of the grasses, which unquestionably stood high at this time. These are great authorities, and it is not doubted influenced some to take their correctness for granted, as Sir H. Davy did Mr. Sinclair's, without examining thoroughly the rea- sons of the case, and the opinions in WTiting of some of the best scien- tific and practical farmers of the present day. The results of several of Davy's experiments and opinions in agricultural chemistry, have and still are thought to be incorrect, since such men as Liebig, the Johnstons, and some others appeared. Prof. Johnston, of England, in a lecture lately delivered on the subject, says, "the experiments of Mr. Sinclair on the grasses have lost much of their value." John- ston, after giving his reasons for this opinion, and these it is thought have much weight, concludes : " Hence the nature and weight of the dry extracts which he (Sinclair) obtained, could not fairly repre- sent either the kind or quantity of nutritive matters which the hay was likely to yield when introduced into the stomach of the animal." Reasoning from analogy, all the grain plants, after the juices they contain when green, have passed into the culmen or ear to form and 144 [Assembly mature the seed, the stems and branches ;\re hard, sapless, and of little worth for anything like feed. This straw, as it is called, is use- ful as litter for the barn-yard ; it aids in malcing up the compost heaps, and here more by its bulk than any strong fertilizing power it possesses. The grasses too, like the grain plant, when allowed to go to seed, exhaust the land more by standing longer upon it ; they draw from it some of its richest ingredients which the plants require to ripen their seeds. The stubble of such grasses have no succulent matter in them, and the after math, the young grass, or second crop, will not grow up near as soon nor as rich. How can they? they cannot spring from the remains of the old stems if they are in the habit of doing it when green, the stems are dry and dead, the roots or some o[ them are often dead too ; these take time for revival. When the young blades do spring up from either or any source, they cannot come up as thick or grow as vigorously, so much of their nourishment has been consumed in maturing the parent plants. The reason given by some that grass if cut late when the seed is hard, is drier, it may be cured better and with less labor for hay. This reason has very little weight when we consider the quantity of fine weather we usually have about the time of hay-making, greater, much, than many Euro- pean countries, and especially Great Britain. A few hours sooner or later in curing cannot be of much moment, and neither this nor any other reason given for late cutting it, is thought ought to have the least weight when compared with the great sacrifice of nutriment and other injuries stated, must necessarily flow from the practice. Timo- thy has been excepted from the general rule of cutting in the flower, but by no means to wait till the seed is hard ; the best time it is thought for cutting is immediatety or soon after the flower has fallen. Timothy, in habits and character, resembles more the grain plant ; its stem is thicker and stronger, it grows higher where the soil is rich than most of the grasses : it has more silica or sand in its coating, and is longer in attaining its full size. Hence the juices are longer in reaching all its parts from the root to the culraen, and condensing a little so as to acquire their richest consistence. It is thought that even this plant would suffer less and the injury generally be less if cut .n the flower than to let it stand until after the seed is ripe. Timothy too, when cut late, has given rise to the impression made on some that it is a hard, coarse, dry grass; the late cutting.is generally the reason No. 199.] 145 why it is soj and why some have been so impressed. Considerable nas been said in discussing this point, it was thought important, as mischief is believed to have resulted from a practice here considered decidedly erroneous. The origin and probable cause of the error having been pointed out, and the more recent researches of science having shown it to be one, and this being in accordance with the opinion of a large majority of the most intelligent practical farmers, it is hoped and believed the practice under it will in time be entirely abandoned. Most of the grasses, and especially timothy, when growing big and rank on good land and in a fine season, are apt to lodge and fall ; in this state they should be immediately cut, even if there is no appearance of the flower and may not be for some time. Otherwise laying on the ground thick the lower part becomes brown, it will heat and ferment, and the whole deteriorate much in quality. Timothy, it is thought, does best on a clay loam ; like most of the grasses it requires considerable moisture, and in addition to the hu- midity the soil must be rich, possessing the mineral ingredients in due proportion, combined with plenty of decayed animal and vegetable matter. Timothy being perennial, is excellent to form permanent pastures where it will grow; many of the natural meadow grasses will spring up and grow with it, being of a kindred nature and simi- lar in habits, the soil good, the climate and degree of moisture of the one are congenial with the other. Some of these social grasses have no regular common names, many of them are short and belong to the dwarf family of grasses, but are succulent, and make a rich, nutri- tious feed. A close carpet of such grasses spread over a low or upland meadow, properly located, soil fine, and with judicious man- agement as to feeding, cleaning, and occasional top-dressings, will last good for many years, with scarcely a rent patch or vacant spot in it. Timothy and all grasses may be cut too young for good hay. At an early period of their growth their juices are thin and watery, have not acquired the requisite consistence, exhale or dry up and are lost ; the stems become wiry, hard, and have none or very little nu- tritive matter in them. In some parts of Germany they cut their grasses quite young, and gather them up immediately and put them, in a perfectly green state, in pits under ground, salt them in layers with the best of salt, and compress them close by weights and let them ferment for a while, letting nothing escape from exhalation^ FAsserablv No. 199.1 10 146 [Assembly prescmng all the juices; and these in time, with the dissolved salt form a rich paste, matted and adhering to the stems, equally diffused through the whole mass. In this state, when taken out in winter, it is sweet and fragrant ; cattle eat it greedily, will thrive on it, an^ mucli less of it serves. The usage is stated here, and probably in correctly, as nothing is practically known of the process in ou) country, not with any expectation of its being adopted or tried, bu*. to show what can be done with the article grass, in its green state, and bow essential its natural juices are to make the best forage, as well as pasturage. Redtop, or as it is generally called south of us, kerdsgrass^ and by some redfop timothy^ is an excellent grass ; it has something of the character and habits of timothy so called ; it requires a humid, rich soil, one in which clay predominates ; rather a bushy top, composed of several small stems, shooting out from the main one laterally, near the top ; rich in juices, makes fines hay ; cattle are fond of it j should be cut about the time of timothy, or when in full flower, it matters little which. Orchard grass^ or cocksfoot; much esteemed by many, especially in Pennsylvania and some other States ; it is highly valued for both pasture and forage ; rich sandy loam suits it best. One remarkable quality it possesses, is to start up and grow immediately from the stem, when cut or fed off, not waiting for fresh shoots to spring up from its roots, nor the healing of its wounds, and has been known on good soils to grow an inch in twenty-four hours from the time of cut- ting. Messrs. H. Powell and L. Jones, of Pennsylvania, speak highly of it ; thick sowing necessary, great care in gathering and preparing the seed. Mr. Powell recommends at least two bushels to the acre. The great objection to it with some who have cultivated it, is that it will grow in tussocks or detached bunches, leaving naked spots, which are not easily filled up with oLher perennial grasses. Whether this was owing to the habits of the plant, too thin sowing, or any other cause, is not known. Kentucky Blue grass. This is the favorite grass, and deservedly so, of the west. Kentucky soil and climate seem to be most con- No. 199.] 147 genial with it, and is said to be its native locality, although it grows well, and even luxuriantly, in many other sections. It is the best grass for woodlands of the west, when cleared of their underwood, rubbish and decayed trees ; these are cut, dug up, collected and burnt, the ashes supplying the soil with potash, so necessary to the growth of plants, and especially grasses. These woodlands, on many large farms of the west, are extensive j they are thus rendered both beau- tiful and useful, by being converted into shady lawns and fine pas- tures. This is not the only valuable quality of blue grass, that it grows more luxuriantly on woodlands than any other grass. Its su- periority as a rich and permanent pasture on cleared, open fields, is equally great, and greater, it is thought, for Kentucky and the western country generally, than any other. It should be sown in the springs a calcareous soil, or that of limestone regions, is the best for it. It is a very delicate plant when it first comes up, and should not be grazed for a year unless very vigorous, and not then till the seeds mature ; thtse fall down and thicken the bed, enrich and strengthen it ; and with such management a luxuriant coat of blue grass suc- ceeds, and lasts it may be said forever, or certainly as long as desired, without any further trouble. Besides, it grows more nutritious with advancing age, and will ultimately root out every other grass, even the native white clover ; and no other can compare with it as a v.'inter grass. It not only grows in the warm spells of winter, but if the second growth of summer be reserved for winter grazing, it is an excellent pasture for horses and cattle throughout that drear period. Both of these keep in the best condition upon it, and without any other food, except in cases of deep snows, v,hich do not often occur, when a liitk- hay is necessary. An eminent Kentucky farmer, has said " he had no doubt he could raise large fat beeves on blue grass and nothing else." The great errors to be guarded against are early spring feeding and over stocking, especially when young and tender, aud before its gets a vigorous start. Whether it would make as good hay as timothy and redtop, or even clover, some doubt. It is thought, though, from its habits and qualities, if properly cured, it would make as good hay as any other grass. We have in our State a native blue grass, so called, it is thought not to be genuine Kentucky blue grass ; ours is a dark green, a little bent, requires a moist clay, rich soil ; does not grov/ tall, but short and thick on the ground, has 148 [Assembly no tinge of blue ; the Kentucky kind, held m a certain position to the light, has a perceptible shade of blue. Whether it would grow north on a calcareous soil, and not degenerate, has perhaps never been fairly tried. If it would grow and flourish here as it does in Ken- tucky or the west, it would certainly be a valuable acquisition to our farms. Clovers. First, Redtop clover is undoubtedly an imported grass, used in most parts of Europe with great benefit ; it is also in as general use with us, and with equal benefit. So popular is it almost every where among us ; grows in such luxuriance and abundance on almost all soils, at as little risk and labor as any of the nutritious grasses, and less than some of them, especially on good sandy loams j so long cultivated throughout our land, that it is considered in the light of a native, and hardly known or thought to possess a foreign origin. Its system of stems, leaves, roots and foliage, surpass in size, tenderness, beauty and richness any of the grasses, taking all its advantages into consideration. It is equally good for forage and pasture ; its long roots penetrate deep into the soil, keep it loose and friable equal to a plowing, and better than some plowings. If the land is in a proper state for the seed, and this good, its growth is so rapid, thick and tall I it chokes and destroys all weeds: none can grow among it. When young and succulent, cattle are tempted to eat too much of it when first turned in it, it often gives them the hoove ; timothy, orchard grass, &c., sown with it will generally prevent this ; it should be cut for hay before the flower is fully blown. It leaves the soil in a fine state for tillage, planting any of the grains, root.>> or vegetables. It is considered a biennial, at most triennial ; it has been known though to last six or seven years on rich land, and with good management. There are several other clovers, some native and others probably foreign, some of the dwarf class very nourishing feed. The White Clover grows low and thick on the ground, and is thought a native, comes up naturally on most untilled soils, especially where clay pre- dominates ; it is excellent for milch cows. Smooth- stalked Meadow grass is said to be a n; tive ; is well adapt- ed, none perhaps better, to laying down permanent pastures and meadows. An eminent farmer of our country says, it is equal to any No. 199] 149 of our grasses; its foliage begins to shoot and put on a fine verdure c|uite early in the spring. Every animal that lives on grass is fond of it; makes hay that may be classed among the best. It delights in rather a dry than moist soil, and still it thrives well in rich meadows, if they lay a little low. It was of this grass that the American prize bonnet, in imitation of leghorn, was manufactured some years ago. Fowl Meadow grass was first discovered in a meadow in Massa- chusetts. It is supposed the seed was brought there by water fowl : hence its name. It is an excellent grass for wet meadows, and has been known to yield three tons to the acre in one season. It remains so long green that it may be mown at any time from July to October; it makes very good hay for both horses and neat cattle. Floating Fescue grass. This plant delights in very wet grounds, and is often found in rich swamps, bogs, ditches and ponds ; it is singular in its habits, growiog as well in as out of the water : it flow- ers in June. Horses and cows especially, are very fond of it, and it is said the Cottenham and Chedlar cheese owe their great excellence to this grass, and it imparts a rich and peculiar flavor to the milk of cows fed upon it ; their butter also is of the best quality. It is a native of our country. One gentleman who had every chance of knowing its qualities says, it is greedily devoured by every species of stock, not excepting poultry, which eagerly devour the seeds : these are sina'il but very sweet and nourishing. Ribtand grass. This grass, if it possesses the fine qualities which it is said to do, is likely to become of great value in our husbandry ; it is no doubt American, The late Judge Buel had such an opinion of it that he said it bid fair to become the game grass of the north. The value of this promising grass was discovered incidentally, and is thus told by Mr. Robinson, of New-Hampshire. A neighbor wishing to get rid of some of the roots which encumbered his garden, pulled them up and threw them into an adjoining bog, where they took root and spread over a large space, excluding every other plant. The water flowed through the roots at all seasr-ns. yet the turf had become so solid as to bear a cart and oxen, i': makes the best of hay and pasture — produces a great burdea, anJ springs up immediately after 150 [Assembly the scythe ; slock of all kinds ilevour it as greedily as hay or grass. It is perennial — spreads rapidly, and may be easily transplanted. It is a few years since this account was given ; whether the grass held its character or improved as was anticipated it would, is not known. Experiments, as with every thing of the kind no doubt, were necee- sary to establish its character. Gama grass is a native of the southern parts of the United States. It has, however, been found wild as far north as the banks of the Connecticut. It is a remarkable grass ; its growth and produce pro- digious, indeed almost incredible, and could not be believed were the statements not made by gentlemen entitled to the fullest confidence. Although stout and coarse, it is succulent, and all kinds of gram- inivorous animals eat it with the best relish. Mr. Magoffin, who first introduced its culture into Alabama, where it is said to abound in its wild state, says that when all surrounding vegetation was destroyed or burnt up by drought, this grass was green and flourishing, and that in the month of July it grew forty-three iaches, and this during a drought. The editor of the American Farmer, some years ago, re- ceived a blade of this gi-ass in a letter, measuring thirty-two and a half inches in length, the growth of twelve days. ^here are a number of other very useful grasses of our country not hert noticed ; soine of ihcm have a foreign origin, and others, no doubt, are iialives, and ull so domesticated, and iheir good quali- ties so well established by long culture, that we are in the habit of considering them American. Some of our grasses, especially of the dwarf class, and on some accounts among the best, have no common names by which they are generally known. Most of them, no doubt, have botanic names, especially those of foreign origin ; but this is not enouo^h, it renders it difficult to identify them ; their spread and circu- lation are restricted through our land ; they cannot be described in writing so as to be understood. It is proposed, if this subject is pur- sued hereafter, to suggest a remedy for this difficulty, that is, to establish Grass Conventions throughout our country, something like the Fruit Growers' Conventions, to select and give suitable common names to such useful grasses as are not known generally to have any. This, it is thought, will facilitate the transmission of seeds and plants No. 199.] ' 351 from on« section of our country to another, and thereby spread mor« extensively the more useful and profitable class of grasses. This subject of grasses is a voluminous one ; more ha^been aaid upon it than was at first intended ; more remains to be said, although relating only to the American grasses, or those known or believed to be American. It is not judicious to extend a subject of this kind to an unreasonable length ; this deters many from reading very little or any part of it, and its merits (if it possess any) are in a great measure lost. It is not meant here to dispense with or even depreciate the use of science in relation to the grasses. Let those who are qualified and choose to exercise their skill and diligence, do it ; they may often aid by it fixing oa the most appropriate common names for grass plants, as these scientific names are usually selected with some meaning, they have a view to the habits, qualities, and character of plants. BUTTER. It is well known that batter is the oily part of milk ; of greater OT less consistency, depending very much upon the nature of the animals which afford it. The average proiluce per cow of butter, has been estimated at 168 pounds per year. It has been ascer- tained by experiment that lUU parts of cream contains 4^ of butter, and 3^ of curd. We have the authority of Dr. Brande, for saying that butter will not keep good unle-s the adhering curd is thoroughly separated from it. This may be done by carefully melting it by the heat of a water balh, at l"ii..° Fahrenheit, rnl continuing it in a liquid state some time, so as to eiTect a complete purification ; the liquid butter should be decanted, strained and salted, and if put in small jars clrsely covered, it may be kept for a long time nearly fresh. Cleansing butter from the cLrd can be very effectively done by thoroughly washing and working it "n cold water. The latter pro- cess is generally preferred, because of the injurious effect en the 152 " AsSEMBLl flavor of butter which results from melting. If the latter be adopted, the washing must be continued until the curd is thoroughly removed, the particles of which are very putrescible, and if permitted to re- main will prove very injurious. The water should always be expressed to the greatest possible extent, before salting. It is the opinion of some, that the oxygen of the water, uniting with the oil, forms that peculiar acid which causes the butter to become rancid. If this be so, it must be owing to its excess, since during the operation of churn- ing, oxygen is always absorbed. We are assured by an agricultural gentleman of great experience, that the best method known to him for removing the curd, is to mix with the butter when removed from the chum, sugar and salt, say two table spoons full of salt, and one ounce of clean sugar, to twelve pounds of butter. This mixture seems to dissolve the curd, and by working thoroughly, it can be disengaged to any desired extent, and the flavor of the butter is improved. The Dutch salted butter from Holland, of which vast quantities have been exported to England and various parts of the world, has sustained an undeviating reputation for a long period of years, and at this day, probably, is as good for exportation and use as any that can be found. It owes its reputation, we understand, more to thorough purification and cleanliness, than to any other cause. Butter made in hot countries is generally liquid. In India it is prepared from the milk of Buffaloes, and called ghee. " The Arabs are said to be the greatest consumers of butter in the world. It is a common practice for them to drink every morning a coffee cup full of melted butter or ghee. The poorest individuals will expend half their daily income to procure it." [Travels in Arabia. m The price of butter, with the exception of occasional years of scarcity, has been slowly advancing. Mr. M'Culloch furnishes tables of the contract prices paid for butter at the Greenwich Hospital, vrhere sound merchantable butter is required, for a period of 102 years, from 1730 to 1832, from which we make the following sum- mary : No. 199.J 153 In 1782 the price paid was 10 cents per pound. 1790 it had gradually advanced to 13 " " 1806 a 111. re r; pid advance to 23 " " ' 3812 still advancing, 31 « " 1817 declined to 18 " " 1823 a further decline to 15 " " 1827 16^ " " 1832 171 « « The quantity of butter consumed is immense. We have no data from which to deduce an accurate estimate. Assuming, however, the population ( f the United Slates to be twenty millions, and that each person consumes half a pound per week, it requires 520,000,000 pounds to supply the consumption for one year ; the cost of which, at 14 cents per pound, would amount to $72,800,000. Assuming, also, that each cow will yield 168 pounds per annum, the milk of 3,095,278 cows would be required to produce the butter. The specimens of butter exhibited at our twenty-second Annual Fair, were numerous, and the quality pronounced to be very superior. Butter making, like many otht-r products of agricultural labor, does not, as a general thing, bring a very profitable return to the producer. Fn close proximity to our largest cities, we have heard farmers say that it was more profitable for them to sell their milk at one and a half cents per quart at their own doors, than to put it into butter and take the chance of the market. We apprehend this product may be made more lucrative, by proper care and attention in the manufac- ture of it, and also to the best method of putting it up for transpor- tation, so as to preserve its sweetness. Pure sweet butter is generally in demand, and in some countries it always commands a price that will justify the expense of very costly methods for preserving it during the necessary time required foi' its transportation. In China, for instances, sweet butter brings from 75 cents to $2 per lb. Cali- fornia, for seme time to come, will undoubtedly be one of the most profitable markets for good butter, ever known. The vast prairies of the west may be made to produce immense quantities of butter ; and transportation, through the agency of canals and railroads, con- stantly augmenting, will shortly afford all possible facilities. 154 [AsSKMBLt We will suggest a method of putting up butter for transportation and export, which may be found worthy of consideration, and per- chance of a trial. Enough has been said on the importance of re- moving the curd to the greatest possible extent. In the next plac« the quality of the salt used, must not be lost sight of. We are in- clined lo believe that nothing short of the purest rock salt should be used. It is of great consequence that the churning be done in a pure atmosphere, one that is free from any taint whatever. Butter churned in a tainted atmosphere will not keep long, and the quality of the butter for immediate use will be impaired in proportion to the quan- tity of filth which float in the surrounding atmosphere. Cleanliness, in all respects, is of the greatest importance. Kegs, made to contain 20 to 25 pounds, and made of well seasoned white oak, strongly hooped, are recommended, in which to pack the butter. This is an acceptable quantity to consumers, and particularly so in foreign mar- kets, whore prices are high ; it will invariably be preferred, even at an advance. The kegs, before being used, should be scalded with a strong pickle made with rock salt, and the pickle left in them imtil they are perfectly saturated therewith. The kegs, after b;eing filled with butter and headed up-, are to be packed in tiercas of convenient size for transportation, made also of good white oak and well hooped. The kegs being clqpely packed and the tierce headed up, fill the tierce with strong pickle of the same salt, and it is ready for transportation. WINE. Specimens of domestic wine, from several of the native grapes of our country, have been presented at the annual exhibitions of the Institute for several years past ; none of which, with the exception of a passable wine from the Scuppernong, have attracted much at- tention, until the present year. At our late fair, specimens of *' Sparkling Catawba," from N. Longv/orth, Esq., of Cincinnati, were received and tested, in conformity with the request of Mr. Longworth, by competent judges, in comparison with an approved Champagne of France. The judges to whom this subject was referred, concurred No. 199.] 155 in opinion that it was the best American wine they had met with, and reported as follows : "The Sparkling Catawba, vintage of 1847, is a sound good wine, and compares well with the Russian Eagle Cham- pagne of France." It was tested by several gentlemen of repute, as judges of wine, who pronounced it good, and were it to be had in this market, would undoubtedly become a favorite. The peculiarly rich aroma of the Catawba grape is very conspicuous in the wine. Among the great variety of native giapes with which our country abounds, it is to be presumed there are some, if not many, which if cultivated for that purpose, are capable of producing very good and cheap wine, and probably some of very superior quality j and why should it not be so, seeing that we cover all the latitudes and have all the varieties of climate and soil which produce the wines of Eu- rope "? The following quotation is from •' James' Expedition to the Rocky Mountains," wherein the author asserts that the Vitis vinifera is found in America in its wild state. "The small elms along this valley we^e bending undel" the weight of innumerable grape vines, now loaded with ripe fruit, the purple clusters crowded in s«ch pro- fusion as almost to give a coloring to the landscape. On the oppo- site side of the river was a range of low sand hills, fringed with vines, rising not more than a foot or eighteen inches from the surface. On examination, we found these hillocks had been produced exclusively by the agency of the grape vines, arresting the sand as it was borne along by the wind, until such quantities had been accumulated as to bury every part of the plant except the branches. Many of these were so loaded with fruit as to present nothmg to the eye but a series of clusters, so closely arranged as to conceal every part of the stem. The fruit of these vines is incomparably finer than that of any other native or exotic which we have met with in the United States. The burying of the greater part of the trunk with its larger branches pro- duces the effect of pruning, inasmuch as it prevents the unfolding of leaves and flowers on the parts below the surface, while the protruded ends of the branches enjoy an increased degree of light and heat from the reflection of the sand. It is owing, undoubtedly, to these causes that the grapes in question are far superior to the fruit of the same 156 [Assembly vine under ordinary circum stances. Th^ treatment here employed by nature to bring to perfection the fruit of the vine, may be imitated," &c., &c. Humboldt says, " that, in order to procure potable wine, it is re- quisite that the mean annual heat should exceed 49°, that the winter temperature should be upward of 33°, and the mean summer tempera- ture upward of 64°." His remarks on this subject are deeply inte- resting See his ^sie Centrale^ torn. 3, p. 159. Some may think it impolitic to encourage the production of wine, because of the apprehension of a demoralising effect which may arise from its use. It has, however, been asserted, and remains uncontra- dicted, that the inhabitants of the wine producing districts of Europe are, as a whole, the most temperate people on earth ; (hough they constantly use as a beverage the cheap wines of their country with decided benefit. The mass of laborers in those countries are said to enjoy almost uninterrupted health. Some wines contain a much larger quantity of alcohol than others, and the quantity which is contained in all kinds of wine varies with the varying seasons. Experiments which have been made with great care by the most celebrated chemist, taking forty-two different kinds of wine, show that it varies from 24 to 8 per cent ; Port wine con- taining the greatest, and Hock the smallest quantity. The cheap wines of Europe, which enter so largely into the consumption of those countries, contain less alcohol than the cider of our own country. The use of cider as a common beverage, it is said, has materially diminished in the northern sections of the United States, in conse- quence of a belief, prevalent to a large extent, that its use is pro- ductive of, and extremely injurious to, persons afflicted with chronic diseases. Its disuse, if it be so. may with greater propriety be attri- buted to Ihe negligent manner in which it is prepared, as a general thing. The consumption of wine in the United States appears to be on the inaease j the importation of 1S48 being nearly double that of 1844. The amount imported annually, falls very fer below the whole quantity No. 199.] 157 consumed, under the name of wine. The excess is made up of drugs and materials, it is to be feared, of a very unhealthy and deleterious character. This horrible trash is administered to the sick, to no small extent, am.ong the laboring poor. We cannot refrain from propound- mg to ourselves this question, viz : Would it not be better to en- courage the production of a pure and healthful article to serve the demands of the people, and add a profitable pursuit to agriculture, rather than tolerate the abuses which do exist and which are rapidly accumulating? Having said thus much on the subject of wine, we ask a perusal of the following LETTER FROM N. LONG WORTH, ESQ., Relative to the Manufacture of " Sparkling Catawba : " Cincinnati, August 21th, 1849. To THE Trustees of the American Institute : Gentlemen — I send for trial, a half box of sparkling Catawba wine, the pure juice of an American grape, and wish its qualities tested at your approaching annual Fair, and should prefer its being tried in competition with an approved French champagne. I regret that I cannot attend your Twent) -second Annual Fair, and that I cannot send you as good a sample of Buckeye wine as I intend to do next fali. The vintage of 1847, (which this is), was not of the best quality, and the manufacturer 1 then had. has not the knowledge, talents, or education of the person I have recently obtain- ed from France. Confident of eventual success, I shall spare neither labor nor expense, in pushing a hobby that has employed my mind for twenty years. My present wine-house was built for that object, but finding it not fully to answer expectations, I am erecting one 40 by 120 feet, three stories high, with a lower cellar twenty-three feet below the surface, and large enough to manufacture 200,000 bottles of sparkling Catawba wine per year. I may not live to manufacture so large a quantity, but if 1 do not. the fault shall not be mine. Yours respectfully, N. LONGWORTH. 168 [Ap-eublt FLAX. In the early period of the agriculture of our country, flax was a crop comparatively of great value j there was then scarcely a fanner who had not his field of it. The hum of the spinning wheel, was the music of the cottage, and the distaff was familiarly known as an in- dispensable household utensil. The females, who could spin their "pound a day," looked to that as their chief source of employment and income. Such were among the early days of our agriculture. But the ever varying changes in the scene of human life, hare almost obliterated a remembrance of such pursuits and productions. The spinning wheel has gone to the tomb of the Capulets, and the distaff is known no more. Progress aims at a higher destiny ; we hope it may produce a happier condition. Machinery has taken the place of hand labor to an almost incredi- ble extent in producing the requisites for our supply, and yet there is no diminution of the demand for labor. The ingenuity of our Whitney made the cotton crop nearly sufficient to clothe mankind, whilst Arkwright's genius accomplished the means and varied forms required, from the coarse fabrics to the finest tissues, superceding, to a large extent, the "fine linen," so much esteemed and anxiously sought after in the early period of the history of man. Linen still holds a deservedly high rank in the general estimation, and ingenuity should not suffer it to pass unheeded. It is about 50 years since the first attempts were made to spin flax entirely by machinery ; little or no success then attended the enter- prise. At a later period the attempt was revived, and by cutting the fiax into short pieces, the proceps was considered to have been im- proved. But it v.-as soon found that by cutting the fibre the quality of the flax was materially impaired, and the plan was abandoned. More recently, machine spinning has attained a degree of perfection, without injury to the fibre, said to approach nearly to that of cotton. There is nevertheless room for improvement, presenting a field worthy the attention of enterprise and skill. * No. 199.J 159 The entire value of the linen manufactures of England and Ireland, is now estimated at $38,400,000 per annum, giving employment to 185,000 persons. This shows us the importance of encouraging the production of this staple as beneficial to the farmer and the mechanic. The following table, compiled from official documents, shows the value of the importations of linen into the United States for a series of years past. The variations in quantity from year to year are very great, for which we do not immediately perceive an adequate cause. Imports of Linen. 1830, 1831, in value, do .. $2,911,280 .. 3,790,111 1838, 1839. in value, do . .. $446,097 971,787 1832, do , . 4,073,164 1840, do 435,346 1833, do .. 3,132,557 1841, do 642,038 1834, do . 785,891 1842, • do . 3,659,184 1835, do . 539.,453 1844, do . . 4,492,726 ]836, do • 1,035,680 1848, do , . 6,644,648 1837, do 692,804 Thus it would appear that the importation of linen, notwithstanding the fluctuations in quantity from year to year, is largely on the in- crease. Since the advancing perfection of machinery is gradually lessening its cost and increasing a demand for it, it would seem to be expedient for us to begin to look about and provide measures by which we can profitably encourage the production and manufacture of this important staple of our own country. Such were the views of our worthy President, General James Tallraadge, when in 1847 he offered as a special premium a gold medalj for the best piece of linen, of not less than thirty yards, wove by power loom. There was no claimant for this award until the Fair of 1849, when it was taken by Mr. Henry H. Stevens, of Webster, Massachusetts, who exhibited a piece of linen, of the required dimen- sions, of good texture, spun by machinery and wove by power loom. It being the first piece of American linen, thus fabricated, which has graced the Fairs of the American Institute. Mr. L. T. Beardsley, of AVaterford, N. Y., had previously shown linen thread spun by machinery, of a very superior quality. We shall look with increased % 160 [Assembly anxiety at our next Fair, for improved specimens in this exceedingly important branch of manufactures. We intended to have mentioned before, and we have the fact from the most undoubted authority, that in the northern part of Portugal a large quantity of excellent flax is annually produced, which is spun and manufactured, in the old fashioned way, into a variety of articles, which find a ready market in Brazil. IRON. Every improvement in the conversion of iron, from the ore to a malleable state, by which its cfist is reduced, is of immense importance, and entitled to the highest award. The specimens of iron, made by a new process, invented by Mr. S. S. Salters, and now in operation at Boonton, N. J., were considered by judges to be of good quality. The whole process, from the ore to malleable iron, is conducted in a single furnace, with anthracite coal. The furnace contains three chambers, one above the other, the lower one being reverberatory. The ore is pulverised, and also the coal, and these mixed together are placed in the upper chamber of this furnace, where they undergo a process of baking, by which the gases are disengaged and driven off. The mass is then passed down the flue of the furnace to the middle chamber, where the fluxing materials are added. In these two chambers the ore is thoroughly deoxidised and prepared for the puddling chamber, to which it is conducted through the flue, as be- fore, where the process is completed. It is stated that the time con- sumed in conducting the operation does not exceed two hours. The friends of this work, and those immediately interested in the experi- ment, are sanguine in their expectations of success. It appears that a patent was granted to Mr. W. N. Clay, in Eng- land, 1840, for a mixture of 28 per cent of carbonaceous matter with ground iron ore, containing 45 per cent of metal, which mixture was to be directly treated in a puddhng furnace. We have no knowledge of the result of this process. No. 199.] 161 The iron exhibited by Messrs. Cooper and Hewitt, Trenton, N. .J., manufactured into wire and wood screws, is from the Andover mine in that State, made entirely with anthracite coal, by the puddling process, and pronounced by our judges to be of very superior quality. These gentlemen are largely engaged in the manufacture of railroad bars from the same quality of iron, and we hazard nothing in saying that these bars are worth from 15 to 20 per cent more than any rail- road iron which has been imported. There was a blast furnace established at the Andover mine dunng the Revolutionary war, at the close of which, some of this iron was carried to England and there made into steel ; it was pronounced equal to the best iron they had ever found for that purpose. All, or nearly all the steel made in Great Britain, is made from Swedish and Russian iron, and the quality of the article depends in a great measure upon the quality of the iron before its conversion ; for although poor steel may be made from good iron by conducting the process improperly or imperfectly, a good article can not be produced from iron of inferior quality. For the finest and most important purposes, the Swedish and Russian iron is generally employed for conversion by respectable manufacturers. Dr. Ure says, " with the exception of Ulverstone charcoal iron, no bars are manufactured in Great Britain capable of conversion into steel at all approaching in quality that made from Madras, Swedish, and Russian irons, which are largely imported for that purpose. Swedish iron, stamped with a circle enclosing the letter L, (hence called hoop L,) holds the first rank, and fetches the high price of .£36 10s. per ton ; while excellent English coke iron may be had for one-fifth of the price. The other Swedish irons are sold at a much lower rate, though said to be manufactured in the same way, and therefore the superiority of the Dannemora iron must be owing to some peculiarity in the ore from which it is smelted. The steel re cently made in the Indian steel works at Chelsea, from Mr. Heath's Madras iron, rivals that from the hoop L." The specimens of Andover iron, which have been presented to us in various forms, since the working of the mine has been renewed under the enterprising and skilful management of Peter Cooper, Esq., encourages us to hope that these operations may be the pioneer in the production of iron from our own mines, the superiority of TAssemblv. No. 199. i 11 162 [Assembly which will compel its use, aUhough the cost may be somewhat greater than the' poorer qualities of foreign iron with which our market is constantly inundated. In the construction of important machinery, and particularly ocean steamers, where every thing depends on the quality and perfection of the materials used j where immense amounts of property, and, more than all, thousands of valuable lives, are some times made dependent on the strength of a piston-rod, cross- head, a shaft, a bolt, or a bar of iron ; it would seem to be necessary that contracts should now cease to designate that article as of two qualities only, " cast iron" and " wrought iron," and that the work should be placed under the constant hourly supervision of qualified, practical, and reliable judges of the material, so that nothing but the best should be permitted to enter into the construction, regardless of its cost. There are several mines in our country which have been long worked, producing iron of the very best quality ; specimens of which, we regret to say, were not shown at our recent Fair, and consequently (!o not come under particular review. STEEL. This is one of the most important materials known. In prosecut- ing the mechanic arts, it is indispensable, for without it, advancement to any very great extent would have been impracticable. It is a combination of iron and carbon, the relative proportions of which are supposed to vary in the different qualities of steel. The quantity of carbon which unites with the iron in the process of conversion, has not with certainty been ascertained. It is estimated not to exceed in any case two per cent. Steel must have been known at a ver}' early period ; it is mentioned in the sacred volume, 11. Sam. xxii. 35 : Jeremiah xv. 12 ; and Job xx. 24. " He shall Jlee from the iron luea pon^ and the bow of sted slmll strike him, through.''^ Dr. F. Hoefer, in his " History of Chemistry from the most remote tim.es ^ says, " the East Indians were for a long period renowned for the temper of their ^teel. The whole world was heard to speak of the excellence of it No. 199.J 163 for cutting instruments, particularly the swords called Thaumasia Ziphes, wonderful swords; and by the East Indians, Dama^ct^ B/a'rfe*, made at Damascus, in Syria, before the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope. The celebrated Wootz Steel, which is now imitated by alloying steel with silver or platinum, was exclusively employed for- merly in the preparation of watered metal. Blades of certain sorts of steel, especially the Wootz, after being well hammered and moisten- ed with weak acids, exhibit a beautiful surface of interlaced veiny ramifications." Experimen's have demonstrated that steel will retain j^^tb part of silver as an alloy, and is improved thereby. It has also been al- loyed with many other metals, but wilb no decided benefit, excepting platina. It has been shown by M. Mushet, that the hardness of iron in- creases with the carbon it contains, till the carbon amounts to one sixtieth of the iron. At this point the hardness has attained a maxi- mum, the metal acquires the lustre and color of silver, loses its gran- ulated appearance, and assumes a crystallized form. If more than one sixtieth oi carbon be added, the hardness of the compound dimin- ishes in proportion to its quantity. Cast steel was first made in England about the year 1750, and from that period to the present time, she has supplied a very large portion of the demand for that article, as well as other qualities of steel. England produces very little iron suitable for conversion into good qualities of steel, and has always been under the necessity of import- ing iron for that purpose from Sweden and Russia, at the enormous cost of from $175 to $190 per ton; notwithstanding this, it has been and still continues to be a very profitable pursuit. The importation of steel, manufactured into various forms, such as rdge tools, cutlery, springs, &c., into the United States, has always been large. In its unmanufactured form, the quantity imported in 1S31, amounted in value to $291,957 — in 1844 it amounted to 57,462— and in 1848 it amounted to $1,284,937 3 showing a very • 164 [Assembly great increase here in the demand for it, and there can be no doubt of a constant augmentation of that demand. The conversion of iron into steel in the United States has not been done until very recently, except to a limited extent. About the year 1828, Mr. Joseph Dixon commenced the manufacture of black lead pots for the use of brass founders ; up to that time these articles had been imported principally from Holland. Mr. Dixon's perseverance in the manufacture of these pots has been attended with entire success. The pots of his manufacture will do from six to seven times the work of those imported, and are afforded at less than one half the price, so that now the importation has nearly ceased. About five years since Mr. Dixon commenced experiments in using his black lead crucibles for converting iron into steel. Complete success has attended these experiments. The crucibles contain about forty pounds of iron each, and they will stand six heats ; each heat occupies one and a half hours. The metal is put into the crucibles and melted with anthracite coal. From the crucibles it is run into ingots from 3 to 6 inches square, and from 18 inches to two feet long, and then drawn down by hammers worked by machinery to the re- quired sizes. The manufactory is located at Jersey City, and under its present arrangements produces one ton of cast steel per day. By an improvement in the process, Mr. Dixon has been enabled to con- vert the pig metal directly into steel, avoiding the intermediate pro- cesses of puddling and drawing into bars ; by which twenty-five per cent of the metal is saved, and the cost of conversion materally di- minished. We understand the works have been enlarged, and will soon be in operation for the production of three tons per day. The Adirondac iron has thus far been exclusively used for this purpose. Specimens of this steel were exhibited at our Twenty-second An- nual Fair, and also specimens of cutlery made from it. It was pro> nounced by intelligent practical workmen who had used it, equal in all respects to the best imported cast steel. It finds a ready market at the highest price paid for English cast steel. No. 199.J 165 The proprietors of this work are Messrs. Archibald Mclntyre, of Albany ; 1). S. Gregory, of Jersey City ; Archibald Robertson, of Philadelphia ; and the heirs of D. Henderson, whose names we record with pleasure, conceiving them to be eminently entitled to honor for prosecuting this enterprise to a successful result. Thus, under the patronage of the gentlemen above named, and the perseverance of enlightened skill, we have the assurance of being able to supply our own demands for one of the most important arti- cles known in the arts, and the prospect that at no distant day we may supply a large portion of the demand abroad. We conceive the manufacture of this article to be placed beyond the influence of tariffs, or that vascillating legislation which has been so ruinous to almost every mechanical or manufacturing enterprise in our country. GUTTA PERCHA. A very large display of articles made of this material, was ex- hibited at our late Fair, from the American Gutta Percha Company, under the direction of Mr. S. T. Armstrong. When we consider that it is only about eight years since the properties of this singular sub- stance began to be investigated, it is truly surprising to witness the great variety of extremely useful purposes to which it has already been applied ; some of which are of great value. Caoutchouc, or India Rubber, as it is familiarly called, has been known for centuries ; nevertheless, it is within thirty years that this gum has been applied, in any considerable extent, to purposes of utility, and even now, it is very doubtful whether all the uses to which it is applied will be very durable ; although immense skill, labor and capital have been em- ployed upon it. There is certainly reasonable ground for a belief that, should a moiety of the skill which has been directed to India Rubber, be applied to Gutta Percha, the latter will attain a perma- nent standing for purposes of great utility. The tree which produces the gum in question, gi'ows in great luxu- riance and abundance on the islands of Singapore. Borneo, and along 166 [Assembly the Malayan coast; and it seems to have been ascertained that a supply of the material, equal to any anticipated demand, can readily be obtained. Its properties are very remarkable; the acids, fixed oils, alcohol, frost, or water at a low temperature, do not affect it; but it dissolves readily in boiling spirits of turpentine. At an ordi^ nary temperature, it is as hard as wood. When immersed in water abpve 150° Fahrenheit, it becomes soft and plastic, and may be worked or pressed into any required form, which it retains without coptraction in cooling, and assumes its original hardness. We have stated that it has been applied to a great variety of uses, entirely too numerous for us to particularise ; we will, however, ad- Tert to some of the most prominent. Placed in any position either above or below the surface of the ground, where the temperature does not exceed 100° Fahrenheit, it appears, as far as experience has gone, to be unchangeable. It retains water without in the slightest degree impairing its purity, and consequently forms a cheap and durable pipe for conducting water for any purpose, provided the tem- perature does not rise above the point before stated. The frost, wiiich is so destructive and troublesome to conducting pipes made of the usual materials, is sustained without injury by Gutta Percha ; ex- perience having shown that it will expand without injui-y, sufficiently to accommodate the expansion of water in freezing. A series of experiments recently conducted at Birmingham water-works, to test the strength of Gutta Percha relati\e to its capability for the convey- ance of water, resulted as follows: tubes three-fourths of an inch in diameter and: one-fourth of an inch thick were attached to an iron main and subjected for two months to a pressure of 200 feet head of w:^ter without suffering any deterioration. The tubes were then con- nectejd with the hydraulic proveing pump, the regular load of which is ^P poUinds in the square inch, at which the tubes were unaffectt'd. In the practice of surgery, it is found to answer many very valua- ble purposes, particularly in the management of fractures ; so much so, that it has been pronounced by gentlemen skilled in the practice, "a boon to ma.'ikind, used for that purpose only.'" No. 199.] 167 Another most important use to wbich it has been applieowcr. ' With high regard, I am, &c., yours, E. F. PECK. JkocMyrtj February 9, 1850. In corroboration of the preceding, I beg to add the following letter from Samuel A. Smith, Esq., of Smithtown, a gentleman well known on the island, and late clerk of the county of Suflblk. Mr. Smith is r.ot an o'>Yner of any of the lands referred to, nor in any way inte- rested therein : Smithtoavn, Jan. 29, 1850. To Dr. E. F. Peck : Dear Sir — Yours of the 24th inst. was duly received, and I cheer- fully comply with your request, that I should give you my opinion in relation to certain matters therein stated. I have no hesitation in stating, that it is my opinion that the atten- tion which has lately .been given to subduing and cultivating the " plains" or " barrens," so called, on Long Island, is principally owing to your influence, and that you was the first to propose, and in the face of powerful opposition, to contend that these lands were suscep- tible of successful cultivation. Your opinion with regard to the mode of clearing them, were dif- ferent from those generally entertained by the inhabitants of the island. It had been thought impracticable to break up scrub Oakland with the plow, previous to being grubbed by hand, but you contend- ed that they could be cleared by the plow, without the grubbing by hand, and subsequent experience verified your theory. These lands have, within the last few years, been very much en- hanced in price, and I am of opinion that this result has been produced in a great measure by your efforts in clearing away long existing pre- judices against these lands, and by showing the people of the island, . as well practically as theoretically, that they were in error. Tliese lands have doubled, trebled, and even qundruoled in value, within the last three or four years. Very respectfully yours, SAMUEL A. SMITH. OF THE SECOND CONGRESS OF FRUIT GROWERS, CONVEKED CTJJDEa THE AUSPICES OF THB AMERICAN INSTITUTE, IN THE CITY OF NEW YOM, 1849. ' FIRST Y)kY.— Tuesday^ October 2, 1849. Morning Session. The Congress was called to order at 11 o'clock, by the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, of Massachusetts, the President, who took the chair. Messrs. S. B. Parsons, of Flushing, P. Barry, of Ro- chester, and Georqe Deacon, of Burlington, N. J., Secretaries, ap- peared in their places. The Chair called upon such of llip Vice Presidents as were pre- sent to take seats upon the platform, and then observed, that hs believed there were several Presidents and Vice Presidents of Horti- cultural Societies, in attendance, other than the Vice Presidents of this Congress. It was moved and voted tha^ they likewise be invited to assume seats upon the stand. The President then said he was happy to meet, this morning, so many delegates in attendance, with whom he had the pleasure of shaking hands last year, and he was very happy also to meet the new delegates — gentlemen who had come up from various quarters, some of them from the far West, to aid in the deliberations of the Congress, and assist, by their knowledge and experience, in the efforts to pro- mote the spread of Pomological tScience in the country. The field was a wide one, and no doubt it would be well filled. But he would not take up any more of the time of the Congress by remarks of his own, since it was already past the hour when it should have assembled, and it was important to proceed to business. The Secretaries had in their hands certificates and credentials from various parts of the country, and if there were any not yet handed in, now was the time to present them. 190 [Assf-muly Ancl accordingly, numerous certificates and lists of Jclcgates were passed over to the ofHccrs. Mr. S. Walker, of Massachusetts, moved that the President and Vice Presidents of the North American Pomological Convention, be requested to take seats and act as members of this Congress. Carried. For the purpose of facilitating business, the Chair desired gentle- men present to answer to their names as one of the Secretaries read the certificates that had been sent in, and, if they belonged to com- mittees, to slate whether theit associates, if not already in attendance, "would be present. Mr. S. B. Parsons then read the credentials in his possession, and from the responses it appeared that the subjoined States were repre-* sented by the following gentlemen, most of whom were delegates from Horticultural Societies : Maine. State Jigricultural Ccm7nittees. -r-Rcmy Little, Bangor j S. L. Goodale, Saco. Banger Horticultural Society. — Albert Koyes. Vbrmo^t. Addison County Agricultural Society. — Solomon W. Jewett, Henry C. Hunt. Bennington County Agricultural Society. — Russell Mattison, Mar- tin Slocum, German Mattison. Massachusetts. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. — Marshall P. Wilder, B. V. French, Samuel Walker, Robert Manning, C. M. Hovey. Essex Institute. — Robert Manning. Worcester Horticultural Society. — S. H. Colton, D. W. Lincoln. Jfew-Bedford Horticultural Society. — William P. Jenney. Hampden County Horticultural Society. — J. T. Ames, B. K. Bliss, Titus Ammidon, Rufus Whillicr. Berkshire County Horticultural' Society . — Asahel Foote. COKNECTICUT. JVew-Haven County Horticultural Society. — George Gabriel, A. S. Monson, M. D., John J. Walter, E. E. Clarke, James T. Gerry, S. D. Pardee, E. H. Bishop, M. D., Charles B. Lines. Hartford County Horticultural Society. — H. W. Teny. No, 199..] 191 NEw-Yor.K. JfeW'York SUie Jlgriadiural Society. — Herman Wendell, M. D., Lulher Tucker, James Wilson, William Thoiburn. American Institute — C. H. Hall, Benjamin Aycrigg, H. Mcigs,^ Lewis Morris, J. L. Phelps. Orange County Agricultural Society, — Andrew J. Downing, Charles Downing, Andrew Saul, Charles Hamilton. Buffalo Horticultural Society. — Benjamin Hodge, Lewis Eaton, Hiram Barton. Queens County Agricultural Society. — G. W. Huntsman, R. B. Parsons, S. B. Parsons. Osioego Horticultural Society. — J. W. P. Allen. Genesee Valley Horticultural Society. — P. Barry. Clintcn County Agricultural Society.— iondX\iZ.n Baltey. Greene County Agricultural Society. — T. L. Prevost. Cclumlia County Agricultural Society. — Elbridge G. Studley. Dxitchess Comity Agricultural Society. — John R. Comstock. Fishkill Landing Farmers' and Gardenen? Club. — Charles Dubois, Daniel Brinkerhoff. New-Jersey. Pomclogical Society of Jersey City and Vicinity. — John Eltring- ham, M. C. Morgan, Henry Steele, George M. Danforth. J^ew-Jersey Horticultural Society. — H. W. S. Cleveland, Ira B. Underbill, John S. Chambers. Essex County Institute. — Jabez W. Hayes, J. M. Ward, J. J. Mapes, William Patterson, William Reid, Moses B. Coe. Burlington County Agricultural Society. — Thomas Handcock, George Dugdale, George Deacon. Korth American Phalanx Association. — Charles Sears, George B. Arnold. Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. — Thomas Handcock, William D. Brinckle, M. M., Robert Buist, J. E. Mitchell, Robert Hare, M. D., Thomas P. James, Thomas Ridgeway, Gerhard Smidtz. Chester County Horticultural Society. — Paschall Morris, Thomas Harvey. 192 [Assembly District of Columbia. Washwgion Hcrlicultural Society. — ^Josliua Fierce Georgia. Fruit Growers of Jlthens.--W iWldim N. White. Ohio, Cleveland Horticultural Society. — A. Mcintosh, William Case, L. Henderson, J. F. Jenkins, F. R. Elliott. Toledo Horticultural Society.— F. J. Scott, William Scott Illinois and Wisconsin. Fruit Growers of Illinois and Wisconsin. — John A. Kennicott, M. D. Iowa. Southern Iowa Horticultural Society. — Greenleaf C. Neally. It being known that there were several gentlemen in the hall, not reguk-^rly appointed delegates from any society, who took great in- terest in Pomology, and whose counsel and assistance would be valua- ble to the Congress, it was unanimously voted, on fnotion of Mr. • Walker of Massachusetts, that all such persons be invited to take seats with the members. The following named gentlemen accepted the invitation, and parti* cipated in the proceedings of the Congress : A. A. Edgarton, Danvers, Mass. F. Trowbridge, New Haven, Conn. L. T. Noble, New-York city, N. Y. D. F. Manicc, Remsted, " J. B. Mantell, New-York Island, " G. P. Disosway, Staten Island, " Edward Smith, Ontario county, " Edward Stevens. Jersey Cily, N. Jersey. John O. Hughes, Trenton, " David Miller, Jr., Carlisle, Penn. John M. Summary, " Delegates, 96; others, 11. Total, 107. No. 1£9.] 193 A largo number of others were present who dul not hand in their names. The Congress being now ready to proceed, it was voted to appoint a commiUec of three, to receive the lists and mcke a registry of the different collections of fruits presented for consideration. The Ciiaifw appointed Messrs Saul of New-York, Colton, of Massachusetts; and Rf.id, of New-Jersey. The Chair stated that a number of communications had been re- ceived, bringing to the notice of the Congress the important subject of the state of the cultivation of several fruits in certain and different localities. He suggested that all these be referred to the chairman of the General Fruit Committee, to be considered and reported upon if necessary, with any suggestions on the subject which might seem desirable. This course was adopted, ancKthe communications referred accordingly. The President next called upon the chairman of the General Committee for a report. In answer to this call, Mr. A. J. Downing, of New- York, chair- man of the committee, offered the subjoined remarks : Mr. President, — I have had placed in my hands a scries of reso- lutions passed at the late meeting of the North American Pomological Convention at Syracuse. They were, I believe, passed unanimously by that body ; and, as they have reference to the action of this meet- ing, I will beg your indulgence for asking attention to them. It affords me one of the most striking proofs of general interest ia the public mind, on any topic of importance, when the same movcr- ment takes place in different parts of the comitry at the same time, without any concerted action, and simply from a conviction wliich has arisen, that such a step is demanded by the public good. Such a conviction, sir, gave rise to the formation of two Pomolog- ical Conventions in tlie year 1848 ; one held at Buffalo, and the other in this city. The bare fact that two spontaneous movements were made to form national associations of this kind, proves, I repeat,^- that the time had come when cultivators in the country at large fe.it tlie necessity of some National Association, which should be abia to do, for the whole Union, what the Horticultural societies have doncj and arc doing for various states. But, sir, tills spontaneous movement towards a good and laudable [Assembly, No. 199.] 13 194 [ASSKMDLY object, while it shows the public zeal in that object, is not, of itself, always sufficient to attain it. It is also necessary tliat there should be concert of action anil tmity of purpose^ to bring about any entirely satisfactory results, in a body Avhich seeks to perform any useful acts for the country at large. Had the members of these two conven- tions, brought together by two separate calls (issued at about the sanae time,) all met in one body, there can be no doubt, from the real identity of the interests most important to all of them, that immediate and complete concert of action would have been the result. It needs no demonstration to prove that the information which the public at large expects to derive from a National Convention of Fruit Grow- ers, and the importance which they will attach to the acts and deci- sions of such a body, must depend almost entirely upon its being composed of the aggregate of intelligence and practical knowledge of the whole country. In other words there must- be, there can be, but 07ie National Convention, in order to obtain the confidence and to influence the opinion of the country generally, I confess, sir, entertaining these views, that I am not a little grati- fied to fmd that the North American Convention, at its late session at Syracuse, has entertained the same opinion ; and has accordingly ap- pointed a committee of five gentlemen, most of whom are here pre- sent to confer with this Congress on the union or consolidation of the two bodies. I am confident that I speak the sentiments of every member of this Congress, when I say that, from the first, no other spirit has actuated it, or any member of it, but a hearty desire to do all, and everything, with a viev/ to the establishment of a truly JVc- fional Association^ based on no narrow or sectional feeling, but on the broadest spirit of nationality. Whatever fruits may be cherished and recommended for culture by a Convention of Fruit Growers, it is plain to me, sir, that \h& first fruit on the rejected list should be the "apple of discord." (Ap- plause.) I therefore, confident of the unanimous concurrence of this body, move that a committee of five be appointed to meet the com- mittee sent here by the North American Pomological Convention, to confer upon some plan of consolidating the two bodies, and to report to this Convention during its present session. This motion was put and unanimously adopted. Dr. Herman Wendell, of New-York, then remarked, that as No. 199.] 195 chftirraan of the committee of the North American Pomological Con- vention which had been recently in session at Syracuse, he had great pleasure in presenting the preamble and resolution unanimously adopt- ed by that body. But before reading them he would beg leave simply *to observe that the feelings of kindness suggested by Mr. Downing, in his remarks, as existing towards that Convention, by this Congress, were fully reciprocated on the part of the members of that assemblage. Dr. W. then read the preamble and resolution, which are as follows : * " Whereas the National Pomological Convention held at Buffalo, in September of 1848, under the auspices of the New- York State Agricultural Society, composed of delegates from fifteen States and the two Canadas, was the first general Convention of such character ever convened in the United States : and whereas that Convention unanimously resolved, that hereafter an annual Convention of like character should be held, under the title of the North American Po- mological Convention ; that the first meeting with that title should be held in the autumn of '49, at the place where the great Fair of the New- York State Agricultural Society was to be held, and on the day succeeding the close of said Fair ; therefore we consider this Con- vention entitled by courtesy to perpetuate itself, but being aware that a Convention of an analogous character was held in the city of New- York in the autumn of '4S, and that said Convention organized itself into a permanent association, under the title of the American Con- gress of Fruit Growers, which is to assemble in said city of New- York on the lOlh day of October next, and believing that the ad- vancement of Pom.ological Science, as well as the inclination and interests of Pomologists throughout this continent, will be best pro- moted, by a merging of the two apparent conflicting associations into one general organization for future operations : Therefore, be it " Resolved by this Convention^ That a committee of five be desig- nated by its President, whose duty it shall be to attend the coming session of the American Congress of Fruit Grower.*;, and confer with the said Congress, or a committee whom they may select, in relation to the meeting of the two associations, and as far as this Convention is interested, the settling of questions of priority of organization, places of next meeting, and title of Association, shall be left to the committees whom the two organizations may appoint, and that we 19G [Assembly will exert ourselves to induce a general attendance of those inlcrcst- ed, wherever the joint co:nmiUee de'erminc the next Convention shall be held, but we cannot omit giving it as our opinion, that the cause of Pomological Science will be most promoted, and the feel- ings of the great mass of Poraologists best satisfieil, if the next meet- ing should beheld in Cincinnati, or some other western city." Dr. Wendell then announced to the President, that Dr. Kenni- coTTj F. R. Elliott, Charles Downing, James J. Mapes, Benja- min Hodge, and himself, the committee of the North American Po- mological Convention, to confer with this Congress, or a committee of it, in relation to the matters referred to, in the preamble and resolution which he had just read, were present, and waited the fur- ther action of this Congress. The ChAir then appointed as the committee under Mr. Downing's motion, Messrs. A. J. Downing, of New- York ; Walker, of Massa- chusetts; Brinckle, of Pennsylvania ; Monson, of Connecticut ; and McIntosh, of Ohio. Dr. Wendell suggested that as the committee of the North American Convention consisted of six, it would be proper to have the same number from this Congress, and he moved that the President be added. Carried unanimously. Mr. A. J. Downing remarked, that several reports had been placed in his hands, of which it was impossible yet to give a digest ; but there was one subject of considerable importance, which had been presented to the last Convention, on which he had something to offer for consideration. He meant the subject of rejected fruits. The committee on the part of Massachusetts, had submitted to the gene- ral committee a list of such pears as in their opinion might be placed upon the rejected list. This list he should be happy to present to the Congress, name by name. If we could, at this session, succeed in rejecting a nuniber of worthless fruits, which were continued in the catalogue only from courtesy, it would be a great step gained. On motion, it was voted that the fruits on the list be taken up, and Considered separately. Mr. Downing said the first on the list were four varieties of pears, the Alexandria of Rusbia^ the Admiral, the Aston Town, and the Am- brosia. It was prosposed that the Congress should reject them all. The Chair observed that they had been proved in the vicijiity of No. 199.] 197 Boston, by the President of the Massachusetts Horticultural i?ocicty, a-nil others, and pronounced far inferior to a vast number of other va- rieties. If no other objection was made, they would be considered as rejected. Mr, FiiENCH^ of Massachusetts, was not prepared to proceed in this way. The four pears now named, might be worthless enough, and he was willing they should be superseded ; but he feared the course proposed to be taken, might lead to evil results in the end. It ap- peared to him, that it would be enough for this Congress to rule fruits in ; for its members to decide among themselves, what they really approved, and leave to the wise in the community, to say whether they would cultivate other varieties or not. He made these remarks because it might happen that a pear, a third-rate one, perhaps, as the Buffiim, would be erased from the list to be cultivated ; and that such subsequent differences of opinion in regard to it might arise, as to make gentlemen sorry for what they had done. Suppose this Congress should rule a fruit out, and the next should rule it in ; what weight ceuld be attached to the decision of either 1 He knew the catalogue was much too large ; in regard to the apple, for instance, instead of the present cumbersome list, one of about thirty good va- rieties, was as much as any person ought to expect or desire ; but there might be a difference of opinion, even in that. He wished the Congress not to decide upon excluding any fruits, but to rule in, and recommend a few of the best, and leave the public to gather from- them as they chose. Mr. Walker, of Massachusetts, observed that the list was made out under the directions of the last convention. There did appear to be a large majority of the members last year, that not only wished, but demanded a list of rejected fruits. He thought, then, that we were not ready for it, but the meeting did request the several State committees to report to the general committee, a list of worthless fruits, in their respective States. The Massachusetts committee had only obeyed these instructions of the convention ; and in so doing, they had .followed the example of the London Horticultural Society, ■which, as every gentleman knew, placed a cipher against the names of worthless fruits in the catalogue. These four pears were among them, and there were about 160 pears rejected, in all, by that Society, if he rightly remembered. It was undeniable, that there were large 19S [Assembly numbers of \vorlhlcss pears and apples, which ought to be ruled out of good compr.ny. Mr. HovEY, of Massachusetts, said he was not present when the vote referred to was taken, last year,, and did not now know whether he should have opposed it or not. But he agreed with Mr. French, that we ought to act very cautiously indeed, and he should prefer that the Congress restrict itself to recommending such fruits as were really worthy of it, and leaving the public to take its own course. Mr. Walker had said that the London Society had rejected many pears. He was aware of it, and that the Ambrosia was one of them. Yet the Ambrosia wns by many considered first-rale. lie should not deny that there were many in the catalogue utlevly worthless for cultiva- tion ; neither could it be denied Ihut in the country there was a vast number of seedling pears coming up every yns, and not the true variety. Though in favor of reducing the list, he hoped we should- not go too fast, nor reject any except those we knew to be worthless. Mr. Hayes, of New-Jersey, said that although the convention last year did pass the vote spoken of by Mr. Wai.keu, yet it appeared to many members that it would be much better to select, and make out a list of best fruits in the first place. Massachusetts had sent in this list as being vporthless with her ; but in other parts of the country many of these same fruits might prove of excellent quality. A dis- tance of only half a mile m location, sometimes made great differ- ence in quality. Tlie St. Michael pear, for instance, was worthless at Boston, but in western New- York it was one of the best, and it would rule in the market, even though ruled out of it by us. The Chair observed, that from an experience of fifteen years there vcould be no doubt that some \?ir\c\\c^^i:i comparison witJi,GtherfruitSy No. 199.] 199 were worthless all over the United Stales ; nnil he believed the com- mittee only intended, in their report, that such had better be extermi- nated. Still he wished to proceed very carefully, and if any gentle- man objected to the rejection of any fruit, he would let it stand. As to these four pears, there were over a hundred others infinitely supe- rior to them, and if they could be put out of sight it would be the better for us. Mr. Hancock, of New-Jersey remarked that the Astm Tow>n always cracked badly with him. He had never been able to raise a good crop. Mr. HovEY moved that all the fruits recommended to be placed upon the rejected list should so be done without debate, unless objec- tions were made. Mr. Hayes hoped that the committee would give some reasons for the rejection of the fruits. Mr. Downing replied, that if we should calculate ninety per cent of the millions of fruit trees in this country, to be really not valuable for general cultivation, and if we could supply their places witk others unquestionably good, certainly that would be a very desirable result. He was very far from supposing (hat the present list could be adopted exactly as it stood, but if a congress like thisj composed of gentlemen from all parts of the country, from Bangor to Illinois a^d Iowa, could agree upon any thirty varieties, for example, which it was not worth while to cuUivate, in that ease a great step would as- suredly hare been tc^oiCw. Mr. French said that he likewise was absent last year when the vote spoken of was taken, but he must still continue to think it bet- ter to agree only on a list of such fruits as were worthy of cultivation. He acknowledg-ed these four pears under consideration to be good for nothing, but coming down to the Buffum pear, (which, perhaps, he had marked a step too high before, and which might not be regarded as more than fourth-rate,) that was a hardy tree and good bearer. True, there were fifty other varieties whose fruit was far better, but it did appear to him better for the congress to confine itself to a re- commendation of what its members thought best, thaA to undertake to prescribe any variety. Mr. Walker rejoined, that the committee had no wish whatever to strike off a single pear, if it were not desired by the congress. Mem- bers, and the people generally, wanted to know what varieties were 200 [Assembly in fiict worthies?, on the wholo, so ns to avoiil purchasing lliem. Every gentleman coulil judge for himself what suitcil him, but it was desirable that all shouul be cnableil to profit by the experience of each other. Such was the iilca cntcrtalnetl by the Massachusetts por- tion of the committee, anil on that principle its report hail been raaile. As to its reliability, he thought that a uniform experience of ten, fif- teen, or twenty years, was pretty good authority. If the Congress should agree to strike ofl* one in every ten proposed in the report, he should be as satisfied as though it were adopted entire, for he sliould consider that a large gain had been attained. But if gentlemen were still determined to go through an experiment individually with all varieties of fruits, whether proposed to be rejected or not, why then^ Ml the collective experience here would simply go for nothing. Every body could try and judge for himself on each fruit presented ; but it was to afford each one the benefit of the collecllvc experience of the whole mass, that this assemblage of Fruit Growers l.ad come into ex- istence. Mr. Walker said he differed from his friend, (Mr. FnEKai)^ as to the Buffura pear, and placed it side by side with the St. MlKhael. Mr. Hayes wished to give all parts of the Union the advantage of proving arid profiting by the decisions of the Congress. If a list of -best fruits were established and published, they would have that .benefit. J^et an approved list be first given out, and then as we went on, w€ might come down to poorer and poorer, till we satisfactorily arrived at tuch as were not worthy of any attention at all. Mr. Barby^ of New-York, said that In regard to this llstj many gen- tlemen jnight' hear the names of varieties of which they knew abso- lutely nolhin^, and as to which, of course, they could not judge from experience. He knew nothing of these four pears, but was willing to reject them alf on the testimony of those who did. Now, this was a list from Massachui?etts j these fruits were worthless there, and if they should be cast out of cultivation in that State, in consequence cf the adop- tion of the list, some o::e good purpose at least would be effected. Mr. IlA^ccck thought that Mr. French misapprehended the slate of the question. He did not, himself, consider this as a list of^frults rejected by this Cangress, but only a list of those rejected so far as cultivation In Mnssnchusetts was concerned. It was prepared for that State, and would, he supposed, be followed up by similar reports from (Other States in different parts of the land. He conceived this to be Ko. J99.] 201 Jie on!y feasible wny of getting at the desired result, anil if it \Yerc Oi he imagined, then (liis was only n rejected list for Massachusctls, pjid not a general list of rejected pears sent forth under the authority of the Congress. Mr. S, 15. Parsons rather regretted to obsers'e an indisposition to establish a list of rejected fruits. The Convention of last year, and the present Congress, had assembled for the purpose of collecting, and afterwards publicly diffusing all the knowledge concerning the culture of fruits, the varieties to be preferred, and those to be avoided, which it was possible to obtain. This body was engaged in laying down a pomological chart, on which it was certainly very desirable, not only to trace a channel for full, good, and safe navigationjljut also to point out distinctly, all the shoals and quicksands, and not oblige mariners to discover them by running upon them. He therefore hoped that the list would be considered and adooted, so far as might be deemed expedient for general information. Dr. Kennicott, of Illinois, hoped that a rejected list would be de- cided upon J as otherwise fruit growers v;ould never get a settled and approved list. A beginning ought to be made, and if we could begin at both ends, recommending some varieties and rejecting others alto- gether, so much the better. Mr. Underbill, of New-Jersey, said we had so great a variety of country and climate, that it seemed as if rejected fruits should be considered as rejected only for particular localities and conditions. It \vas impossible to make a list of rejected varieties that should be applicable, in all respects, to the whole country, but each portion must judge for itself. Mr. Hancock moved that the list offered be considered and entered on the records, as from the Massachusetts committee, and applicable only to Massachusetts. The Congress must come to that in the end, for every State locality, if the present course was to be pursued ; for it was impossible to frame a list of fruits that ought to be rejected throughout the whole country, from Maine and Massachusett^.in the north, to North Carolina and Georgia in the south, and Illinois and Wisconsin in the west. For himself, in regard io the Ambrosia pear, he had fruited that variety, and found it good for two years, and the same had been the case in his neighborhood. Mr. Downing said that if the basis spoken off by the last gentle- 202 [Assembly man were to be adopted , it would be just as impossible to agree upon a list to be recommended as upon one to be rejected. No one variety could be proposed as being universally or equally good in all sections of the country ; but there were some few plain, obvious principles,* which would hold in the decision as to each fruit as it came up. If, for instance, the Ambrosia pear should be pronounced good in any considerable region, then it ought not to be rejected. No variety should be placed on the list of rejected fruits, whilst there was any hope that it might prove to be good. Mr. iluvEY agreed wilh the last speaker, and it was because he did so that he had moved that any fruit on the rejected list, to the prohibi- tion of which any gentleman might except, be retained. Yet, if we could only agree on abandoning ten worthless varieties, some advantage woulil be gained, and the beginning of a useful result would be reached. Mr. Noble, of New- York, inquired whether the report under con- sideration was a report from the fruit committee of this Congress or nof? Mr. Walker, in reply, stated that the list of pears proposed to be rejected was iu.u\c out by the sub-committee on the part of Massa- chusetts, and reported by them to the general committee, which body now laid it before the Congress as its own report. Massachusetts had nothing more to do with it. Mr- Downing informed the Congress that the statement of Mr. WalkeFw was entirely correct, and that, moreover, before submitting the list under consideration, the general committee had stricken off several varieties that the Massachusetts sub-committee proposed to reject. Dr. MoNSON, of Connecticut, wished to know if these gentlemen who advocated a rejection, on the one side, and those who disapproved of it, on the other, had a general practical experience of the success or failure of the fruits under consideration ? or were they like the phy- sician who — finding that an English patient, who ate of Westphalia ham while under treatment for a fever, recovered from the disease, thereupon prescribed the same article to a Scotchman suffering from the same malady, who, nevertheless, died — entered it upon his books that Westphalia ham would cure an Englishman, but kill a Scotchman? Of course, there would be differences in the result of cultivating the same fiuit in different sections of the country, different climates, and No. 199.] 203 different isoils.; but if it should be found that any one variety was bad at Boston, and also at Syracuse, he would have nothing to do with it. The question being on Mr. Hancdck's motion, that the proposed list be considered as only applicable lo rejected varieties, for Massa- chusetts, Mr. Walker objected to that motion, as out of order. The report was not a report from the Massachusetts Horticultural Sociefy, nor from the Massachusetts portion of the general fruit committee of this Con- gress. It was the report of the whole of that committee, under the or- ders of the convention of last year. And some gentlemen had been entirely mistaken in the grounds which they assumed in opposition to its adoption. It did not propose to exclude from general cultivation all such fruits as were found not to ans^rver in Massachusetts. The con- trary was the fact ; for while the St. Michael's pear, known to be excellent in New- York asthe Virgalicu,,and in Philadelphia as the But- ter pear, was utterly worthless in Boston, the committee had not even proposed to exclude it. But when, from our own experience and the testimony of others, a variety was good for nothing at Boston, equally bad here, worse perhaps in Philadelphia, and totally unworthy of cul- tivation at Cincinnati, then, on this united testimony of its worthless- ness everywhere, the committee had decided to recommend its rejection. Mr. Hancock expressed himself satisfied. He had got the explana- tion that he desired, and was perfectly willing to withdraw his motion. The quesilon then recuired on Mr. Hovey's motion, which was adopted, with an amendment providing that the names of the object- ors to the rejection of any particular variety of fruit, should be entered on the records. So it was decided that the fruits contained on the rejected Hst, should be taken up senaiim : those varieties to which no objection was made, should be rejected without debate ; those to whose rejection any gentleman did object, should be stricken from the list. The names of objectors to be recorded in each instance. The matter thus being settled, Mr. Downing again commenced the reading of the list of rejected fruits. [The rejected fruits on which no discussion took place, will be found in the fruit list towards the end of this report. The debates that occurred on fruits proposed for rejection, but retained, ami on others proposed for general cultivation, will be found in the following pageSj in the order tf their occurrence.] 204 [AssEMBL-y PFJins •vviiiai IT WAS proposkd to nrjECT. Jlmlrcsia. — Objcctcil to by Mr. Elliott, of Cleveland, Ohio, and retained. Jlmand^ Dcuhle. — Objected to by Mr. Manice, of Long Island, N. Y. Beurr&,d'Elbec. — Objected to by Mr. Hovey, of Boston, Mas Boucquia. — Objected to by Mr. IIovey, of Boston, Mass. Bcrgamctte Parthmay. — Objected to by Mr. Maktell of New- York Island. Cmnlcrland. — Objected to by Mr. Manice, of Long Island. He considered it a good baking pear. Colmar a'Ete. — Objected to by Mr. Hovey, of Mass., and Mr. Mantell, of New-York. Infant Prodige. — Objected to by Mr. S. B. Parsons, of Flushing, I^ew-York. Fcndante (PEte. — Objected to by Mr. Gabriel, of New-Haven, Conn. With him it was a superior pear on quince stock. Gilogil. — Objected to by Mr. Reid, of Elizabethtown, N. J. "With him it was a good pear on quince. Also, by Mr. Maktell, of N. Y. It vras good with him on quince. Zoc/g-e.— Objected to by Dr. Brinckl^, of Philadelphia, Penn.; and Mr. Hancocic, of Burlington, N. J. Vallee Franche. — Objected to by Mr. Hovey, of Boston, Mass. Windsor. — Objected to by Mr. McIntosh, of Cleveland, Ohio ; Mr. Reid, of Elizabethtown, N. J. ] Mr. Hovey, of Boston, Mass. ; and Mr. Saul, of Newburgh, N. Y. Rousselct de Stuttgardt. — Objected to by Mr. Barry, of Rochester, N. Y. Belle de Bruxelles. — Objected to by Mr. Barry, of Rochester, with him it v.'as a fine, beautiful fruit. Also by Mr. Hovey, of Bos- ton, who h.ad found it a very handcome and showy pear, and had often been offered a York shilling apiece for the fruit by visitors, who saw it growing on the tree at his establishment. Judging it by strictly Pomological rules, he thought it about a third rate fruit. Mr. Walxer, of Boston, said the fruit was handsome, indeed, but utterly worthless. It was, perhap?, the most deceptive variety in the whole catalogue. He apprehended his friend Hovey did not sell it No. 199.] 205 because It unsall slicw nnd nothing else. lie, too, Iiail had frequent jippliealions to sell it, bub had always advised people to taste the fruit before purchasing, and had generally found that the fust taste Avas quite sufficient. Mr. Downing then said that the remainder of the list, so far as it was ready, which it was proposed to reject, consisted of Apples. [As with the Pears, tlie Apples which were rejected nem. con. will be found in the list of rejected fruits.] The only other varieties were the following ; APPLES WHICH IT WAS PROPOSED TO REJECT. Blade Apple. — Objected to by Mr. Hayes, of New-Jersey. Winter Pearmam. — Objected to by Mr. Hancock, of Burlington, N. J., and Mr. Hovey, of Boston. Mr. French, of Braintrce, Mass., said it was a very excellent apple, but he thought it hardly worth cultivation, since it was so shy a bearer This completed the list of fruits proposed for rejection, so far as the committee was prepared at present to offer it. The Chair communicated a letter from the Pennsylvania Horti- cultural Society, inviting the Congress to hold its next session at Philadelphia, and offering to provide a hall and all requisite accom- modations. On motion of Dr. Wendell, it was referred to the com- mittee appointed under Mr. Dou'ning's motion. On motion, it was voted that the officers of the American Institute be invited to take seats as members of this body. On m.olion of Mr. Walker, the Congress then adjourned, till half past 3 o'clock. Afternoon Session. The Congress came to order at 4 o'clock the President in the chair. Mr. (President) Wilder, in behalf of the associated committees of the North American Pomological Convention, and of the present Congress, submitted the annexed report. The committee appointed for the purpose of conferring with the committee sent to this Congress by the North American Pomological Convention, on the propriety and practicability of uniting or consoli- dating the two associations, respectfully report : That, finding the joint committee were fully convinced of the ad- 20G . [Assembly vantngc in all respects to the country at large, and to the cause of Poinologyj of having but one National Convention of this kinil. which should, as far as possible, embody all Ihc talent and experience of the land — a conviction which this Congress has always firmly held — they had great pleasure and unanimity in immediately .adopting the following resolutions : 1. Resolved^ That the two Conventions, hitlerto known as the North American Pomological Convention, and the American Congress of Fruit Growers, be hereby consolidated. 2. Resolved J That the consolidated association shall hereafter be known as the " AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL CONGRESS." 3. Resolved, That the rtext session of the Pomological Congress '.shall be held at Cincinnati, in the autumn of 1S50, and that the time thereof be fixed by the President of this Congi-ess, in conjunction with the President of the Ohio State Eoard of Agriculture ; and that notice of such meeting be given to all Agricultural, Horticultural, and Pomological Societies throughout the country. 4. Resolved, That the meetings of this Congress, after the next session, shall take place biennially, and that the meeting for 1S52 shall be held at Philadelphia. All of which is respectfully submitted. MARSHALL P. WILDER, Chairman. The question being on the acceptance of this report and the adop- tion of the resolutions, Mr. Hancx)ck moved to strike from the fourth resolve the clause providing that the session for 1852 shall be held at Philadelphia. Mr. Walker was opposed to this motion. This Congress was honored with the presence of Dr. Brinckle, of Philadelphia, who had been placed upon and had acted with the committee ; and after full discussion, it had been agreed, on the Vhole, that the course resolved upon was the best that could be adopted. It would be too tedious to give a full explanation of the reasons which had governed the committee, but he hoped and trusted that the harmony of its ciecision would not be disturbed in the Congress. If there was any one place above others at which he wished to meet his pomological friends and associates, it was Philadelphia. He wanted again to tread the beautiful hall in that city, and witness another splendid dis- No. 199.] 207 phy of fruits and flowers ^vilhin its wall?. lie wanted again to mingle in the cro\Yds{hat thronged its precirJcls, and whatever squeeze gentlemen might be subjected to, he hoped they would not squeeze out of these resolutions the provision for assembling at Philadelphia in 1852. Mr. HovEY remarked, that he had no objection to the resolution in itself, but he feared it might tend to create some sectional bias or prejudice. He wished to know if the present officers and members of the Congress would hold over until the time in question. The Chair replied that they would not. New members must be chosen for the next Congress and new officers, after it had assembled. Mr. HovEY said he had so supposed ^ and since there might be an entirely new set of delegates at Cincinnati,^ in courtesy to them, at least, it would be well to leave the choice of a place for the succeed- inff session in their hands. Mr. Hancock declared that if he had any personal choice in the m?.4ter, it was in favor of Philadelphia, but it was the precedent of fixing a place so long beforehand that he feared. He was well aware tha't none but the kindest feelings actuated the committee, but all precedents, which some times caused so much trouble, grew up in the same way ; and if this Congress could fix the place of meeting two years in advance, it might do so for ten or twenty years ahead ; and though, individually, he should be glad to have the session of 1852 held in Philadelphia, his favoritism would not suffer him to go beyond the expression of that individual feeling. The question was then put upon the motion to strike out, and it was rejected. The report was then accepted, and the resolutions adopted as they came from the committee. Mr. Gabriel, of New-Haven, said he wished to retract the objec- tion he made in the forenoon to the rejection of the Fondante d' Eie pear. He had in his mind at the time tlie Doyenne (T Eie. Accord- ingly the Fondante cP EiS was again placed in the list of rejected pears. The General Fruit Committee was then called upon to proceed in ils report. Mr. Downing begged leave to continue, by submitting for the ap- proval of the Congress, a list of fruits which the committee regarded as worthy of general culti\'ation. With regard to Pears the Conven- 203 [Assembly lion of last year had rccommcmlcd a consulcrablc number of varieties, and it was now proposed to add a few others. And first, the Rosiiezer Pear. — The President remarked that in the vicinity of Boston, this pear ranked almost as high as the Scckel. Dr. Wendell stated that it bore the same character at Albany. He had fruited it, and found it one of the very best of pears. Mr. Walker thought that the Rosllczer was imported by the Pre- sident some ten years ago, for the late Mr. Manning, of Salem, Mass. If he recollected aright, that gentleman was looking, at the time, fox second-rate European pears — having found that many varieties which were classed as first-rate abroad did not meet the expectations of fruit growers here, whilst others which were there placed only in the secondary class — ^^in our climate, under our warm skies and beneath our bright suns — deservedly ranked among the first. The Rostiezer was one of these. And from the first time he (Mr. W.) had tasted it until the last, he had had but one impression in regard to it — that (he pear was among the very first-rate, comparing favorably with.lhe Seckel, as one of the sweetest and best pears. He knew that was saying a great deal, but he thought the future would bear out the assertion. The Rosiiezer Pear was, without further remark, unanimously adopted, as being worthy of general cultivation. Andrews Pear. — Col. Hodge, of Buffalo, N, Y., had uniformly found this a first-rate pear. Mr. White, of Athens, Georgia, had fruited it, and always found it fine. Mr. CoLTON, of Worcester, Mass., said it was not always fine at W^orcesler, being apt to crack and be knurly. Mr. HovEY had never known it to crack, but it was knurly some times. He had always found it one of the best of pears — the very best American variety we had. It was a very full bearer, so much so, indeed, that it was difficult to get the wood to grow to vigorous strength. He knew one tree that had been grafted for sixty years, and had always borne abundantly for forty. It was one of the best of pears. Mr. S. B. Parsons, of Long Island, said it was a good bearer, but the fruit decayed at the core. Mr. Elliott, of Cleveland, Ohio, found the same fault with it. No. 199.] 209 Dr. McNSOJS', of Ncw-Havcn, Conn., had fruUcil it two years, and fountl it !i gooil bearer. He never knew it to decay at the core. The President said that according to his experience it never cracked. Mr. Colton's case he thought must be a singular one. Mr. Barry, of llochester, N. Y., was of opinion that the cracking might be owing to a rot at the core. It had been found to be insipid and poor from that cause. Mr. Hayes, of New-JerscV) considered the Andrews a very fine pear, and did not think it cracked more than any other variety. Mr. Manning, of Salem, Mass., had grown it for ten years at least, and was very sure he never saw it cracked or blighted, while on the other hand it was a good fiuit and a great bearer. Mr. French said that Mr. Manning's soil was about as poor as any fruit growers', and this pear flourished excellently with him, as gentlemen had just heard. In his (Mr. F.'s) opinion, it was a fruit that no pomologist should suffer himself to be without. The Andrews Pear was then adopted. Fulion Pear.— Mr. Barry consiilcred this one of the best of pears, about equal to the White or Grey DoyennS. He could recommend it with all his heart. Mr. HovEY likewise thought it one of the best. It had the excel- lent properly of ripening gradually. His attention was called to it about nine years ago, by the late Mr. Manning, who also regarded it as a very fine pear. It sold well in the market. Mr. Little, of Bangor, Me., said it had another good quality— that of being extremely hardy. This might be supposed, since it originated and flourished well in Maine. Col. Hodge, of Buffalo, said with him it was one of the best pears. The Fulton Pear was adopted. [At this stage, Hon. M. P. Wilder, the President, was constrained to leave by other public duties, and placed Samuel Walker, Esq.} in the chair, who presided during the remaining sessions.] Fondante d' Automne Pear. — Dr. Brinckle, of Philadelphia, said that this was one of the very best in quality. Mr. White, of Athens, said it held the same character in Georgia. Mr. Hovey did not doubt it. But it might be well to add that the name Fondante d' Autcmne was a synonym, and that the variety was introduced and first cultivated as the Belle Lucrative. It was so [Assembly, No. 199.] 14 £10 [ASSEMCLY first described, also, in Loudon's Magazine, and he would move to amend by subsliluting Belle Lucrative as the name of this vaiicly. Mr. Frknch saiil that lliis pear certainly lanked deservedly very high, and no one wanting lo cultivate good varieties, should be with- out it. Mr. Hovey's nnotion to amend was then carried, and the variety was adopted under the name of Belle Lucrative. Urianiste Pear. — Mr. Walker remarked that this variety was fre- quently imported as the Buerre Ficquerry, and was generally known in France by that name. It was adopted as the Urbanisle. Buffum Pear. — Col. Hodge had cultivated the BufTura for a num- ber of years, and though he was not prepared to reject it, he could not rank it higher than a second rate pear. It cracked, and the flavor was by no means superior. Mr. McIktosh, of Cleveland, had also cultivated it for several years, and must say tb.at as lo the fruit, it was hardly as good as second rate. But as a market fruity it was of the first qualify, Mr. HovEY said that this fruit was not of the first quality in respect to flavor, but the variety m^ide a beautiful appearance as an ornamental tree, and it was, besides, a prodigious bearer, the fruit hang- ing on the branches like strings of onions. And if well conditioned, the BufTum pear was as good as the Doyenne, when well ripened. If eaten at the proper time, it was far ahove a second rate fiult. Mr. BuiST, of Philadelphia, remarked that it would require all the eloquence of gentlemen, and perhaps more, to raise this variety to the rank of a first class fruit. And he considered that Avh.at was wanted of this Congress, and what the Congress itself desired, was informa- tion as to, and decision upon, fruits, and fruits alone — not in respect to their beauty as ornamental trees. Mr. S. B. Parsons agreed with the last speaker. The qualities of fruits as fruits^ it was the object of the Congress to determine, as far as possible. Mr. HANcoac ?aid that in truth the Buflum pear ranked only as fourth rate, as the gentleman from Massachusetts, (Mr. French) had this morning observed. And if that gentleman now asked this Con- gress to recommend it for general cullivalion, for one, he, (Mr. H.) could not do it. No. 199.] 211 Mr. Frenxh knew thai (he Buffuni did not rule as high as many ether varieties, hut still it w^s worth cultivating. Mr. Downing reminded gentlemen that the Convention of last year had determinded (o cast out all such classifications iisftrst rate^ second raie^ Sfc.j and to adopt the designations of" gccd^^ '■' very gccd^^ ^^besf,^^ as more definite and useful. Mr, Fren'ch said that then he should call the Buffum n gccd pear, Mr. Downing observed in continuation, that this was a list for general cultivation, not one recommended to amateurs alone. If a par- ticular fruit were only good^ even if that were uni'.ed with other desirable qualities, productiveness, hardiness, &c., he should be very willing to recommend it for general cultivation. Dr. MoNSON thought this a very desirable pear to have when others were scarce. It was a good bearer, and the tree was a beautiful one. Why not have such a variety on the list 1 Mr. HovEY said the Buffum was a very good pear, though not of the best description. But sii]ipose that a poTson coulii have but two trees ^ though there were many better varieties which he would like to cultivate, would he not, on the whole, prefer a tree from which he could obtain four or six bushels of good pears for market, to one from which he could get only one and a half or two bushels 1 And having but two trees, would he not desire that one of them, at least, should' be a large bearer 1 Of what use to a grower of fruit for the market would be a variety of greater excellence in itself, but of vastly greater inferiority in point of bearing? And even gentlemen who could afford to suit their fancy, did not want poor looking specimens in their grounds, and must therefore set some value upon the Buffum in consequence of the beauty of the tree. Mr. BuiST said that if this pear should pa?s muster as being first- rate for its bearing qualities, still he could not recommend it as such to his friends. Mr. Miller, of Carlisle, Pa., said that some thought the rating of a vaiiety depended upon the foliage, others upon the beauty of the tree, and others again upon the quality of the fruit. But surely the list was large enough to combine all these requisites. Mr. Hanccck commented upon the statement that the Buffum was a good fruit for th? market. But was he to go to the market to be imposed upon 1 If the fruit w^'^s good, he cared nothing for the shape *12 [Assembly of the tree, or \vlnt its appearance miglit be fo-; a pleasure ground ; but if he had the finest lonkiiig tree in the world, if the fruitwas good for nnlhino-, he would throw it umler his feet. lie would not be one to advocate a fruit of inferior quality, under the excuse that he had some trees to sell. lie wr.s a fruit raider, but lils fiicnds should never rise up against Lim, charging him with having imposed on their ignorance. Mr. Downing wished to correct the impression which the gentle- man appeared to entertain. If any fruit was not worthy to be borne on the list, the coramiltee had no wish to press its being put there. Mr. Barry said that there were several things which entered into the consldeiation of quality. Flavor was one, and a very important one, but there were others also. And he considered it hardly proper to insinuate any thing unworthy or knavish against gentlemen who spoke of fruits, and their qualities as " market fruits." Fruits were raised for the market especially, and they must be. And every body knew that it was not always true, that a variety which stood highest 'in point of flavor, bore the same rank on the market list. Take the Rhode Island Greening apple, for example, that fruit was not of first- rate flavor, but it was so productive, so hardy, and so sure a crop, that we could not do without it. Just so with many other fruits. Flavor was the first quality to be looked at, if gentlemen chose, but there were many others besides. Mr. Hancock did not dififer from the gentleman last up. Let each variety of fruit stand or fall on its merits. He acknowledged good bearing to be a part of the merits, but he would not make that quality a pretext for selling, to the simple, a fruit as being better than it really was. Mr. HovEY could not sit silent after hearing the remarks of the gentleman from New-Jersey, though his friend from Rochester had put the matter right before the Congress. But if all were to be ac- cused who raised fruit for sale in the market, and consulted, conse- quently, the value for market of different varieties, he knew of very few who would not come under the gentleman's lash. In general, persons who cultivated fruit trees did it for what ? Orchardists who raised fruits, did it for what ? Why, to sell in the market. Some very respectable and respected persons in the gentleman's own neigh- borhood could tell Lim that, if he were ignorant of it himself. But No. lOp.] £13 in determining the value of a fruit for this purpose, saleablcnessj as well as color, flavor, hardiness, &,c., must be estimated in the aggre- gate of its qualities; and if it proved to combine a majority of such qualities, then it rhculd be considered as worthy of culti\'ation. Mr. French said his only fear now was, that this pear would not get into the list. If he could have but one apple, it should be the Rhode Island Greening, though that variety was neither so handsome nor of so good flavor as many others. And so of the Buffum pear ; it had its superiors, but it w-as well worthy of cultivation, and it was a variety which no fruit grower should be without. Mr. Manning observed that even in regard to flavor, the Buffum pear was sometimes found to be nearly first-rate. Very much de- pended upon its ripening, as to this. But flavor was not the only thing to be considered. Productiveness was another, and not an in- ferior one in many cases. Gansel's Bergamotte was not to be pre- ferred to the Buffum if only a limited number of trees could be cul- tivated ; for in the one case you would have perhaps half a bushel of very delicious fruit from each tree, and in the other two barrels of fruit, nearly as perfect if properly ripened. He should have no hesi- tation which to choose in such a slate of things. Mr. Walker was under the impression, long ago that the Buffum could not be near so good a f;uit as he had found it to be within the last five or six years. When ripened under a temperature of 65° or 70°, constant day and night, it attained a very high degree of ex- cellence. Some of the very best judges, not knowning the perfection to which it had latterly been brought, on tasting it at Salem, declar- ed they could not tell what the pear was unless it was an excellent St. Michael. The fruit was very much improved by early picking, and ripening in the house. The Buffum pear was adopted. Vicar cf Winkfield Pear. — Mr. Potey proposed to amend by adding " or Le Cure^^ to avoid the danger to cultivators of importing under one name a variety which they already possessed under an- other. Mr. Downing said that next to settling the quality of fruits, to settle their nomenclature was of importance, and for that reason the committee had not felt obliged to report all the names by which a 214 [AsSEilBLY variety might be known. Nor did they deem such a course ex- pedient on ihis very ciccount. Mr. HovEY said, if \vc could settle the nomenclature of fruits to the general satisfaction, why well -and good. He knew that the Lon- don Horticultural Society had adopted the title of Vicar of Wink- field, and that was good authoriiy, so far as they were correct ; but there was no good reason for following them in their errors. Le Cure was the shortest name, and the fruit had been known in France by that designation for twenty- five years. Mr. S. B. Parsons thought it very questionable propriety for this Congress to adopt synonyms of fruits at the present time. The question was then taken, and the pear adopted as the Vicar of Win/cfield. Louisse Bonne de Jersey Pear. — Mr. Pardee, of New-Haven, moved to strike cut the qualification ("on quince stock") which the committee had introduced. It was as line as any other pear on its own stock. Mr. Downing said that with him it had not succeeded so well on pear as on quince. Mr. Saul, of Newburgh, N. Y., exhibited a dish of pears of this variety from Mr. Whittier, of Mass., which were grown on pear stock. They were as handsome as possible. Mr. HovKY was in favor of striking out the qualification. The pear was great on either stock, and people could please themselves. Mr. Vj-^'?^z z?.v1 'ihz f: \:it v.t.3 i:.:i*.rGi,;vuy very good on pear. , Mr. McTyrosiT had ^i'"'''"-"^''^- - -°^^ ^" quliice ai;a pcai, and had raised on the latter a fruit which he should certainly have considered first rate, had he not obtained a crop so much superior on quince. But he was willing the qualification should be stricken out. Mr. White, of Ga., said that if it was better on quince than on pear, it must be excellent indeed. The question was put, the motion to strike out carried, and then The Louise Bonne de Jersey Pear was adopted. UvedcWs St. Germain Pear. — The committee reported this variety as being excellent for baking, and it was adopted without debate. This completed the list of pears proposed by the committee for the approbation of the Congress, as being worthy of general cultivation. Mr. Downing said be had a small liit of apples, and some other No. 199.] 215 fruits also to offer. lie would continue, therefore, by naming the apples. The first was the Porter Jipfjle. — Mr. Hancock saitl the Porter apple bore with him for the first time this season, and he found the fruit very poor and dry. Mr. McIntosh said that in Ohio it was one of the best of apples. Mr. HovEY had known the Porter for twenty years, and had never found it other than very good. He had had it from dwarf trees, and found it at the first bearing as good as he ever knew it ; but as a general thing it was best not to judge of any fiuit by the first crop. The Porter was best in September. Col. Little introduced it on the Penobscot twenty-one years ago, and it was universally considered in Maine as one of the best apples grown in the state. Mr. Hancock regarded it as a second-rate grower, both in the nur- sery and on large trees. Mr. Miller, of Carlisle, had always found it very vigorous, up- right and good. He suspected that Mr. Hancock's trees must be spurious. Mr. French had fixiited it thirty-one years, and always found it excellent. The Porter Apple was adopted. Huhbardston Jfonsuch Apple. — Col. Hodge said that with liim it proved very fine, and he should rank it No. 1. Mr. French remarked that it had not proved very thrifty with him, but it was a very popular apple, and cultivators could not do without it. Mr. Hamilton, of Orange county, N. Y., said that with him it was a better grower than the Porter, and w^as a handsome, straight, thrifty tree. Mr. HovEY observed that it was quite as good and strong a grower as the Porter, and had a very handsome head. It made as much wood in three years, a's the Baldwin in two. It was first introduced into Newton, Mass., several years ago, by Capt. Hyde, who found it whilst on a visit to Hubbardston, but could not learn whence it came. He brought down the scions in potatoes, and singularly enough they flourished. From these scions, thus brought to Newton, all the trees of this variety m the eastern part of New-England came. If kept 216 [ASSEMULT too long, say till March, the fruit bcrame dry, and its good qualities were sacrificed. Eut if catcni in January, it was very good. The Hulbardsion Monsuch apple was adopted. Fameuse Jlpple. — Mr. French said that in November, when it would otherwise be difficult to find a table apple, the Fameuse was in good, eating order. The fruit was of fine flavor, though not a very great grower. Col. Hodge had fruited it for twenty years. It required high cul- ture, and when grown on rich land, was one of the very best. It some times bore too great a crop. It came from Canada. Mr. Miller had grown it on upland, and he concurred in the re- marks of Col. Hodge. Mr. McIntosh said that in Ohio, they could not get it higher up than gccd; it was not very good. Mr. Downing regarded it as one of the very finest dessert apples. The Femeuse apple was adopted. Minister Jlpple. — Mr. Buist inquire i if this was the same as that awful, distorted, blue, green thing whiil ht had seen at Providence, uniler the same name 1 Mr. Manning replied that the apple now under consideration had none of those attributes. He did not know of any that he should prefer to it except the Baldwin, and if he could have but half a dozen trees, the Minister should certainly be one of them. Mr. HovEY had no doubt that Mr. Buist saw the Minister apple at Providence, though for ^is own part, he had never seen it cither blue or green. He had, however, seen the Baldwin of very little color. The Minister was a very fine flavored apple. Mr. Hancock said it was always of an ugly shape. Mr. Barry said it was very little known in western New-York, and it was his impression that it was only within two or three years that it had been generally known any where. It was entirely new to the western States, and he thought it had not been sufficiently tested to warrant its approval by this Congress: Mr. Buist said that this year the fruits that had been received frotn the east and north, and recom.raendod as being of the first quality, had not so proved in his climate. He assured the assembly that he woulil not allow the Minister apple to be propagated in his nursery this season. Ko. 199.] 217 Mr. HovEY observed that tlic report before the Congress came from the general commiltec. as a list adapted for the whole country, and he hoped no gentleman would suppose that eastern cultivatcrs wished especially to add their own fruits to that list, if objected to by others. Mr. Hancock said that he spoke for Pennsylvania. He was on the committee for that State, and if the committee had consulted on this particular matter, he was not present. And he doubted if the Minister apple was known to any member of the committee from Pennsylvania except himself. Mr. Downing made some gercral remarks abor.t the duty of the committee m receiving recommendations of fruits from different parts of the country, and the course that had been taken in weighing them and deciding upon them. He had a paper from Pennsylvania recom- mending the Minister apple, and if he mistook not, the gentleman's own name was borne upon it. Mr. Hancock believed not. Mr. Saul moved to lay the question on the table, so far as regard- ed any endorsement of the Minister apple on the part of the Congress, and this motion prevailed. Danvers Winter Sweet Apple. — Mr. Hancock said that this was a very good fruit, one of the best Eastern apples except the Baldwin. Col. Hodge had tried it for six or eight years, and had found it very gccd. The Danvers Winter Sweet apple was adopted. On motion of Mr. Saul, the Congress then voted to adjourn until 9 o'clock the next mominc. SECOND BAY.— Wednesday^ Oct. 3, 1849. Morning Session. The Congress came to order at half-past 9 o'clock, Mr. Walkee, President pro iem.j in the chair. Mr. Downing, from the committee on the constitution and by- laws, submitted the following report : The committee appointed at the last session to prepare a suitable constitution and by-laws, beg leave to report : That after a careful consideration of the subject, it has appeared 21S [Assembly wise to tbcm uRt to encumber this body wilh a prolix constitution, but simply to cfFer a few concise by-laws, which should be sufficient for defining the general form and government of the association, without limiting its powers within any narrow or contracted bounds: leaving it for future legislation to provide for any unforeseen exigen- cies which may arise. They therefore propose, for the adoption of this body, the following By-Laws. 1. The officers of this Congress shall consist of a President, a Vice- President from every State represented, (who shall, unless otherwise directed, be the President of some HorticulturalSociety of that State,) two Secretaries, a Treasurer, and a General Fruit Committee. 2. These officers, elected at one session of the Congress, shall hold their offices until the organization of the succeeding session, when a new election shall immdeiately take place, or until new officers are elected 3. The chairman of the Standing Fruit Committee of every Hor- ticultural Society in the United States and the Canadas, shall here- after be considered as composing the General Fruit Committee. There shall be a chairman of the whole elected by this Congress, and the President of the Congress shall also be a member of this commit- tee, ex officio. 4. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all public m^c*in~'^, r.r.'J tc \.:':'!o:t2. 'he "Eur.l executive duties of the chair. 5. It shall be the duty of the Secretaries to give notice of all meet- ings, to record the proceedings, and to conduct any necessary corres- pondence, under the direction of the President. 6. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and disburse all monies collected by the Association, under the direction of the Presi- dent, and to keep and render an accurate account of the same at each meeting. 7. It shall be the duty of the General Fruit Committee, to collect information on the subject of Fruit and Fruit Culture, and to report the same at every session of this Congress. A. J. DOWNING, J. W. KNEVELS, S. B. PARSONS, CommitUt. No. 199.] 219 The question being on the acceptance of the re lort and the adop- tion of llie proposeil By-Laws, Mr. HovEY moved that they betaken up for consideration Bection by section. This motion was carried without opposition. The question being on adopting the first section — Mr. Hancock moved to strick out the provision that the Vice-President from each State shall be President of some Horticultural Society therein, and the motion was seconded by Dr. Wendell. Dr. Brinckle moved to refer the whole subject back to the com- mittee, with instructions to report at the next session. Mr. Downing said that one very important feature of the by-lawa was that contemplating the appointment of a General Fruit Commit- tee, to collect information on the subject of Pomology, and report at each session. Should the present motion prevail, there could be no such report next year. The committee was not strenuous about any particular by-law or phraseology, but he did think it exceedingly important that a Fruit Committee should be appointed by the present Congress, and provision made for regular organization. Mr. Hancock and Dr. Wendell both hoped that the report would not be re-committed, and Dr. Brinckle thereupon withdrew Uis motion. The question was then put on Mr. Hancock's motion, whioh pre- vailed, and, as thus amended, the first section was adopted. The second section was adopted as it stood in the report. The third section coming up — Mr. Hancock inquired whether it was the understanding that each Society in every State should be re- presented in the General Fruit Committee 1 Mr. Downing replied in the affirmative. The committee was to be composed of the chairmen of the Standing Fruit Committees of all Societies in all the States and Canadas, with a general chairman to be chosen by the Congress. As chairman of the former General Committee, he had experienced much embarrassment in regard to con- ducting the necessary correspondence, and the proposed mode was intended as a remedy for that difficulty. Mr. Underhill, of New-Jesey, said there might be a difficulty about this, for in New-Jersey, for example, there were five Fruit Committees — the chairmen of all of which, under this rule, would be members of the General Committee of the Congress, 220 [AsSEMBLTf Several gentlemen ex'claimed— " the more, the better." Mr. FooTE, of Ecrkshlre Co., Mass., asked whether all Societies, in each State, or only the several State Societies, were to be repre- sented 1 The President said every Horticultural and Pomological Society in each State. The third section was then adopted without amendment. The fourth and fifth sections were likewise acceded to without al- teration. The sixth section was amended, on motion of Mr. HANcoac, by making it the Treasurer's duty to render an account " at each meet- ing"— and then adopted. The seventh section was adopted without change. The report in general was then accepted, and the By-Laws passed with the amendments above staled. The Chair said that he ought before to have informed the Con- gress that imnortant business had called the President, (Col. Wilder) away from the city. He had been obliged to return to Massachusetts, a step which he very much regretted, and which nothing could have induced him to take, except circumstances beyond his control, and duties of a peremptory nature. Col. Wilder had begged him (Mr. Walker) to express to gentlemen of the Congress his regret at being compelled to leave them, his grateful sense of the honor they had done him, and the great pleasure it would have given him to remain during the whole session. Mr. S. B. Parsoks thereupon moved that the thanks of the Con- gress be presented to the Hon, Marshall P. Wilder, the President of this body, for the very courteous, able, and impartial manner in which he has presided at this session. This was voted unanimously. Mr. Downing stated that he had still before him the report of the General Committee, comprising another portion of the list of fruits proposed for rejection, and several other fruits which it was proposed to recommend for general cultivation. On motion, it was voted to take up the lists and pursue the same course in their consideration, that was adopted yesterday. No. IDO]; £21 APPr.ES WHICH IT WAS PRolcSED TO RFJECT . Cacashca. — Objected to by Col. IJodge, of Buflfalo, N. Y. It was only a second quality of fruit, but he was not prepared to reject It altogether. Also by Mr. Barry of Rochester, N. Y. It was large and productive, very coarse, but still had some good qualities. Blenheim Pippin. — Objected toby Mr. Hovey, of Boston, Mass. American Pippin or Grindstone. — 'Objected to by Mr. Hayes, of Newark, N. J. Scarlet Pearmain. — Objected to by Col. Hodge of Buffalo, N. Y., and Mr. Elliott, of Cleveland, Ohio. PEARS WHICH IT WAS PROPOSED TO REJECT. Sugar Top. — Objected to by Mr. McIntosh, of Cleveland, Ohio. Sugar of Hoyerswerda. — Objected to by Mr. Makice, of Long- Island, N. Y. Princess of Orange. — Objected to by Col. Hodge of Buffalo, N.Y. Hessel. — Objected to by Mr. Saul, of Newburgh, N, Y., and Mr. McIntosh, of Cleveland, Ohio. Hericort. — Objected to by Messrs. Hayes, of Newark, N. Jersey, Manice, of Long Island, N. Y., Hoyey, of Boston, Mass., and Saul, of Newburgh, N. Y. This completed the list of fruits which the committee proposed to submit for rejection. Thereupon Mr. Hakcock proposed to add to the list of rejected pears, the Dumorlicr and the Passans de Portugal. Both were objected to— the former by Mr. Hovey, of Boston, and the latter by Messrs. Ho- vey and Walker of Boston. Mr. Miller proposed to add Prince''s St. Germain, Objected to by Messrs. McIntosh, of Cleveland, Ohio ; Moxson, of New Haven, and Terry, of Hartford, Conn.; Manice, of Long Island, N. Y,; Hovey, of Boston, Mass., and Little, of Bangor, Maine. Mr. Little then moved that the meeting proceed further to con- sider the list recommended by the committee as worthy of general cultivation, and the motion was sustained. fruits worthy or general cultivation. Mr. Downing raid the committee intended to propose but one Cherry, and that was the Belle Magnifquc. Mr. Hovey said it had been known in Massachusetts from ten to twenty years ; Mr. El- 222 [ASSHMBLY LiOTT, Ihat it had been growy In Ohio from ten to twelve years, and Mr. Barry that it had been cultivated in Western New-Yoik for gevcn years. All three gentlemen concurred in recommending it. Col. Hodge agreed with them. It was a very pleasant sub-acid fruit. The Belle Magnifique Cherry was adopted. Of Peaches, the committee recommended the Late Jldmirable. Mr. HovEY was hardly prepared to recommend it. Mr. S. B. Par- sons said it was very good at Flushing, N. Y. Mr. Downing found that it ripened finely. Mr. Hamilton said it was good in Orange Co., N. Y. Mr. Hancock had never had it good. On motion, it was passed by for the present. [This was equiva- lent to a refusal to recommend its cultivation, for it was not subse- quently called up for action.] Mr. Hancock moved that, in considering the various fruits proposed for general cultivation, the same course be adopted as was followed in regartl to rejected fruits j i. c, that any one to which an objection might be raised, should be stricken from the list. Mr. Downing was opposed to this motion, because after three or four of the very best fruits had been agreed upon, it would hardly be possible to find another so fine as not to meet with a single objection; an objection, it might be, arising from a local cause alone, or from some peculiar idea or particular experience on the part of a single cultivator. Mr. HovEY also objected to the motion. The rejected fruits in the list which had been passed by the Congress, were still in cultiva- tion, and any one good objection to placing a fruit on that list, com- ing from a gentleman who found his account in continuing that par- ticular fruit, was entitled to be rejected ; so far, at least, as not to abolish the cultivation of that variety. But in adding to the catalogue of fruits worthy of general cultivation, more than one objection to any particular variety ought to be presented before there could be reasonable ground for excluding it. The difficulty which an indivi- dual might have experienced in respect to a particular variety which had succeeded with almost every body else, might be purely the re- sult of fortuitous circumstances, and at any rate, ought not to operate to the exclusion of such fruif. Professor Mapes, of New- Jersey, also spoke in opposition to the motion. If adopted, it would virtually put an end to all discussion on fruit. Na 199.] 223 Mr. DowxiKG snid that if (here were any conslilcrablc objections to a fruit, it woul*! not be pressed; but, if it generally sncceedetl in incst parts of the country, it was hardly right that it sliould be reject- ed on account of non-success in one particular locality, ' Mr. UxDERniLL was in favor of taking the same course with these as with the rejected fruits — ^riking them from the list at any objec- tion, and recording the name of the objector. Mr. Downing said that in tjbe world, when a man's character was so bad that nobody could say a word in his favor, it was best to throw over his acquaintance ; but on tht other hand, if he was gen- erally respected, and only a few individuals assailed him, then no just individual would think of shunning him. It should be just so here. Col. Hodge remarked that according to this last view we ought to go over again the whole list of fruits rejected yesterday. Mr. HovEY observed that where a majority of cultivators from dif- ferent quarters approved of a fruit and recommended it to general attention, it ought not to be thrust aside because it did not prove ex- cellent in some one particular locality. Its adaptation to our country generally was what ought to be looked at — not its partial success or failure in any one limited region. Mr. Hayes said that now we were getting at the pith of the mat- ter. If he could be satisfied as to the localities in which a fruit had proved successful, or had failed — that was what he wanted- He was afraid that many fruits were rejected yesterday which might come up firr.t rate in some parts cf the country. Mr. Hancock professed himself satisfied with the view taken by Mr. HoYEY, and withdrew his motion. The Morrisania Pound Peach was the next fruit proposed by the committee. Mr. Hancock said he had fruited it for three or four seasons, and had never found it good yet. Mr. Hayes said it never was good with him. Mr. McIntosh said that at Cleveland for several years it had ranked as very good. Mr. Elliott pronounced it to he a good peach. The question -m^s put, and the Morrisania Pound Peach was re- jected. Mr. Downing had next to present a short list of the smaller fruits, no list having been given last year. The commlltcc recommended as worthy of cultivation — 2d [Assembly STRAWBERRIES. Ear!^ Vvgiina. — Mr. McIntosh granted tlint Uils was an early fruit, but it was so small, poor and worthless, that it was unworthy of general cuUivallon. Mr. IIovEY said that at Boston this was the same variety as the Large Early Scarlet. It was a good sized strawberry. He had cul- tivated it for twenty years and found it a very good berry on a light soiL It came very early anc^ thus avoided drought — but gardeners were gradually discarding it, except for a few days at the very first of the season, when high prices could be obtained. Mr. Downing fancied that the two fruits were very distinct. The Early Virginia was small, but the Early Scarlet, in New-York, was a very fine, large fruit. Mr. Barry said that the Early Scarlet was cultivated greatly in Western New-Vork, and was a very superior fruit. It had a much rounder berry than the Early Virginia, and was only a few days later. Mr. Hancock stated the Early Virginia and the Early Scarlet to be very distinct. The former was known as the Hudson. Mr. HovEY said the Hudson was too acid a berry for the Boston market, and it was a poor fruit. Mr. French said that some very good judges in his region would give up any strawberry as soon as the early Virginia. One neighbor of his found it the best he had all last season. He was not so suc- cessful with it himself, but he thought it a hardy berry and one that could be relied upon. Mr. Barry said it was much inferior to the large Early Scarlet, and from the very fact that being thus inferior, and only two or three days earlier, it was unworthy of cultivation. Mr. Hancock said that in his region the Early Scarlet had taken the place of the Early Virginia, and that both ripened at the same time there. Mr. Downing said that the committee decidedly preferred the Early Scarlet to the Early Virginia. Mr. McIntosii thought the Early Virginia entirely worthless ; so much so, that he had rooted it all up in his grounds and replaced it with the Early Scarlet. On motion of Mr. Saul, it was passed by (equivalent to being re- jected.) No. 199.] 225 Hovey'^s Seedling — Mr. McTntosh declared this to be the very best Strawberry he ever had in his grounds. Without any further remark it was adopted unanimously. Large Early Scarlet. — Col. Hodge had fruited it for years with great success, and in the course of a tour at the west, he found that in the neighborhood of Chicago, it was pronounced one of the best va- rieties. Mr. HovEy would vote for it with pleasure, believing it to be the same as that cultivated in Massachusetts as the Early Virginia. It was adopted. Hudson. — Mr. Hovey was quite willing to believe from what had already been said, that this might be a good fruit in New-York and New-Jersey, but east of New-York it was so small and acid as not to be W'Orthy of cultivation at all. Mr. S. B. Parsons was very much of the same opinion. There were many acid berries far superior to the Hudson, as for instance Jenny's Seedling, which was a fine fruit. Mr. Barry thought it unadvisable to put the Hudson on the list. In his region it had been tried, but generally, abandoned. While there were so many other preferable varieties, this ought not to go upon a list of fine frnits. The Hudson Strawberry was rejected. Burrh' Mew Pine. — Mr. Manice considered it premature to place this on the list. No doubt it was a good fruit but it was not yet suf- ficiently well known. Dr. Wendell had tried it at Albany for two years, and thought that it w^ould hereafter take its place among the first, but for the present he would rather have it withdrawn. Mr. HovEY said it promised well, but he objected to putting it on the list for the same reason given by the gentlemen who preceded him, it had not been known long enough. Mr. Walker observed that after testing thirty-six varieties he was of opinion that Burr's New Pine was the best of them all, and that it had no superior in flavor except the Swainstone Seedling. Mr. Elli- ott said it had never been sufficiently tested in Ohio to warrant its recommendation for general culture. Mr. Barry said, it originated at Columbus, Ohio, and the attention of the Horticultural Society of that state was called to it by Mr. Burr. The next year the committee made an elaborate report, giv- ing this the preference over all other strawberries. This had called his own attention to it, and since then, at Rochester, he found that it [Assembly, No. 199. J 15 226 [Assembly fully sustained the high character assigned to it. It was one of the best he ever saw in flavor, and at the same time it bore well. Mr. Downing remarked that the committee felt justified in recom- mending it, since it did not require near so long a time to test a strawberry as a larger fruit. Col. Hodge said, that we ought to move with caution, for the community had been more humbugged with regard to strawberries than any other fruit He had seen this variety one season and favored it, but he considered it entirely premature for this Congress to place it on the list for general cultivation. Mr. Elliott said, that four years ago there was only one plant of this variety in existence, and all that had been since obtained, made but a very small quantity. They had been watched with great care, with a view to dissemination, but sufficient opportunity had not been had for testing the variety in a thorough manner. Mr. Walker said that, according to his experience, a strawberry could be tested as well in two years as a pear in five. Mr. HovEY moved to pass it by. Mr. Lines, of New Haven, hoped it would not be passed by, since nobody said anything about it but in its praise. If it had been tried and proved bad, that would be another thing. Mr. Hovey rejoined that other things were important as well as its flavor. This fruit had only been known in Boston for one year, and he himself had procured a plant from Mr. Barry. From that plant he got perhaps a dozen berries. What could be judged of its bearing properties from that 1 He wanted to have its qualities in this respect tested on a much larger scale. Mr. Barry agreed that it was important to know about its bearing qualities when extensively cultivated. Mr. Warner's bed of Burr's New Pine, in Rochester, was half as large as this room, (perhaps 1,200 square feet) and from it he had obtained immense quantities of fruit. Mr. Hancock said that Mr. Burr had come out with five or six varieties as being all of extraordinary excellence, but it seemed that he had now come down to this one. For that very reason, he (Mr. H.) should be shy of this ; and rumor said that it had not proved good in Ohio, on further cultivation. Mr. McIntosh said that Mr. Hancock must be mistaken, for Burr's Old Seedling and Ohio Mammoth were among the best varieties they had in Ohio. Mr. Hancock rejoined, that he had his information from Mr. Burr him- No. 199. J 227 self. Mr. Barrv said that those varieties had not gone out of exist- ence in his quarter of New- York. Mr. French, from what little he had seen of it, was disposed to Ihink it was a fruit which every one in the world would wish to have. Mr. S, B. Parsons thought there was great force in the remark of Mr. Lines, Dr. Wendell would prefer that the committee should withdraw the fruit, rather than that the meeting should vote to pass it by. Should the latter course be taken, some persons might suppose that we considered it unworthy of cultivation, while in fact it was one of our very best varieties. He had no doubt that by another year the Congress would be fully prepared to recommend it without hesitation. Mr. Dow^ning thereupon withdrew the fruit in question from fur- ther consideration for the present. ' Boston Pine. — Mr. Hancock had had in the course of three or four years only one crop from this variety. It was a good fruit but a shy Dearer. Mr. Pardee had found it at New-Haven a strong and excellent Dearer, and the fruit of delicious flavor. Mr. Terry said it had suc- ceeded admirably at Hartford with several gentlemen who tried it on different soils. It was esteemed very highly for its mild and agree- able flavor. It was better than Hovey's Seedling, which grew near and was fertilised by it. Mr. Manice said it grew very well in hills, but not so well in beds ; in hills it was a great bearer — better than Hovey's. Mr. Miller said it was a very pleasant and productive fruit, with a large, fine appearing berry. It was fully equal to Hovey's, and infe- rior perhaps to the Black Prince alone. Mr. French had seen it very fine indeed at Hovey's garden and elsewhere. In 1848 he tried the experiment of cultivating a square yard each with the Boston Pine, the Willey and the Jenney. They were all picked by a careful hand, and the result was — Boston Pine, \\ pints; Willey, 1 quart, 3 gills ; Jenney, 1 quart, 1 gill, Mr. Lines said that after he planted his out, for the first year the bearing was small ; in the second it improved ; and in the third it was enormous. It was better to grow the fruit in hills Mr. Walker said that for the first year or two he had not been very favorably impressed by the Boston Pine, and had not yet sub- stituted it for the Early Virginia. But what he had seen of it 228 [Assembly the present year had greatly raised it in his estimation. Grown in hills, he had seen very large crops and fine fruit. By the Massa- chusetts Horticultural Society, this season, the first and third prizes were awarded to the Boston Pine. Dr. MoNSON had cultivated Hovey's and the Methven, and had been perfectly satisfied with them, till he became acquainted with the Boston Pine, He had never seen so prolific a bed as that of this variety belonging to Mr. Terry. He at once engaged plants of him and dug in one half of his Hovey's Seedling to make room for plant- ing them. This variety was superior in bearing qualities to any that he had seen. Mr, HovEY remarked that he had preferred to hear what others had to say of this strawberry, rather than to speak of it himself. It had been exceedingly gratifying to him to hear so many commenda- tions of his tw^o strawberries — the Seedling and the Boston Pine. Gentlemen were present from the remotest parts of the country, and they unanimously agreed upon their excellence. The Boston Pine was raised at the same time, and from the same lot of seed, as the Hovey Seedling, in 1834. But after selecting the latter variety, so many others remained of promising quality — and the quantity of land at command being rather limited — that it took some time to give them all, successively, a trial — and it was not until 1844 or '45 that the Boston Pine was first offered to the public. That was its origin. Mr. H. said he would embrace this opportunity to say a few words in regard to the cultivation of the Boston Pine. One gentleman had remarked that he cultivated his vines in hills ; another, his in beds; others, theirs in rows — and all had succeeded equally well. But as one gentleman had said that he did not exactly understand what was meant by cultivating in hills, he would briefly explain. Gentlemen were probably aware that Hovey's Seetlling, the Early Virginia, and other varieties, rarely produced more than three or four trusses of fruit to each root, and then, when grown thickly in beds, produced very good crops. This, however, was not the case with the Boston Pine, generally — the constitutional tendency of the plant being to produce ten or twelve trusses of fruit to each root. One hundred and fifty berries had been counted on a single plant, as the President could testify. The consequence was that when the vines occupied all the ground, there was a deficiency of nourishment, and the berries did not fill up. Hence had arisen many failures in the No. 199.] 229 cultivation of this variety. It required more room than other straw- berries, anrl when grown in rows, with a space of a foot or more be- tween, and that space well manured, the crop was one of the most abundant of all ki«ds. Cultivation in hills, so termed, was where one or more plants were set out, two or more feet apart each way, the runners kept clipped off, and the ground tilled with the hoe, or, when extensively grown, with the cultivator or plough. Raised in this mode, or in rows, he was satisfied the Boston Pine would prove, as indeed it had already done, all that he had ever recommended it to be, and would meet the expectations of every culii\ator. The question was then put, and the Boston Pine was adopted. Mr. S. B. Parsons moved to add Jenne-ifs Seedling to the list. He had found it an abundant bearer, and two or three times as juicy as Hovey's. It was rather acid, to be sure, but with a little sugar was exceedingly agreeable. In all respects it was first rate. Mr. McIntosh concurred in all points with Mr. Parsons. Jen- ney's Seedling was a great bearer, a fine, hardy fruit, of excellent flavor, and well worthy of being recommended. Mr. French said it was hardy, and an abundant bearer. Any one who would try it would have no reason to feel disappointed at the result. Mr. Pardee had tried it for one season, and was much pleased with it. Mr. Hancock had grown it four years, and as to crops, he found there was no comparison between Hovey's and Jenney's Seedlings. The latter, how^ever, was more acid than the other. After some little time, and at the request of several gentlemen, Mr. Parsons withdrew his motion. Mr. Hamilton immediately moved that Jcnney^s Seedling and Burros J^Tew Pine J be placed on the list of fruits which give promise of being worthy to be added to the list for general cultivation. This motion prevailed. Mr. Saul proposed to add to the list of strawberries the Black Prince. He had known it for ten years, and esteemed it the highest flavored of all. It was a very good bearer, remarkably hardy, and endured the winter much better than most other varieties. It had as many desirable qualities as any he knew of. Mr. Downing had great pleasure in bearing testimony to the good qualities of this strawberry. He preferred its flavor to that of any other variety. It was, as Mr. Saul had said, hardy and an excellent 230 [ASSEMPLT bearer, anrl the berries were large and handsome. He could safely recommend it. Mr. Lines had procured it on Mr. Downing's recommendation, and, like him, had found it an abundant bearer, with a handsome berry ; but it was the most insipid fruit he ever tasted. He was surprised that so handsome a berry should be so tasteless. The fruit would hardly bear gathering, it melted so easily in the fingers. Col. Hodge had fruited it for three or four years. Its flavor was not so good and the crop not so abundant with him as other gentle- men seemed to have found them. Mr. Hamilton said that with him it was one of the very best, and certainly had the highest flavor of any. Mr. Manice had it from Mr. Downing, and found it the poorest strawberry he had ever cultivated. Mr, Miller considered it at the head of all in point of flavor. Mr. Battey, of Keeseville, N. Y., had been much disappointed in the quality of this fruit. It was worthless, dry and insipid, and with him the plant was a poor bearer. Mr. S. B. Parsons last year thought it first rate, but this year it was poor with him. Mr. Barry said it was a beautifully colored berry, and one of the highest flavor, but it was a small bearer. For amateurs it was an indispensable variety, but it would not do as a market fruit. Mr. C. Downing regarded it as the highest flavored strawberry he ever tasted, and one of the best varieties. He grew it on a light, sandy loam. Mr. Hancock had tried it four or five years, but it had never suc- ceeded with him. Mr. Saul withdrew his motion. RASPBERRIES. Red Antwerp. — Mr. McIntosh inquired if it was hardy 1 He thought the contrary, and at any rate it had not proved so with him. It needed covering in the winter, and could not be relied on. Mr. HovEY said that no raspberry we yet had could stand the win- ter without covering. Mr. Battey said that with him it had fully answered, and was equally hardy with any variety of red. Mr. C. Downing considered it one of the best for marketing, and No. 199.] 231 it was cultivated very largely for that purpose. One of his neighbors last year sold $300 worth from about one-third of an acre, and this year, from three acres of this fruit he realized over $1500. It was one of the very hardiest of raspberries. It would not stand the win- ter without being covered. Mr. Babrett, of Ulster Co., N. Y., said that in productiveness it was unsurpassed by any. It bore long in succession, and in ordinary seasons could be gathered for five weeks. As a market fruit, it was better than any other variety, bearing carriage very well, and not be- ing exceeded by any in flavor. It sold in New-York for about twenty-two cents a quart, and from three quarters of an acre he had realized $330, at an average of ten cents per basket. There was a cultivator in his neighborhood who obtained $1500 worth from three acres, and that, in a very unfavorable season of only three weeks in- stead of five. To insure a crop it required to be protected during the ■winter by drawing down the ends, and covering them with earth. About three acres would afford as many raspberries as could well be cared for. He had known the ends to live in severe winters, although uncovered, but that was in very favorable situations. Mr. Hancock remarked that so far as he knew, this variety was not known in England. He had tried three or four times to get it from the nurseries about London, but could not. Mr. Saul said he had known the Red Antwerp in the west of Eng- land ever since he was half the height of a Raspberry cane. It was precisely the same as this under discussion. Mr. Hayes said there was no use in discussing the question of har- diness ; the Red Antwerp did require protection in winter, and no imported raspberry could do without it. Mr. C. Downing said that very often, fine crops were obtained from unprotected plants, but they could not be relied on. All large and fine imported varieties did need protection. Mr. Battey said he had lost his apples with the thermometer at 30 deg. below zero, but not a cane of his raspberry plants. Mr. Allen of Oswego, N. Y., said that the Red Antwerp was cul- tivated without any protection whatever in his locality. Prof. Mapes said it was not extreme cold that destroyed the rasp- berry, but frequent and great changes of temperature. Dr. MoNSON did not complain that the Red Antwerp was not hardy, but it did not increase well. He could not get a plantation out of it. 232 [Assembly Mr. Barrett replied that last year he had eight rods of ground, pretty thickly set with the Red Antwerp, from which he sijould this season have from 6 to 8,000 plants. It was a common careless cus- tom to leave them unprotected through the winter, but it was an un- safe practice and in three seasons out of five would cause the loss of the crop. The question was then put and the Red Antwerp raspberry adopted. Fastolff. — Mr. Hayes said of this, that we could not gather the fruit from the plant as well as from the Antwerp or the Franconia. It did not come off the core so easily. Mr. Hovey said this variety increased with him faster than any other. It was an abundant bearer and the fruit was very fine. The jPa5^/^ raspberry was adopted. Knevetfs Giant. — Mr. Elliott moved that this be placed in the list of fruits promising well. Mr. Hovev hoped that would be the disposition made of it. Mr. Walker said it had been grown in the neighborhood of Boston five years, and Mr. Newell of Dorchester told him it succeeded without protection. Mr. Hancock said that so far as his experience went, it was a fine fruit but a shy bearer. Mr. Elliott's motion prevailed, and the KneveWs Giant Rasp- berry was placed on the list of fruits that promise well. Yelloui Antwerp. — Mr. S. B. Parsons said it was a poor bearer with him, but a good grower. Mr. Barrett said it was a poor bearer, and the fruit was poor; it was crumbling and unfit for mar- ket. Mr. Hancock said that unless protected it would be killed, but when protected it bore a good crop and of a high flavor. The Yellow Antwerp Raspberry was adopted. Mr. S. B. Parsons proposed to add to the list the common Eng- lish Red J a variety which he piized very much. Mr. Terry said we had four native varieties, the common Ameri- can Red, White, and Black, and the Purple. This last w^as a very fine fruit, bearing large crops for a long period and was superior in flavor to the English Red. Mr. Hamilton supposed Mr. Parsons meant the common Red, which grew up some six or eight feet and then bent over. Mr. Par- sons presumed the variety was very generally known. It was a free growing plant, with a bluish stock, the berry round and rather flat, soft as the Antwerp, and preferable in flavor. It was perfectly hardy and was never killed down. No'. 199.] 233 Mr. McIntosh said he commenced growing it at one time for mar- ket and planted an acre of ground with it at Cleveland. For three years it was the only variety he could rely on for a crop. Mr. Hamilton said he had known it for thirty years. It might be seen in every farmer's garden ; it was a universal trespasser, growing all over fences and almost everywhere else. It was a very prolific bearer and very hardy, and his wife had often expressed her regret that he had extirpated it, on account of its yielding so large a crop. He thought Mr. Parsons referred to this same variety. Mr. Terry knew the fruit thirty years ago, and if it was a foreign variety it had become perfectly naturalized long since. The habits of the plant were, as Mr. Hamilton had described, growing upsome six feet or more, and then bending down towards the ground. Mr. Reid also thought it a native variety. Mr. Parsons withdrew his motion. Mr. Hamilton moved to add the Franconia to the list, and this was voted without opposition or debate. FOREIGN grapes, FOR CULTURE UNDER GLASS. The seven varieties which were adopted without deoate, will be found in the general list of recommended fruits. Chasselas Musque. — Mr. Hovey said this was an old grape, known some thirty or forty years, and one of the most delicious of all. But there was one fault about it, it would crack. He had three vines, from which he had this season forty pounds. It was a very fine bearer, and if cultivators kept the scissors at work amongst the cracked grapes in the bunches, they would obtain a fine fruit. Mr. S. B. Parsons thought it inferior to the Golden Chasselas, Mr. Gabriel inquired whether the committee intended that fire-heat should be applied or not. Mr. Downing answered, that it would do either way, under glass it did not crack with him. Mr. Hovey said the English cultivators recommended it. The question was put, and there being but one majority for its a op ion, Mr. Downing withdrew it. Mr. Manice moved to add the Syrian. It was a very fine fruit. Mr. Hancock considered the Syrian only a second-rate grape, though he had known its clusters attain the weight of eight pounds and a half in his neighborhood. Mr. Hovey said that in cold houses — 234 [Assembly though it was very good there — some might be disappointed in this grape ; but if fire-heat were applied and the fruit suffered to hang till November or December, it would prove first rate. In England clusters had been raised weighing fourteen pounds ; in Boston from six to seven ; and in New Jersey, as has just been stated, eight and a half. The motion to add the Syrian was lost : five yeas, seven nays. NATIVE GRAPES OPEN CULTURE. The Isabella and the Catawha were adopted unanimously. Mr. French proposed to add the Diana^ which, on motion of Mr. Downing, was placed on the list of fruits promising well. Mr, HovEY remarked that in three years or so, the Diana would be at the very head of native grapes. Mr. Underhill proposed to add the Elsinhorough (often incor- rectly spelled Elsinburg, as he said.) Mr. Downing was opposed to this. The grape was small, with large seeds, and the Congress was pledged to recommend only the Jbest fruits. Dr. Monson said this fruit was peculiarly liable to be carried off by the birds. Mr. Hancock said it was true this was a small grape, but it was very fine, in his locality, finer than the Catawba. Mr. Cleveland of New-Jersey said, if well cultivated, it" yielded a large crop of good fruit. Many of his neighbors esteemed it more highly than the Isa- bella or Catawba, but he ranked it below them. Mr. HovEY observed that we ought to be very cautious in adding to the list, for cultivators had a large number of seedlings coming up every season, and we shortly should have something very superior. The production of the Diana grape proved this, for that was but a chance shoot from the Catawba. He hoped we should not adopt the Elsinborough. ♦ The motion was put and rejected. ' Mr. S. B. Parsons then moved to add to the list for culture under glass, the Zinfidel. It was a well-known hot-house grape, but suc- ceeded perfectly well in the open air. Mr. Downing was sceptical as to this point. Dr. Monson said there was no difficulty with it out of doors ; it was better than most in the open air, and not apt to mildew. He had cultivated it for ten years, and knew but one season when it did not ripen well, and then the Isabella did not come anywhere near it in point of ripeness. Mr. HovEY said it was a very fine fruit. He saw it first at the No. 199.] 235 place of the late Samuel G. Perkins, of Brookline, Mass., before it had been put in the catalogues. Mr. Perkins gave him cuttings from his vines, from which had proceeded the larger portion of those now cultivated. It was a grape which ought to be in every collec- tion under glass. It was of dark color, with beautiful bloom, but not so large in size as the Hamburgh. Mr. Gabriel said i^ was a very free bearer, with large berries of fine flavor, and succeeded well. The motion to add the Zinfindel was lost. CURRANTS The Red Dutch, Black JVaples, White Dutch and May^s Victoricj were all adopted without opposition or remark. Mr. Barry moved to add the White Grape. It was larger than the White Dutch, and a fine bearer. Mr. Hovey had supposed the two to be identical. Mr. Barry said the bushes were so different that any one could tell them apart. From actual experience, be knew the White Grape to be a distinct variety. Mr, S. B. PapvSons said that River's White Grape was fully equal in size to the White Dutch, and far superior in flavor. Mr. Hancock, after long culture, could not see any difference between them. Mr. Barry very well knew the old White Currzmt and the White Dutch. The former grew upright, and had not that twisting of the branches which was seen in the other. Mr. Reid thought them distinct varieties ; the White Dutch was rather the stronger grower. The question was taken, and the White Grape currant added to the list. On motion of Mr. Saul, the Congress then adjourned till half past three o'clock in the afternoon. Afternoon Session. The Congress came to order at 4 o'clock, the President pro tern. in the chair. Mr. McIntosh moved the appointment of a committee on Seed- ling Fruits presented for examination the present session, with in- structions to attend to the duty at once. The motion having been adopted, the Chair appointed Messrs. Brinckle, Barry, C. Downing, Hovey and Manning, to constitute the committee 236 [ASSEMBLT Mr. Saul, from the committee charged with preparing a list of the varieties of fruits offered for examination, submitted the following report: The committee appointed to collect lists of the different collections of fruits presented for exhibition to this Congress of fruit-growers, and of the contributors of the same, would submit the following as their report. A. SAUL, ) S. H. COLTON, } ComHee. WM. REID. ) There are presented, from Samuel Walker, Roxbury, Mass., Pears, 31 varieties. Jonathan Battey, Keeseville, Essex county, N. Y., Apples 14 varieties, Pears, 3 do Parsons & Co., Flushing, Long Islana, Pears, 43 varieties, Grapes, 5 do hothouse, Apples, 28 do Peaches, 11 do G. R. Garretson, Flushing, Long Island, Pears, 5 varieties. Grapes, 1 variety. James Scott, Flushing, Long Island, Pears, 2 varieties. Asahel Foote, Williamstown, Mass , Plums, 10 varieties, Pears, 5 varieties, Apples, 2 do S. L. Goodale, Saco, Maine, Pears, 18 varieties, Grapes, 2 do Plums, 2 do Apples, 1 variety. Rufus Nichols, Saco, Maine, Pears, 1 variety. Daniel Cleaves, Saco, Maine, Pears, 5 varieties. I No. 199.] 237 P. S. Van Rensselaer, Clinton Point, Dutchess cc, N. Y., Grapes, 14 varieties, under glass. Thomas Hancock, Burlington, New Jersey, Apples, 31 varieties, Pears, 18 do Peaches, 3 do Wilson, Thorburn & Teller, Albany, N. Y., Apples, 20 varieties, Pears, 20 do Plums, 15 do Peaches, 4 do Walter Goodale, South Orrington, Maine, Apples, 10 varieties. Henry Little, Bangor, Maine, Apples, 3 varieties. Pears, 1 variety. Marshall P. Wilder, Boston, Mass., Pears, 33 varieties. G. B. Deacons, Burlington, New Jersey, Apples, 28 varieties. Charles Hamilton, Canterbury, Orange county, N. Y. Apples, 15 varieties. Plums, 11 do Pears, 3 do Peaches, 3 do B, Hodge, Buffalo, New-York, Pears, 30 varieties, Apples, 29 do William L. Ferris, Westchester, New- York, Pears, 6 varieties, M. C. Morgan, Jersey City, New Jersey, Nectarines, 1 variety, 4 baskets. John Eltringham, Jersey City, New Jersey, Quinces, 1 variety. W. T. & E. Smith, Geneva, New-York, Pears, 7 varieties, 2 new seedlings. ohn Parker. Moorestown, New Jersey, Apples, 20 varieties. 238 [ASSE^IBLY Martin Slocum, Bennington county, Vermont, Apples, 10 varieties. Thomas Harvey, Jennersville, Chester county, Penn., Apples, 12 varieties. James H. Watts, Rochester, New- York, Apples, 2 varieties. Morris & Stokes, Westchester, Pennsylvania, Apples, 7 varieties, Peaches, 3 do A. S. Monson, New Haven, Connecticut, Pears, 8 varieties. Grapes, 4 do 2 under glass, 2 in open air. Apples, 7 do Osage Orange, a fruit of. Robert Buist, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Grapes, 18 varieties. Hovey & Co., Boston, Massachusetts, Pears, 32 varieties. J. C. Hastings, Clinton, Oneida county, New- York, Plums, 1 variety, a seedling. Edmond Jones, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Iron Pear. Mr. Green, Germantown, Pennsylvania, Chancellor pear. Mrs. J. B. Smith, Holland Green, Seckel Pear, from the original tree. David Miller, Jr., Carlisle, Penn. Apples, 40 varieties. Grapes, 6 do Peaches, 5 varieties. Plums, 5 do H. W. S. Cleaveland, Burlington, N. J. Pears, 7 varieties, Grapes, 1 variety. George Gabriel, New-Haven, Conn. Pears, 5 varieties. Grapes, 3 do under glass, without heat. Charles Downing, Newburgh, N. Y. Pears, 1 variety — a splendid specimen of Duchesse d'Angouleme. No. 199.J S39 A. Mcintosh, Cleveland, Ohio. Pears J 11 varieties, Apples, 2 do S. A. Barret & Co., Milton, Ulster Co., N. Y. Pears, 8 varieties. Plums, 4 do Edward Hallock, Milton, Ulster Co., N. Y. Peaches, 1 variety, Charles Dubois, Fishkill Landing, N. Y. Apples, 9 varieties, Peaches, 1 variety. Plums, 1 do William Reid, Elizabethtown, N. J. Pears, 12 varieties, John C. Dodge, Dodgeville, Mass. Grapes, 1 variety — 4 dishes Black Hamburgh, without heat. William G. Verplanck, Geneva, N. Y. Pears, 8 varieties — 2 seedlings, Apples, 4 do Quinces, 1 variety. Dr. Ash, Philadelphia, Penn. Ashland Pear, believed to be White Doyenne. ' J. De Wolfe, Frogs Neck, Westchester Co., N. Y. Pears, 8 varieties. J. J. Walter, New-Haven, Conn. Apples, 4 varieties. Pears, 1 variety. R. Mattison and Brothers, North Bennington, Vt. Apples, 13 varieties — 8 seedlings. Pears, 2 do Plums, 2 do Grapes, 1 variety — seedling. J. W. P. Allen, Oswego, N. Y. Pears, 45 varieties, Apples, 37 do On motion, the reading of this report at large was dispensed with, and it was referred to the Secretaries with directions to enter it on the records and publish it amongst the proceedings of the Congress. 240 [Assembly Mr. Elliott offered the following resolution : Resolved^ That all Pomologists throughout the United States and the Canadas be invited to forward to Mr A. J. Downing, of Newburgh, N. Y., at any or various times during the time elapsing from the ad- journment of this Congress, and two weeks previous to the reassem- bling at Cincinnati, communications respecting varieties of fruits and fruit trees, shrubs or vines, and of diseases appertaining thereto. Such communications to be collated by Mr. Downing, and presented to the next Congress at its sitting in 1850. All such communications or packages to be pre-paid. Dr. Kennicott, of Illinois, seconded the resolution, remarking thai unless something like it were adopted, many eminent Pomologists would be debarred from making representations and communicating valuable knowledge in their possession. A slight discussion ensued, and then the resolution was adopted nearly unanimously. The last clause, concerning the pre-payment of packages sent to Mr. Downing, was suggested by Mr. Saul, and ac- cepted by Mr. Elliott. The meeting next resumed the consideration of the Fruit Commit- tee's report. Mr. Downing said he would submit the remainder of the list of aj>- ples recommended for approval, as worthy of general cultivation. They were principally such fruits as were recommended by the Penn- sylvania Horticultural Societies. White Seek-no-further. — Adopted without opposition. Lady Jifple. — Mr. French said he procured it from the late Mr. Manning, and found it to be among his hardiest trees. Mr. R. B. Parsons had tried it four or five seasons, but had got no fruit. Col. Hodge thought one tree of this variety would be quite sufficient for any one. Mr. McIntosh pronounced it a very good apple. The tree was healthy, and in his locality it ranked quite as high as very good. Mr. Saul said that in Dutchess county there were some very fine trees of this variety, and the fruit commanded $5 per barrel in the New-York market, when ordinary kinds would on'.j bring from ten to twelve shillings. It was worthy of cultivation. Mr. Reid con- sidered it valuable only as an ornamental tree ; as to the quality of the fruit there were many others far superior. Mr. Allen said the fruit was always fair, and the tree a good annual bearer. No. 199. J 241 Mr. Hancock had never known it to be unhealthy. The fruit was of rather small size, but very good, and the tree was healthy and a great producer. In his locality, taking growth, quality, &c., all together, it was regarded as a very desirable variety, Mr. Hamilton had seen a great many trees of this kind in Dutchess and Orange counties, and no other variety there afforded nearly so fine a crop. He knew of a gentleman who had purchased all he could get at twenty shillings a barrel on the trees, finding his own barrels, and he made quite a handsome speculation out of the bargain. He consid- ered it a fine fruit — a fair, straight, strong tree. It was not only a very beautiful apple, and very valuable for the market, but it was an apple of first rate quality. The Lady Apple was adopted. Woodh Greening Apple. — Mr. Hancock considered it very good, but thought it was not generally known. Mr. Elliott regarded it as most excellent, and said it was esteemed very much in Ohio. It ranked there before any Pippin. Mr. Downing withdrew it, on the ground that it did not appear to be sufficiently well known as yet. Red Astrachan. — Adopted without debate. Wineiop, — Mr. Comstock, of Dutchess Co., N. Y., did not esteem this apple — it was small, and he thought it would be a damage to the public if the Congress should recommend it, and it should be gener- ally introduced. Mr. Hancock said it was an excellent table and winter apple, and made good cider. It lasted from the 1st of March to the 15th of May. It was better than the Pippin, except in regard to flavor, and was not far behind in that respect. Mr. Elliott said it was good in Ohio The Winesap Apple was adopted. Wine Apple. — Mr. Comstock said it was only third rate in Dutch- ess County. Mr. Hancock remarked that it was a very good apple in his region of country, and a desirable variety to have. It was adopted. Autumn Pearmain (Herefordshire.) — Adopted without discussion. Red Cheek, or Monmouth Pippin. — Mr. Hancock said this apple originated at Monmouth. It was a good fruit and of large size — but it was not sufficiently known to warrant its adoption as yet. He wished it to be withdrawn. Mr. Hamilton was satisfied there was much confusion in regard to this apple. I Assembly, No. 199.J 16 242 I AssEMBty Mr. Downing accordingly withdrew it. Mr. Saul proposed to add the Vandervere. From November or December till March of April, there was no better apple than this in his sp< tion of the country. It was of fair, handsome growth, uni- formly of good quality — and was universally cultivated in Ulster, Dutchess, and all the other river counties. Mr. Downing willingly accepted the proposal, and would strongly recommend the fruit. Mr. Little said he had carried it to Bangor twenty years ago and there it had done well ever since. Mr. Miller said that if it was like what he had obtained under this name, it was a worthless fruit. Mr. Battey observed that it had thriven all along the region of Lake Champlain, and was there esteemed as one of the best varieties. Mr. Hamilton stated that it throve well with him. It was a hand- some, healthy, long-lived, thrifty tree, and the fruit was among the best. The Vandervere Apple was adopted and placed on the list. Mr. BuisT then moved that the Skeepnose be added to the list. It was a fruit of very high quality Mr. Manning observed that the Golden Russet which he had receiv- ed from Mr. Hancock, was identical with the Sheepnose or Bullock's Pippin, and totally distinct from the Golden Russet of New-England. This last was a little flatter than the other, and free from the spots which disfigured the Sheepnose. It bore in clusters, and there was no fairer fruit. Bullock's Pippin, in New-England, was worthless. Mr. BuiST said it was not the general character of the Sheepnose to be spotted — it ordinarily was fair, smooth and very good. Mr. HovEY said his experience was quite different from that of Mr. Manning. He had never seen the Sheepnose spotted to any degree in the four or five years which he had known it. Last year he examined specimens grown at Plymouth, and he never saw fairer or better fruit — it had no spots whatever. This apple had very tender flesh, and was of very fine flavor — it might be a little dry if kept too long. He saw no objection to placing it on the list. Mr. CoMSTOCK said that when grafted on old trees it grew very ra- pidly, and would bear the second year. Mr. Hancock remarked that, in his neighborhood, it was a univer- sal favorite. The tree was upright, and bore well. The fruit was of splendid flavor; and if ever specked, that must be owing to an unfavorable situation. Col. Hodge said that in western New- York, No. 199.J 243 the American golden russet was much cultivated, and it was not the same as this. This was very gowl, but the russet was better. Mr. Miller said that the American golden russet was one of the earliest and pleasantest apples they had in his region. Mr. Walker stated that the committee of the Massachusetts Hor- ticultural Society, of which he was one, rejected this apple unani- mously. He believed there had never been a cultivator near Boston, except Mr. Hovey, who agreed that it was the fruit which gentlemen here pronounced it to be. In New-England, it was universally pro- nounced unfit for cultivation. The question was taken, and it was voted to put the Sheepnose apple or Bullock^s pippin on the list, Svxiar apple. — Mr. Downing, by the request, of several gentle- men, submitted this variety, and it was unanimously adopted. Mr. FooTE moved to add the Dominie. It was an apple exten- sively known and highly esteemed in western Massachusetts, was of high flavor, and a great bearer. The motion was rejected, kectarines. Elruge and the Early Violet were adopted without objection. Hunt's Tawney. — Mr. Hamilton said it was a very poor bearer with him, and was very liable to mildew. Mr. McIntosh said it grew fairly at Cleveland, but was subject to mildew there also. The tree was good, but the fruit good for nothing. Mr. Downing withdrew it. Mr. Hancock moved to add the Downton. Mr. Buisx said it grew to the size of a good, large peach, was of a reddish color, and he considered it the very best of nectarines. Mr. Downing said it was the finest and best he had ever fruited or tasted. The Downton Nectarine was placed on the list. APRICOTS. The Large Early .^ Breda^ and Moorpark were all adopted unani- mously. Mr. Downing said of the first, that it was the highest flavored and most beautiful he had ever seen. Mr. McIntosh re- marked of the Breduj that, though small in size, it was one of the earliest and best. And Col. Hodge stated that he had gathered more fruit from it than from all others combined. ' 244 [Assembly Mr. Hamilton proposed to add the Peach Aprico^. He had fruited this variety for several years, and found it more productive, and fairer, than the Moorpark. The fruit sold in the New-York market at $2.50 per hundred. The tree was of erect growth, and had an uncommonly thick leaf, in which respect it differed from the Moorpark. Mr. Pardee agreed with Mr. Hamilton, and stated that the Peach apricot was the only one from which he could get a crop. Mr. Downing was satisfied that tne two were identical. Mr. Buisx was of the same opinion. Mr. Hamilton said there was no aperture in the stone of the Peach variety, whereas everybody knew that there was in that of the Moorpark. Mr. Hancock declared that the aperture was exactly the same in both. The two were identical, in fact. He could not see any differ- ence in the leaf; and in adjoining rows of the two varieties, he was unable to discover six inches difference of growth between them, in trees of the same age and cultivation. Mr. Hamilton had the Peach apricot from three sources — Dr. Rumsey, Mr. Prince, and Dr. Townsend ; and in all the specimens there was a considerable difference in the thickness of the leaf, as compared with that of the Moorpark. It was manifest to feeling on the least touch. Mr. Allen stated that he found the hole in the stone in both the Moorpark and Peach varieties, and considered them in all respects identical. Mr. Reid said the same. On motion, the proposal to add the Peach apricot was passed by. (Equivalent to a rejection.) gooseberries. No discussion whatever took place on this fruit. The ten varieties recommended will be found in the general list of fruits worthy of cultivation. The Early Sulphur was added to the committee's list on motion of Mr. Wilson, N. Y. ; the Green Gage on motion of Mr. Battey, N. Y., and the Green Walnut, on motion of Mr. Little, Me. This completed the list of Fruits worthy of general cultivation which the committee designed to offer. Mr. Wilson moved to add to the list of currants, Knighfs Sweet No. 199.] 245 Red. It was a large sized currant, which he regarded as the finest of all. It had for two years taken the premium at Albany for size and sweetness. Mr. BuisT thought it a very excellent currant and it grew in larg- er bunches than other kinds. Mr. Hancock had cultivated this variety and had been humbugged; he expected a sweet currant and got one as sour as any of them. He could not tell the difference between this and the Red Champagne except from the labels on the bushes. Mr. Wilson said Mr. Hancock could not have got the right kind of currant. Col. Hodge said he had it and had found it finer and sweeter than any other. The motion did not prevail. Mr. Downing had next to submit, a small list of Fruits which give promise of becoming worthy of general cultivation, which will be found under this head in the general list. No debate occurred on any of these fruits (further than is to be found in the preceding pages,) excepting a few words concerning the McLaughlin Plum. Mr. Little stated that it was introduced into Maine some seven or eight years ago, and had ever since been steadily growing in public esti- mation. This year the Fruit committee of the Bangor Horticultural Society pronounced it superior to all varieties except the Green Gage. Mr. Walker said that the committee of the Massachusetts Horticultu- ral Society had given their opinion that it was a very excellent fruit, approaching very nearly in flavor to the Green Gage. Mr. Downing then stated that he had in his possession a large num- ber of reports, of which he had had no opportunity as yet to make a digest, and he asked the pleasure of the Congress in relation to them. On motion of Mr. McIntosh, it was voted that they be referred to the chairman of the General Fruit Committee for revision, and then to the Secretaries to be published with the doings of this Con- gress. Mr. Saul suggested the expediency of some action going to fix a determinate day for the next meeting at Cincinnati. A long discus- sion ensued on this subject, in which Messrs. Saul, McIntosh, HoDGE, Wilson, S. B. Parsons, Walker, Hovey, Hancock, Ham- ilton and Cleveland participated. The debate was of no impor- tance and finally the whole matter was laid on the table, thus leaving the settlement of the particular time (as was contemplated by the 246 [Assembly report from the committee which was yesterday accepted) in the con- trol of the President of this Congress and the President of the Ohio State Board of Agriculture. Dr. Brinckl:^', from the committee on Seedling Fruits, submitted the following report, which was accepted. The committee on Seedling fruits report that the following seed- ling varieties have been examined by them. Lawrence's Jlromatic Gage Plum, from J. C. Hastings, Clinton, Oneida Co., N. Y. A small late plum, good, beautiful and worthy of further trial. It is a seedling from the Green Gage. The com- raittee suggest that it be called simply the Aromatic Gage. Tea Pear, from New Haven, Ct., quality good. Howell Pear, from New Haven ; very good. Pardee's Seedling Pear, from New Haven. Specimen over ripe ; but it appears to possess good qualities. Three other seedling pears from New Haven were not in eating condition, being unripe. Balm Jippte, from H. C. Hunt. Vt. Medium size, fair quality, or good. Said to bear every year. • Tender Jlpple, presented as a cooking apple. JeweWs Best Jipple. — Of fine appearance, but not in season lor eating. Has a high character in its original neighborhood. J^orthem Golden Sweeting, from J. Battey, Keeseville, N. Y.; of beautiful appearance, good size, best quality. We recommend it be called simply the JSTorfhem Sweet. Ckamplain Jipple, from the same. Good quality, beautiful appear- ance. Bailey's Spice Jpple, from the same. Good, spicy, handsome. Forrence Jipple, from the same ; good. Rihhed Codlin, from D. Miller, Jr., Carlisle Pa. Large, waxen, tender ; good, particularly for cooking. Cumberland Seedling Jipple, from the same ; large, handsome, ob- late, red, tender flesh, pleasant, very good. Page Apple, from Henry Little, Bangor, Me., handsome, good ap- pearance, not in eating order. Seedling from J^auvoo.—^oi in eating order. Seedling Pear J^o. 1., from W. T. & E. Smith, Geneva, N.Y. .Specimen of inferior quality. Seedling Pear JVo. 2., from the same. Quality not good. No. 199.] 247 Seedling Ap-plt Jfo. 1., from the same. Large size, greenish yel- low, quality good. Seedling nipple JVo. 2., from the same. Not in eating order. Seedling Apple JVb. 3., from the same. Not in eating order. Chancellor Pear^ from Gerraantown, Pa., large size, very good. Seedling Pear f from Geneva, N. Y. Large, not fully ripe but prom- ises well. We recommend it to be called the Geneva. Catherine of Canandaigua. — Large, good. We recommend it be called simply the Canandaigua. By order of the committee. W. D. BRINCKLE, Ch'n. Mr. Walker here quitted the chair, which was assumed by Mr. Cleveland. Mr. Barry said that the Congress aaa oeen much indebted to the American Institute and the courtesy of its officers, and he moved that the thanks of the American Pomological Congress be presented to the American Institute, together with all the fruits on the tables, ex- cept such specimens as the contributors may wish to retain. Car- ried unanimously. On motion of Col. Hodge, it was voted that the thanks of the Con- gress be presented to Samuel Walker, Esq., President pro tern, for the able and impartial manner in which he has discharged the duties of the office. The thanks of the Congress were also voted to the Secretaries and Fruit Committee for their faithfulness in discharging their duties. On motion of Mr. Downing, the Secretaries were requested to use all possible despatch in preparing a report of the session for publica- tion, and were directed to forward copies thereof to all members of the Congress. And then on motion of Mr. Barry, the Congress adjourned, to meet next year at Cincinnati. AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL CONGRESS, October, 1849. GENERAL FRUIT LIST. FRUITS WORTHY OF GENERAL CULTIVATION. {^dded to former List.) White Seek-no-further, Faraeuse, Porter, Hubbard ston Nonsuch, Winesap, Lady Apple, Rostiezer, Belle Lucrative, or, Fondante d'Automne, Fulton, Andrews, APPLES. Danver's Winter Sweet, Wine Apple, Red Astrachan, Vandervere, Bullock's Pippin, Swaar. PEARS. Buffum, Urbaniste, Vicar of Winkfield, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Uvedale's St. Germain, for baking. GRAPES UNDER GLASS. Black Hamburgh, White Frontignan, Black Prince, White Muscat of Alexandria, Black Frontignan, Chasselas de Fontainbleau. Grizzly Frontignan, Isabella, NATIVE GRAPES— OPEN CULTURE. Catawba. No. 199.*! 249 Elruge, Early Violet, Red Antwerp, Yellow Antwerp, Large Early Scarlet, Hovey's Seedling, Belle Magnifique. Large Early, Breda, Red Dutch, White Dutch, White Grape, NECTARINES. Downton. RASPBERRIES. Franconia, FastolfF. y STRAWBERRIES. Boston Pine. CHERRY. APRICOTS. Moorpark. CURRANTS. May's Victoria, Black Naples. GOOSEBERRIES. Houghton's Seedling, Laurel, Woodward's Whitesmith, Warrington, Crown Bob, Green Gage, Red Champagne, Green Walnut. Early Sulphur, Ironmonger. REJECTED FRUITS. Gloucester White, Beachemwell, Pennock, Henry's Weeping Pippin, Red Ingestrie, APPLES. Hoary Morning, Large Red Sweetings Red Doctor, Grand Sachem, Cathead, 260 [ASftEMSLY White do. Kirke's Lord Nelson, Marmalade Pippin, Priestly, Rowland's Red Streak, Red or Royal Russet, Woolston's Red Streak, Golden Reinnette, Woolston's White Sweet, Dodge's Early Red, Gray French Reinnettf, Muscovia, Irish Peach, Pigeonette, Salina, Caroline, (English,) Fenouillet Rouge. PEARS. Croft Castle, ' Forme des Delices, Swiss Bergamotte, French Iron, Sousreine, • Green Fair, Thompson's of New-Hampshire, Grise Eonne, Tucker's Seedling, Trubshurdy Dulle, Whitfield, Winter Orange, Wurtzer d'Automne, Yutte, Crassane, Winter Crassane, Citron of Bohemia, Madotte, Frederic of Prussia, Famenga, Forme Urbaniste, Fantasie Van Mons, Lederbirne, Louis Bonne, Lansac, Madame Vert, Miller's Seedling, Marquise, Marcellis, Navez, Alexander of Russia, Admiral, Garnstone, Green Catharine, Green Sugar, Gros Blanquet, Green Chisel, Hays, Hawthorne's Seedling, Horticulture, Hastiveau, Ipswich Holland, Jargonelle, (of the French,) Kramelsbime, Lincoln, Louis of Bologne, Orange, Orange Tulippe, Phillips, Pitfour, Piatt's Bergamotte, Passe Long Bras, Prince's Portugal, Pope's Scarlet, Cuvelier, Chat Grille, No. 199 ] 251 Aston Town Autumn Bergamot, D' Amour, Angers, Beurre d'Anglet6rre, Beurre Seutin, Beurre of Bolwiller, Bon Chretien d'Espagne, Bon Chretien of Brussells, Bergamotte Sylvange, Bergamotte Fortun^e, Beauty of Winter, Belmont, Bezi Vaet, Bruno de Bosco, Blanquet a longue queue, Burgomaster, Elton, Royal d' Hiver, Rouslette St. Vincent, Swans Egg, Saint Bruno, Chair a Dame, Charles Van Mons, (old,) Cassolette, Compte de Fresnel, Copea, Caillat Rosat, Clara, Clapp, Citron de Sirentz, Dearborn of Van Mons, Downton, Duquesne d'Ete, Doyenn6 Mons, Deschamp's New Late, Dumbarton, Doyenne Dor^, Endicott, Pitt's Marie Louise, Rouse Lench, Sans Pepins, Surpasse Meuris. NEW VARIETIES WHICH GIVE PK0M18E OF BEING WORTHY TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST FOK GENERAL CULTIVATION. Duchesse d' Orleans, Brandywine, Chancellor, Doyennti d' Et6, Beurr^ d' Anjou, Manning's Elizabeth, Brande's St. Germain, PEARS. Pratt, Ott, Striped Madeleine, Ananas d' Ete, Jalousie de Fontenay Vendee, Van Assent, Doyenne Boussock. . McLaughlin, PLUMS. River's Favorite, St. Martin's Quetache. 252 [Assembly STRAWBERRIES. Jenney's Seedling. RASPBERRY. Knevett's Giant. GRAPE— NATIVE. Diana. [ Reported by Thos. Tileeton, Jr. ] LIST OF FRUITS ADOPTED BY THE CONVENTION OCT., 1848. Early Harvest, Large Yellow Bough, American Summer Pearmain, Summer Rose, Early Strawberry, Gravenstein, Fall Pippin, Madeleine, Dearborn's Seedling, Bloodgood, Tyson, Golden Beurr6 of Bilboa, Williams' Bon Chretien, or Bartlett, Seckel, Grosse Mignonne, George IV, Early York, serrated, Large Early York, Morris White, Oldmixon Freestone, APPLES. Rhode Island Greening, Baldwin, Roxbury Russet, ^nd, for particular localities^ Yellow Belle Fleur, Esopus Spitzenburg, Newtown Pippin. PEARS. Flemish Beauty, Beurre Bosc, Winter Nelis, Beurre d' Aremberg, ^nd, for particular localities, V/hite Doyenne, Gray Doyenne. PEACHES. Cooledge's Favorite, Bergen's Yellow, Crawford's Late, J]nd, for particular localities,- Heath Cling. No. 199.] 253 Jefferson, Green Gage, Washington, Purple Favorite, Bleejker's Gage, May Duke, Black Tartarian, Black Eagle, Graffion, or Bigarreau, PLUMS. , Cce's Golden Drop, Frost Gage, Purple Gage, And, for particular localities- Imperial Gage. CHERRIES. Knight's Early Black, Downer's Late, Elton, Downton. REPORTS OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE ON FRUITS. It was ihe expectation of the Congress, in appointing the general committee J consisting of sub-committees in most of the States, to have full reports from all the principal sections of the Union; and it was the intention of the chairman to present a digested abstract, showing the result of the experience thus accumulated, in a condens- ed form. But the disastrous frost of April, 1849, more fatal in its effects, and more severe through the country generally, than any for thirty years previous, cut off most of the crop of fruit, and thus made it difficult, and often impossible for the state committees to collect that precise information regarding different varieties, which was needed. Many of the committees, therefore failed to make any report — not from want of interest in the subject, but solely from the impossibility of collecting materials. Another season will, it is hoped, enable them to present this part of the subject in a more satisfactory shape. As the following reports, though incomplete, contain a great deal of information highly useful in a local point of view, it has been thought advisable to present them entire, and leave all generalisation till the whole subject is presented this autumn, in a more complete form A. J. DOWNING, Chairman General Fruit Committee. No. 196.] 256 PENNSYLVANIA. REPORT OF FRUIT COMMITTEE. The Fruit Committee for the State of Pennsylvania, appointed by the American Congress of Fruit Growers, respectfully report : That the general failure of the fruit crop this season, in conjunction with the prevalence of a malignant epidemic, has prevented them from deveting that attention to the subject of their appointment, which they contemplated and desired. In another year they flatter themselves a better opportunity will be afforded for performing their proper duties, and a report may then be presented, more satisfactory to the committee and to the Congress. On the present occasion, they propose confining their report to a few brief remarks in relation to some of the fruits cultivated in this region, and more especially those which have originated in our own State, or its immediate vicinity. The Jipple generally succeeds well in Pennsylvania. The old varieties, which have long been in cultivation, have latterly been deteriorating ; and most of the reputed fine sorts from other parts of our country have not yet been introduced among us a sufficient length of time to enable us to form an accurate judgment of their adaptation to our soil and climate. It is believed there are many seedling vari- eties in this region worthy the attention of the Pomologist. A few only of these will be noticed at this time. Jeffries.- -This is a new, Chester county apple, of good size and fine flavor ; ripe the beginning of September. It received the pre- mium offered by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, for the best seedling apple exhibited in 1848. A similar premium was also awar- ded to it by the Horticultural Society of Westchester. Republican Pippin. — An autumn apple of merit. Its size, appear- ance and flavor, all recommend it to our favorable notice. It is a native of Lycoming county, Penn. Smoke-house. — This fine Pennsylvania apple has not yet been ex- tensively cultivated out of its native state. It is a good autumn apple, and deserves to be better known. Fallenxoalder. — This native apple is much grown in some parts of Pennsylvania, especially the interior counties. Though only a second-rate fruit, yet its large size and fine keepbg qualities, render 256 [Assembly it worthy of cultivation. In horticultural works it is usually called the Fallawater, which has been corrupted by our huckster women into " Polly waller" and " Polly wolly." It originated in Berks county in this state, where it is also known as the Tulpahocken, after a stream of that name near its original locality. It sprung up in the woods, and was left standing after the other trees were cut down, hence the name Fallenwalder — the apple of the cut-down woods. Kane. — This is a good autumn apple, but not to be compared in flavor with some other apples of its season. Its beautiful, fair and brilliant appearance, however, will always render it a most desirable ornamental fruit for the table. Its origin is not precisely known, but it is believed to be a native of Delaware. Brandywine Pippin. — This native Delaware apple, which was sent to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society last spring for the first time, made a favorable impression. It is of good size, with a plea- sant aromatic flavor, and possesses fine keeping qualities. It was eaten by the committee on the 8th of March, 19th of April, and again on the 7th of May. It originated contiguous to the Pennsylvania line, in Brandywine Hundred. The United States has contributed a large and truly valuable col- lection of native pears to the Pomological world. Many of these, when brought into competition with the most renowned trans-atlantic varieties, will not suffer in the comparison ; and possess in a marked degree the decided advantage of being better adapted to the ne- cessities of our trying and variable climate. Some that are of Penn- sylvania origin, including the far-famed Seckel, we proceed simply to notice, Brandywine. — A new Pennsylvania pear of merit, and worthy of cultivation. Ripe the last of August. Chapman. — The original tree is on the grounds of the veteran Horticulturist, Colonel Robert Carr, near Philadelphia. It is a seed- ling of the Petre, and stands within some thirty or forty feet of its parent. Though not fine in texture, it is a high-flavored, juicy pear. It was named in honor of the lady of a British officer who admired its flavor. Colonel Carr sent scions of it to Vilmorin & Co., of Pa- ris, in 1820, and again in 1825, under the name of the Chapmans. Loudon, in his Encyclopedia of Gardening, notices it as being of American origin, and resembling the Passe Colmar, to which it does not bear any similitude. And the London Horticultural Society's No. 199.] 257 catalogue, gives it as a synonym of the Passe Colraar. This appa- rent discrepancy in confoun;ling the Chapman, of American origin, with the Passe Colmar is explained by a fact recorded by Mcintosh, who states that an English market gardener by the name of Chap- man propagated the Passe Colmar very extensively, and sold it as a new variety, to which he gave his own name. Ripe the beginning of September. Chancellor. — This fine pear is believed to be a native of Pennsyl- vania. Only two trees in bearing, of this variety, are known to the committee j one is at the country residence of Mr. Wharton Chancel- lor, near Germantovvn j the other is in Germantown, in the garden of Mr. Green, from a graft of the preceding. Ripe the last of Septem- tember and beginning of October. Leech'' s Kingsessing — A Pennsylvania pear of high character. As the tree is on ground which has never received any tillage, it is natural to presume, that the fruit from grafted and budded trees, will be even finer than that obtained from the original. Ripe last of August. Lodge.— A Pennsylvania pear of the first quality, and a most abundant bearer. The specimens this season, were unusually large, and fine. As soon as Mr. Lodge, the proprietor of the original tree, became aware of its merits, he caused it to be removed from the hedge, wLere it sprung up, to a more desirable situation, and thereby destroyed it. But scions having previously been taken from it, the variety was preserved. Ripe the last of August, and beginning of September. Moy amen sing. — Although the original tree has been standing in Philadelphia on the premises of the late Jno. B. Smith, for more than half a century, it has been but little disseminated, until within a year or two. It is a fine late summer pear, of a peculiar and handsome form. Olt. — A new Pennsylvania variety of small size and superior fla- vor. Ripe a month earlier than the Seckel, of which it is a seedling. This is probably the best summer pear we have. Pennsylvania. — An agreeable early autumn pear of high flavor, but of coarse texture. The original tree stands within twenty or thirty feet of the Moyamensing. Petre. — The original tree still flourishes on the grounds of Col. Carr. Why it has not been more extensively cultivated in this vi- [Assembly, No. 199.] 17 258 [Assembly cinity, is incomprehensible to us, since it bears uniformly, and most abundantly, and the fruit is of the first quality. Seckcl. — It will no doubt be interesting to Pomologisls, to be in- formed, that the original world-renowned Seckel, is still in existence, though in a decaying condition, within the precincts of the county of Philadelphia. The city, to whom the ground on which it stands was bequeathed by the late Stephen Girard, has recently taken measures for its better preservation. Specimens of fruit from this parent tree, were exhibited a few weeks ago, at the annual show of the Pennsyl- vania Horticultural Society. Stienmetz's Catherine. — A refreshing and juicy, late summer pear of good size. Though Mr. Steinmetz obtained it from a nursery, in his vicinity for a grafted early Catherine, it is believed to be a native variety. The tree is very productive, and the fruit this sea- son was unusually large, some specimens being three inches and three-quarter in length, by two and a half in width. Tyson. — A valuable Pennsylvania pear, now pretty well known and properly appreciated at the eastward and in western New-York, contra- ry to what would be anticipated from the slender growth of the young wood, the tree acquires a great size. The fruit this season was large and remarkably fine. We saw specimens in 1848 with a brilliant red cheek, from a tree which bore marked evidences of having been treble- worked, at the country sreat of Mr. Welsh. Adjacent to this tree is another of large size, bearing fruit of the usual appearance; period of maturity from the middle of August to the beginning of September. Washington. — This truly fine pear, though not a native of Pennsyl- vania, originated only a few hundred yards beyond its border in the State of Delaware. The original tree is still standing in the garden of Col. Thos. Robinson, at Naaman's creek. Allied to the white Doyenn6, of which it is probably a natural seedling, and almost, if not quite equal to it in flavor, it possesses over that variety the de- cided advantage of perfecting fair and delicious fruit beyond city limits. The Feaster, Hanover^ Hewes, Jones, Lycoming, Montgomery, and other new native varieties of this region, have attracted the attention of the committee, but they defer giving an opinion in regard to their merits, till they have had a further opportunity of testing their quali- ties. Autumn Bergamot — Under this name Col. Carr cultivates a pear No. 199.] 259 of great excellence, worthy of extensive dissemination, and of which the following is a concise description : fruit 2} inches long by 2} wide ; roundish turbinate ; skin yellowish, with numerous minute russet dots, and a small russet patch at the insertion of the stein, and occasionally around the calyx ; stem 1 inch long, j thick, inserted with little or no depression, but with a slight prominence on one side ; calyx small, closed, set in a i^hallow basin ; seed plump, daik brown ; flesh of fine texture, exceedingly melting and buttery ; flavor delicious, delicately aromatic, without any bergamot perfume ; ripe from the first to the middle of September. An outline of two specimens is annex- ed. What variety is it 1 Bezi de la Moite. — This old variety, once so celebrated for its ex- cellence, bears uniformly and abundantly ; the tree is still flourishing ; the fruit continues to be well formed, exceedingly buttery and melting, but so entirely devoid of flavor, as now scarcely to rank with us even third rate. Doyenne Blanc and Doyenne Gris. — These varieties, under ordin- ary treatment, and beyond city limits, are utterly worthless in our region. In towns, however, they still do well, maturing fruit of beautiful appearance and excellent quality. , Fondante d'Jiutomne. — This most valuable Belgian pear preserves with us its high character. Louise Bonne de Jersey. — A most desirable variety here, as in other places, on account of its productiveness and other good qualities. The Barllett, Beurri d'Jlnjou, Doyennz Boussock^ Fiemis'i Beauty^ Passe Colmar, St. Andre^ Van Mons Leon le Clerc^ Beurre d'Jirem- bcrg, and many other English, French, and Flemish pears, of high repute, have scarcely come into bearing with us ; at least not to any extent. The PZwm, though a most luscious fruit, is so liable in this section of country to the ravages of the curculio, as to restrict in a great meas- ure its extensive cultivation. In towns, however, this destructive in- sect being less abundant, the Was/dngton, Ruling's Superb, Green Gag€y Coe^s Golden Drop^ and other desirable kinds, are cultivated successfully, especially where the ground, under the trees, is paved. The market raspberry of Philadelphia, and the kind most com- monly cultivated in Pennsylvania, is the Genesee^ a native of west- . em New-York, and found also in a wild state, on the Pocono moun- tain, in this State. Though usually called Red Antwerp^ it differs 260 [Assembly from that variety in being of less size; not so well flavored, but more hardy. The true Jintwerps cannot be relied on for a crop, here, without protection. The same remark applies, though perhaps with less force, to the Fastol(f and Giant. The Col. Wilder and Orange have not yet been subjected to open culture. They have stood well, however, in a small yard in Phila- delphia, while the FasloUF and Antwerpsat their side were cut down by the winter. Several new raspberries of fine size and flavor have been raised by a well-known Philadelphia nurseryman, and were exhibited before the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society during the past summer. Should they prove, as they probably will, more hardy than the foreign kinds, they will become a valuable acquisition to our collection. Melons. — A very large citron melon of great excellence has recent- ly appeared in the market of Philadelphia. It is grown by Mr. J. E. Scott, near Burlington, New Jersey, is nearly twice as large as the ordinary citron melon, and superior to it in quality. The com- ipittee consider it a new and distinct variety; and in their esti- mation the best melon of this region. Wafer Melons. — The finest water melon in this section of country is the Mountain Sweet. It is of large size, oblong in form, the exterior of a uniform green color — of a lighter hue than the Spanish, thin rind, flesh scarlet to the centre, which is solid, brown seed, delicious flavor. The Mountain Sprout differs from the preceding in being striped, quite as large, of a similar form, rind somewhat thicker, flesh not so com- pact, seed of a pale red, flavor inferior to the preceding. The Spanish variety is also of large size, and good ; not equal, however, in quality to the Mountain Sweet, and has a much thicker rind. The present season having been so exceedingly adverse to pomo- logical investigation, your committee have judged it expedient to withhold the remarks they designed making (and, indeed, which they had prepared,) on the remaining varieties of fruit, for another, and, they trust, a more propitious year. They are unwilling to con- clude, however, without indulging the hope that the several State committees will embody in their next report a brief notice of all the good native fruits of their section of country. A mass of the most valuable and important information, in relation to the merits of these No, 199.] 261 American varieties, will in this way be collected by the Congress, and widely disseminated. W. D. BRINCKLE, E. W. KEYSER, TIIO. P. JAMES. Phiiadelphia, Sept. 2S, 1849. NEW-YORK. REPORT OF B. HODGE, BUFFALO. A. J. Downing, Esq. — As a member of the Standing Fruit Com- mittee of the State of New-Yoik, I have the pleasure of laying before you the following report. For reasons which I need not novr mention, I have confined my remaiksto a limited number of varieties. I am quite of the opinion that the time has arrived, in which we must very materially reduce the number of varieties of fruits now in cultivation. Yet at the same time fears may well be entertained that the pruning knife is about to be applied in too indiscriminate a man- ner. With some, there is a disposition to cut off all below " best," or " first quality." Now, in my opinion, the Jine flavor of any par- ticular sort of fruit is not the only ingredient in the catalogue of good qualities, that should be taken into the account. For instance, the Newtown Pippin all will admit to be of superior flavor. Yet in many parts of our country it is so unproductive and liable to bitrer-rot, that it is altogether unprofitable. On the contrary, the Rhode Island Greening, although much inferior in flavor, yet in productiveness and other good qualities, can hardly be surpassed The same remaik will apply to Crawford's early and Crawford's lateMelocoton peaches; neither of them are of superior flavor, yet for size, beauty and unproduc- tiveness, they are perhaps equal to any other varieties ; and in West- ern New-York are more extensively grown for the market, than any other sorts. For the same reason, would I retain in a very small col- lection even (at least one tree) of the Keswick Codlin Apple; in flavor, not above second quality, but exceedingly productive; in use for culi- nary purposes from June to October ; and from its earliness in coming into bearing, indispensable to every new orchard. In looking over the catalogue of fruits, but few varieties will be 262 [ASSEMBLT found possessing or combining all the good qualities of a first rate fruit. Neither should the fruiting of any particular variety for one or two years, be considered as a sufficient test of its good or bad qualities. It should also be borne in mind that we have a great extent of country, and that latitude, soil and other causes, must and will have a great effect in varioas localities. For instance, the Ste- vens'' Genesee pear, in some sections of our country, is considered as unworthy of cultivation ; and yet here, were I to have but one pear tree, it should be Stevens' Genesee. For size, beauty, and produc- tiveness, it is superior — in flavor it is nearly first rate, and often equal to the White Doyenne. I am also of opinion, that an extensive list of fruits cannot be recommended for general cultivation. For instance, the Baldwin apple, so fine and fair in the eastern states and also in Western New-York, is in some parts of Ohio so subject to the bitter-rot as to be utterly worthless. I apprehend, also, that much difficulty will be experienced in pre- paring a list of rejected fruits. Last year at the Pomological Con- vention at Buffalo, the Brown Beurre and the Bezi de la Motte pears were voted as unworthy of cultivation. Yet for one, I am not pre- pared to cast them out. In my humble opinion, they are superior to three-fourths of the varieties in cultivation. Both are vei-y produc- tive, and generally of good flavor ; require to be gathered early, and ripened in the house, and are then generally fine. The Brown Buerie requires good culture, and the man who " plants his trees as he would a post," " stocks down his land to grass," and " trims up his trees so high that the cattle cannot injure them," had better select some other variety, say the Autumn Bergamotte or some kindred sort. I give, in the following list, the experience of the orchardists in Western New- York. In rating them as regards quality, I follow the terms of comparison for good fruits, adopted by the Congress, viz : "good, very good, best." APPLES. Roxbury Russet, best; superior in all good qualities. Baldwin, best; very productive and fine. Northern Spy, best; productive and superior, requires good culture. Rhode Island Greening, very good; one of the most productive and profitable. No. 199.] "1863 Swaar, best; fruit very fair and fine. VVestfield Seek-no-further, very good; for January and February, very fine, soon looses its flavor. Esopus Spitzenbergh, best; productive and fine, always commands the highest price in the market. English Russet, very good; a long keeper, productive and fine. American Golden Russet, very good; very productive. Pomme Grise, best; popular, but too small to be profitable. Danver's Winter Sweet, good; productive, fruit fair, keeps well. Ladies' Sweeting, best; one of the very best winter sweet apples. Early Harvest, best; productive and fine, requires good culture. Bough or Sweet Bough, best; fruit always very fair, none better. Early Joe, best; productive and fine, but soon decays. Summer Rose, best; fine, but so far not productive. Sinequaron,best; trees grow slow and not productive. Early Strawberry, very good; productive, fruit fair. Williams' Favorite, very good; productive and has but few equals. American Summer Pearmain, -very good; but recently fruited, so far fine. Summer Sweet Paradise, very good; but recently fruited, so far fine. Summer Queen, good; very fine for culinary purposes. Jersey Sweeting, very good; one of the best of the season. Peach Pound Sweet, very good; fair and fine. Golden Sweeting, good, none more productive, profitable. Pomme de Neige, very good; trees overbear, requires good cul- ture, then very fine. Red Astrachan, very good; popular in the market. Keswick Codlin, good; very productive, at least one tree should be in every collection. Jonathan, very good; recently fruited, so far very fine. Fall Pippin, best; an old sort, but has but few equals. Detroit Red, good; a very productive, popular market fruit. Belmont, best; proves very tine. Hubbardston Nonsuch, best; fully maintains its eastern reputa- 2C4 [AsSEMBLt PEAPS. Bnrtlelt, best; prndudive, always frtlr and fine. Beurre Diel, best; protluctive, and fine on pear or quince. lU'urr6 Bosc, very good. Beurr6 d'Aremberg, best; one of the best winter pears. Brown Beurre, very good; very productive, requires good culture. Bloodgood, best; one of the best early pears. Bergaraot, Gansel's, very good; proiluctlve and generally very fine, first rate. Doyenne White, best; with good culture none better. Dearborn's Seedling, good; productive. Duchesse d'Angouleme, very good; one of the best on the quince. Easter Beurre, very good; fruit generally fair, requires care to ripen well. Flemish Beauty, best; very productive, always fair and fine. Frederick of Wirtemberg, very good; rather variable so far. Fulton, good; very productive.. Fondante d'Aulomne, best. Glout Morceau, best; among the nnest winter pears. Louise Bonne de Jersey, best; very productive and " the best pear on quince stock." Marie Louise, very good; rather variable, generally good. Madeleine, best; one of the best eai;ly sorts, should be gathered early. Onondaga or Swan's Orange, very good; but recently fruited, so far, very fine. Passe Colmar, very good; productive. Piinulise d'Automne, best; one of the very best autumn pears. Seckel,best; productive and " the best autumn pear." Steven's Genesee, very good; wonderfully productive, always large and fair. Thompson, fruited two seasons, so far very good. "Winter Nelis, best; a most superior winter pear, productive. Urbaniste, very good; so far sustains a fair reputation. Andrews, best; so far fine. Osband's Summer, very good. Rosticzer, best; bids fair to prove of superior excellence. Tyson, best; no doubt one of our very best soits. Van Mons Ltoa le Clerc, beslj very fine, but not " the best.'* No. 199.] 2C5 CHERRIES. American Heart, good; very productive. Butltiei's Yellow, very good; ripens late, and proves very fine. Belle de Choisy, best; sweet and rich, not very productive. Black Eagle, best; first rate in every respect. Bla( k Tartarian, best; " " Black Heart, good; productive, and as yet a popular old sort. Bauman's May, very good; the earliest sort, and fine for the season, Bigarrcau or Graffion, best; very productive and fine. Belle Magnifique, very good; productive, and fine when fully ripe. Downton, best; one of the most productive. Downers Late, best; a very superior late sort. Early Purple Guigne, good; ripens early, not very productive. Elton, best; for size, beauty and flavor unsurpassed, Holland Bigarreau, very good; bids fair to prove very fine. Knight's Early Black, best; the very best early sort. Late Duke, good; a very gooil late sort. May Duke, very good; productive, should be in every collection, Napolean Bigarreau, best; a superior fruit, productive. Tradesescanl's Black Heart, very good; productive, and a fine mar- ket iVuit. Waterloo, very good; very productive, a valuable sort. White Bigarreau, very good; generally productive and very fine. PLUMS. ■ Bleecker^s Gage, very good; productive and valuable. Coe'.s Golden Drop, very good; fruit fair and fine, not very pro- ductive. Columbia, very good; so far proves fine. Duane's Purple, very good; very productive, and very beautifuL Drap dOr, very good; not very productive, fruit fine. Frost Gage, good; productive, and a fine late variety. Green Gage, best; " the best sort," succeeds well here. Huling's Superb, very good; fruit very fair and fine. Imperial Gage, very good; one of the most productive sorts. Jeflerson, best; but recently fruited, proves very fine. Lawrence's Favorite, best; one of the very best sorts. 2G6 [ASSEMDLT Purple Gage, best; this also proves very fine Smith's Orleans, very good; one of the most productive sorts. Washington, very good; succeeds -well on a clay soil. White Damson, good; always produces large crops. PEACHES. Crawford's Early, good; the most productive, and profitable early sort. Crawford's Late, very good; very productive, and always fine. Early Tillotson, best; fruil fine, trees somewhat subject to mildew. Early York, (serrated leaf,) best; productive and succeeds very well. Grosse Mignonne, best; fruit always very fair. George the Fourth, best; fine beautiful fruit, not very productive. Noblesse, best; may be classed among the best sorts. Red Cheek Melocoton, very good; very productive, sells well in market. Royal George, very good; fruit generally fine, trees subject to mildew. Red Rareripe, very good; fruit fine, some other sorts more pro- ductive Snow Peach, good; productive, one of the best for preserving. Large Early York, best; one ol the most productive and best sorts. In the above report I have purposely omitted many of the newer varieties of fruits. I have now in my grounds, and am annually importing from Europe, and procuring from various sources in our own country, the more choice and select sorts as they are brought out. Many of these are from year to year coming into bearing, but time is required to test them fully and judiciously. The world is full of humbugs, and many of the high sounding names of so called " choice fruits," are destined to perpetual banishment from the fruit garden, when once fairly tested. All of which is very respectfully submitted. Yours very truly, B. HODGE. Buffalo Nubsery, Oct. 1, 1849. No. 199.1 267 MASSACHUSETTS. REPORT OF FRUIT COMMITTEE. No formal report was received from this committee, but in its place the following list of fruits, showing the experience of the cultivators of the State regarding many of the established varieties. By com- paring these lists with the rejected, and the approved lists, as actual- ly adopted in the Congress, the reader will be able to form a good idea of the effect of soil and climate of New-England on foreign fruits. — Chairman Gen. Fruit Com. 1. Fruits recommended to be added to the list for general culti- vation: Pears. Buffum, Vicar of Winkfield, Uved ale's St. Germain, (or Pound for Cooking,) Louise Bonne de Jersey (on quince). Apples. Hubbardston Nonsuch, Danvers Winter Sweet, Chapesj (Foreign,) under glass. Black Hamburgh, Grizzly Frontignan, Black Prince, White Frontignan, Black Frontignan, White Muscat of Alexandria. Kative Grapes^ for open culture. Rostiezer, Andrews, Fulton, Fondante d' Automne, Urbaniste, Porter, Fameuse, Isabella, Elruge, Violet Hative. Red Dutch, White Dutch. Knevett's Giant, Fastolff, Early Virginia, Catawba. J^ectarines. Downton. K^urrants. Black Naples, May's Victoria, Raspberries. Fran con ia. Yellow Antwerp, Strawberries. Hovey's Seedling. 2G8 [Assembly 2. Nc \v varieties, which give promise of being worthy to be added to the list for general cultivation : PEARS. Citron des Carmes Panache, or Dachosse d'Orleans, Pratt, Striped Madeleine, Doyenne* d'ete, Elizabeth (Manning's,) Beurre d'Anjou, Doyenne Boussock, 3. List of rejected fruits :* Alexander of Russia, Amandes d'ete, Admiral, Aston Town, Ambrosia, Araantie Double, Autumn Bergamot, D'Amour, Angers, Beurr6 d'Angleterre, Beurre Seutin, Beurre of Boswlller, Beurr(f! Dclberg, Bon Chretien d'Espagne, Bon Chretien of Brussells, Bergamotte Sylvange, Bergamotte Fortunee, Bergamotte Parthenay, Beauty of Winter, Boucquia, Belmont, Bezi Vaet, Bruno -ie Bosco, Blanquei. a. Longue queue. Paradise d'Automne, Van Assene, Jalousie de Fontenay Vendee. Brande's St. Germain. Chair a Dame, Charles Van Mons, (Old,) Cassolette, Comte de Fresnel, Copea, Caillot Rosat, Clara, Cumberland, Colmar d'ete, Clapp, Citron de Sirentz, Dearborn, (Van Mens,) Down ton, Duquesne d'ete. Doyenne Mons, Deschamps, New <^ate, Dunbarton, Doyenne Diere, En fan Prodige, Endicott, Elton, Fondante d'6t6, Frederick of Prussia) Famenga, • It will of course be unJerstood that this list applies to Massachusetts. Manj of the viirielics rejected here are valuable in other parts of the country more fa- vored ill si):l an;l climate. A considerable portion of them, however, will be (ouud in the list actually rejected by Ihc ConfrciS. Chaiuman. No. 199.] 269 Burgomaster, Cuvelier, Chat Grille, French Iron Green Yair^ Grise Bonrc, Garnstone, Green Catharine, Gilogil, Green Sugar, Gros Blanquet, Green Chisel, Hays, Hathorne's Seedling, Horticulture, Hastiveau, Ipswich Holland, Jargonelle, (of the French,) Kramelsbirne, Lincoln, Louis of Bologne, Lederbirne, Louise Bonne, Lodge, Lansac, Madame Vert, Miller' s Seedling, Marquis, Marceiis, Navez, Orange, Orange Tulippe, Phillips Forme Urbaniste, Fantasie Van Mons, Forme des Delices, Pitfour, Piatt's Bergamot, Passe Long Bras, Prince's Portugal, Pope''s Scarlet Major, Pitt's Marie Louise, Royale d'Hiver, Rouse Lench, Rousselette St. Vincent, Sans Pepins, Swan's Egg, Surpasse Meuris, Saint Bruno, Swiss Bergamot, Souvereine, Sickle r, Thompson's (native N. H.) Tucker's Seedling, Trubscherdy Dule, Valee Franche, Whitfield, Windsor, Winter Orange, Wurtzer d'Automne, Yutte, Crassane, W^inter Crassane, Citron of Bohemia, Madotte, Belle de Bruxelles, 270 [Assembly Beachamwell's, Cathead (of Philadelphia,) Caroline (of English cat.,) Dodge's Early Red, Fenouillet Rouge, APPLES. Grey French Reinette, Muscovia, Irish Peach, Pigeonelte, Salina, S. WALKER, JONAH LOVETT, 2d, ROBERT MANNING, P. B. HOVEY, Jr., Committee. VERMONT. REPORT OF C. GOODRICH. , Burlington, ( Vt.) Sept. 2S^A, 1849. To Marshall P. Wilder, Esq., Preset J^ational Convention Fruit Growers : Sir — I have not been able to meet with or consult the other mem- bers of your committee who reside at Bennington, as we have fewer communications with thai town than with Liverpool, and as we hare no State organization, no definite State report can be made. The past season has been very dry, and for two months very warm, the thermometer for some dnys rising to 100° and more. But little rain fell last fall, and for 1849 it has been for January 1 to May, 3.81 inches. May, 2.74 June 1 to August 6, 3.14 August 6 to 14, 4.16 and since, occasional showers. This, for this country, unprecedented drought, affected fruit various- ly J the size was small until the rain in August, since which all ex- cept early fruits have increased in size rapidly; still, the crop is about two weeks later than an average, and about three-fourths the usual size. Some northern varieties of Apples are very poor, others good, while the Newtown Pippin is larger and fairer than I have ever be- No. 199.] 271 fore seen it. As a whole, we have a full average of Apples, Pears, Plums and Cherries, both as to quality and quantity. Grapes were never better ; the berries in some cases small, but no mildew. Of Apples, many English and Canadian varieties were among the first cultivated. The Cornish Gilliflower, generally discarded, is here one of the highest flavored. Ribston Pippin and English Apples generally, flourish well. Among Apples generally cultivated, Early Harvest is here hardy, and in every respect first rate. Sweet Bough, do. do. Porter, do. Gravenstein, do. Fameuse is a great favorite, a great bearer in alternate years, but not equal to those grown in its native locale, Montreal, and ripens a, month earlier. St. Lawrence, another native of Montreal, is first rate for cooking or for a dessert apple, and ripens two weeks earlier. Among our winter Apples, the Esopus Spitzenbergh was one of the first introduced ; has been extensively cultivated, but is apt to be spotted, and for our climate is not equal to the Baldwin, which is in every respect first rate. ' Rhode Island Greening, do. Hubbardston Nonsuch, do. Roxbury Russet, do. Our best winter sweet Apple is the Danvers Winter Sweet. The Ladies Sweeting recently introduced, promises well in favorable situations. The Newtown Pippin, in favorable locations, is in some seasons good, occasionally very fine, and sometimes very poor. Not recommended for general culture. The Northern Spy has not yet fruited. No variety grows better than this, or appears more hardy. The Yellow Belle Bleur is considerably cultivated 25 miles north of this, where it is a very vigorous grower, a good bearer, and a great favorite. The Pomme Grise, from Montreal, and the Burressa from Quebec, are here Apples of the highest flavor, and worthy a trial further south. Of Pears, the White Doyenne is one of the most common ; it is always fine, and trees healthy — was among the first introduced. There has been but little attention given to the introduction of new varieties 272 [ASSEMBLT until a few years past, not lonp enough to speak with ronfidence. Generally they promise well — hut few instances of blight. Dear- born's Seedling is our best summer pear. The Barllett is a favorite. Plums are abundant, and trees are healthy. No disease of any kind has ever attacked them. The Grapes mostly cultivated are natives of New England. The Isabella ripens well in good situations, but requires slight protection in winter. Should you deem this of any service, use it ; if not, it may be thrown aside. I hope another year to have materials to m.ike some- thing like a State report; also, should T not be able to attend, to be able to send a box of specimens, which I should now do did a private opportunity offer. Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, G. GOODRICH. CONNECTICUT. REPORT OF THE STATE COMMITTEE. Your committee for the State of Connecticut, would respectfully report, that they have endeavored to collect all the information, rela- ting to the subject for which they were appointed, that could reason- ably be expected in one short ieason. It will be proper to state here, that one of your committee, George Olmsted Esq. of East Hartford died soon after his appointment. Rev. Wm. W. Turner of Hartford was appointed by the chairman, to fill the vacancy thus occasioned. The observations of those of your committee residing at New Ha- ven will be upon the success of fruit culture on a light sandy soil, ly- ing upon a sandy subsoil and situated on the seacoast. Of the others residing at Hartford, upon both a sandy and clayey soil, lying upon either a clay or gravelly subsoil and situated about thirty miles interi- or on the Connecticut river. We will commence with the first fruits of the season and take no- tice of them in the order in which they come to maturity, with tlua No. 199.] 273 general -emark ; notwithstanding the soil in and around New Ha- ven is so light and sandy, it appears nevertheless, with suitable tillage, to be well adapted to nearly all the fruits commonly cultivated in our latitude, except apples, which do much better on the higher and heavier soils in the state, especially in the counties of Hartford and Litchfield. Our soil affords very convenient harbor for insects, and if we have apples at all we must generally either take them inhabited or second hand. Strawberries. This fruit in ordinary seasons, begins to ripen the last of May and continues about a month. There are about thirty varieties cultivated with us. Nearly every garden has its strawberry bed. The varieties considered the best, are Hovey's seedling and Boston Pine. They are planted on the same bed or near by, but the plants are not allow- ed to intermingle. The Crimson Cone, Chili, Buist's Prize, French Yellow, Willie's Seedling, Bishop's Orange and Jenny's Seedling stand next in merit. The Peruvian, a staminate variety, bears fruit of more uniform size than Hovey's Seedling, but is a shy bearer. Black Prince, good bearer, but lacks flavor ; Methven Scarlet, Ross' PhcEnix, Princess Alice Maude and Prolific Hautbois are about third rate. Aberdeen Beehive, Early Va. Scarlet and some others so far as they have been tried, rank no higher than " good." The Alpines aie also considered of not much value for general cultivation. Raspberries. The American or common Red, Franconia and Fastolffare most es- teemed. The Red, White and Yellow Antwerps do not stand our winters unprotected and are but little cultivated. Gooseberries Are so liable to mildew with us, that not much attention is paid to their culture ; and yet they may be found in many of our gardens, and in some cases when considerable attention is given, do well. They do not appear so subject to mildew in gardens situated near salt wa- ter, that is, within a few rods. Cherries. This fruit does very well in the light soil of New Haven, and comes early into bearing. The trees seldom get winter-killed, yet some- I Assembly, No. 199. j IS 274 [Assembly times die without apparent cause. They grow in six or eight years to eighteen feet or more in height, eight or ten inches diameter in the trunk, and eighteen or twenty feet across the branches. The birds and flies, however, often lay claim to a large share of the best of the fruit. The May-Duke is a regular and great bearer, ripening in succession on the same tree ; Belle de Choisy, very good, but shy bearer; Roy- al Duke does well ; Kentish Morello bears abundantly and regularly. Black Eagle is one of the richest and best flavored ; Black Tar- tarian, large and one of the best ; Honey Heart, small, but good bearer; Elton, tender fleshed and of best quality. Bigarreau or Yellow Spanish, White Bigarreau or White Ox Heart, Holland Bigarreau, Flesh colored Bigarreau, Tradescants Black Heart or Elkhorn and American Heart are about all the firm- fleshed varieties cultivated with us. They are shy bearers generally, but the fruit is large and good ; probably they produce more abundant- ly on heavier soils. (AH, except White Bigarreau, bear most abun- dantly in the heavy loam of the Hudson. Chairman Gen. Fruit Com.) Plums. A dozen years ago the opinion was very general that plums could not be raised at New-Haven and its vicinity on account of the dis- ease known by the name of knots or warts. The disease, however, has gradually subsided, and plums are now raised, both in size and quality, to the satisfaction of all who are so fortunate as not to have them destroyed by the curculio. Various experiments for the de- struction of this insect, or to prevent its injuring the fruit, have hith- erto proved ineffectual, unless a preventive recently discovered by one of your committee shall prove, as it fairly promises, to be en- tirely effectual. The following are most of the varieties cultivated : Green Gage, best ; trees grow rather slowly, but they are free and regular bearers and the fruit is decidedly the best ; Washington, Yellow Gage, Go- liath, Buel, Huling's Superb and Jeff"erson, take the same rank; Coe/s Golden Drop and Imperial Gage, decay on the tree; Smith's Orleans, Bieecker's Gage, Emerald Drop, Dominie Dull and Lombard, very good; Royal de Tours, very good, but shy bearer; Frost Gage is of best quality; White Magnum Bonum very good for preserves; Damsons good. No. 199.] 275 Peaches. People in our region have become very much discouraged in re- gard to raising this delicious fruit. The trees have the yellows in many cases, before they begin to bear, and if Ihey'bear at all, it is only for one or two seasons ; seedlings, or some inferior sort, may be an exception. The choice standard varieties, if they bear so much as one season, do not last. One of your committee, ten years ago, raised as fine peaches as could be desired, and in great abundance ; but now, on the same ground, with much pains, is unable to get any worth naming. The theory of Dr. Van Mons, " that the improvement of the qual- ity of the fruit is at the expense of the life of the tree," and " that those trees which produce the most delicate fruit are short lived," may afford a hint in regard to the difficulty of raising peaches. [The explanation of the great prevalence of the yellows in Con- necticut, lies, we imagine, in the fact of the large introduction of later years, of unhealthy trees, bought indiscriminately in the mar- kets of New-York. A little attention to destroying every tree already affected, and introducing those of healthy constitution from other districts, will very soon result in the production of the finest fruit again, as has been abundantly proved in many parts of the Stc's^ of New- York. Chairman Gen. Fruit Com.\ Pears. This fruit seems to have been cultivated at New-Haven from a very early period of its settlement, as appears from several trees now standing, which bear fruit from year to year, and are known to be over two hundred years old. Fifty or more years ago, there also appears to have been unusual attention given to this fruit, as there are a large number of trees scat- tered throughout the town, of about that age — more, probably, than can be found in any other in the State, but they are mostly of the old, and what are now considered, inferior sorts, such as the Pound Pear, Harvest, Sugar Top, Orange, Jonah, Winter Bell, Virgalieu, Bon Chretien and some others. These trees, however, in many in- stances, are turned to good account by having the new varieties en- grafted upon them, to the number, in some cases, of twenty or more. The new sorts grow vigorously upon the old treeSj producing fruit in from two to four years. 276 [Assembly More recently, increasing attention has been given to this fruit, and many of the new and superior kinds have been introduced, for most of which we are indebted to our eastern friends, who have taken such honorable lead in procuring and disseminating new and valua- ble varieties. In the list of pears found here, we rate them as follows : Skinless, good J Catharine, very goodj Hubbard's Seedling, goodj Ive's Seed- ling, good; Bloodgood, best J Doyenne d' Ete, best. These ripen wntb us the first week in August. The Doyenne d' Ete, on quince, is the best of them. Summer Bergamot, good ; Sugar Top, good ; Fine Gold of Summer, good; Rousselet Hatif, good; Dearborn's Seedling, best; Tyson, best; English Jargonelle, best ; Windsor, good; Early Harvest, good; French Jargonelle, good for nothing with us; Juli- enne, best; Madeleine, very good; Edward's Citron, very good; Sum- mer Franc Real, on quince very superior; Bartlett, best; Orange, good; Summer Bon Chretien, good. Among our fall or autumn pears, Andrews is very good; Bleeck- er's Meadow, great bearer, some limes very good; Beurre de Capiau- mont, sometimes very good, ripe 1st Oct.; Beurre Brown, very good; Beurre Bosc, best; Beurre d' Amalis, good; Beurre Diel, best; Bezi de la Motte, good ; Golden Beurre of Bilboa best, ]st Sept.; Gan- sel's Bergamot, sometimes best, 20 Sept.; Howell, best, 20 Sept.; Calhoun best, last Oct.; White Doyenne, not good ; Henrietta, very good, 1st Sep. ; Elizabeth, very good, Oct. ; Flemish Beauty, best, Sept. 20 ; Louise Bonne de Jersey, best, Oct. 1st ; Fondante d'Au- tomne, best; Napoleon, very good ; St. Ghislain, very good, Sept. 1; Seckel, best, Oct. 1; Van Mons Leon le Clerc, best, Oct. 1 ; Wash- ington, good ; Rushmore's Bon Chretien, good, Oct. 1; Duchesse d'Angouleme, best ; Cushing's Melting, very good ; Tea Pear, best, Sept. 1; Frederick of Wurtemburg, very good; Urbaniste, very good. Among winter pears : Beurre d'Aremberg, best ; Vicar of Wink- field, best ; Easter Beurre, very good ; St. Germain, (old) good ; Prince's St. Germain, good ; Winter Virgalieu or Colmar, good ; Winter Bell, (sometimes weighing near two pounds,) very good for cooking; Jonah or Winter Franc Real, great bearer — good ; Glout Morceau and Passe Colmar, not yet fiuited; Columbia, good ; Win- ter Nelis, best. There are other foreign winter varieties, but not sufficiently tested to warrant an opinion. No. 199.] 277 A large number of seedling pears have originated in New-Haven and its niighboring towns — some of which have already been noticed in this r-eport and are naore or less known. It may be interesting to some present to hear something of others. The late Gov. Edwards planted pear seeds about 30 years ago for the purpose of obtaining new varieties. There are now standing in the garden he cultivated 30 varieties named by himself. Some of ihem quite, and others nearly, first rate — such as the Citron, Cal- houn, Dallas, Henrietta, Elizabeth, &c. The Edwards and Clay are the largest— they ripen in September and October. The late Mr, Thos. Howell, whose garden is adjoining Gov. Ed- wards', followed his example and planted pear seeds — the result is, at least one first rate pear, viz : the Howell. The *' New-Haven Beauty" is very handsome, but not quite first rate. Another, a sweet pear, of good size, is excellent for baking. Some bore this season for the first time — others liave not yet fruited. About 20 trees in all. The Punderson pear is a great bearer and very good. There are seedlings by Dr. Totten worthy of notice. Also by Dr. Eli Ives, a large number — some of which are worthy of dissemination. At Whitneyville is a chance seedling — the Skinner pear. The Tea pear originated in Milford, the next town west of us, and is an ex- cellent variety — ripe 1st September. "White's seedling — also a new seedling by S. D. Pardee — of promise. Fruit trees are with us transplanted with more care than formerly, and the operation is better understood, as well as its importance in reference to success. It is considered indispensable now with us to trench the ground where fruit trees are to be planted — that is, dig tw^o spades deep — manuring freely, and mixing the whole thoroughly together — thus making a soil two feet deep. The manures commonly used, are stable, peat, muck, oyster shell or^tone lime, ashes, and the leaves or litter of the ground, all thrown together into a heap in the fall, making a compost which in the spring is in fine condition for use. Ground bone is also used, and guano. The latter is mostly in liquid form. Quince stocks for pears, especially for the garden, are coming very much into favor. The fruit appears to be fairer, handsomer and bet- ter than when upon pear stocks. Pear trees with us appear to be en- tirely exempt from disease. 278 [Assembly Quinces Do well in our light soil, bear abundantly and the fruit is of large size, when the trees are regularly pruned and receive an annual top dressing of manure. The Orange or Apple, the Portugal and also the Pear shaoed varieties are cultivated in Connecticut. Grapes. Almost every residence in our region has its grape vine and some have from 20 to 30. The Isabella and Catawba are the most com- mon, and when planted where they receive some protection from cold, they amply repay the cultivation ; but if planted in the open ground without protection, they often fail. The Bland or Alexander, Shirt- leff seedling, Missouri, Miller's Burgundy, Zinfindal and some others are also cultivated here in a few cases. Foreign varieties under glass are not extensively cultivated. Where they are, however, good success and entire satisfaction have attended. Jlpricots and JVectarines are both cultivated. Very handsome specimens of which were shown at our weekly exhibitions this season. The former are in all cases trained to some building and have been noticed by your committee on the north, south and east sides, doing well in each aspect. Apples. Our report on this fruit, will, in order to make it more satisfactory, be entirely deferred till next year, GEORGE GABRIEL, A. S. MUNSON, V. M. DOUW, H. TERRY, W. W. TURNER. Committee for the State of Connecticut. No. 199.] 279 MAINE. REPORT OF FRUIT COMMITTEE. Pomology, with a few honorable exceptions, has as yet received but a sniall share of attention from the inhabitants of the state of Maine. In fact, the cultivation of choice fruits, till within a few years past, has been almost entirely neglected in by far the greater portion of our state, although we have very good soil, in all the varieties usually found in the other New-England States, Very many, if not most of the varieties of the apple, the plum, and the gooseberry, thrive with us, and may be safely cultivated, as our own experience has, at least partially, proved, in as great perfection as in other States of the Union; and many varieties are improved by being transplanted from other locations to this state. Some select varieties of the pear and cherry may be grown successfully with us, but our climate generally is not «o congenial to the growing of these fruits as that of New- York or Massachusetts. The quince has been cultivated even in great perfection by some individuals on the Kennebec river; but in other parts of our state the effort has not been attended with the same success. The cultivation of the peach has also proved a failure, excepting in a few instances where the location is very favorable; but we ar-e confid£nt it is not suited to the rigors of our climate. We are inclined to believe some hardy and very early varieties of the grape may be cultivated with success. We need a longer sea- son to ripen this fruit. The English Gooseberry thrives with us ad- mirably, and probably in greater perfection than in other states; and is generally very free from mildew. Two of your committee culti- vate about fifty varieties of this berry. The fruit of some kinds attained a very large size, being four inches in circumference, and of first rate flavor. We would respectfully call the attention of the citizens of our State to this fruit as it is well suited to it. We find ashes and meadow muck, pounded bones and horn shav- ings to be highly valuable as manures for trees and shrubs, to be used as recommended by Mr. Downing in several numbers of the " Horti- culturist," particularly for the year past. Until we have more experience it is not our design to extend our remarks, (especially in this our first report,) further than to complj 2S0 [Assembly with the solicitations of some of our citizens of Maine, in giving the names of a few such fruits as experience has indicated to be best suited to our climate, and such as are worthy of general cullivation in the most northern State in the Union. Apples. Bell's Early, Early Sweet Bough, William's Favorite, Gravenstein, Porter, Red Astrachan, Danvers Winter Sweet, Golden or Orange Sweet, Tallman's Sweet, Ribston Pippin, R. I. Greening, Roxbury Russett, Duchess of Oldenberg, Baldwin, Fameuse. Pears. Dearborn's Seedling, Seckel, Flemish Beauty, Heathcot, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Vicar of Winkfield, Mc- Laughlin, Frederick of Wurtemberg, Glout Morceau, Beurre d'Arem- berg, Winter Nelis, Fulton, Belle Lucrative and Rostiezer. riums Jefferson, Green Gage, Washington, Imperial Gage, Purple Gage, Purple Favorite, McLaughlin, Lombard, Lnperial Ottoman, Frost Gage, Columbia, Bleecker's Gage, and for preserving, the White Magnum Bonum, Smith's Orleans, Diapree Rouge, American Yellow Gage. Cherries. May Duke, Downer's Late, Black Eagle, Elton, Downton, Honey Heart. Gooseherries. Red Warrington, Crown Bob, W'hitesmith, Green Walnut, Red Champagne, Yellow Champagne, Early Green Hairy, Heart of Oak, Houghton's Seedling, Keen's Seedling, Green Gage, White Honey, Rifleman, Bright Venus, Early Sulphur, Yellow Ball, Smiling Beauty, and Green Laurel. All which is respectfully submitted. HENRY LITTLE, S. L. GOODALE. No. 199] 281 OHIO. REPORT OF A. McINTOSH. To A. J. Downing, Esq., Chairman of General Fruit Committee. In consequence of the general failure of the fruit crop this year throughout the State, but little opportunity has presented for carrying out the views of the Congress. It was the intention of our commit- tee to have met during the season at different places in the State, for the purpose of examining, comparing and testing the various fruits of each locality, observing the character of the soil, system of cultira- tion, process of manuring, mode of culture, &c. In any ordinary season this course wonld have ensured the collection of many valua- ble statistics. It is hoped that another year will supply this deside- ratum, and enable the committee to lay before Congress whatever interesting evidence can be drawn from the productions of our fertile soil and genial climate, as well as from the experience of our many intelligent, practical horticulturists. Owing to this unprecedented scarcity of fruit, the exhibitions of our local societies have been less interesting than usual, and the committee do not deem it advisable to attempt a general report for the State. They will await another year's experiment before proceeding to pass judgment on the many inferior or worthless kinds of fruit that are still extensively cul- tivated. In the tables and remarks that follow, the responsibility for accuracy rests with the undersigned alone, and his opinions are based on care- ful observation and actual experience in northern Ohio, and may not be applicable to all sections of the State. It is, however, proper to remark, that these views are approved of by the distinguished and in- telligent officers and members of the Cleveland Horticultural Society. I proceed to classify, in the manner recommended by you, certain varieties of fruit, omitting all such as seem to require farther time and testing, to determine their proper merit : 2S2 [Assembly APPLES. Good. Bough Large Early, Red Aslrachan, Summer Queen, Jonathan, Roxbury Russet, Red Seeknofurther. Best. Early Harvest, Gravenstein, Fall Pippin, Very good. Summer Rose, Porter, Rambo, Strawberry, Autumn, Belmont, Rh. Island Greening, Swaar, Yellow Belle-Fleur, Esopus Spitzenburg, Lady Apple. Early Strawberry. Were my selection limited to a single \-arlety, I should prefer the Belmont. PEARS. Very good. Best. Louise Bonne de Jer- Seckel, sey, on Quince stock, Stevens' Genesee, Good. Napoleon, Frederic of Wurtem- burg. Madeleine, Winter Nelis, Doyenne White, do, Bartlett, Bloodgood, , Dearborn's Seedling, Beurre Diel, on Quince stock Duchesse d'Angouleme, on Quince stock, Marie Louise, do. For a single variety, I prefer the Bartlett, CHERRIES. Very Good. Best- Elton, Belle de Choisy, Black Eagle, Bigarreau, Knight's Early Black, Black Tartarian, Amber. Downer's late Red. Good. Napoleon, Tradescant' s Bl'k heart. May Duke, American Heart, Black Heart. Best single variety. Black Tartarian. There arc several other varieties including some seedlings, that give promise of excellence, but farther probation is required before their just rank can be assigned them No. 199.] 283 PEACHES. Good. Very Good. Best. Early Ann, President, Early Tillotson, Red & yellow rareripe, Cable's Early Meloco- Yellow Alberge, Admirable clin^, ton. Morris Red Rareripe, Old Newington cling. Early York, Malta. PLUMS. Owing to the continued ravages of the curculio, but little has been accomplished in the cultivation of this fruit. The Jefferson, Green Gage, Columbia and some others produce well ; but the specimens hitherto produced do not warrant a definite judgment. The follow- ing have been fully tested. Washington (best). Smith's Orleans and Drap d'Or, (very good), Imperial Gage^ {good^) Coe''s Golden Dropj good, but too late for this section. APRICOTS. Breda, (good) Moorpark, (very good) , Hemskirke and Peach, (best), are the only ones that have been fully tested. GRAPES. The best hardy varieties are the Catawba, Isabella and Miller's Burgundy. STRAWBERRIES. Best. Very Good. Good. Hovey's seedling. Grove End Scarlet, Ross' Phoenix, Burr's seedling. Willey's. Iowa. The two most formidable enemies (after the curculio) which fruit growers have to encounter are the Rose Bug and the Slug. The first made a terrible onslaught upon the cherry trees, greedily devouring whatever fruit there was. So thorough was the devastation that scarcely a perfect cherry was matured this season. The Slug, how- ever, has proved a far more destructive foe. In some localities his ravages have been dreadful, principally among the cherry and pear trees. Thousands of trees have been stripped of their entire foliage, and will hardly survive the shock. Numerous remedies have been tried, and with various success. A mixture of tobacco juice and 284 [Assembly strong wliale-oil soap surl?, was effectually used on the bug. Ashes, slackffl lime and dry dirt, have measurably succefded in displacing the slug. I will add that numerous Horticultural Societies have been formed in the Slate and give promise of great usefulness in diffusing informa- tion and forming correct taste in relation to the culture of fruit. The three most prominent of them are located at Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and Cleveland, cities, southern, central and northern, soon to be connected by railroad which will greatly facilitate interchanges be- tween them, and enable these societies to collect, examine and com- pare fruit at all seasons of the year. These societies embrace very many of our intelligent and most practical pomologists, and from their direct, friendly, zealous and determined co-operation, the American Congress may in future years expect much valuable aid. All which is respectfully submitted. Cleveland^ Ohio, Sept. 22, 1849. A. McINTOSH. MISSOURI. REPORT OF THE FRUIT COMMITTEE. Owing to the raging of the cholera, and the absence from home of some of the members of the Committee, a meeting was not held un- til the 12lh of October, 1849. At this meetmg the outlines of the following brief report were agreed upon, and the chairman requested to transmit the same to the chairman of the General Fruit Committee. The natural soil of this part of the country is a black vegetable mould, of perhaps six inches average depth, lying upon a sub-soil of yellow clay, under which lies a bluish limestone. Upon this soil superior crops of various fruits have been produced. The bottom lands of the rivers, made of alluvial soil, have also been tried, and though they produce tolerably well, yet the fruit crops are deemed inferior, and the trees are believed to be short-lived. The Committee are not aware that the superior crops of fruit which have been grown are attributable to any particular kind or system of manuring. Lime and ashes, however, have been applied No. 199.] 2S5 with beneficial effects, and the necessity of keeping the orchard ground in good tilth is very apparent. In young orchards it is deemed highly imporlunt to cultivate hoed crops for the first five or six years. The most profitable market fruits of good quality which appear in this market, as yet, are as follows : J3pples. — Summer — Early Red Margaret, Early Harvest. Autumn — Rambo, White Belle Fleur, Porter. Winter. — Rawles Janet, Green Newtown Pippin, Van- dervere, Peck's Pleasant. Pears. — This fruit is so subject to blight, that, at present, almost any variety, which succeeds, is profitable. Peaches. — A great variety is produced here, and the trees succeed admirably, when kept clear of the worm. The crop, however, is lia- ble to fail in part from frosts. Among the most profitable of the standard varieties are the Early York, Late Admirable, Incompara- ble, Morris' Red and White, Heath, Washington Cling, Lemon Clingstone, Grosse Mignonne, &c. Some very excellent seedlings are favorites here, and some varieties grow to great size. Plums. — The trees are short-lived, and the fruit invariably taken by the curculio. The same may be said of the Nectarines and Ap- ricots. Cherries. — The Duke and Morello cherries do very well, but the finer varieties of sweet or heart cherries cannot be said to succeed satisfactorily. The trees grow too rapidly, and after a few years burst their bark, and are seriously injured. Quinces. — The climate seems too hot for this fruit, and the trees are very subject to the borer and to insect blight. Small crops only are obtained. The list of varieties, especially of apples, which have been tried and condemned, would be large. We may remark that many of the best varieties of fruits of the east, change their character here. As, for example, the Rhode Island Greening becomes an ordinary fall apple; the Jonathan becomes a good fall apple, and so of the Boston Russett, and others. The best grape yet cultivated for wine, is the Catawba. This is cultivated to a considerable extent in different parts of the State, and produces a wine resembling Hock. This, however is not deemed sa- tisfactory, and efforts are making to produce new varieties from the seed. Foreign grapes do not succeed in the open air. 286 [Assembly The American Black is considered one of the best of the Rasp- berries cultivated here. Some of the native reds do very well, but are not remarkable for their productiveness or flavor. The Antwerps do not succeed well. The Fastolff has been recently introduced. A species of " Cane " raspberry bears very well. Of Currants, the White and Red Dutch, when properly situated and cultivated, grow to a large size, bear good crops, and ripen the last of June or early in July. Gooseberries mildew. Of Strawberries, there are many varieties cultivated here, of which a sort of Pine, possibly the " Old Pine," is most popular with many of those who grow for market. With some, Hovey's Seedling, plant- ed with the Iowa male, produces satisfactory crops. We annex the following brief table of apples in conformity with the arrangement suggested by the chairman of the General Fruit Committee. There are a great many other varieties cultivated here, some of which, though " best " at the east, are not esteemed as even " good " here, and there are many varieties also, which are yet under trial, and with which we have not had sufficient experience, as the " Cooper," " Putnam Russett," &c., &c. APPLES. Good. Very good. Best. Summer Queen, Large Yellow 13ough, Early Harvest, Red Astrachan, Fall Pippin, Early Red Margaret, Holland Pippin, Porter, Rambo, Seeknofurther, Baldwin (Early Winter), Green Newtown Pippin, Golden Pippin, White Belle-Fleur,(Fall)Rawle's Janet. Peck's Pleasant, Jonathan, (Fall,) VanderA^ere. Priestly. The committee are agreed that if they were to plant here but three varieties of apple, one for each season, they would be Early Red Margaret, Rambo, and Rawle's Janet or Janating, as it is usually called here. The peculiar qualities of the lacier are, late blooming, great and certain productiveness, good flavor and long keeping. A new winter apple produced here, called the " Golden Seedling," is deemed good. There are several other new varieties, confined to particular localities, which are esteemed very good. We have not made up a table of pears, because we fear the blight will scarcely leave a tree living in the country. Some excellent No. 199.] 287 crops, hov7ever, have been produced of the White Doyenne, the Seckel, the Bartlett, and some varieties grown by the old French in- habitants,— names not known. A new variety resembling the Seckel, but of large size, has been produced in this vicinity, and is called "Mitchell's Russet." All of which is respectfully submitted. THO. ALLEN, LEWIS BISSELL, E. MALLENCHRODT, N. REIHL. St. Louis, Oct. 12, 1849. IOWA. REPORT OF FRUIT COMMITTEE. Davenport, Sept. 13, 1849. A. J. Downing, Esq., Chairman, fyc, JVewhurgh, JV. Y.: The committee for the State of Iowa, from their remote positions from each other in different parts of the State, are unable to make a special report. What I shall have to say, please regard as the crude opinions of the chairman, gathered from his limited experience and conversations with the best fruit growers in middle Iowa. The natural soil of all Iowa is a black mould, of a depth varying from twelve to even thirty-six inches. This mould is intermixed with sand and clay, in varying proportions ; sometimes the sand prC' dominates, and renders the ground easily tilled, and in wet seasons exceedingly productive. Sometimes the clay predominates and makes a stitf mould, difficult to work, but when well worked, exceedingly productive. The sub-soil is usually clay, though strata occur of sand, and sand and gravel. Universal observation, wherever apples have been tried over the whole State, concurs in opinion that they can be successfully cultivated, and both for quality and size are equal to any in the Union. The quality of peaches when they hit, is first rate, but they are a very uncertain crop. Pears and plums are suffi- ciently cultivated to know that excellent can be produced from our soil, if we can make the trees live in it, and they are no more hable to disease here than all over the west. Cherries of good quality, we 288 [Assemble must acknowledge, that thus far we cannot produce. The common Red Cherry grows strongly, is very hardy, and has a small sour fruit of little value. All other kinds have winter killed, and some of our nurserymen have abandoned their culture. We find great difficulty in ascertaining what fruits we grow. We are overrun with local names and seedlings, and false kinds without number have been palmed on us. To return to particular fruits, which have known names, and have been tried in this vicinity. APPLES. Early Harvest, propagated under the name of " Tart Bough:" quality, size and growth of trees corresponds with our standard, Downing's fruits, and is the best early dessert apple known. Red Jistrachan. — First rate for cooking; rather tart for the dessert; the tree <» v'igorous grower, with a most beautiful round head. Dr. Weed, of Bloomington, says, " the handsomest apple I have ever seen." Rambo. — Fruit and tree in every respect first rate. Yellow JV. Pippin and Rhode Island Greening. — So far as tried have proved very satisfactory. Yellow Belle Fleur. — Fruit large, quality best; tree vigorous grow- er, and early bearer. It succeeds admirably. Romaniie. — A very large red apple, of fine flavor from Dec. 1st to Feb. 1st; is extensively cultivated in central and southern Illinois, under this name, and has found its way here. This is not its true name. It is a good apple in its season for the dessert; but it soon be- comes mealy. The best market apple west of Indiana is, without doubt, the Janating, or Rawle's Janat. For rich flavor and productiveness, it cannot be surpassed. It is rather below the medium size, to which some persons, without good reason, object. Pears. — Our experience is limited, but the Bartlett has borne the palm from the others tried here. Seedlings grow very rapidly in this climate. One, in this town, made a growth in its main stem, of eight feet in height last year, after being transplanted in the spring. The best grapes for garden culture here are the Catawba and Isa- bella. Raspberries, gooseberries and currants, all do well in this climate. No. 199.] 289 The canes of the Red Antwerp raspberry are winter killed unless protected. Apricots, nectarines, and quinces grow rapidly, but have not borne fruit long enough with us to be tested. We have two horticultural societies, one in middle and the other in southern Iowa. Their influence will make a great advance in the cultivation of fruits in Iowa, and in another year, you may expect reports from both. In great haste, your ob't serv't, JA'S GRANT, Chairman Com., Iowa. KENTUCKY. [We extract the following hint, which has the promise of useful- ness in it, from a letter addressed to the Convention by the chairman of the committee for Ky. Chairman Gen. Fruit Com.] Not a single incident has occurred, within the range of my obser- vation, in any degree interesting to the cause of the cultivator, unless it should be some trial made by myself with lime in preventing the ravages of the Curculio on smooth skinned fruits, the result of which I have reported to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and of lime, also, as a destroyer of the tetter of cocci, or white scale insects, which infest the Orange family and the Oleander. A few trees of oranges and lemons, which have for a long time been disfigured and enfeebled by myriads of cocci, were last fall so completely dusted with lime as to seem white-washed in every part ; and the adhesive property of lime kept them white, notwithstanding the action of the syringe during winter. The result was an entire destruction of every coccus — to the extent that none have since appeared. The trees are in great vigor, but I will not undertake to determine how much that vigor is lessened or increased by the action of lime on the leaves and branches. \ ery respectfully, yours, L. YOUNG, Chairman of Fruit Committee^ For State of Kentucky. I A :raMy, No. 199. | 19 290 'As^EMBLT DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. REP(mT OF COMMITTEE. The undersigned cbairman of the committee on Fruits for the Dis- trict of Columbia respectfully submits the following report to the con- sideration of the Congress of Fruit-growers. The committee regret to say that little has been done by them to carry out the purpose intended by their appointment. Owing to the great failure of fruit this season, it was thought but little information could be obtained either satisfactory to the committee or useful to the community at large ; but your committee assure the Congress that the importance of the subject is duly appreciated by those who have had the honor to be selected, as well as by the citizens of the District of Columbia generally, and with great pleasure report that they have re- ceived the assurance of a hearty co-operation from most of the fruit growers, and trust that when a more propitious season will allow it, they will be enabled to add at least a mite to the mass of highly im- portant information which your labors will be sure to collect. The failure of fruit in this District this season is mainly owing to the heavy frosts about the time the trees were coming into bloom. The peach seems to be the most important failure here on account of the great extent to which we have embarked in its cultivation as a crop for the supply of our own and the neighboring markets. Some few facts have come under the observation of your committee, which though they may be generally known to the practiced cultivator or to the man of observation, yet may not be wholly uninteresting to some of the community. Your committee allude to the exemption of the peach and other fruits from the fatal effect of the frost in some particular localities, amid the almost total destruction around. It appears evident to this commit- tee that the main cause of this exemption is to be referred to the com- parative elevation of those localities above the surroundmg country. If the frost be light the orchards on the low grounds or bottoms only fail, whilst all others escape, and in proportion as the cold increases the effect reaches to the higher ground, gradually extending upwards; but such is the effect produced by the upward tendency of heat and the conse- quent settling of cold growing out of the difference in theii specific No. 199.] 291 gravity. Frost at this season of the year, seldom reaches the points of much elevation. In this neighborhood we have situations that al- most invariably escape. Such has been the lot of the orchard of Mr. George W. Riogs, one of your committee. In 1847 his crop was abundant, whilst the orchards immediately around him had scarcely a peachj and most of them not a solitary one. In the orchard of Mr. Cammock, another successful cultivator, on another elevated ridge, the effect was the same. In his orchard though the difference be- tween the highest and lowest points could not have been more than 25 to 30 feet, yet the difference could be traced in almost every row of trees and on those in the lowest places scarcely a peach could be found. Mr. Cammock reports that particular sorts, from some constitution- al cause, seemed tol)e more exempt or more hardy than others, yet the difference in the different points of elevation was equally evident among those as among other sorts. The different orchards throughout this section, have been affected the present season almost universally in the same way as in 1847 j and though the committee have no means now of ascertaining the comparative state of the thermometer at any given point between the two seasons, yet they are of opinion that the cold of this year was greater than that of 1847. As an illustration of the difference of cold in points of different el- evation, observations made at two different points in the grounds by the chairman of the committee are here introduced. A. D. 1835* Jan. 8th, 20 min. before sunrise, top of hill, 4 deg. below zero. A. D. 1835 Jan. 8th, 20 min. before sunrise, bottom of the hill, 18^ deg. below zero. Difference 14^ deg. A. D, 1835, Jan. 9th, same time, top of hill, 12 deg. below zero. bottom do, 16| do difference 3| deg, Jan. 10th, same time, top of hill, 2 deg. above zero, bottom do, 7^ below difference 9^ deg. The highest of the two points where the observations were made was the spot on which his house stands, 120 feet higher than the other point, and only 400 yards distant from it. The house stands at a point far below the elevation of much of the surrounding country, and •This was "the cold winter." 292 [Assembly had an observation been taken at higher points, no doubt the differ- ence would have been greater. The astonishing difference of 14^ deg. at a distance of only 400 yards can only be accounted for by the extreme stillness of the nighi, and the total absence of the least mo- tion in the air. Had there been such motion, the result could not have been the same, as was fairly tested by observation made during the high winds of Feb. 7, 8 and 9, in the same year, when not a quarter of a degree of difference could be perceived at the two points, and what is also somewhat remarkable, the thermometer did not fall below 1| degrees above zero, though owing to a strong current of wind, it was generally thought to be the most severely cold weather ever experienced here, and so long was the continuance and so strong the current that the cold was carried south so as to destroy the orange trees near St. Augustine and even to affect the coffee trees in the West Indies. While the winds continue to blow, but little danger is to be ap- prehended, but as they subside the cold concentrates in the lower places, and the fruit in such places is consequently destroyed. There are other causes which may produce the like effects in other locali- ties, such as the heat arising from large bodies of water, which can- not be cooled down by a few days current of wind from the north- west, and having a higher temperature within them than the surround- ing air. As soon as the winds subside the heat naturally arising from the water must tend to check the cold, and it must be obvious that a few degrees of heat only are required to protect the fruit. Where the winds pass over a sheet of water for two or three miles in length, when they subside there is only a gentle wafting of the warmth that arises from it, just sufficient to create the desired effect. Such was the situation of the orchard of Mr. Cromwell, near Baltimore, Md., long known as the unrivalled " peach king" of that city. On a vi- sit ot Mr. Claerman, of this committtee, to his orchard, about the year 1834, he was assured that he cared no more for frost than he did what sort of weather he had the year before ; the only effect it had was to insure him a good price for his peaches, as it had created a scarcity elsewhere, but did no injury to his crop. From the foregoing facts your committee take the liberty to sug- gest to those who possess such situations, to embark largely in peach culture, as a crop, when there is a failure in other places, is worth more than half a dozen crops of ordinary seasons, and should that No. 199.] » 293 failure occur only once in seven years, they will find themselves amply compensated. In the course of our enquiries into these matters, other suggestions with regard to protection against frost, have been presented to your committee, but they do not deem them of sufficient importance to be now presented to this Congress. Your committee must further state that the almost incredible im- provement produced by judicious cultivation on the Peach and Straw- berry, coming under their immediate notice, as such, they cannot with propriety pass them by in silence. In the orchard of Mr. Geo. W. mggs, the system of shortening in and thinning by hand, with the application of manure and a free use of the plough, have produ- ced such improvement in his crop of peaches, that during the glut in our market in 1848, when a great portion of the fruit could not be consumed, his peaches found regular purchasers at two dollars per basket, whilst the average price did not exceed 25 to 40 cents per basket. Your committee are of opinion that whenever the system is pro- perly pursued, the labor and expense will meet an ample remunera- tion. It is also a well known fact, that whilst bushels of strawberries are to be had in our market at 6 to 8 cents per quart, some cultivators have been able to get 50 cents per quart for the finest specimens. JOSHUA PIERCE, Chairman of the committee of the District of Columbia, .» . VIRGINIA. REPORT OF YARDLEY TAYLOR. Loudon County, Fa., 9th mo. 18M, 1849. Not being able myself to attend the sittings of the Congress of Fruit Gro'vvers this year, I still feel a deep interest in its proceedings, and am willing to aid, as far as I am able, the objects of the Conven- tion. One of these objects, and a very important one to nurserymen and fruit growers, is the knowledge of the best varieties suited to particular localities, or for general cultivation. This part of Virginia is about latitude 39° 10", and in elevation about 500 feet above tide. 294 [Assembly The western half of this county is included within the branches of the Blue Ridge range of mountains, which is a continuation of the Highlands of New- York. In geological position, it lies between the granite and lower secondary formations, including gneiss, the several varieties of the slates and their combinations, interspersed with horn- blende and quartz, and on the mountain ranges, epidote with clorite slate. The whole forming a silicio-argillaceous soil, well adapted to the cultivation of grain, grass crops, and fruit trees. But little attention has hitherto been paid to the cultivation of the latter here, as no market exists of much value for fresh fruit. More attention is now being paid to their cultivation than formerly, as many are beginning to find out that they might as well have good fruit as the indifferent kinds they are accustomed to. Of the varieties reported last year, we have the Early Harvest, Large Yellow Bough, F^ll Pippin, Yellow Belle-Fleur and Newtown Pippin ; all good in their season, but ripening here earlier than farther north, and this season more so than usual, owing to the very dry summer. The Belle-Fleur Apple is now ripe and falling from the trees. Of fruits discussed in Convention, the Smoke-house is here considered good. We have some varieties here not generally known at the north, five of which are described in the Farmer's Encyclopedia of Agriculture, by Professor Johnson, Philadelphia edition, 1844, article Malus, sec- tion Southern Apples, viz : Prior's Red and Rawle's Janet ; the latter known here as the Rock-Renmor or Hereford's Streak, and is, probably, identical or similar to Downing's Borsdorffer. ■ The great desideratum here is, to procure varieties that are good keeping apples ; many of those from the north, particularly New Eng- land, so far as our experience yet goes, will not here be late keeping varieties. They ripen too early to keep well. We had proba- bly better look more to the south for winter fruit. There are some varieties in this county that bid fair to be valuable as long keepers with us, that originated south of James river in Virginia. I propose, at some future time, to bring them to the notice of the Convention, a« well as some other varieties in cultivation, but am not prepared at present. Peaches succeed well here. It is no uncommon thing to see trees 30 or 40 years old. The yellows occasionally are seen, and where no efforts are made to extirpate those that are affected, the disease has in some places destroyed many trees ; but where pains have been taken No. 199.] 295 to prevent it, the disease seldom appears. In comparing the time of ripening with Downing's work where the varieties are recognized, they ripen 10 or 12 days earlier than at Newburgh, or New- York. Of Pears, Plums and Cherries, so little has been done here, that little can be said respecting them ; but they are beginning to be cul- tivated, and after a few years experience we may be able to report progress. YARDLEY TAYLOR. B. Pahsons, Secretary of the American Congress of Fruit Qrawers. GEORGIA. REPORT OF WM. A. WHITE. Ma&shall p. Wilder, Esq., President of National Convention of Fruit Qroxoers : Dear Sir : — I enclose herewith lists of fruits which have been tried Avith us in Athens, Georgia, and found fully to sustain their character, as described in Downing's work on Fruits. These varie- ties have been fully tested in the grounds of M. A. Ward, M. D., and in those of the late James Camak, Esq., former editor of the South- ern Cultivator. A severe frost with us, in April, the present year, after the fruit had set, prevented us from having the first trial of many celebrated fruits not in these lists, which this year gave for the first time promise of bearing. Apples. — Nearly all the best northern fruits have been tried with us, and they almost without exception sustain their character for ex- cellence ; but our seasons are so long that all the winter fruits ripen off early in the fall. We have but one apple that will keep well into the winter. This is the Virginia Greening, first described by G. B. Hapgood, in the Southern Cultivator, whose description I copy. Virginia Greening — Medium size, green color, with dark, clouded spots ; matures late, keeps well till spring, and even into summer, in this climate ; subject to fewer failures than most other apples ; tree an early and good bearer, and not liable to disease ; flesh tender, quite juicy, early in the season, but grows dryer and tougher in spring. 296 [Assembly Apricots. — Our best Apricot is " Ringold's Oglethorpe," of which the stone was brought from Italy, by the Hon. R. H. Wilde. The frost prevents a description of it this year. The Breda, Moorpark, and Peach, all prove excellent with us, the White Masculine is bet- ter than described, while the Roman is so large, and the quality so good that we consider it very little inferior to the best. The only difficulty in raising this fruit arises from the curculio. Cherries. — We can raise none with any profit except the Kentish, Morello and Mayduke. Figs. — Of the varieties cultivated few are named ; but of these we consider the Celestial as the very best. Grapes. — The Warrenton is our best grape. Next the Isabella and Catawba, but all kinds are subject to rot, except the Scupper- nong. The latter, from the thickness of the skin and the pulpy na- ture of the fruit is inferior to the others. It is, however, very free from disease J^ectarines. — Not fully tested yet, the varieties most celebrated have been introduced. Peaches. — Of these we have tried the following kinds, and know them to be of first quality in our climate. Indeed most peaches here fully sustain their character for excellence. We have found these excellent here ; viz : Belle de Vitry, Cooledge's Favorite, Craw- ford's Early Melocoton, Crawford's Late do, Early Tillotson, Early York, Admirable, George IV, Grosse Mignonne, Heath, Late Admi- rable, Lemon Cling, Madeleine de Courson, Malta, Morris White, Rareripe, Noblesse, Oldmixon Free, President, Red Rareripe, Royal George, Tippecanoe and " Incomparable Admirable." Pears. — The Seckel retains fully its excellent quality; it grows two or three times its usual size with you, yet one has only to taste them to be sure they are the genuine Seckel. The Dix sustains its excel- lent quality, but the tree blights more than any othe"-. The White Doyenne is free from diseases both of the tree and fruit, the latter being fully equal to the best grown at the north. The Beurre Diel has met a congenial climate; its quality goes even beyond the de- scription in Downing. As our winter pears, except two native varie- ties, ripen in November, the Black Worcester proves an acceptable eating pear, as under our mild climate its quality is improved. The Franklin County Pear and the Lucky Pear, are two kinds native witi us, of excellent quality, keeping later than any others. As the frost No. ]99.] 297 has prevented us from obtaining accurate descriptions this year, vre will supply the deficiency next season. I add the entire' list of pears found of first quality, so far as we have tested, viz: Andrews, Bartlett, Beurre d' Amaulis, (nearly first rate,) Beurre de Ranz, Beurre Bosc, Beurre Diel, Bloodgood, Brown Beurre, Dearborn's Seedling, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Dix, Easter Beurre, Flemish Beauty, Fondante d'Automne, Frederick de Wur- temburg, Glout Morceau, Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Gray Doyenne, Jarainette, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Madeleine, Marie Louise, Passe Colmar, Seckel, St. Ghislain, Stevens' Genesee, Surpasse Virgalieu, Van Mons Leon le Clerc, White Doyenne, and Winter Nelis. Plums. — Our best early plum was raised by Mr. Camak from a stone brought from Italy by Hon. Richard Henry Wilde. We call it Wild's Plum. It is of the size of Imperial Gage; color, greenish yellow, and a clingstone. The Green Gage retains its excellence with us, but the tree proves a shy bearer. The great enemy to the plum with us, as elsewhere, is the curculio. The following have been tested, and found to equal Mr. Downing's description in all desirable points, viz: Bingham, Coe's Golden Drop, Frost Gage, German Prune, Huling's Superb, Imperial Gage, Jefferson, Law- rence's Favorite, Large Green Drying, Smith's Orleans, Washington, and Brevoort's Purple. If the foregoing may in any degree promote the objects of the Convention, I shall be gratified to have made this communication. Yours very respectfully, WM. N. WHITE. >nthcns* Ga, COMMUNICATION FROM E. MERIAM, ESQ. Adoniram Chandler, Esq., Cor. Secretary y Am&rican Institute : Dear Sir — Among the many subjects that have been brought to the notice of the Ameiican Institute, there are none more interesting than facts which illustrate the harmonies of our atmosphere as de- veloped in the changes of temperature, which convert fluids to solids and solids to fluids. The sudden and great changes of temperature from cold to heat and heat to cold, have by many been supposed to exert an injurious efiect upon health ; but my close and long continued research into the har- monies of our atmosphere, and into the causes which produce great and sudden changes, has satisfied my mind that sudden and great changes of temperature are beneficial to the health of man instead of being an injury. Franconia, a town situate on the Ammonoosuc river, near the White Mountains of New Hampshire, is subject to the most frequent, the greatest and the most sudden changes of temperature, aiKi notwith- standing this, its inhabitants are more healthy and live to a greater age than persons residing where the temperature is more uniform. These great changes are often independent of solar influence, hence we find at Franconia the temperature on the first day of January, 1848, at 9 P. M., at 58°, and at the same place on the morning of June first at sunrise, the temperature was 34°, and next morning fell to 28°, being 30° colder on the second day of June than on the fii-st day of January. In 1849, on the 13th of July, at noon, the temperature at Fran- conia rose to 103° in the shade, and on the morning of the 16th, at sunrise, was down to 35°, at noon 40°, and 38° at 9 P. M., being a cbaBge of 68° in three days. 300 I Assembly [n my examinations oi the meteorological records, kept at West Jranville, on the bank of Pawlet river, which discharges its waters towards the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, I found the temperature on the first of January, 1848, and the first and second of June of that year, and also that of July 13 and 16 of 1849, to correspond with that of Franconia. In April, 1849, a destructive frost was experienced throughout a great extent of surface in the Northern Hemisphere ; on the )5th and 16th, the cold was severe, and snow fell in many places. In my examination of the meteorological records at Granville, I found that the cold term filled the first section of a circle of 360 hours, having a duration of 45 hours, or one-eighth of the circle, during which the temperature of the air was at and below the freezing point. This is the most southern latitude in which I have been enabled to discover the existence of a cold cycle in the month of April. The great fire in the city of New- York, on Dec. 16, 1835, occur- red during a period of intense cold, and in my examination of the meteorological records kept at Granville, I found that a cold cycle existed there of 180 hours, bemg four sections, or eights, of the circle of 360 hours. In my examination of the meteorological records kept at Gouveneur, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., I found on the morning of the 17th of Dec, 1835, that the temperature was 40° below zero, and the mercury congealed. In the month of February, 1848, in computing the number of hours of the month of January of that year, during which the temperature was at and below the freezing point, I discovered a term of 90 con- secutive hours during which the atmospheric temperature was at and below the freezing point ; and on a further examination, I found a like term of 90 hours in the month of December, 1847, and two terms of the same length in February, 1848. With this beginning, I set out on a new path of travel in the meteorological field, in which I have been eminently successful. In March, 1848, there were three cold cycles — two of these were of 90 hours duration, and the other of 45 hours, or half of 90. No. ]99.J 301 In the winter of 1848 and '49, nature was very instructive to me. A cold cycle commenced on the 31st day of December, between the hours of 5 and 6 P. M., and continued till between 7 and 8 P. M., of January 13th, being a term of 315 hours, or seven eighths of the great circle of 360 hours. When this cycle terminated, the Aurora lighted up the north, a rain-storm commenced which extended simul- taneously over an extensive portion of the Northern Hemisphere. The same night the city of Vienna, in Austria, was visited by a fear- ful storm of thunder, lightning, wind and rain, tearing up the ice in the rivers of Europe, and carrying dismay and destruction in its path On comparing my records of temperature, which are made hourly during the continuance of this cycle, with those of North Salem, West- chester county. New- York, Franconia, N. H., and Granville, N. Y., I found an agreement j the cycle having filled the same term at each of those places. On the 5th of February, 1849, between 5 and 6 P. M., a cold cycle commenced, and continued to February 11th at 9 A. M., mak- ing 135 hours, or three-eighths of a circle of 360 hours. On trian- gulating the records of my observations of this cycle with those of North Salem, Granville and Franconia, the accuracy of my observa- tion was verified. On the 12th of February, at about 2 A. M., a cold cycle commenced, and continued till the 23d at 9 A. M., a term of 270 hours, or six- eights of a circle of 360 hours. I watched the termination of this cycle, as I did that of the 315 hours, with intense interest, and felt almost overpowered by the emotions produced in witnessing this won- derful developement of the laws of nature in the harmonies which belong to the atmosphere that surround our beautiful earth. Thus far in the winter of 1849-50, two cold cycles have existed, the first commenced January 13, between 3 and 4 P. M., and ended on the 15th, between 12 M. and 1 P. M. ; filling an exact term of 45 hours, or one-eighth of a circle of 360 hours. On comparing this record with hourly records of temperature kept by Thomas Scott, Esq., at Cobourg, Canada, on the northern shores of Lake Ontario, I find that at that place the cold cycle commenced on the 12th, be- 302 [ Assembly tween 3 and 4 P. M,, and continued to the hour of 11 A. M., of the 16th, a term of 90 hours, or two-eighths of the circle of 360 hours ; the same term existed at Somerville, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., as appears by the record kept by Dr. Hough at that place ; both of these places are near four degrees of latitude north of my place of obser- vation. A comparison of the records of these three places of observation together, afford a beautiful illustration of the harmony of the laws which govern the changes of atmospheric temperature. On the third of February, between the hours of 6 and 7 P. M., a cold cycle commenced, and continued until between the hours of 12 M., and 1 P. M., of February 7, a term of 90 hours, or two-eighths of a circle of 360 hours. When this cycle commenced I was at Saratoga j the temperature of that place at 6 P. M., was 13°, and at 7 P. M., 10° above zero ; while at Long Island at 6 P. M., it was 33°, and at 7 P. M., 29°. The next morning at 7 and 8 o'clock the temperature at Saratoga was 5° below zero ; at Somerville, 23° below, and on Long Island 16° above zero. At 1 A. M. of the 3d, a rain-storm was in force at Sara- toga for one hour ; the morning previous I examined the temperature on the banks of Lake Champlain, at sunrise, and it was 17° above zero. At noon of that day, (the 2d,) I was at West Grranville, and examined the temperature indicated by a thermometer kept by Mr. Mack in the shade, on the north side of the house ; it was 32°, while my thermometer hung on the east side of the same house, indicated 26°. This great difference of 6° in temperature in 50 feet, induced me to remove my thermometer to the same position as that occupied by Mr. Mack's, and on doing so it rose to 33° ; but on returning it to its former position, the mercury fell to 26°. This great difference in the two sides of the house, both shaded from the sun, evidenced a great change approaching, which the rain at 2 o'clock next morning confirmed, and further confirmation was made by the frost the suc- ceeding morning It was during this state of atmosphere that that great calamity in Hague-street, New- York, happened, by which near a hundred persons lost their lives. When the explosion of the steam No 199.] 303 f boikr took plac€, the temperature at New- York vrais 16^ ahoxK zero, at Saratoga 6** below, and at Somerville 23*^ below. At 9 o'clock that morning the iron rails of the Saratoga railroad were ^ warmer than the atmospheric air three feet above the ground. I have thus briefly stated some few facts in reference to a very important discovery in the meteorological field of my research. My observations on temperature are made hourly on four setts of instru- ments, from 4 A. M., to 10 P. M., and during extraordinary states of the atmosphere, throughout the entire 24 hours. These observations are more extensive and more minute than are shown by any records of the kind heretofore made, and they have been extended to distant and different points, and made simultaneously at each. The cycles are computed from the hour at which the temperature falls to the freezing point of Fahrenheit, to the hour on which it rises above that point. Equilibriations are computed on the hour records during the period in which the temperature of the air remains unchanged for several consecutive hours. This system of keeping meterorological records shows when changes take place in temperature, and the extent of the change. I have in this system of observation connected my records with accounts of the phenomena of nature, as developed in the occurrence of earthquakes, lightning, thunder, hail, snow, rain and wind, showers j5f meteors, and Aurora BoreaHs, and in these investigations I have become convinced that the sudden changes of temperature of our atmosphere are produced by the earth, and that it regulates its own atmosphere. I had hoped to have made this communication more full, but the opportunity of leisure does not now serve me in this, and I am qf necesaty compelled to close without completing it. Yours very respectfully, EBEN MERIAM. Brooklyn Heights^ Feb. 16, 1850. ADDRESS Delivered at the Opening of the Twenty-second Annual Fair. By Hon. Henry Meios. One year ago, ladies and gentlemen, from this place, our amiable and talented brother, the Rev. M. Choules, opened the Twenty-first Annual Fair. He complimented our good city for its ^^goodly houses^ but added " that the country's good demands an edifice in New- York adapted to the American Institute ; it ought to arise promptly, proudly in our city." Within a few months afterwards the good man's wish ■was accomplished. The iVmerican Institute has become ©wner of No. 351 Broadway, with rooms eighty-five feet long by twenty-five ■wide, the lower floor let for $3,000 per annum for five years. The Institute paid in cash sixty thousand of your quarter-dollars and has a few years to pay the balance, at six per cent interest ; the whole purchase money being fijrty-five thousand dollars. So that you now have a noble building free to all men, with its library and reading- room and repository, free of expense. If the Institute should be dissolved, which is about as near as the end of the Republic, each member will find his share of property about double the amount of all his payments to it. These rooms are conveniently situated as to all our people and to all strangers, and we can proudly call it the House of all. No patronage but yours has eflfected this. When the State of New- York gave a charter to the Institute, that it should encourage Agriculture, Commerce, Manufactures, and the Arts, the first steps were those of a child ; but by the volunteer labor and talents of a few hundred citizens, it has attained manhood ia the same time that it is reached by a young man. At twenty-one years of age it becatne lAssembly, No. 199.1 20 306 I Assembly a man. It has done all this by your good will and good sense, and it will labor as it has done, to repay by solid benefits all that has been given to it. There will always be found American citizens of patriotic and in- telligent souls, to sustain and increase its power to do good. It is no place for idle and ignorant men to be in. It is a hive ad- mitting no drones. It realizes, in a pleasant sense, the old Roman sayings, " Sic vos non vobis mellificatis apes." " Sic vos non vobis vellera fertis oves." Like the bees, it makes honey not for itself. Like the flock of sheep, it bears fleeces not for its own use.. What man blessed by the Almighty with his full equal share in the Independence declared in '76 — in the management of a mighty power of more than twenty millions of the most energetic race ever living on the globe, having one foot on the Atlantic and the other on the Pacific ocean, with the Orangeries on the South and the frozen lands on the North — what member of such a state as this, but feels just pride in his position 1 We may truly begin to enumerate the steps which have led us to this point of our national progress. The Pilgrims landed at Plymouth rock, without the slightest stain of wrong intent — with no longing for wealth — with prayer and with pure love for liberty and equal rights. The gallant Smith went to Virginia with no expectation of finding mines of gold. He and his descendants were always for liberty and pure morals. Disease, fierce savages, and often neglect at home did not stop the growth of that section. Smith was a hero in battle, but that was the least of his claims to fame. This country has been founded by men who placed none but the rational value upon riches. What has followed in the order of time. A W^asbington who, in ancient Rome would long since have been called by the Senate, Divus, a God! A Ben Frank- lin, a mechanic, a printer ; the first man of our race (which had seen the lightning flash for almost 6000 years,) who proved that it was identical with the petty sparks from a cat's back or a silk stocking, No. 199. 1 307 and put up an iron rod to conduct it to the earth in safety, as a spout leads off water from the roof. Champion of true rational liberty, be distinguished himself in her cause. No man but him ever lived to deserve the latin lines awarded to Franklin — -" Eripuit Coelo fulmen Sceptruraque Tyrannis." He tore the thunder from the heavens and the sceptre from the tyrant. Cotton had been picked by weary hands, little by little from its seed, for nearly six thousand years; so great was the labor, that cotton cloth was almost as dear as silk. An American, Whitney, invented a machine which picked more cotton off the seeds in one day than a human being could do in many weeks. See the wonder- ful result. You have already made here in America cotton cloth enough in one year to give a garment to nearly all the human race, and at a price so low that no beggar need be without clothing. The world for the same six thousand years had seen steam hissing from every kettle, but to apply it to great practical uses. An American following other Americans, Fitch, &c., Fulton first took the wind out of the sails of the ships of mankind^ and made them go against wind and tide, leaving the sail vessels as if they were at anchor, or beating their toilsome way up the long rivers, or against the headwinds of the oceans. Next, an American, Morse, following in the wake of Ben Franklin with kite string to lead lightning from cloud to earth, invents a plan to lead intelligence, literally from post to post over the world, and tell you what the weather is a thousand miles off in less time than you could walk from my ninth ward to this castle! Your ship waits to hear how the southern gale is moving, and sails when the whbling storm has gone by. For six thousand years before this time, the unconscious seaman in a lovely afternoon left his harbor and next morning found himself in the furious tornado which has foundered hundreds of ships. I claim here for another American, Junius §mith, that when the project of Ocean Steamers was first broached, when almost all, perhaps every seaman^ declared the utter impossibility of driving a ship against ocean's stormy waves — (when distinguished men of learning doubted) — asserted publicly and boldly the certainty of success. That same Junius is now actually employed, without any government patronage in making the teas of China grow in this 308 [Assembly country, and he has laid the foundation so well that I believe America will ere long raise more tea than she can drink. All these efforts tend to one grand conclusion! National Indepen- dence— what ought we to say of the Briareus of mechanism, of our mechanics of every branch 1 Did any human being ever behold such efforts to make all the works of skill so perfect 1 We have an omnibus to ride in for sixpence which Cleopatra would have given a Province to possess. Carts and wagons for the most common pur- poses, that were never equalled by the triumphal cars of any of the Homan Emperors, for beauty of work and strength and utility. We wished that we could have used our own exhaustless ores of iron and our coal beds to make our own railroads ; as it is, we had not long ago as many thousand miles of railroad as all the world be- sides. Now, stimulated by our example they are copying fast and well. The Russian Emperor has emplXyyed an Jlmerican to make one of the most magnificent roads in the world, that from St. Petersburgb to Moscow. We have, however, a lesson to learn now, and that is the way to fortify our independence and liberty. We are recently admonished that OUT free system sets a bad example to the O^d world. That all republics but this one alone are laid low ! That perhaps a struggle for OUT free system is approaching ! Let us prep;ire by having nothing under heaven to borrow from other nations, but every thing to lend I Let us keep the Washington, Franklin, and all those western stars like a constellation before our eyes. Work out all our own vast resources like Beavers. Avoid all idleness, and in the life of a large portion of those who hear me, future Washingtons and Franklins will tell a hostile world in the old Scotch motto — JVemo me impune lacessit — and' at the same time advise them to do as we do The American Institute recognizes no party politics ; it labors for the good of this nation, because it loves it — because it glories in all those delights and utilities of the highest civilization that cnn be en- joyed by a people which will cover this continent from sea to sea. No. 199.] 309 We often use the term American System, and we have a right to do so. Since the world began, men never before felt what it was by millions in number, to be all free, And we love law and order. Our citizens whether here or in California, under all circumstances and conditions with one astonishing concord, grant almost without a mur- mur, the just right of a majority. You behold ever since 1776, minorities, composed of men as bold and fiery in temper as ever lived, submitting to the will of the majority with such absolute quiet- ness as would dignify the most rational philosophers of the world. For the fir.st time since the deluge, vast masses of men are here seen, ail desirous of power, yet all substituting from a proud principle of Republicanism — reason for force — the ballot box for the bidlet! Our ancestors of England had much of this spirit among them. They never would have a Salic Law like France, excluding ladies from the throne ; on the contrary, they never seemed better pleased than when they had a fair one hold the sceptre whose white hand they could kiss without an alarm to personal haughtiness. They are somewhat noted as king killers^ but they never beheaded their Antoinettes. We, like them in this, are by no means likely to kiss the hands of kings, but in the course of time, we may perhaps have a lovely lady pre- siding, to whom we may pleased bow and baise mains! That, how- ever, is postponed until the severe labor of building this great western temple of liberty shall be finished. In the interim, we are of that sect in human philosophy, in private as well as in public life — who place the highest hopes of human perfection ^ of felicity , upon the ex- altation of the fair sex! And permit me to remind you of a very remarkable fact every where witnessed in our country to its remotest borders. A respectable female travels throughout the land whether guarded by her friends or alone, not only without ijisult or injury^ but with the certainty of most respectful treatment on all occasions from every Jlmerican! This is a national characteristic, of which I am rather more proud than I am of his unsurpassed daring in battle. The Roman Satirist Juvenal speaks of llio fnrly, best days of that Republic — saying, then all hir lailits wire hoitonthlc and all her men were hravc ! 310 f Assembly My duty calls me but to open the gates of this Castle. You come and salute its giant — Young Grizly, unconquerable ; but not like Hurlothrumbo, or Jack the Giant Killers' giants — carnivorous, fierce and bloody, but the Giant of American Industry, whose glory it is to feast your eyes and gratify your tastes, and aid you in all your wants, by his countless works. See for yourselves, examine carefully, or perhaps you will overlook some woik of genius — of an apprentice — of a keen mechanic — of a philosophical machinist. Let your senses be fully awakened by the wonderful art of thousands of Americans, who have voluntered them to this exhibition, I would most gladly enter on a detail of the precious things here spread before you. But you yourselves need no urging from me. The farm and the garden are here represented in noble style. Those who belong to the delicious Kingdom of Pomona are here with their Cornucopias, precious vegetable gems are in them ; then the farm presents its samples — the farm ! whose annual product in this Republic is worth in gold more money than can be expected from all the placers of California in a hundred years ! Why let me remind you that the little island of Great Britian, on its farms, in 1844, by report of Parliament, raised in one year three thousand millions of dollars of which almost one half was in the turnips and their uses. You are aware that our grass is worth over one hundred millions of dollars v. year. You see that cheese which several men are required to lift. Our cheeses have now acquired a fine quality which recommends them to all the world, and for quantity, no man counts it. Washington 1 our great farmer Washington, Pater Patriee, foresaw and worked and continually talked to this end. Let me read an extract from a letter of Tobias Lear, dated Mount Vernon, March 30, 1787: " One cannot in my situation here, avoid acquiring scribe considera- " ble knowledge of a farmer's life, even if averse to it. General " Washingtion is one of the greatest farmers in America, and I don't " think I should be much out, if I was to say, in the world. He " possesses in one body nearly ten thousand acres of land — employs " upon it constantly two hundred and fifty hands. He raises none of " that pernicious weed, tobacco ! He directs every thing that is carried No. 199] 311 " on. He continually makes extensive experiments to improve the " science of agriculture. He is stimulated only by the desire to benefit " mankind. He keeps twenty-four ploughs going at all times of the " year when it is possible for a plough to stir. He has sowed this spring " six hundred bicshels of oats. He has seven hundred acres in wheat, " and as much more for corn, barley, potatoes, peas, beans, &c. He has five hundred acres of land down in grass. He will sow this " summer one hundred and fifty acres of turnips. He has one hundred " and forty horses, one hundred and twelve cows, two hundred and " thirty-five working oxen, steers and heifers. He has five hundred " sheep. He entertains much company. Last fall he killed one " hundred and fifty hogs which weighed 18,560 pounds, all which was '^for house use^ exclusive of the provisions for the negroesP Ladies and Gentlemen I The American Institute salutes you with the most cordial feelings. May all blessings wait upon our people whose arms are weilded for the victories of Agriculture, Commerce, Manufactures, and the Arts. May our sieges of Castles be for many generations like that of to-night, the smiling army of ladies and gentlemen pressing to its arena, which once grimly frowned with the heavy cannon on oar beautiful bay. I have seen furnaces prepared to heat cannon balls red hot, in the places where those rich works of peace now stand. Permit me to close with an invitation to you to stretch your vision a few years to come, and behold the railroads from here to California, making the journey there in one week and back in another. Our telegraph saying on the 3d Oct. 1869 — the Steamer China has just arrived from Canton in fifteen days, with a cargo of half a million of iollars. The passengers will take the cars this evening, and be with you in New- York, on the 10th or 11th inst. at furthest. See then a thousand large steamers whose pipe smoke may be seen by day, and their lantern lights by night, all over the mighty Pacific Ocean. See the Island of Robinson Crusoe. See the Pelew Islands, peopled with happy races of the highest civilization . See parties bound on a fishing excursion from J^ew- York to Tinian. 312 [AssniBLY ** Of Tornate and Tidore, whence merchanta bring *' Their spicy drugs; they on the trading flood < •• Through the wide Ethiopian to the Cape ** Ply sttmmingly f nightly tow'rd the pole."* Milton's stemmingly sounds like our steamers' motion — stemmingly, mdeed ! cutting the wave and the tempest in tvao ! ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS More the American Institute, at the Tabernacle, on tlie llth of October, 1849. By the Hon. Levi Woodburv. Gentlemen of the American Institute: Meeting, as you do, for the promotion of agriculture, manufactures and commerce, it may be useful to make their encouragement the theme of my discourse. Such encouragement is a noble employ- ment— a noble topic. These great interests lie at the foundation of all that can peace- fully build up states and empires. And amidst the various views connected with so fruitful a subject as their encouragement, perhaps none can be made more useful than to examine by what causes, and in what particulars, these interests :".;', in modern times, been most advanced, and in tliis way, help to discover what are likely to be some of the most efficient means to produce further improvements in them hereafter. One of the successful courses to promote the prosperity of all of them, has been to cultivate their harmony and co-operation. When these have been cordial in any community, they all triumph — all be- ing thus made tributary to all — useful to all, and swelling the power and progress of all. Indeed, they are three sister handmaids, and, when friendly, exert united vigor, rather than, being hostile and sink- ing, under jealousies and fatal divisions. They should interlock arras like the graces. Among the earliest voyages, was that of commerce for the golden fleece, which usually is raii^ed by agriculture, and was to be made into clothing by manufactures. They had their birth nearly together, 314 [Assembly agriculture having commenced with the want of food, manufactures with the want of clothing, and commerce with the necessity of each, to exchange surplus means to procure the other. As a further illustration how all these interests are interwoven, and should be equally encouraged, each is almost entirely dependent on the other for existence, no less than prosperity; because agriculture without manufactures, is destitute of tools for labour ; and, without manufactures and commerce, it must abandon its surplus productions, to perish unused ; while manufactures without agriculture, are without food and most of the materials to work upon ; and without commerce, cannot obtain them in exchange for supernumerary fabrics, which they, themselves, can neither eat nor wear. And commerce, the chief medium for diffusing knowledge and the arts — the great civi- lizer of the human race — would be without employment, and power- less, if agriculture and manufactures did not furnish surplus to be sold, and thus beget intercourse and mutual benefits between diffe- rent places and persons, and, indeed, bind together in interests, not only one people, but nations on opposite sides of the globe. Hence the encouragement, and the consequent success, of all these pursuits, if made one common interest, a united object and aim, in every community, they will then, instead of being enfeebled by par- ttal and opposing measures, and a happy family divided, and every bright hope of all extinguished, they will then move ownward, with a force as resistless and sure as that of the great laws of nature around us. Other separate means to advance further each of these important interests, can be developed best by adverting, separately, to some thing the most striking in the progress of each, dnring the last cen- tury or two. First, as to agriculture. In the long lapse of time since the cradle of the human race was rocked, in Asia, in a garden, agriculture would much, before the last one or two hundred years, appear able to hare attained the highest degree of perfection, by means of different soils, from rich Tallies to the most barren mountains — tested by every va- No. 199.] 315 riety of seed and plant — sought out in every climate, hot or cold, moist or dry, on island or continent, as they rest upon primitive rock or alluvial deposits, or volcanic lava, or the labors and tombs of the coral insect, like some of the fertile isles of the Pacific — long ere this v^e might, at the first blush, suppose that every improvement had been exhausted. But it is to be remembered, that the whole life of all nations has not been devoted to agriculture. In some, the hunter state appears to have preceded that of the shepherd, and the shepherd that of the husbandman, with as much regularity as the oak, on some soils, precedes the birch or the pine. While in others, if placed like our first parents in Paradise, "to dress and to keep it," and, when driven forth, ordered to " till the ground " from whence man was taken, was the great employment designed by Providence for the human race, they have still been interrupted in its pursuit, as a continued avoca- tion, by superior attractions in manufactures or commerce, by war or pestilence — by inmidations, or hurricanes or earthquakes, or the still greater curse of despotism or anarchy, till every useful instrument has been pillaged,' and prolific fields converted into sand-heaps or morasses, or, as now in Saint Domingo, where whole plantations of sugar and coffee are overgrown with forests. The mind of the tiller of the soil, in many regions and ages, has also been allowed to remain as bairen as his rocks, and like his neglected fields, to run waste, with thorns Mid thistles. Amidst the fluctuation incident to such circumstances, it is there- fore not surprising to find, that the culture of the earth has been in some countries stationary, or even retrograde, while there has been in others a striking change for the better, and especially within the last two centuries. In illustration of some of its improvements, with- out going behind that period, the plough may well be particularized. From something little better than a stake, it has in some regions become a machine, possessed of iron strength to contend with roots, rocks and a stubborn soil, and which abridges greatly the labors of man, and, by a union of science with skill, is made the most success- ful pioneer of fertility and wealth. The stone axe and liide chain of the Indian and semi-barbarian, have likewise changed into iron or steel, possessing so much superior durability as well as efficiency. The threshing machine has generally, with tenfold power, superseded 316 [Assembly the flail, or the foot of the muzzled ox and horse to tread out grain j and this, or a separate fanning mill, now cleans it at less expense, and at all times, with artificial wind, though in the stillest calms of nature. The invention of the horse rake lias, probably, saved millions. Water comes in hydrants for our cattle no less than families, rather than being laboriously visited or brought by hand from remote springs. Thus, and by drawing it from the well by belter machinery, the science of hydrauHcs has done much to improve husbandry and pro- mote health, as well as household conveniences; and, in several of our large cities, as is witnessed near us in the Croton nectar, has showered ils blessings on all classes with a profusion, and on a scale of grandeur hardly exceeded by the giant acqueducts of antiquity. Chemistry, too, has analyzed the air, the ocean and the earth, and poured forth all her skill to aid mankind in growing materials for food and clothing, and to supply not only the necessities of life, but its comforts anil luxuries. New manures, in gypsum and salt, and new soils by the mixture of deficient ingredients, are among its proudest trophies. Before chemistry itself was improved and applied to test the true ingredients of soils, tlic discrimination between them was well known to be useful, but could be taught, as two thousand years ago, only by distinctions so general and unsatisfactory, as heavy or light, black or red, and wet or dry. The suitableness of particular crops to particular soils has also re- ceived some of the attention it so richly deserves, as has that rotation of crops, which will not feed only on one earth, one alkali or acid ; but some of them thrive on what is left by others, and what is supplied by the bountiful and renovating dressings, which science as well as experience direct. The habits and the physiology of plants has become much better known by the fascinating study of botany, so as to assist not only in their culture, but in the useful application of them for food, both to mari and domestic animals. Better seeds, likewise, are thus able to be selected for plantirg as well as food. Besides this, natural history has contributed liberally to enlarge the knowledge of fattening animals, of the proper nutrition and treatment to increase the power No. 199.] 317 of labour, and of the crossing and improvement of breeds, whether for labour, weight and food, or beauty ; and whether tlie pampered swine, file useful ox and cow, the invaluable sheep, or the sagacious horse. Nowhere has one cause of a larger supply of milk and a richer dairy been more significantly pointed out, than by the Scotch farmer, who, according to Coleman, sold his thiifty cows to an Englishman, that returned ere long with complaints of their great falling off in milk. " Remember," said the Scotchman, " I did not sell you my pasture, but only my cows." In nothing, however, is the advance in agriculture among us more conspicuous, than in the new and useful articles on which it has, within this recent period, bestowed a portion of its energies. It has added the tomato and rhubarb plant to give health to our tables, the sweet and the Irish potato to feed millions, and the latter, with the turkey, to immortalize the discovery of America even more than its magniiicent rivers and mountains. Our increase has been so rapid, also, in rearing former articles, partly by means of more prolific soils, but much by improved methods and skill, as to supply pork, for instance, to portions of another continent, and lard to half the world, if needed ; and even oil, till the hog is painted in the wset as swallowing the whale. The growth of hemp, also, has there been greatly extended for duck and cordage ; and the cane in the southwest, for sugar ; and the wheat crop of the whole country augmented till it has reached 112,000,000 of bushels, becoming as much as that of all England and Wales, besides our vastly augmented products of potatoes, hay, rye and oats, and 540,000,000 of bushels of inestimable Indian corn. In short, we seem to have become to Europe, if not the world, what northern Africa once was to Palestine, in the days of Joseph, or the Pharaohs, and afterwards to all Italy, the great granary, and the chief safeguard against famine. Within little more than a half century, agriculture has likewise in- troduced here, and, by aid of the cotton gin, supplied, probably, three fourths of the raw material which clothes a large portion of the habitable globe. Within that brief space, it has swollen the production of cotton, from a few bags, to more than a thousand million pounds, and to the value of sixty or seventy millions. It has thus not only yielded the agricultural wealth which enriches states, but provided employment 318 [Assembly for the spindles and looms of both Europe and America, and loaded the vessels of commerce with a richer freight than the golden fleece of Jason, or the abundant mines of California. A similar career of improvement has in some places attended on manufactures. I have treated them, and shall continue to, as embra- cing all the mechanic arts. A co-labourer, thus, with agriculture, and necessary to give to it implements to work with, and indispensable to furnish all the labour-saving machinery which from time to time so increases the power of man over rude nature, manufactures, in late years, have made still more rapid progress than agriculture, by the greater application to them of the new, as well as miraculous discoveries in science, and by the awakened ingenuity of inventive genius, the world over. Their fruits have almost revolutionized some portions of the globe within two centuries. To be sure, the mariner's needle, gunpowder and printing preceded this era ; but what have we seen since, in the spinning-jenny and power-loom — in stamping calicoes by rollers — in stereotype-plates and power-presses — in the manufacture of iron, no less than in its products of nails and screws, costing less now, by machinery, than did once the raw material — in the working on wood, from the planning machine of Woodworth, to the almost intellectual turning lathe of Blanchard — in the use of gangs of saws, the circular saw and improved water-wheels, and devices for elevating and drying grain, when ground, no less than the remarkable uses of all the novel agencies of steam, electricity and magnetism ! These last were as unknown before, for such practical purposes, as the last planet discovered by Herschel or Mitchel, in the most distant regions of space. Manufactures have thus not only aided agriculture, in the cheaper production of food and means for clothing, beyond the naked fig-leaf, or furred skin, but assisted commerce to transport them by the rail- road and steamboat, so as to accomplish, at a far lower rate, an inter- change among every quarter of the globe, of all the surplus labours of man. Another great gain by this, as well as many other improve- ments in manufactures, is the increased rapidity of its operations. It has made locomotives, that cross states while the wagon formerly was loading. It can make paper while, in days gone by, it was washing the rags. It can print books, while once it was setting the types. It can clothe armies in cottons, during the time it was once engaged in No. 199.] 319 cleaning the raw material of its seeds. It can spin a thread to go round the globe, while the stock for it, in the ancient mode, was only carding by hand. Cloth can be bleached now in the tim6 formerly taken to spread it out. All the metals as seen to-day in your splendid Fair can be cut out and bored, rolled and planed, with nearly as much ease and speed as wood. And leather can be made in a day, if need be, which once required months. The inventions for weaving carpets, for sizing, folding and carding, and even for knitting and sowing, by machinery, are all advances, which, though sometimes small, separately, contri- bute much, as a whole, to swell the improvements of the age. Manufacturing, too, is a powerful peace-maker. It has improved fire-arms and cannon, both easier to make and "keep the peace." It has added new and more powerful kinds of gunpowder ; new shells and combustibles ; new modes of crossing streams ; new means of preserving provisions, and new inventions to sustain the broken limb and move about the wounded body. It has thus mitigated some of the horrors of war, as well as multiplied the blessings of peace. Be- side this, some new articles, or new uses of them, like India rubber and gutta percha, have, by mechanical ingenuity, been applied, so as to extend much the comforts and health of society at large ; and whole nations have so felt the renovating power of some modern im- provements in manufactures as to bear burthens, and spare surplus hands for the victories of peace as well as war, which, but for Ark- wright, for Watts, for Nielson and Fuhon, might have been as im- practicable as some of the achievements in the tales of the Arabian Nights. Finally, commerce has crowned the whole by her rapid advances. In some quarters of the globe she has almost distanced agriculture and manufactures in their triumphal progress. The form of the vessel has been varied, and fitted better for its intended burthen ; the water casks and tanks made and stowed more usefully ; the iron chain sub- stituted for the feeble vegetable cable ; the pumps made more efficient, and the means of navigation, by superior quadrants and nautical al- manacs, become more accurate and safe to cargo and life. Thus ^20 [Assembly supi)lie(l and guarded, commerce has dared to plunge into new seas, and visit oflener new races. Commercial treaties are extended to all sides of the earth ; and foreigners every where are less regarded either as barbarians or enemies. Commerce, in seeking new markets, has broken through even the gigantic wall of Chinese monopoly that had withstood the assault of a thousand years, and has thus established and increased intercourse with 400,000,000 of the human family. She has, in this way, dis- covered not only new markets and new articles of trade, but new fishing grounds, and drawn richer harvests from the depths of the ocean ; and though commencing here, the whale fisliery, earl) as the 17th century, and by courage and enterprise in it, long ago deserving the eloquent eulogies of Burke, yet she has pushed it since, with a daring and success, eclipsing all other nations ; and not only ventured to chase both the seal and the whale among the icebergs of the Antarctic circle, but cross the Equator twice, and harpoon the levia- than of the seas, in sight of China, whose boasted " celestial" popula- tion, with five thousand years of traditional experience, have never yet dared to attempt this, even on their own shores. Slrangers,in travelling through the southern portions of New-England and New- York, often wonder how its dense population can subsist, and apparently become thrifty. But they forget, that beside the little obtained from their sterile soil, the females earn much in manufactories, and the sons and the fathers cultivate the wide fields of every ocean, circumnavigate the globe, and plough for wealth among the shoals of mackerel and cod, herds of whale, and rookeries of seal and sea ele- phant, to the utmost range of earthly existence. From four to five millions of dollars are in this way drawn yearly from the sea by that enterprising race, almost amphibious, and I may say half web-footed. Other portions of New-England, more northeast, and almost as sterile, flourish in some degree from a similar kind of commerce con- nected with these fisheries, and of late years have added rich exports, even from what otherwise most people would regard as curses — their rocks and their ice j these, by the talismanic wand of commerce, be- No. 399.] 321 ing converted largely into coined gold, and operating as kind bless- slngs, both to the sellers and purchasers. But the proudest triumph of commerce in modern times has been the employment of steam and the electric telegraph, one moving the heaviest burdens, in transporting passengers and merchamlise, without wind or tide, 6r the ox, the horse or the camel j and the other, com- municating the results with lightning speed : one bringing all nations closer together, for an interchange of improvements in ever thing, like the great book fair of Leipsic for food to the German mind ; and the other outstripping the wind in despatching the news of all, and the wants of all, to every mart, however difficult or distant. In the cheapness of carrying letters, also, almost as remarkable a discovery has been made by lower postage as by the electric telegraph. But enough of this hasty sketch of some of the modern improve- ments, already made in agriculture, manufactures and commerce. They are guide-posts to the mind, for making still further advances. This review has been but opening a door to see and examine some of the lessons thus taught to increase our future progress in these great sources of national wealth and human happiness. When any of us do not hold the plough, or throw the shuttle', or hammer the anvil, or reef the sail, we still regard those who do as sheet-anchors of the Republic, and would fain glean something, for the benefit of each, from the sybil-leaves of experience scattered over the past. But more especially would we do this, first and foremost, for agriculture ; because that is, confessedly, the noblest pursuit of mankind — the one whose disciples keep up the most constant and purifying intercourse with God and nature — who constitute, so generally, the great conservative power in all governments — standing by law, order and established institutions, till the latter cease to produce the chief ends of good government, and whose labours make them the saviours of famished nations, and the foundation hope for the continuance and multiplication of human life, in every civilized portion of the globe. If asked by what special means agriculture seems likely, from her progress heretofore, to be improved most hereafter, I would say, by pushing further all which appears heretofore to have improved her most. It is, in brief, by using more and more, labour-saving machinery — by using more and more, •■Assembly, No. 199. j 21 322 [Assembly the most appropriate mixtures and dressings for particular soils and crops and by understanding better the habits of different plants, and the qualities of different animals, -which are capable of being improved, with the best modes effecting a salutary change in them. Thus, for instance, in this age of light, and in a new. country, can any one be unable to see the advantages of obtaining an implement in husbandry, by which one man can perform, in a day, double what he could before 7 or which will cost but half the price of a former one ? or which, at the same expense, will last twice as long 1 By thus cheapening production, all live at less expense, as all are consumers of food and clothing ; and though some may be obliged, at first, to quit their old mode of employment, especially when new machines for manufacturing are invented, yet the use of such improvements increases so rapidly, that more persons, ere long, are employed in the same business, and often at higher wages, as has been most emphatically shown by the invention of the art of printing, to multiply copies, and of modern machinery, to spin and weave cotton. Your President has happily enlarged on this, a few minutes ago. It is hoped, there- fore, that, at least in this country and age, we have but few Norwich rioters, so ignorant as to be willing to destroy stocking-frames, because they save labour, and fewer Lord Byrons, so little versed in political economy, as to advocate their cause in an assembled parliament. Nearly a century ago, a Scotch mother, according to Sir Walter Scott, objected to her son's using, what she called, a "new-fangled machine for dighting the corn from the chaff; thus impiously thwart- ing the will of Divine Providence, by raising wind for her lady- ship's own particular use, by human art, instead of soliciting it by prayer," &c. But now there is no American, it is believed, and, peradventure, no Scotchman, so far behind the present exciting and well informed age, as to raise a hue and cry against any new labour- saving machinery. One obstacle to its rapid increase in agriculture will be thus more fully removed, and neither winnowing nor threshing machines, nor others of like value, be opposed, on the ground that they are irreligious, or because they save so much manual labour. Instead of that, by the increase of intelligence, all labour-saving machinery in farming bids fair to become more widely introduced No. 199.] 323 every year. It can also be improved in form. The threshing-machine, for instance, can be made to triumph still more than it has already, by separating one or two hundred bushels of wheat, per day, from the straw. And the horse-rake is growing, and can continue, by care, science and experience, to grow still better in shape and material, and is one of the modern inventions, destined, probably, as more used, to be among the very greatest in profit ; because it is beneficially em- ployed in harvesting an article, which, humble as hay may be in the estimation of many, is yet the most valuable in New-England hus- bandry, and, next to wheat and Indian corn, the most valuable in the Union, outstripping, by one third, even the mammoth product of cotton. Reaping by machinery and horse-power, is likewise making rapid progress; and by care to have the profits of it known more widely, bread, the great staff of life, will yearly be made to cost less to all, and especially to the toiling millions. Approximating more such beneficial results, by other machines, when not done already, will, ere long, be accomplished by the farmer, as their utility is demon- strated, and this, however slow, he is generally to change. Let it be remembered, too, that in agricultural improvements, and the greater use of iron, that most faithful servant of man, and the best witness, by its abundant employment, of a high civilization, must be one chief agent, entering more and more into tools and implements, on account of its increasing cheapness, no less than its superiority in durability and strength. Let it be remembered, that coal is to be another more used and improving agent, not only for warmth and cookery, but to feed the all-devouring appetite for fuel of the steam- engine, and for gas, more and more to light our cities j and salt, another, not only for a condiment to man and stock, and the preser- vation of meats, but for manure on many soils and for many plants. What more may be done, likewise, by electricity, as an instrument or manure in advancing vegetation, is likely to become one of the most useful inquiries connected with that remarkable agent. Let it be remembered, too, that all the powers of chemistry shj^ld be more invoked to aid in the discoveries of new manures, as she has lately in bones, turning them up, for instance, on the field of Waterloo, for i'igiicultural use, rather than only, as in the anticipation of Virgil, on the field of Phillippi — 324 [Assembly " The farmer, laboring with his crooked plough, The rust-corroded javelin shall find, And, with wonder, view The giant remnants of the broken grave." She can also aid still more in ascertaining the most useful ingre- dients in all manures, and in preserving and applying them in the best manner. It will surely be much belter to have them enrich the field which is to grow crops, than float off to the ocean in water, or be wasted by evaporation in the air. The valuable assistance of chemistry is also needed more for the discrimination between the different manures, suited to different crops, which is so indispensable to much success, no one dressing or mixture of soils being a triumphant panacea in all cases, any more than was Dr. Sangrado's bleeding and hot water in all diseases. The sandy plain, for example, does not demand more sand, but clay ; and of course the clayey surface does not need more clay, but sand. To any field, much exhausted of its silex, in forming the hard stalk of wheat, rye, barley, oats, or some of the grasses, requires more silex • and for the pea or bean, more potash must be added to the soil, where that ingredient has been used up. It is well known that some plants, like the rattan and cane, absorb so much sand, that fire can some- times be struck from them, as from a flint, and that the whole color and beauty of the rose comes from its iron. It is this striking feature in nature, supplying different food to different plants, as to different animals, which, without cultivation, causes a succession of different trees on the same soil, as the pine and birch, after the oak; because the earthly particles, suited to support the latter, have been absorbed and exhausted, while those to nourish the former still remain. This furnishes in part, also, the true philosophy and guide to enable the farmer, by more careful discriminatien, to produce a better rotation of different crops from the same field, a practice known to some, long ago, as the age of the Roman Georgics — but imperfect then, as it often is now, from ignorance of the true reasons for it. All farmers are likewis^^dmonished, at times, that too much manure is used for some crops, though the most common error is the other way, in apply- ing too little. Since the employment of the more concentrated ma- nures, like poudrette and guano, their easy and lavish use often makes No. 199.] 325 plants grow too rapid, and too high for their strength, and thus, like some mushroom politicians, they are apt prematurely to break down. Next in importance, for its influence on crops, and deserving still more attention than heretofore, is a proper degree of moisture. Water being the medium for supplying much other matter t> vegeta- tion, and itself constituting a large portion of the weight of most plants and fruits, amounting from ten to fifteen per cent, even in the dryest and hardest wheat, it should be more and more an object to regulate moisture well. One of the secrets of nature, in often pro- ducing much on a soil with a sprinkling of small stones — one of her beautiful compensations for an apparent evil, is the greater moisture retained by means of them — most of our best natural soils, when analyzed, being found to contain from seventy to ninety parts out of a hundred, of siliceous matter. Granite scales or debris, scattered sparsely over some fields, will increase moisture, by preventing eva- poration, and will enrich them like a fertilizing manure ; and some other rocks, like gypsum and lime, independent of their peculiar virtues, operate in a like manner, rather than, as once said, by a few, of lime, "burn up the land." If the 'granite decompose any, it will enrich also, by its potash, so indispensable to the perfection of some plants. Irrigation is another means to furnish additional moisture, where needed, and though some employed ever since the days of the bard of Mantua on his paternal acres, it might be still more, with much advantage, as might a more free use of straw as a dressing j and as might deiper ploughing, independent of any aid from Professor Espy to create showers artificially. While on the other hand, where greater dryness is desirable, it will be useful hereafter to look more to shallow ploughing, and to practice more the ditching and draining which are so well known to be the great instruments to remove surplus mois- ture, and thus increase the quality of the crops, warm the soil, and improve the health of all near, instead of leaving them to breathe out a biicf and feverish txiBltnce amidst deadly miasma or malaria. Much is. yet to be accomplished by closer attention in using the best seeds for planting ::v.i\ for fruit ; and the increase of the latter 326 [Assembly for food, already great, can be made yearly a greater source of wealth and health, and presents in the apple, so abundant and useful as well' as delicious, when carefully grafted, some apology for the original sin of eating it when forbidden fruit. What a field, too, is now opening in Florida and Texas for the production of some of the rich tropical fruits, so conducive to health, when temperately used, and always so genial to the taste. But, above all things, in encouragement to agriculture, we must be cautious to make every improvement simple, plain, easily intelligible. Time and money should not be wasted on what is complicated, as such machines are not suited to the taste of farmers, and much less can they be made useful in the hands of unlearned labourers and boys, who attend to most of the arduous duties of agriculture. A farming instrument, which should possess the numerous parts and complexity of Bigelow's invention for weaving carpets, would be generally as use- less as the fifth wheel to a coach, and well deserves " the thorns ard briars of reproof," Any change, likewise, which is very expensive, cannot much benefit i.^^riculture at large. It may be within reach o{ the wealthy, a patrician few, who sometimes usefully patronize her labourers, rather than labour themselves ; but the masses, who worship ilaily in her temple, with the skies for their canopy, and the earnings of personal toil for their reward ; or those who, though " lords of soil," cultivate with their own hands, like the Roman Cincinnalus, their small freeholds cannot afford large extra expensts or large advances, and look chiefly to yearly returns for yearly outlays. Farmers on such a moderate scale deserve, also, more encourage- ment, as more can thus live in independence, as the mind of labour is more exercised and elevated, as it cherishes more self-respect, and as capital and labour are thus more closely united in one common interest, and their efforts are more identical, rather than hostile. Personally grasping all their own concerns, such farmers understand them better, and thus govern them better. And however pleasant it is to behold many broad acres and vast crops, belonging to a single establishment ; and however profiliible it may be made at times, it will be found wiser for most of our people to cultivate less in quantity, No. 199.] 327 and better in quality, and thus adopt the advice of the agricultural poet — « Praise the large farin9> bat cultivate the smaL " Laudato iagentia rura, exigwtm coUto." The observant mind is also to be more encouraged. It must be more stimulated to watch changes in temperatures, in winds, in seasons ; to journalize important facts and experiments ; to improve occasions, and draw useful hints from all sources around it. The farmer is almost a different being, and especially in this country, from what he was in much of the world two centuries ago. He has long ceased to fear poisoning his ground and crops by manures. He has, and by our systems of free schools, more extended, and, of cheap, printing increased, he will continue to have still more intelligence to improve in every thing. He is not now a mere machine of bone and muscle. He is a ruler, and not merely ruled. Instead of a serf he is a capitalist, a freeholder ; and who cannot become one amidst our boimdless public domain ? He is, in short, a thinking being, a re- former, a man of reading and experiments, not « chained to one peculiar spot, To draw nutrition, propagate and rot." Philosophy, even, will aid such a mind the more she herself enlarges her discoveries, and will excite many new reflections, and open a door to many agricultural improvements. Take, for instance, such facts as that recently established in respect to the Gulf Stream, that when flowing near lands it sensibly influences their warmth and moisture. So that from this cause certain grasses and grains will flourish, and others fail, in some places, in some latitudes, which will not happen in other places alike, north or south. As heat, moisture, or prevail- ing winds differ permanently in the same latitudes, which they often do, from more or less proximity to the ocean, to lakes or to moun- tains, or from elevation more or less above the ocean — without enu- merating still other causes — different crops must be resorted to, and many different rules or laws in rural economy must be relied on, almost as much as in latitudes entirely different. Thus, of China, a writer says, that " terraces of earth are piled upon the sides of its rocky hills, one above another, to the very summit. These are tilled. 328 [ Assembly and each supports the vegetation of a distinct climate." And as to different latitudes, it has justly been observed, that " the sun does not shine upon two degrees on the surface of this globe the vegetation of which is identical, for every latitude has a Flora of its own. If a part of this savours of what some decry as " book farming," yet its foundation stones are observation and experience, and while I am willing to concede that books alone cannot make good farmers, and that mistakes are sometimes committed by scientific men in the analysis of soils and plants, which cause much disappointment, yet books frequently aid practice, and suggest improvements the most valuable. Especially is this done by agricultural newspapers, with wliich our enterprising country more and more abounds, improving, too, in quality, as science is more readily applied to advance the arts. In- deed, the whole press, with all its wide spread influence, is, and can be made still more, a liberal patron to agriculture, no less than manu- factures and commerce, by spreading to all points of the compass, the news of every remarkable product, every useful invention, every rare voyage ; and many a heart can be tiius stimulated to further and suc- cessful exertion in these great pursuits. Agricultural schools, connected with model farms, possess, like^^^se, one advantage over all other teaching, to the few able to attend them. They unite experiment wilh theory ; and each is thus enabled at once to reciprocate benefits, and pour floods of light over the other, in de- veloping the mysteries of nature. May, therefore, the great and un- flagging interest, which has been exhibited by this Institute in be- half of such a school, associated with such a farm, be crowned with the success it so richly deserves. The general government, too, hav- ing at last organized a Home or Interior Depaitment, will not be just to the expectations long entertained by the public, unless the promo- tion of agriculture should be made one of .its chief objects, and the patent office relieved from one of its recent and well performed, but anomalous labours. Passing from the means of further progress in agriculture to those in manufactures, it is manifest that greater prospects of improvement would be presented hereafter in them, if it was not that so much I No. 199.] 329 has of late years been done — more seems hardly practicable. But who can fix limits to human ingenuity, or set up boundaries to the new uses of science in the arts? The very fact that the careful ap- plication of science to the arts is comparatively in its infancy, holds out encouragement that it is destined to accomplish much more in their advancement. It can take higher and still wider flights, if all unite, like this Institute, in cheering it onward, and in lending the smile of encouragement to what is scientific, and, at the same time practical, in assisting the business affairs of Ufe A striking illustration of what more may, pernaps, be attained by labour-saving machinery and other scientific improvements, is developed in the progress of the manufacture of cotton — one man in England, within twenty years after the great inventions in spinning, having been able to perform one hundred and twenty to two hundred-fold what could have been done without them ; and in the next forty years there was performed with them, what would have required, without them, fifty millions of persons j and in seven years more — that is, in 1S33 — eighty millions, and now, piobably. over a hundretl millions. By con- tinued careful attention, it is (ioubtless destini^d hereafter to advances, similar in rapidity beyond what now exists here ; and of this we have had strong evidence, in a spinninglnachine at the present exhibition. There is another mode of illustrating this change, and the grounds of hope for still greater improvement, aided as we are, and stimulated, rather than satiated, by those already made. Thus it has been remarked : — "Even at the present day, the Hindoo, seated on the ground, with his legs in a hole, and the weft of his muslin tied to the branches of a couple of trees, throws his shuttle with a skill that, in the end, produces the most beautiful muslin or calico -, but yet such is the superiority obtained by the use of machinery, that the cotton grown on his native plains can be brought ten thousand miles, cleansed, spun, woven, diied, packed, and carried back again, and then sold in the province where its woolly fibre first silvered the bud, at a less price than that of the cloth produced by the Indian aitisan." All with us are more and more alive — active — moving onward — improving. 330 [ASSKAIBLY The mechanic and the machinist — in brief, every person engaged in manufacturing here, from the humble -boy that tends the picker, to the presiding genius over a brick palace, with its thousands of spindles, on one of our beautiful water-falls — all, even the female eyes which, far away from their mountain homes, watch those busy spindles, are now and can be made more instinct with new mind, and a new am- bition for further excellence. The laws usually secure to all of them some of the advantages'of free schools and limited hours of labour ; and to him who tends the loom or wields the sledge, no less than him who fills a learned profes- sion, the doors of wealth and office and honour are flung open wider, yearly. If true worth, then, be better encouraged in such men, and their minds made more enlightened — as is the constant tendency of the age, and of our American institutions — they will seize quicker on all mechanical improvements, and bring continually more and more intellect and science to their aid. But in no department of business can greater advancement be made hereafter than in this, by increased information as to the past. In manufactures and the arts, much expense and many years of toil have been wasted in making inventions of what already existed elsewhere. Without more information as to the past, genius is constantly devising valuable machines ; but, when applying ior a patent at the proper office, or, having obtained one, when applying for protection to their rights, in a legal tribunal, such persons find themselves forestalled by some piior artist, and all their toil and expense thus wasted in vain — as they would have been saved by examining more fully, beforehand, cyclopoedias and works of art on the same subject. Thus, for instance, in 1847, alone, five hundred and fifty-seven applications for patents were rejected, and many of them for this reason. Usually the annual rejections, since 1836, equal in number the grants ; and of the grants, several are, yearly, proved in the courts of law not to be original, and, therefore, become void. These vain labours and expenses could, by this fuller examination previously, be better directed, and thus, beside discovering earlier what of value has been already invented, would invent other improvements, really new, and add much to the existing stock and capital of the mechanical world. 4 No. 199.] 331 Another means of more progress in manufactures, especially in dyes, in cookery and food, is to make chemistry still more tributary to the arts, till, like the invention and more extended use of chloroform, in medicine, is gradually introduced in more things — perhaps an entire revolution. It probably was chemistry, more than any other science, vrhich, within a half century, has literally so extracted light from darkness, as to make coal the great agent for illuminating our cities and various private establishments with all the brilliance and steadiness of gas. And it has been well remarked, that in less than another half cen- tury like efforts of science may, from this step, by due care, take a still higher flight in utility, and in glory to the inventor and the age, by using electricity for a like purpose, and with all the harmlessness of gas itself, and all the brightness of a noon-day sun. Much improvement can be made in saving fuel in tire-placeS; ranges and stoves, as has been already so wonderfully, since Frankliii attempted his, and Count Rumford experimented in both fuel and cooking, for domestic comfort and household economy. Indeed, re- peated, cautious, severe experiments, like theirs — the experimentum erucis of Lord Bacon — as to all noveltie.^, before they are adopted, can be made a great instrument of safe progress, and, in this way, a common error be escaped, of deeming every thing new an improve- ment, when it should be only every thing new that is able to bear well the test of trial. Observation and calm reasoning must accom- pany all this ; and the benefits from them have seldom been more strongly evinced than in substituting the hot for the cold blast, in the manufacture of iron, saving from one third to one half the expense ; and if like attention shall be made here to other improvements, and especially the use of anthracite coal, in that business, we may, ere long, with «ur vast mineral resources in both articles, make iron for half a world. Then, if not now, this dark metallic stone will be found to come near the true philosopher's stone ; and if not turning all it touches into gold, will be far more useful than gold itself. 332 [ Assembly If we do not add to it, also, the manufacture of steel — permanently and beautiful — I shall be much disappointed, from the fine specimens exhibited to-day from New-Jersey. Another great improvement in machinery, will be in the economy of power to move it. Judging from recent improvements in imparting motion to it, much more can yet be accomplished, without relying greatly on gun-cotton or gun-powder, or on air vacuums, but merely by increased attention and science in using, in a more effective manner, our numerous and beautiful water-falls, as well as reservoirs, and resorting oftencr to the standing or stationary steam-engine. The water- fall, sustained by the reservoir, exhibits in nature almost the beau ideal of that perpetual motion so long sought in vain, in the world of mechanics. The self-acting machines, that seem almost with mind and thought to perform combined motions, and complicated functions, by one con- tinued operation — such as that for turning lasts and gun-stocks ; that for making pins j that wonderful one for making cards, without enu- merating others which crowd your interesting Fair — are rapidly in- creasing, and will ere long, form a new era in the arts. • Again, the protection yielded by the constitution to inventions and discoveries in the arts, will prove an additional encouragement, and be much increased by more reforms in the patent system and patent laws. A most opportune occasion has arrived, and been improved, to place the whole in a more appropriate charge, as in that of the new Interior Department, rather than of the State Department ; and the change already made would be rendered still more effective. And whenever real inventors shall be more fully secured, technical objec- tions obviated by express legislation, and piracies on their hard earned labours punished at less expense, and suitable protection given for new and useful applications of old machinery, as well as for inven- tions of what is new, an encouragement will at once be felt by inven- tive talent which will soon add much to the treasures it has already secured in this ingenious country. In any event, it can and will make further advances. Notliing can chain its powers. It can wisely ex- No. J 99.] 333 pand its energies more to help what i? mostj rather than least defi- cient— to improve what is uiost, rather than least important — to ad- vance what will be useful, rather than frivolous or trifling, and useful to millions rather than a few. Genius thus employed, when not duly protected by legislation, or rewarded by gain, can, and thanks to a kind Providence, will often find its own great reward, in the conscious- ness of its own noble efforts, and in that honest fame which cheers onward many of the benefactors of the human race. In truth, often new discoveries, instead of disheartening us as to making more, should prove an encouragement, by being new steps to mount higher, or by being only one stage in the growth or development of the whole tree. After obtaining from fifteen to sixteen thousand patents which have been issued here, American ingenuity is so little exhausted or daunted by the difficulties it encounters, that yearly, near fifteen hun- dred new applications are still made, and from two to five hundred, granted. It must be gratifying to this Institute, that the Slate in which it has long assembled, appears to have the lead in inventions, taking out quite one-third of all the patents allowed annually ; and that the remarkable proportion to this city, which is more immediately influenced by its exhibitions, is near forty-five per cent of those granted to the state, and fifteen per cent, of all those issued to the whole Union. Commerce, last, though not least, opens likewise a wide field for additional improvements. By continuing to spread it over every portion of the globe accessi- ble to sails or steam, we shall be likely to get more into the heart of new governments, like the centre of Africa through the Niger, or like many islands yet unexplored in distant oceans. We may thus disco- ver new articles of trade, or of food and clothing, or new arts or new markets ; or win the glory to indroduce literature, civilization and a true religion where they had never before oast their cheering radiance. The exploring expedition followed up ; the track of our whalemen pushed with more care, as dangers multiply ; the survey of our thou- sands of miles of coast completed : our ocean and lake borders furnished with still better light houses, lights and reflectors ; more treaties formed, binding nations more closely together for mutual trade ; in short, peace 334 [Assembly more cultivated, so as to render all more friendly, and hence all more prosperous : these will gradually ensure large advances. They will make commerce actually what she has been called figuratively, " the golden girdle of the globe." We shall thus be able oftener to carry with us, and to more coun- tries, not only our spinning frames and our looms, with their useful products, but what has still greater charms for patriotism, our school books and bibles, and free constitutions and equal laws, and to obtain in return, it is hoped, some other, if not so great good. One of the anticipated benefits from these causes will be the wider diffusion of American principles. It is not that commerce ought to be used to propagate political principles, unacceptable to other governments, by whom it may be hospitably received : and thus, as once in China and Japan, cause jealousies even of our holy religion, when accompanying them, and terminate in the violent expulsion of both. But that one of the inevitable consequences of all foreign commerce is to bring op- posing opinions together, and to give, in the end, a mastery to the best. Such, too, is the zeal of our people in behalf of their princi- ples, civil and social, no less than political or religious, that wherever the American stars float, whether over the Atlantic or Pacific, or Mediterranean or Baltic, American opinions and American notions, as well as American products, will become more and more known ; and it surely cannot be regretted by ourselves, if, by increased com- merce, and without fire or sword to propagate them, they should more win their way to favour, create new tastes, and often revolutionize the public mind, and gradually reform the governments, born in ages more dark and unpromising. What we have seen already in late years, shows how much Ameri- can influence and character in commerce can be improved still further, by increased temperance among seamen, increased attention to their religious instruction, and increased education difl'used among them. Respectability and integrity will be more firmly secured in our com- mercial intercourse, by every advance in these j and as they beget more confidence they will beget more business, and make our mercan- tile marine, as well as navy, be regarded with favour in other hemis- pheres, even under other planets-and stars to canopy them. This No. 199.] 336 moral power, thus increased, will also yield greater protection to all under the American flag ; and our own people will feel less inclined to disregard a decree of one of our humblest courts, though reaching Ihem in the farthest islands of the Pacific. Any of the crews of our whalemen and sealers, if not of the " sea lions," fitted out by Cooper and Deacon Huntington, must, by these causes, and increased care and certainly in executing the laws, be made more and more sensible, that he is as sure of redress for wrongs, or of punishment for crime, on his return to New-Bedford or Stonington, as if a marshal was at his elbow in Palmer's land, or a judge was holding his sittings in the cabb of the whaler. Aided by all these ameliorating influences, this invisible, but almost omnipotent power of the law, will, by commerce, move on more steadily, and ere long will be felt in the darkness and distance of remotest seas, almost as strongly as under our own eyes, in the streets of this great metropolis. Beside the progress in foreign commerce, tending so much to im- prove and make a brotherhood of all people, what vast advances can, by proper attention to the subject, be made in the internal commerce of a nation which possesses the immense territory of ours, with rivers running through fifteen to twenty degrees of latitude, and with inland seas, covered by steam and sails, to accommodate millions on and near their borders ! See not only the steamboat, thus penetrating wherever navigable water flows, but the rail-road car, disturbing the slumbers of our mountain ravines, and carrying its shrill whistle through almost every village, to increase the blessings of commerce among all who repose under the banner of cur hallowed Union. I enter no debateable ground as to whose expense great internal improvements should be made, under the restrictions belonging to our political systems, nor whether much exists in such objections as I once heard in the Senate, to removing a si>nd-bar at the mouth of the Mississippi — the great Mediterranean Sea of some eight or ten sove- reign states— -that " it had been placed there by God and Nature, and hence should remain j" nor to what particular localities they ought to be applied, except that they be those of national importance 336 [Assembly to foreign trade, or to internal commerce among the states. But this question will be one of diminished niagnilude hereafter, as the en- terprise and capital of our people have at last attained such a giant growth, that where a prospect of remuneration exists, whether with or without public aid, mountains will be tunnelled or cloven down, vallies filled, rivers bridged, sand-bars removed, and harbours exca- ' vated. Already have the iron rail and steam-horse pierced through the spurs of the White Hills — though sustained only by private means — overcome in like manner, the ridges of the Green Mountains, and are fast approaching, nothing daunted, the Alleghanies — and seek a pas- sage through the gorges of the Rocky Mountains, even to the Pacific without fear or faint-heartedness, if but backed by grants of public domain, which thus applied, under proper guards, are certainly in the end, most likely to enrich the donor most. Our length of railroads, already opened, exceed 6,500 miles, or those of Great Britain by more than half of all hersj andsliould one be extended from the Father of Waters to the mouth of the Columbia river, it will, at its gr£at d6p6t on the Mississippi, as some have computed, be not over two and a half days travel from any of our large cities, and not over twenty-five from any such city on the globe ; thus promising to be- come the great thoroughfare for much of the commerce of Asia to both Europe and America. But as this whole country cannot possess railroads to every farm- house and work-shop, the common highway must be made oftener to succeed the bridle path — the turnpike the highway — and, on moist soils, the plank road the turnpike — the ferry the ford — tlie bridge the ferry, — the light and scientific bridge, the clumsy logs of old — in or- der to improve more the commercial intercourse among towns and counties, even in the newest regions. Till these are accomplished, we should no more remit exertion than we have to carry a bushel of meal on a horse better than with a stone in one end of the bag, to balance it in the other, or to use the draft of oxen by their shoulders rather than their horns or tail. Science is daily pouring over commerce, no less than manufactures, and agriculture, more of the blessing from its beneficent discoveries, and cannot but increase further the safety and size of it on the ocean, No. 199.] 337 by the progress making in more accurate astronomy — in instruments for distant observations, and in skill to calculate them — ift knowing better the influences of magnetism, and other substances on the nee- dle— in learning more carefully the causes and courses of winds, storms, and currents, and in protecting vessels more fully from light- ning and the havoc of infectious disease. Charts as well as surveys, can be more improved, life-boats forced more generally into use, and accidents in steamboats be more cautiously guarded against. The vessel itself, already so perfect in beauty and strength, from rude plank, tied together with hide thongs, as now near Bhering's Straits — and from the unwieldly Chinese junk, but little better than a raft, and little safer than the distended goat skin of the Euphrates, or the bul- rushes of the Nile, or the birchen canoe of the Indian, can still more be improved here by timbers better selected and seasoned- -by forms better suited to ensure speed and strength, and by cordage and sails better fitted to withstand the strongest gales. We must look also, to the increased use of iron, in navigation, no less than all the arts, as one sure means to attain greater strength, as well as economy — en- couraged by what has been already effected in commerce by the iron beam and knee — the iron pillar — the iron cable — the iron anchor — the iron rail and iron locomotion. Every new article of much trade can also, in time, be made to contribute largely to the prosperity of both domestic and foreign commerce. Thus, cotton and coal, and lead and gold, furnishing no freights here a century ago, are becoming the most valuable, as well in the coasting as the carrying trade ; and the first three are already here mines of wealth to the commercial world, no less than to the arts. By increased rapidity of communication, through means of new forms to vessels — new routes or tracks — new knowledge of winds and cur- rents— no less than by the new powers of steam and the magnetic telegraph — speeding so marvelously the intercourse between inhabi- tants of separate as well as the same countries — we shall yearly bring the whole earth into a narrow compass — almost annihilating distance — making nearer and better neighbors of most of mankind — and ena- ble all to improve by all, with a rapidity scarcely yet dreamed of. [Assembly, No. 199.] 22 338 [Assembly Beside these special teachings, by the great school master, time, to assist still further progress in each of the industrial interests we are , anxious to promote, there is a general and striking lesson, inculcated as to all equal/y, by their tendency, already shown, to advance each other, when exercising co-operation and mutual encouragement. Their harmony, their friendship, and assistance to each other, must, therefore, be more promoted in future, as one of the surest guarantees of further progress in all of them. This will prore, also, one of the strongest means to elevate higher the condition, and multiply the numbers and riches of the whole human race. We have already seen, that by increased skill and improved impleinents in agriculture, the means of food have become cheaper and far more abundant, so that many more millions in manufactures and commerce, no less than agriculture, are able to be sustained, and all in a better manner. By like increased skill and machinery in manufactures, aid is not only given to agriculture by superior tools, but myriads more in all pursuits can be well clad, and at less expense. From these improvements, combined with some others of a medical character, the bills of mortality in several countries exhibit fewer deaths in the same number yearly by near one fourth. And by like causes commerce has contributed to like ends, and can do more hereafter for agriculture and manufactures, by transporting for them at a much lower rate, every thing bought and sold ; and thus, at the same time, can maintain more widely the more frequent intercourse among the great family of nations, which in all ages promotes so much the progress of civilization and peace. Indeed, continued or further progress seems imprinted deep on all these important branches of industry, as a part of their natural destiny, and as strongly as are imprinted the footsteps of Deity on earth, ocean, the heavens, on even the marvellous shell and flower. Because every improvement, added to them, makes them more powerful to advance still further ; imparts new strength or means, and should animate rather than discourage fiiture efforts. To conclude, in respect to the future encouragement of the whole of the great branches of national wealth, it may be well to attend more to increased beauty in all things connected with them. This No. 199.] 339 can be made a means of attracting to all greater regard, and conse- quently more attention to improve them. It has been justly remarked, that " it was a deep and beautiful fancy of the old painters, to crowd the back grounds of their pictures with angels' heads and wings, and thus to surround their subjects with an atmosphere of love and beauty." If beauty be not the lever which moves the world, it is generally a powerful loadstone to attract it. Thus the sailor is attached to his craft, as to a beautiful woman, when smitten by her graceful masts and queen-like movements ; and every American is justly proud of the su- periority in appearance of our own ships, usually, over the darker and clumsier vessels of Europe and Asia. So the mechanic exhibits, with gratification, his polished tools, his beautiful buildings, and his elegant fabrics of cotton and silk, rivalling for common use what once adorned only royal forms. And the farmer, though brown with toil, enjoys, and points gladly to his blooming orchards, his luxuriant gardens, en- livened by the music of his bees and birds, and damasked with flowers of every rainbow hue ; to his golden harvests, his smiling pastures, his waving woodlands, his picturesque hills and dales, and silver brooks or glassy lake, bordered by fleecy flocks, noble bulls and finely formed horses, till the whole landscape brightens into one more enchanting than ever Claude Lorrain's or Doughty's — for "who. can paint like nature." And amidst this, and by this, he is animated with all the ambition to improve further, which distinguishes the most aspiring artist or poet. There is a beauty, too, in hfe itself in all these pursuits, which should still more be sought out and cultivated, and thus still more en- dear them. For though the strong arm of the husbandmen may not have idly buffetted the serf at Newport ; nor his lips have sipped in luxury the sparkling fountains at Saratoga, yet he will, in time, learn more, and more not to envy others thus employed, if left himself to indulge in the healthier and richer enjoyments of the haying and har- vesting of the north, (finding even labour a pleasure,) and in the ad- miration of Nature's beauties and all her marvellous works around him, and in the heartfelt welcome at home, by wife, children and SCO [Assembly friends, on his return at dewy eve ; and in the cool twilight, satisfac- tion of reading news from all quarters of the globe, and gathering from books useful knowledge, as well as sound morals, and in express- ing thankfulness to Providence, under his own roof, his castle in our free country, for his fortungite lot of liberty and independence, over the slaves of despotism in less favoured lands. "O fortunatus nimium, sua si bona norint agricokiS,*' The mechanic and manufacturer, by cultivating a taste for like ha- bits and reflections, must be able to participate more and more in some of these enjoyments ; and will find all the nobility of their na- ture more excited and gratified as becomes men, by taking an active part in the agreeable business of self-government, in attending the polls, and the debates of the stormy forum, and in helping as jurors, to administer " the stern decrees of law," The children of com- merce, likewise, though not without anxieties, find many beauties and and pleasures strewed over their paths, as the sailor, however rough or hardy, gazes at times on the sublimity of the deep blue ocean with rapture, and, after the vicissitudes of calm and storm, hails a glimpse of land with an exultation, which makes him forgetful of all past danger. And the merchant, for whom he freights riches from every clime, amidst some fluctuations in fortune, often enjoys a prosperity which opens new avenues to happiness, in making munificent Tiona- tions to public charities, in adding to his country public buildings of architectural splendour, and in becommg inspired, like the Lorenzo De Me